Windy Ridge Families-

As I write my weekly message, I am still recovering from my first Fun Run! I have to admit, when the fire truck arrived later in the day, I thought they were there for me. Of course, it was part of our kindergarten curriculum on civics! I want to thank all of our families that helped organize both the Fun Run and the Hispanic Heritage Celebration Night.  Seeing our teachers and families come together to provide memorable experiences for all of our students is so special.   

As usual, there is a lot going on at the Ridge this week, please take a look through our entire newsletter.

Has a Windy Ridge K-8 teacher or staff member made a difference for you or your child during Quarter 1? We would love to hear about it! Take a moment to recognize someone special by sharing who they are, what they did, and why it mattered to you. Your kind words can make a staff member's day—or even their entire week! 🌟

📅 Deadline: Wednesday, October 21st at Noon

📱 Scan the QR code above to submit your Silverhawk Shoutout! Let's spread kindness and celebrate our amazing Silverhawk staff! 💙

You can also click the link here. LINK TO GOOGLE FORM

Updates from SAC will be added here. 

Please scan the QR code or complete this Google Form  if you would like to present at Teach In. This is a reminder you must also be ADDitions approved. Please email Mr. Ly if you have any questions about being a Teach In presenter. We are excited to have you on campus sharing your careers or reading stories to our Silverhawks.  

📢 Attention 5th Grade Families! 

The application window for Windy Ridge K-8's Middle School Academy officially opened Thursday, October 15th!

Our Middle School Academy uses a lottery-based application process, so families of current 5th graders who wish to attend our academy for the 2027–2028 school year must apply through the OCPS Magnet Schools & Programs online application.

📅 Application Deadline: December 18, 2026

💻 Apply Online: Visit https://www.ocps.net/274823_3 

Don't miss this opportunity to continue your Silverhawk journey into middle school! 

Updates from the Discipline will be added here when needed.

Silverhawk Athletic Gear: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/QP7ZdSG5j7

This week in the library, we read The Skeleton and the Cat in preparation for our exciting author visit with Brandon James Scott on Monday, October 19th! Our students loved the story, and I know they are looking forward to meeting the author!

📖 Author Visit Reminder: Books must be purchased online in advance through Writer's Block Bookstore. We can't wait for this special experience! 

🎃 Great Pumpkin Contest Reminder: All entries for our annual Great Pumpkin Contest are due Thursday, October 22nd! We have already received some amazing creations and can't wait to see what else our talented Silverhawks come up with!

🌟 Above and Beyond!!! 🌟

We did it, Silverhawks! We surpassed our $40K goal for Fun Run and have officially qualified for a school-wide Farm Day (date TBD) where Mr. Kempinger will kiss a pig! Thank you to our students, parents, school staff, and supporters who made this possible. The money raised will enable us to do some amazing things to support our school and students this year. ❤️

MIDDLE SCHOOL: because you are so close to reaching your $10K goal (only $480.50 away), we are extending your fundraising deadline to tomorrow morning at 9am. If you reach this goal, you’ll qualify for a 30-minute middle school recess with popsicles! 

Fun Run was a major success on Friday. Students had a blast running the track, playing on inflatables, and enjoying popsicles and music with their classmates. We’d love to see photos from the event from those who took them - please email your pictures to communications@windyridgepta.com so we can share them!

Join us for Windy Ridge Spirit Night as the Orlando Magic take on the Boston Celtics on Sunday, November 1st at 3:30pm at the Kia Center! Purchase your tickets directly through this link to take advantage of an exclusive discount. The first 25 kids with a ticket through this link will be able to join the high-five line for the Boston Celtics as they run out of the tunnel before the game! This is always a fun event - we look forward to seeing you there!

For more information about Astronomy Club, please email Dr. Strawser at: corydon.strawser@ocps.net. 

More testing news will be shared soon.

More Soaring Hawks will be shared soon. 

🎪🍎 National School Lunch Week Celebration! 🍎🎪

Last week, we celebrated National School Lunch Week! Our amazing cafeteria team went above and beyond by transforming our cafeteria lunch line into a fun circus-themed experience for our students! A huge THANK YOU to our wonderful cafeteria staff for all you do each day to provide our Silverhawks with healthy, delicious breakfasts and lunches. We appreciate your hard work and dedication! 

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration! 

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, our faculty and staff enjoyed a delicious luncheon together! A special thank you to Mrs. Doleh and Mrs. Ortiz for helping serve our staff.