Westwood Wire

Top (Left-Right): Amir Sabri, Paxton Parker (Department Chair), Kurt Johnson, Carter Tibbets

Bottom (Left-Right): Cynthia Witkowicz, Jen Yon (Instructional Coach), Christine Wilkin

In Mr. Parker's & Coach Tibbets' Algebra class, students were working to solve equations

through a scavenger hunt.

In Mrs. Wilkin's geometry class students are builfing polyhedrons with manipulatives.

All Math Courses NWEA MAP Growth testing in class: Sept 8–11

Pre-Algebra - Topics: Solving equations with and without variables on both sides

• Graduate Profile Connection: Solving equations strengthens critical thinking skills and builds a strong foundation for future math courses.

• Key Dates: Quiz: Sept 18/19 (tentative) & i-Ready Diagnostic: Sept 22

Pre-Algebra GT - Topics: Solving equations with and without variables on both sides & Scientific Notation

• Graduate Profile Connection: These skills support higher-level math readiness and foster the ability to approach problems systematically

• Key Dates: Quiz: Sept 18/19 (tentative) & i-Ready Diagnostic: Sept 22

Algebra 1 - Topics: Functions and Linear Equations

• Graduate Profile Connection: Linear equations help students predict outcomes, make informed decisions, and apply math to real-world contexts such as financial planning.

• Key Dates: Unit 1 & 2 Test: Sept 24/25

Algebra 1 GT - Topics: Functions and Linear Equations & Drone Delivery Zones: Domain & Range GT Lesson

• Graduate Profile Connection: Students learn to model situations, simplify complex problems, and apply mathematical thinking to real-world innovations.

• Key Dates: Unit 1 & 2 Test: Sept 24/25

Algebra II - Topics: Domain and Range, Parent Functions & Polynomial Operations

• Graduate Profile Connection: These topics build the analytical skills and mathematical foundations needed for success in advanced STEM courses.

• Key Dates: Quiz – Systems & Matrices: Sept 4 & Sept 18 (tentative) - Test: Oct 2 (tentative)

Geometry - Topics: Deductive Reasoning & Geometric Proofs

• Graduate Profile Connection: Deductive reasoning improves critical thinking and teaches students to recognize flawed arguments, a valuable life skill in decision-making and problem-solving.

• Key Dates: Unit Test: Sept 18

• Encourage students to attend tutorials during posted times.

• Check student work and progress regularly.

• Practice solving equations (short daily practice goes a long way).

• ALEKS for Algebra 1: Aim for 45 minutes each week (if assigned).

• RTI support: Sign up for Algebra 1/Algebra 2 weekly RTI sessions (as applicable).

• Pre-Algebra GT Step-by-step help: Use MathGPT as a math resource for guided solutions.

• Watch together: Pre Algebra Video 1 & Video 2 - Geometry Video 1 & Video 2

Algebra:

• Mr. Parker - PreAlgebra/ Algebra 1/ Algebra - Paxton.Parker@risd.org
• Mr. Johnson - Algebra 1 - William.Jonhson@risd.org
• Coach Tibbets - Algebra 1 - Carter.Tibbets@risd.org

Pre-Algebra:

• Mrs. Wilkin - Pre-algebra/Geometry - Christine.Wilkin@risd.org
• Mr. Sabri - Pre-Algebra - Amir.Sabrialias@risd.org
• Mrs. Witkowicz - Pre-Algebra - Cynthia.Witkowicz@risd.org

Before your student can attend before- or after-school tutorials, they must speak with their teacher to sign up in the RTI Scheduler. This sign-up acts as their “pass” to tutoring.

Top (Left-Right): Harry Godinez, Kristin Zeito, Nick Heinen (Department Chair)

Bottom (Left-Right): Jen Yon (Instructional Coach), Megan Pearce, Mandy Cooper

In Mrs. Pearce’s and Mrs. Zeito’s classroom students collaborate in lab groups

with a balance scale to determine chemical vs physical changes in substances.

Mr. Heinen is demonstrating various experiments for the class to determine

if students can tell the difference between magic and real science.

All Science Courses NWEA MAP Growth testing in class: Sept 12th and 15th

7th Science Advanced - Topic: Chemical & Physical Changes

• Graduate Profile Connection: Understanding chemical and physical changes builds problem-solving skills and helps students see science in everyday life.
• Key Dates: Sept18th and 19th

GT 7th Science - Topic: Chemical & Physical Changes; Physics Fair — students will create and design games using principles of physics.

• Graduate Profile Connection: Applying physics principles in a creative project fosters critical thinking, innovation, and real-world problem solving.
• Key Dates: Sept 18th and 19th

Math-Based Science - Topic: Engineering process, kinetic energy, potential energy — applying knowledge to build trebuchets.

