WILDCAT UPDATE for Families
TEAM Westridge "Be a Champion" #LookWithin
July 2019
Calendar of Events
July 24 - School Offices Open
July 29 - Fee Payment Day at Westridge (12:30pm-7:00pm)
July 30 - Fee Payment Day at Westridge (7:30am-1:00pm)
August 12 - 1st Day of School (7th Graders ONLY)
August 13 - Class begin for 8th Graders
August 13 - New Parent Orientation at Westridge (5:30pm - 6:30pm)
August 13 - Back to School Night at Westridge (6:30pm - 8:30pm)
August 14 - Fall Sports Parent Meeting (6:30pm - 7:30pm) Westridge Library
August 29 - Westridge PTSA Meeting (7:00pm - 8:00pm) Westridge Library
Message from Mr. McDonnell
Backpacks and cell phones are no longer going to be allowed in the classrooms.
Backpacks are taking up too much space in our classrooms and they make it difficult for the students and staff to move around the room. Also, many of our students carry heavy backpacks all day long without ever visiting their lockers. Students will still need a backpack to carry items to and from school, but they will be placed in the student's locker when they arrive at school. We are asking that students purchase a binder that zips up to hold folders, notebooks/paper, and writing utensils.
Cell phones are still allowed at school, however they are a big distractor to the learning environment at Westridge. If students choose to bring their cell phone to school, they will be asked to keep it in their locker. Students may check their phones during passing period to check or quickly send a message to parents. Students are always welcome to use the phones in the office if they are needing to contact home. If a student needs to call a parent, they are to be sent by a teacher with a pass to the office. Parents are also encouraged to contact the office if they are needing to get messages/information to their students.
Please Welcome - Jenny Collier - Associate Principal
I am so excited to be joining Team Westridge and look forward to working with the students, families and staff that make up the Westridge community.
The past 4 years, I have served as an Instructional Coach here in SMSD. I watched the program grow from only 14 coaches to now, where there are around 45 coaches! As an Instructional Coach I have gotten to serve the district in many different roles, some of which have included serving as a new teacher mentor coordinator, PDC co-facilitator, district technology CoSN member, and co-facilitating one of the Action Teams for the Strategic Planning process.
Prior to my Instructional Coaching role, I was a classroom teacher for 9 years in the Turner School District and 1 year in the Raymore-Peculiar School District (MO). During this time I was a part of restructuring a district to open a 6th Grade Academy that helped prepare students for Middle School, part of the Tech Integration Development Committee, and led multiple professional development sessions for teachers in the district.
I graduated college from Baker University (go Wildcats) and just recently completed the K-State/SMSD Leadership Cohort1 and am now officially a graduate from K-State University.
This month I celebrated 8 years of marriage to my wonderful husband, Josh. He is a Captain for the South Metro Fire Department in Raymore, MO (where we live). We have an Australian Shepherd named Ava who we absolutely adore.
I have 3 sisters, 1 sister-in-law and 1 brother-in-law. All of my siblings are married and have provided us with 12 wonderful nieces and nephews (#theLuckyDozen) ranging from the ages of 17 all the way down to 4. We spend a lot of time with our families all between weekly family dinners, weekends at the lake, ballgames, dance competitions, campfires and more.
During my free time (if I have any) I enjoy reading (what educator doesn’t), being outdoors, attending Royals/Chiefs games, and baking.
Go Wildcats!
Mrs. Collier
Associate Principal - Westridge Middle School
Please Welcome - Wendy Morris - Associate Principal
Hello Westridge Families! I am excited to join TEAM Westridge as an associate principal this school year. I will be the 8th grade principal and look forward to getting to know both the students and their families as the year progresses.
This will be my 15th year as a school administrator, and my 30th year in education! I spent my first fifteen years in education as an elementary teacher at Belinder, Broken Arrow and McAuliffe. In 2005, I moved to Emporia, KS, where I was an elementary principal and middle school principal. I returned to SMSD in 2017 as an elementary principal. I love being back in the middle school as it’s a time of great exploration and new adventures for our students!
