Westbrook News & Updates
May 2019
Westbrook Elementary
Email: muck.catherine@westside66.net
Website: http://westbrook.westside66.org/
Location: 1312 Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-390-6490
From the Desk of Mr. Hottovy...
Westbrook Families,
Next week at Westbrook, we will celebrate one of my favorite traditions: Staff Appreciation Week. This is a week when we plan special events for our staff with the help of the Community Club to thank them for all that they do.
Our teachers (and I refer to ALL adults in our building as teachers) work tirelessly to give each student the tools that they need for future success.This means teaching them to read and solve complex problems, teaching them to make beautiful music and art, developing their gross motor skills, and using technology to create something new. Our teachers also invest in our students by teaching them how to self-regulate when needed and how to successfully navigate problems with peers, among many other learning strategies here at school.
Take time with all of us to celebrate our staff! Send an email or drop a note in you students book bag. It doesn't have to cost money to tell them you appreciate them and all they do for our students.
Thank you again for all you do with us here at Westbrook and as we wind down this school year we are already planning and preparing for our next GREAT year as a Wildcat!
Also, just a side note... If there are any students fasting during Ramadan, please let us know in the office and we will make arrangements for your student enjoy some time away from the lunchroom while their class is eating.
From the Desk of Mrs. Poell...
As many of you have heard, my house was greatly damaged in the flood. We had nearly three feet of water in our house and it needed to be gutted down to studs. Most of our furniture was also destroyed and we were displaced from our home for six weeks. I am happy to share that we have been working away at fixing the house and we were able to get back into the bedrooms last week! We will finish the remainder of the house while living there. It is SO good to be home! I wanted to share this with the Westbrook community because I know many families have done a lot to contribute to me and my family during this time. I appreciate all of the meals, kind words, donations and items for the auction baskets. The fundraiser my family organized was a huge success in large part because of all of the contributions from Westbrook. I am so lucky to be a part of the Westbrook family. THANK YOU!
Returning Student Registration... EVERY STUDENT NEEDS COMPLETED
Returning Student Registration
Starting this year, May is the time to get current students registered for the 2019-2020 school year!
To get started, login to your parent PowerSchool account at ps.westside66.org. Then click on the Returning Student Registration button. Remember that the registration must be completed for each returning Westside student in your home.
Once you're finished, your child will be registered for the 2019-2020 school year, and we will have up-to-date contact information for back-to-school communication this summer.
What if I forgot my PowerSchool account login information?
You can reset your password using the “Forgot Username or Password?” link on the login page (ps.westside66.org). Please be aware that the recovery email will be sent to the email address you used to create the account, which may not be your current email address.
If you need further assistance with your account, please email powerschool.support@westside66.net or call 402-390-2100.
Parking/Pickup and Boys and Girls Club LAST DAY...
Thank you for your cooperation.
From the Main Office...
___Check lunch accounts and make sure that they are current.
___Does your child have any items in the health office? Please pick those up by 1pm on 5/24.
___Any address or phone # changes during the year please call the office and make sure we
have current information.
___ Is your child changing schools this year? Please let us know so that we can get records around and sent to your new school ASAP.
___Is your child joining us for summer school? Please make sure that they are registered.
___May 17th ALL library books need to be turned in.
___ Have you logged on to do your students registration paperwork for next year? It is open and if you need directions or your username and password I would be happy to get that for you.
Health Office Hot Spot...
If your child has any medication/inhalers at school (prescription or non-prescription) an ADULT will need to pick them up on or before the last day of school which is Friday, May 24th. After this time all medication will be discarded.
If your child needs more medication (a refill of pills) at school for the month of May, please only bring enough for the amount of school days that are left. That will help prevent extra medication at school when the year is over.
If you have any questions please call Laurie Beatty, Health Assistant at 402-390-6490.
ALSO FOR OUR EXITING 6TH GRADERS...
By law, all incoming 7th graders must present evidence of having a complete physical examination, updated immunizations (Tdap is required by state law), and a dental exam prior to entering school. For missing immunizations, state law allows us to accept only valid medical exemption forms, signed by a physician or notarized religious exemption forms. A signed waiver form from parents/guardian refusing to provide physical exam documentation is also required. All forms are available from the District’s ABC Welcome Center.
