Stinger Stories

Dear West Side Families,

It has been a wonderfully busy two weeks at West Side! Our students have experienced memorable learning with our Wax Museum and squid dissections. We honored the men and women who have protected the freedoms of our great country during the Veterans Day program. Our students traveled to Atlanta History Center, Funk Heritage Museum, and Alliance Theatre. We have also seen our chickens, Doodles and Bunny, lay their first eggs. It has surely been an exciting time at West Side!

Next week, we look forward to welcoming our families to the annual Thanksgiving Luncheons (11/18 & 11/19). Ms. Sharlene and her crew are eager to open their kitchen and cafeteria to our West Side families. If you plan to attend, please complete the RSVP and read the meal ticket information below.

As a reminder, there is no school November 23-27 in observation of the Thanksgiving break. If there is anything I can do to better serve or support your child please do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you for entrusting the West Side staff during these formative years. There's no place like West Side!

Warm regards,

Christina

Christina Wagoner, Ed.D.

Principal

On your playlist! The first 2026-2027 edition of our student podcast, The Hive Five, has just dropped! Student journalist and podcasters researched, conducted interviews, and hosted this month's podcast. We encourage all families to enjoy this student friendly podcast on your drive to school! It provides great conversation starters and interesting facts about the people who love West Side!

Greetings, West Side Families! The West Side Elementary Counseling Department is excited to announce our annual Career Day on January 22, 2027! Career Day is a wonderful opportunity for our 3rd–5th grade students to explore a variety of career fields, learn about different professions, and discover exciting possibilities for their futures!

Interested in volunteering? Simply scan the QR code below and complete the registration form.

Thank you for your time, support, and willingness to inspire the next generation of future leaders!

Our third graders and Singing Stingers (4th & 5th grade Chorus) gave a wonderful performance during our 2026 Veterans Day Program! This special event honors the brave men and women who have served our country and remind us of the importance of gratitude, respect, and freedom. A heartfelt thank you to all of our veterans for your courage, sacrifice, and service. We are forever grateful!

Our third grade Stingers brought history to life! From famous leaders to influential inventors, our students stepped into the shoes of historical figures and shared their stories, accomplishments, and contributions. We loved seeing their hard work, creativity, and confidence shine. Job well done, 3rd graders!

Our third grade students experienced a first at West Side - squid dissection! After learning about features of animal in our great oceans, students dissecting squids to locate the adapted organs and structures. Thank you to our STEM Lab and MILE teachers for leading this experience, and thank you to our parent volunteers who helped facilitate each group. Squids are coming back on the calendar next year!

This event is aimed to support our 5th grade families as they look ahead to the middle school years. We invite you to attend to learn more about MSGA & MMS!

With the Thanksgiving season upon us, we want to say thank you to our generous West Side families and staff who support the PTA by attending events, making Direct Donations and volunteering in so many ways to support our school–we appreciate you!

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

We can’t wait to see you next week at the West Side Silent Auction! Tickets are selling FAST–grab yours now before they sell out! You can also bid early on auction items. It will be a great night of festive fun to kick off the holiday season!

Last weekend marked the first step in the installation of the West Side Kitchen Garden, this year’s Legacy Project, with the relocation of two trees. With this relocation, we now have a blank canvas on which to break ground on the Kitchen Garden. And there is still time to support this project! If you have not yet made your Direct Donation and would like to support this project, we’d be so grateful for your support!

To learn more, please see our 2026 Legacy Project Video and make your Direct Donation on Givebacks.

This year, individuals who donate a total of $500 or more will be recognized on the West Side Kitchen Garden donor plaque.

Stinger Serve is coming up, and we’re excited about giving our students the opportunity to give back to their local community! Each grade level has a different project, and we need your help in bringing this wonderful day of service to life! Click the links below to donate items for your students' grade level project (Note: Kindergarten does not have a hyperlink). Collection week is November 30th-December 4th.

● Kindergarten: New stuffed animals for SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center

● 1st Grade: Hygiene kits for Must Ministries

● 2nd Grade: Pantry items for Meals on Wheels

● 3rd Grade: Boredom buster bags for CURE Childhood Cancer

● 4th Grade: Snack packs for The Center for Family Resources

● 5th Grade: Winter carnival for the kindergarteners at Dunleith Elementary

Get your **limited edition** 2026 West Side Homecoming t-shirts and sweatshirts before orders close TODAY at 11:59 p.m.! Adult and youth sizes available; orders will be delivered to your student’s classroom the week of November 30.

As you begin planning for holiday cards this season, please consider using our West Side Elementary Minted promotional code–FUNDRAISEWSES–to receive 20% off your order and 10% will be donated directly back to West Side! Check out all the festive

Hosting for the holidays? Give yourself some time back, reduce your stress and support West Side! Buy a gift card to the Honey Baked Ham and 20% of sales will be donated back to West Side! This offer is great for the holidays, corporate gifts or family gatherings and is valid November and December in stores and online.

The Spirit Exchange is hosting a West Side incentive opportunity for a WHOLE WEEK! Shop December 1–4 to support West Side!

Our students put their creativity and imagination to work, thinking outside the box to bring the theme “What My Culture Means to Me” to life! Each project was a unique reflection of the traditions, experiences, family connections, and special things that make them who they are. We loved seeing the thought, creativity, and personal meaning behind each creation. What a wonderful way to celebrate the beautiful diversity that makes our West Side community so special! Congrats to our West Side Reflections Winners!

Thank you so much to our generous Corporate Sponsors who have made a commitment this school year! New this year, Corporate Sponsors who donate $2,500 or more will also be recognized on the West Side Kitchen Garden sponsor plaque. It’s not too late to join the list of PTA Corporate Sponsors! For more information about becoming a Corporate Sponsor, please email us at westsideelementarystinger@gmail.com Your generosity will benefit generations of children in our community!

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