Hillside News Brief
January 8, 2021
A Message from the Principal
Even though we realize nothing is "normal," we are trying to get back to a regular schedule to the best of our ability. Parents, so many of you are doing a wonderful job making sure your student(s) is/are here on time and ready to learn. Young people need as much predictability as possible in this time of uncertainty.
As many parents know, consistency is one of the major components of successful parenting. The staff at Hillside is working diligently to stay as consistent as possible with students regarding expectations, schedule, and daily routine. Thank you for supporting our young people by being as consistent as possible at home. We appreciate your efforts.
Here's looking forward to a positive, healthy, and productive 2021!
Cynthia Bailey, Principal
Dates for You
Jan. 13 - EC Learners come to Hillside for assessments in the cafeteria from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Jan. 15 - Spirit Day (wear blue and orange and/or spirit wear)
Jan. 18 - No School for Students: Martin Luther King Day
Jan. 19 - ALL STUDENTS attend school each day (except those registered for Extended Campus learning)
Information from Hillside's Reading Teachers for Extended Campus Families (Semester 2)
All elementary children in the Westside Community Schools District participate in academic screenings in the fall, winter and spring of each school year as part of the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) process. These screenings allow us to adapt our instruction to best meet student needs.
We have a small window to collect this information and make instructional decisions. Best testing practices say for a teacher to administer these tests in person. This would be done one- on-one on a Wednesday "flex" day (no students at Hillside on that day). We would have all other district safety mandates in place (plexiglass barrier, masks worn, sanitized surfaces).
Our Winter Screening Assessments for Extended Campus students will be on Wednesday January 13th any time from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.. Teachers will be available to assess your student(s) in the cafeteria. Children should enter Door 11 (by the cafeteria) while parents wait in the parking lot. Grade 2-6 students' assessments should take 5-10 minutes to complete. K-1 assessments will take about 20 minutes. Students will then be escorted to the parent/guardian vehicle.
Contact Mrs. Bailey (bailey.cynthia@westside66.net) or Mrs. McGuire (mcguire.quinn@westside66.net) if you have any questions.
Mrs. Reeves and Mrs. Fehr
Hillside's Reading Team
Extended Campus Reminders
Student In-District Transfer Requests for the 2021-22 School Year
If you are a District resident who would like your K-6 child(ren) to attend an elementary school other than the school that serves your attendance area for next school year, you must submit a completed In-District Transfer (IDT) Request form to the Office of Student Services for review.
The District gives priority to families living within the District prior to placing Option Enrollment applicants who reside outside the District. We must receive a Student In-District Transfer Request form no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 15 for your request to be considered prior to our placement of Option Enrollment students.
IDT forms are available at the ABC Building and our District website. Click here to complete the form electronically. An IDT request form must be completed for any child starting kindergarten next year who has one or more siblings currently attending a school outside their home attendance area. Transfers are approved or denied based on available space and other resources. If you have questions about the in- district transfer process, please call 402-390-2107.
Kindergarten 2021-22 Enrollment Information; Enrollment window is Feb. 1 - Mar. 5
Do you live in the District and have a child who will be ready for Kindergarten this fall? Do you know of other Westside residents with children who will be ready to start school in August?
Kindergarten enrollment for 2021-22 begins February 1. Parents of eligible students should go to westside66.org to begin the enrollment process as early as possible on or after February 1st.
Students entering kindergarten for 2021-22 must be five years old by July 31, 2021. Parents may opt to hold their children out of kindergarten for an additional year. However, Nebraska state law mandates that a child who reaches six years of age prior to January 1 of the then-current school year must be enrolled in school.
If you have questions, you may call the Westside Welcome Center at 402-390-2100.
Requirements for Early Admission to Kindergarten
In accordance with Nebraska Statute 79-214, the Westside Community Schools allows for admission of children residing in the District as early entrance kindergarteners through a locally designed testing program. Children of District residents who wish to be tested for early entrance must turn five between August 1 and October 15, 2021. For further information regarding early entrance to kindergarten, please call 402-390-3303.
Kindergarten Enrollment for Non-District Residents
If you live outside the District and have a child eligible for kindergarten who has a sibling currently attending a Westside elementary school through the Option Enrollment program, you must submit an Option Enrollment Application. Westside’s Office of Student Services must receive Option Enrollment Applications no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 15. The application form is available at the ABC Building (909 S. 76th Street) and our district website.
Click here to complete the form electronically.
Under Option Enrollment statutes, first priority for admission is given to siblings who seek to attend in the District where an older sibling is already enrolled, provided an Option Enrollment form is submitted by March 15 and p rovided that there is space available in a requested building and grade level. In you have questions, you may call Julie at 402-390-2107.