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September Paw Prints are here!

Check out this month’s Paw Prints for important dates, events, and everything happening at Westwood!❤️🐾
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
The Paw Prints Newsletter graphic for September 2026, featuring the Westwood Wildcat mascot logo in the header. Header: Paw Prints Newsletter – September 2026 Principal's Message (September at Westwood!): A welcoming message from Principal Mrs. Alesa Smith highlighting instruction, strong relationships, and the REACH behavior initiative (Respect, Empathy, Act Responsibly, Contribute, and Help), concluding with "One Team, One Dream, One Westwood!" Important Dates: Sept 2: Westie Wednesday Sept 4: 5th Grade Student Leader Reveal Sept 7: Labor Day/No School Sept 8: Fire Drill 1:00 Sept 17: Constitution Day Sept 25: Early Dismissal 12:15, DHS Homecoming Parade & Game Sept 28: Virtual Day Sept 29: Lockdown Drill 9:00 Reminders: Front doors open: 7:45 a.m. Back door opens: 7:30 a.m. School begins: 8:30 a.m. Tardy bell: 8:35 a.m. Dismissal: 3:25 p.m. Please bring a photo ID when checking out a student. Check folders and online communication daily for important updates.
The Spanish-language Paw Prints Newsletter graphic for September 2026 (Septiembre 2026), featuring the Westwood Wildcat mascot logo in the header. Header: Paw Prints Newsletter – Septiembre 2026 Principal's Message (Septiembre en Westwood): A message from Principal Alesa Smith discussing academic instruction, relationship building, and the REACH behavior initiative (Respeto, Empatía, Actuar con responsabilidad, Contribuir y Ayudar), concluding with "Un equipo, un sueño, una escuela Westwood." Fechas Importantes: 2 de septiembre: Westie Wednesday 4 de septiembre: Presentacion de los estudiantes lideres de 5to grado 7 de septiembre: Dia del Trabajo/No hay clases 8 de septiembre: Simulacro de Incendio 1:00 pm 17 de septiembre: Dia de la Constitucion 25 de septiembre: Salida Temprano 12:15 pm, Desfile y Juego de DHS Homecoming 28 de septiembre: Dia de Aprendizaje Virtual 29 de septiembre: Simulacro de Seguridad 9:00 am Recordatorios: La puerta de enfrente abre a las 7:45 a.m La puerta de atrás abre a las 7:30 a.m. La escuela comienza a las 8:30 a.m. Llegada tarde es a las 8:35 a.m. La salida de la escuela es a las 3:25 p.m. Por favor traiga una identificación cuando vaya a sacar a su estudiante temprano. Por favor revise el folder de su hijo(a) asi como la comunicacion en linea para avisos importante y recordatorios.

