We have THREE important updates for our families this week to keep every Raider charged up and ready for success.
📌 SAC MEETING – Thursday, November 20th | 5:30 PM | Media Center
Parents and guardians—your voice matters.
Join us for our School Advisory Council meeting at 5:30 PM in the Media Center. SAC is where families help guide school decisions and stay informed about Westside’s direction.
⚡ CHARGE UP INTO WINTER BREAK – Thursday, November 20th | 6:00 PM
Immediately after SAC, join us for our Charge Up Parent Night at 6:00 PM. We’ll review your child’s progress from Quarters 1 & 2, celebrate growth, and provide take-home learning resources to support success over Winter Break. ❄️✨
💻 ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS – Home-Learning Support
We’re also sharing our Blended-Learning Home Support Guide to help families use ONEVIEW learning platforms at home.
This includes:
• Exact Path
• StudySync
• Study Island
• Language Live
Students should complete at least one assignment per week in each program, aiming for 75% or higher, to build mastery and improve state assessment scores.
📎 A copy of the Online Platforms sheet will be sent to the email linked to your Parent Portal account.
Access platforms here: https://www.duvalschools.org/page/student-software
#OneWestside #TeamDuval #UrgencyInAction #RaiderNation
Join us on Thursday, November 20, 2025, for an evening designed to empower our families and uplift our students. Our SAC Meeting will happen right before the Data Review at 5:30 p.m. in the Media Center, and we’d love to have you there.
Then at 6:00 p.m., we roll straight into our Quarter 1 & Quarter 2 Data Review Night. Come see the real growth your child has made this year — the kind of progress that hits the heart like that first holiday bite of sweet potato pie.
After the data review, families will receive take-home resources to help students stay sharp over Thanksgiving Break.
We move farther when we move together. ❤️🖤
#RaiderNation #OneWestside #TeamDuval #UrgencyInAction #WeAreTheTable
Good morning Raider Nation ❤️🖤
Your child’s safety is our highest priority at Westside Middle School, and we want to share a few important reminders to ensure smooth mornings, safe afternoons, and a focused school day.
🚗 Morning Drop-Off Reminder
Faculty and staff report at 9:05 AM, and student intake begins at 9:10 AM.
Before 9:10 AM, no supervision is available for students.
If your child is dropped off, please remind them to remain at the car-rider gate until staff opens intake.
🚙 Afternoon Pick-Up Reminder
• Early pick-up ends at 3:30 PM
• Dismissal begins promptly at 4:00 PM
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly release each day.
👕 Uniform & ID Expectations
Uniforms and IDs are required daily and help us ensure student safety. Please make sure your child arrives each day:
• Wearing their grade-level uniform colors
• Following all appearance guidelines
• With their school ID visible at all times
🚌 Bus Transportation Safety
Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right. Students must:
• Ride the bus assigned in the Parent Portal
• Scan on and off using their school ID
• Secure a bus pass before 7th period if they need to ride a different bus
Students who wait until dismissal for a pass will not be permitted to ride an alternate bus. Unsafe behavior may result in loss of bus privileges.
If you have any questions, please contact school administration. Thank you for supporting a safe and thriving Raider Nation.
#RaiderNation #OneWestside #TeamDuval #UrgencyInAction #RaiderStrong #WMSFamily #WestsideMiddleSchool #SafetyFirst
📣 Progress Reports Drop Tuesday, November 18, 2025!
Parents and Guardians, it’s time to check in on your scholar’s journey.
👀 Log in to your Parent Portal account to review grades and progress.
📄 Need a printed copy? Swing by the school or give us a call — we’ll take care of you.
These progress checkpoints help us stay aligned, informed, and ready to support our scholars as they move toward excellence. Let’s keep pushing together — every word, every number, every step.
📚✨ Stay connected. Stay engaged. Stay Raider Strong.
#RaiderNation #OneWestside #TeamDuval #UrgencyInAction #RaiderStrong #WMSFamily #WestsideMiddleSchool #RaiderPride
Good afternoon Raider Nation! 📣
We’ve got a busy and exciting week ahead at Westside, and we want to keep you in the loop so your students don’t miss a beat.
