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!

Congratulations Olivia on earning your THIRD digital dozen! The EY team applauds you for demonstrating grit and determination to complete 36 badges, a rare accomplishment in our badge program history. Continue to keep learning, inspiring other kids and, of course, working on badges. We asked Olivia to share some of her thoughts about the EY badges.

My favorite badge of all time is the Blackout Poetry Badge because I think it’s pretty creative to take a piece of text and make it your own in a unique way. I plan to do the Sport Roster Math Badge next. I think that the EY badge page should add a second Desmos Badge but make it more creative for the student to use more shapes to create something interesting to them. :)

Congratulations, Olivia! Keep up the great work!

The Excellence In Youth Team is proud to showcase star student Varun S. from Swanson as the most recent recipient of the Digital Dozen award for this school year! This is the second award for Varun. Varun's favorite badge for this digital dozen was the Perplexor badge. He is also working on his 25 badge and plans to start earning on his third digital dozen!

Congratulations, Varun!

The Excellence In Youth Team is excited to showcase Grace R., Aneesh G.R., Yash P., Krish P. and Peter B. from Swanson, Leo W., Alice H. and Abram B. from Sunset, and Evelyn W. from Oakdale 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!

Congratulations to Evelyn A. from Prairie Lane! Evelyn entered her poetry in a contest called Wondeverse and was selected to be published in their book.

EY students from across the district participated in a day of student math problem-solving, collaboration, and logic questions. Student teams of 4, 5, or 6 members participated in a Sprint Round, Team Round, Problem Solving Round and Math Playground during the event. The purpose of Extreme Math Day is collaboration and math achievement in an effort to recognize the importance of math problem-solving.

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!

Congratulations to our WMS Warriors and Lynx who recently competed in the Marian Math Contest!

So proud of our Mathletes!

Congratulations to the WMS students who competed in the International Academic Competitions!

And good luck to the 12 Warriors who have qualified for the National and International competitions!

• 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