📣 FAST Math Testing is Tuesday, September 22!

Westwood families, please review the testing reminder below and help our Whirlwinds come prepared and ready to do their best! 🌪️

Together, a Force of Nature!

Westwood Families,

It’s important students are on time and attend school everyday but especially from September 25 to October 8 for the ATTENDANCE COUNT for FDOE.

Student and teacher attendance during this two week period determines the amount of money the Florida Department of Education allocates to Westwood Middle School.

Please make every effort to be on time and attend school during this period.

👀 WHIRLWIND WATCH! 🌪️

Who made the list this week? 👏🏽

Congratulations to our Westwood Whirlwinds of the Week! 💚🤍

They showed up, made smart choices, and were ready to learn! 📚

Keep bringing your best—you never know when YOU’LL be next! 🌪️

#WestwoodWhirlwinds #WestwoodWay

🏐 GAME WEEK IS HERE! 🏐

Don’t meet us there… BEAT US THERE! 🔥💚🤍

Whirlwinds, it’s time to bring the energy, hustle, and Westwood Way! 🌪️

#WestwoodVolleyball #westwoodwhirlwinds🌪️ #GoWhirlwinds

FAST ELA PM1 9/15/26

The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is a progress monitoring assessment administered three times per year to track your student’s progress in learning the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards.

Students in grades 6–8 at Westwood Middle School will participate in the first administration (PM1) of the FAST ELA Reading and Mathematics assessments on the following dates:

FAST ELA Reading PM1 — Tuesday, September 15, 2026

FAST Mathematics PM1 — Tuesday, September 22, 2026

The results from PM1 will provide valuable baseline information about your student’s progress toward grade-level standards and will help teachers identify areas where students may need additional instruction and support throughout the school year. Information about how to access your student’s results will be provided after testing is completed.

FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests taken on a computer or tablet. The questions may become easier or more difficult depending on how your student responds, and each student may see different questions from a common item bank. The assessments are designed to measure the B.E.S.T. Standards within each subject and grade level.

For more information about the test design, please visit the Florida Department of Education B.E.S.T. Assessments website:

Florida Department of Education B.E.S.T. Assessments

Students and families can also access practice tests and sample items through the FAST Family Portal:

FAST Family Portal

Please review the following policies with your student before testing:
Electronic Devices: Students are not allowed to access electronic devices, including, but not limited to, cell phones, smart glasses, and smartwatches, at any time during testing or during breaks (e.g., restroom breaks), even if the devices are turned off or students do not use them. Students may not wear smart glasses during statewide testing, even if they are prescription glasses. If a student is found with a prohibited electronic device during testing, the student’s test may be invalidated (not scored).

Calculator Policy: Approved calculators will be provided to students as permitted for their grade level and assessment. Students should not bring personal calculators for testing.

Testing Rules Acknowledgment: All tests include a Testing Rules Acknowledgment. Prior to testing, test administrators will review the testing rules with students, and students will acknowledge that they understand the rules before beginning the assessment.

Discussing Test Content After Testing: Because test content is secure, students may not discuss or share details about specific test items or passages after testing. This includes texting, emailing, or posting test content on social media. This policy does not prevent students from discussing their overall testing experience with their parents or families.

Working Independently: Students are responsible for doing their own work during the assessment and protecting their answers from being seen by others. If a student is caught cheating during testing, the student’s test may be invalidated (not scored).

Leaving Campus: If your student leaves campus before completing a test (e.g., for an appointment or early checkout), they will not be allowed to return to that test session. If your student does not feel well on the day of testing, it may be best for the student to test on a make-up day. Please avoid scheduling appointments or early checkouts on testing days whenever possible.

Testing Accommodations: If your student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a Section 504 Plan, or is an English Language Learner (ELL), allowable testing accommodations will be provided as documented.

Testing Irregularities: If a testing irregularity occurs in your student’s testing room, your student may be asked questions as part of the school’s review of the situation. In some circumstances, a student may need to retake the assessment if the irregularity affects the validity of the test results.

Extra Time: Any student who is still actively working at the end of the allotted testing time will be provided additional time, as permitted, to complete the assessment.

Please make every effort to have your student present and on time on September 15 and September 22. We also encourage students to get a good night’s rest, eat breakfast, and arrive at school prepared to do their best.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to help our students have a successful start to the school year.

🌈 The rain has stopped! 🌦️
You still have time to join us for Westwood Middle School Open House tonight! 💚🤍

Come on over—we’ll see you soon! Drive Safe Whirlwinds 🌪️💚

Hello Westwood Families,

I look forward to seeing everyone at Open House this evening. Our wonderful PTA will kick us off promptly at 5:30 PM in the cafeteria. Transition to classroom visits will begin at 6:00 PM.

This is also a reminder that our Open House event is an opportunity to travel through campus and walk the same paths that your students walk each day here at school. Teachers will not be available for conferences tonight; however, parents/guardians will be able to schedule conferences at a later date if desired.

All students attending Open House will need to come with a parent/guardian and remain with that parent/guardian at all times during the event.

Thanks for your attention to this reminder. Have a great day!

Best Regards,
Daniel Burney, Principal

🌪️ MAKING THEIR MARK! 💚🤍

Meet this week’s Westwood Whirlwinds of the Week! 👏🏽

These students are leading by example and showing the Westwood Way every day!

Be kind. Make good choices. Be ready to learn. You could be next! 🌪️📚

#WestwoodWhirlwinds #WestwoodWay

🏐 NEXT VOLLEYBALL GAME! 🏐

Come out and support our Westwood Whirlwinds as they take on High Springs! 💚🌪️

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Away Game
🎟️ Tickets: $2

Let’s go, Whirlwinds! 💚🏐🔥