Westwood Junior High

As I reflect on the first few months of this school year, I’m reminded how truly special our Westwood community is. Our students, families, staff, and PTA make all the difference.

A huge thank you to our amazing PTA for their thoughtful support and treats, from the candy surprises and lounge snacks to the upcoming caramel apple bar. Your care and creativity brighten our days and special thanks to Amy Borne for her leadership and organization!

Our teachers and staff continue to inspire me with their dedication to every student, every day. The pride and love for Westwood shine through in every classroom and hallway.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about these exciting events:

• Road to RHS – November 5: An evening for 8th grade families to learn about the transition to Richardson High School

• MST EdTalks – November 6: Highlighting Math, Science, and Technology careers in our community and beyond. Students will participate during their Math, Science, and CTE classes. Watch the video from our first EdTalks in 2021 Westwood MST EdTalks Video

• Magnet Marketing Night – November 13: A chance for prospective students and families to explore the incredible magnet opportunities at Westwood.

Finally, Progress Report 3 will be emailed to families by 4 p.m. on Friday, October 31, from your child’s Wolf DEN (advisory) teacher. The report will include all current grades, which can also be viewed anytime in FOCUS.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership. Stay connected through our newsletters, social media, website, and PTA updates, we love sharing the great things happening at Westwood!

With Wolf Pack Pride,

Katie Mottram
Principal, Westwood Junior High

kathryn.mottram@risd.org

• 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
• 11/12 - Magnet Marketing Night @ 6:30 PM (For incoming 7th grade families)
• 11/18 - Orchestra Fall Concert @ Richardson HS Auditorium @ 6:30 PM
• 11/20 - Theatre Fall Play
• 11/24-28 - Thanksgiving Break
• 12/9 - Band Winter Concert @ 7 PM @ RHS
• 12/16-19 – Fall Exam Week

Haga clic aquí para español.

Teachers, we can't say enough about what you mean to our program success whether on or off the court. Thank you for supporting Westwood Athletics and helping our students develop in all aspects as they navigate through middle school. We appreciate all that you do!

• For student and staff safety food deliveries from third parties such as Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc. are NOT accepted on campus. Student lunches should only be delivered by a parent or others who are listed on the students emergency card only.
• Students will not be called out of class to pick up lunch deliveries please ensure that you communicate with your student before school starts if you will be dropping off lunch.

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!

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure—Westwood Wolves are heading to London for Spring Break 2026!

For the past four years, Westwood 8th graders have experienced six incredible days exploring London’s sights, culture, and history. Now, we’re thrilled to open the 2026 trip to both 7th and 8th grade students—and parents too!

✨ Trip Highlights:

· 6-day guided tour of London

· Iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and historical sites

· Fun and educational travel opportunity with classmates and staff

📌 Important Info:

· Spaces are limited, so act fast!

· Flexible payment plans are available through our travel provider.

📣 Stay Informed:
Details will also be shared in the weekly Westwood Wire: Learning with the Pack.

For questions or more information, please contact:

· Beverley Lockett, Trip Advisor

· Katie Mottram, Principal

Let’s make Spring Break 2026 one to remember—join the London Wolves adventure!

Westwood Athletic Coordinators

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

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

GO WOLVES!

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/

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!

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!

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.