Excellence in Youth

The Excellence in Youth (EY) Program at Westside Community Schools provides expanded learning opportunities for students with high ability, in addition to fostering and encouraging talent development in all students.

The EY program website is the hub of communication for the EY Team. For our K-8 students, monthly challenges, seminars and events, as well as other learning opportunities are posted to the site on a regular basis.

All students are encouraged to participate in the opportunities posted, regardless of whether they have been identified for the EY Program. Students can participate independently by accessing the opportunities at home or during tech time at school. Teachers may also facilitate these whole and small-group enrichment opportunities for students in the classroom.

Click below to check out all our website has to offer!

WCS students entered a writing contest last October from Young Writers, USA. The students were asked to write a mini-saga that had a spooky theme. A mini-saga is a complete story composed of 100 words or less. Quite a challenge! All of these students had their work chosen to be published by Young Writers in a book called Spooky Sagas - Spine Tinglers!

This book is scheduled to be published on April 30th, 2024. Each school will receive a complimentary copy of the book for their library! Congratulations to these talented writers!

Maddie T., Olivia B., Maddox S., Cooper F., Stella H., Peter B., Jeremiah T

Krish P.

Kytrin D. and Clara S.

The Excellence In Youth Team is excited to showcase Arju A., Karnitha K. (second set), Cooper F., Henry L. and Peter B. from Swanson, Maggie M. and Lucille D. from Prairie, Henry C., Sanda H., Ainslee N., Harriet B., Margaret H. and Aleayah J. from Sunset, Joslyn O. and Emma D. from Oakdale and Sloane T. from Hillside as the most recent recipients of the Digital Dozen award for the 23-24 school year! The Digital Dozen Award is presented to WCS students who earn 12 of the digital badges from the EY Website (ey.westside66.org), which is available to students district-wide. It takes self-motivation, grit, and determination to earn these badges and these star students should be proud of this accomplishment!

Each month, check out the EY Calendar Challenge. We encourage all students to participate in the challenge. Students choose a number of challenges to compete based on their grade level. Students who complete the monthly challenge and get an adult signature can submit for the monthly badge!

We are celebrating Women's History Month with a "Fact Finder" challenge. Students will collect facts about selected women and then create a "Pop Up" about their person.

Mini Sparks are quick lessons that introduce learners to various topics. Sparks can be found under every subject area on the EY website. These activities require minimal supplies and make for a great family activity!

This month we feature the newest Science Mini Spark. Complete this spark to learn about Odysseus’ landing that occured in February of 2024.

Congratulations to the WCS students who competed in

Marian High’s 7th Annual Math Contest over the weekend!

Three Warriors finished in the top ten including Whitney L’s. 1st Place finish, Lucy B. in 5th and Clarissa K. in 7th!

In the 6th Grade Division, Mallorie B. finished 5th!

Keep up the good work!

Although they didn't bring home any hardware, these WMS students had fun at the

ESU 3 Mad Hatter Quiz Bowl!

• Swanson
• Sunset Hills

Email: henningsen.jennifer@westside66.net
Website: ey.westside66.org
Twitter: @JHenningsen

• Hillside
• Oakdale
• Rockbrook

Email: sindt.katherine@westside66.net
Website: ey.westside66.org
Twitter: @ksindt1972

• Paddock Road
• Westgate
• Westside Middle School
• Math 7 Honors Coordinator

Email: spady.lynn@westside66.net
Website: ey.westside66.org
Twitter: @LynnSpady

• Loveland
• Prairie Lane
• Westbrook

Email: thompson.megan@westside66.net
Website: ey.westside66.org
Twitter: @MegT_Westside