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Westside Foundation Newsletter

Volume 4 | MAY 7, 2024

Westside FoundationNewsletterVolume 4 | MAY 7, 2024

VI VI: SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

THANK YOU SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Anonymous

GOLD SPONSOR

Midwest Dermatology

SILVER SPONSOR

American National Bank

Ann and Dennis Christiansen

Boyd Jones Construction

BVH Architecture

Kayla and Chris Hawkins

KB Building Services

Jackie and Terry Kroeger

Project Advocates

Sarah and Adam Yale

Westside Community Schools

PATRON SPONSOR

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture

Ann and Scott Hofmann

Chrisi and John Hughes

Enterprise Bank

Lamp, Rynearson & Associates

Morrissey Engineering

Stacey and Mike Murphy

Robert H. Storz Foundation

Michael H. Staenberg

This event will sell out!

FOUNDATION GRANT HIGHLIGHTS

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SPOT VISION SCANNER FOR WCS

A special thanks to Lynette Mullins, a forward-thinking district elementary school nurse who applied for a Westside Foundation grant to purchase this incredible device.


"As a school nurse I am an advocate for each student I serve, and I owe them an accurate health screening so they can have a quality classroom performance. Our students deserve this."

Lynette Mullins, RN, CPN


The Spot Vision Scanner is a handheld portable, ocular screening device designated to help

quickly and easily detect vision issues. It is safe and can be used on children as young as 6

months of age. It provides reliable, objective assessment and instantly detects the indication

of six major issues:

  • Myopia - near vision
  • Hyperopia - far vision
  • Astigmatism - blurred vision
  • Anisometropia - unequal reflective power
  • Gaze - eye alignment
  • Anisocoria - unequal pupil size

Photo Above: Lynette Mullins, student Carolyne and Kathy Ecklebe, a district health aid. Carolyne, a nonverbal kindergartener who is now able to walk, run, and climb stairs thanks to her new glasses!


Just a few of the many students who got new glasses after their vision scan results.

SPEAKING OF GLASSES! 2024 ECLIPSE GRANT

“Experiences shape our expectations. Expectations shape our expressions. Expressions shape our experiences.” - Angela Bergman, Earth Space Science team leader at Westside High School

Special thanks to Angela Bergman, science teacher at Westside High School for applying for a District-wide grant that allowed all of ours students to experience the 75% Solar Eclipse in April. Angela lead a district-wide event for the 2017 and 2024 solar eclipse. These events incorporated lessons across the curriculum for students at all grade levels.

Are You Interested in Leaving a Legacy Gift in Support of Teachers & Students?

Reach out to Erika Conces for more information.

Join a community of alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, and friends who support the Future of Westside. Join the W CLUB today and impact the future of students, teachers, and education in District 66.


The W CLUB, the Foundation's annual appeal, has raised over $890,000 for the District. With your support we could hit a monumental goal: $1 million raised solely to support W Club endeavors! Your gift will make a difference for the future of 6,091 students, 540 teachers and one amazing school district.


Special thanks to the 2024 W CLUB chairs

Kelly (Schnauber '94) and Kevin Buscher

Ann and Dennis Christiansen

Ashley and Jarrod ('96) James

FOUNDATION EVENT HIGHLIGHT

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THE LAST LAP

In March, more than 200 past & present swimmers and divers came together for one last lap at Westside High School's original swimming pool.


"From the first lap to the last splash, we hope you cherish the memories!"

WESTSIDE ALUMNI UPDATES

REUNION INFORMATION

Click the link below for more information on upcoming reunions!

IMPACTING EXCELLENCE CAMPAIGN UPDATE

The Westside Foundation is proud to announce that - thanks to the many alumni, community supporters, parents, and friends of Westside- we have over $31 Million committed to the Impacting Excellence Capital Campaign, a transformative initiative to enhance educational opportunities at Westside High School.


Every gift Matters. We need your support to meet our goal of $34 million!

WEITZ CONSTRUCTION UPDATE


  • Mobilization started on 3/4/24 and the pool was officially drained.
    • Thank you to the Westside community for the quick and friendly adjustments to WEITZ's presence on campus and the modified parking plans.
  • After mobilizing the main focus was investigating & removing the existing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression (MEPF) systems from the blue gym and Natatorium.
  • The swimming records, diving boards, starter blocks, timing systems and digital displays were all salvaged.
  • April 12th Peitzmeier removed the concrete structure between the blue gym and the Natatorium to create a ramp down into the empty pool. The pool slab was cut and removed along with the deep end pool walls and deck.
    • Fun fact, The Natatorium structure was built in 1963. The pool was built above grade with an 8-12” thick concrete slab supported by 12” thick concrete walls and deep foundations that extend 65’ into the ground.
    • The structure was built well and in great shape. Lots of concrete and rebar to break apart.
    • Roughly 2/3 of the existing 1st floor structure including the pool deck and locker-room concrete slabs will remain in place and reused for the future build. The new fitness center, classroom, and staff fitness rooms will re use these concrete slabs.
  • Demolition of the structure will be complete in mid May.
  • Site Utilities between the track and blue gym begin 5/6.
  • Deep foundations planned for early July.
  • Structural steel and Precast walls fall of 24
Westside High School: Impacting Excellence Campaign
Westside Foundation
https://wcsfoundation66.org/