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!

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!

The Excellence In Youth Team is excited to showcase Joslyn O. from Oakdale as the very first recipient of the Digital Dozen award for the 24-25 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 this star student should be proud of her accomplishment!

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!

Spelling Bee Prep!

Get ready for spelling bee season by reviewing some strategies to help you spell new words.

Classroom spelling workshops and school online contests are coming up this month. Classroom and school final level spelling contests are hosted in the classrooms and online.

The top two spellers from each school will attend the district-wide spelling bee (with an audience) in November.

Students, check out the Spelling Bee website to get ready!

Each day in honors pre-algebra and algebra, students take attendance on a board that displays the daily "holiday" for that day. Check out some of the fun we've been having lately!

September 16: Play Doh Day-Students formed numbers out of Play Doh and put them on a chart

September 19: International Talk Like a Pirate Day-Students generated their pirate name

September 25: Math Storytelling Day-Students read math picture books to each other

September 30: Chewing Gum Day-Students got a piece of gum and blew bubbles

• 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