Wildcat Weekly

Wednesday Hours are 8:30am - 2:30pm

Email: tlhartley@mpsomaha.org
Website: willowdale.mpsomaha.org
Location: 16901 P Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-715-8280

If you need to get a message to your student about changes in Pick-Up, please call the school at 402-715-8280 before 3:00pm and before 2:00pm on Wednesdays.

Thank you!

Dear Elementary Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to inform you of an update to our district's mobile device policy, in alignment with recent changes in Nebraska state law (LB140), which requires all school boards to have a policy restricting student cell phone use. While our district has had a policy in place, this update serves to further clarify expectations for our students.

Starting this fall, students in elementary schools may not use mobile devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, during the school day—from the time they arrive until the end of the day. If devices are sent to school, they will be kept off and stored in backpacks or other designated areas during school hours.

This update was made following thoughtful input from parents, staff, and students and is designed to support student focus and comply with state law. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations with your child.

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the school office directly. Thank you for your continued support!

Please click the link below regarding the Millard Public Schools Assessment System for the 2026-2027 school year. These assessments will be State Testing for Millard Students and happen twice a year. The link below gives more explanation to what this means.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mL7ou5Cs9stD3Fm0ydpVCm1zO8EAD7-9/view?ts=6a7f0c11

Cooperative Loss Program is basically "iPad insurance" in case something happens to the iPad, the repair cost is cheaper. This program is only for 3rd-5th grade students because they can bring their iPads home should they need it for homework. The cost to enroll in the Program is $15.00 and can be paid through ParentVue under Fees, or a check/cash, can be sent to the office.

The deadline to particpate in this program will be Friday, September 11th. After September 11th, the window to join closes and the fees will be removed from ParentVue.

More information is stated below and a list of iPad repair costs.

Any questions, please reach out to Terri Hartley at 402-715-8280.

If your 4th grade or 5th grade child would like to join the Wildcat Choir, please see the information below.

Thanks!

Author Visit: Candace Fleming

Tuesday, September 22nd

Candace Fleming is the author of more than forty books for young people. She is the recipient of both the Margaret A. Edwards Award and the Children’s Literature Legacy Award for her “substantial and lasting contribution to children’s literature through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children’s lives and experiences.” Candace Fleming has also been a multiple Nebraska Golden Sower nominee.

Families can either order books through our Friday folder book order form below (return by August 25th) or students can bring their own copy the day before the visit (to the library) to get signed. Questions? Please contact Mrs. Kalkowski (amkalkowski@mpsomaha.org)

The sign up link will be in the newsletter next Friday. When signing up, please be considerate of others who would like to sign up too. Spots fill up quickly and we have a lot of parents that would like to sign up!

Skip cooking dinner and head to Don & Millie's and Freddy's!

Wednesday, September 2nd, 4-9PM

Don & Millie's Night for 3rd grade. Art will be on display and all donations from this night go back to the 3rd Grade Teachers

Thursday, September 24th, 4-8PM

Freddy's Night, 20% of sales are donated back to Willowdale

President -Brittany Hoebelheinrich

Vice President -Kellie White

Treasurer - Katie Hutton

Secretary - Jordan Fletcher

Look at the new Wildcat Spirit Wear created at Zander Ink! Make sure to get your orders in soon, the deadline to order is September 4th! To place an order, please use this link:

https://willowdalewildcatsswag2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/

If you would like to be included in the school directory, please sign up with the provided QR code below. You will need to sign up for the directory if you want to see useful information for playdates, birthday parties, etc.

Per the Willowdale Handbook, Please, no Lunch Room Guests until September 9th. This allows all students to acclimate to the lunch schedule and the lunch process.

Thank you.

Student Breakfast Prices - $1.60

Student Lunch Prices - $3.15, the second lunch price is $2.75

Student Milk Price - $.55 per carton

Adult Lunch Price - $4.85

The Millard West Band will be marching through the neighborhood and going right by Willowdale on Saturday, August 22nd. The Band Director is estimating that they will be near Willowdale between 10:30-11:30. The times and route on included in the provided QR code.

Do you have a student who would like to attend the Millard West Cheer Clinic and perform at a Football Game? The link to register is below or you can use the provided QR code.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlfhJR0otdf3lEFgqZoxJqyHpCrJYR8cpliQkm2xgFiZgFaQ/viewform

These are our Wonderful Partners for Education! Blend West, Don & Millies on 144th & Harrison St, YOYO BERRI, Marco's Pizza on 168th & Harrison St, Horace Mann Insurance, Dairy Queen at

5071 S 136th St and Armbrust YMCA!