• Graduate Profile Connection: Designing and building trebuchets blends real-world application with critical thinking, strengthening engineering and problem-solving skills.
• Key Dates: Sept 12

Accelerated Science Advanced 7/8 - Topic: Chemistry concepts through investigation of information in MSDS sheets.

• Graduate Profile Connection: Interpreting real-world data sources sharpens analytical skills and deepens understanding of science in everyday contexts.
• Key Dates: Sept 12

8th Science Advanced - Topic: Force, motion, and acceleration; conservation of mass; energy transfer.

• Graduate Profile Connection: Exploring these concepts strengthens critical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly.
• Key Dates: Sept 10–11, Oct 2–3

GT 8th Science - Topic: Force, motion, and acceleration; conservation of mass; energy transfer — with real-world applications and cross-curricular alignments.

• Graduate Profile Connection: Applying physical science to real-world situations promotes higher-order thinking and effective communication across disciplines.
• Key Dates: Sept 10–11, Oct 2–3

Advanced Physics & Chemistry - Topic: Motion (speed, velocity, acceleration) and Newton’s Laws.

• Graduate Profile Connection: Studying motion and Newton’s Laws enhances critical thinking and equips students to connect scientific principles to real-world problems.
• Key Dates: Sept 16–17

• Encourage students to review notes nightly (10–15 minutes).

• Have your child create and study notecards.

• Check IXL assignments for extra practice.

• Ask to see projects/designs as they work on them.

• Remind your child to study vocabulary before bed.

• Review exit ticket (ET) and quiz scores on their device.

• Look over written lab reports when sent home.

• Encourage completion of all homework assignments.

• Mrs. Cooper - 7th Science / 7th GT Science - Amanda.Cooper@risd.org
• Mr. Godinez - 7th Science - Heriberto.Godinez@risd.org
• Mr. Heinen - Accelerated Science / Math Based Science - Nicklaus.Heinen@risd.org
• Mrs. Pearce - 8th Science / Physics & Chemistry - Megan.Pearce@risd.org
• Mrs. Zeito - 8th Science / 8th GT Science - Kristin.Zeito@risd.org

Before your student can attend before- or after-school tutorials, they must speak with their teacher to sign up in the RTI Scheduler. This sign-up acts as their “pass” to tutoring.

• 09/02-15 - Beginning of Year MAP Testing
• 09/10 - Open House & PTA Meeting 6 - 7:30 PM
• 09/19 - Fall Dance Hosted by WWJH PTA
• 10/03 – RHS Homecoming (early release @ 2 pm for parade & game)
• 10/10-13 - Fall Break
• 10/24 - Fall Picture day
• 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
• 12/16-19 – Fall Exam Week

The PTA Meeting will begin at 6pm in the library.

The Open House: Meet The Teacher is from 6:30-7:30pm and is come and go. During this time, you can check in with your child’s teacher in any order and sign up for a conference, should you request one.

Please bring a copy of your child’s schedule which can be accessed on FOCUS. To sign up for a parent FOCUS account, please click here for the directions.

We are looking forward to a wonderful night with you on campus and a great year working with you to support your student’s success and growth.

Catch up on all the updates from our August 29th edition. Click below to view the full newsletter.

Join us under the big top for a night of music, lights, and dance magic at the Cirque de Wolfpack Dance! Don’t miss the chance to dance with your friends, snap some amazing photos, and enjoy a night full of fun. Tickets are on sale now—grab yours before they disappear like magic!

A heartfelt thank you to our PTA for organizing the Chick-fil-A fundraiser at our scrimmage football game. Your efforts made this event a success, and we appreciate all the parents who attended and contributed!

Congratulations to our girls for their fantastic performance in their first scrimmage game last night! We are proud of their hard work and dedication.

We are thrilled to announce that Coach Beahm is the RISD Coach of the Month!

A big thank you to our PTA for providing T-shirts and stocking our lounge and breakfast. We truly appreciate all that you do for our students and staff. If you haven't yet joined our PTA, we encourage you to do so!

Texas legislation requires all parents and guardians to provide clear opt-in and opt-out preferences for their student regarding various activities and services such as:

• Available access to health services (all grade levels)

• After-school clubs (all grade levels)

• Counseling opportunities (K-5 & 7-12)

• Library Services (all grade levels)
  
  

All RISD parents/legal guardians received an email from the district on Friday, August 22 with information to select your preferences for your student(s) in FOCUS. Please make sure that you check your email, you should have a message from RIchardson ISD, with the subject line: Important Parent Message in Regards to Recent Texas Legislation.

Please visit the FOCUS portal and use the newly created page to submit your preferences for each of your children.

