Julie Beckham, a Special Education teacher at Westside, recently received an Excellence in Mentoring Award given through the Department of Counseling and Psychology and Special Education at Brigham Young University.  This award is given to exemplary teachers who convey a positive attitude toward the profession and have demonstrated a strong commitment to helping teacher candidates in the Special Education program acquire the skills necessary to become effective special educators.  Julie's service as a cooperating teacher has aided in the preparation of several BYU student teachers

Although the weather did not cooperate, Westside fifth-grade students attempted to reach nine miles on their hike up to Kelly's Grove last week.  Although they had to cut their trip short, they were still able to hike 5+ miles.  This hike is an annual activity the fifth-grade students look forward to.

On May 18th, students, parents and faculty gathered to honor students who participated in the Mathletes program at Westside.  This program is designed to give students who excel in math, another opportunity to develop their math skills.

Last week, kindergarten students at Westside donned their graduation robes, and performed for their parents and teachers.  This year-end program was a culmination of songs related to what the students learned in Kindergarten throughout the year.

Recently, fourth-grade students at Westside displayed their county floats they created.  This project was a representation of the research students came up with after learning about a particular county in Utah.  Students decorated their floats with objects related to the county they chose to study.

Students participating in the flag football intramural program, had the opportunity recently to verse their teachers.  The faculty team was comprised of teachers from all grade levels, and also included Principal Matis and the school counselor.  Students not participating in the game were still able to enjoy the sunshine as spectators and cheered the players on.

In the sixth grade, students have the option to participate in the school orchestra.  Students meet before school 2-3 times per week to practice.  These students perform at various times throughout the year and will perform again during the sixth-grade graduation.

On Friday, April 27, Westside fourth-grade students helped plant two trees in honor of Arbor Day. Springville City donated two Norwegian Sunset Maples to Westside Elementary to plant in front of the school.

Springville City is Tree City USA community.  A town or city must meet four standards established by The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters.

As a part of the sixth-grade science core curriculum, students learn about objects in the universe.  Recently, students made a "comet" out of various household products under the supervision of their teacher.

Hospital volunteers, in an effort to promote physical fitness and the importance of a healthy diet, passed out free jump ropes to students after lunch.