Physicians may print out results of the physical exam and immunizations on their forms, or parents may print the 7th grade health physical exam form from the WMS website found in the “Health Information” area. Exams must be completed anytime after March 1, 2019, and before school starts in the Fall. Students planning to participate in sports must have a physical dated after May 1, 2019.
If your child has a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy, a health action plan is required. Asthma action plans must be completed and signed by a doctor and may be found on the WMS website in the “Health Information” area or picked up from the WMS main office. I will be checking my email periodically during the summer. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me, or contact the main office at WMS for general information.
Melissa Smith, BSN, BS, RN
Westside Middle School Nurse
Direct (402) 408-8652
Main Office (402) 390-6464
Fax (402) 390-6454
Email: smith.melissaa@westside66.net
Irene Patton, BS, BSN, RN, CCRN
District 66 Elementary School Nurse
(402) 708-7240
Book Nook- News and Notes From the Library!
Thank you for your time.
Mentor A Wildcat...
Consider being a TeamMates Mentor
The positive impact of TeamMates Mentoring on a student/mentees’ levels of hope, engagement in school, and well-beinghas been well researched.
In a recent school year,
§ 75% of TeamMates mentees had fewer unexcused absences
§ 84% of TeamMates mentees experienced fewer disciplinary referrals
§ 55% of TeamMates mentees improved their academic performance
Please consider making a 1-hour a week commitment (meeting at school, only during school calendar) to make an incredible difference in a child’s life. TeamMates prefers mentors to be able to commit to the program for at least 3 years to make a lasting impression. If you are interested in learning more about TeamMates Mentoring, contact Mrs. Lowe (402-408-8519). The comments below from mentees reveal how mentoring touches a child’s life:
"Thank you so much for coming and seeing me each week. I'm so happy that you're my mentor. I love spending time with you. I will do anything to make you proud. I won't ever let you down.” - TeamMate Mentee
“"Thank you for being a teammate of mine. I enjoy spending my time every week to talk about how I am. You're like a pal to me.” - TeamMate Mentee
Need some help... Westbrook families have a great resource when needed... see below.
Did you know Westside Community Schools has a
Food Pantry and Clothing Closet??
Who: Any family with a student attending a Westside school can receive items from the food pantry and clothing closet.
Families can receive assistance as needed.
How: Call to schedule a pick up or delivery or a time to come to the clothing closet. Summer pantry and closet hours will be available.
To learn more or to request assistance:
Contact April Anderson, School Social Worker
Office: (402)-408-8914 Cell: (402)-680-2409
Did you know Westside has a Food Pantry and Clothing Closet??
Who: Any family with a student attending a Westside school can receive items from the food pantry and clothing closet. Families can receive assistance as needed.
How: Call to schedule a pick up or delivery or a time to come to the clothing closet. Summer pantry and closet hours will be available.
To learn more or to request assistance:
Contact April Anderson, School Social Worker
Office: (402)-408-8914 Cell: (402)-680-2409
Did you know Westside has a Food Pantry and Clothing Closet??
Who: Any family with a student attending a Westside school can receive items from the food pantry and clothing closet. Families can receive assistance as needed.
How: Call to schedule a pick up or delivery or a time to come to the clothing closet. Summer pantry and closet hours will be available.
To learn more or to request assistance:
Contact April Anderson, School Social Worker
Office: (402)-408-8914 Cell: (402)-680-2409
Summer School!!
Hello,
Your child has been invited to attend Westbrook's summer school. The information for summer school is below. Please let us know if you have any questions. Please click the link here to either sign up or to let us know that your child will not be attending: Please click HERE.
Thank you!
Summer School 2019
Hillside/Westbrook Elementary
Who: Current Kindergarten through 5th Grade students who need additional
support in Reading, Writing, and Math.
When: June 10th - June 28th
Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Where: Westbrook Elementary
Sign-up Deadline is April 18, 2019
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Description: The summer school program is a half-day program designed to serve students who completed Kindergarten through 5th grade who need additional support in academics. This program is designed to give students a boost in reading, writing and math prior to the start of the 2019-20 school year. The program will incorporate district curriculum and prepare students for the upcoming school year.
Transportation: Transportation will need to be arranged by the parent/guardian.
