Westside Middle School Newsletter

2022-23 WMS Administration:

Kim Eymann - Principal eymann.kimberly@westside66.net

Jordan Rhodes - Assistant Principal (Dean 7C, 8A). rhodes.jordan@westside66.net

Jenni Allen - Assistant Principal and Special Services Department Chair. allen.jenni@westside66.net

Dan Carlson - Dean and Athletic Director (Dean 7A, 7B, 8C). carlson.daniel@westside66.net

Kellon Johnson - Dean (7D, 8B, 8D). johnson.kellon@westside66.net

We will be having parent teacher conferences on Wednesday, October 12th and Thursday, October 13th. We will be offering both in person and a virtual option. Please look for a survey next week so you can indicate which one you will be participating so we can plan accordingly.

Picture retakes will be on Monday, October 3rd from 8:00-11:00 am. If your student has not had their picture taken this year, please have them take it no matter if you purchase any or not.

If your student has already taken their photo and their eyes are closed, flaw in processing or any other error which the photographer caused, your student must return the entire portrait package.

If your students has already taken their photo and they just didn't like their phot and wish to retake. You must return the entire photo package along with $5 processing fee.

WMS Virtual Club Fair! Please encourage your student to get involved at school. Students who are involved in an activity have a sense of community and belonging and pride in the school. Click on the link to view the different clubs and activities that are being offered to students. Students should refer to the daily announcements for meeting times of each club. The announcements can be found on powerschool and are emailed out to students daily.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QwydQZfF_pTl-3xUDRkGezYty3P3RFEo42hiYmEI1ck/edit?usp=sharing

Students will be dismissed at 1:00. Buses will run to and from school but there will not be any late buses. All students will need to leave campus at dismissal time.

There will be no after school library.

This week students will complete the following Second Step lessons. 7th grade is Learning from Mistakes and Failure. 8th grade lesson is on My Interests and Strengths

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10 – 24. It is also one of the leading causes of preventable death. We lose approximately 125 young people in this age group to suicide each week. Four out of Five individuals considering suicide give some sign of their intentions. That means in 80% of those considering suicide, we have an opportunity to recognize the warning signs and intervene!

Here is some helpful information for parents/guardians to help with suicide prevention.

• 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This service provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
• Crisis Text Line - Text HELLO to 741741. This service also provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
• Nebraska Family Helpline - 888-866-8660 - This service provides a single contact point 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained Helpline operators screen calls to assess immediate safety needs, identify the potential level of a behavioral health crisis, make recommendations or referrals to appropriate resources, and help callers connect to emergency resources or providers.

Mike McCann: 7A, 7C, 8D mccann.michael@westside66.net

Sarah Lieske: 7B, 8A, 8B lieske.sarah@westside66.net

Doug Hauserman: 7D, 8C hauserman.douglas@westside66.net

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) requires each public school district to annually notify parents, staff, and employee groups of its asbestos management plans. A management plan is in place for Westside Middle School and is available for review either at the school building or at the Westside Service Center, 9437 J St. Omaha, NE.

This school building was originally inspected in the1980’s and re-inspected by a certified inspector every three years thereafter. The three-year re-inspection and a ceiling tile inspection was conducted in 2019, and periodic surveillance will be conducted as required. No abatement activities are currently in progress or scheduled for the 2022-2023 school year at this building.

The Designated Person responsible for managing the District’s AHERA compliance and the contact person for questions or to review a management plan is the Director of Facilities, Russ Olsen (402) 390-8331.

Did you know that the Westside Foundation's mission is to raise private funding for all District 66 Schools? The Foundation does this primarily through private fundraising for special projects, an annual fundraiser- VI VI, and through the annual campaign, W-CLUB. Your support of the Foundation ensures our faculty, staff and students have what they need to excel every day.

Save the Date: VI VI LAS VEGAS, September 24, 2022

Funds raised at this event benefit Westside Middle School teachers and students. In year's past, VI VI funds have directly supported our students. We hope you will consider attending this event or making a donation so we can continue our good work! SUPPORT VI VI TODAY!

W-CLUB: JOIN TODAY

Make a gift that is meaningful to you to show you are proud to be part of Westside Community Schools. Funds raised through the W-CLUB get redistributed back into all Westside Community Schools. Every teacher has the opportunity to apply for W-Club grants annually. Westside Middle School has received funding for robots, traveling exhibit for German Class, and cameras for our journalism club in the past.

Donating to Westside Middle School

To make a tax-deductible donation please donate through the Westside Foundation. You can specifically note that funds should be designated to Westside Middle School community club, fun run, etc. Your gift is not tax deductible if it comes directly to our school. If you have questions, please contact Westside Foundation at foundation@westside66.net.