Excellence in Youth

Welcome back to the '26-'27 school year! We are looking forward to working with you and your child in EY this year! You will receive an email from me at the end of every month to which this EY newsletter will be attached. Please look out for that as it contains important information on upcoming events, new badge choices, student shout-outs, enrichment at home ideas and more!

• Jenny Henningsen - Sunset Hills, Swanson, Pre Algebra
• Denise Shearer - Rockbrook, Paddock Road & Westgate
• Katie Sindt - Hillside, Oakdale, WMS, Pre Algebra
• Megan Thompson - Loveland, Prairie Lane & Westbrook

We hope you had a fun and eventful summer! If you completed the EY Summer Bucket List Challenge, please turn in materials to your EY teacher no later than Friday, August 28th.

Remember, you must have evidence of completing at least 6 challenges in order to earn the badge. Will this be your 1st badge for the 26-27 school year?

Students -
This is your place to explore new ideas, try fun challenges, and discover what you’re passionate about! You’ll find lots of activities, projects, and opportunities to learn and create. Dive in, be curious, and see where your interests can take you!

Parents & Teachers -

There is lots of great information for you too! Check it out!

Our digital badges are learning opportunities that celebrate specific skills and accomplishments a student achieves. By focusing on personalized learning, badges empower students to chart educational journeys built around their unique strengths and personal passions. When students pursue learning tied directly to what excites them, engagement naturally skyrockets. Our digital badging system allow learners to dive deep into niche interests—whether that is computer programming, creative writing, or graphic design—while leveraging their natural aptitudes to master complex concepts at their own pace and in any space!

The EY badges are available to all students and accessible through our EY website.

Recycling, composting, and keeping litter in its place are among the many ways we keep Nebraska clean. The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment invited students to put their talents to good use by submitting a drawing for the 2027 “Nebraska: Don’t Waste It!” calendar. Over 550 students from across the state submitted artwork and Swanson student, Bhavya, had her design chosen for the 2027 calendar. Great work, Bhayva!

Classroom Geography Bees

October 12th-16th

Classroom Spelling Bees

October 26th-30th

Geography Bee School Finals

November 2nd-6th

Spelling Bee School Finals

November 30th-December 3rd

District Spelling Bee

Friday, December 18th

Click on the WMS Enrichment tab to view the variety of enrichment opportunities your Westside Middle School students can explore! There are Math & Science Weekly Challenges, Writing Contests, and more!

Go check out the WMS Enrichment site!

• Students can earn candy for answering the Weekly Math Challenge and/or the Science Question of the Week!
• We have a running Current Events Competition on the Social Studies Enrichment page - encourage your student to get involved by taking the Weekly Current Events Challenge and emailing me a screenshot of their score! Prizes awarded each month!
• There are writing contests available on the Language Arts Enrichment page!
• Quiz Bowl and Classics Book Club are up and running! Send Mrs. Sindt an email at sindt.kathleen@westside66.net if you want to join!

Parents - please remind your WMS students to check their emails. Emails are the best way for me to communicate enrichment opportunities!

• Swanson
• Sunset Hills
• Pre Algebra

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

• Hillside
• Oakdale
• Westside Middle School
• Pre Algebra

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

• Paddock Road
• Westgate
• Rockbrook

Email: shearer.denise@westside66.net
Website: ey.westside66.org

• Loveland
• Prairie Lane
• Westbrook

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