📊 Progress Reports
Progress reports will be posted in your Parent Portal by Tuesday, November 18. Take a moment to review your child’s grades. Need to talk things through? Reach out to our guidance team:
• Mr. Cole — ColeA3@duvalschools.org
• Mrs. Valentine — ValentineE2@duvalschools.org
🏀 Basketball Tryouts
Time to lace up! All tryouts run from 4:30 to 6:00 PM ⏱️
Boys:
• 6th Grade – Monday
• 7th Grade – Wednesday
• 8th Grade – Thursday
Girls: Monday through Thursday this week (no tryouts Friday)
Don’t forget: students must bring a change of clothes – no uniforms allowed.
⚽ Boys Soccer Tryouts
November 19 – 21, also from 4:30 to 6:00 PM. Come prepared and ready to hustle!
😁 Big Smiles Dental Program
Our school is partnering with Big Smiles to bring free dental care right to campus! Exams, cleanings, X-rays, and sealants — all at no cost. Just send back your student’s permission form and we’ll take care of the rest.
🔋 Charge Up Family Night
Join us Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6 PM for a family night focused on data, resources, and preparing students for success during the holiday break. Stay afterward for our SAC meeting at 7. Let’s keep leveling up together!
Let’s go, Raider Nation — every word, every number, every step taking us higher. 🖤❤️
#RaiderNation #WeAreOneWestside #UrgencyInAction #TeamDuval #EveryWordEveryNumberEveryStep #WestsidePride #BetterTogether
📊 First Quarter Grades are now live in FOCUS! Log into your Parent Portal to review grades and help your student set new goals for Quarter 2.
🎉 Spirit Week: October 27–31
Each day is $4.99 or get the All-Week Band for $24.99. Students with the All-Week Band must wear their orange wristband all week long.
All proceeds benefit our PBIS Store and student celebrations!
👟 Monday – Fabulous Footwear
🎩 Tuesday – Crazy Head Gear
💼 Wednesday – Professional Wardrobe
🕺 Thursday – Throwback Day
🎭 Friday – Character/Celebrity Day
🎃 Halloween & Character Day Reminder
Friday’s Character/Celebrity Day allows students to dress as their favorite celebrity or fictional character. However — no candy, full masks, or inappropriate characters are permitted. Please contact administration if you have any questions.
👕 Dress Code & Outerwear Reminder
Students must follow the Westside Dress Code:
Tops: Westside logo T-shirts or polos.
Bottoms: Khaki, black, or blue pants, shorts, or skirts.
Outerwear: Plain gray, black, or red outerwear or official Westside logoed gear only.
No hoods, hoodies, or non-school jackets inside the building.
The weather is changing, and official Westside sweaters and jackets are available through our vendor Total Impact Jax — sweaters range from $15–$17. Families can purchase approved school apparel directly at:
👉 https://totalimpactjax.com/westside-middle-school/
🏈 Football – Western Division Championship!
It’s Westside vs. Chaffee for the title! Purchase tickets at https://gofan.co/app/school/FL25644b
.
All students must have their school-issued ID and must not be on the DNA (Do Not Admit) list for entrance.
🏐 Lady Raiders Volleyball Tonight!
Come cheer on our Lady Raiders as they face Joseph Stillwell at home!
#OneWestside #RaiderNation #PBIS #RaiderPride #TeamDuval #GoRaiders
Parents and Guardians, your voice matters! 🗣️
We’re inviting you to take part in the DCPS School Climate & Culture Survey, which collects feedback from students, staff, families, and community members.
Your responses help provide a complete picture of how our school is doing and guide our planning to ensure that every voice — especially yours — helps shape the future of Westside Middle School. ❤️
👉 Click here to take the survey:
https://www.duvalschools.org/page/surveys
Once there, select the Family & Community link to complete the survey.
Let’s make sure Raider Nation is heard loud and clear! 🖤❤️
#OneWestside #RaiderReady #TeamDuval #YourVoiceMatters
Parents and Guardians, Raider Nation is closing out October with school spirit, academic excellence, and community pride!
✅ Grades Are Posted!
Check your child’s progress through the Parent Portal. If you’d like to schedule a parent-teacher conference, please reach out to Ms. Valentine or Mr. Cole, our amazing counselors who are here to support every Raider!
🏆 Athletics Spotlight!
Congratulations to our Lady Raiders and Raider Football Team for their victories against Stillwell! Your hard work, teamwork, and Raider pride make us all proud! 💪🏾🔥
🎉 Spirit Week – October 27–31!
