Please help us congratulate Ms. Cotton, sixth-grade math instructor and a shining example of our Guiding Principles—Respectful, Accountable, Independent, and Disciplined. She lives our theme of #UrgencyInAction every day.
Her superpowers: building strong relationships, breaking down barriers to instruction, and crafting engaging lessons that make math click for our Raiders. Thank you, Ms. Cotton, for all you do for Raider Nation! Drop a 💬 to celebrate her!
#RaiderNation #OneWestside #RAID #MiddleSchoolMath #TeacherSpotlight
This Friday, August 29, 2025 we celebrate our first RAID DAY and the Grand Opening of the RAIDER Store for the 2025–26 school year!
At Westside Middle, we use PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Systems) to recognize students who live out our values of Respect, Accountability, Independence, and Discipline.
Through the BIZI app (available to students and parents on DCPS BlendedLearning), Raiders earn bi-weekly “BIZI Payments”—think of it like a school allowance 💰—based on behavior, attendance, and academic performance. Students can then cash in their BIZI Payments for treats, rewards, and Raider gear at the RAIDER Store.
✅ Parents/Guardians: Log in to the BIZI app to check your Raider’s bonuses (positives) and flags (redirections).
We can’t wait to celebrate our students and reward them for their hard work and Raider spirit this Friday! 🖤❤️
#RaiderReady #OneWestside #UrgencyInAction
📢 Team-Up Attendance Policy Update
Raider Families, please be aware that during the first week of Team-Up, attendance will be closely monitored. If a student does not attend from the roster within this week, they will be replaced by a waitlisted student.
✅ Check your email attached to your Parent Portal account for the updated Team-Up rosters.
Thank you for your support in ensuring that every Raider has the opportunity to participate in after-school enrichment!
#OneWestside #RaiderReady
📢 Important Team-Up Announcement
Team-Up begins today at Westside Middle School! Students cleared by Ms. Faust will transition to the gym during dismissal for check-in.
✅ Dismissal Times:
Walkers dismissed by 6:30 PM
Car riders must be picked up by 6:40 PM
Buses leave at 6:15 PM and 6:45 PM
⏰ Gates close and campus shuts down at 7:00 PM sharp
Due to the high number of students enrolling, some students have been placed on a waitlist. If your student is not on the enrollment list provided, they are waitlisted at this time. We are actively hiring additional staff to increase capacity and will notify families as soon as more slots are available.
#RaiderReady #OneWestside
Today we issued student IDs to all 6th-grade students who were on campus. Please remind your Raider to bring and wear their ID every day—it’s part of the uniform and is required for:
🍽️ Lunch service
🚌 Bus transportation
🎯 After-school activities
If your 6th grader missed today (absent or not in class), we’ll catch them during make-ups. Lost or damaged ID? Contact the front office for replacement steps.
7th & 8th grade: ID distribution will begin in the coming weeks—watch for dates.
Questions? Call 904-573-1000.
#OneWestside #RaiderReady
Thursday, Aug 14, 2025 • 5:30 PM • Cafeteria
To apply for or secure your student’s seat, an 18+ parent/guardian must attend.
Athletes and students on after-school teams must be registered in Team Up.
✅ Register your way:
• On-site at the meeting
• Online: https://cisjax.org/afterschool-application/
• Paper copies: available in the front office
You’ll complete paperwork, meet the Team Up Director & staff, get bus information, pick up a cheer packet (if interested), and enter parent raffles.
Questions? 904-573-1000
#OneWestside #RaiderReady
📣 Mandatory Team Up Afterschool Parent Orientation
When: Thursday, August 14, 2025, 5:30 PM
Where: Westside Middle School Cafeteria
To apply for or secure your student’s seat, an 18+ parent/guardian must attend.
Students who plan to participate in athletics must sign up for Team Up. You can sign up on-site at the meeting.
Prefer to do it now? Apply online: https://cisjax.org/afterschool-application/
Need paper forms? Pick up a copy in the front office.
