Tiger Tracks

We are down to our last three weeks of school. When this time of year rolls around, I hear teachers (and me) commenting about how fast the year has gone. Of course, throughout the year, we are always commenting how slow the year is progressing. You would think after 26 years of working in education, I would have that figured out by now. Either way, the end in sight. Teachers are planning end of year activities and students are getting excited about end of year events. But, this does not mean teaching slows down or stops. Students and staff are still working hard to learn new concepts and skills in reading, writing, math, and all the other subjects! I know Oakdale will finish strong. That is the mindset of our Tigers!

Speaking of end of the year activities, there are a couple happening next week. Every year our 6th grade students select a charitable organization and have fundraisers throughout the year to help this great cause. This year, they selected Make-A-Wish Nebraska. One of their last fundraisers for this organization is a Spirit Week next week. Check out the graphic below to see how to participate each day. Be sure to bring a dollar for each day you want to participate. All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Nebraska.

Don't forget that on Friday, Oakdale has our annual Spring Fling! Food trucks, games, prizes, etc., will be located behind the building on the playground, soccer field, and blacktop. And, due to a grant from the Westside Foundation this year, the cost to participate has dropped to only $10 for the whole family! Be sure to stop by for some fun to end the year!

Don't forget that our last day of school is a noon dismissal. Thank you for yet another fantastic school year at Oakdale. We are thrilled to finish the year strong!

~ Mr. Jagels

Our Lost & Found is overflowing, especially with coats and hoodies. Stop by after school between 3:30 - 4:15 pm next week, 5/5-5/9, to see if anything can be reclaimed. It is located in the cafeteria near the restrooms. You can also remind your student to visit the Lost & Found during the school day. Anything not claimed by the last day of school will be donated.

Kindergarten enrollment for District residents for the 2025-2026 school year is OPEN! Please check our website at westside66.org to start your enrollment online.

Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before July 31, 2025. Parents may wait to enroll their child(ren) in kindergarten for an additional year. However, Nebraska law requires that child(ren) who reach the age of six prior to Jan 1st of the then current school year must be enrolled in school.

For questions about enrollment, please contact the Westside Welcome Center at 402-390-2100 or enrollment@westside66.net.

KINDERGARTEN OPTION ENROLLMENT

If you live outside of the Westside district and have a child eligible for kindergarten in 2025-2026 who has a sibling attending our schools through the Option Enrollment program, you must submit an option application for your kindergartener.

In addition to kindergarten, you can apply for any other grade level.

Option Enrollment forms can be completed using this link:

https://forms.gle/FvsmAEBqRpcePEKg9

Questions about Option Enrollment, please contact Student Services at 402-390-2107.

IN-DISTRICT TRANSFERS FOR 2025-2026

Are you a District resident and would like your K-6 grade child(ren) to attend an elementary school in Westside other than the area where you live?

An In-District Transfer request form must also be completed for any child starting kindergarten next year who has a sibling attending an elementary school outside of their home attendance area. In district transfer forms can be completed using this link: https://forms.gle/yZw6581gWrtRBhgB9

Questions about In-District Transfers, please contact Student Services at 402-390-2107.

EARLY ADMISSION FOR KINDERGARTEN

Children of District residents who wish to be tested for early entrance to kindergarten must turn 5 years old between August 1 and October 15, 2025.

For further information regarding early entrance testing, please contact Early Admissions at 402-390-2142.

Linked you will find our year long Oakdale Calendar. This is not an all-inclusive calendar and is subject to change throughout the year. However, it will provide a general outline of events to pencil in on your calendar.

In addition, we encourage you to access our Oakdale Calendar through our Website, the Westside Community Schools App, or to subscribe so that this information shows right up on your own calendar for iPhone, iPad, Mac, or any other Google Calendar subscribable platform.

May

3 District Big Band Dance, 5:30 WHS

6 District Band & Strings Solo & Ensemble, 6:00 WHS

8 Don & Millie's Night

9 Spring Fling, 6:00

13 Afternoon of the Accomplished, 2:30

22 Triple Be Field Day

23 Last Day of School, 12:00 Dismissal

Click the image above for more information about Westside's Excellence in Youth Program

The Excellence In Youth Team is excited to showcase Arya N. from Oakdale as the most recent 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 this accomplishment!

We know it is important to consider both the physical and social-emotional wellbeing of our students, families, and staff. We continue to be committed to providing regular instruction and support for studying in managing thoughts and feelings.

If your child is experiencing particular difficulties and you would like to explore options for additional support we encourage you to contact our School Counselor, Mrs. Mary McPadden (mcpadden.mary@westside66.net) or our School Psychologist, Mrs. Olivia Rosol (rosol.olivia@westside66.net), who can help in coordinating additional support and resources.

It's time for incoming kindergartners through 5th graders to submit their sizes for next school year's free spirit tees. A huge thanks to Jessica Bittner for her amazing design skills!

Fill out the form to vote for your favorite design and choose the right size. Please note that Next Level shirts are premium quality and tend to run small. Consider the measurements carefully to ensure the right fit. Your support ensures we'll have these spirit tees ready to hand out at Open House on August 5th. Please complete the form by May 23rd and remember, this is only for Kindergarten through 5th grade students this year since 6th graders will be at the middle school next year.

To access the form, click the button below to log in or create an account on the Community Club website (Membership Toolkit). You’ll only see the free spirit tee form once logged in. Use your favorite device and browser for easy access, and consider using your device’s password manager for a smoother experience.

Don't forget to stop by Don & Millie's Family Restaurant Night on May 8th! Fill out the form below and drop it off at the restaurant for your student(s) chance to win a prize and a free kids meal! We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to our most recent Don & Millie's winners! If you attend a Don & Millie's night, be sure to put your name in the drawing for a free kids meal. They randomly draw names each night for our winners. Winners this time include: Max J. in Mrs. Brady's 3rd grade, Marley P. in Mrs. Johnson's kindergarten, Maddison H. in Mrs. Kratky's 6th grade, and Marlon S. and Alexia D. in Mrs. Pontious's 2nd grade.

The Oakdale School Community Club offers a FREE online family directory each fall containing the names of students as well as names of parents, with their home addresses, phone numbers, and email information. Only families who submit information to the Community Club or give permission through the Returning Student Registration Process will be included in the directory. If you have not already logged in to the website, please log in and update your information OR new parents can create a new login.

Westside Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital/parental status, military/veteran status or any other category protected by law in its programs and activities or in admission or access to, or treatment in, hiring and employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The following District personnel have been designated to coordinate compliance and can address inquiries about the District’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures:

For questions or concerns by students, parents or others:

• Coordinator of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator – ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. Omaha (402) 390-2100 E-mail: titleixcoordinator@westside66.net
• Director of Special Services/ADA & 504 Coordinator (disability/accommodation) ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. E-mail: ADAcoordinator@westside66.net

For questions by District employees or applicants:

• Ass’t Supt. for Human Resources/Lead Title IX Coordinator - 909 So. 76th St. Omaha, NE (402) 390-2100 E-mail: titleixcoordinatorHR@westside66.net

For further information about anti-discrimination laws or to file a complaint of discrimination you may also contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Dept. of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106,
Tele. (816) 268-0550, Fax (816) 268-0599, (TDD) (800) 877-8339, or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.

Oakdale Elementary's mission is to ensure academic excellence and to serve the unique needs of all learners.

• Be Safe
• Be Respectful
• Be Responsible
• (Be Kind)

Email: jagels.glen@westside66.net
Website: westside66.org/domain/13
Location: 9801 W Center Rd, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Phone: 402-390-6460
Facebook: facebook.com/OakdaleTigers66
Twitter: @oakdaletigers66