Westbrook News & Updates
October 2018
Sparkle Shine and Be Kind
Choose to be Kind
Be Kinder to Yourself.
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,
We are continuing our focus of everyone getting on the same bus and focusing on the positive. The third rule of the energy bus is No Bullies Allowed. Sometimes we encounter people who spend more time trying to ruin someone else’s ride, rather than driving their own bus. These people can drain positive energy from others with negative thoughts and actions. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time and sometimes we say or do things to others that are unkind. This is not the same as bullying. Bullying is persistent, unkind words or actions over time that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. Kids who are bullies are not welcome on their bus until they are ready to learn the skills they need to be successful.
We do believe that with a partnership between school and home, we can help these kids acquire the skills that they need, and consistent adult intervention has been shown to decrease bullying behavior overtime. If your child is the target of persistent, unkind words or actions over time that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power, you can teach them three strategies from “The Energy Bus For Kids”
Avoid bullies. Do your best to stay away from any bullies that zap your positive energy.
When they are mean to you, confront them and say, “You are bullying me. Stop bullying me.” and walk away.
Tell your parents, teacher, or principal. No one should have to deal with it, but adults cannot help you unless you tell them. At school, you can always use a peer concern reporting form to do this in a discrete way.
Lastly, take some time to talk to your children about the importance of being kind. The metro area school districts this year have all adopted the message of “be kind” to emphasize the impact that our actions have on one another. A simple act of kindness for someone else can go a long way toward making our school a better place. We are fortunate to be a part of a school where kindness happens everyday. Imagine the impact we can have on one another when focus on the good that we can all do for each other day in and day out at Westbrook.
Tyler R Hottovy, Westbrook Principal
From the Desk of Mrs Poell...
What is SSR? Have you heard your child or child’s teacher refer to SSR and wondered what they were talking about? SSR stands for Sustained Silent Reading. All students have 15 minutes of SSR time before or after lunch every day. This time is designed to be a quiet time where students can wind down and quietly read a book, draw, complete work, or simply rest. All students are encouraged to read and do their best during SSR. Ask your child what they like to do with SSR time...
From the Main Office...
Thank you to all the parents that helped us meet our goal of completion for the Powerschool back to school update. We have less than a handful of students that have not completed it. Just a reminder that if you have not completed it for your student they cannot go on field trips or use an ipad here at school and we are not up to date with their health information which could be life threatening. This update allows you make sure that your student's file has the most up to date emergency contact info and also if there has been any changes that we need to know about with their health in the last year. Please take time to finish this update. Thank you again for all of your support.
Last but maybe most important... If your child is going to be late to school or absent from class, please call the school anytime at 402-390-6490. You can leave a message at anytime. If your child is up all night feel free to call during the middle of the night and let us know they won't be in. You can leave a message anytime. If there is an emergency that comes up over a weekend you can call when it happens...you do not have to wait until Monday morning.
Thank you again so much for your support. Have a great November.
Mrs. Muck
Administrative Assistant
Unified Activities... What are they and Who can participate...
Elementary Unified Activities - Unified Carnival
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 Carnival opportunity to our
schools.
Westside Community Schools is excited to offer our third Unified Activity this year.
Where: Westbrook’s gym located at 1312 Robertson Dr Omaha, NE 68114
When: Thursday, November 29th from 5:30pm-6:30pm
What: A carnival will be set up in the school gym. Enjoy ring toss, fishing over curtains, can toss, bean bag toss, sucker pyramid and much more!! We will also have rock painting, and dancing in separate rooms. Come and experience the Westbrook Unified Carnival!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NxaxTYrGc8GeKYl2x6fLDJbSd1FHKx4C/view
Mrs Lowe's Lookout... Help for the Holidays!
Need a coat?
The Westside coat closet is full of winter coats, hats, and gloves. These are available free to any student. We have several coats available at Westbrook as well. Please have your student stop by the counseling office if they would like to get a coat or contact Mrs. Lowe for more information.
Holiday Assistance
As we near the holiday months, there are several school and community programs that are taking registrations for assistance. If you are interested in learning, check out this holiday resource list or contact Mrs. Lowe at 402-408-8519 or lowe.jessica@westside66.net.
Holiday Assistance Programs
When applying to one of these organizations, they will require documentation from the family. The number of Christmas presents to pass out is limited, so the charities that offer these resources do their best to ensure it goes to those that most need it.
● Applicants should bring proof of residency, income, any government benefits and driver's license.
● The Omaha household needs details on their children as well, such as a birth certificate. Other information may be needed too.
If approved, the charity may offer a free holiday present. It may be a game, article of clothing, or some other toy that the child can open on Christmas morning. Note that many of these Omaha agencies also offer free food baskets, including at Thanksgiving.
Omaha area Toys for Tots
This is available for income qualified residents in Douglas and Sarpy County. There are several applications sites in the community, and some of them are below. Otherwise a family can register for a free gift online.
