Westwood Wire

Left-Right: Mie-Williams (AP), Chase Duncan, Christine Wilkin

• Graduate Profile Connection: Students will be reflecting on academic progress by calculating their GPA
  Key Dates:

• UTA field trip in November 17th( We need volunteers)

• Avid family Night November 19th

• Graduate profile connection: Students will be working on effective communication and critical thinking skills weekly in their avid tutorials.

Key Dates:

• TCU field trip October 18th

• UTD Field trip October 30th ( We need volunteers)

• UTA field trip November 17th ( We need volunteers)

• Avid family night November 19th

• Make sure they are keeping their items organized

• Ask to see your students planner and binder

• Making sure they are completing their community service hours (5 hours per quarter)

• Mr. Duncan - AVID 7 - Hart.Duncan@risd.org
• Mrs. Wilkin - AVID 8 - Christine.Wilkin@risd.org

Before your student can attend before- or after-school tutorials, they must speak with their teacher to sign up in the RTI Scheduler. This sign-up acts as their “pass” to tutoring.

Left-Right: Daniel Lopez, Luc Falies, Vivian Arroyo (Department Chair), Cindy Edwards (Instructional Coach), and Harry Godinez.

Students are reading and analyzing Dos palabras by Isabel Allende, exploring themes of

women’s rights and empowerment.

• Sr. Lopez: We are studying Spanish Nouns and Articles (Gender and Number Agreement).
• Graduate Profile Connection: As students learn Spanish nouns and articles correctly, they are practicing critical thinking by identifying patterns, effective communication by expressing themselves in another language, and emotional intelligence by staying positive and persistent as they learn.
• KEY DATES: Unit One Test: October 8th and 9th.

• Ms. Arroyo: We are finishing up Unit 1. The students have learned how to describe themselves and others physically and how to talk about personalities. The students are able to talk about their likes and dislikes as well.
• Graduate Profile Connection: Students are engaging in effective communication in Spanish by describing their likes and dislikes and describing their own traits. They are critical thinkers when making grammar connections in Spanish to that of their own language. They often engage in emotional intelligence by supporting their peers and by never giving up when facing struggles in their language journey.
• KEY DATES: Spanish 1 Unit 1 M/C Exam: October 14th and 16th; Spanish 1 Unit 1 Speaking/Writing Exam: October 15th and 17th

• Graduate Profile Connection: In Spanish 2, students are using their knowledge of what they have learned this unit to become effective communicators in Spanish. This helps them create real world connections with their Spanish speaking peers and community members.

• KEY DATES: Spanish 2 Unit 1 M/C Exam: October 14th and 16th; Spanish 2 Unit 1 Speaking/Writing Exam: October 15th and 17th

• Graduate Profile Connection: Students are becoming effective communicators through topic discussions such as family & communities as well as technology and innovations. They are making real world connections and are becoming critical thinkers by analyzing text that discuss these topics.

• KEY DATES: Spanish 2 for Spanish Speakers Unit 2 Exam: October 27th-31st

• Graduate Profile Connection: In Spanish 3 for Spanish Speakers, we are growing as effective communicators by refining our bilingual writing and speaking, as critical thinkers by analyzing language and culture, as real-world leaders who use our voices to connect and advocate, and as emotionally intelligent individuals who value our identities and the diversity of others.

• KEY DATES: Unit Two Exam: Final week of October (27th - 31st)

• Graduate Profile Connection: In Spanish 4 for Spanish Speakers, as we study gender roles in Latin America, we are growing as critical thinkers who analyze how culture shapes identity, as effective communicators who discuss complex ideas respectfully, as global citizens who see real-world connections between past and present, and as emotionally intelligent individuals who value empathy and diverse perspectives.

• KEY DATES: Spanish 4 test: Oct 22 and 24

We are currently completing our district assessments for Unit 1: Present Yourself and Likes/Dislikes (Activities). From September 22–26, students took the writing portion of the test. The speaking assessment was held from September 29–October 3. During the final week of the quarter, students completed the multiple-choice interpretive test, which focuses on listening and reading skills.

On week 1 of quarter 2, we will start daily routines, reflexive verbs, and passe compose (past tense).

• Graduate Profile Connection: In Unit 1, students practiced introducing themselves and talking about their likes and dislikes through writing, speaking, reading and listening activities. These tasks helped them communicate clearly, think critically about language, work with peers, and learn about French-speaking cultures. Next, in Unit 2, students will describe daily routines and past activities, continuing to build confidence, creativity, and independence in using French.

You don’t have to speak Spanish or French to support your student. Encourage daily exposure through music, shows, apps, and conversation.

Even short, fun moments of contact make a big difference.

• Change the language setting on Netflix or Disney+ for a familiar show — use subtitles in English or the target language.

• Listen to music in Spanish or French together — look up the lyrics and talk about what you think they mean.

• Follow a bilingual YouTube channel or podcast (for teens) — short clips keep interest high.

• Label household items with sticky notes in the target language (la puerta, la fenêtre, la table, etc.).

• Encourage 10 minutes a day on Duolingo, Quizlet, Blooket, or Gimkit for vocab review.