September Lunch Menu! 🍎

about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
A school lunch menu calendar for the month of September with a decorative colorful border. Sept 1: Pork Queso Nachos, Quesadilla, Rice, Black Beans, Fresh Pico, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 2: Chicken Tenders, Country Fried Steak, Green Beans, Gravy & Mashed Potatoes, Oven Fried Squash, Fresh Fruit, Milk Sept 3: Hot Dog, Cheeseburger Sliders, Chips, Slaw, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Baked Beans, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 4: Pizza, Chicken Sandwich, Corn, Lettuce & Tomatoes, Leafy Green Salad, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 7: Happy Labor Day (No School) Sept 8: Chicken Tenders w/ Garlic Toast, Spaghetti w/ Garlic Toast, Broccoli, Leafy Green Salad, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 9: Beef Nachos, Calzone, Fresh Pico, Shredded Lettuce, Black Beans, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 10: Hot Dog, Cheeseburger Sliders, Sweet Potato Fries, Slaw, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Baked Beans, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 11: Pizza, Chicken Sandwich, Corn, Lettuce & Tomatoes, Leafy Green Salad, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 14: Ham & Cheese Croissant, Chips, Pork Walking Tacos, Black Beans, Fresh Pico, Corn, Shredded Lettuce, Fresh Fruit, Milk Sept 15: Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwich, Lettuce & Tomatoes, Sweet Potato Fries, Broccoli Salad, Fruit, Milk Sept 16: Chicken Tenders or Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Leafy Green Salad, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 17: Asian Meatballs With Rice, Quesadilla, Oriental Vegetables, Rice, Fresh Pico, Fresh Fruit, Milk Sept 18: Pizza, B.B.Q Sandwich, Leafy Green Salad, Celery & Carrots, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 21: Corn Dog, Cheeseburger, Sweet Potato Fries, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Fresh Fruit, Milk Sept 22: Chicken Tenders, Country Fried Steak, Green Beans, Gravy & Mashed Potatoes, Oven Fried Squash, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 23: Loaded B.B.Q Baked Potato, Turkey Pepperoni Calzone, Broccoli, Leafy Green Salad, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 24: Meatball Marinara Sub, Walking Taco, Pinto Beans, Corn, Shredded Lettuce, Fresh Pico, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Sept 25: Early Release 12:15 Sept 28: Virtual Day Sept 29: Cheese Bites w/ Marinara Sauce, B.B.Q Sandwich, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Fresh Fruit Choice / Milk Sept 30: Soft or Crunchy Beef Tacos, Chicken Tenders, Fresh Pico, Shredded Lettuce, Corn, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk Oct 1: Quesadilla, Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Fresh Veggies, Lettuce, Fresh Pico, Pinto Beans, Fresh Fruit, Milk Oct 2: Pizza, Cheeseburger, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Carrot Sticks, Cucumber Salad, Fresh Fruit Choice, Milk
Mrs. Santiago’s DLI classes had a yummy learning activity! Students tasted apples, applesauce, and apple juice and then created graphs to show which one was their favorite. 📊🍎
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
A group of elementary students sitting and kneeling on the classroom floor, proudly holding up small plastic cups filled with apple cider or juice toward the camera.
A high-angle view of a female teacher pointing to a large graphing chart on an easel titled "Votos de manzana preferida," as a class of young children sits on the carpet watching her.
A young girl with long dark hair and a bright pink bow standing at a white easel, using a green marker to shade in a square on a chart titled "Gráfica de mi manera de comer manzana."
An overhead, wide shot of a group of young elementary students sitting cross-legged on a dark carpeted classroom floor, holding up fresh apple slices toward the camera.
A close-up shot of a young boy in a black "Baseball Lifestyle" shirt filling in a green box on a grid chart titled "Votos de manzana preferida" while his teacher points to the chart beside him.
Congratulations to our Specials' Students of the Month! We are so proud of the positive example they set for others! Keep REACHing, Wildcats! ♥️🐾
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Six elementary students standing in a row holding award certificates under a banner that reads "Working Together, Westwood Wildcats, The Westwood Way."

Brookwood, Westwood, and Dalton High families: Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Are Now Available – in English & Spanish!

The 2026–2027 Free & Reduced Lunch Application is open!

Everyone is encouraged to complete a new application each year, even if you’ve qualified in the past.
Submit your application by September 1, 2026. A new application is required each year, and last year’s status will expire on September 18.

Apply online or pick up a limited paper copy at the front office of any Dalton school.
ENGLISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=1
SPANISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=2

🍎 It’s About More Than a Meal!
✅ Access to free or reduced prices on healthy, delicious meals
✅ Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams
✅ Eligibility for college scholarships and academic programs
✅ Helps maintain critical student services and enrichment programs

Take a few minutes to apply—it’s a small step that supports big opportunities for your student!