If you have additional questions, please submit a Let’s Talk here.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. We look forward to a great new school year.

Dear RISD Parent/Guardian:

Texas Department of State Health Services requires different annual screenings based on the student’s grade level. A list of required screenings by grade level is below. The types of screenings conducted annually include vision, hearing, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal. All screenings will be conducted throughout the school year instead of one mass screening day.

Screenings will begin on September 16th and will continue upon completion.

If a student’s screening results indicate the need for further evaluation by a physician or other health provider, then the nurse will send home a referral letter. This screening does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and check-ups.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the mandated school screening, a physician-signed hearing, vision, acanthosis nigricans and/or spinal evaluation for the student must be submitted to the school nurse before September 2, 2025.

Required Screenings by Grade Level

Pre-K 4’s – hearing and vision

Kindergarten – hearing and vision

1st grade – hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans

2nd grade (new to RISD students only) – hearing and vision

3rd – hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans

4th (new to RISD students)- hearing and vision

5th - hearing, vision, acanthosis nigricans, and spinal (spinal is girls only)

6th (new to RISD students) – hearing and vision

7th hearing, vision, and acanthosis nigricans, spinal (spinal is girls only)

8th (boys) - spinal

8th-12th (new to RISD students) - hearing and vision

Thank you,

RISD Health Services

Securly Pass is a digital hall pass system that helps schools monitor and manage student movement on campus, improving safety and accountability for all students.

Key Features & Benefits

• Safety & Accountability – Staff can see which students are out of class, where they are going, and why. This ensures students are accountable at all times and can be quickly located in an emergency.
• Reduces Disruptions – Helps maximize instructional time by reducing unapproved hallway gatherings.
• Real-Time Updates – Student rosters sync automatically, ensuring staff always have accurate information when managing passes.

What Parents Should Know

1. Securly Pass enhances school safety and keeps students focused on learning.
2. Student movement is monitored to increase accountability and reduce classroom interruptions.
3. The system is designed to protect students, promote transparency, and support a safe, productive learning environment.
4. There are options to design specific plans of support for students as well adjustments that can be made on the “fly” if an emergency or need comes up.

🎥 Learn More: Watch this short informational video

It's been a busy start to the semester and we are excited to gear for another great year in Westwood Athletics. The coaches and student-athletes have been working hard preparing for the upcoming games in early September. Thank you in advance for your support this year. GO WOLVES!

Chick-fil-a Westwood Spirit Night

Please come out to support Westwood PTA on September 11th from 4PM - 8 PM by fueling up before or after the volleyball game against Parkhill Junior High. A portion of your purchase at the Spanish Village location (7934 Arapaho Road) will be donated to Westwood Junior High PTA. See the attached flyer for mobile and delivery order codes.

Fall Sports Photos will be taken on Wednesday, October 1st from 7:00 AM - 9:30 AM. The teams participating in picture day include Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Cheer. Additional information with times will be provided to student-athletes prior to the photo date.

RHS Homecoming 2025:

As in the past Westwood Athletics will participate in RHS's annual homecoming parade on October 3rd. This year's theme is RHS EAGLES: BE THE LEGEND. The entry fee for the parade is one donation item (a package of socks or underwear) per student participating which is for the RISD Clothes Closet. If you would like to volunteer a truck and/or trailer for the athletes to ride on or decorations, please inform the coaches. Last year the parents did a great job helping out, decorating, and donating items for the trailers and bottled water for the students. Thank you once again for your thoughtfulness and generosity. We could not make things happen in such a great manner without our parents!

Westwood Athletic Coordinators

Girls: Beverley Lockett beverly.lockett@risd.org

Boys: Andres Cervantes andres.cervantes@risd.org

8th Grade online orders were received and distributed to student-athletes on Thursday, September 4th

Open Store: The athletic store is open and will remain open until September 12th. Spirit wear such as practice items, WOLVES spirit wear (t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, polos, and hats) are included on the site.

• Once the store closes on September 12th, please keep in mind, delivery takes 14-21 days after the store's closing date.

• In order to create and maintain a culture of unity, student-athletes are encouraged to wear the approved 7th and 8th Westwood Athletics Uniform and team shirts.

• The next reopening date will be November and December for basketball and Spring sports items.

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/

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!

Richardson ISD is holding information sessions for parents and community members to learn more about Bond 2025. Attend one of the upcoming Information Sessions:

• Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. - Liberty Junior High

• Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. - Apollo Junior High

• Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m. - Lake Highlands Elementary

• Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m. - Richardson North Junior High

• Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. - Parkhill Junior High

• Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m. - Richardson West Junior High

• Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. - RISD Administration Building Auditorium

• Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m. - Westwood Junior High

Information sessions are open to the public. Learn more at www.risd.org/bond2025.

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.