Westwood Junior High

Heading into the Labor Day weekend, I’m feeling deeply thankful for the work of this incredible community. Our success is possible because of the dedication and care of every member of our campus family, and because of the strong partnership we have with our families, whose support, encouragement, and involvement help every child thrive. Each member of our community thoughtfully and intentionally plans for student growth and enrichment while fostering a culture of care for every child, every day.

I’m equally appreciative of our unparalleled Westwood PTA, led by Amy Borne and supported by an amazing team of parent volunteers. They not only provide wonderful treats for our staff but also spend countless hours volunteering, planning, and caring for both students and teachers, including organizing events like the upcoming school dance. If you haven’t yet, please consider becoming a PTA member, buying your spirit wear (last chance!), and supporting the Chick-fil-A fundraiser.

Important Reminders:

• First Progress Report: Sent Tuesday, September 2 between 2:30–4:00 p.m. from your child’s Advisory teacher to your email.

• Parent Focus Account: Sign up here to check grades, attendance, and upload absence notes.

• Teacher Contact Info: Available on the Westwood website

• Mark your Calendars: Open House - Meet the Teacher is Tuesday, September 10 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. (PTA meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the library).

Learning with the Pack
Beginning next week, the Wire will look a little different as we launch Learning with the Pack, hilighting student learning across our campus. Every three weeks you’ll hear directly from me, but in between, you’ll see updates from different departments. Our first edition next week will spotlight Math and Science, with more subjects and programs to come throughout the year. In Learning with the Pack, you’ll find:

• What students have been working on and how it connects to our Graduate Profile

• Ways you can support your child at home

• Upcoming assessment dates, tutoring times, and teacher contact information

Don’t worry, we’ll still include upcoming dates, important campus messages, and reminders so you have everything you need in one place.

We value your partnership as we work toward our shared goal of your child’s growth, success, and enrichment. Thank you for being such an important part of our Westwood community.

With Wolf Pack Pride,

Katie Mottram
Principal, Westwood Junior High

kathryn.mottram@risd.org

• 09/01 - Labor Day
• 09/02 - Chick-Fil-A Westwood PTA Spirit Night
• 09/08-18 - Beginning of Year MAP Testing
• 09/10 - Open House & PTA Meeting 6 - 7:30 PM
• 09/19 - Fall Dance Hosted by WWJH PTA
• 10/03 – RHS Homecoming (early release @ 2 pm for parade & game)
• 10/10-13 - Fall Break
• 10/24 - Fall Picture day
• 11/3-4 - Student Holiday/Staff Professional Learning Day
• 11/05 – Road to RHS (8th grade parents at WWJH @ 6 pm)
• 11/06 – MST Ed Talks
• 12/16-19 – Fall Exam Week

Catch up on all the updates from our August 22nd edition. Click below to view the full newsletter.

Join us under the big top for a night of music, lights, and dance magic at the Cirque de Wolfpack Dance! Don’t miss the chance to dance with your friends, snap some amazing photos, and enjoy a night full of fun. Tickets are on sale now, grab yours before they disappear like magic!

September 8th - 18th, students will be administered the BOY (Beginning of the year) NWEA Measure of Academic Progress Growth, or MAP Growth, assessments as part of a comprehensive system. MAP is a nationally normed, standardized achievement test which measures what students know and informs us what they are ready to learn. The test is adaptive and adjusts to the ability and knowledge of the students. The results of the MAP Growth assessments will help teachers to better understand your child’s individual needs and to help them progress in the assessed area. Please remind students to bring their RISD issued iPad (fully charged) and their charger to school each day for testing.

• Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - Social Studies BOY
• Wednesday, September 3, 2025 - Social Studies BOY
• Monday, September 8th, 2025 - RLA and Math MAP
• Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 - RLA and Math MAP
• Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 - Math MAP
• Thursday, September 11th, 2025- Math MAP
• Friday, September 12th, 2025 - Science MAP
• Monday, September 15th, 2025 - Science MAP

We will remain on a regular bell schedule. All testing will take place in students’ regular classrooms with their content-area teachers

RISD Device Policy and Oath

Students are not permitted to be in possession of any personal devices during testing, and will be asked to store them in a secure location by their test administrator prior to beginning the test. This includes cell phones, smart watches, handheld gaming devices, etc. Please review the RISD Device Policy and Oath with your student

Your student recently received a new district issued iPad device to support their instructional growth and learning in the classroom. The iPad is replacing the previously issued Chromebook.

As a result, the parent management tool has changed and we are providing this information to enable your access to this new tool, Jamf Parent. Jamf Parent allows you to manage your student's district-issued iPad outside of school hours. This tool, which replaces GoGuardian Parent for students using a district iPad off campus, is available to Richardson ISD families as an at-home management tool.

How to Get Started

To set up Jamf Parent, you'll need your student's iPad and a personal device (either a phone or tablet).

