The Wildcat News
Western Hills Magnet Center -April 20, 2020
A Note From the Principal
“Look how much you’ve already managed to adapt to. Look how resilient you’ve already been. There’s no “right” way to respond to this because it’s never, ever happened before. Give yourself some credit. There’s no one in the whole world who has this figured out yet. So it’s absolutely okay if you don’t either.”
We hope this newsletter continues to find your family well and building connections and good memories together. This weekly newsletter is a special edition with the purpose of providing a place for families to find both academic and social resources to support you and your students during this time we are not together. The Western Hills staff continues to be here to lend our hands, our ears and our heart each day as we put one foot in front of the other. Our Western Hills’ family has come so far and will continue to press on together successfully! Thank you for your assistance, your patience and your flexibility during these challenging times. We hope the following resources provide opportunities for you and your student remain engaged in learning.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information. I am working from home, so email (heather.harbison@ops.org) is the best way to reach me. We are here to serve and help.
Love, Mrs. Harbison
Distance Learning
Distance Learning
If you were unable to pick up the new elementary and special education learning packets last week, additional copies will be available on Monday, April 20. Beginning at 8 a.m., packets will be available at:
- Benson High
- Gateway Elementary
- Nathan Hale Middle
- Norris Middle
- Skinner Magnet
- South High
- Teacher and Administrative Center (TAC)
Packets are also posted on our academic resources webpage, which is linked here.
We have expanded and centralized many of our digital resources to engage students from early childhood through high school. Those digital resources are available by clicking here.
Meal Support
Meal Support for our Community
On Monday, April 20 at 11 a.m., Omaha Public Schools will continue providing a number of grab-and-go packages with several breakfast and lunch meals inside for students. Six locations will participate:
- Benson High
- Gateway Elementary
- Nathan Hale Middle (new site)
- Norris Middle (new site)
- Skinner Magnet
- South High
Omaha Public Schools - Elementary New eBook / Audio Book Suggestions
News From the Counseling Corner
Mindful Kids
Mindfulness means paying attention, with kindness and patience, to what's going on inside and outside of you right NOW. The term “monkey mind” means feeling restless, agitated and distracted. A goal of mindfulness practice is to calm the constant chatter of the monkey mind. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, on purpose and without judgement, to the present moment.
How Do I Become Mindful?
You can be mindful by noticing your breathing, focusing your attention, expanding your awareness and by being patient even when things are hard.
Using the Mindful Activity Cards
Each week, I will have a couple cards for you to try. There are no rules for these cards, only guidelines. You can chose to do both activities or just one. You could do it daily or a few times a week, whichever works best for you. If you find one you really like, you can continue to use it and also try the new ones posted each week.
Modifications
Anyone can learn mindfulness. Your body need not limit you. So don’t worry if an exercise includes something that is not possible for you or feels unpleasant ( this might be standing up, balancing on one leg, wiggling your toes, raising your arms, keeping your body still or using your eyes or ears). You can still use the general idea and just explore ways that work for you. This might mean trying it seated or asking someone to help with the movements. You could also modify a specific activity to best suit your needs.
Let’s get started Kind Friends!!!
Western Hills PTO - Activities and Information
To remain in compliance with the Social Distancing Guidelines PTO has been suspended until further notice.
R.O.A.R. PLEDGE
Did you know that every morning students recite our Western Hills pledge?
I am a Wildcat
I Respect people, places and things,
I Only use kind words and actions,
I Always do my best, and
I am Ready and willing to learn,
I am a Wildcat,
Hear me ROAR!!!
Ask your child to practice saying the ROAR pledge and ask what the pledge means to them.
Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status, or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to address inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE. 68131
531-299-9822