Cougar Update
July 30, 2023
Oct. 15, 2023
Drop Off Reminder
As the weather begins to get colder, we wanted to remind parents that the building does not open until 7:30 am. It is important you do not drop your students off before this time as there is no supervision and they will need to remain outside.
Social Media Support
We appreciate all of the parents that have supported us by having a conversation with their student about social media. If you would like more information about supporting your child on social media and/or other challenging changes that happen in middle school please click here for a great resource!
Thank you for all of your support!
Pop Tabs for a Purpose
Step 1: Collect pop tabs at home and bring them to school.
Step 2: Students will bring pop tabs to their Cougar Time teacher. They will be collected periodically to be weighed.
Step 3: Game On! Watch the competition unfold. The classes that bring in the most pop tabs will have chance to win prizes throughout the year.
Culver's Donate While You Dine
Tuesday, October 24th - 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Help support Westridge PTO by dining at Culver’s, a portion of all sales will be donated to the school to help fund projects and events for the student! We look forward to seeing you and thank you for supporting your PTO.
Girls Basketball
Girls basketball practice will begin on Monday, October 16 with all 7th graders at Westridge and all 8th graders at Engleman. A parent meeting for both grades will also be on October 16 at Westridge following after practice. If you would like apparel please order it by clicking here.
Boys Wrestling
Boys wrestling season is quickly upon us. Please be ready for practice after school on the 16th. A parent meeting will take place immediately after practice.
Red Ribbon Week- Oct. 23rd-27th
Red Ribbon Week is Oct. 23rd - 27th. Students will be encouraged to dress up with the following themes. As a reminder, students must still meet the dress for success guidelines outlined below and hats, slippers, etc. will not be allowed.
Monday - We're too bright for drugs: Wear your best neon
Tuesday - Lei off Drugs: Wear your best Hawaiian/Tropical clothing
Wednesday - Follow Your Dreams and Say No to Drugs: Wear your school appropriate PJs to school
Thursday - Team Up Against Drugs: Wear your favorite jersey or sports team
Friday - No school for students
Upcoming Events
- Oct. 16th - 3:45 - First day of girls basketball practice
- Oct. 16th - 3:45 - First day of boys wrestling practice
- Oct. 16th - 5:30 - Girls basketball and boys wrestling parent meetings
- Oct. 20th - 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm - PTO Dance
- Oct. 24th - 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm - Culver's Dine to Donate
Westridge PTO Dance
Fall School Climate Survey
Starting Monday families will have an opportunity to participate in the "Parent Edition" of the GIPS Fall School Climate Survey.
The survey will be available for The survey will be available for those of you that would like to participate once throughout the dates of Monday, October 9th - 26th.
If you have students at multiple schools, we ask that you complete a survey for the oldest student. Or, you may submit surveys for each school you have represented in your household.
Your survey link will come to your email inbox on Monday evening from Grand Island Public Schools. If you have any questions, please reach out to our front office and we will be happy to help.
Reminders
Student IDs
Students are required to have a student ID visible on their upper body at all times when they are in the building. All students will receive a temporary ID and lanyard on the first day of school. They will need to exchange that temporary ID for their permanent ID approximately 1 week after school pictures are taken. If a student forgets their ID they may purchase a temporary sticker ID in the main office for $1. Students may also purchase a new lanyard in the main office for $1. If a student loses their ID they may purchase a new ID and lanyard for $5 in the main office.
Dress for Success
To help ensure we start the year with positive momentum at Westridge, we wanted to share a friendly reminder about the “Dress for Success” district dress code.
Your students deserve to be confident AND prepared while at school. Part of those preparation efforts include dress code.
Apparel must comply with health and safety codes and not detract from learning.
For all students, mid-thigh to top of chest are to be covered while also concealing undergarments.
Approved religious attire or protective headwraps are approved. At this time, due to safety - hoods, caps, bandanas, durags, etc. are not approved to wear while in school buildings.
IDs must be worn and be visible at all times.
Feel free to explore the full dress code policy on the district website HERE and our handy “Dress for Success” flyers in English and Spanish.