1. On your personal device, go to s.risd.org/jamfparent.

2. Follow the video and help documents on the website to create your parent account and learn about the available features.

More than one parent or guardian can set up Jamf Parent on their personal device.

Important Information

• Availability: Jamf Parent controls are only active outside of school hours. Richardson ISD manages devices between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.

• District Restrictions: All student devices are still subject to some district filters, even when off campus.

• App Downloads: Students can only download apps from the RISD managed app library in the Self-Service app. They do not have access to the Apple App Store.

• Jamf Parent Limitations: Some Jamf Parent options may not work due to district-wide restrictions. For example, since Messages and FaceTime are already blocked on district devices, enabling them in Jamf Parent will have no effect. Similarly, because social media apps are not available to students, restricting them through Jamf Parent is not applicable.

Technical Support

• For questions about using Jamf Parent, please first refer to the resources at s.risd.org/jamfparent.

• For questions about what is available on your student's device, please contact the RISD Technology Support Center at 469-593-4357 or technologysupportcenter@risd.org.

We are happy to announce that there is no increase in the RISD self-funded program cost for the fourth year in a row! It remains at $20 per student device, or $10 per student device for Free and Reduced Lunch Students. Go to risd.schoolpay.com. Once logged-in (using parent email associated with Focus), then all fees/programs (not just technology) will be in your ‘carts’. All students should join the DRRP since it offers substantial savings to even routine repairs. Repair parts can get very expensive as compared to the cost of the premium. Take a look at the second page of the agreement to get an idea of the price of parts should they choose not to join and need a repair!

The deadline to enroll in the Device Repair and Replacement Program is Monday, Sept 8th, 2025.

Dear RISD Parent/Guardian:

Texas Department of State Health Services requires different annual screenings based on the student’s grade level. A list of required screenings by grade level is below. The types of screenings conducted annually include vision, hearing, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal. All screenings will be conducted throughout the school year instead of one mass screening day.

If a student’s screening results indicate the need for further evaluation by a physician or other health provider, then the nurse will send home a referral letter. This screening does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and check-ups.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the mandated school screening, a physician-signed hearing, vision, acanthosis nigricans and/or spinal evaluation for the student must be submitted to the school nurse before September 2, 2025.

Required Screenings by Grade Level

Pre-K 4’s – hearing and vision

Kindergarten – hearing and vision

1st grade – hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans

2nd grade (new to RISD students only) – hearing and vision

3rd – hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans

4th (new to RISD students)- hearing and vision

5th - hearing, vision, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal (spinal is girls only)

6th (new to RISD students) – hearing and vision

7th hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans, spinal (spinal is girls only)

8th (boys) - spinal

8th-12th (new to RISD students) - hearing and vision

Thank you,

RISD Health Services

Texas legislation requires all parents and guardians to provide clear opt-in and opt-out preferences for their student regarding various activities and services such as:

• Available access to health services (all grade levels)

• After-school clubs (all grade levels)

• Counseling opportunities (K-5 & 7-12)

• Library Services (all grade levels)
  
  

All RISD parents/legal guardians received an email from the district on Friday, August 22 with information to select your preferences for your student(s) in FOCUS. Please make sure that you check your email, you should have a message from RIchardson ISD, with the subject line: Important Parent Message in Regards to Recent Texas Legislation.

Please visit the FOCUS portal and use the newly created page to submit your preferences for each of your children.

If you have additional questions, please submit a Let’s Talk here.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. We look forward to a great new school year.

It's been a busy start to the semester and we are excited to gear for another great year in Westwood Athletics. The coaches and student-athletes have been working hard preparing for the upcoming scrimmages and games in early September. Thank you in advance for your support this year. GO WOLVES!

Chick-fil-a Westwood Spirit Night

Please come out to support Westwood PTA on September 2nd from 4PM - 8 PM by fueling up before or after the football scrimmage against West Junior High. A portion of your purchase at the Spanish Village location (7934 Arapaho Road) will be donated to Westwood Junior High PTA. See the attached flyer for mobile and delivery order codes.

Fall Sports Photos will be taken on Wednesday, October 1st from 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM. The teams participating in picture day include Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Cheer. Additional information with times will be provided to student-athletes prior to the photo date.

Westwood Athletic Coordinators

Girls: Beverley Lockett beverly.lockett@risd.org

Boys: Andres Cervantes andres.cervantes@risd.org

Our football players proudly attended RHS Feeder Pattern Night, showing their school spirit and getting a glimpse of the exciting journey ahead as part of the community.

FOOTBALL:

The 7th and 8th grade football teams started practices for the 2025 season on August 18th.

• Due to heat precautions, both 7th and 8th graders will continue to practice in the morning through September 3rd.

• Beginning September 4th, the 8th graders will begin extended practices after school.

• All 7th graders will continue to arrive at 6:30 AM and on the practice field by 6:45 AM.

• The coaches will communicate any changes to the above mentioned plans in advance.

