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Thursday March 19, 2026
Message From the Principal
Dear Westridge Families,
Thank you for a fantastic week filled with rich learning, engaging field trips, and meaningful opportunities to connect and strengthen our school community. It is always a joy to see our students learning, growing, and thriving together!
As we head into the weekend, we also wish a joyful and peaceful Eid al-Fitr to all who are celebrating on Friday. May this special time bring reflection, gratitude, and connection with loved ones.
I am also grateful to the many parents who joined us for last week’s Principal’s Advisory Council (PAC) meeting. Your thoughtful ideas around strengthening instructional clarity, enhancing communication, and expanding opportunities for student choice are invaluable. From exploring focus groups on homework and enrichment to deepening our partnership with PTA, your voice continues to shape our path forward and our commitment to continuous improvement.
Thank you as well to the 55 families who participated in our January Family Engagement Survey. Your feedback highlighted a desire for even greater insight into classroom learning, and we are responding with consistent grade-level communications and our Monthly Classroom Connections Newsletter to keep you informed. We also shared updates regarding the gym/cafeteria flags and our transition to the state’s new School Performance and Support Framework, under which Westridge was proudly recognized as a Distinguished school. Additionally, families asked about math support, and we are pleased to offer both in-school Core Extension Blocks and after-school tutoring for all grade levels.
We are deeply appreciative of your partnership, your feedback, and your trust - it truly makes a difference for our students.
Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
With gratitude and appreciation,
Steven Wilson
Principal
Westridge Elementary School
Important Dates
Friday, March 20- No School (Eid al-Fitr Holiday)
Saturday, March 21- National/World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Monday, March 30 to April 3- Spring Break
Thursday, April 2- World Autism Awareness Day
Monday, April 6- Teacher workday (No School)
Friday, April 10- Westridge Elementary Skate Night at Prince William Ice Rink
Tuesday, April 14- Spirit Night at Wendys
Thursday, April 16- PTA Meeting at 6pm
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)
School Store Fundraiser
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!
Westridge Spirit Wear
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!
JOIN PTA
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.
House Breakfast Dates
Fidelitas - Sept 19th
Quantum - Oct 24th
Amicus - Nov 21st
Integritas - Jan 16th
Animo - Feb 20th
Autism Awareness
💗 Our Kids Heart Challenge starts soon! 💗
Hello, Heart Heroes! Are you ready?! Kids Heart Challenge is coming to our school soon! We have exciting things planned this year to get us moving, help others and have fun. Get a head start by signing up today and join the NFL PLAY 60 Family Challenge by getting active together as a family for 60 minutes a day! Visit our school page at http://www2.heart.org/goto/WestridgeElementary
Our school is getting ready to kick off our Kids Heart Challenge (KHC)! Get a Jump Start and Join TODAY to earn your colorful wristband – Complete Finn’s Mission to Learn how to help save a life! Join our school team on the FREE & fun “AHA Schools” App or at www.heart.org/Schools and complete Finn’s Mission to learn Hands-Only CPR.
Register today and download the “AHA Schools” app – SUPER rewards this year!
Students & Staff - Complete the steps to Finn’s Mission to earn your bright green SUPER Heart-Hero Cape & you’ll also be entered for a Chance to win 2 SUPER Bowl tickets, to the 2027 Super Bowl!!!
We're going to make a huge impact together, Heart Heroes! Tip for Success! Check to see if your employer has a matching gift program—it could double your donation! Follow the steps and forward the confirmation to MatchingGifts@heart.org
If you have QUESTIONS about the webpage or APP? Please contact the Kids Heart Challenge Service & Support Team at schools@cdsfulfillment.com or 1-877-824-8531 ~ They are always very happy to help!
With Heart
Westridge on Ice — PTA Fundraising Night!
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)
Earth Day Give & Grow Event
🌍 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!
🔬🌍 SCIENCE FAIR ALERT, WESTRIDGE FAMILIES! 🌍🔬
🔬🌍 SCIENCE FAIR ALERT, WESTRIDGE FAMILIES! 🌍🔬
Our K–5 Environmental Science Fair is coming up on Saturday, April 25th as part of our Earth Day Give & Grow Event—and we want YOUR student to be part of it! This exciting day also includes the Community Free Market, a Chorus Concert, and a Food Truck Village for families to enjoy together.
