You have been home to me for ten years. Today is a bittersweet day for me. I said goodbye today to students I have watched make tremendous progress academically and socially-emotionally.

To the parents of Gator Nation, thank you for supporting our incredible staff at Westgate. There isn’t another team in the world that has as much passion for helping students succeed. This team goes above and beyond to put students first in their day-to-day work. I will be forever grateful for the support you have given me over these ten years. Thank you for making your child's education a priority. Please continue to support the Westgate team and build on the momentum we have filled with pride to be a part of Gator Nation!

To our students, thank you for bringing kindness and energy to Westgate daily. I am grateful for all the smiles, high-fives, hugs, and memories I have been a part of over the past ten years. There will always be a huge spot in my heart for all of you. You have been why I have walked through these doors daily with a smile. I got my energy from watching you achieve success. I wish you a bright future, and always remember, “YOU are kind. YOU are talented. YOU are hard-working. WE are Westgate. WE CAN. WE WILL.” I hope you achieve your wildest dreams in the future. Continue to make me proud of you, GATOR NATION!

I will miss you!

Amanda Moon

August

8 - Open House at Westgate for all WG Families

10 - Westside Community Schools First Day of School

We are just a few weeks away from the start of summer break 2023! While this time of year brings excitement and anticipation, it can also lead to feelings of anxiousness and uncertainty for students and their families. The Child Mind Institute reports that kids, particularly those students with mental health issues, benefit from structure. The school year provides this structure and routine naturally, whereas the summer months tend to be more relaxed and flexible. While the break is often enjoyable, it can also lead to frustration, panic, and the always popular, “I’m bored.” Luckily, there are some simple ways to merge structure and routine with fun and spontaneity while also keeping students’ bodies and minds healthy and prepared for the upcoming school year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Child Mind Institute outline several ways to make this happen including setting goals, giving students new responsibilities, and creating fun opportunities for learning. The Child Mind Institute article also includes suggestions for students with disabilities and/or mental and behavioral health challenges. A "Summer Bucket List" graphic is also attached. Please visit the links below to learn more.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/active_summer.htm

https://childmind.org/article/strategies-for-a-successful-summer-break/

Kindergarten enrollment for District residents for the 2023-24 school year begins approximately Feb 1, 2023. Please check our website at westside66.org as soon as possible after Feb 1st to start your enrollment online.

Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before July 31, 2023. Parents may wait to enroll their child(ren) in kindergarten for an additional year. However, Nebraska law requires that child(ren) who reach the age of six prior to Jan 1st of the then current school year must be enrolled in school.

For questions about enrollment, please contact the Westside Welcome Center at 402-390-2100 or

enrollment@westside66.net