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Dear Westridge Families,

Thank you for a fantastic week of learning as we returned from Spring Break! It has been wonderful to see our students re-engage with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose. We are officially off to a great start in the fourth quarter, and our students and staff are focused on finishing the year strong while also thoughtfully planning for an exceptional 2026-27 school year.

This past week, Westridge proudly celebrated Autism Awareness Week - an important opportunity to promote inclusion, understanding, kindness, and respect while honoring the unique strengths of every student in our community. Thank you for supporting your children in showing their school spirit throughout the week. We are excited to continue this important work together at our Light It Up Blue Run next Saturday, April 18, from 8:00am-12:00pm. We hope to see many of you there as we come together in support of this meaningful cause.

Speaking of community, we are looking forward to seeing many of you tonight at Westridge Skate Night at Prince William Ice Rink from 7:30pm-9:00pm. I can’t wait to join our students and families on the ice!

For those interested in engaging more deeply in our school’s work, I invite you to attend our next Principal’s Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting on Tuesday, April 14, from 6:00pm-7:00pm in the school library. We will be discussing our Continuous Improvement Plan, sharing updates on the 2026-27 budget, and providing other important school and county updates. Additionally, our PTA will meet on Thursday, April 16, from 6:00pm-7:00pm in the library. This will be an important meeting as we approach key end-of-year milestones, including Teacher Appreciation Week, PTA board nominations, and several upcoming events that rely on our strong community partnership.

Thank you for all that you do to support our students and strengthen our school community. Your partnership, engagement, and care make Westridge a truly special place.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Steven Wilson

Principal

Westridge Elementary School

Tuesday, April 14- Spirit Night at Wendy's

Tuesday, April 14- Principal Advisory Council Meeting at 6:00 pm (all are welcome)

Thursday, April 16- PTA Meeting at 6pm

Saturday, April 18- Light it Up Blue Run 8am-12pm

Monday, April 20-25- Earth Day Spirit week

Monday, April 20-24- National Library Week

Monday, April 20-24- Administrative Professionals Week

Monday, April 20-24- Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week

Monday, April 20-24- PWCS Transportation Employees Appreciation Week

Monday, April 20-24- Public School Volunteer Week

Wednesday, April 22- Earth Day

Wednesday, April 22- Administrative Professionals Day

Wednesday, April 22- Purple up! For Military Kids (in PWCS)

Saturday, April 25- Earth Day Give and Grow Event 11am-1pm

The Principal’s Advisory Council (PAC) offers a meaningful platform for parents and teachers to come together, share insights, and collaborate on valuable feedback to guide our school’s Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP). We warmly invite all Westridge families to join us for our next PAC meeting on Tuesday, April 14 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the WRES Library. All parents and caretaker voices and perspectives are vital in strengthening our school environment and advancing our commitment to student success, school culture, and a positive climate.

If you have any questions or suggestions in advance of the meeting, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Principal Steven Wilson directly. Your engagement and support are truly appreciated, and together, we’re making Westridge a place where every student can thrive!

Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We look forward to working with you!

We are excited to offer an easy, optional way to support our school through the SchoolStore online fundraiser. This program allows Westridge to earn funds as family and friends shop online with over 300 participating retailers - at no additional cost to you.

Getting started is simple: visit SchoolStore.net and sign up using our school ID 112433. With your child, you can send email invitations to friends and family to help support our school.

All funds raised will directly benefit our House Program, supporting student experiences like assemblies, incentives, and activities that build a strong sense of belonging.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership - we truly appreciate your participation in helping make Westridge a great place for every student!

We’re excited to share that our school spirit wear store is now open! 🎉 Flyers will be coming home in Friday folders, so keep an eye out!

The store features fun, optional items like hoodies, joggers, zip-ups, tie-dye shirts, and long/short sleeve house-colored shirts. These are extra ways for students to show their school spirit—they’re not replacing our traditional house shirts.

We’re also working with a new vendor so families can order replacement house shirts, and we’ll share more info soon once those become available!

💙 All proceeds from spirit wear sales go directly toward funding programs for our students through the House System—including celebrations, team-building activities, and events that build community and school pride.

Thanks for your support and enthusiasm as we kick off this exciting new chapter!

https://www.sharpplant.com/pages/westridge

Want to make a real impact this school year? Join the PTA and help us create unforgettable experiences for our kids.

