The Wildcat News
Western Hills Magnet Center - November 19, 2019
Principal's Message
Second quarter is underway and we will continue to work hard each and every day to make a difference with our youngsters. Here are some ways you can help too!
+Read, read, read. Read with your child or have him or her read every day!!!
+Make home a place for learning. Set up a quiet study area for homework.
+Make school important. Insist on good attendance, respectful behavior and
punctuality.
+Ask your child about school each day!
+Find time tor some physical activity together: take a walk, dance to music, run or jog,
a run, ride a bike or play at the park while the weather is nice!
Along with second quarter comes cooler weather as fall turns into winter. Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately for school. Western Hills students are outside in the morning before school and at dismissal. We also go outside after lunch for recess unless it is raining, snowing, or subzero weather! Coats, mittens, and hats are a necessity for cooler weather. Thanks for your help!
Also continue to check Friday folder contents, weekly papers, student folders, and assignment notebooks. All of these school-to-home communication forms help you to stay informed about your child’s education. Remember… when home and school work together, SUCCESS happens! Together we can make a positive difference in the lives of our children!
Mark your calendars….Come join us for our 1st PTO Turkey Bingo Family night on Thursday, November 21st beginning at 6 pm. Also students will be out for Thanksgiving Recess November 27th – 29th.
Mrs. Harbison
Welcome to our new PE Teacher - Mr. Hoover
Welcome Mr. Hoover!! Mr. Hoover grew up in the Sandhills of western Nebraska in the small town of Ashby with a population of 274 people. Do you know we have more students in our school than in Mr. Hoover’s hometown? The fondest memory Mr. Hoover has of elementary school was the fact he got to see his friends and teachers every day and the support and kindness shown made a huge impact on him. No surprise his favorite subject was “Physical Education” and his favorite activity was playing football and basketball!
Mr. Hoover always liked the idea of being a PE teacher, but he really knew he wanted to teach when his college professors at the University of Nebraska Kearney showed how passionate they were about teaching individuals to become physically literate learners.
As a first-year teacher Mr. Hoover likes seeing students learn and apply the things they are taught in school and building positive relationships with students. As far as his teaching superpower, he feels he can motivate students to try their very best and not give up…even on Mondays.
Outside of school he loves spending time in the outdoors--hiking, fishing and exercising are some of his favorites.
What does respect look like?
Respectful Replies-- Think about something you and your youngster disagree on (say, whether his screen time should be limited). Model having a respectful discussion about it. You might say that his brain and body are growing and that he needs to run and play to stay healthy. Then suggest a respectful response such as "I want to be healthy, but I love video games." Have him brainstorm other situations where people have different opinions but still speak to each other respectfully.
Everyday Acts-- When you mow the lawn or clean up after your dog you can teach your child about respect for neighbors. Explain that keeping your neighborhood clean and neat makes it nice for everyone. Ask herr to think of other respectful things neighbors could do. If you share an apartment laundry room, she might say that you respect neighbors' time by removing your clothes when they're done so others get to use the washer and dryers.
Lost And Found - **FINAL NOTICE**
Featured Western Hills Staff Member - Mrs. Goeman - Speech & Language Therapist
For those of you who have been around Western Hill for a while you might know our Speech and Language Therapist--Mrs. Goeman. The start of this year marks her 26th year of teaching and all have been at Western Hills. Mrs. Goeman grew up in Grand Island, NE for most of elementary school and them moved to Urbandale, Iowa where she attended St. Pius X for the remainder of elementary and middle school. A special memory she shared was during her Kindergarten year she counted from 1-100, recited and wrote the alphabet with upper- and lower-case letters and wrote her whole name without making any mistakes. Mrs. Goeman’s favorite subjects were Math and English.
As far as teaching superpower? Mrs. Goeman feels she can adjust her teaching to the unique needs of each of her students. Outside of school she likes to spend time with her family, garden, and travel.
Happy Thanksgiving - Click on the Button Below for Important Information on Attendance
Interested In Paying for Lunch Online?
Did you know you can pay for your child’s lunch online? If you have access to a computer visit the OPS webpage... Select Parents and then select Pay for Lunch. Once there you can create a new account and begin.
Is there an Omaha Public Schools teacher that deserves recognition?
A great teacher can turn a geography lesson into an exciting adventure or make a passing conversation become a life lesson. Our Western Hills community is fortunate to have so many great teachers! It’s why the Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award was created more than 25 years ago—to recognize those teachers who have gone above and beyond to help their students in the classroom and in life. Nominate an OPS Teacher for this award, and tell us what he or she has done that has made a difference. Make your nomination by January 15, 2020 at http://buffettoutstandingteachers.org/
News From the Counseling Corner
November Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program
The theme for FFVP in November is healthy foods that might be served at your Thanksgiving meal. Here are the foods that will be served in November for our fresh fruit and vegetable program:
11/19 - Turnips
11/21 - Cranberries
Western Hills PTO - Activities and Information
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.
Thanksgiving Break- November 27, 28, 29
Wednesday, Nov 27, 2019, 07:30 AM
Western Hills Elementary School, Western Avenue, Omaha, NE, USA
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