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.

Check out the new tab of the EY website!

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!

Every student in Westside has the opportunity to begin earning badges. Working towards earning a badge allows students to dig deep into topics and explore individual interest areas. Badges can be found in various subject and interest areas.

Earn 12 badges to achieve the acclaimed "Digital Dozen" and earn a prize and recognition! Choose from hundreds of badge options on the EY Website or choose one below to get kick started!

Check this area for additions to the 2025-2026 "Digital Dozen" winners.

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!

10 Sentence Story Challenge!

Write a 10-sentence short story using the literary devices given.

• Name a Snowplow Contest
• STEAM Nights at MCC
• Opera Omaha: Poetry and Music Contest
• Scholastic Hardest Math Problem

See your EY Coordinator with questions!

Geography Bee Coming Soon!

• Nov 10th-14th - Classroom Geo Contest Window

• Dec 1st-5th - Online School Level Bees

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