Breakfast and Lunch: Students wishing to eat breakfast and lunch at school can eat, free of charge, between these hours: Breakfast: 8:15-8:30; Lunch: 11:30-11:45
Public Kitchen Hours: Breakfast 7:45-9:00; Lunch 11:30-1:00
Fee: Free to all students
How to sign up: Please click HERE on this link to sign up.
Unified Events for May 2019
Dear Westside Elementary Families,
Elementary Unified Activities - Unified Field Games
What Are Unified Activities?
The Special Olympics Unified Schools Program is a fast growing initiative that brings students with and without
intellectual disabilities together. This year we are excited to bring a Unified Field Games opportunity to our
schools.
Westside Community Schools is excited to offer our final Unified Activity this year, Unified Field Games.
Where: Hillside Elementary 7500 Western Ave Omaha, NE 68114
When: May 13, 2019 5:30-6:30
What: An hour of fun and friendship aimed at partnering peers and enjoying the games and memories of elementary “Field Day” activities
RSVP Needed for Participation
If you and your child(ren) are interested in participating, please download the following linked informational flyer to learn more and to let us know if you are planning to attend.
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What is Happening in the Family Enrichment Center...
We have story time every Tuesday at 9:30am. Just come to the main entrance at Westbrook and we will buzz you in, get you a visitor pass and send you down to some amazing ladies that will entertain you and your child for story time!
We have parent play time every Thursday at 9:30am.
See the pics above of our new mirrored wall for modeling independent skills such as feeding, toileting, and social expressions.
Bring your preschoolers in to practice with us in room 119.
We welcome everyone so spread the word.
We can't wait to see you at Westbrook!
Band Blast...
5th and 6th grade Band and String students will present a school day concert on Friday, May 3 at 2:40 in Westbrook's gym. While this concert is intended for the student body, parents are more than welcome to attend! We hope to see you there!
Our sixth grade jazz band students will perform as part of our District Big Band Dance on Saturday, May 11 at 5:30. This event is a fund-raiser for the Westside High School Band Booster organization is open to the general public. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students at the door. Come on out, support the incredible band program found here in Westside, and have a great time dancing the night away!
5th and 6th grade String students will present a district wide concert called WESTFEST on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00 pm! Please mark your calendars and help reward your child for their hard work by making this event a priority for your entire family. Students will attend a rehearsal during the school day and will need to report to Westside High School no later than 6:30. A detailed letter about the days events will be e-mailed to string parents, and a hard copy will be sent home with string students prior to the event.
Finally, our sixth grade band students have been working hard on learning solos and small ensemble pieces. They will present these solos during class on Monday, May 20. Parents, you are welcome and cordially invited to join us for class that day to hear the students and celebrate their accomplishments!
Students using school instruments will need to return the instrument to the school for the summer so it can be cleaned and repaired. Those instruments will be reserved for the 2019-2020 school year and will be ready for students on our first day of band class.
Questions about these events or anything else band and strings related, feel free to connect with Mrs. CJ at carpenter.gail@westside66.net.
Band Solo / Ensemble Concert
Thursday, May 2, 2019, 07:00 PM
Westside Middle School, Arbor Street, Omaha, NE, USA
1st Grade Zoo Trip
Friday, May 3, 2019, 08:45 AM
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, South 10th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
5th grade Lauritzen Garden Field Trip
Friday, May 3, 2019, 08:45 AM
Lauritzen Gardens/Kenefick Park, Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Community Club Meeting
Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 06:30 PM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
5th/6th Grade Band and Strings Concert
Friday, May 3, 2019, 02:30 PM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
CARNIVAL!!
Friday, May 10, 2019, 06:00 PM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
6th Grade WARRIOR WALKABOUT!!
Friday, May 10, 2019, 11:00 AM
Westside Middle School, Arbor Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Zio's Pizza Night
Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 05:00 PM
Zio's Pizzeria, Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, USA
3rd Grade to the SAC Museum Field Trip
Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 09:00 AM
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, West Park Highway, Ashland, NE, USA
All School Picnic!!
Friday, May 17, 2019, 11:00 AM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Omaha Street Percussion Concert
Thursday, May 23, 2019, 02:00 PM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Last Day of School Early Release 1pm!!
Thank you for your understanding.