What to expect:
Complete the required paperwork
Meet the Team Up Director & staff
Get afterschool bus information
Cheer packet pickup (if interested)
Parent raffle giveaways 🎟️
Questions? 904-573-1000
#OneWestside #RaiderReady
We know many of our families are experiencing ongoing transportation challenges, and we want you to know we are aware and actively working with DCPS Transportation and our bus contractors to find solutions.
✅ Please continue to call DCPS Transportation at (904) 858-6200 for route and stop time assistance.
✅ At the school level, we will do our best to help students find their route and stop times.
🚗 If you are able, we ask that you pick up your student via car as much as possible until these issues are resolved.
We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to get every Raider to and from school safely.
#OneWestside #RaiderReady #UrgencyInAction
The Student Code of Conduct has been updated to follow Florida House Bill 1105. Starting this school year, students in PreK–8 (including all middle school students) may not use cell phones, smartwatches, or other smart devices during the school day—for any reason.
🔒 Students can bring these items to school, but they must remain off and away from the time they arrive until the end of the school day.
This new rule ensures fewer distractions, safer learning, and more face-to-face engagement for every Raider. 💬📚💡
Let’s work together to help our students stay focused, connected, and #RaiderReady!
#UrgencyInAction #OneWestside
🎓 Student ID Update for Raider Nation! 🎓
🟦 7th & 8th Grade Families:
Hold on to those ID cards! If your child still has their ID from last year — they’re good to go for the 2025–2026 school year. No need to replace it unless it's damaged.
🟥 6th Grade Families:
We’ll be issuing new student IDs for all 6th graders by the end of the first week of school.
✅ IDs help with safety, cafeteria checkouts, and bus boarding — so please make sure your student brings theirs every day!
#OneWestside #RaiderReady #UrgencyInAction #MiddleSchoolStrong
🚍 Transportation Update for Raider Nation! 🚍
Parents & Guardians — due to a technical error in the new routing software, bus information is not currently showing in FOCUS. But don’t worry — if your student is transportation-eligible and you've submitted a ride request, they have a bus!
📌 If you live within 2 miles of the school, your student is NOT eligible for bus service.
📞 Please call the District Transportation Office at (904) 858-6200 ASAP to get your child’s bus number and route before the first day of school.
🧠 Make sure your child knows what bus they ride!
🚫 Please note: Westside staff does not control bus assignments or eligibility. All transportation is managed by Duval County Public Schools and contracted vendors.
Let’s get #RaiderReady and keep that #UrgencyInAction rolling!
#OneWestside #BackToSchool2025
👏 THANK YOU, RAIDER NATION!
We’re grateful to all returning families who joined us for Day 2 of Raider Orientation! 🐎💥 Your energy sets the tone for an amazing year ahead.
🗓 Student schedules will be live in Parent Portal and student accounts starting August 4th.
📣 6th Grade Families! Don’t forget — Raider Training Camp (RTC) is this Wednesday, July 30 | 9 AM–12 PM. Your Raider will tour the campus, meet teachers, and enjoy breakfast & lunch!
#RaiderReady #RaiderNation #TeamDuval #UrgencyinAction #OneWestside
We’re grateful to every student, parent, and family member who showed up and showed OUT for our first Orientation events during Raider Welcome Back Week! Your energy, questions, and commitment to student success set the tone for an amazing year ahead.
“Raider Ready” and “Urgency in Action” is more than a motto—it’s our mindset. Let’s keep that energy going strong!
#RaiderNation #RaiderReady #OneWestside #UrgencyInAction #TeamDuval
We’re bringing convenience to YOU! The Immunization Truck will be on-site during Orientation to support our families.
💉 Services Provided:
✅ Official Immunization Records
✅ TDAP Shots for all incoming 7th graders
📍 Orientation Dates & Times:
🗓️ July 28 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🗓️ July 29 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Let’s keep Raider Nation healthy and Raider Ready! No appointments needed—just show up!
