News & Notes

We are thrilled to announce the second year of the May Family Award for Innovation In Professional Learning! Westside is extremely appreciative of longtime Westside supporters Ed and Carrie May and their dedication to making this an annual event. Scott Becker (Jennifer Abrams Sessions) and Amy Studts from the WHS Social Studies department were our winners from last year!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!

If you have questions, please email Dr. Greg Betts at betts.gregory@westside66.net.

Good luck!

From the ‘things you didn’t know about your teacher’ files… CONGRATULATIONS to WHS Social Studies Teacher Derek Fey, recently inducted into the Omaha Running Club Hall of Fame! Some of Mr. Fey’s impressive stats:

• he’s run 8 marathons (PR: 2:32:33) & 12 half-marathons (PR: 1:6:30)
• most miles run in one day: 81 miles
• Head Coach of College of Saint Mary XC Team, winner of the 2021 GPAC Coach of Character Award

BONUS: Mr. Fey was inducted February 6 along with his father!

CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. Fey!

CONGRATULATIONS to three of Westside's Wrestling Coaches, winning top honors from the Omaha Metro Wrestling Coaches Association!

Varsity Boys Head Coach Mike Jernigan: Head Coach of the Year

Varsity Boys Assistant Coach Reed Weber: Assistant Coach of the Year

Varsity Girls Head Coach: Bob Mulligan: Head Coach of the Year

Congratulations, Warriors!

Do you have news to share, an event to promote, or an achievement to celebrate? Let us know! We have a variety of outlets to share positive news including social media, websites, our app, newsletters and media coverage. Please email us at communications@westside66.net (more than 24 hours in advance when possible.)

Have you completed your March Westside Wellness Challenge? Sign up now through your Virgin Pulse app! This month: take time to relax your body before bed, and set yourself up for a great night of rest and rejuvenation!

Congratulations to Taylor Schoneman, Special Education Teacher at Westbrook Elementary, who has welcomed a baby boy into her family! Grahm Otto Schoneman was born February 24, weighing in at 9lb 7oz and stretching to 21.5 inches. Congratulations to Taylor and her family!

Congratulations to Sara Conant, 7th grade Language Arts Teacher at Westside Middle School, who has welcomed a baby boy into her family! Charles Limar Conant arrived March 9 at 8:03pm. Everyone is happy, healthy and sleepy. :-).

We know your time is limited and valuable - and we appreciate you taking a few minutes to read our Westside News & Notes Staff Newsletter! NEW FOR 2021-22: Play Along - Win a Prize! Every week, we will pose a question in our newsletter. Simply email communications@westside66.net with your response, and you will be entered in a prize drawing!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

DO YOU CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY? IF YES, HOW?

All Westside Community Schools & Westside Foundation staff members (ECC/Club 66) are eligible!

FEBRUARY QUESTION & WINNERS: What is your favorite holiday and why?

• ABBY RIDDER, Westside Early Childhood Centers: 'Christmas!'
• DESIRAE ANSON, WHS West Campus: 'My favorite holiday is Christmas because it's just such a magical time and I get to spend time with my loved ones!'
• JAIME KAMMANDEL, LOVELAND: 'My favorite holiday has to be Christmas - seeing the magic in my son's eyes every year is one of my absolute favorite things!'

Our condolences are with Shari David as her mother, Pearl Klotz, died February 16. Shari is Kitchen Assistant at Loveland Elementary. Family members plan to hold a Celebration of Life later this spring. Click here for Ms. Klotz's obituary.

Thank you for keeping Shari and her family in your thoughts.

The Henry Doorly Zoo is offering discounted memberships now through April 3 (prices go up on April 4). Go to www.omahazoo.com to sign up. Your registration may ask for a "seller's code". Westside's is 24217. Attached are signup instructions and membership prices.

To note...Westside does not subsidize any other discounts beyond what the zoo offers during their membership drive. Entering the seller's code helps the Zoo keep track of sign-ups.