Let’s end the month in style and show off that Raider spirit!
👟 Monday: Fabulous Footwear – Rock your wildest sneakers, Crocs, or boots!
🎩 Tuesday: Crazy Head Gear – Hats, wigs, crowns, or antennas — the crazier, the better!
💼 Wednesday: Professional Wardrobe – Dress like the future boss you are!
🕺 Thursday: Throwback Day – Rep your favorite decade — 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s!
🎭 Friday: Character/Celebrity Day – Be your favorite movie, cartoon, or real-life icon!
🎟️ Spirit Week bands go on sale Monday, October 27th, through students’ first-period classes.
$4.99 per day or $24.99 for the All-Week Band — don’t miss out on the fun!
🎗️ Red Ribbon Week – October 23–24
Thursday, Oct. 23: Drug-Free Day ❤️ – Students will take the Drug Free Pledge, sign the school banner, and wear RED to show their commitment!
Friday, Oct. 24: Cancer-Free Day 💕 – Join our Pink Out and wear pink to support cancer awareness and celebrate survivors.
🧪 DMA 1 Testing Starts Next Week!
Encourage your students to get plenty of rest and arrive on time — attendance is crucial!
📅 Tuesday, Oct. 21: 8th Grade Civics
📅 Wednesday, Oct. 22: Algebra 1
📅 Thursday, Oct. 23: 7th Grade Civics
📅 Friday, Oct. 24: 8th Grade Science & Biology
🧊 ICE MEN Field Trip – November 13 (6th Grade Only)
Our 6th graders will attend the ICE MEN Hockey Game! Tickets are $20 — only 45 spots available! Secure your child’s ticket before they’re gone! 🏒❄️
#RaiderReady #OneWestside #TeamDuval #SpiritWeek #RedRibbonWeek #RaiderPride #UrgencyInAction
Raider Nation, join us in celebrating Ms. Cotton, our 2025 Teacher of the Year! 🍎
Teaching isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling. Every single day, Ms. Cotton answers that call with passion, humility, and grace. No job is too big or too small for her — from leading our 6th-grade team and Math Department to mentoring through PBIS and Team Up, she gives her all to our students and our school community.
In her classroom, children feel safe, feel heard, and achieve at the highest levels. She inspires excellence, models leadership, and embodies the true heart of Raider Nation.
Ms. Cotton, your work is light, love, and legacy. Westside Middle is better because of you. 💫
#RaiderReady #OneWestside #TeacherOfTheYear #TeamDuval #MathMagic #ServantLeader #UrgencyInAction
THE 2ND ANNUAL CTE CAREER ACADEMY SHOWCASE – You're invited to this free community event where Duval’s educators and students shine! Highlighting all 67 of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academies and programs, this event offers students and teachers a platform to share their innovative work with families and the broader community. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with academy staff and students, explore the unique programs offered across the district, and receive expert guidance from CTE staff on navigating the application process. No advanced registration is required. This event takes place Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Adam W. Herbert University Center at the University of North Florida. The address is 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
🎓 Good Morning Raider Nation!
It’s time for our 8th Grade Transition to High School Night — a special evening designed to help Raider families prepare for the exciting journey to high school!
Join us for valuable information on high school programs, graduation pathways, and opportunities from schools including Andrew Jackson, Ribault, Peterson, KIPP Bold City, Paxon, Terry Parker, Riverside, and more.
🍽️ Dinner will be provided — come share a bite with a bit of information!
Plus, all attending families will be entered into a raffle to win one FREE Raider Ball Ticket (8th Grade Prom)! 🎟️
Please RSVP before 11:59 PM tonight to secure your spot for food and seating.
📅 Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership
7840 Burma Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32221
We can’t wait to see our 8th-grade families for this fun and informative evening! Let’s get our Raiders high school ready and beyond!
#RaiderReady #OneWestside #UrgencyInAction #RaiderPride #8thGradeTransitionNight #TeamDuval
🎓 Attention 8th Grade Raider Families!
Join us for 8th Grade Transition to High School Night on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership (7840 Burma Rd, Jacksonville).
Come share a bite and a bit of information about your child’s high school options! Representatives from Andrew Jackson, A. Philip Randolph, Ribault, Paxon, Riverside, Terry Parker, and more will be on hand to help you plan your student’s next step.
🍽️ Food and seating are limited — RSVP is required!