about 2 months ago, Dalton Public Schools Communications
An English flyer titled "Now Open! FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS - More than a meal." The top image shows smiling children sitting together at a lunch table. Below are three featured benefits: School Funding: Maintains funding for student programs and services. Shown with a photo of a smiling girl holding books. SAT, ACT, AP Fees: Offers discounted exam fees and scholarship opportunities. Shown with a photo of high school graduates in red gowns. School Meals: Provides free or reduced prices for nutritious school meals. Shown with a photo of a young student selecting food in a cafeteria line. The bottom text instructs everyone to reapply annually by September 1, 2026, and notes that applications can be completed online or picked up at any school front office.
A Spanish flyer titled "¡Ya disponible! SOLICITUDES DE ALMUERZO GRATUITO O REDUCIDO - Más que una comida." The top image shows smiling children sitting together at a lunch table. Below are three featured benefits: Financiamiento escolar: Maintains funding for student programs and services. Shown with a photo of a smiling girl holding books. Costos de SAT, ACT y AP: Offers discounted exam fees and scholarship opportunities. Shown with a photo of high school graduates in red gowns. Comidas escolares: Provides free or reduced prices for nutritious school meals. Shown with a photo of a young student selecting food in a cafeteria line. The bottom text instructs all students to reapply annually by September 1, 2026, and notes that applications can be completed online or picked up at any school front office.
Congratulations to these amazing Wildcats for receiving a Positive Office Referral for demonstrating one of our REACH expectations. As a special reward, these students got to choose a brand-new book from our book vending machines! Way to go Wildcats! ❤️🐾
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
A student smiles while holding a book and Positive Office Referral certificate in front of the Westwood book vending machine.
Three students smile while holding books and Positive Office Referral certificates in front of a school wall.
A student smiles while holding two books and a Positive Office Referral certificate in front of the Westwood book vending machine.
A student smiles while holding a book and Positive Office Referral certificate in front of the Westwood book vending machine.
A student smiles while holding a book and Positive Office Referral certificate in front of the Westwood book vending machine.
Please check out this week's Wildcat Weekly for important updates and reminders.

https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/newsletters/westwood-school/newsletters/wildcat-weekly-august-31-september-4-2026
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
A graphic announcement titled "Wildcat Weekly" written in red, white-outlined letters on a white paper note pinned with a red pushpin against a black background. A smiling wildcat mascot wearing a red cap with the letter "W" appears in the top right corner. Surrounding line-art illustrations include paper airplanes in the top left, a basketball and stacked books in the bottom left, and an apple resting on a stack of books in the bottom right.
Our 5th grade students had a great time meeting their Pre-K buddies and reading books together. ♥️📙🐾
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
A fifth grade student reads a colorful picture book with a young PreK student at a classroom table while other students read with their buddies nearby
Fifth grade and PreK students sit together in a classroom reading picture books with their buddies.
A fifth grade student smiles while reading a book with a young PreK student at a classroom table.
A fifth grade student reads a picture book with a PreK student at a classroom table while other reading buddies work together in the background.
Two students sit across from each other at a classroom table, looking at a picture book together during reading buddy time.
Four students sit together on a classroom couch, sharing and reading picture books during a Reading Buddies activity.
Fifth grade students sit and work with younger reading buddies around a classroom table, sharing books and reading together during Reading Buddies.
A fifth grade student reads Green Eggs and Ham with a younger reading buddy at a classroom table during Reading Buddies.
Please take a moment to review our cafeteria guidelines regarding outside food, lunch visits, and birthday celebrations. These guidelines help us maintain a welcoming environment while prioritizing student safety and ensuring a positive experience for everyone.

