The Westsider- October 16, 2026
CHARACTER CONNECTIONS
This month, our focus character trait is RESPONSIBILITY. At Westside, this looks like taking care of our classroom by cleaning up our spot, remembering important daily tasks like making our lunch choice and other classroom routines, and following the directions of staff.
Some ideas to continue building responsibility at home could be:
- Establish a visible weekly family calendar or daily checklist for morning and evening routines. Let them check off their completed tasks, and hold brief 2-minute weekly check-ins to celebrate what went well and adjust what didn't.
- When your child asks, "Where's my lunchbox?" or "What do I need for practice?", resist the urge to find it for them. Reframe with: "Where did you leave it last?" or "What's your plan to check your bag?" This builds executive functioning and problem-solving skills.
- Give your student total responsibility for specific tasks. For example, instead of asking them to feed the dog on command, make them the official "Pet Care Manager" responsible for checking bowls and feeding times independently.
Miss Tiffany is looking for boys pants and shirts in all sizes to have on hand in case of clothing change needs. If you have any you are planning to get rid of, she would gladly take them off your hands! You can send them to school with your student or drop them in the office. Thank you in advance!!
We welcome parents and guests to visit for lunch and would like to remind you of the following steps if you plan to come have lunch with your student(s):
Lunch visitors must notify the office of their intent to attend lunch by 10am the morning of the visit. Lunch visitors will sit at a designated table with their child(ren) only and may not share food with other students in the lunchroom. (PG. 30 of the student handbook)
We have limited space so ask for your cooperation when you plan a lunch visit!!
2026-2027 Westside Yearbooks can be ordered!! Here is the link to order: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1017341308241480
Price starts at $20. There is a special going on right now until the end of October too!
Visit the Fall Book Fair!
It will be open November 2 and November 5th during Parent/Teacher Conferences (4:00-7:30pm) as well as select times during the school day from Oct. 29-Nov. 5.
Mrs. Johansson is still looking for parent volunteers to help. If you would like to sign up for a time slot, please do so through the following link: Westside Fall Book Fair 2026.
Students in 4K– grade 5 are invited to enjoy Halloween at UW–River Falls on Tuesday, October 20, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. This year, the event is changing from walking through the residence halls to an outdoor Halloween carnival! Adults must accompany children.
Visit the UWRF Res Hall Facebook page for more details.
River Falls Sharing Families
Need a little help this Christmas? Sharing Families assists local families in need by providing a joyful Christmas for their children through coordinated gifts.
Access Sharing Families application
Accepting the first 160 applications only. If not reached, application will close on November 6.
Questions? Email rfsharingfamilies@gmail.com
Do you have concerns about your child’s development? The School District of River Falls offers free preschool screenings for children ages 2.5–5 who live within District boundaries. The screening can help families learn more about their child’s development and whether they may benefit from special education services.
WHEN: October 23, 2026, by appointment only
Please note: This screening is not intended to determine general readiness for 4K or kindergarten. A parent meeting focused on school readiness will be offered at a later date.
To schedule an appointment, contact Ann Nelson at 715-425-1819 ext. 3101 or ann.nelson@rfsd.k12.wi.us.
For developmental concerns about a child younger than 2.5, contact your county’s Birth to Three program:
Pierce County: 715-273-6755, St. Croix County: 715-246-8250
Pierce County Public Health will provide free flu immunization clinics during the school day for school-aged children. Immunizations are available at no cost to all students, regardless of insurance status.
Westside date: Tuesday, Oct. 27
If you would like your child to receive a flu immunization, a parent/legal guardian must complete a permission form unless the student is 18 or older. Parents do not need to be present at the clinic. Complete the flu clinic permission form: Westside.
Paper Permission forms available in the office upon request.
Our Neighbors' Place, in collaboration with the River Falls School District, offers food assistance for low income families and/or families experiencing financial hardship.
Fill out this form if this is a program you may benefit from. Families can sign up anytime during the year and also drop the program at any point throughout the year. We are so grateful for Our Neighbor's Place
Bridging Brighter Smiles visits Westside a couple times a year to perform preventative dental hygiene services during the school day. Services include: x-rays, silver Diamine Fluoride, Sealant Retention Check, Teeth Cleaning, Oral Screening, and more. There is no cost for services. If this is something you would like for your student, please sign up on their website: https://bridgingbrightersmiles.org/forms/.