WRES Knight's News Header
Dear Westridge Families,
What a joy it has been to wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week together - your thoughtful gifts, kind notes, and heartfelt acknowledgements truly mean the world to our amazing teachers!
As we move into May, there’s so much more to celebrate: Jewish‑American Heritage Month, Military Appreciation Month, National Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Better Hearing & Speech Month, and National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. Each of these observances brings rich opportunities for our students to learn about the diverse threads that weave our community together and to deepen their understanding of health and well‑being.
In addition to honoring our teachers, this past week we proudly celebrated National Nurses Week (May 6–12), including National Nurse Day on May 7. Please be sure to check out our feature on Mrs. Liz Saunders - her compassion, expertise, and tireless support keep every one of our learners healthy, safe, and ready to shine!
Finally, congratulations to our third, fourth, and fifth graders for your perseverance and focus during this week’s Reading SOL assessments! We know how hard you prepared and how bravely you tackled each question; we could not be prouder of your resilience and growth. And to our parents and caregivers, thank you for the countless ways you reinforce learning at home - your partnership is vital to your children’s success!
As we embrace this weekend, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible mothers and mother figures within our Westridge community. Whether through their guidance, love, or unwavering support, they make a profound difference in the lives of our students and families. Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Mother’s Day weekend, filled with appreciation and well-deserved rest!
Enjoy your weekend!
Warmly,
Steven Wilson
Proud Principal - Westridge Elementary
This week, as we join schools across the nation in observing National Nurse Week (May 6–12), we are especially grateful to shine the spotlight on our very own school nurse, Liz Saunders. With her warm smile, calming presence, and expert care, Nurse Saunders turns every trip to the clinic into a moment of comfort and confidence for students, families, and staff alike. Whether she’s expertly managing health plans, responding swiftly to any medical concern, or collaborating seamlessly with our front office team, Nurse Saunders' resourcefulness, attention to detail, and transparent communication ensure that everyone at Westridge feels seen, supported, and safe.
Nurse Saunder's dedication goes far beyond routine health checks. She stays late when needed, anticipates challenges before they arise, and offers teachers thoughtful guidance on classroom health and wellness. Her data-driven approach to monitoring student health trends keeps us proactive, and her emotional intelligence transforms every encounter into a teaching moment of compassion and resilience. We are truly fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, supportive, and beloved colleague enhancing our school community each day.
Please join us in thanking Nurse Saunders for all she does to make Westridge a healthier, happier place to learn and grow. And let’s extend our heartfelt appreciation to every nurse in our community - hospital, clinic, home, and beyond - whose tireless efforts serve the health needs of others and make our world a safer, better place. Thank you, Nurse Saunders, and thank you to all the amazing nurses who care for us every single day!
Dear Parents and Students,
We are excited to invite you to the annual PWCS Sports Fair! This fantastic event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Kelly Leadership Center (14715 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112).
If your students are interested in joining a sports team but don't know where to start, this is the perfect opportunity for you! The PWCS Sports Fair is free and open to all fifth grade, middle and high school students. Coaches and athletes will be available to provide information about the sports offered in PWCS and to answer any questions you may have.
In addition to valuable information, there will be a DJ, food trucks, giveaways, and lots of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Translators will also be on site to assist.
We hope to see you there!
