Stinger Stories

Dear West Side Families,

I hope this edition of Stinger Stories finds your family making the most of every moment of summer— pool playdates, travel adventures, late nights with ice cream, and treasured family time! With the July 4th celebrations behind us, we are now less than one month away from welcoming our Stingers back to West Side.

Whether you are joining the West Side family for the very first time or returning for another incredible year, we are thrilled to have you part of the hive. From our newest Kindergarten Stingers taking their very first steps into elementary school to our outstanding 5th graders preparing to lead our campus, every student has an important place in our West Side family. Our teaching staff will return on July 27 to prepare for an outstanding start, and while there's nothing quite like summertime, our entire staff is excited to welcome students back for another year of learning, growth, and unforgettable memories at West Side. We are ready to make this year our most legendary one yet!

Inside this edition of Stinger Stories, you'll find everything you need to help your family have a smooth and successful start to the school year. Be sure to review our Family Handbook, school supply lists, uniform information, bus routes, and opportunities to support our incredible PTA. You'll also receive one final summer edition of Stinger Stories the week before Sneak-a-Peek with last-minute reminders and exciting updates.

Until then, enjoy every remaining day of summer. We hope you continue making memories together, getting plenty of rest, and soaking up this special season. If there is anything we can do to support your child's transition back to school, please don't hesitate to reach out. We've missed your precious children, and we cannot wait to see everyone back where they belong. There's no place like West Side!

Warm regards,

Christina

Christina Wagoner, Ed.D.

Principal

The 2026-2027 school year is right around the corner, and we cannot wait to see your Stinger! Be prepared for the first day of school with this helpful information. All families are encouraged ot read the West Side Family Handbook, linked below.

If you have not already signed your child up for the Kindergarten Skills Assessment, please do so at the link below.

On July 30, all kindergarten parents are welcomed to join the West Side administration, Kindergarten teachers, and PTA to get a jump start on the first day of school. Parents will learn how to make the first days of school successful for their child, meet their child's teacher, and visit the PTA tables in ahead of Sneak-a-Peek.

Dress down days begin on September 3! Annual passes are on sale now through August 31 for $15.00. Your Stinger will not want to miss dress down days this year!

The West Side Elementary 2026-2027 PTA Executive Board is gearing up for an amazing school year and we can’t wait to see everyone at Sneak-a-Peek on August 3rd! We are so grateful for your generous support--we could not do it without you! As you and your Stinger(s) prepare to return to school, below are some ways you can support the West Side PTA:

1. Join the West Side PTA. All PTA memberships must be purchased online via Totem for $10. A portion of proceeds from memberships in Totem directly supports the West Side PTA. After you've completed your purchase (1 membership per household), be sure to add your West Side Student(s) to the family tab to ensure they receive credit for all PTA membership incentives. (Note: In your Membership Details section, there is a button to ‘Add a Student’ at the bottom.)
2. Make your Direct Donation to West Side PTA! The West Side PTA relies on your generosity and a donation of any amount helps directly support our students, teachers and school community. As we embark on a new school year, we are so excited about the PTA Legacy Project! More details will be shared soon. You can make your donation today on the West Side PTA Givebacks store. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
3. Volunteer for the West Side PTA! There are many opportunities to share your time and talents with our PTA. Stop by the auditorium during Sneak-a-Peek or sign-up here.
4. Order West Side Spirit Wear! All orders placed by Sunday, July 26th will be available for pickup at Sneak-a-Peek. We have restocked some of our classic styles, as well as stocked a few NEW items. Be sure to check them out and place your orders here!
5. Room Parent Interest Form! If you are interested in serving as a Room Parent for the 2026-2027 school year, please fill out this form. We will notify the assigned Room Parents by the middle of August.
6. Follow West Side PTA on Instagram @westsideelementarypta and Facebook (West Side Elementary PTA)! (NOTE: For security purposes, after requesting to follow West Side PTA on Instagram, please send a message to @westsideelementarypta with the name of your student(s) so we can approve your request)

We are so grateful for your generous support and are looking forward to a wonderful school year!

West Side Elementary School PTA 2026-2027 Executive Board

Co-Presidents: Sarah Allen and Meghan Daniel

Co-Vice Presidents: Whitney Curtis and Mandi Nyman

Treasurer: Grayson Brooks

Secretary: Rachael Brunelle

Parliamentarian: Amanda Hall

Spirit Wear sales are NOW OPEN! Order by Saturday, July 26th for pick-up at sneak-a-peek.

We are looking for room parents to support the Stinger staff throughout the school year. Room parents help organize classroom parties and celebrate the teacher during the school year. Please complete the form below if you would like to serve as a room parent this year.

Priority will be given to those that are not already serving as a PTA Committee Chair. The PTA Board will notify the assigned room parents by the middle of August.

Marietta Community Schools has planned great fall course offerings for after school enrichment. Register soon before classes fill!

Fall Term: August 18-November 21, 2025

NO class: 9/1 (Labor Day); 9/22-9/26 (Fall Break); 10/13-10/17 (Conference Week)

Email: cwagoner@marietta-city.k12.ga.us

Website: https://www.marietta-city.org/Domain/14
Location: 344 Polk Street Northwest, Marietta, GA, USA
Phone: 7704293172