We appreciate your partnership and cooperation as we work together to make lunchtime safe, inclusive, and a positive experience for all of our Wildcats. ❤️🐾
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
An informational flyer detailing lunchtime cafeteria guidelines and birthday celebration policies. Header: THANK YOU for partnering with us! Working together for a safe, inclusive, and efficient lunchtime! Introductory Note: Expresses gratitude for parent support and clarifies policies regarding outside food, lunch visits, and birthday celebrations. Outside Food & Visitor Guidelines: Food for Your Child Only: Outside food is welcome for your child only; bringing food for select peers is not permitted to prevent feelings of exclusion. Lunchroom Seating: Visiting family members must sit with their child at designated overflow tables, restricted to only the visitor and their child. Birthday Celebrations: Option 1 (Classroom Drop-off): Drop off treats at the main office for teacher distribution to the entire class. Option 2 (Lunchtime Treats): If bringing treats to the cafeteria during lunch, ensure there are enough individual treats for every student in the class. Pre-Cut / Individual Portions: All treats must be pre-cut or individually packaged (e.g., cupcakes, pre-sliced cake). Whole cakes and pies requiring on-site cutting are not allowed. No Sharing Outside the Class: Leftover treats cannot be distributed to students outside the assigned classroom. Siblings Stay in Class: Siblings must remain in their respective classrooms and may not be pulled out to attend. Footer: Expresses appreciation for keeping the cafeteria organized, safe, and enjoyable, and invites parents to contact the school office with questions.
An informational flyer in Spanish detailing lunchtime cafeteria guidelines and birthday celebration policies. Header: ¡GRACIAS por su apoyo! ¡Trabajemos juntos por una comida segura, inclusiva y eficiente! Introductory Note: Expresses gratitude for parent support and clarifies policies regarding outside food, lunch visits, and birthday celebrations. Reglas Para la Comida de Afuera y Para Visitantes: Solo Comida Para Su Hijo/a: Outside food is welcome for your child only; bringing food for select peers is not permitted to prevent feelings of exclusion. Asientos en la Cafetería: Visiting family members must sit with their child at designated visitor tables, restricted to only the visitor and their child. Celebraciones de Cumpleaños: Opción 1 (Entrega en la Oficina): Drop off birthday snacks at the office for teacher distribution to the entire class. Opción 2 (Snacks Durante la Comida): If bringing snacks to the cafeteria during lunch, ensure there are enough for every student in the class. Porciones Individuales / Pre-cortadas: All snacks must be pre-cut or individually packaged (e.g., cupcakes, pre-sliced cake). Whole cakes and pies requiring on-site cutting are not allowed. No Compartir Fuera de la Clase: Leftover snacks cannot be distributed to students outside the assigned classroom. Hermanos Permanecen en Su Clase: Siblings must remain in their respective classrooms and may not be pulled out to attend. Footer: Expresses appreciation for parent cooperation to maintain an organized, safe, and enjoyable cafeteria, and invites parents to contact the school office with questions.
Please check out this week's Wildcat Weekly for important updates and reminders. 🐾 https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/newsletters/westwood-school/newsletters/wildcat-weekly-august-24-28-2026
about 2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Graphic with a black background featuring a cartoon Wildcat mascot wearing a red-and-white “W” cap, a white paper pinned with red pushpins displaying the words “Wildcat Weekly”

Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Wildcats!

Soccer tryouts will be held on Tuesday, September 1, from 3:50–5:15 PM at the Westwood field. Tryout forms were sent home with students. If you need an additional form, please see Coach Tighe, Coach Alvarado, or the front office.

Tryout forms must be completed and returned by Friday, August 28, in order to participate in tryouts.

🐾 Go Wildcats! 🐾

2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Promotional flyer for Westwood Elementary Soccer Tryouts featuring a wildcat mascot running with a soccer ball. Heading: Westwood Elementary SOCCER TRYOUTS Date: Tuesday, September 1st Time: 3:50–5:15 PM Location: At Westwood Field Eligibility: For students in 3rd, 4th & 5th GRADE Important Note: "Tryout form must be turned in by Friday, August 28 in order to participate in tryouts"
Spanish-language promotional flyer for Westwood Elementary Soccer Tryouts featuring a wildcat mascot running with a soccer ball. Heading: Westwood Elementary SOCCER TRYOUTS Date: Martes 1 de septiembre Time: 3:50–5:15 PM Location: En el patio de Westwood Eligibility: Para estudiantes de 3ero, 4to & 5to GRADO Important Note: "La forma para participar deberá ser entregada a más tardar el viernes 28 de agosto para participar en los tryouts"

Brookwood, Westwood, and Dalton High families: Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Are Now Available – in English & Spanish!

The 2026–2027 Free & Reduced Lunch Application is open!

Everyone is encouraged to complete a new application each year, even if you’ve qualified in the past.
Submit your application by September 1, 2026. A new application is required each year, and last year’s status will expire on September 18.

Apply online or pick up a limited paper copy at the front office of any Dalton school.
ENGLISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=1
SPANISH: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/DistrictRedirect/DaltonPS_GA?langid=2

🍎 It’s About More Than a Meal!
✅ Access to free or reduced prices on healthy, delicious meals
✅ Discounted fees for SAT, ACT, and AP exams
✅ Eligibility for college scholarships and academic programs
✅ Helps maintain critical student services and enrichment programs

Take a few minutes to apply—it’s a small step that supports big opportunities for your student!

