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!

The Excellence In Youth Team is excited to showcase Karnitha K. and Jaylen W. from Swanson and Charlotte B. from Oakdale 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!

The best way to reap the benefits of gratitude is to notice new things you’re grateful for every day. Check out the November "Gratitude Attitude" challenge to practice some gratitude exercises this month, then choose a final project to complete.

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!

Like idioms, proverbs and adages can be used in conversation or in writing. They are also unique to a particular language. Unlike idioms, however, proverbs and adages generally have more literal meanings. Their meanings match more closely to the meaning of the individual words that make up the expression.

Check out this new mini spark to learn more!

SIGMA is a mathematics league that promotes problem solving through competition. SIGMA provides opportunities for students to apply their mathematical knowledge in a fun and engaging format.

Congratulations to our top scorers from each school. Way to go!

• School Spelling Bees (Scripps Online) - Nov 27th-Dec 1st

• District Spelling Bee - Friday, December 15th

7th grade Algebra students enjoyed showing their food truck projects to Olivia and Ryan from WHS DECA. Thank you Olivia and Ryan for sharing all the fun opportunities available in DECA at WHS!

Congratulations to these Westside Middle School students who competed in the Gifford Farm Science Olympiad on October 10th.

Abigail S. and Norah S. won first place in Agriculture and second place in NRD.

Fayaz K., Harrison F., and Aum N. placed third in Agriculture.

Will A. and Henry K. placed second in Astronomy.

On October 6th, WMS Art Plus students met with Artist, Julie Fjell, to create "grunge" art cakes!

7th Grade

1st Place

Drew K. and Whitney L.

2nd Place

Lucy B., Max G., Maxfield V., Jasper W-S., &Luke B.

3rd Place

Arrow H. and Emily W.

8th Grade

1st Place

Sanjay O.

2nd Place

Fayaz K.

Congrats Mathletes!

• 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