The Wildcat News
Western Hills Magnet Center -April 13, 2020
Principal's Message
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO STUDENTS! They have had to adapt to new learning delivery and new uncertainty. They are missing friends, teachers, routine, and normalcy.
HANG IN THERE. WE MISS YOU!
This newsletter is a special edition during these special times with the intent to provide a place for families to find both academic and social resources to support families in this time of need. I want to reassure all our families that the staff and I are here to walk this journey with you and our students. This is tough, but so are we and together we will get through this because that's what the Western Hills’ family does. Thank you for your patience and flexibility during these challenging times. We hope the following provides you with resources to help your student remain engaged in learning.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need further information. Currently I am working also 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
In this newsletter the Western Hills Team has posted this week's (April 13-17), At Home Learning Instruction for each grade level as well as Specials (Art, Music, Library, PE) for you to use. At Home Learning Instruction for families is sent in this weekly newsletter and also is posted on the Western Hills website every Monday morning. These documents are guides for weekly instruction and are based on curriculum students would be working on at this time in school. Our Western Hills teachers are also reaching out to students by email, class dojo, and phone calls to provide support and answer questions to help this at home learning experience. Please respond to your student's teacher communication so we can continue to help and provide assistance where and when needed.
Each week these plans are updated and provide a focus for learning. We encourage you to check out your student's grade level information as well as the Specials information each week...for other learning opportunities also access individual specials (music, art, PE and library). As always feel free to contact your child's teacher if you have any questions or need further assistance or information.
The Digital Support Website listed at the end also provides you access to the online resources the district has provided. Please click into this to find the district learning packets (Academic Resources) and online learning (OPS At Home Learning Resources) for other supports to use at home.
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