Welcome Back!
New Year. New Memories.
Yearbooks are now on sale for $45.
Order today at www.swiphoto.com/yb
Prices may go up later - don't wait!
Here’s to an amazing 2026 filled with growth, learning, and community—together we grow!🌱✨
#HappyNewYear #WestwoodPride #TogetherWeGrow
Sending warm holiday wishes from Westwood Middle School! 🎄✨
Scan the QR code or click the link to view our holiday message:
[Public View Link]
Westwood Cheer traveled to Lakeland High School and Interlachen High School for cheer competitions and came home with FIRST PLACE finishes at both! 📣✨
Their hard work, determination, and Westwood pride were on full display. Congratulations to our amazing cheer team! 🙌💫
#WestwoodCheer #FirstPlaceWins #WestwoodPride #CheerChampions #GoWestwood 📣
Westwood Weekly – Dec 16
The Westwood Way Podcast (Ep. 7) is out now!
News you can use—quick & easy to listen
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WTHLFWKIIGVTxLkXKOtQT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoq56l9rztnVeo44awpbLLpLCTSt63rEx
📅 Important Dates:
🎶 Dec 16: Winter Band Concert @ GHS – 6:30 PM
🎄 Dec 19: No School
❄️ Dec 22–Jan 5: Winter Break
📝 Jan 7: FAST PM 2 Math
📚 Jan 8: FAST PM 2 ELA
👍 Follow PTA on Facebook: WestwoodMSPTA
Have a great week, Whirlwinds! 💙
Westwood showed up in a BIG way!
Our Student Government, sponsored by Mr. Falvey, led our annual Holiday Food Drive. Thanks to the generosity and teamwork of our students and staff, we doubled last year’s total and completed 28 full Family Dinner Boxes, including special boxes for our four-legged friends.
Each homeroom worked together to fill a Family Dinner Box. 19 boxes were donated to Littlewood Elementary and the remaining boxes will support Alachua County families in need.
A huge thank you to our PTA for donating all of the Publix gift cards included in each box, helping make this effort even more meaningful for our families.
We are so proud of our Whirlwind community for spreading kindness, compassion, and holiday cheer! 🎄🌀
Invitation for Your 8th Graders: Join the Academy of Future Teachers at Gainesville High School
The AFT program offers students an exceptional four-year high school experience, including:
Industry Certification in WordPress
College credit through Santa Fe College’s Introduction to Education
Preparation for the FTCE Professional Education Certification Exam
Hands-on teaching internships in local schools
Leadership opportunities through the Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA)
Community service and scholarship pathways
These opportunities help students build confidence, develop professional skills, and become strong, career-ready leaders.
Buchholz High School Orientation – January 8
Buchholz High School invites all students zoned for BHS to join us for our upcoming orientation event.
Orientation will be held on January 8th at 6:30 PM in the BHS Auditorium.
Save the Date
Westwood Middle School Band Winter Concert
Join us for a festive evening of music as the Westwood Middle School Band presents their Winter Concert!
Enjoy a free performance showcasing the hard work, talent, and holiday spirit of our amazing students.
📅 Tuesday, December 16, 2025
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Gainesville High School
Bring your family and help us celebrate the season with beautiful music. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thank You Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. Law Firm of Gainesville for Your Generous Support!
FFP Law: https://ffplaw.com
Since 1980, the personal injury law firm of Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano PA has been committed to serving the people of Gainesville and surrounding areas.
News you can use in a convenient audio clip! Listen on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WTHLFWKIIGVTxLkXKOtQT
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoq56l9rztnVeo44awpbLLpLCTSt63rEx
Quarter 1 Sonic Awards: Slushies, Smiles at Westwood
Go visit Sonic Gainesville (2162 NW 39th Ave) and see why they’re the best!
Our first quarter Sonic Awards went off without a hitch . Just smiles, slushies, and good vibes all around!
So proud of our Westwood students for starting the year strong.
Big thank you to our amazing staff, volunteers and Sonic Gainesville for making the celebration even sweeter!
Go visit Sonic Gainesville (2162 NW 39th Ave) and see why they’re the best!
News you can use in a convenient audio clip! Listen on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WTHLFWKIIGVTxLkXKOtQT
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoq56l9rztnVeo44awpbLLpLCTSt63rEx
Congratulations to Kinsley Van Nocker! Kinsley’s artwork, “Poseidon,” was selected as this year’s Art in the Capitol winner for our district. A panel of county art teachers chose her piece to represent Westwood Middle in Tallahassee during the spring legislative session.
“Poseidon” will be framed and displayed at the Florida State Capitol from January through March, alongside student artwork from across the state. Later this spring, Kinsley will have the opportunity to meet Representative Chad Johnson when the artwork returns home.
We are so proud of Kinsley for her creativity and talent!
📸 Caption: Kinsley poses with her award-winning “Poseidon,” joined by Principal Burney, Mrs. Gattshall, and Mrs. Rollo.
Show your support for our theatre students — every ticket helps fund competitions, workshops, and future productions!
Performance Dates:
December 3rd, 4th, and 5th at 6:00 PM
Tickets: $10.00 (https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZI5ZRXVM504GI8_ZZ68U58O7P6OSER)
Available online or at the door until 6:15 PM
Bring your family and friends for a night of incredible performances and community spirit. Let’s fill the seats and celebrate our students’ dedication to the arts!
Come see what the excitement’s all about — the spotlight’s waiting!
Dates: November 18th and 19th
Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: ACPS District Office, 620 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, Florida
You’ll be able to explore career opportunities that will have a real impact on children and families and help you grow personally and professionally. Opportunities that offer good pay, free health care benefits, and more!
Visit www.alachuaschools.net/transportation or https://youtu.be/274s_bsfTMg to learn more.
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3WTHLFWKIIGVTxLkXKOtQT
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4zoCf4bMz8&list=PLoq56l9rztnVeo44awpbLLpLCTSt63rEx
Episode 2 of The Westwood Way podcast has dropped!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WTHLFWKIIGVTxLkXKOtQT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoq56l9rztnVeo44awpbLLpLCTSt63rEx