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Child holding a drawing with various colorful creatures in a school setting.

National Space Society Art Project from Ms. Peterson's class

Two children in a classroom engaged in a hands-on activity, surrounded by educational posters.
Two girls looking at a paper with a pencil in hand, surrounded by classroom materials.

Practicing our Legacy Core Values in Ms. Bradshaw's 5th grade class! 

Two girls holding a paper and standing in a colorful classroom setting.
Students dancing joyfully in a colorful classroom with a screen displaying 'DANCE!!!'

Fact Fluency Freeze Dance in Ms. Pyrtle's classs!

Students exiting vehicles and walking on the sidewalk towards school, smiling and chatting.

Welcome back to school, Eagles!

Students walking on a sidewalk towards a school, chatting and carrying backpacks.

Welcome back to school, Eagles!

Recent News

🦅 🌟 The Weekly Family Huddle #03! | Week of September 15th 🌟 🦅

Here’s this week’s Family Huddle: A fresh week, a fresh focus! Let’s stay informed, stay connected, and stay aligned as we work together toward our school’s shared vision.

👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OqtWdyczOmrFEwk4QanUj2QklJaYsD9ewjmIE_42Iz4/edit?usp=sharing

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 🌟 The Weekly Family Huddle #02! | Week of September 8th 🌟 🦅

Here’s this week’s Family Huddle: your go-to for highlights and updates. Please review to stay informed and aligned with our school’s expectations and vision.

👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OqtWdyczOmrFEwk4QanUj2QklJaYsD9ewjmIE_42Iz4/edit?usp=sharing

Together, we can make this week and the entire school year a truly great one!

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 🌟 The Weekly Family Huddle is Here! | September 1st 🌟 🦅

Good Afternoon Westside Families!

We’re so excited to kick off another amazing school year together at Westside! 🎉

The Family Huddle for this week is ready for you - just click the link below. If you’re new to Westside, welcome! The Family Huddle is our weekly newsletter designed to keep you in the loop with everything you need to know. Inside, you’ll find updates, reminders, and helpful tips to ensure your family is set up for a smooth and successful first day, first week, and the entire school year ahead.

You can look forward to receiving a new issue of the Family Huddle every weekend. We’ll send it to you through email, Remind, and post it on our school website so you’ll always have quick access.

👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OqtWdyczOmrFEwk4QanUj2QklJaYsD9ewjmIE_42Iz4/edit?usp=sharing

⚠️ 🚌 Updated bus routes for this school year were sent through Remind and email. 🚌⚠️

We’re thrilled to partner with you in making this school year the best one yet! Thank you for being such an important part of the Westside community. 💙

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

📣🦅 Westside Elementary PTA is BACK! Join Us for the 2025-26 School Year

Hello Westside Elementary PTA Members: Past and Present,

After a pause last school year, we’re thrilled to announce that the Westside Elementary PTA is officially getting back up and running for the 2025-26 school year!

First, a heartfelt thank you 🙏 to all past WSES PTA Board Members for your time, dedication, and volunteer service. Every PTA leader who has served shares the same goal: making Westside the very best it can be for our students. Now, we’re ready to carry that mission forward with fresh energy ⚡ and new opportunities to get involved.

Our Vision:
🌟 Every child’s potential is a reality.

Our Mission:
💡 To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

We are proud to be part of the Virginia PTA, the largest and oldest non-partisan volunteer child advocacy association in Virginia, representing more than 175,000 members across 950+ schools. 🏫 Since 1904, Virginia PTA has worked tirelessly to strengthen schools and communities through family involvement and advocacy, ensuring every child’s academic success, health, and well-being.

✨ Be part of the comeback! It’s time to renew or become a member for the 2025-26 school year. Your membership supports vital programs, events, and resources that directly benefit our students and families.

Join or Renew Today: wseseagles.givebacks.com

We will be scheduling a General Membership Meeting in September to vote in officers for the PTA Board, stay tuned for more details!

And don’t forget to stop by and see us at Open House on August 27th, we’d love to connect with you in person.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make this a fantastic year for Westside Elementary!

With gratitude,
Westside Elementary PTA Team

Westside Open House (2025 - 2026 School Year)

🎉 You're Invited to Our Back-to-School Open House! 🏫✨

We’re excited to welcome our students and families back for a brand new school year! Join us for our Open House — a chance to explore the school, meet your teachers and House, and get ready for an amazing year ahead.

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 27th
🕕 Time: 2:30 - 4:00 OR 6:30 - 8:00
📍 Location: Westside Elementary School

🔍 What to Expect:
✅ New students discover their House
✅ Meet your teachers and school staff
✅ Tour classrooms and hallways
✅ Learn about school programs and expectations
✅ Pick up important back-to-school materials
✅ Get answers to all your questions
✅ Enjoy a few fun surprises along the way!

Whether you’re a returning family or new to our school community, we can’t wait to see you and kick off the year together!