Please scan the QR code on the flyer today so we can plan food and seating for all families.
📅 Thursday, October 9, 2025
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 JSMAL Mess Hall/Gym
Let’s get #RaiderReady for the next big chapter!
#OneWestside #TeamDuval #HighSchoolBound #ParentPartnership
This month, the Bolt of Urgency has been officially passed from Ms. Cotton to Ms. Montalto, our Raider Teacher of the Month! ⚡️
Ms. Montalto exemplifies what it means to be Raider Ready — she models our guiding principles of Respect, Accountability, Independence, and Discipline in every interaction with students and staff.
Her even-keeled leadership and unwavering professionalism set the tone for excellence at Westside Middle School. Whether she’s designing engaging lessons, leading 8th-grade activities like Gradventure, or managing the behind-the-scenes details that make Raider Nation run smoothly, Ms. Montalto does it all with grace, consistency, and Raider pride.
Please join us in giving a huge thank you and round of applause to Ms. Montalto, whose dedication to our students and school community truly embodies the Urgency in Action spirit of Westside Middle School! 🙌🏽❤️🖤
#RaiderReady #OneWestside #UrgencyInAction #RaiderPride #TeacherOfTheMonth #RespectAccountabilityIndependenceDiscipline #RaiderNation
We’re moving through the month with focus, energy, and that signature #UrgencyInAction spirit. Here’s what’s happening across Raider Nation this week:
🎓 8th Grade Transition to High School Night
Join us Thursday, October 9th, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership (7840 Burma Rd, Jacksonville, FL).
Meet local high school representatives, enjoy refreshments, and get your questions answered about your student’s next step!
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to RSVP today!
📋 Districtwide Data Triangle Survey
Your feedback builds better schools! Between October 6–21, check your inbox for an email from noreply@qemailserver.com
or visit www.duvalschools.org/survey
.
Your voice matters—let it be heard!
🧮 DMA 1 Testing: October 21–24
Attendance = Achievement!
Let’s make sure every Raider is present, on time, and ready to show what they know!
Oct. 21: 8th Grade Civics
Oct. 22: Algebra
Oct. 23: 7th Grade Civics
Oct. 24: Biology & 8th Grade Science
👕 Uniform & ID Reminder
✅ Westside logoed T-shirt or polo
✅ Khaki, black, or blue bottoms
✅ Plain gray, black, or red outerwear (or official Westside outerwear)
🚫 No hoods or hoodies
🎫 ID must be worn proudly around the neck
💃 8th Grade Raider Ball – Theme Vote!
8th graders, the spotlight is on YOU!
Check your school email and vote for this year’s theme before Monday, October 6th, at 11:59 PM:
🎭 Masquerade Ball
🎬 Red Carpet Affair
🗼 A Night in Paris
Thank you for helping our Raiders rise, shine, and show pride every day. Let’s keep proving that #RaiderPride runs deep—on every test, in every hallway, and every word we speak.
#EveryWordEveryNumberEveryStep #RaiderNation #OneWestside #RaiderReady #TeamDuval #UrgencyInAction #TheRaiderWay #WestsideMiddle
📸 Good Afternoon Raider Nation! Picture Day is TOMORROW, October 3rd!
Don’t let your hair have a mind of its own—get those edges right, polish that smile, and bring your A-game. This is your chance to live forever in the yearbook (awkward middle school braces and all).
👉 Order your Fall photos now at www.leonards.com/photoprepay
Access Code: C712902
#RaiderReady #UrgencyInAction #OneWestside #TeamDuval #SmileBig #PicturePerfect
At Westside Middle School, being Raider Ready means wearing the full uniform every day.
🚫 Not Permitted:
Leggings, sweatpants, jeggings, pajama pants
Skirts or dresses
Jeans, including those with rips or frays
Shirts without the official Westside Middle School logo
Hoodies – “Hooded sweatshirts (hoodies) are prohibited on all Duval County Public School campuses and at all school activities.” (DCPS Code of Student Conduct, General Code of Appearance)
👕 Westside Logo Shirts
All students must wear official Westside Middle School logo shirts. New students and families who are within the ordering window from the uniform vendor may wear shirts that match their grade-level color until their order is fulfilled, but must meet all other uniform expectations.
