WRES Knight's News Header

Dear Westridge Families,

Thank you for another wonderful, learning-filled week at Westridge! It continues to be a joy to see our students growing, exploring, and thriving each day.

I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our families for the many ways you support our school community. Whether volunteering in the cafeteria, chaperoning field trips, supporting PTA events, helping with homework, or simply taking time to read and talk with your children - these everyday moments make an extraordinary difference in reinforcing learning and nurturing growth.

I also want to recognize our incredible teachers for their unwavering dedication to helping each child reach their full potential. Your partnership and support of our teachers truly strengthen the impact we can have together.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us for our Goose on the Loose family engagement and literacy event! The energy and excitement were contagious. It was wonderful to see families and students working together, thinking critically, and celebrating success - especially as every goose safely made its way back to its classroom!

As we head into Spring Break, I hope this time offers opportunities for rest, connection, and joy. School will resume on Tuesday, April 7, and our next edition of the Knight’s News will be shared on Friday, April 10.

We are looking forward to a vibrant April and May filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate together as a community.

Wishing you a restful and refreshing Spring Break. Thank you for being such an important part of our school family.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Steven Wilson

Principal

Westridge Elementary School

Monday, March 30 to April 3- Spring Break

Thursday, April 2- World Autism Awareness Day

Monday, April 6- Teacher workday (No School)

Tuesday, April 7 to Friday, April 10th- Autism Awareness Spirit Week

Friday, April 10- Westridge Elementary Skate Night at Prince William Ice Rink

Tuesday, April 14- Spirit Night at Wendy's

Thursday, April 16- PTA Meeting at 6pm

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

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

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.

Hello Families!

When we return from Spring Break, our school will be celebrating Autism Awareness Week! This special week is designed to promote inclusion, understanding, kindness, and respect while celebrating the unique strengths of all of our students.

We’ve seen our Knights shine in the classroom… now come hang out with us on the ice while raising funds for Westridge! This is a fun, joy‑filled evening of ice skating, laughing, and connecting with other Westridge families.

For just $15 per skater (skate rental included!), you’ll enjoy a night of ice‑skating to keep everyone smiling. $5 from each purchase goes right back into supporting Westridge through PTA programs, events, and resources that benefit our students, staff, and families.

When: Friday, April 10th from 7:30–9:00 PM

Where: Prince William Ice Rink — 5180 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge, VA 22193

Includes: Skate rental and skate time

Please note this is NOT a drop off event. You must have an authorized adult with your child at all times.

**Parents and siblings are also welcome to join in the fun!

** Bring a friend (does not have to be a Westridge Student)

https://ptawestridge.givebacks.com/shop/items/18b602b1125b

🌍 Hello Westridge Community! 🌱

Families, we have some important updates for our upcoming Earth Day Give & Grow Celebration at Westridge!

📢 Science Fair Deadline Extended!
The entry form deadline for the K–5 Environmental Science Fair has been extended to March 27th.
Great news—groups can now be up to FOUR students!
Enter for your chance to win a prize: the top 3 projects in each cohort, K–2 and 3–5, will take home awards!

🛍️ Free Market Vendor Deadline Extended!
Doing a little spring cleaning? The deadline to sign up as a Free Market vendor is also extended to March 27th.
What better way to give back than by sharing gently used items with your community? Consider hosting a stand—it’s free, fun, and a great way to support sustainability!

🌟 Event Day Highlights

• Community Resource Hubs will be on-site
• Food Truck Village with delicious options
• A special performance by our Chorus and Ensemble inside the cafeteria—where the Science Fair projects will be on display!
• 
  

🙌 We Need YOU!
We are still seeking:

• Science Fair participants- forms are outside of Mrs. Azizi's room in the 4th grade hallway or you may email azizirh@pwcs.edu for a digital copy.

• Free Market vendors- you may email azizirh@pwcs.edu for a digital copy.

• Volunteers (remember we can sign off on vounteer hours) for setup, stations, judging, and cleanup- signup genius link below

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BA8A82EA2FAC70-62076893-earth#/

Help us make this a truly memorable event for our students and community.
🌱 Don’t miss it—your participation makes all the difference!

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.

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.