This year’s Science Fair prompt challenges students to think big:
👉 “Identify a problem that harms our planet and create a solution that helps protect the environment.”
👩🔬🧑🔬 Students may work individually or in groups of up to 4, and the top 3 projects in each division (K–2 and 3–5) will WIN PRIZES!
📅 Science Fair entry forms are due March 27th
📍 Forms are available outside Ms. Azizi’s classroom — or you can email Ms. Azizi at azizirh@pwcs.edu to request a digital copy.
Projects can be displayed in many ways—tri‑fold boards, posters, models, binders, or digital presentations—so every student can shine in a format that works best for them.
✨ Projects will be showcased during our Earth Day Give & Grow Event, with families, judges, and community members coming through to see our students’ amazing ideas.
Autism Acceptance Run & Community Celebration
Dear Westridge Families,
We are excited to announce our FIRST‑EVER Autism Acceptance Color FUN Run, happening on Saturday, April 18th at Westridge Elementary School! We invite all students, families, friends, and community members to join us for a morning filled with celebration, movement, and colorful fun.
This event is an opportunity for us to honor and support our students with Autism, promote understanding, and enjoy a meaningful community gathering.
🌟 Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, April 18th
📍 Location: Westridge ES
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Quiet/Sensory‑Friendly Wave: 8:00–8:30 AM (reduced noise + calmer atmosphere)
- Color Wave: Begins at 9:00 AM
Families are welcome to participate in whichever wave best fits their needs!
🌈 What to Expect
- A fun run/walk with color‑toss stations
- Music and community energy
- A special Neurodiversity Neighborhood, where all five Westridge “houses” will host sensory‑friendly activity stations
- Lots of smiles, photos, and memories
- A supportive and inclusive celebration for all students
🙌 How You Can Help
A Sign‑Up Genius will be sent out soon for families who would like to volunteer. Opportunities include:
- Supporting color stations
- Helping with setup or cleanup
- Assisting with guiding student groups
If you’re able to volunteer, we would greatly appreciate your support!
📎 Flyer
A flyer is attached to this message. On it, you will find:
A QR code to register for the Color FUN Run
A QR code for donations, for anyone who cannot attend but would still like to support the event
Direct Links:
🔗 Register for the Color FUN Run:
Light it Up Blue- Fun Run – Fill out form
🔗 Make a Donation: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TXB071QGE7K7?ref_=wl_share
Thank you for helping us make our very first Color FUN Run a memorable celebration of our amazing students and the diversity that makes our school community shine. We can’t wait to see everyone on April 18th—colorful and smiling! 💙🌈
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.
Attendance Counts
Celebrating Perfect Attendance –
To celebrate, all students with perfect attendance were entered into our monthly raffle. Congratulations to our February winners:
- K: King Frazier (Samluk)
- 1: Abigail King (Graham)
- 2: Addison Bolen (Elizabeth)
- 3: Bilen Haile (Wilkins)
- 4: Angelina Trecki (Azizi)
- 5: Katherine Sandoval Reynoza (Barr)
Each winner will receive a $10 gift card and a congratulatory certificate. Winners were announced during morning announcements.
How Our Perfect Attendance Incentive Works
- Perfect Attendance = 1 Raffle Entry
No absences (excused or unexcused) for the entire month. - Monthly Raffle Prizes 🎁
Four lucky winners each month will receive a gift card to Cold Stone Creamery or another local favorite! - Recognition Board 🏆
Every student with perfect attendance will have their name proudly displayed on our Perfect Attendance Board in the main hallway, organized by grade level.
Why Attendance Matters
Every school day counts! Being here means:
✅ You don’t miss important learning
✅ You stay connected with friends and teachers
✅ You build strong habits for success
Tips for Families
- Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible
- Set a consistent bedtime and morning routine
- Reach out if you need help - we’re here to support you!
Thank you for partnering with us to make attendance a priority. Let’s keep the momentum going for March!
PWCS Information and Resources
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.
For Your Awareness
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.
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.