Together We Achieve Miracles is located at 1941 S 42nd St. Dial (402) 991-0777.
Heartland Family Service in Papillion at 302 American Pkwy. Phone - (402) 339-2544. M.O.R.E. Is located at 5620 Ames Ave in Omaha. Dial (402) 999-8344.
South Omaha Boys and Girls Club – Address is 5051 S 22nd St, Omaha, NE 68107. Call (402) 733-8333.
Church of the Living God - 2029 Binney St. Phone (402) 451-4742.
Together We Achieve Miracles – Address is 2505 N 24th St. Phone (402) 557-8945.
Omaha Housing Authority - 4401 N 21st St. Phone (402) 651-9696.
North Omaha Boys and Girls Club - 2610 Hamilton St. Call (402) 342-2300.
First Baptist Church Gymnasium, 23rd & Hancock St, Bellevue in Sarpy County.
KVC Behavioral Healthcare Nebraska – Location is 11550 I St Ste 100. Telephone - (402) 498-4700.
Set Free Church, 1030 S 24th St. Call (402) 346-4584.
Westside Boys and Girls Club – Address is 1414 Robertson Dr in Omaha. Phone (402) 932-6477.
There are a few other other intake sites that change yearly if one is not close to a resident. The Toys for Tots website can provide more details.
Heartland Hope Mission Christmas For South Omaha
Location is 5218 S 21st St Omaha, Nebraska Call (402) 733-2077 The non-profit covers Douglas County. They may offer 1 or 2 free Christmas toys for children under the age of 17. Referrals may be given to other programs, including holiday meal sites. Registration is during November.
Council Bluffs Goodfellows
535 W Broadway in Council Bluffs Dial (712) 328-1811
Catholic Charities
The holiday assistance is available as part of Operation Others in Douglas and nearby counties. Based on donations, toys, games, winter attire, food baskets, and other help is offered at Christmas. Call the church at (402) 829-9236.
Together Inc. Holiday Gift Store
1616 Cass St, Omaha, NE Telephone number is (402) 345-8047
Open Door Mission Project Santa Garland Thompson Men’s Center, 2705 N 20th Street E Omaha, Nebraska 68110 (402) 422-1111. Hot Thanksgiving and Christmas meals are served to the homeless and families in poverty. There may also be small Christmas gifts or vouchers for children.
Salvation Army Christmas Cheer
Address is 3612 Cuming St Omaha, Nebraska 68131 Phone - (402) 898-6023
Senior citizens over the age of 60 from the Douglas County are can get help. Meals, holiday food baskets, gifts, clothing, and more may be provided. More on Salvation Army Omaha assistance programs. The charity will try to provide Christmas gifts for children 16 & under and food, such as a holiday Turkey, for the entire family. Adopt a Family is used in Douglas County as well as a program called Toyland. Another location which may give food vouchers is at 715 North 16th Street, Council Bluffs. Phone (712) 328-2088.
Operation Others Holiday Food Basket
Food baskets provided for Christmas (402) 957-1328
Thanksgiving Pantries
Important Information about Thanksgiving pantry.
1) Pre-Registration is required for a Thanksgiving pantry.
2) You can pre-register during any pantry times in the month of October.
3) The last day to register at our South Omaha location is October 30th.
4) You must keep your registration ticket and bring the ticket during your assigned
Thanksgiving pantry time.
Pantry Hours and Locations:
South Omaha Pantry
Hours 2021 U Street, Omaha, NE 68107
Tuesday 6:30 pm—7:30 pm
Thursday 1:30 pm—4:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am—12:00 pm
Millard Pantry Hours
5321 S. 139th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68137
2nd Saturday of each month - 10:30 am –11:30 am
Last Wednesday of each month - 1:30 pm –3:30 pm
What to bring to register for Thanksgiving pantry.
One photo identification such as: Personal driver's license - State ID - Passport - Work ID - Omaha Housing Authority ID - Tribal ID - Mug shot
One form of identification for other members of the household include:
Social Security card- School ID - Work ID - Medicaid card/letter - Birth certificate
Proof of address. If your photo ID is from out of state, but you live in Nebraska, you will need proof of address. The follow items can be used: Mail from a government agency, such as Medicaid, dated within the last 60 days. A bill, such as a phone or electric bill, dated within the last 60 days or A lease
Student Council Results...
6th Grade
Katie N
Grace D
Damon W
Hilary S
Abigail H
Jocelyn T
5th Grade
Madilyn H
Kyle I
Anela F
Rylan T
Caleb W
Sarah R
4th Grade
Anahi Z
Avrie K
Maya C
Eric W
Coco R
Robin W
Congrats to these kids for representing your classes on the student council. Student council is ran by Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Loeffler. The meetings will typically be on the second Monday of the month and if there are any changes a note will be sent home or an announcement will be made. As representatives they help brainstorm ideas for raising money for our school and other organizations. They also think of ways our school could be better.
