Caleb Strickland, an 8th grader at Westwood Middle School, is turning trash into art!

Caleb cut and scored cardboard that was headed for the landfill and turned it into a sign for his grandpa. Westwood’s new xTool P3 made quick work of the cutting and scoring, and with a little prep and gluing, the whole project came together before the school day even started.

At Westwood, students aren’t just learning about engineering... they’re doing it.

And #WE can do it all with #WestwoodEngineering 💚⚙️🌪️ and #CTE.

Westwood Middle School Reminder 🌪️

Early Release Days: May 29th – June 2nd
Student dismissal is at 2:22 PM each day.

Last night’s Westwood Middle School 8th Grade Awards Ceremony was filled with pride, celebration, and unforgettable moments 💚🌪️✨

Thank you to Board Member Dr. Rockwell and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Atria for joining us as we honored the amazing accomplishments of our students. Your support means so much to our Westwood family!

A huge thank you as well to our talented Career & Technical Education ACPS Department, led by Mr. Sankey for creating these custom laser-cut and 3D-printed appreciation gifts. The attention to detail and creativity made the night extra special 🎓

Congratulations to the Westwood Class of 2026 — the future is bright! 🌟

#westwoodwhirlwinds🌪️ #ClassOf2026 #cte #3dprint #westwoodengineering

💚 Westwood Families 💚

Please check your email titled “Final Week Updates, Events & Reminders – Westwood Middle School”

for important end-of-year reminders, including early release days, no backpacks, testing, pool parties, yearbooks, and more!

Only 20 yearbooks left! Grab yours now before they sell out 💚📘

Link: bit.ly/4wqpRVs

Reminder: Please return all library books that are still checked out by Friday, May 22nd. 📚

Westwood Families & Students 💚🌪️

Testing continues 2moro! Be prepared, get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast, and bring your best effort.

We know our Westwood students are going to do amazing —

YOU GOT THIS! 📚✨

The wait is over — Wednesday, May 20th is YEARBOOK DAY!

ONLY 40 left! Don’t miss out on your memories from this year at Westwood Middle.

📲 Scan the QR code or order now: bit.ly/4wqpRVs

#WestwoodMS #Yearbook2026 #Only40Left

It's that time again!

Request electives for next year by choosing the correct link. Electives are not promised but every effort will be made to place you in your chosen elective.

6th graders transitioning to 7th grade: Westwood Middle School 2026-27 7th Grade Elective Preference

7th graders transitioning to 8th grade: Westwood Middle School 2026-27 8th Grade Elective Preference

Preferences are due by June 2nd!

Questions : mcleodlm@alachuaschools.net
--
Lisa McLeod, M.Ed.
Westwood Assistant Principal of Curriculum
(352) 955-6718 ext. 4805

YEARBOOK ALERT

Wednesday, May 20th is the day!! 🎉

Yearbooks are HERE and only 50 books are left!

Scan the QR code or click the link bit.ly/4wqpRVs to grab yours before they’re gone! 📚💚💛

#WestwoodMS #Yearbook2026 #Only50Left

✨🌟 Help Us Make the 8th Grade Social Unforgettable! 🌟✨

Westwood Middle School PTA is looking for volunteers and donations to help bring our
🎬 “A Night in the Spotlight” 🎬
8th Grade Social to life!

We need help with:
⭐ Decorating & setup
⭐ Cleanup & tear down
⭐ Donations of requested items
⭐ Monetary contributions to help cover event costs

This special night includes music, dancing, a candy bar, photo booth, food, decorations, and so much more for our 8th graders — and we can’t do it without the support of our amazing families and community! ❤️
hour helps make this a memorable celebration for our students as they finish middle school and head into high school! ✨🎓

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4AA8A828A3FC1-64039217-2026#/

As the year is winding down to a close, we have several events to celebrate our 8th graders. 

8th grade Events:

• Gradventure Thursday, May 21.  

• Award Ceremony Wednesday, May 27 at 6p *By invite only

• Social Monday, June 1 from 6 to 8:30p.

• Pool Party  Tuesday, June 2 during the school day! 

The Social and Pool Party contract will be given to students on Monday in their history classes.  Students will have to abide by the contract to be eligible for both events from May 12 until the event.  Please return them signed by Friday, May 15.

We will begin selling tickets to the Social on Tuesday, May 26.