The Wildcat News
Western Hills Magnet Center -April 27, 2020
A Note From the Principal
Sometimes, the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see, it is just a tiny spark that whispers softly ‘You got this, keep going.’”
As always we continue to hope this newsletter finds you and your family well and building good memories together. If you have the time, send us some of those pictures of how you all are keeping busy and safe during this time, we would love to see your smiles and activities!
Last week OPS announced the last day of school will be May 15th which is just 3 weeks away! I think it finally has settled sadly in my heart and my head that we will not be back at Western Hills to close the 2019-20 school year but hopefully the doors will open in August to kickoff the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year. I know even without us in the building, school has continued as our students and staff have grown so much over these last several months.
This weekly newsletter continues to provide a place for families to find both academic and social/emotional resources to support you and your students until the end of school. The Western Hills staff continues to be here to support you each day. Our Western Hills’ family continues to work together to make all of us successful! 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 to remain engaged in learning.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information. I continue to work from home, so email (heather.harbison@ops.org) is the best way to reach me. We miss you and are here to serve and help.
Love, Mrs. Harbison
Distance Learning
Distance Learning Activities
Distance learning activities will continue until Friday, May 15.
If families were unable to pick up the elementary and special education learning packets in the last two weeks, additional copies will be available on Monday, April 27. Beginning at 8 a.m., packets will be available at:
- Benson High
- South High
- Teacher and Administrative Center (TAC)
Packets are also posted on our academic resources webpage, which is linked here.
Meal Support
Meal Support for our Community
On Monday, April 27 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. Eight locations will participate:
- Benson High
- Beveridge Middle (new site)
- Bryan Middle (new site)
- Gateway Elementary
- Nathan Hale Middle
- Norris Middle
- Skinner Magnet
- South High
With a focus on health and safety, families will drive through to pick up food. One breakfast and one lunch package of meals will be available per student/child in the vehicle. If you are unable to bring children in the vehicle, please bring a student ID, report card or other verification for each student.
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