Notes from the Library...
Band Buzz... From Mrs. CJ
Attention Fifth and Sixth Grade Band and String Parents - Mark your calendars because our concerts are coming! Concerts are a musicians reward for hard work and effort on their instrument. Please help reward your child by making their first concert a priority for your entire family! We can't wait to see you at these events to celebrate your child's accomplishments!
5th and 6th grade Band students: Monday, December 17
6:00 practice, 7:00 performance at the Westside Middle School Auditorium
6th grade String students: Tuesday, December 18
6:00 practice, 7:00 performance at the Westside High School Auditorium
5th grade String students: Thursday, December 20
6:00 practice, 7:00 performance at the Westside High School Auditorium
From the Book Nook
One way to grow as a reader is to have stories read to you by fluent readers! Many times, this is done by parents and teachers. Did you know that many authors can be found online reading their stories? It's another way to get kids hearing strong readers- plus, everyone loves having a great story read to them!
Here's Jimmy Fallon, reading one of the books he's written!
Story time with Mrs. Poell
Play time
Mirrored wall for modeling skills
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!
BoxTops/Hyvee Receipts/Pop Tabs
Westside’s Rising Stars Show Choir Camp
For students in Grades 4-6 Saturday, December 8th, 2018
Westside’s Amazing Technicolor Show Choir invites all students grades 4-6 to join them for a chance to be introduced to the exciting world of Show Choir, with a vocal and dance workshop, followed by a performance later that same day.
Elementary school students will have a workshop from 8:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, December 8th, with a performance at 2:30 P.M.
All boys and girls grades 4-6. It is first come – first serve, and there are a limited number of spots available!
$40.00 – This includes a pizza lunch, water and snacks, and a t-shirt.
• Please come to Westside’s Main Lobby wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes, students will receive their t-shirt upon arrival.
• The performance will take place on Saturday, December 8th at 2:30 P.M. in the Westside auditorium. Family and friends are encouraged to come watch the performance free of charge. The Amazing Technicolor Show Choir will also perform.
Please complete and send registration along with a $40.00 check by November 20th to: Doran Johnson
Rising Stars Show Choir Camp
Westside High School
8701 Pacific St
Omaha, NE 68114 (Make checks payable to Westside VMPA)
NAME____________________________________________AGE_______GRADE________ MALE_____FEMALE_____ SCHOOL____________________________________________ STUDENT’S ADDRESS________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP____________________________________________________________ PHONE________________________EMERGENCY PHONE__________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS___________________________________________________________
(a confirmation of registration will be sent via e-mail)
Does your student have any food allergies? Please specify_____________________________________________________
T-SHIRT SIZE: YOUTH M (10-12) YOUTH L(14-16) ADULT: S M L XL
Parent release: I request that you accept the application of _____________________in the 2018 WHS Rising Stars Show Choir Camp. I hereby release the Westside Schools and its employees and agents from all claims on the account of any injuries sustained by my child while attending the clinic.
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Little Warrior STEM Camp 4th - 6th grade Register in this event...
4th grade sign up link https://goo.gl/ENYxqb
5th grade sign up link https://goo.gl/WCPkpo
6th grade sign up link https://goo.gl/M6XbJd
The Little Warrior STEM Camp is an opportunity for 4-6th grade students to explore STEM fields of study and complete engaging activities.
Date: Saturday, January 19
Time: 8:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Location: Westside Middle School Cafeteria
Cost: $10 per student
Reminder: Only the first 30 registrants per grade level will be enrolled.
Thursday, Nov 1, 2018, 08:00 AM
Westside Community Schools, Omaha, NE, USA
Community Club Meeting
Stop by and learn more about us!
You also don't have to have a student at this school to be able to volunteer your time. We have some volunteers that are Aunts Uncles Grandparents ETC... So spread the word. If you can't attend maybe a family member can.
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2018, 06:30 PM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Health Screens (Rescreen Date)
Wednesday, Nov 7, 2018, 09:00 AM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
PICTURE RE-TAKES
Thank you
Friday, Nov 9, 2018, 08:30 AM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Veterans Day Program
Monday, Nov 12, 2018, 09:00 AM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
UNO Field Trip 5/6 grades
Thank you
Friday, Nov 9, 2018, 11:15 AM
Baxter Arena, Omaha, NE, USA
Zio's Pizza Night
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2018, 05:00 PM
Zio's Pizzeria, Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, USA
NHS Bell Ringing
Thursday, Nov 15, 2018, 04:00 PM
Nebraska Furniture Mart, South 72nd Street, Omaha, NE, USA
3rd and 4th Grade Music Program
Thursday, Nov 15, 2018, 02:45 PM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
3rd and 4th Grade Music Program
Thursday, Nov 15, 2018, 06:00 PM
Westbrook Elementary School, Robertson Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Omaha Law League Courthouse Tour 4th Grade Field Trip
Thank you