Westwood Junior High
November 15, 2022
Dear Westwood Families,
As I reflect on the last 3 months since the beginning of the school year, I am incredibly grateful for the teachers, students and community at Westwood. It is by far the people that make Westwood Junior High so special.
We are very grateful for the PTA who put on a wonderful dance for all students. Thank you Mrs. Gray and Mrs. Pickens for leading the dance committee and for all the extra time you spent making the dance a wonderful event.
We are also grateful for the MST Ed Talk speakers who shared their journeys to and in fields involving math, science and technology last week. A big shout out to Mrs. Diggs, Coach A, Coach Neese and Mr. Brown for creating this incredible event and taking care of all the logistics. Our students are so lucky that they were able to participate.
It is hard to put into words my gratitude for the exceptional faculty and staff at Westwood. Their tireless dedication to every student, every day is inspirational. In all my years of in education, this faculty and staff stands out to me as dedicated to their students and this community. The love for Westwood is evident in each and every classroom. Thank you teachers and campus staff for all that you do.
As we prepare for tomorrow's Magnet Marketing Night for prospective students, I am reminded that our students' time at Westwood is short. The opportunities that our Westwood Wolf pups have once they leave our campus is infinite because of the incredible partnership that we have with you, the community and families. We are grateful for your support and value your collaboration with us in the classroom, on the field, at performances and on the court.
On Friday November 18th, we will have the first pep rally in over two years. I am grateful for the student athletes and student performers who will be recognized and celebrated at this time. The students who I have seen compete and perform over the past three months have represented Westwood with integrity and pride and have worked as a pack...a strong wolfpack.
I hope that you all have a safe and restorative Thanksgiving break.
Sincerely,
Katie Mottram
Westwood Junior High Principal
Counselor's corner
Click below to check out the latest newsletter from our WWJH Counselors!
GENERAL ATHLETICS INFORMATION
WWJH Athletics has ended the Fall athletics seasons and is ready to welcome our winter sports athletes in basketball and tennis competitions within the upcoming weeks. We are very proud of the leadership, competitiveness, and sportsmanship that our 7th and 8th grade student-athletes has shown throughout the year.
The most recent order for athletic gear and spirit wear is expected to arrive during the week of November 28th. The athletic Store reopen soon later this week and will remain open for two weeks.
Therefore, if you would like to order some cold weather gear (sweats, beanie, etc.), please get your orders before the deadline!
Reminder: All students enrolled in Athletics must wear the approved Westwood Athletics Uniform. If you need assistance with ordering the uniform, please contact the Athletic Coordinators or the counselor’s office.
FOOTBALL
The coaches are extremely proud of the fun and competitive season for both 7th and 8th grade football. The season concluded on November 2nd against West Junior High. Congratulations Wolves!
CROSS COUNTRY
The Cross-Country boys’ and girls’ teams both had amazing seasons this Fall. Every runner showed improved times from the beginning to end. Great job this year and let’s continue our success next year!
District Meet Notes: The girls team finished 1st in 3 out of 4 meets as well as a 2nd place finish to round it off. Congratulations and shout out to Lily Warning for placing 6th Place overall at the District Meet.
VOLLEYBALL
Final 7th Grade Volleyball District Standings were released as follows:
*7th Grade A Team earned a 2nd place finish overall with a record of 6-2 and received a 3rd Place trophy in the RISD 7th Grade A Team Tournament last weekend.
* 7th Grade B Team finished in 4th Place with an overall record of 5-3.
* 7 Grade C Team finished in 5th Place with an overall record of 3-5.
The Final 8th Grade Volleyball District Standings were as follows:
*8th Grade A Team earned a 4th place finish overall with a record of 4-4 and received 4th Place in the RISD 7th Grade A Team Tournament last weekend.
* 8th Grade B Team finished in 3th Place with an overall record of 4-4.
Congratulations to all of our WWJH Volleyball teams for a successful 2022 season! The girls worked really hard this year and we are so very proud of you!
BASKETBALL
The 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball teams finished tryouts and the teams have been announced. All teams competed in a scrimmage against West JH on November 14th at RHS. The athletes did well and the demonstrated great sportsmanship as well as coming away with scrimmage victories wins against West.
The season opener for 7th grade teams will be Wednesday, November 30th against Apollo JH. The boys will play at home and the girls will be away at Apollo JH. The first game for 8th grade teams is scheduled for Thursday, December 1st against Apollo JH. Games times are 6:00pm and 7:00pm.
TENNIS
Tennis tryouts will take place in December and play will begin in January 2023. More information to follow in the next Westwood Wire.
BAND
This Saturday, 42 Westwood band members competed at region competition playing excerpts from music they’ve been preparing since August. We are so proud of our NINETEEN region band members – PLEASE congratulate them if you see them! Making the region band is like making the all-star team. To give you some perspective, Westwood Band sent six flute players to compete against NINETY other flute players from Highland Park all the way to Waxahachie, and FOUR of our flute players made the region band. Our students are amazing!
CHOIR
State of Texas ID Kits Now Available to Parents
Texas law (S.B. 2158) requires school districts to make inkless, in-home fingerprint and DNA identification kits available to parents or guardians of elementary and junior high students, upon request.
Parents may complete a kit to keep at home to provide to law enforcement authorities if assistance is ever needed to locate and return a missing child.
This program is an optional tool for parents to keep at home. Kits should not be returned to any RISD school or employee. Parents or guardians interested in an in-home fingerprint and DNA identification kit should contact their elementary or junior high school’s front office.
Please visit the Texas School Safety Center website for more information.
Parents and Families Newsletter
Focus Parent Portal
Thank a Teacher
Richardson ISD wants to recognize the work teachers do to support every child, every day. RISD believes there is an opportunity EVERY day to show appreciation for teachers and all they do to ensure student success.
Please join us in our efforts to celebrate our teachers throughout the year. It is always a good time to let our teachers know that they are appreciated for everything they do. A kind note, a friendly email, or a thoughtful act are always appreciated by professional educators who work for all students, all year long.
Some ways to “Thank a Teacher” include the following, but are not limited to:
Host a snack cart
Host breakfast or lunch
Provide soft drinks or coffee for a staff meeting
Donate gift cards or other incentives
Donate time to a service project on campus – help decorate the lounge or entryways, paint outdoor tables, provide traffic support in the carpool lane, help in the garden, etc.
Write a note of appreciation
These are just a few ideas. Let us hear yours!
Click here to learn more and and we will connect you with a campus. All community partners will be acknowledged at an upcoming board meeting, in addition to having appreciation signage placed on each campus.
Parent Hub
Check out the WWJH Parent Hub!
Contains all the important information you may need from teacher contact information, bell schedules, student code of conduct and much more! It can also be translated to several languages!
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