Westside Middle School

September 15, 2024

Student Email

At the middle school, it’s essential for students to check their email daily. Vital information, club updates, class details, school-wide announcements, and dismissal times for sporting events, is regularly communicated through email. Please encourage your student to develop the habit of checking their email each day to stay informed and prepared.

Picture Retakes = Friday, September 20th

**Students should have received their photos from their homeroom teacher. There are instructions on how to order them, or you can return that packet and get retakes.

Hope Squad

The WMS Hope Squad is starting up for the school year. This is a District Wide program that we would love for students to join! Currently, we have over 100 members in our high school program with officer leadership roles. WCS has expanded to some of our elementary schools as well. There will be several events this school year for our HOPE Squad programming. Please email Sra. Schulz to join. All are welcome!

schulz.kelly@westside66.net

HOPE Squad is a school based peer-to peer suicide prevention program that trains students to perform intentional outreach with fellow students. The program outcomes also include reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and overall improvement of mental health knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of our members. This program was created in Utah in 2004 and has since been implemented in more than 1,600 schools across the nation.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in Nebraskans ages 10-24. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

We would LOVE to see you at our Chalk it Up Event today after school outside of the PAC led by our school social worker, Mrs. Schenkleberg.

WMS Dress Code

On Monday, homeroom teachers will review the dress code again and wanted to make sure all families were aware of our expectations. The full dress code is located in WMS Handbook, but these are the things that we are highlighting. We will ask students to change or put on a sweatshirt/sweater if they are not following the dress code.

Tardies to School

Being a role model is the most important form of education. While things do come up for all of us on occasion (unexpected traffic, oversleeping an alarm, car trouble) it is extremely important to role model to your student to be on time every day. Tardies have a ripple effect on the whole school. When a student arrives late to school, the administrative assistants spend about 30 minutes every morning getting students checked in, noting the arrival time in PowerSchool, and writing a pass, instead of working on their other tasks. Teachers have to bring the student up to speed when they arrive to the classroom late. This interferes with their peers' focus and classroom learning time. When your student is late, they also miss out on classroom learning time themselves which may have an impact on their grade.

As a reminder, the PAC doors close promptly at 7:55. Students then enter school through the main office doors. The good news is that tardies to school have decreased this year during the first four weeks of school from last year! That is something to be proud of! Let's keep that up!

As always, if there are barriers to your students' attendance, we want to work as a team to problem-solve the issue.

Virtual Club Fair

Last week in homeroom students participated in a virtual club fair. Below is the slide show for parents to view.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18gVNsbJ8CTjOw2Jh4PutYumCsE2RJNhuy7ygIZ1bMWQ/edit?usp=sharing

Unified News and Events!

Order your Unified Apparel NOW!!! The general Unified design was designed by a Unified Club member at WHS. Each Unified Sport is represented on a shirt!

This will be opened again during the winter and spring sports seasons. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Westside Unified.

https://stores.inksoft.com/westside_unified1/shop/home

WMS Counseling Vision Statement - All students from Westside Middle School are well-prepared for academic success for high school and beyond. Our students possess the knowledge and skills for future career success. All Westside Middle School students demonstrate strong character and are responsible, respectful, and productive citizens within a multicultural society.

WMS Counseling Mission Statement - The mission of the Westside Middle School counseling program is to serve the unique needs of all early adolescent learners through implementing a developmentally appropriate school counseling program. The Westside Middle School counselors ensure that all students reach their highest potential in the career, social/emotional, and academic domains through access to a comprehensive school counseling program. As advocates for all students, Westside Middle School counselors work collaboratively with faculty, parents/guardians, and members of the community to prepare students to compete respectfully in a changing world.

WMS Annual Calendar - You can preview the upcoming events for the WMS Counseling Department by clicking on our calendar here. We update this calendar throughout the year, so please check back frequently.

Study Skills - As we embark on a new school year, we want to emphasize the critical role that homework and effective study habits play in our students' academic success. Creating a structured and supportive environment at home can greatly enhance their learning experience and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Why Homework Matters:

Reinforcement of Learning: Homework allows students to practice and apply what they've learned in class, reinforcing their understanding and retention of the material.
Development of Responsibility: Regular homework helps students develop time management skills, responsibility, and the ability to work independently.
Preparation for Future Challenges: As students progress through their education, the ability to manage and prioritize their assignments becomes increasingly important. Homework prepares them for the demands of higher education and beyond.

Tips for Encouraging Good Study Habits:

Create a Dedicated Study Space: Ensure your child has a quiet, well-organized area for studying, free from distractions.
Establish a Routine: Set a regular time each day for homework and study, helping your child develop a consistent routine.
Be Supportive but Independent: Offer guidance and support when needed, but encourage your child to take ownership of their work and solve problems independently.
Monitor Progress: Keep track of assignments and deadlines, and communicate with teachers if you have concerns about your child's workload or progress.
Encourage Breaks and Balance: Remind your child to take short breaks during study sessions to stay focused and avoid burnout. Balance is key to maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

By working together, we can help our students build strong study habits that will benefit them throughout their educational journey and beyond

Community Club Information

Are you looking for an impactful way to support teachers, staff and students at WMS? If so, the WMS Community Club (WMS CC) needs YOU!

The Community Club’s first meeting is Thursday, August 15th from 3:30 – 4:30. For your convenience, the meeting is available via Zoom or in person at WMS.

WMS CC supports our teachers and staff by organizing fall and spring conference meals, providing gift cards for the monthly teacher recognition program and the teacher/staff end of year celebration. WMS CC celebrates our student body by providing refreshments at the academic awards night and organizing the 8th grade end of year dance.

2024 – 2025 Meetings

9/12 3:30 – 4:30 PM

10/17 3:30 – 4:30 PM

11/14 3:30 – 4:30 PM

1/16 3:30 – 4:30 PM

2/20 3:30 – 4:30 PM

3/13 3:30 – 4:30 PM

4/14 3:30 – 4:30 PM

If you have questions and/or interested in attending, please contact susanclauser@gmail.com for the Zoom meeting or attend the first meeting on August 15th! We will gather in the main office at the Middle School and then move from there to our meeting space.