Gator Playbook
West Riverside Elementary's Weekly Newsletter
September 6, 2026
Happy Labor Day! We hope you are enjoying some much needed rest on this three-day weekend. We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, September 8th.
Upcoming Events
Students of the Month
Congratulations to our August Students of the Month! One student from each class was chosen who demonstrated the character trait of respect. Way to show PRIDE, Gators!
Back to School Dance
🎉 Back-to-School Dance Reminders
We are excited for our Back-to-School Dance on Friday, September 11th from 3:00–5:30 PM!** 💃🕺
🎟️ Admission includes 5 snack tickets. Students may also purchase additional snacks and drinks during the dance. Snacks range from $1.00–$2.00, so students may bring extra money if they would like to purchase additional items.
📝 Permission Slip Reminder: All permission slips must be turned in by Wednesday, September 9th. Students who do not have a completed permission slip by the deadline will not be able to attend the dance.
🚗 Pick-Up Reminder: The dance ends promptly at 5:30 PM. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up on time. Students who are picked up late will not be allowed to participate in future Safety Patrol dances.
Thank you for helping us make the dance a fun and successful event for everyone! 🐊🎉
Grandparents' Day!
Grandparents are welcome to join us for a craft with their grandchild/grandchildren in the auditorium on Monday, September 14 from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. Students can grab their breakfast from the cafeteria and meet their grandparent in the auditorium. Grandparents are welcome to bring their own breakfast. We look forward to a special time! Don't forget to use the QR code on the flyer to RSVP!
PageHive
Last week we shared that we will be logging books with a new digital system this year and we are ready to show you how! Students and parents will use PageHive to keep track of their quarterly reading goals. PageHive can be accessed through OneView under My Links. Students can track the books they've read and teachers can access that information from their computer. We no longer need paper reading logs! See the attached flyers to get started!
Volunteer
Want to volunteer this year? Complete the application today at https://www.duvalschools.org/o/humanresources/page/volunteer-hr!
Background screening is required for all volunteers. There are two types of background screening: Level 1 and Level II.
- Level 1 Volunteers - These are volunteers who are always under the direct supervision of district staff and are never alone with students. Level 1 screening includes a check against the Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Public Website. There is no fee for the Level 1 screening.
- Level II Volunteers/Chaperones - These are volunteers who may be out of direct view of staff or responsible for supervising students, such as chaperones. This screening process includes a fingerprint-based background check, a review of felonies and other criminal offenses, and a national sexual offender registry check. There is a fee of $74.50 for the Level II screening, which is paid for by the volunteer.
Volunteer applications typically take time to process:
Level I: Between 5-10 business days
Level II: Between 3-4 weeks
Please plan accordingly when preparing to volunteer at schools or chaperone field trips to give adequate time for your screening to be processed.
If you need to check the status of your volunteer application you can do so by logging into the volunteer portal by clicking here, contacting the school at which you intend to volunteer, or contacting Volunteer Services at 904-390-2960.
PTA Fall Festival Sponsorship
If you are interested in supporting our students and the Fall Festival, please see the information below regarding corporate sponsorships and friends & family sponsorships.
Willow Branch Library Events
Community Spotlight
Thank you to our very own Coach Hodges and the Dennis Hodges Foundation for helping jumpstart our Green Team with a generous donation of blue recycling cans for each classroom. Students are excited to keep WRES beautiful and environmentally friendly.
Safety
Keep our school safe! To report suspicious or dangerous activity, go to getfortifyfl.com.
Contact Information
Principal: Amber McCormick
Email: stillsona@duvalschools.org
Assistant Principal: Kiana McAlister
Email: mcalisterk@duvalschools.org
Website: https://www.duvalschools.org/o/wres
Location: 2801 Hershel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Phone: 904-381-3900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRESJacksonville