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 proud to showcase star student Arju A. from Swanson as the most recent recipient of the Digital Dozen award for this school year! This is the second award for Arju. Arju's favorite badge is the Origami Design badge. He turned in his 25th badge yesterday and plans to start working on his third digital dozen! Congratulations, Arju!

The Excellence In Youth Team is proud to announce Joslyn O. from Oakdale as the most recent recipient of the Digital Dozen award for this school year! This is the second award for Joslyn this school year! I hope she starts working on her third digital dozen! Congratulations, Joslyn!

The Excellence In Youth Team is proud to showcase star student Johan P. from Swanson as the most recent recipient of the Digital Dozen award for this school year! This is the second award for Johan this school year. His favorite was For the Love of Landmarks. He started his 25th badge today, and plans to start working on his third digital dozen! Congratulations, Johan!

The Excellence In Youth Team is excited to showcase Ayden S. and Charlie S. from Sunset, Izzy D., Kelsey K. and Maddy P. from Westgate, John N. and Anna M. from Paddock Road, Elliot H. from Rockbrook and Henry L. and Kavin P. and Harrison W. from Swanson as the most recent recipients 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 these star student should be proud of their accomplishment!

Congrats to all the WCS students who participated in the IAC event in Grand Island last week!

Now in its 8th year, the Opera Omaha Poetry & Music Project connects student poets and their words with composers to create original music. This year’s theme was “My Neighborhood” and Maddie T. from Swanson and Addie O. from Sunset submitted poems that were chosen for the project!

Maddie and Addie were invited to collaborate in an Opera Omaha creative workshop. This workshop was the first opportunity for poets, composers, singers, and the pianist to hear these original pieces, work through them, and offer feedback to make sure the final product is the best possible version.

The culmination of the Poetry & Music Project, is a public concert and world premiere of each song on May 3, 2025 at the Omaha Conservatory of Music.

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!

The Story Spine

We are all storytellers. Good storytelling involves captivating an audience through the effective use of narrative elements, such as compelling characters, vivid imagery, and an engaging plot.

Learn More Here!

• 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