Whether you have five minutes or five hours, your voice matters. The PTA is a place for connection, collaboration, and making things happen. Plus, it’s a great way to stay in the loop and meet other awesome parents.

👉 Sign up today and be part of the magic: https://ptawestridge.givebacks.com/shop

Let’s dive in together—because when we all pitch in, amazing things happen.

Join Us for Earth Day Spirit Week & the Give & Grow Event! 🌍🌱

Dear Westridge Families,

We’re excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Earth Day Spirit Week, taking place April 20–25, with the final day culminating in our Earth Day Give & Grow Event on Saturday, April 25th!

Throughout the week, students are encouraged to dress up and celebrate sustainability, caring for our planet, and community involvement. We hope everyone will join in and show their Earth pride!

🌍 Earth Day Give & Grow Event – Saturday, April 25th from 11AM to 1PM
This is a community‑wide celebration, and all are welcome to attend!

Please note:

• For safety purposes, only Westridge families will be permitted inside the building to view the Science Fair projects.
• The Free Market, resource vendors, and food trucks will be open to the entire community.
• A Chorus performance will take place during the event.

Even if your child is not participating in the Science Fair or performing, you are still encouraged to come! Families may:

• View student projects
• Enjoy the chorus performance
• Shop the Free Market
• Eat from food trucks
• Learn from community resource vendors
• Bring extended family and friends to enjoy the outdoor activities

✨ Come one, come all! Dress up, celebrate the Earth, and participate in Spirit Week as we come together to Give & Grow as a community.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Please fill out the form below if you are interested in volunteering at Westridge this year! You will also find the PWCS Volunteer Regulations below. Please review those prior to filling out the form.

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has established new guidance regarding the possession and use of AI-enabled glasses in schools. AI-enabled glasses are wearable devices that can discreetly record, process, and display information using artificial intelligence.

Under Policy 729, Cell Phone-Free Education, AI-enabled glasses meet the definition of cell phones or personal electronic communication devices and are subject to the same restrictions.

In recent months, schools nationwide have seen an increase in student use of this technology. In response, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the College Board have provided guidance on how AI-enabled glasses should be managed in educational settings. PWCS is aligning with this guidance to ensure consistency, protect student privacy, and maintain safe, distraction-free learning environments.

Elementary Schools and Combination Schools (K–8, Traditional)

• AI-enabled glasses may not be worn or used at any time during the school day.
• Devices must be turned off and stored upon arrival at school and remain stored until dismissal.
• Storage means the device is not worn on the face or head and is placed in a backpack, in the student’s locker, in a locked pouch, or in a designated place in the classroom.

Middle and High Schools

• AI-enabled glasses must be turned off and stored from bell to bell.
• Devices may only be used before the first bell and after dismissal; provided use does not violate the PWCS Code of Behavior.
• Storage means the device is not worn on the face or head and is placed in a backpack, in the student’s locker, in a locked pouch, or in a designated place in the classroom.

Prohibited Uses (All Students)

The following uses of AI-enabled glasses are always strictly prohibited on school property, school buses, and school-sponsored events:

• Audio, photo, or video recording of students, staff, or visitors without explicit permission.
• Use in restrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas.
• Livestreaming or AI-assisted analysis of people or environments.
• AI impersonation or altered media involving students or staff.
• Accessing or creating content that is obscene, harassing, threatening, or disruptive to a K–12 learning environment.

Transportation (All Students)

AI-enabled glasses on school buses are permitted when used in compliance with prohibited use and:

• They do not distract the driver.
• They do not compromise student safety.

Assessments

The wearing of AI-enabled glasses is always prohibited during any assessment to include daily class assessments, nationally normed external tests such as the SAT, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge, and Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessments.

Enforcement and Consequences

Violations involving AI-enabled glasses will follow the same progressive discipline structure used for cell phone violations, in alignment with the PWCS Code of Behavior, including:

• Device surrendered
• Parent/guardian notification and pick up
• Disciplinary referrals
• Additional disciplinary actions for repeat or severe violations

Exceptions

Exceptions to the use of AI-enabled glasses are limited and considered on an individual basis. Requests are reviewed through established IEP or Section 504 processes when necessary to support a student’s documented needs.

Greetings Families,

Minnieville Elementary will be hosting Summer School from June 23 – July 10, 2026.