#RaiderReady #UrgencyInAction #OneWestside #TeamDuval #RaiderNation
Get #RaiderReady for the 2025–2026 school year at Westside Middle School! 🐎💥
📅 July 28 | 10AM–12PM – 6th Grade & New Students
📅 July 29 | 1PM–3PM – Make-Up & Returning Students
📍 4815 Wesconnett Blvd, Jax, FL 32210
💥 Come tour the campus, learn about clubs & student life, and enjoy Lolo Hawaiian Shaved Ice on-site! 🍧
🔥 6th Graders Only – Don’t miss our Raider Training Camp on Wednesday, July 30 | 9AM–12PM
✔️ Learn the Raider Creed
✔️ Tour the campus
✔️ Meet teachers
✔️ Enjoy breakfast & lunch
🖱 RSVP with the QR Code below!
#RaiderReady #TeamDuval #UrgencyinAction #OneWestside #RaiderNation
It’s time to make sure your address is up to date in the Parent Portal! 🏠🚍
Why is this important?
The bus routes and stops are generated based on the address linked to your Parent Portal account. If your address is outdated, it could cause delays or confusion with your child’s bus route.
👉 How to update:
Log in to your Parent Portal account
Go to My Contact Info
Select Edit Info
Under the address line, update your address if necessary
Taking a few minutes now will help ensure smooth bus rides for your student this year! If you need help updating your information, please contact the school office at (904) 573-1000.
Let’s get ready for a successful school year! 🚌🎒
#RaiderReady #ParentPortal #WestsideMiddle
Raider Families! As we gear up for a phenomenal year at Westside Middle School, please take a moment to review our Uniform and Appearance Policy and make sure your student is ready for Day One success. 👕🎒
✅ Uniform shirts must be ordered through our official supplier, [Total Impact Jax – Westside Middle School].
🔒 Non-compliance with the uniform policy will be treated as a violation of the Duval County Student Code of Conduct.
Here’s what you need to know:
👚 Grade-Level Colors (Logo Required!)
6th Grade – Red
7th Grade – Black
8th Grade – Grey
(Shirts, polos, or jackets MUST have the official Westside logo—no hoodies allowed.)
👖 Bottoms (Pants/Shorts)
✔ Black, Navy Blue, or Khaki
❌ No jeans, leggings, pajama pants, or anything torn/frayed
👟 Shoes
✔ Closed-toe shoes with secure backs
❌ No Crocs, slides, flip-flops, furry boots, or slippers
🧥 Outerwear
✔ Plain jackets/sweaters in grade-level color or official WMS outerwear
❌ No hoodies or sports jerseys
🎒 Backpacks
✔ Clear or mesh ONLY
❌ Non-transparent backpacks will be held in the front office for parent pickup
🆔 Student ID Badges must be worn daily
(First set is FREE; replacements are $5 each for badge, lanyard, or case)
💬 Contact our front office at (904) 573-1000
Let’s show up in style, stay in compliance, and represent Raider Nation with PRIDE & PURPOSE from Day One! 💪🏽
#RaiderReady #UniformMatters #WMS2025 #UrgencyInAction
📢 IMPORTANT PASSWORD UPDATE – EFFECTIVE JULY 31, 2025
To improve data security and simplify access for families, we’ve made an important update to student passwords for grades Pre-K through 5th. Please read the details below carefully:
🔐 What’s Changed:
All students' Social Security Numbers have been removed from Focus.
Student passwords for grades Pre-K–5th have been reset to eliminate confusion and support consistent access.
🆕 New Password Format (Pre-K–5th ONLY):
Formula:
First letter of first name (capitalized) + day of birth (2 digits) + first letter of last name (lowercase) + last 4 digits of student ID
Example:
Student: Jordan Smith
Birthday: March 28
Student ID: ends in 5678
Password: J28s5678
📌 Important Notes:
This update only affects students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
Students in grades 6–12 are NOT affected; their passwords remain the same.
All students (Pre-K–12) enrolling after May 15, 2025, will follow this new password formula.
If a 6–12 student needs a password reset, standard reset procedures still apply.
Thank you for your attention to this important update as we continue to prioritize student data security. 💻🔒
#WestsideMiddle #RaiderNation #TeamDuval #PasswordUpdate #StudentSupport #UrgencyInAction
