Cougar Update

Dear Westridge Families,

Thank you for entrusting us with your wonderful students as we kick off an exciting new school year. The first few days have been filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a renewed sense of community. It's clear that we’re in for a great year, and I’m grateful for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will make this year one of growth, learning, and memorable experiences for all our students.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Kayla Wichman

Aug. 19 - 4:00 pm - First day of Volleyball. 7th grade at Westridge. 8th Grade at Shoemaker. Parent meeting following practice.

Aug. 19 - 4:00 pm - First day of Cross Country. Parent meeting following practice.

Morning weights will start the week of Aug. 26th. More details will be shared next week.

A cost-friendly plan to help keep your Chromebook working efficiently! The yearly cost is $10 per student device with a per-incident deductible ($20, $40, $60). Please turn in this school year’s payment to the Westridge office. You may also complete your payment online here.

Starting this school year, drop-off time has been adjusted to 7:45 AM. Please note that students should not arrive before this time, as supervision will begin promptly at 7:45. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a smooth start to each school day!

Please remember that all 7th grade students and all 8th graders wants to play sports are required to have a physical. Please turn them into the nurse or the main office.

Our teachers hit the ground running to captivate students from day one! From building Pringles rings and launching potatoes to drafting Presidents, the energy was electric. Make sure to chat with your student about all the exciting activities in each class!

GIPS is providing school meals at no cost this year at all of our schools, thanks to the CEP program. However, CEP does not cover ala carte items or extra milk. To pay for a la carte items, you will still be able to use LINQConnect to deposit funds, track and update balances just like last year.

Information may be found on the GIPS School Meals webpage HERE.

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.

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.