Great news for families of students who qualify for Summer School! The registration window opens today, April 8, and will close on May 22, 2026. Please note that late registrations will not be accepted.

Families must register their child through ParentVUE in order for their child to attend the program. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.

For complete information, including program dates and locations, please visit the PWCS Summer Programs website.

Additionally, please save the following dates for in-person Summer School registration at Minnieville Elementary:

• Wednesday, May 13 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 20 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Thank you,

Ms. Tyese Singleton
Assistant Principal, Minnieville Elementary School
Summer School Principal

Mrs. Mackritis
Administrative Intern, Minnieville Elementary School
Summer School Assistant Principal

PWCS Family Engagement Series

The Family Engagement Series provides families with monthly resources that will assist with their student’s success. The series is led by the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Community Outreach, Business Partnerships and Philanthropy Department, in collaboration with other PWCS programs, and community and business partners. To see and register for the upcoming workshops please visit the Family Engagement webpage.

Dear Families,

We want to bring to your attention an increasing social media trend involving incidents of

"pantsing" that are starting to show up in some of our schools. Pantsing is defined as forcibly

removing or pulling down another individual's clothing without their consent. Pantsing is a

serious violation of our Code of Behavior and may constitute “criminal sexual contact” under

Title IX. “Criminal sexual contact” replaced “fondling” under Title IX and includes a much

broader range of unwelcome touching between students. Pantsing not only infringes on

personal boundaries but also causes humiliation, distress, and potential harm to the targeted

student with lasting negative impact. Our school division is committed to maintaining a safe and

equitable environment for all students, and any incidents of pantsing will be subject to

disciplinary action and may trigger Title IX investigations. We ask for your partnership in

discussing the seriousness of this behavior with your children and reinforcing the importance of

respecting others' privacy and dignity. Together, we can foster a culture of respect and safety for

every student.

Emergency Resources

• Students Free Mental Health Services. (Hazel Health) https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/student_services/mental_health_telehealth/instructions
• ACTS Helpline 703.368.4141 https://www.actspwc.org/
• Acts Emergency Assistance ACTS Helpline 703.368.4141 https://www.actspwc.org/
• ACTS Hunger Prevention - 703.441-8606 – ext 288 (1st and 2nd Wednesday of the month 10: 00 to 01:00 pm and 3rd and 4th Tuesday of the month 05:00 pm to 06:30 pm)
• 1.800.SUICIDE (24-hr hotline) - 1.800.784.2433 or 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 mental health support. https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/

National Mental Health Hotline: Call 866-903-3787 to build a personalized safety plan

• PWCS Private Providers https://www.pwcva.gov/department/community-services/private-providers
• PWC Community Services - 703.792.7800 (western PWC) or 703.792.4900 (eastern PWC)
• Community Services https://www.pwcva.gov/
• PWC Child Protective Services Hotline - 703.792.4200
• PWC Social Services - 703.792.7500

Varsity Online Tutoring

Varsity Tutors for Schools platform is a FREE online resource for grades K-12 designed to support your students’ academic growth. This platform offers:

• 24/7 On-Demand Chat Tutoring
• Essay Review and Coaching
• Live Group Classes
• Test Prep Classes
• Enrichment Classes
• Celebrity-Led Star Courses and more.

Students access Varsity by logging in to PWCS Portal. To log in to PWCS Portal, students use their PWCS username and password (this is same password students use to log in to their PWCS computer). Once you’re logged in to PWCS Portal, you can find the link for Varsity in the PWCS Resources section.

Click here to read more about Varsity Tutors - Free Online Tutoring

SNAP School Initiative

Crisis and Emergency Preparedness in PWCS

PWCS is committed to ensuring safe and welcoming environments for students and staff. If a safety concern or crisis occurs in or near our schools, PWCS uses standard terms to communicate with families. Watch this video to become familiar with the terms.

Watch Video

Free Mental Health Resources for Students

PWCS recognizes that this time of year can be particularly challenging for many students. To ensure that every student has access to the support they need, we would like to remind parents that free mental health telehealth services are available to all PWCS students through Hazel Health – at no cost. Together, we can make a significant difference in the mental well-being of our students now and beyond.

Visit the PWCS Hazel Health webpage for more information.

For more information or questions, please contact Francesca Knight, coordinator of social work services, at KnightFW@pwcs.edu.