Westside Elementary School Home

Family Huddle #3 has officially LANDED, and we are ready for another exciting week of learning, growing, celebrating, and making memories with our Eagles!

As we continue building a strong partnership between home and school, our Family Huddle is your ONE-STOP SHOP for everything you need to know about Westside! From important schoolwide announcements and upcoming events to reminders, celebrations, and links to your child’s teacher newsletter, we want to make it easy for every family to stay informed, connected, and prepared for the week ahead.

We encourage you to take a few moments to carefully review this week’s Huddle and your child’s classroom newsletter. When families and staff are informed, aligned, and working together, we create the consistency and support our Eagles need to thrive!

🔑 Your Family Huddle is more than a newsletter. It’s our shared playbook for staying connected and making every week at Westside a success!

Thank you for continuing to partner with us, support our shared expectations, and help make Westside a place where every Eagle belongs and succeeds.

ONE TEAM. ONE VISION. ONE OUTCOME. 🦅💙

Respectfully, 
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

Westside Families,

Family Huddle #2 is here! 🦅🔑 Our Family Huddle is your weekly connection point for staying informed, prepared, and aligned with everything happening across Westside. Taking a few minutes each week to read the Huddle and your child’s teacher newsletter helps strengthen the bridge between school and home and ensures we are all working from the same playbook to help our Eagles SOAR.

🔓 Unlocking This Week...

This week’s Family Huddle includes important information about Annual Student Data Verification, IWCS & Westside Communication Tools, our Personal Devices: “Away for the Day” expectations and consequences, and ways for families to get involved and stay connected. We are also kicking off TWO exciting fundraisers: our Inflatable Showdown: Round One Kickball Challenge and PB&J Drive! Plus, find information about Smithfield High School Homecoming and how you can join the Westside PTA.

You’ll also find your 🔑 Keys to the Week, with everything you need to stay on track, including important dates, meetings, events, deadlines, and must-know reminders, along with quick links to every teacher’s newsletter dashboard and a look ahead at upcoming Westside events and dates.

🦅 Eagle Spotlight ➜ A New Legacy Begins!

This week’s Eagle Spotlight shines on the newest teachers joining our Westside family! We officially welcomed them with a special Blue Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, marking more than the start of a new school year. It represents the beginning of their Westside LEGACY. 💙✂️ Each teacher now has the opportunity to leave a lasting impact through the students they inspire, the relationships they build, and the moments that will shape our Eagles for years to come.

We cannot wait to see the legacy they create as they help our students learn, grow, SOAR, and become the leaders of tomorrow. Enjoy the video in The Family Huddle capturing this special milestone and help us officially welcome our newest Westside Eagles! 🦅✨

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay aligned. Together, we are building the bridge between school and home that helps every Eagle SOAR. 💙🦅🔑

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

Westside Families,

Welcome to the first Family Huddle of the 2026–2027 school year! 🦅🩵

Beginning this week, The Family Huddle will be Westside’s weekly family newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Sunday at 12:00 PM. Think of it as your weekly Westside headquarters: one place to find the information you need to make sure you and your Eagle are informed, prepared, and ready for the week ahead, while also giving you a look at important dates, events, and opportunities coming around the corner.

Please make reviewing the Family Huddle part of your Sunday routine. Each edition will include school announcements, upcoming events, reminders, deadlines, opportunities, and quick links to every teacher’s weekly newsletter. You will also find a link to our Student & Family Handbook, your go-to resource for virtually EVERYTHING Westside, including attendance, meals, transportation, schedules, student accountability, school procedures, who to contact, and much more.

And fair warning: Family Huddle #1 is a BIG one! 😃 We have intentionally packed this first edition with everything families need to know to prepare for the first day and first week of school. Take some time to read through each section, explore the links, and keep it handy as questions arise.

If you cannot find the information you need, please reach out to the appropriate Westside or IWCS staff member. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to us anyway. We will make sure your question gets to the right person and that you receive the information you need.

Most importantly, this year is about far more than schedules, procedures, and reminders. You are an important member of the Westside team. The partnership between our families, students, and staff will shape the experience we create for our Eagles.

Our theme this year reminds us that WE HOLD THE KEY. 🔑 Together, we hold the key to unlocking learning, growth, friendships, belonging, House pride, new experiences, challenges, accomplishments, and memories our students will carry long after they leave Westside.

We want 2026–2027 to be more than another school year. We want it to be an experience our Eagles never forget.

So read your Huddle, stay connected, show up, ask questions, celebrate the victories, reinforce our expectations, and join us in building something special.

The doors are about to open. The adventure is about to begin. We hold the key. Now, let’s leave a legacy. 🦅🩵🔑

We cannot wait to welcome our Eagles on Tuesday!

