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WE ARE WILLOW RIDGE

PANTHER PRIDE

Willow Ridge Elementary School is a community of learners who recognize the importance of a quality education. Students, staff and parents work together to ensure that high standards of learning are maintained. It is our belief that learning in today’s world requires students to use think critically and to solve problems by applying skills in new and unique ways.

NEWS FEED

Willow Ridge Musicians Lead the Way at ECMEA Music Showcase

Sweet Home’s talented 4th and 5th grade musicians from Willow Ridge Elementary recently took the stage at the 31st Annual ECMEA & NCMEA Classroom Music Showcase at Windermere Blvd. School, sharing their creativity with music educators from across Western New York!

Under the direction of Mrs. Jessica Wheaton-Bridon, students presented “Whole Brain, Whole Body – Musical Workout Activities,” an engaging session that combined rhythm, movement, and creativity. The performance highlighted how music can strengthen focus, coordination, and teamwork - all while having fun!

In the weeks leading up to the event, students met for several after-school rehearsals to prepare their movement warm-ups, drumming routines on yoga balls, and collaborative choreography. Their hard work and leadership truly showed on stage as they represented Sweet Home with professionalism and pride.

Congratulations to Mrs. Bridon and her students for an outstanding performance! #WeAreSweetHome

Annual Heart Award Winners Honored

Congratulations to our 2025 Heart Award Winners!

During this week’s districtwide Professional Development Day, we had the honor of recognizing three outstanding Panthers who embody the very heart of Sweet Home. The Heart Award is presented annually to staff who go the extra mile for our students, uplift our culture, build strong relationships with families and colleagues, and truly live our mission of “Every Student, One Community, Ready for the Future.”

Service Staff Award — Patty Foels (Middle School Monitor)

For nearly 30 years, Patty has led with kindness, calm, and integrity. Her bright smile lights our hallways, and her steady presence supports students and staff every day. Patty balances responsibility with compassion and continually goes above and beyond to ensure every Panther feels valued.

Teacher Award — Sheila Connors (Ready Academy)

Sheila is often the reason students show up ready to learn. She provides morning support, encouragement, and accountability, forming powerful connections with students who rely on her presence. She welcomes every learner, especially those who need the most care, and never takes the easy way, always doing what’s best for kids.

Administrator/Supervisor Award — Kristi Sajdak (Food Service Director)

Kristi plays a vital role in nourishing our entire community. She ensures all 3,800+ students receive free meals daily, supports multiple private schools, listens to student feedback, partners with SHEF to feed families in need, and leads her team with creativity, compassion, and pride.

Please join us in celebrating Patty, Sheila, and Kristi for their extraordinary dedication, leadership, and HEART. We are so grateful for everything you do to make Sweet Home stronger.

#WeAreSweetHome

Tables Now Available for our Annual Meat Raffle

It's that time of year again! Join us for our annual Scholarship Meat Raffle!

WHO: Sweet Home Dollars for Scholars

WHAT: Scholarship Meat Raffle

WHERE: St. Leo the Great Parish Center, 855 Sweet Home Road, Amherst

WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2025
HOW: Call Lyn Custodi 716-250-1424 or email: Icustodi@sweethomeschools.org

Tickets for the event are $10 and we are accepting reservations for tables of 8 for $75. Tables always fill up quickly, so give us a call! #WeAreSweetHome

Happy School Board Recognition Week

This week is School Board Recognition Week, and we wanted to say thank you in the cutest way possible...through some homemade student cards! Thank you to Meghan Feeney's class at Willow Ridge Elementary for expressing your gratitude through art.

And thank you to President Peter Bellanti, Vice President Brian Laible, Danyelle Anthon, Amy Battaglia, Marianne Jasen, Scott Johnson, and Dirk Rabenold for volunteering your time to make our school community better. #WeAreSweetHome