Hillside News Brief

Oct. 3 - 5:15pm-6:15pm Community Club Meeting at Hillside

Oct. 4 - School Photo Day

Oct. 4-11 - Book Fair at Hillside

Oct. 9 - 4:00pm-8:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences

Oct. 10 - 8:00am-4:00pm Parent Teacher Conferences (No School for Students)

Oct. 10-14 - Fall Break for Students

Oct. 11 - NO SCHOOL (Teachers and Students)

Oct. 14 - NO SCHOOL (Professional Learning Day for Teachers)

Oct. 25 - Halloween Parade and Parties & Fall Festival

Oct. 25 - 6:00-7:30pm Hillside Trunk or Treat

The school book fair will be October 4-11 in the library. We will be sending out times to visit the book fair very soon! Stay tuned!

The research (and lots of it) is in regarding cell phones and students! The constant distraction of a cell phone in a student's pocket or in their desk is not conducive to focus and learning. This includes Apple watches, which can also be extremely distracting to students. Please, if you insist on your student wearing an Apple watch, put that device in school mode. We would prefer that students took off their Apple watches and checked them in with their teacher while they are at school.

Cell phones should also be checked in at the top of the day with the classroom teacher. Teachers will put them away in a cabinet for the day. There have been students who kept their phone in their backpack--and that phone disappeared. Please avoid theft by having your student check that phone in with their teacher. While we cannot guarantee the phone's safety 100% while at school, the cabinet option is by far the best option for securing a cell phone.

We are committed to making sure our students do not have the constant distraction of a cell phone in their pocket so that they can maximize their time here at school.

If you'd like more information in depth about cell phones and young people, please read The Anxious Generation. This is an eye-opening book that will inform you regarding the effects of the digital age on our young people.

Mrs. Bailey

Principal of Hillside

Hillside's philosophy is that students deserve to learn social skills right along with academics. We want our students to learn how to accept feedback gracefully, how to regulate their emotions appropriately, and how to negotiate skillfully with peers. We are committed to helping all our students to learn and grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

If you haven't seen Hillside's construction update video, please see below. Many thanks to our SUPER sixth grade students, Mateo R. and Hailey R.!!

https://youtu.be/5wSzEcdjo8o?si=mGb9qpxG4K_xzrH_

Hillside Families:

When you have a change in your student's dismissal plan, please communicate that with the front office. When you notify a teacher only, that message can be lost in the fast pace of the day. Teachers try to keep all the information straight, but please realize they can be distracted by all the responsibilities they have in the classroom.

The front office is the place to communicate ALL changes/information for student dismissal/transportation. Thank you.

Studies have shown that social media and digital devices can significantly impact the mental health of our youth. That is why Westside Community Schools has expanded its partnership with Smart GEN Society to now include grades 4-12. WCS has been partnering with Smart GEN Society with conversations happening at WHS and WMS, as well as community forums. We appreciate Smart GEN Society's approach, which is age-appropriate, non-judgemental, and relevant to each grade level. Their relatable content allows students to connect quickly and hear the heart of the message.

Smart GEN Society will be at Hillside presenting to 4th and 5th grade students on Monday, November 25. 6th grade presentations will be at a later date (to be announced).

Be on the lookout for more information from the district about community forums from Smart GEN Society that are open to the public.

We are excited to announce the launch of our WE-SIDE Community Events Calendar. This calendar includes dates and times for local events and community offerings.

While we are not a partner, sponsor, or organizer of the listed events, we’d like to share them with you as part of our WE-SIDE initiative, which highlights opportunities available in the greater Omaha community.

Started in the summer of 2020, WE-SIDE stands for Welcoming Equity Support Inclusion Dignity Everyone. This initiative was created to foster a district community where everyone feels valued, connected, and respected. The initiative seeks to build a supportive environment that honors the dignity of every individual, creating a sense of belonging and unity within the Westside community.

The events are listed on the right-hand side of the WCS website homepage. Click on each event for specific logistical information. However, for details or inquiries regarding any of these events, please contact the official event organizers directly.

We are excited to share these opportunities with you and hope you find something new to explore with friends or family members.

Kim Sedivy

Westside Community Schools

Communications Department

909 So. 76th Street

Omaha, NE 68114

402-390-2130

Empathy | Consistency | Responsibility | Adaptability | Harmony