The Life Lesson Puppets
Westside Elementary students attended the “Kids on the Block” assembly sponsored by the Nebraska Elks Association. The puppet skits taught students about the effects of bullying and what they can do to stop it. It also helps kids see that there are differences in all of us and those differences are something to appreciate.
Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity for kids to discover how much fun it can be to help others. Fifth grade students at Westside Elementary decided to warm some hearts with a party that collected new or gently used mittens for students in the building. Mittens do get lost and their collection will help recess paras mitten-equip students whose mittens turn up missing.
Students in Mrs. Porn’s second grade class journeyed to the land of Snow White with their principal, Mrs. Drahota. It was interactive story time with small props and individual parts as Mrs. Drahota, the narrator, brought the story to life.
Mrs. Drahota is a frequent guest reader in every classroom from kindergarten through grade five.
Westside Elementary is serving up some good books this week during the annual school book fair. The school’s library has been transformed int
o the Book Fair Diner and it’s packed with titles from leading authors plus unique gift selections. Familes are invited to visit The Diner this week. The book fair will be open during Parent/Teacher Conferences:
February 8th and 9th (4 P.M. - 7 P.M.)
February 11th (2 P.M.- 4P.M.).
Savor the flavor of a new book!
Today marked the 100th day of school at Westside Elementary. Teachers brought the “100″ theme into many of their classrooms. The 100th day of school is more than just a milestone worth noting – it’s the perfect time to have fun with the number 100.
Mrs. Henriksen’s first grade students proclaimed February 3 the 100th day. Since the first day of school, these students have been counting to the 100th day by numbering each day on a banner in the classroom.
During the day, Westside students participated in numerous math, language, and art projects dealing with the number 100.
Teachers showcased what students had already learned and support further achievement by celebrating the 100th Day of School. Recognition and motivation help students keep up their hard work the second half of the year.
5th graders with their 100 Day Trail Mix.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
According to the groundhog in Punxsutawney, the world (or at least its northern hemisphere) can expect even more cold winter days. Because Phil saw his shadow, Westside’s first grade students are bundling up and wearing groundhog hats to proclaim, “ Six more weeks of winter!”
Happy Groundhog Day, everyone!
The wind blows cold and snow continues to fall across the playground at Westside Elementary, but Mrs. Obermiller’s first grade students are tucked inside a warm classroom with the sounds of spring- – frogs are on the loose.
Westside students are experimenting with iPods in the classrooms. Teachers are using this new technology to engage students and enhance learning.
The students in these pictures are motivated to practice their math facts with the iPod application Froggy Math.
Family Reading Night is a fun way for families and friends to encourage a child’s interest in books and stimulate his or her imagination. Reading night not only motivates children to read more at home, but it also encourages parents to get involved in their child’s reading. Where the Wild Things Are was the theme for Westside’s Family Reading Night. After the book was read, families created monster parts, mixed and matched these parts to create wild things, and then displayed their creations on the gym wall. The evening ended with monster cookie snacks. A copy of the book was ordered for each family attending.
Westside Elementary students received a very special visitor on Tuesday, the last day of the 2009 school year. Santa Claus came to spread joy, to hear requests, and to add fun to the holiday season.
Santa’s special helpers were members of Westside’s FAST group who came to make
sure every student received a treat. Presents were given to classrooms and teachers from FAST – the school’s parent/family association.
The children were thrilled to meet Santa.