2 months ago, Dalton Public Schools Communications
An English flyer titled "Now Open! FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS - More than a meal." The top image shows smiling children sitting together at a lunch table. Below are three featured benefits: School Funding: Maintains funding for student programs and services. Shown with a photo of a smiling girl holding books. SAT, ACT, AP Fees: Offers discounted exam fees and scholarship opportunities. Shown with a photo of high school graduates in red gowns. School Meals: Provides free or reduced prices for nutritious school meals. Shown with a photo of a young student selecting food in a cafeteria line. The bottom text instructs everyone to reapply annually by September 1, 2026, and notes that applications can be completed online or picked up at any school front office.
A Spanish flyer titled "¡Ya disponible! SOLICITUDES DE ALMUERZO GRATUITO O REDUCIDO - Más que una comida." The top image shows smiling children sitting together at a lunch table. Below are three featured benefits: Financiamiento escolar: Maintains funding for student programs and services. Shown with a photo of a smiling girl holding books. Costos de SAT, ACT y AP: Offers discounted exam fees and scholarship opportunities. Shown with a photo of high school graduates in red gowns. Comidas escolares: Provides free or reduced prices for nutritious school meals. Shown with a photo of a young student selecting food in a cafeteria line. The bottom text instructs all students to reapply annually by September 1, 2026, and notes that applications can be completed online or picked up at any school front office.
Please check out this week's Wildcat Weekly for important updates and reminders. 🐾 https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/newsletters/westwood-school/newsletters/wildcat-weekly-august-17-21-2026
2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Wildcat Weekly Graphic with Westie’s picture
Our Wildcats are enjoying reading and checking out new books with Mrs. Bray in the Media Center! ❤️📖
2 months ago, Westwood Communications
A kindergarten student looking through books in the media center
Three girls seating in the media center floor reading a book
A student seating in the media center reading a book
A student seating in the media center reading a book
A third grade student looking through books at the media center
Mrs. Johnson hanging a book to a students after checking the book out
Students holding their books before checking out
Student holding a book while looking at another book
Student seating at the media center reading a graphic novel
Student seating on the media center floor reading looking at picture book
Our 2nd graders have been learning all about communities and school community helpers! Miss Angie and Mrs. Andrea stopped by to read with our students and answer their questions. Students enjoyed learning more about them and the important roles they play in our school community! ❤️🐾
2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Mrs. Andrea reading a book to the class
A group picture with Mrs. Andrea
Miss Angie reading a book to the class
A group picture with Mrs. Angie
Our first graders enjoyed listening to Officer Jenkins read Officer Buckle and Gloria and learning a little more about the important job our school officers do to keep us safe. Thank you, Officer Jenkins, for taking the time to read with our Wildcats! We love having you as part of our Westwood family! ❤️🐾
2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Officer Jenkins showing the book illustrations to the students
Officer Jenkins reading to Mrs. Chitwood’s and Mrs. Santiago’s classes
Officer Johnson reading to Mrs. Anderson’s and Mrs. Elrod’s classrooms
Officer Jenkins taking a group pictures with Ms. Lemus’ class
We are excited to welcome our new staff members to Westwood, along with the amazing staff members who are stepping into new roles this school year! 🐾

We are so happy to have you as part of our team and know you will bring something special to our school!

WELCOME TO THE WESTWOOD FAMILY! ❤️🐾
2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Welcome to the Westwood Family 1. Individual pictures of the new staff
Welcome to the Westwood Family 2. Individual pictures of the new staff
Our Snack Cart is back and ready to roll! Starting Friday, August 14, students can bring their money every Friday and enjoy their favorite snack on Friday afternoons.

Get ready to snack, Wildcats! ❤️🐾
2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Snack Cart! Happy Friday, Happy Snacking!

Westwood families, our 2026–2027 School-Parent Compact is now available! This compact outlines our shared commitment to working together to support our students’ success. Please click the link below to view the compact.

Thank you for partnering with us to help our Wildcats grow and succeed! ❤️🐾

School-Parent Compact

2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Welcome back Westwood families! 🐾Please check out this week's Wildcat Weekly for important updates and reminders. https://daltonpublicschoolsga.edurooms.com/newsletters/westwood-school/newsletters/wildcat-weekly-august-10-14-2026
2 months ago, Westwood Communications
Wildcat Weekly