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.

Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year. The EY team is excited to provide this monthly newsletter to inform and promote what is going on in the Excellence in Youth program at Westside Community Schools.

Check here each month to learn about upcoming opportunities, gain access to valuable resources, view EY highlights, engage in enrichment activities, and much more.

Congratulations to the following students who completed the EY Summer Bucket List Challenge! We hope you had a blast completing at least 6 tasks and "filled your bucket" with enriching experiences!

Not pictured: Emma D. - Oakdale 6th

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 2024-2025 "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!

Geckos Defying Gravity!

Geckos are a type of lizard as you know, but did you know that they differ from other lizards by laying eggs in pairs, vocalizing with chirps and barks, lacking eyelids, and having sticky toes for climbing walls? Learn more about our world while studying geckos!

• 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