Josh Westover, a representative with netSmartz, recently visited the students at Westside. During an assembly for upper and lower grades, he helped give students tips on how to remain safe while using the Internet. NetSmartz is an organization that advocates internet safety awareness for children.
The 100th day of school was recently celebrated at Westside Elementary. Second grade teachers dressed as if they were 100 years old to make the day even a little bit more special.
During their teacher lunch hour on District Development Day, faculty and staff at Westside participated in a a ping pong tournament. Many of the faculty were astounded at the ping pong prowess their colleagues possessed. In the end, the grand prize winner was David Fox. David Swenson came in a close second. Monica Bair and Karen Thomas came in third and fourth place respectively.
On December 18th, Santa visited the students at Westside bringing treats for the students, and gifts from the PTA for the teachers.
On December 18th, kindergarten students at Westside performed their Christmas program for the other students in the school, as well as for their parents.
On Thursday, December 18th, the student council members at Westside presented a check for over $3,000.00 to Dave Smith with Community in Action. Throughout the previous week, student council members counted pennies and change that students brought for the annual Penny Wars. This money will go toward feeding families in need in the area.
On Wednesday, December 17th, teachers at Westside were invited to wear their ugly Christmas sweaters and participate in the Ugly Christmas Sweater competition. Some teachers went all out and decorated sweaters with various crafts and materials.
The 4-H bell choir performed for several faculty and staff at Westside. Their performance involved renditions of beloved Christmas songs.
The sixth grade orchestra ensemble performed for parents last week. Students come several times a week before school to practice under the direction of Mandy Batholomew.
During the days of December 9th-12th, Westside students will participate in the annual Penny Wars, sponsored by the student council and PTA. The Penny Wars is a way to raise money for the local food bank. Each class is awarded points based on how many pennies they bring in to the school. Other classes, however, can bomb their rival classes with silver change which counteracts any points earned from pennies. The class who receives the most points will win a chocolate milk/donut party courtesy of the student council.