I am a graduate of Emporia State University, where I have completed my bachelor’s degree, masters’ degree and district level licensure. I will always be a HORNET, but I cheer for KU where my middle son (and my money) attends college!
When I’m not at school, I am a wife to Mark, a mom to 7 (3 sons of my own, 3 step daughters and 1 step son), and a grandma to Hudson (Grandson #2 arrives in October). I’m blessed to have my mom, stepmom, siblings, and 5 nephews living within two hours of KC as well. Weekends are filled with family events near and far!
Raising three sons has helped me to become a lover of all things SPORTS. I am a fan of all KC sports teams, but love college basketball the most! March Madness is my favorite time of the year. I’m an avid reader, a Netflix junkie, and I love to bake!
I am looking forward to meeting all of our Westridge families and students. It’s going to be a great 2019-2020 school year! GO WILDCATS!
Wed, July 24: Office Opens
Ask your kiddo.....
School Supply List
Mon, July 15: Online Verification Goes Live for Remote Access
Critical Tip - Please ensure your email and contact information is up to date in Skyward.
- Westridge communication is frequent
- Electronic communication (skylert/skyward will access the email you have entered
WR Registration, Online Verification and Fee Payment Details
- Please have your student's SMSD ID Number (this is located in Skyward if you are unsure)
- Major Credit Cards and Debit Cards are accepted
- Please print and/ or screen shot your receipt for reference throughout the year.
Required Fees:
- ($80.00) Technology & Textbook Rental
- ($7.00) Activities Fee (supports clubs, fieldtrips, team activities, athletics and more)
- ($5.00) Student Identification Card (card will be provided)
- outstanding fees from prior years at SMSD
Elective Class Fees (depends upon what the student has chosen to take):
- ($15) Foods
- ($15) Projects in Industrial Technology
- ($10) Family and Consumer Science
- ($10) Art Exploration
- ($10) Art 2 - Dimension
- ($10) Art 3 - Dimension
- ($10) Robotics
- ($10) Design and Modeling
- ($5) Humanities
Optional Fees:
- School Pictures
- Yearbook
- PTSA Spirit Wear
- PTSA Membership
- Lunch
Fee Payment Options for all Families:
Option One: Online Fee Process - Opens Monday, July 15th
- https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/55790
- Please Note: You will need to complete Parent/Student Online Verification via the HOME SCREEN on your Skyward Account.
- Please Note: You will need your student's SMSD ID number for this process. This is available on your Skyward account.
- Please screenshot and save your receipt so you remember what options you selected and paid for throughout entire 2019-2020 academic year.
Option Two: In Person Fee Payment and Registration Support
Monday, July 29 (12:30-7:00pm)
Tuesday, July 30 (7:30-1:00pm)
Location: MPR/Lunchroom at Westridge Middle School
- Please know that Online Verification is due prior to enrollment, fee payment and the first day of attendance.
- Without Online Verification completion, your student cannot access a Macbook or attend Westridge.
- Payment plans are available upon request.
- Free/Reduced Fees Support is available. KAN-CARE fee waivers can be processed on the fee payment dates listed above with our bookkeeper. KANCARE 19 documentation is required: Please note: (Kan Care CHIP-Title21 and Missouri cards do not qualify for the fee waiver.
Student Supports:
- Fall 2019 Class Schedule is available after Fees/Online Verification are completed.
- Class Changes can be arranged on a first come/first serve basis on this date with counselors and school admin.
- Activities and Athletic - Required Athletic Documentation and Paperwork will be available.
Parent Supports:
- WR Food Service representatives to explain breakfast/lunch services and to accept money for lunch/breakfast
- WR Nurse to discuss student needs, share immunization requirements and other health needs.
- WR PTSA will be on site to answer questions, share volunteer and engagement opportunities. We encourage you to join our PTSA and order spirit wear if you would like.
