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
👥 Attendance Awareness Month (September)
September is Attendance Awareness Month! Every school day matters. When students miss even 2 days a month, that’s 60+ hours of lost learning per year. Please help us build strong habits by:
✔️ Keeping routines consistent
✔️ Scheduling appointments outside of school hours
✔️ Ensuring students arrive on time, every day
Together, we can set our Raiders up for success in high school, college, and beyond!
📖 State Testing
✅ 6th Grade Reading – Completed Sept 8
✅ 7th Grade Reading – Completed Sept 9
✅ 8th Grade Reading – Completed Sept 10
🔄 Reading Make-Ups – Sept 11, 12, & 15
➗ Math Testing – Begins Sept 16
Families can review test scores through the FLDOE Family Portal:
🎫 Uniforms & Student IDs
All students have received IDs, which must be worn around the neck and visible at all times for safety and security.
Uniform shirts must include the Westside logo.
Outerwear must be either school-logo jackets/sweaters or plain grade-level colors:
6th Grade – 🔴 Red
7th Grade – ⚫ Black
8th Grade – ⚪ Grey
🚫 Not permitted: hoodies, jean jackets, leggings, or jeggings.
⚽ Clubs & Activities
🏈 Football Update – Congratulations to our Raiders on a dominant win against Fletcher Middle School! Our defense showed true Raider grit, not allowing a single point all game. The team celebrated with donuts for the “lockdown defense.” 🛑🍩
🎲 Clubs are starting soon! Information about our new Dungeons & Dragons Club is available in the flyer sent through the Parent Portal.
👕 Dress Down Day – Sept 12. Students may wear full dress-down attire. Cost: $4.99, to be paid on the 12th in 1st period. Please send exact change when possible.
🏫 Open House – Sept 16, 6–7:30 PM. Parents who attend will earn BIZI points for their student!
Let’s continue showing Urgency in Action every day! 💪
#OneWestside #RaiderNation #RaiderReady #UrgencyInAction #WestsideMiddle #RaiderPride #RespectAccountabilityIndependenceDiscipline
👥 Attendance Awareness Month (September)
September is Attendance Awareness Month! Every school day matters. When students miss even 2 days a month, that’s 60+ hours of lost learning per year. Please help us build strong habits by:
✔️ Keeping routines consistent
✔️ Scheduling appointments outside of school hours
✔️ Ensuring students arrive on time, every day
Together, we can set our Raiders up for success in high school, college, and beyond!
📖 State Testing
✅ 6th Grade Reading – Completed Sept 8
✅ 7th Grade Reading – Completed Sept 9
📅 8th Grade Reading – Wednesday, Sept 10
🔄 Reading Make-Ups – Sept 11–12
➗ Math Testing – Begins week of Sept 15
Families can review test scores through the FLDOE Family Portal: https://fl-familyportal.cambiumast.com/family.html
.
🎫 Uniforms & Student IDs
All students have received IDs. IDs must be worn around the neck and visible at all times for safety and security.
Uniform shirts must include the Westside logo.
Outerwear must be either school-logo jackets/sweaters or plain grade-level colors:
6th Grade – 🔴 Red
7th Grade – ⚫ Black
8th Grade – ⚪ Grey
🚫 Not permitted: hoodies, jean jackets, leggings, or jeggings.
⚽ Clubs & Activities
🏈 Football Game – Sept 9. Tickets: GoFan
. IDs required for entry!
🎲 Clubs are starting soon! Information about our new Dungeons & Dragons Club is available in the flyer that has been sent out in an accompanying parent email linked through your Parent Portal account.
👕 Dress Down Day – Sept 12. Students may wear full dress-down attire. Cost: $4.99, to be paid on the 12th in 1st period. As much as possible, please send exact change with your student.
🏫 Open House – Sept 16, 6–7:30 PM. Parents who attend will earn BIZI points for their student!
Let’s continue showing Urgency in Action every day! 💪
#OneWestside #RaiderNation #RaiderReady #UrgencyInAction #WestsideMiddle #RaiderPride #RespectAccountabilityIndependenceDiscipline
✅ Attendance Awareness Month – September is Attendance Awareness Month! Every day counts. Help us build strong habits by making sure students are at school on time, every day.
✅ State Testing –
6th Grade Reading ✅ Completed
7th Grade Reading 📖 – Sept 9
8th Grade Reading 📖 – Sept 10
Reading Make-Ups – Rest of the week
Math Testing ➡️ Begins Sept 15
Check your student’s assessment scores at the FLDOE Family Portal.
.
✅ Uniforms & IDs – All students have received IDs. IDs must be worn daily as part of the uniform for safety and security. Remember:
Uniforms must have the Westside logo.
Jackets/Sweaters: school-logo or plain grade-level colors.
No hoodies, jean jackets, leggings, or jeggings.
✅ Clubs & Activities –
Football Game 🏈 – Sept 9. Tickets: GoFan
. IDs required for entry!
Clubs are starting soon – including our new Dungeons & Dragons Club!
Dress Down Day 👕 – Sept 12. Cost $4.99 (collected in 1st period).
Open House 🏫 – Sept 16, 6–7:30 PM. Parents earn BIZI Points for participation!
Let’s keep Raider Nation strong 💪 #OneWestside #UrgencyInAction
PM1 State Progress Monitoring testing is here! Please mark your calendars:
📅 Testing Schedule
Sept 9–10: FAST Reading (Grades 6–8)
Sept 16–17: FAST Math (Grades 6–8)
Attendance is critical. When students miss testing, they miss the opportunity to show their growth.
Florida students earn scores in five achievement levels:
1️⃣ Limited understanding (intensive support needed)
2️⃣ Below satisfactory
3️⃣ Satisfactory – on grade level
4️⃣ Proficient – above grade level
5️⃣ Mastery – highest performance
Students take three progress monitoring assessments this year (PM1, PM2, PM3). Each round helps us track growth and guide instruction.
Parents—you can track your Raider’s progress on the FLDOE Family Portal: 👉 https://flfast.org/families.html
Our schoolwide goal: boost every score to help Westside secure a B rating! Together, we can make it happen.
#RaiderReady #OneWestside #WeAreRaiderNation #UrgencyInAction #EveryWordEveryNumberEveryStep
Our mandatory cheer parent meeting is postponed to Tuesday, September 2 at 5:30 PM (via Microsoft Teams).
➡️ Meeting info (Teams link) will be sent only to parents/guardians of students who make the team after final cuts are posted this evening.
Cuts Timeline
First cuts: Posted by lunch today.
Final cuts: Posted after the second round of tryouts this evening.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Faust at afaust@cisjax.org
.
#RaiderNation #OneWestside #WMSCheer #UrgencyInAction
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