• Download a language learning podcast like Coffee Break Spanish/French or Duolingo Stories.

• Use Google Translate to hear pronunciation or to check how a sentence sounds, not just what it means.

• Create a family “language challenge” — who can say the most new words by Friday?

You don’t need to know the language — just help them think like a learner.

• Review regularly ALL material posted in Schoology (15-20 minutes daily).

• Ask, “Can you teach me what you learned today?”
• Teaching someone else helps them remember.

• Help your child organize notes or flashcards by topic (colors, verbs, food, etc.).

• Set up a study space free from distractions for quick daily review.

• Encourage speaking aloud — even if they’re just reading homework directions or vocabulary lists.

Middle schoolers can get shy or frustrated when language learning feels hard.

• Celebrate effort, not perfection: “I love hearing you practice Spanish/French!”

• Watch a movie or cartoon in the language and talk about cultural differences you notice.

• Try a simple recipe from a Spanish- or French-speaking country — connect language to real life.

• Talk about why being bilingual is powerful: more job opportunities, travel, and global connections.

Show interest in the people and traditions behind the language.

• Explore holidays like El Día de los Muertos or La Fête Nationale.

• Find a local restaurant, market, or cultural event tied to the language.

Encourage your child to research a famous person from a Spanish- or French-speaking country and share what they learned at dinner.

• Ms. Arroyo - Spanish 1,2,3 - Vivian.Arroyo@risd.org
• Mr. Godinez - Spanish 4 - Heriberto.Godinez@risd.org
• Sr. Lopez - Spanish 1 & 3 - Daniel.Lopezrodriguez@risd.org
• Mr. Falies - French 2 - Luc.Falies@risd.org

Before your student can attend before- or after-school tutorials, they must speak with their teacher to sign up in the RTI Scheduler. This sign-up acts as their “pass” to tutoring.

• 10/10-13 - Fall Break - No School
• 10/15 - Fall Choir Concert @ 6:30 PM
• 10/22 - Fall Band Concert @ 6 PM
• 10/24 - Fall Picture day
• 10/27-31 - Red Ribbon Week
• 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
• 11/18 - Orchestra Fall Concert @ Richardson HS Auditorium @ 6:30 PM
• 12/16-19 – Fall Exam Week

Haga clic aquí para español.

Dear Families,

As the holiday season approaches, we understand it can be a challenging time for some. If your family is in need of assistance this year, we want to make you aware of a helpful resource.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program offers support to families by providing gifts and essentials for children during the holidays. If you would like to learn more or apply for assistance, please visit the link below.

All information submitted is kept confidential. Please don’t hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity if it can help bring a little extra joy to your family this season.

A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention

In honor of Red Ribbon Week, we want to provide our parents with some resources on how to talk to your kids about substance use. This can be a difficult topic to broach and we want to give you tools to begin your conversations. Please see the flyer below for this year’s theme. As always, we are here to help.

We will be hosting an informational night for all 8th grade parents here at Westwood called Road to RHS. This event is designed to educate and equip you as you prepare to transition your student from junior high to high school. We will be discussing Personalized Graduation Plans, high school credit requirements and course offerings, extra curricular activities, and parental involvement at RHS and with their PTA. Westwood and RHS counselors will be present, as well as RHS Principal, Chris Choat, and CTE Counselor, Jennifer Sweaks. Please RSVP for the event using the QR code below, and we look forward to seeing you!

Hello Westwood Families,

It’s that time again! Westwood Junior High, Math, Science, and Leadership Magnet is excited to invite speakers to chat with our students about how the skills they are learning in the classroom connect to future careers. This year’s event will take place on November 6th.

We are so grateful for the incredible community support we’ve received in the past and would be thrilled to have you join us again this year—either in person or virtually!

If you’re willing to share your time and experiences to help inspire and develop young minds, please let us know by completing this Google Form.

Our students truly benefit from the knowledge, stories, and skills our community members bring, and we deeply appreciate your involvement in continuing the tradition of Westwood EdTalks!

If you have any questions, please contact:
Melissa Compton 📧 melissa.compton@risd.org

We’re looking for parent volunteers to support behind the scenes during our MST Ed Talks on Thursday, November 6th! Help us create a smooth experience for our student speakers by assisting with Green Room responsibilities.. Your support at this event is invaluable!

Join us as we travel to London during Spring Break 2026!

Since 2022, Westwood 8th grade students and parents have explored London together, experiencing highlights such as:

• Oxford University
• The Tower of London
• The London Eye
• Westminster Abbey
• The Globe Theatre
• West End Musicals such as:
• Matilda
• Back to the Future
• Walking Ghost Tours
• ...and much more!

This action-packed five-day trip is the perfect way to make lasting memories while discovering the history, culture, and excitement of London.

Questions? Contact Coach Lockett at beverly.lockett@risd.org.

The staff at Richardson ISD are increasingly more concerned about the increase of adolescents

using drugs and alcohol in recent years. Fundamentally, it is important that we provide students

with comprehensive drug education.

