November 10, 2021 |District Offers Advice & Help for Student Well-Being & Support

Posted November 10, 2021 

We have two important items we hope you consider as we approach the holidays, both supporting the well-being of our Westside students and families.

FREE & REDUCED MEAL APPLICATIONS

Our records of students who are registered for free & reduced meals has plummeted for the 2021/22 school year. We fear this is not because of a lack of need, but because meals are free for all students, funded by the US Department of Agriculture. If you would traditionally qualify for free or reduced-price meals, it is important you file an application. Through that application, your student becomes eligible for additional benefits including fee waivers for scholarships, ACT/SAT testing, computers, transportation, summer school, activity cards, prom band instruments, etc. In addition, our district receives state and local funding based on the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. That funding is vital for Westside Community Schools.

CLICK HERE to complete the Free & Reduced Meal application online: https://www.myschoolapps.com/. If you would like to complete a traditional paper application, please send an email to Michele Divoky, divoky.michele@westside66.net or call 402.390.3382.

HOLIDAY ASSISTANCE

Once again this year, Westside Community Schools will be working together with our high school homerooms and a network of amazing community volunteers to support our district families in need this upcoming holiday season. Through the confidential and compassionate work of our district Social Workers, Counselors and Psychologists, we are able to assist those in our school community who may need extra help.

There are a number of ways you can help:

• By “adopting” a Westside student in need and purchasing items from his or her wants & needs list;
• by making a monetary contribution to the “Family Resource Fund” in care of the Westside Foundation (click here!); 
• or by donating to the Family Resource Center’s Food Pantry and Clothing Closet (click here to learn more about the Westside Family Resource Center!)

If your classroom, your department, your family or your place of business is interested in supporting a Westside student or family this holiday season, please email Molly Hurley at hurley.molly@westside66.net by November 19, 2021.

Thank you for your generosity and support, and for affirming the “WE” in Westside.