📚 Let’s make this the best year yet—see you at Open House!
sun bucks

IWCS Families May Be Eligible for Summer EBT Program

Students are automatically enrolled in Virginia SUN Bucks if they receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or participate in an income-eligible Medical Assistance program (such as Medicaid).
Schools out for summer

Summer Work Schedules Begin June 20, 2025

All IWCS Schools and Offices will be open 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Thursday. Buildings and offices will be closed on Fridays. IWCS will return to regular hours after Labor Day.
2025 IWCS Retirees

Celebration of Education

IWCS honored Teachers of the Year, the Rookie Teacher of the Year, the Support Employee of the Year, and retiring staff members.

🦅 3️⃣7️⃣ The Family Huddle 3️⃣7️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of June 9th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Important Reminders: ​

6th Grade Promotion Ceremony is Tuesday.​
House Duende @ 9:30 AM
House Hulya @ 11:00 AM
House Mudita @ 2:00 PM
House Kefi @ 12:30 PM

Wednesday and Thursday are Early Dismissals @ 1:00 PM.
​Dismissal will begin at 12:48 PM.​
If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 3️⃣6️⃣ The Family Huddle 3️⃣6️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of June 2nd is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Important Reminders:
4th Grade VA Studies SOL is Monday.
5th Grade Science SOL is Tuesday.
Field Day is Friday (volunteer link is found in the huddle).

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 3️⃣5️⃣ The Family Huddle 3️⃣5️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of May 26th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Important Reminders:
No school Monday, May 26th.
4th Grade Math SOL is Thursday.
5th Grade Math SOL is Friday.

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 3️⃣4️⃣ The Family Huddle 3️⃣4️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of May 19th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Important Reminders:
5th Grade Reading SOL is Tuesday.
4th Grade Reading SOL is Wednesday.
6th Grade Math SOL is Thursday.
No school Friday, May 23rd and Monday, May 26th.

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 3️⃣3️⃣The Family Huddle 3️⃣3️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of May 12th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Reminders:
6th Grade Reading SOL is Friday, May 16th.

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 3️⃣2️⃣The Family Huddle 3️⃣2️⃣ 🦅

💙❤️🧡💚
This week, we're celebrating the heart of our school—our incredible teachers! Their dedication, creativity, and love for learning make a lasting impact on our children every single day.

Help us show our appreciation by joining in the celebration! Let’s come together as a community to lift up and honor the educators who make a difference in our students’ lives.
💙❤️🧡💚

The Family Huddle for the week of May 5th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Reminders:
All asynchronous work from Friday, May 2nd is due by Friday, May 9th

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 3️⃣1️⃣The Family Huddle 3️⃣1️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of April 28th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Reminders:
Monday, April 28th is the LAST day to purchase a yearbook - https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob - use code 14589425.

Friday, May 2nd is a student asynchronous learning day.

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School
Cartoon scene of bees flying around colorful flowers under a blue sky.

Spring Break Begins April 14

All IWCS offices and buildings will be closed Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18, for Spring Break. Monday, April 21, is a holiday for students and a virtual work day for staff.

🦅 3️⃣0️⃣The Family Huddle 3️⃣0️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of April 21st is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Reminder: There is NO SCHOOL MONDAY, APRIL 21ST.

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 2️⃣9️⃣ The Family Huddle 2️⃣9️⃣ 🦅 - ➡️ ➡️ Family Life Education Begins This Week!

The Family Huddle for the week of April 7th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Family Life Education begins this week (April 8th - 10th): ALL STUDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE, UNLESS AN OPT-OUT FORM IS SUBMITTED!

Family Life Education Parent Letter, Family Life Education Isle of Wight Letter and Family Life Opt-Out Form are located in The Family Huddle - must be submitted to Mr. Johnson - [email protected]

This week is Military Month of the Child Spirit Week (spirit wear flyer is located in The Family Huddle).

Also, next week is Spring Break and there will be no school for students or staff. Students will also be off Monday, April 21st and will return to school on Tuesday, April 22nd.

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 2️⃣8️⃣ The Family Huddle 2️⃣8️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of March 31st is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

Family Life Education begins next week (April 8th - 10th): See The Family Huddle for more information and opt-out forms.

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

🦅 2️⃣7️⃣ The Family Huddle 2️⃣7️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of March 24th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School
reminder

Calendar Reminders

Friday, March 14, is an asynchronous day for students. It will be a parent conference day for elementary and middle schools and a professional learning day for high schools. Monday, March 17 is a student holiday and a staff virtual work day.

🦅 2️⃣6️⃣ The Family Huddle 2️⃣6️⃣ 🦅

The Family Huddle for the week of March 17th is linked below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjmWDmo0Qh9CWRIdNYKlwJfKU1d2g3g-f83jrzEz0dE/edit?usp=sharing

If you have any additional questions, never hesitate to reach out to us.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School
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Our Mission

Our Mission is to enhance and expand on each child’s unique gifts and talents to ensure every child is college, career and life ready
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