- DS Bus Lines will be on hand to explain routes, fees and answer questions. https://dsbuslines.com/school-districts-landing-page-parent-pay/
Westridge Athletics
- Students must have the required paperwork on file before they are allowed to participate. Copies of the Athletic Packet will be on hand at Registration dates, and copies are also available in the office. This packet includes the KSHSAA Physical, Concussion Form and Distance Running Form.
- The athletic physical must be dated on or after May 1st, 2019.
- Please turn your paper work into the main office.
- Please make sure that all paperwork is completed before you turn it in, including parent and student signatures.
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Westridge is a certifying organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Students ages 11-15 can earn the Award with a minimum of 50 hours of community service in a 12 month span. At Westridge, we use the dates March 30, 2019 to March 30, 2020. A tracking sheet is attached. Also, students can pick up a tracking sheet outside of the office or outside of room 150. To learn more about the Award visithttps://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/the-award.
Seventh grade ELA teacher Ms. Larvie collects tracking sheets until the deadline on Monday, April 6 and orders the awards for Awards Night in May.
CLOTHING CENTER is OPEN!
We have many resources in our area that can help families who have clothing needs. Please visit https://www.smac-pta.org/clothing-exchange! And see the information below.
BackSnack
DS BUSING INFORMATION
PTSA
Co-President: Gwyn Dill
Co-President: Maria Purviance
Membership: Marie Pittmon
Co-Fundraising: Erin Herren
Co-Fundraising: Kristi Nersesian
Secretary: Julie Eisentrager
Treasurer: Darci Robinsion
Cultural Arts/Programs: Deanna Cox
Spirit Wear: Christina Middleton
Staff Appreciation: Kristy Campion and Anne Perigi
Staff Wish List: Rivers Partin
Free and Reduced Meals
Free and reduced priced breakfast and lunches are available for students who qualify. A new application (per family) must be completed each year. For more information about SMSD food services and Free and Reduced Meals visit: https://www.smsd.org/about/departments/food-service The application for Free and Reduced meals can be completed at https://www.schoolcafe.com/
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- ATTENDANCE: If your child is going to be absent, you can leave a message 24 hours a day at 913 993-1312. If you need to speak with our attendance clerk, you can call 913 993-1220.
- SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER: Officer Dana Harrison 913 993-1206
- SPANISH INTERPRETER: Ms. Alba Gonzalez 913 993-1216
- DS BUSING: 913 384-1190
- BOOKKEEPER: Ms. Lourdes Morales 913 993-1201
- NURSE: Ms. Christine Uhrmacher 913 993-1207
Follow us on Twitter @WRidgeMS
Many of your student's teachers/classrooms also have a Twitter account! It is great to see all the great things happening at Westridge!
Please follow us!
Be sure to tag us @WRidgeMS
#whateverittakes #powerofWE #LookWithin
WEST IS BEST
Are after-school activities like sports and scouts breaking your bank? West is Best Scholarship Fund can help! West is Best is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to helping students (including elementary and middle school students) in the SM West attendance area participate in after school activities. West is Best provides scholarships for up to 75% of the cost of equipment, uniforms, and some registration fees for boys or girls to participate in sports and scouts.
Want to make a difference in your community? Since 2012, West is Best has provided over $51,000 in scholarships to West area kids in grades K-12. We couldn’t have done it without the help of hundreds of donors. If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, donate to West is Best Scholarship Fund, or for more information about West is Best Scholarship Fund, click the following link: www.westisbestscholarshipfund.com
WESTRIDGE WAY & GOALS FOR LIFE
The Westridge Way is to be respectful, safe, and responsible. Please reinforce The Westridge Way with your student at home in daily interactions and with laptops.
Goals for Life:
- I can make good choices even when I am mad.
- I can be okay (do the right thing) even if others are not okay.
- I can do something even when I don’t want to or it’s hard.
Westridge Middle School
Website: http://westridge.smsd.org/default.aspx
Location: 9300 Nieman Rd, Overland Park, KS, United States
Phone: 913-993-1200
Twitter: @WRidgeMS