Cougar Update

Aug 13th - 5pm until 6pm - Open House

Aug 14th - 2:15 Dismissal - First 6th Grade Day

Aug 15th - 3: 45 Dismissal - All students return

Aug. 16th - School Pictures

Breakfast and lunch meals will be available to all students at no cost at all of our schools for the 2024-25 school year! Click here for more information.

We were thrilled to see so many of our new 6th graders attend Cougar Camp this year! It was a fantastic opportunity for them to get acquainted with their teachers and explore the school building, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for the first day. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable, and we can't wait to welcome all of our other new 6th graders on August 14th. It's going to be an incredible year, and we are excited to embark on this journey together.

The following materials are recommended for the 24-25 school year.

• 1 - 2 pocket paper folder with prongs
• 4 - 2 pocket paper folders without prongs
• 1 spiral one subject notebook
• 1 composition notebook
• 1 multi color highlighter pack
• Colored pencils
• 3x5 index cards
• 1 pack of post-its
• 2 - 1" binders
• 3 ring pencil pouch
• Corded headphones/earbuds (wireless are not allowed)
• Closed toe athletic shoes and athletic wear for PE

The school will have materials for all students that can not provide them.

Route 1- Knickrehm

• AM Route
• Depart Knickrehm Elementary (West Side by butterfly garden) - 7:40 AM

• Arrive Westridge - 7:50 AM
• PM Route
• Depart Westridge - 3:55 pm
• Arrive Knickrehm (West Side by butterfly garden) - 4:10 pm

Route 2 - Gates

• AM Route
• Depart Gates Elementary (Ingalls St) - 7:35 AM

• Arrive Westridge - 7:45 AM
• PM Route
• Depart Westridge - 3:55 pm
• Arrive Gates Elementary - 4:15 pm

Students will receive an ID on the first day of school and are required to have a student ID visible on their upper body at all times when they are in the building. 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.

GIPS acknowledges the need to recognize students on special holidays, however, due to the disruption to class, gifts and flowers will not be accepted at school for delivery to a student in class.

To help ensure we maintain a 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.