Respectfully,
Mr. Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

Westside families, the new school year is almost here! We’ve put together our **2026–2027 Family Welcome Letter & Guide** with the important information you need to get ready for a great start. From Open House and House assignments to transportation, schedules, school hours, devices, meals, attendance, communication, student expectations, and more, consider this your **start-of-school-year headquarters!**

⭐ OPEN HOUSE: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd

Join us to meet your teachers, explore Westside, and kick off the year together!

🏫 **Session 1:** 2:30–4:00 PM
🏫 **Session 2:** 6:30–8:00 PM
🍔 Food trucks will also be on site!

**Before the first day, be sure to open and review the full Family Welcome Guide.** It includes details about Parent Portal updates, student schedules, bus routes, Car Riders Express, supply lists, personal devices, Chromebooks, school hours, communication, attendance, meals, dress code, student expectations, and much more.

📅 **First Day of School: Tuesday, September 8th**

💙 **New year. New opportunities. One Westside. One Community. One Legacy.**

**👉 OPEN THE 2026–2027 FAMILY WELCOME LETTER & GUIDE BELOW FOR ALL THE DETAILS!**

📚✨ School Supply Lists for the 2026-2027 School Year Are Here! ✨📚

It's time to start getting ready for an amazing school year! 🎉 Attached are the school supply lists for students entering 4th, 5th, and 6th grade.

🎨🎵🖥️ While you're shopping, we'd love your support for our Encore teachers! If you're able, consider picking up a few of the additional supplies they've requested to help make art, music, PE, STEM, library, and other specials classes even more engaging for our students.

📅 Student schedules will be released later in August, so there's still plenty of time to gather any Encore-specific items before school begins on September 8th.

Thank you for helping us start the year prepared for learning, creativity, and success. We can't wait to welcome our Westside Eagles back soon! 🦅🩵

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: 2025-2026 House Champions will be revealed Monday, 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony Tuesday, Early Dismissal Wednesday and Thursday & more 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: SOLs Wrap-Up This Week with 4th Grade VA Studies, Encore & Exploratory Forms are Due, Chromebook Collections Begin, Field Day Friday & more 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

🎽🏃🎉 It's still not too late to volunteer for field day - sign-up here: https://forms.gle/4g2fL5F3nPfPBCyh6 🎽🏃🎉

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: SOLs Continue This Week with 4th & 5th Grade Math along with 5th Grade Science, 6th Grade Legacy Ball Friday (tickets continue to be on sale through Friday morning), information regarding Encore/Exploratory choices for next school year, Chromebook Collections & more 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: SOLs Continue This Week with 4th & 5th Grade Reading along with 6th Grade Math, PTA Meeting on Thursday & more 🎭📚
Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!
👉 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OqtWdyczOmrFEwk4QanUj2QklJaYsD9ewjmIE_42Iz4/edit?usp=sharing

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: Interims Issued Monday, PTA Fundraiser Extended One More Week, SOLs Begin This Week & more 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

Good Afternoon Westside Families!

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: Teacher Appreciation Week, Girls on the Run Lemonade and Popcorn Stand, Last Week for PTA Fundraiser, SOL Family Resources & more 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: PTA Fundraiser for House Incentives +, Yearbook Ordering Deadlines, BLUE Wednesday, Asynchronous Friday & more 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: SOL Information, PTA Meeting & Board of Supervisors Meeting & more 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: Another Fundraiser, Assistant Principal Appreciation Week, Report Cards & More! 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

🌴 Students and Staff Return to School on Monday, April 13th 🌴

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: Fundraisers, Picture Day, Career Day, Band Concert, Gifted & Talented Night & More! 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

🌴 Spring Break for students begins Friday, April 3rd - students return to school on Monday, April 13th. 🌴

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

📰✨ In this week's Westside Weekly Huddle: Family Life Instruction This Week, Yearbooks on Sale, Talent Show this Friday & More! 🎭📚

Stay in the loop with important updates happening at your child’s school this week - don’t miss what’s coming up!

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

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.**

Here is this week's Family Huddle: Connected, Informed, and Moving Forward as One.

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

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.***

Friday, March 20th is Asynchronous Learning Day for students and Parent-Teacher Conferences.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

Here is this week's Family Huddle: Connected, Informed, and Moving Forward as One.

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

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.***

Great Behavior BINGO Showdown is Monday @ 6:00 PM - tickets are still on sale until Monday @ 12:00 PM.

Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School

Here is this week's Family Huddle: Connected, Informed, and Moving Forward as One.

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

***If you are having trouble loading The Family Huddle, try these steps: try to clear your cookies and cache. If you are using a mobile device, try downloading the Google Docs app and opening it that way.***

The Great Behavior BINGO Showdown event has been moved from Monday, March 2nd to Monday, March 9th due to the potential for wintry weather Monday evening and still table availability (tickets are on sale all week, until sold out).

If you are unable to attend on March 9th and have already submitted payment, please contact the front office for reimbursement. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s flexibility and understanding.


Respectfully,
Matthew Johnson
Principal, Westside Elementary School