Already looking ahead to next school year, the leadership and teachers of Westwood Elementary (WWE) in SBISD recently opened their doors to welcome a new group of kindergarten students and families who will join the school this August.
With so much to be proud of, the WWE staff hosted a Kindergarten Signing event to showcase the school’s amenities and help build excitement for the start of a new academic chapter in the lives of students, most of whom will be advancing from Tiger Trail School for Early Learning (for three- and four-year-olds).
About 45 families were greeted at the door by members of the WWE Cheer Club to kick off the enthusiastic and upbeat event. Some lively cheers and a dance routine followed before Principal Criselda Chavez personally welcomed the incoming students and families to the school.
“In our welcome presentation, parents were so motivated by all that we offer for our families here at Westwood,” said Chavez. “They shared how excited they were to have their students start at Westwood.”
Visiting families were split into two groups to tour various parts of the school. One group started in the library, where stations were set up to provide information about school programs and opportunities and to assist with registration for the 2025–26 school year. The other group began in the kindergarten classrooms, meeting the teachers. The groups then swapped places to ensure everyone had the full WWE experience.
Signed!
“The pre-K students loved going to the classrooms with their parents,” said Chavez. “They loved being inside the school and learning about the various places. Parents were so excited and were all waiting to take their child's picture verifying that they ‘SIGNED’ with Westwood!”
Just a few of the offerings and services available for students and families at WWE include:
Focus on advanced academics through math and science; STEM-focused and problem-based learning; the only elementary school with the Project Lead The Way curriculum in SBISD.
English language support focused on English transfer for English language learners.
The only SBISD elementary school with a cheer team!
Free after-school student clubs, including: Cooking Club, Disney Club, Singing Lions, Fun Fitness, Yoga, Cheer, Baseball, Soccer, Art Club, Music Club, and American Sign Language.
Roaring Readers Celebration every nine weeks (two students per class are recognized for meeting reading goals with a special luncheon and a free Happy Meal).
Career Exploration Day
Family engagement opportunities, including an active PTA, Fall Festival, curriculum nights with the Children's Museum of Houston, music concerts for each grade level, parenting classes, and STAAR and TELPAS state testing information sessions in collaboration with Communities In Schools.
Community services/supports: Backpack with school supplies giveaway; Barbara Bush Foundation Book Bag Giveaway (every student receives six hardback books to start and build a home library); Operation Warm Shoe Giveaway (each student receives a new pair of shoes); Hope City Church’s Christmas HOPE Event & Collaboration (2,000 gifts distributed, fun stations, free haircuts, face painting, bounce houses, diapers, wipes, baby formula, and snacks).
As the Class of 2039 continues its academic journey as Westwood Lions at “the big kids’ school” next fall, students will come in with confidence and excitement, knowing there are many positive opportunities to grow—and roar!
Westwood Elementary is just one example of the many amazing schools that Spring Branch ISD families have access to. With a wide variety of programs, supportive communities, and a shared commitment to inspiring minds and shaping lives, there's a place for Every Child!