We are continuing “The More You Know” series this year with several lessons from the Stanford

Reach Lab’s prevention curriculum as well as information from the National Institute on Alcohol

Abuse and Alcoholism. These lessons were chosen because they are evidence-based and

provide science-based information for the risks of drugs for adolescents.

During the months of October, January, and March, 6th - 12th grade students at our secondary

campuses will receive the following lessons chosen to inform them of the dangers of drugs on

their growing brains, the risks of opioids/misuse of prescription drugs, harm reduction, and

positive ways to cope with stress.

Additionally, feel free to contact the Counseling and Prevention Services department at

469-593-9112.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lauren DeBose

Director of Intervention Services

Counseling and Prevention Services

Dr. Summer Martin

Executive Director

Counseling and Prevention Services

Dear Families,

As we prepare for the upcoming admissions process for our elementary and junior high magnet programs, we want to share important updates regarding eligibility requirements.

Before students may be considered for the magnet lottery, they must first meet basic academic, attendance, and behavior expectations. These criteria ensure that students are well-prepared to thrive in our rigorous and specialized magnet learning environments.

Please take time to encourage your child to:

• Maintain regular attendance (at least 90% or higher).

• Strive for high academic achievement by keeping an overall average of 80 or above in the core subjects—Math, Reading/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies and avoiding course failures.

• Demonstrate positive behavior that reflects our Code of Civility by being safe, respectful, and responsible. Students with repeated discipline incidents or suspensions may not be eligible.

We are sharing these expectations early so that families and students are fully aware of the requirements well before the application window. Our goal is to prevent any student from losing access to the lottery process due to attendance, academic performance, or behavior concerns.

Finalized entry and acceptance guidelines, as well as application timelines, will be communicated soon on our district website and other district publications..

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students excel both in and out of the classroom. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in our magnet programs.

Annual Snap Raise Fundraiser:

We’re excited to kick off our Westwood Junior High Boys and Girls Athletics Snap! Raise fundraiser on October 17th - November 14th! Our goal is to raise the funds needed to give every athlete the best possible experience — both on and off the court and field. Your support helps us cover important program costs such as awards, team ties, events and activities, and wishlist items. These items directly impact our athletes’ growth, confidence, and success throughout the season.

This is the only fundraiser for the 2025-2026 school year. Together, we can reach our goal and make this year one to remember. Thank you for your continued support of Westwood Athletics—where teamwork, dedication, and pride make us legendary!

Athletic Shop:

All orders arrived at Westwood on Monday, October 6th and were distributed to student-athletes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thank you for supporting Westwood and showing off your WOLF PRIDE gear.

Fall Sports Update:

FOOTBALL:

• The Wolves will compete against Richardson North Junior HIgh at JJ Pearce Field on Tuesday, October 14th.

• 7th Grade game starts at 5:30 PM

• 8th Grade game will begin at 7:00 PM

VOLLEYBALL:

• The volleyball teams defeated Liberty Junior High this week. The next competition is set for Thursday, October 16th.

• The 7th grade games will host Lake Highlands Middle School

• 7C will play at 5:30 PM, followed by the 7A team at 6:30 PM, and 7B will close out the night at 7:30 PM.

• The 8th grade teams will play at Lake Highlands Middle School. Game times are set for 8A @ 5:30 PM and 8B @ 6:30 PM.

• Tickets can be purchased online https://richardsonisd.brushfire.com/ or at the door.

• Volleyball will show appreciation to our teachers and Staff members on the following dates:

• 8th Grade Teachers:

• Thursday, October 23rd. Games are set for 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.

• 7th Grade Teachers:

• Monday, October 27th. Game times are 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:30 PM.

Cross Country:

• Boys: 8th grade finished in 1st place and 7th grade earned 2nd place this past week. The next competition is at Huffhines Park on Thursday, October 16th at 4:30 PM.

• Girls: 7th and 8th grade girls earned a 1st place finish in Division II against Lake Highlands Middle School, Liberty Junior High, and Apollo Junior High during the October 7th meet. The next competition is Tuesday, October 14th at Huffhines Park. The start time is 4:30 PM.

Westwood Athletic Coordinators

• Girls: Beverley Lockett beverly.lockett@risd.org

• Boys: Andres Cervantes andres.cervantes@risd.org

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/

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!

PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts. For more information, visit our website WWJH PTA Reflections 2025-26 or email artsed@westwoodpta.org.

The theme for 2025-26 is "I Belong..." Express your artistic talents with PTA Reflections in the categories of dance choreography, musical composition, photography, visual arts, film production, and literature. Entries due Oct 29!

Early Voting is from Oct. 20-31 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.

See proposed projects for our campus and others.

Information Sessions:

To help parents and community members learn more about Bond 2025 and its potential impact on their campus, Richardson ISD is holding a series of information sessions. You are highly encouraged to attend an information session in our community to learn more. The next meeting will be held October 16 at 6:30 PM at Westwood Junior High. All information sessions are open to the public.

Spanish interpretation services are available. To submit your request, please email Teresa Ordóñez or call 469-593-0312 with 24-hours in advance.

For more information, including a video overview and a schedule of all information sessions, please visit the official Bond 2025 website at https://web.risd.org/home/bond2025/.

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.