• Scrimmage: The 7th grade teams are scheduled to scrimmage Richardson West Junior High on September 2nd at Eagle Mustang Stadium at 5:30 PM followed by the 8th grade at 6:30 PM.

• The official 2025 season for the Wolves will begin on Tuesday, September 9th at Eagle Mustang Stadium against the Panthers of Apollo JH. The 8th grade team will play at 5:30 PM followed by 7th grade at 7:00pm.

• For additional information regarding the complete schedule, see the attachment.

VOLLEYBALL:
The 2025 teams were announced for 7th and 8th grade volleyball following tryouts August 18th – August 22nd.

• Scrimmage: All teams will participate in a preseason scrimmage against Richardson West Junior High on Thursday, September 4th at Richardson High School.

• Start time for seventh grade will be 6:00 PM and 8th grade will begin play at 7:15 PM.

• There is no charge to attend the scrimmages.

• Regular season play will begin September 11th against Parkhill JH.

• The 7th grade games will be played at Westwood with 7A playing at 5:30 PM, followed by the 7B team at 6:30 PM, and 7C will close out the night at 7:30 PM.

• The 8th grade teams will travel to Parkhill JH. Game times are set for 8A@ 5:30 PM and 8B @ 6:30 PM.

• For additional information regarding the complete schedule, see the attachment.

Cross Country:

Boys

• Practices will begin on September 3rd at 6:45 AM.

• The official season for boys is scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM at Huffhines Park (Richardson, TX).

• If you are not enrolled in Boys Athletics, but you are interested in participating in Cross Country, please see Coach Shlemon as soon as possible to receive important information.

Girls

Girls Cross Country hosted 7:45 AM interest meetings three days last week for students not enrolled in Athletics, but would like to compete as members of the cross country teams.

• If you were unable to attend one of the meetings, please see Coach McAdams in room G-205 before practices begin on September 9th to receive important information regarding eligibility forms that must be completed prior to participation.

• Practices will begin on September 9th at 6:45 AM.

• The official season for girls is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM at Huffhines Park (Richardson, TX).

8th Grade Online Orders (July and August): North Houston Athletics confirmed orders for 8th grade will be delivered during the week of September 1st.

Re-Opening: The athletic store will be open September 2nd - September 12th to purchase spirit wear such as practice items, WOLVES spirit wear (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, polos, and hats).

• Once the store closes on September 12th, please keep in mind, delivery takes 14-21 days after the store's closing date.

• In order to create and maintain a culture of unity, student-athletes are encouraged to wear the approved 7th and 8th Westwood Athletics Uniform and team shirts.

• The next reopening date will be November and December for basketball and Spring sports items.

IMPORTANT: All students must have an updated physical using the correct 2024 form and all UIL Rank One paperwork completed prior to participating in any tryouts, practices, or games. Updated and valid athletic physicals allow students to actively participate for one calendar year from the date of the doctor's examination. All UIL information can be found on Westwood, RHS, and RISD Athletics websites. In order for a student to remain in the Athletics period, all eligibility requirements (physical and Rank One) must be completed by Friday, August 29th. If you have any questions or would like to speak with one of the athletic coordinators at Westwood, please contact Coach Lockett or Coach Cervantes.

Tickets for all RISD Athletic Events can be purchased at the gate or by visiting the link below:

https://richardsonisd.brushfire.com/

All Westwood students will have their first library visit by September 2nd! They will learn about the new genrefication of our fiction section, all the library events that we host, Book Club and more! We hope your child enjoys their visit!

Upcoming Dates:

9/12 – Teachers Back in the Day Forms due! (optional)

If you’d like to support the library, we have an Amazon Wishlist of items we would love to

add to the library. Please make sure you add a note if you donate something.

Thank you for your support!

Join the WWJH PTA and show your support for our students! We welcome and encourage parents, grandparents, neighbors, extended family, friends and members of the community to join the WWJH PTA! Support your school and your child by joining WWJH PTA!

WE NEED YOU!

The RISD Clothes Closet is a volunteer run organization that ensures that all of our students can feel confident & comfortable going into school with clothing they feel good about. What we do:

• We accept donations from schools & individuals on Monday mornings, when school is in session, from 9:30-12:00.
• Volunteers sort and organize those donations so that we can fill requests from school counselors and nurses who have identified students in need.
• Tuesday volunteers go through the Closet to select clothes for the individual students
• Then, we have volunteers deliver the selections to the students' home campus.

We need all the help we can get to help meet the needs of students in our district!

Please see the sign-up link for volunteer opportunities to sort clothes on Mondays and to shop and deliver clothes on Tuesdays. Thank you so much for your consideration!

RISD recognizes the work our teachers perform to support every child, every day. And we believe there is an opportunity EVERY day to show our appreciation for all they do to ensure student success. Click here to learn more about the Thank a Teacher program and how to sign up, and we will connect you with a campus.