Westwood Junior High
August 30, 2022
Dear Westwood Families,
The 22-23 school year has gotten off to a great start and we continue to enjoy getting to know your child in order to empower them as learners to connect, learn, grow and succeed at Westwood Junior High. All of our teachers and campus personnel are here to help and look forward to seeing our students perform on the field, court and in concerts very soon.
Your student's attendance at Westwood is imperative for all of our continued success and September is Attendance Month. Please continue to keep your student home if they are not feeling well and always partner with us if you have any questions.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday September 8th at 6pm for the PTA General Meeting, followed by Meet the Teacher from 6:30-7:30pm. A Virtual Meet the Teacher will be sent out a few days before the in person session along with more information about the Thursday night program. Additionally, please become a member of our wonderful PTA; the link is below.
Please pay for your student's chromebook insurance now (link below) as accidents do happen. Paying for insurance now could potentially save you the price of a chromebook replacement later. The link is user friendly and allows for online payments. If you prefer to pay cash, you or your child may do so in the front office and will receive a receipt.
If you have any questions, please reach out and ask. We are here to connect with you and your student and value our partnership for your student's learning, growth and success. Please continue to view our newsletters in your email inbox, Westwood Twitter & Facebook pages, school website and PTA platforms on September 20th and every three weeks thereafter.
Sincerely,
Katie Mottram
Principal
2022 -2023 Administration
Katie Mottram
Principal
Stewart Brown
A - L Assistant Principal
LeBronte Hoover
M - Z Assistant Principal
22-23 Westwood Staff
Pandemic Protocols
RISD continues to implement a variety of precautions and protocols in response to the pandemic to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Although protocols are subject to change based on guidance from the state of Texas, public health authorities, or conditions in Dallas County, RISD is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all students:
When COVID community levels are high, masks are strongly encouraged while indoors. Students and staff will be provided with a mask upon request. RISD has an ample supply of masks (surgical/N95/KN95) available for students and staff.
An air purifier system is provided in every classroom.
Increased ventilation and HVAC air filtering where possible in classrooms, indoor common areas, and student transportation.
Campuses will be encouraged to utilize outdoor learning spaces for lunch and other learning experiences when CDC community level is high and it can be done safely.
Students with symptoms or diagnosis of COVID-19 should not attend school.
RISD monitors positive cases and total absences at each campus on an ongoing basis.
Parent Corner - Resources for RISD Parents
Parents are integral to student success. From working with children at home to actively participating in school and activities, parent involvement provides many positive benefits to a child’s education. Please explore the RISD Parent Corner website to find resources and tools for parents to support their student's educational needs, such as creating a Focus account to view student grades, assignments, and attendance.
One resource on the Digital Tools & Resources page is a link to the Google Family Link app that claims to "help your family create healthy digital habits." The app allows parents to "set digital ground rules to help guide [children] as they learn, play, and explore online." There is also a way for parents to lock a child's cellphone during a specified time, such as the school day.
The Parent Corner site also includes RISD resources, parent education opportunities, and community information, such as ESL classes at Berkner High School.
RISD Adult Education offers GED classes, ESL classes, paths to career certifications and more through the Network of Community Ministries located at 1500 International Parkway in Richardson. Please use this form to register for these classes at Network.
Campus Policies
- Food deliveries from third parties such as Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc. are NOT accepted on campus. Lunches should only be delivered by a parent or others who are listed on the students emergency card only
- When picking up a student early for an appointment please come into the office to sign them out - we can not release a them even if you call. Early student pick up between 3:20 - 3:40 PM is not permitted to allow for end of day wrap up.
- WWJH is a Cellphone-free campus - students must keep phones out of sight while they are on campus. Please do not call/text them during the school day. If you need to relay a message to them please call the front office at 469-593-3600 and we can communicate you with your child.
Carpool Procedures
- Students should only be dropped off/picked up in the front circle lane in the front of the building
- All students should enter/exit a vehicle in lane # 2
- Students should not enter/exit a vehicle in lane #1
- Lane #1 is a passing lane only - please do not stop while in lane #1
- Morning drop off: all students should enter the building through the cafeteria doors
- Dismissal: all car riders exit through east side of the building - students must be picked up through the carpool lane
Chromebook Insurance
Chromebook Insurance Students will pay $20.00 to insure their device for the entire 2022-2023 school year and associated summer. The cost of insurance is a one-time, non-refundable cost. Participation in this program is district wide - program benefits transfer with student for inner-district transfers. Insurance pays for accidental damage and theft.
Apply for free and reduced lunch
Free & Reduced Meal Applications Now Open
RISD Parents – after a two year break during the pandemic, the federal government is again requiring families to sign up to receive free or reduced price school meals in the upcoming school year at most RISD schools.
Applications are open now at www.myschoollunchapp.com – click this link to register your family.
The first day of school is August 16, and parents must register in advance for their children to receive free or reduced-cost breakfast or lunch at school starting on the first day.
Helpful Information:
For more information about eligibility for free or reduced-cost school meals, please click here.
For general information about school meals in RISD, please visit https://richardsonisdchildnutrition.com.
For more information about this return to the pre-pandemic meal benefits application process, please click here.
Parent Volunteer
Want to become a parent volunteer? Complete a background check by clicking below!
Focus for Parents
The Richardson Independent School District (RISD) provides electronic access to attendance, demographic, grade, and other information related to its students via the Focus School Software system. This information is intended for the use of the student and the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) only.
To create a parent account click below.
Westwood Math, Science and Technology Ed-Talks will be November 10, 2022.
Last year we hosted over 50 speakers locally, nationally and internationally as these professionals shared how math, science and technology plays a role in their careers. The day provides insight for our students with many seeing new pathways and career options that are also linked to the CTE Pathways at each high school throughout Richardson ISD.
If you would like to speak at our event please contact Stewart Brown via email on stewart.brown@risd.org.
PTA Spirit Wear
Support our WWJH PTA by purchasing some Spirit Wear or joining the PTA! Deadline to order is September 1st.
Mark Your Calendar
- September 8: PTA General Meeting & Meet the Teacher Night
- September 23: Picture Day
BAND
Library Opt-Out Parent Newsletter
RISD Library Services offers an updated Select Title Opt-Out option to provide RISD parents with an opportunity to identify specific titles to opt out of library checkout for their child. RISD recognizes that families and students are unique, and different parents may have varying expectations regarding their students’ reading lives and choices.
If you signed up your student(s) for the Opt-Out program in the past, you will need to submit a new form for each child for the 22-23 school year. Parents who would like to opt their student(s) out from access to specific titles can do so by contacting their school Library Information Technology Educator (LITE) or going to https://s.risd.org/seclibraryoptout. Visit https://s.risd.org/RISDoptout for more information or to sign up.
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