✅ Outerwear:
Students may wear:
Official Westside logoed jackets/sweaters from the uniform store
Plain black, grey, or red outerwear matching their grade-level color
📌 Example: An eighth grader may wear a plain grey sweater over their grey Westside logo shirt.
🆔 Student IDs:
Per the General Code of Appearance, item 10, page 51 of the Duval County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct: “Students must wear and display their school-issued ID badge at all times while on campus and at school-sponsored activities. The ID badge must be visible and worn on a lanyard around the neck.”
In addition, the Code states: “A student is required to scan their student ID badge when boarding and disembarking the bus for all school-to-home services. If the student does not have their ID badge, the student must give the driver their full name and/or student ID number.”
Let’s keep Raider Nation looking sharp and unified!
#OneWestside #RaiderReady #UrgencyInAction
1️⃣ DNA List
The DNA (Do Not Admit) List is based on disciplinary incidents and points assessed against the Student Code of Conduct.
Students on this list are barred from ALL after-school activities (Sporting events, Team-Up, Clubs, Performances, Field Trips) regardless of parent attendance.
Placement occurs if a student receives:
✔️ Any Level 4 or Level 3 referral
✔️ Level 2 referrals with points assessed
✔️ 4 Level 1 referrals that are points assessed
Students may remain on the list for 30, 90, or 180 days, depending on the infraction(s).
👉 If you have inquiries about whether your student is on the DNA List, please contact the main office at (904) 573-1000 to speak with a Dean or Administrator.
2️⃣ Volleyball Game Update
The home volleyball game scheduled for Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, is cancelled. It has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.
3️⃣ Athletics Dance
🎉 Our Athletics Dance will be held Friday, Sept. 25, 2025, during school.
Tickets: $5.00 (plus tax) via SchoolCash Online (accessible through Parent Portal Accounts)
Or $4.99 (exact cash) starting Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, sold during 1st period or lunch
4️⃣ Immunization Bus
On Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, the Immunization Bus will be on campus for 7th-grade students needing their TDAP shot.
5️⃣ Medical Bus – Sports Physicals
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, the Medical Bus will be on campus to provide sports physicals.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students healthy, accountable, and Raider Ready!
#OneWestside #RaiderReady #WeAreRaiderNation #WestsideMiddle #RaidersLeadTheWay #RespectAccountabilityIndependenceDiscipline #UrgencyInAction
We are proud to highlight our partnership with ELEVATE Jacksonville, a program that inspires and equips young people with the tools to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Through long-term mentoring, leadership classes, and character-building experiences, Elevate is dedicated to helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
🎓 This month, Elevate hosted a special Career Speaker Series right here at Westside Middle! Our students had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Ephraim Riggins, a distinguished Jacksonville leader. Dr. Riggins, a FAMU Sports Hall of Fame pitcher and Doctor of Pharmacy, shared his journey of perseverance, excellence, and commitment to both education and community service.
Moments like these help our students connect their classroom learning to real-world opportunities — motivating them to dream big and work hard toward their goals.
We are thankful for our partnership with Elevate Jacksonville and look forward to many more inspiring events for Raider Nation!
#OneWestside #UrgencyInAction #RaiderNation #RaiderReady #WeAreWestside #WestsideExcellence #RespectAccountabilityIndependenceDiscipline
You now have access to your student’s state testing score reports through the Florida Statewide Assessments Family Portal. 🎓
✅ A unique 6-digit access code (found in your Parent FOCUS account) is required.
✅ Reports are updated throughout the year and stay with your child, even if they move schools or districts.
✅ You can view detailed reports from this year and past years, download them, and explore helpful resources.
⚡ It is important that parents understand their child’s progress so together we can reach our Data Goals for PM2 and PM3.
🔗 Get started here: https://flfast.org
🔗 Need help creating a Parent FOCUS account? Visit: https://dcps.duvalschools.org/o/dcps/page/get-linked
Let’s stay #RaiderReady by using these tools to support our students’ success!
#OneWestside #UrgencyInAction #RaiderNation #WeAreWestside #WestsideExcellence #RespectAccountabilityIndependenceDiscipline
Progress Reports are now LIVE in FOCUS! 🎉 Parents & guardians can check grades by logging into their Parent Portal (OneView/FOCUS Link account). Staying on top of grades helps us keep students on track for success!
👉 Log in today to review your Raider’s progress.
#OneWestside #RaiderReady #RaiderNation #UrgencyInAction #WestsideExcellence