Gator Playbook
West Riverside Elementary's Weekly Newsletter
October 25, 2026
Thank you to everyone who attended the Fall Festival and/or STEM Night! Both events were well attended! A special thank you to our PTA for organizing a fantastic Fall Festival and to our teachers for planning a great STEM Night!
We have a busy week ahead culminating in the Book Character Parade and Character Dance on Friday! Enjoy this beautiful fall weather and let's make it a great week!
Upcoming Events
Books for Buttons
Congratulations to all the students who met their 1st quarter reading goal! Students who met the goal received a button and a Ben & Jerry's ice cream coupon! If you did not meet the goal, you may try again in the 2nd quarter. We are using PageHive to log our books. There is not a parent login for PageHive. Only students can access it from their OneView account.
Directions for PageHive:
- Go to OneView
- Click on My Links
- Click on PageHive
- Log your books/minutes
Kona Ice
Kona Ice will be here on Friday, October 30th. Cups start at $4.00. You may pay in advance via the link or send cash. Paying it forward for Students of the Month is always much appreciated.
Dress Code
Students should adhere to the district's General Code of Appearance for Students. Please remember that shoes must have backs and shorts/skirts should be no shorter than mid-thigh area.
Find more information here: General Code of Appearance | Duval County Public Schools
Attendance
Arriving on time and remaining at school for the full day helps students receive the instruction they need to succeed. Lessons begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and typically last 15 to 30 minutes. A student who arrives 30 minutes late may miss an entire lesson. Early departures also result in missed instruction. Over time, these absences can create gaps in learning and make it more difficult for students to keep pace with their classmates. School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students may arrive as early as 8:00 a.m. Thank you for helping your child arrive on time and stay for the full school day.
Click the link for information regarding absences: Attendance Services | Duval County Public Schools
Safety Reminder
All visitors MUST show ID to enter the school building. Please remember to bring your ID with you and be patient with office staff who are enforcing safety policies.
Car Line Reminders
Please be courteous to others by not skipping the line. All cars should enter the car line at Barrs St. See the map for details.
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is October 23-31, 2026! This year's theme is "Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free."
Fall Picture Day!
Fall Picture Day is coming on Thursday, October 29, 2026! Picture order forms were sent home on Tuesday. Today is the last day to pay by credit card online at clixjacksonville.gotphoto.com/prepay/login.
PAL Basketball
The Police Athletic League (PAL) offers basketball programs for youth ages 5-18. The season runs from January to March 2027. See the flyer for registration details.
Community Event
Check out the community event Halloween on the Corner sponsored by one of our faith-based partners, Riverside Avenue Christian Church, on Saturday, October 31st at 6:00 p.m. Stop by for candy, games, a playground scavenger hunt, and music!
Chess Club
We are pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity for our students! Chess Comic Academy is offering an after school Chess Club right here at West Riverside! Every Tuesday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., students will participate. Beginners are welcome! Register using the link on the flyer.
Community Care Drive
West Riverside is hosting a Community Care Drive for neighbors in need. Donations of new socks and undergarments will be accepted from October 15th through November 16th. Please contact Dr. Jones at jonest27@duvalschools.org for more information.
Book Character Parade
Students may dress as their favorite book character and participate in our indoor Book Character Parade on October 30th. Students should have a book to go with their costume. No toy weapons or masks are allowed.
Book Character Dance
It's time for our annual Book Character Dance! Join us on Friday, October 30th from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $16.00 which includes 5 snack tickets. All students must have a permission slip turned in by Tuesday, October 27th and pay for the event on schoolcashonline.com. Proceeds benefit the WRES Safety Patrols. Come dressed as your favorite book character and show off your best dance moves!
Clothing Closet
Thank you for your donations to the clinic clothing closet. Some of the items donated have already been put to good use!
Here is the updated list of items still needed:
- Girls underwear - size 10 & 12
- Girls stretchy long pants - size 7/8, 10, 12
- Girls stretchy shorts - size 8 & 10
- Boys athletic shorts (no zipper) - size 4/5, 6/7,10/12,14/16
- Boys Athletic long pants (no zipper) - size 4/5, 6/7, 8, 10/12, 14/16
Clothing donations do not have to be new, just on good condition. Donations may be dropped off to the main office and we will make sure our health aide, Ms. Dipatri, receives them.
School Tours
Join us for a School Tour or visit our booth at the Enrollment Expo! See dates and times below.
Community Spotlight
Thank you to Ms. Angela Mann, parent of a WRES student, for pouring her time and effort into our school garden. She has been instrumental in getting the garden cleaned up and ready for our little gardeners! During the Fall Festival, we dedicated the garden to her. Thank you for investing in our school and our students, Ms. Mann!
Safety
Keep our school safe! To report suspicious or dangerous activity, go to getfortifyfl.com.
Contact Information
Principal: Amber McCormick
Email: stillsona@duvalschools.org
Assistant Principal: Kiana McAlister
Email: mcalisterk@duvalschools.org
Website: https://www.duvalschools.org/o/wres
Location: 2801 Hershel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Phone: 904-381-3900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRESJacksonville