August 2015 - Westside High School

Warrior News
Westside High School
whs.westside66.org
Westside High
School Mission
Statement
In its quest to be the best
high school in the United
States and achieve
unequaled excellence,
Westside’s Mission is to
ensure that all students
reach for their potential,
compete successfully in a
changing world, and
demonstrate respect for
themselves, others, and
their environment.
Attendance Calls
24 hour attendance line:
402-343-2626
No School
Sept. 4 & Oct. 19 ~
Staff Development
Sept. 7 ~ Labor Day
Oct. 15 ~ Intersession
Oct. 16 ~ No School
August 2015 Vol. 1
Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year!
Wednesday, August 12 - Freshmen Orientation Day
Thursday, August 13- All Student Opening Schedule Day
Friday, August 14 - First Day of Classes - All Students
Dear Parents: We are pleased that your son/daughter is a student at Westside. This newsletter
contains information that will be helpful to you and your student throughout the
year. Please read through it and mark the appropriate dates on your calendar. Warrior News is published 5 times a year with the remaining 4 newsletters emailed to
parents/guardians. It is also available on the high school website. A paper copy can
be mailed home upon request. Contact the high school to request a paper copy.
Freshmen Orientation August 12
We want to welcome our Freshmen, Class of 2019, as they start their high school
career at Westside High School. We will hold our Freshman Orientation on
Wednesday, August 12, planned and run by our upper classmen. The format will
have the freshmen divided into two groups, one group attending in the morning and the other in the afternoon (please see the enclosed flyer.) Both groups will
attend a pep rally between the two sessions. There will be breakout sessions the students will attend and rotate through in small groups with an upper classmen leader
and staff member. The activities will include team building, a school scavenger hunt,
and team talk on how to be successful at Westside High School.
Many freshmen are apprehensive about the first day of school. We want to help
make the transition to high school a smooth one. We feel this half day experience
and the opening schedule on Thursday will help our freshmen answer their questions before upperclassmen are present. The orientation will provide a connection
for our new freshman to their school by creating enthusiasm and appreciation for
what Westside offers each unique student.
If freshman start the school year with a positive attitude and a personal commitment
to do their best work, they will have a productive, fulfilling year. We look forward to
all the freshmen participating in our orientation and becoming a valued member of
Westside High School.
WHS Warrior Handbook
Every student and parent is strongly encouraged to read all of the information in
the Warrior Handbook that is enclosed in this mailing. The Handbook contains the
Westside High School Code of Conduct and other regulations as well as important
back-to-school information, attendance, academic, athletic, and general information. Students and parents must sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the Warrior Handbook included in this mailing. This must be returned to your homeroom
teacher on August 13 in order to receive your computer. If you have any questions
regarding content, please feel free to give Principal Ricketts a call, 402-343-2617.
You can also find the handbook on our website.
Curriculum Night for Parents of 9th Graders
On Wednesday, August 19 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., parents are cordially invited to attend a curriculum night at Westside High School in room 220. Presentations from
Business, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies teachers will cover an
overview of the curriculum and expectations of those departments. Parents will also
have the opportunity to ask questions of staff.
Academic Information
Lighthouse Project (formerly Senior Project)
The 2015-2016 Lighthouse Project course will be taught by a team of faculty members including: Molly Spisak - hunt-spisak.molly@westside66.net
Denise Wegener - wegener.denise@westside66.net
Theresa Gosnell - gosnell.theresa@westside66.net
Matt Rasgorshek - rasgorshek.matthew@westside66.net
Carrie Turner - turner.carrie@westside66.net
Important dates for the 2015-2016 Lighthouse Project are as follows:
August 17, 2015 - Lighthouse Project class begins for all seniors
October 2, 2015 - Academic Research and Annotated Bibliography due
November 6, 2015 - Experiential Research and Annotated Bibliography due
December 4, 2015 - All research incorporated into product
January 25, 2016 - Early presentation - Westside High School
February 26, 2016 - Products due
February 29, 2016 - Early presentation - Westside High School
March 11, 2016 - Final papers due
April 20-21, 2016 - Oral Presentations - Westside Career Center
We are looking forward to working with the class of 2016 on this exciting opportunity for self-driven learning. Feel
free to contact your student’s Lighthouse Project facilitator if you have questions or concerns.
PowerSchool And Progress Report Information
Critical student information continues to be available through PowerSchool. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the automatic e-mail option available to parents. With this option checked, you can receive daily, weekly,
bi-monthly or monthly reports automatically e-mailed to you. We suggest checking the “summary” option -- it will
provide you with valuable summaries in each class; this will indicate if you need to get online for more detail. Please
remember that parents have a separate login from their student -- it gives you this e-mail ability that student access
does not provide.
The PowerSchool Corporation and Westside staff are continually updating and improving the system’s features. As
is done each summer, PowerSchool access will be shut down for annual maintenance from approximately July 1st
through the first day of school, August 12. If you have PowerSchool questions, contact Melissa Thompson at 402343-2603 or thompson.melissa@westside66.net.
The following student reports will be distributed within one day of these dates:
Quarter 1 grades-via Homeroom-Oct. 22nd
Semester 1 grades-Mailed Home-Jan. 8th
Quarter 3 grades-via Homeroom-Mar. 17th
Semester 2 grades-Mailed Home-May 31st
National Honor Society
Westside’s Honor Society is a chapter of the national organization and is bound by its rules and regulations. Juniors
who have a mark point average of 6.40, have passed the reading competency and Future Plan, and have no failures or incompletes on their records are eligible for induction into the Society. Seniors will have needed to pass all
competencies. In addition, Juniors must have completed 60 hours of approved Service Learning. Seniors must have
completed 80 hours of approved Service Learning and all competencies. These requirements must be completed by
January 22, 2016. No exceptions will be made for this deadline.
Selection further depends on consideration of character, leadership, and service. Staff members are given National
Honor Society definitions of “character” and “leadership” and are asked to give specific evidence of how any eligible
student has not demonstrated these qualities. Students are asked to complete a Student Activity/Service Information Form and complete an essay on leadership. School activities/service and additional community service beyond
the required number of hours are recorded by the student and rated by the appropriate sponsor. A total of ten approved points on this form is required for induction. Seven of the ten points must come from activities at Westside
High School. Activities for which the student is paid or the student pays to participate will not be considered. A
faculty committee then reviews each student’s qualifications and recommends accordingly. Questions? Contact Bob
Brousek, 402-343-2750 or brousek.robert@westside66.net.
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Service Learning 2015-16
Academic Information
*There is an 80-hour service learning graduation requirement for all students at Westside High School. Why? To
promote citizenship and a lifetime of community activity, career exploration, and the development of intangibles
(i.e. empathy and empowerment).
*Summer Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2015. All service hours completed over the summer must be turned in by
this date. Even if the student plans on continuing the activity, he or she will need to turn in all hours up to that
point and get a new form to record hours accumulated after August 28th.
*1st Semester Deadline:
Friday, December 4, 2015
*2nd Semester Deadline:
Seniors: Friday, April 8, 2016 - Senior hours are due earlier than all other students, due to the need to begin processing students for graduation.
9th, 10th, & 11th: Friday, May 6, 2016
*Why are there deadlines? First, WHS must call and verify that the hours have been completed. If a student turns
in a form and the person the student served under is no longer employed there, then the student could lose those
hours. Second, WHS needs to keep student records up to date so that there’s an accurate tracking system. Third, the
longer a student has a form the more likely it is to be misplaced. The final reason is to promote RESPONSIBILITY
in meeting deadlines and turning in homework. If a student misses a deadline (without appropriate reason), they
may only receive partial credit.
*It is unacceptable for students to perform S.L. hours for any “FOR-profit” organization/business, even if the
student is unpaid. This includes dance studios, gymnastic studios, rental homes, and family/friends’ businesses.
*Students can only do up to 20 hours in 3 areas:
1) Family/Individual (this is considered the same category)
2) Political
3) Non-Profit Haunted Houses
*The “Family/Individual” service area is considered one category. It is the student’s choice whether they assist a family member or an acquaintance, but only 20 hours total will count towards the graduation requirement. A “need”
must be present, where the person is deemed “in need” (example: assisting someone who is recovering from surgery
or helping the elderly with lawn care). Babysitting, family chores and household responsibilities do not count.
*Students can perform unlimited hours at non-profit organizations, medical sites, hospitals, retirement centers, religious establishments, and schools. All such hours would go towards the graduation requirement. Students can only
count up to 8 hours a day for service projects (i.e., camp counselors, mission trips, alternative breaks, etc.)
*Project must be pre-approved by Homeroom Advisor, during homeroom where a signed form is given to the
student.
*PowerSchool lists the total amount of service hours earned towards graduation. It does not list the grand total (honors hours). PowerSchool is updated once a week on Mondays.
We hope that students will take advantage of the many volunteer opportunities, especially during school breaks. As
with anything, the support of parents is crucial. We advise parents to continually encourage your children to meet,
and exceed, the service learning requirement of 80 hours. To keep the students on track and the parents informed,
service learning is posted on PowerSchool. Friday, December 5, is the last day to submit first semester service learning hours. This includes all hours—even those completed with ongoing projects. If there are questions, please email
Sarah Schau at schau.sarah@westside66.net.
Spring FYI: “9/10 Awards Night” - Freshmen who have 100 or more hours will receive a certificate of achievement.
Sophomores who have 200 hours or more will also receive a certificate. Freshmen and Sophomores who would like
to receive this honor, should turn in all hours by April 8, 2016.
The students of Westside High School are to be commended on their enthusiasm and commitment to volunteerism.
The projects that students have embarked upon are remarkable and speak volumes about our students’ willingness to
improve our community.
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Guidance News
News from the Guidance Office
A new school year brings plenty of activity to the Guidance Office, one of which is schedule changes. Please be
aware that there are no schedule changes the two weeks prior to the start of school. Counselors will be fixing scheduling errors the first three days of school. During the next three days of school a student may make a schedule
change if they do not fall below the minimum number of mods and/or credits, the class is not closed, it works in
their schedule with only minor changes to the other classes and they have permission from their parent or guardian.
Freshmen will be attending Group Guidance first quarter where they will meet with their assigned counselor in a
small group setting once a week. This allows the students and counselor to get to know each other as well as develop
skills that will help them successfully transition to high school. Examples of some of the topics covered in Freshman
Group Guidance include graduation requirements, career fields, and a variety of personal/social topics. Freshmen
will also be given a presentation on our yellow ribbon program, which is about suicide prevention.
Sophomores will meet with their assigned counselor on an as needed basis during first semester. Sophomore Group
Guidance will meet during fourth quarter. It is a class that focuses on self-assessment and reflection in relation to
future career goals and educational needs. Academic expectations will increase for sophomores, so please encourage
your student to seek help at the first signs of distress. This may include an assigned mod with the teacher, a study
group, or a peer tutor. For additional suggestions, contact the classroom teacher or the student’s school counselor.
Juniors will attend Junior Group Guidance during first semester. First quarter there is a test prep class, taught by
the various teachers, that is designed to prepare students for the ACT/SAT. In addition, Juniors may want to begin
preparing for the PSAT test, which will be given in October. The PSAT test is a national exam that qualifies students
for National Merit recognition and provides practice for the SAT, which is a college entrance exam.
Seniors will take Senior Group Guidance, which is a four week refresher course that reviews the necessary steps for
the transition from high school to post secondary. Seniors will
meet with their assigned counselor for a senior interview during
first quarter. During this meeting, they will discuss graduation
requirements that still need to be met and where they are in relation to their post-high school plans. Seniors should be very busy
first semester with finalizing their college choices, registering to
take the ACT and/or SAT, preparing to send out college applications, requesting letters of recommendation as well as searching
and applying for scholarships. Please refer to the Senior Planning
Booklet, which is online, for a complete list of college planning activities and deadlines. If you are unfamiliar with the college planning and application process, please feel free to contact or schedule
an appointment with your student’s assigned counselor or Vicki
Londer, the College Counselor at 402-343-2759.
Naviance is a website for parents and students, that assists with
college and career planning, a link can be found on the Guidance wiki. This program allows students and parents to research
and compare colleges, view when college representatives will visit
Westside as well as track applications. Please contact the Guidance
office at 343-2616 to set up your account.
Dr. Vicki Londer and 2015 graduate Haley Life
prepare for the ceremony.
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Dual Enrollment
Guidance/Important Information
Westside High offers students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Students participating in the UNMC Health Sciences High School or Metro Community College Career academy will attend classes at
the respective institution campus during the afternoon. Students also have the opportunity to remain on Westside’s
campus to participate in dual enrollment with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska Wesleyan University, or Metro Community College. Students must enroll in the respective institution, pay the reduced tuition fees,
and successfully complete the high school course. They will receive both high school credit and a specified number
of credits from the sponsoring institution. Students may then transfer credits earned to the college of their choice.
While there are no guarantees, past experience would indicate that most colleges and universities will accept transfer
grades of “C” or higher.
Students enrolled in the following Westside courses are eligible for dual enrollment: US History AP, American
Government AP, Psychology AP, Sociology, Human Geography AP, English Literature AP, Composition AP, Calculus
AP, Statistics AP, Computer Science, Biology AP, Physics 1, 2, C, Studio Art, Marketing I and Advanced Welding.
Coordinators of these programs from the respective universities will be visiting with students in classes regarding
registration deadlines and costs.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Theresa Henson at henson.theresa@westside66.net or 402-343-2620 in the Guidance Office.
Student Educational Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also known as “FERPA”) is a federal law that protects the privacy
of educational records, specifically the use and disclosure of a student’s educational records, access to records, and
information about students that may be disclosed without parental consent.
The 2015-16 Annual Notice of FERPA Rights is published on the District’s website ~ www.westside66.org and is
located under the “About Us” tab - click on “Educational Student Records (FERPA).” A copy of the Notice may also
be obtained by contacting the Office of Student Services at 402-390-2107.
The following is a summary only of some of the information in the 2015-16 Annual Notice:
FERPA allows each school district to establish its own list of information that can be released publically without parent (or student if age 18 or over) consent. Westside has designated these items of “directory-type” information that
may be disclosed without consent (unless you opt-out):
• Student’s name, address and telephone listing
• Student’s school e-mail address
• Photographs – including in school yearbooks, District publications, calendars and other printed materi-
als and on District social media.
• Video/Film of Student when filmed by the District for educational purposes or for promotional use, and
film by news media.
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates student became enrolled/dis-enrolled in the District, enrollment status and grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors and awards received
• The most recent school or school district attended by the student prior to Westside
• Class lists
This information may appear in school publications, yearbooks, the District’s website, calendars, newsletters, and
any other District publications, honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs, sports and other activity
sheets, and released to the media.
Parents/eligible students may opt-out of the disclosure of any or all of the above information. To obtain an Opt-Out
Form contact Melissa Thompson. Opt-Out Forms must be returned by September 1 of each year (or, for students
enrolling after the start of the school year within 14 days of enrollment).
Disclosure to Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Learning:
Westside is required by law to comply with requests by military recruiters and institutions of higher education for
the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of 11th and 12th grade students. Students or their parents may optout of this disclosure by checking the appropriate box and signing the form given to 11th & 12th grade students
during homeroom in late August.
If you need help with denying permission or have any questions, please contact Melissa Thompson at the high
school, thompson.melissa@westside66.net or 402-343-2603.
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Important Information
WHS Dress Code
Student Dress
Student dress is basically a
concern between the student and his/her parents or
guardian, however, Westside High School has the
responsibility to help students develop values that
contribute to good taste
in manners of dress and
appearance. Student dress
and overall appearance
should foster a positive and
productive environment.
In order to provide an
atmosphere conducive to
learning, all students will
follow the regulations beEllie Sadler (10)
low. Westside administramodels appropriate attire.
tion will make final decisions regarding dress code issues that are disruptive to
the educational environment, but not specifically noted
in these guidelines.
Tops
Any shirt or blouse worn to school should completely
cover the back, top of shoulders, and stomach. Any top
that allows the stomach, cleavage, or undergarments
to be exposed is unacceptable. The following items are
unacceptable: see-through blouses or shirts, tube tops
or crop tops, halter-tops, spaghetti straps and bro tanks.
Hang heavy winter coats, long overcoats, trench coats,
and letter jackets in lockers between the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 3:10 p.m. Fleece, warm-up jackets, other light
jackets and pullovers may be worn during the school
day.
Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Skorts
All shorts and skirts must be appropriate length, no
shorter than mid-thigh. All pants, shorts, skirts, and
skorts must be worn no lower than the hips, no sagging.
Undergarments must be covered.
Footwear
Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times. Slippers
are an unacceptable footwear item.
Accessories
Traditional bandanas (paisley type), scarves, sweat bands
or any other type of garment that covers a significant
portion of the head are not allowed.*
Hats, caps, visors and hoods may not be worn during
the school day. Sunglasses, hair picks, chains, sharp
objects, or dog collar type accessories are not allowed at
school or school activities.
Page 6
* An exception can be made with written proof of religious or medical purposes.
Offensive Dress
Clothing or other personal
items that are racist, sexist,
or promote drugs/alcohol/
tobacco are not permitted.
Clothing which contains
obscene, offensive, or suggestive words or language
are not permitted.
Gang-related symbols worn,
written, carried, displayed or
communicated will not be
tolerated.
In case of other extreme or
undesirable dress or appearance, (i.e., clothing that is
racist, sexist, or promotes
Ethan Herrera (10)
drugs/alcohol), the student models appropriate attire.
may be asked to leave school
until the situation is corrected.
Violation of this dress code may subject the student to
disciplinary action.
Bus Service
For Your Information:
Chief Bus provides service to and from Westside High
School from several areas of our school district. This is a
parent pay service and you must contact Chief Bus to
arrange transportation.
The monthly charges per family for the 2015-2016
school year are as follows:
Two way pass
- first student
$63.50, second
student $58.50,
third student
$53.50, fourth
student or more
- free
One way pass-first student $40.00, second student $37.50,
third student $35.00, fourth student or more - free
Chief Bus Service, over the past years, has always been
most cooperative and has proven to be a responsible and
dependable company. To ensure bus service for the first
day of school, you must contact Chief Bus before August 5. Transportation can always be arranged anytime
during the school year. The phone number is 402-3922144.
Health Office Information
Important Health Information
Vaccination Requirements
Update Form
Please complete the enclosed Health Update Form and
return it to the WHS Health Office. This completed
form can be faxed to the school at 402-343-2608 or
brought to school the first week of school. When completing this form, be sure to include any medical conditions, recent surgeries, medications, immunizations or
vision/hearing difficulties. This information helps us
give your child the best health care possible. A copy of
this form can also be found on the district website.
Medication Policy
Any student who is required to take prescription or
non-prescription medication while in school must comply with the following regulations:
• The health office must have a signed and dated medication authorization from the parent/guardian requesting that their child be given prescribed medication
during school hours. This form also requires a Physician
Signature. Due to confidentiality regulations (HIPPA),
your MD’s office may no longer fax notes to school.
• All medication must be brought to school in their
original container labeled with the student’s name, date
prescribed, name of medication, directions for use, dosage details, time medication is to be given and physician’s name.
• No medication will be dispensed to students by verbal
consent.
• Non-prescription medications require only a parent
signature on the medication form. The medication must
be in the original container to be given while at school.
• All medications must be kept in the Health Office.
• An authorization form is available in the nurse’s office.
• Please do not allow your student to keep any type of
medication in their backpack.
The Nebraska School Immunizations Rules and Regulations requires all students attending school in Nebraska
to provide proof of immunization.
According to a 2004 Nebraska state regulation, all
schools are required to have an emergency treatment
plan (protocol) in effect for any student or staff who
may experience a life threatening asthma attack or allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis.
Leaving School When Ill
Treatment Plan For Life Threatening
Asthma and Emergencies
Attack on Asthma Nebraska, www.attackonasthma.org
defines the protocol that is used in the event of a life
threatening event. All students identified with asthma/
severe food allergies regardless of how severe are required
to have an Asthma/Anaphylaxis form completed and
signed by their Medical Doctor. A copy of this form will
be kept in the Health Office to follow in case of emergency. If a form is not received, the Attack on Asthma/
Anaphylaxis protocol will be followed.
• Students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade
including all transfer students from outside the State of
Nebraska and any foreign exchange students to follow
these regulations.
• 3 doses of DTaP, DTP, DT or Td vaccine, one
given on or after the 4th birthday.
• 1 dose of Tdap (must contain Pertussis booster) in
7th grade.
• 3 doses of Polio vaccine.
• 3 doses of pediatric Hepatitis B vaccine or 2 doses
of adolescent vaccine if student is 11-15 years of age.
• 2 doses of MMR or MMRV vaccine, given on or
after 12 months of age and separated by at least one
month.
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or MMRV given
on or after 12 months of age. OR Written documentation (including year) of varicella disease from parent,
guardian, or health care provider will be accepted. If
the child has had varicella disease, they do not need any
varicella shots.
*To be sure that the school has a complete listing of all
of your students immunizations, please provide us with
a current immunization record from your physicians
office and attach to the completed Health Update Form.
Thank you!
Source: Nebraska Immunization Program, Nebraska
Department of Health and Human Services, 2011.
Website: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/reg.
24-Hour Attendance Line:
402-343-2626
If a student becomes ill while at school, he/she must
report to the nurses’ office. If it is determined by the
Health Office & the parent that the student should go
home, the Health Office will
issue the “permit to leave the
building.” Students should
not leave the building without first contacting the nurse
or health assistant. If the student leaves without contacting the Health Office, his/her
classes will be unexcused.
Page 7
For Your Information
Underclassmen Picture Day
Underclassmen picture day (for freshmen, sophomores,
and juniors) will be held on Monday, August 17 from
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Entryway. Westside Career
Center picture day is Monday, August 17. Pictures
must be paid for at the time they are taken. Ninth
graders will be allowed to get their photos taken during
their assigned IMC time. Picture retake day is Friday,
October 2. Picture
packets will be handed
out to students by
Thursday, August 13.
All students should
have their picture
taken whether or
not they purchase a
packet.
Prices are printed on
the picture packet.
Kick-Off Carnival
SAB invites everyone to celebrate the first home football game on Friday, August 28 against Bellevue West.
Carnival games, inflatables, an obstacle course, and hot
dogs will be available for a nominal cost from 4:30 6:30 p.m. on the plaza in front of the main entrance.
Everyone is welcome!
Homecoming Activities
The Homecoming Parade will be on Monday, Sept. 21,
at 6:30 p.m. starting in the south parking lot at WHS
and ending at the main parking lot at WHS. The parade
route will start at the south parking lot of WHS, south
on 88th St, east on Hickory St. and north on 85th Avenue to the main parking lot at WHS. After the parade,
join us in the WHS gym for a pep rally beginning at
7:00 p.m. to hear the announcement of the King and
Queen candidates. The football game is Friday, Sept. 25,
at 7:00 p.m. at WHS against Grand Island. Fireworks
will follow the football game, at about 9:00 p.m. Stay in
your seats for this wonderful display! Festivities conclude with the dance and coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8:00
p.m.-11:00 p.m. at WHS.
Nutrition Services
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Breakfast is offered daily in The Café and The Café Express from 7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Second chance breakfast is offered daily in The Café Express from
8:20 a.m. - 10:05 a.m. unless otherwise determined for
a late start or early dismissal.
Lunch is offered daily in The Café from 10:20 a.m. –
1:00 p.m. and in The Café Express from 10:20 a.m. 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise determined for a late start or
early dismissal. Both locations proudly serve meals that
follow USDA Guidelines under the NSBP, NSLP and
Smart Snacks Guidelines. Service includes made from
scratch items, farm to school produce and a variety of
cuisine from American comfort food to international
choices. Free and reduced pricing is available for those
that qualify.
For information on meal selections, special promotions
and prices, visit the high school website at www.whs.
westside66.org and look under the Nutrition Services
tab / WHS Menu and Information.
Students are encouraged to debit their food purchases
against prepaid accounts in their name. Students must
use a biometric scan or current ID card to access their
account. Deposits can be made during normal operating hours by check or cash. Checks should be written
out to “WHS Nutrition Services.” Online deposits can
be made at www.myschoolbucks.com. Refund forms for
transferring or graduating students can be found on the
district website.
Food Purchased Outside Building
Students are encouraged to either buy breakfast or
lunch at school or if they wish, to brown bag it. Students will not be allowed to bring fast food and/or
drinks (purchased at local establishments) into the
building during the day, nor will they be allowed to
have food delivered from these establishments. Students
bringing fast food into the building and/or ordering
food to be delivered will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are not to have open pop or food during school hours other than in the Courtyard.
Principal’s Parent Coffee
Thursday, Sept. 24
9:00 a.m.
WHS Warrior Room
*See Warrior Handbook for
more information.
Homecoming Court 2014-15
Page 8
Varsity Game Admission Prices
The following are the metro conference prices for admission for varsity games for the 2015-16 season:
Football and Basketball - $6.00 and $4.00
All other sports - $5.00 and $3.00
Cross Country - $4.00 and $2.00
Lower Level - $3.00 and $1.00
Attention All WHS Student-Athletes
An athletic mailing including the athletic physical form,
student/parent consent forms and information about
fall sports was mailed in June. If you did not receive this
mailing, please contact the Main Office at 402-3432602 and we will be glad to send one out to you.
WHS Hotline Number
The Westside High School hotline number is 402-3903333. The hotline offers three selections. The first selection is in regard to school hours. The second selection
pertains to postponements and cancellations of school
activities and athletic events. The third selection mentions upcoming special events at the high school. In
the event of inclement weather, we would encourage
students and parents of students who are involved in
athletics and activities to call the hotline number and
select choice #2 for current information.
Sports Equivalency Requirement
A student may meet all or part of the new Physical
Education Requirement for graduation by participating in one or more interscholastic sports during his/her
sophomore year. All sports will fulfill this requirement.
Participation in a fall, winter, or spring sport in order to
meet part of the graduation requirement will be referred
to as “sports equivalency”. (Please see enclosure entitled
“Sports Equivalency Guidelines for Graduation”. Forms
will be available from either the physical education
teachers or counselors.)
Welcome Parents of Orchestra Students
Westside Orchestra Parents Association (WOPA)
invites you to join us in supporting and promoting our
Orchestra students both in class and at their concerts
this year. Opportunities for volunteering and dates for
concerts, WOPA meetings etc. will be announced via
email. Everyone is welcome. Please send your email
and contact information to Elizabeth Hayes at Bethhayes99@gmail.com. It’s going to be a great year, and
we look forward to seeing you all soon!
Thank You From Staff
The Westside High School Administration and staff
would like to thank all of the parent organizations and
the parents for all you do for us throughout the year.
We really appreciate all your hard work and generosity!
For Your Information
Westside Athletic Club
Don’t miss out this year on the Westside Athletic Club.
WAC is a parent-led organization which supports all
of our athletic programs and spirit teams. Membership dues and other fundraising activities help purchase
resources used by all Westside athletes. Consider joining
WAC!
Adult/family season passes for all sports will be available
again this school year. There are three different passes
available and each pass allows entrance for an individual
or family to all Westside athletic home events for the
2015-16 school year. These passes cannot be used for
Metro Conference or NSAA Tournaments.
All Sports Pass (Individual) - $100
All Sports Family Pass - $225
Fall Sports Pass (Individual) - $40
Season passes will be available for purchase by August 25.
A WAC membership form and further information
can be found at www.omahawestsideathletics.com or
contact Jason Hellman at whswas@aol.com or visit the
WAC website: eteamz.com/omahawestsideathleticclub/
WHS Community Club News
Thank you to every family who joined the Community
Club in 2014-2015. YOUR dues supported the following events/programs:
1) Back to School Staff Luncheon
2) Spring/Fall Conference lunches for Staff
3) Staff Appreciation Gifts
4) End of Year Staff Luncheon
This was all made possible because you said “YES!” We
couldn’t make these events happen without the support
and volunteer efforts of our incredible Westside parents.
Please say “YES” again this year so that we can show
our love, support and respect for our INCREDIBLE
WESTSIDE TEACHERS AND STAFF. We continue
to need your help to make all of this happen. Any
amount – small or large – is welcome. If you are interested in volunteering at our fun events, please contact
Stacy Simon at stacys@omahasteaks.com .
The 2015-16 Executive Board for the WHS Community Club is:
President: Stacy Simon
Advisor: Deb Selby Secretary: Cathy Haney
Treasurer: Traci Hancock
Westside Post Prom Thank You
A “BIG” thank you is extended to all the wonderful
Westside Parents that worked on the Post Prom Party!
Many parents volunteered their time before, during and
after the Post Prom Party to provide a safe, fun evening
for our students. Thank you all for your help!
Page 9
For Your Information
Enrollment Procedures
Starting July 1st, all new enrollments will take place at
the district office, located at 909 S. 76th St. We hope
that this streamlined procedure will simplify the enrollment process and allow for consistency and reliability
throughout the district. Currently, enrollment takes
place where a student attends, potentially creating
multiple trips for families with students at elementary,
middle and high school. If you have questions, feel free
to call the Guidance Office at 402-343-2616.
Students Bringing Student Visitors To
School
Parents and students are reminded to review the Warrior Bulletin pertaining to visitors to the high school.
Westside does not permit student visitors from
Omaha area high schools during the school day. Visitors from outside the Omaha area are permitted only
if the visit has been pre-approved by an administrator.
All visitors will be required to wear a visitors name tag
and will be subject to provisions of the Westside High
School Code of Conduct while on school property.
There will be no exceptions to this policy. Visitors arriving unannounced will be expected to provide their own
transportation home.
Former students who wish to visit teachers should
wait until 3:10 p.m. when they have finished teaching
classes.
Student Messages
Please understand that we do not have extra staff available to deliver notes, flowers, etc. to your students who
are in class. We will, of course, be able to contact your
students in case of an emergency. Students who are to
receive messages which do not constitute an emergency
will be paged at the end of the school day or contacted
by e-mail. Please limit your requests to emergency situations only.
Welcome Back!
Hope that all students and their families had a safe and
healthy summer. I thank everyone that participated in
the summer support group. Please note that I am available if you have questions or concerns or need information on recent trends and other data. The WIN’R
Support Group will continue to be held each Tuesday
from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. in the Guidance Office. This
is a group that assists young people who want to learn
how to get and stay clean and sober.
Susan Schlegel, LADC 402-343-2611
Substance Abuse Websites
We would like to recommend the following websites for
students and parents to access for interesting and intelligent points-of-view on alcohol and other drugs.
www.theantidrug.com
www.drugfree.org
www.teens.drugabuse.gov
www.abovetheinfluence.com
Website Information
For quick and easy information, the home page of the
high school site features a calendar listing daily activities. The sports activities can also be accessed through
the athletic calendar link which is found in the top
navigation bar under “Athletics.”
The drop down menus and side menus allow for easy
navigation. Faculty can be located under the side menu
item “Departments.” Whenever you see words that
are red, you can click on them, as they will link you to
more information.
The district is designing a new and improved website
that will be launched sometime this year.
TeamMates Mentoring Program
Our young people have a lot on their minds these days-their hopes, their dreams, and how they want to make the
world a better place. The TeamMates Mentoring Program pairs adult volunteers with students to support this experience during their school years.
The TeamMates Mentoring program was started by Tom and Nancy Osborne in 1991 to provide an additional support to students. TeamMates is a one-to-one school based mentoring program. Teammates Mentors meet with their
mentees one hour weekly during school hours and commit to a minimum of one year. TeamMates is actively recruiting mentors for schools in the Westside School District and we need your help to inspire students to dream and to
create a vision for their life. Westside students need to volunteer 80 hours in our community before they graduate.
By becoming a TeamMate mentor, Westside parents can be an example of why it is important to give back to our
schools, local charities and the community.
Any time is a great time to sign up to mentor a young person in our community. For more information and an application, visit the TeamMates Mentoring Program website at teammates.org. Please reference Westside Community
School when applying online. For further information regarding Westside’s program, you may contact the District
Program Co-Coordinators, Scott Becker, 402-408-8632, becker.scott@westside66.net or Quinn McGuire, 402-4088670, mcguire.quinn@westside66.net.
Make a difference. Become a mentor and “Together We Transform Lives.”
Page 10
Westside High School Honor Roll
Westside High School awards honor roll recognition for the previous semester’s work twice annually. To be eligible
for honor roll, a student must have attempted at least 20 credits of courses that do not have pass/fail or enrichment
grades and no failing or incomplete grades. Students may qualify for one of 3 honor roll levels. The 4.00 Honor Roll
is a list of students with a 4.00 grade point average. The High Honor Roll lists students with a 3.75 grade point average or better, and the Honor Roll lists students with a 3.00 grade point average or better.
4.00 Honor Roll
Adams, Daniel
Alam, Joitree S
Algya, Megan L
Alkarute, Majdi M
Alston, Emily Kate
Amato-Hanner, Elizabeth
Baker, Samantha
Barton, Danielle
Bowman, Ava
Cannon, Sarah
Clark, Sophie M
Conaway, Amy
Cosimano, Sophie I
Coyle, Daniel J
Coziahr, Blair E
Coziahr, Kelsey L
Davis, Fischer J
Day, Kristen K
DeWitt, Asa J
Dinkel, Jillian M
Dircks, Danielle
Dong, Stephanie
Duin, Derek N
Erickson, Kenneth P
Esola, Luke R
Evans, Sara A
Fan, Ziyu
Fehr, Lauren E
Folly, Ayi E
Frankel, Samuel
Frerichs, Jackson
Frost, Joslyn
Gabel, Robert H
Glazer, Jane E
Goodwin, Kyndall
Grogan, Paige N
Guo, Daniel
Guyett, Tabitha L
Hack, Abigail
Hansen, Eleanor A
Harrison, Kathryn
Harrison, Sarah R
Hellman, Bennett
Hellman, Eleanor
Henderson, Gabrielle R
Hershiser, Jacob D
Hoeft, Samara
Hofmann, Claire L
Johanningsmeier, Grace
Jones, Reagan E
Khandalavala, Cyrus J
Kohls, Jaden D
Krenzer, Peter
Kruger, Erin
LeFebvre, Katharine A
Leonard, Miya M
Letzring, Melanie L
Li, Shihang
Madsen, Christian
Marcus, Miriam B
Maynard, Cara
McCarty, Zachary Q
McGill, Breanna P
McQueen, Forrest J
Merical, Michael
Militti, Joshua
Mizener, Bridget
Mordhorst, Benjamin
Mormino, Samuel A
Mott, Lauren N
Mumford, Trevor
Nawojski, Savana V
Neubaum, John
Newton, Emily
Novoa, Peter J
O’Doherty, Connor D
Onken, Rebecca L
Palermo, Collin V
Pellett, Nicholas A
Pellett, Peter C
Peters, Hannah C
Petrosyan, Anastasiya
Pierson, Noah A
Platt, Halie J
Podariu, Ana
Prucha, Michael A
Rauhauser, Madeleine G
Rendell, Aren G
Rhyner, Jordan
Romero, Paul D
Rotermund, Camille T
Saklar, Isabella J
Salem, Spencer B
Schack, Andrew
Schendt, Taylor
Shepherd, Celena
Simmons, Darci
Simon, Steven
Slosburg, Max B
Smith, Maya
Snawerdt, Sabrina
Solheim, Jennifer A
Stanzel, Kathryn
Sullivan, Samantha F
Summers, Lauren M
Swanson, Teigen R
Sward, Jesse C
Sweeney, Samuel E.M.
Tessin, Mariah
Thacker, Miranda
Tierney, Max D
Tierra, Hailey
Torres, Emily
Toy, Erin E
Tucker, Jillian H.
Tyler, Ashley K
Tyler, Elizabeth A
Vidlak, Anna R
Walsh, Delaney
Ward, Natalija
Weidner, Cassandra
Wells, Peyton
Wengert, Lauryn D
Wetzel, Eva J
Wieseler, Jace D
Williams, Cassidy
Wilwerding, Anna
Wiseman, Jacob
Witte, Elias
Xiao, Michelle
Zabel, Morgan
Zhao, Xuewei
Zimmerman, Lauren R
High Honor Roll
Ackerman, Kahli M
Akers, Madeline R
Alfarra, Mohammed
Alsuleiman, Sarah
Amato-Hanner, Stephen J
Anderson, Callie D
Applegate, Sophia M
Arant, Elisabeth
Atri Schuller, David
Bacon, Mark
Barger, Madison
Behr, Madeleine
Bekins, Elizabeth G
Bergin, Alexis A
Bessmer, Abigail
Bessmer, Simon
Biletsky, Oleg A
Blair, Matthew
Boettger, Graycen G
Boyce, Bridget E
Brey, Kimball A
Burdyny, Alexandra K.R.
Burkholder, Patrick
Calderon, Grace
Callahan, Jack
Callahan, Reghan M
Cameron, Abigail E
Cervantes, Shelby L
Chalupa, Kathryn
Chesire, Samantha
Chesterman, Carly S
Chinn, Shannon K.
Christensen, Gabrielle E
Claussen, Kailey L
Clippinger, Ryan
Cooper, Sophia
Cunningham, Jackson N
Curran, Lynsey
Cusimano, Candace
DeSordi, Anna
Drelicharz, Anna E
Dudziak, Anna
Duggan, Robert P
Duminy, Alexandra M
Erdman, Laura A
Fauglid, Jacob T
Faulkner, Samantha K
Fehr, Brady
Flores, Taylor L
Folsom, Adam J
Franco, Jensy L
Frost, Julie
Goldberg, Max F
Goldstein, Gayle CL
Goldstein, Jack
Gould, Lucas J
Graves, Timothy J
Guenette, Allison
Hamann, John T
Hamann, Kathrine
Hammel, Beatrice
Page 11
Honor Roll
Hammel, Silas M
Hancock, Dillon C
Harwood, Elizabeth
Hayford, Patrick
Hickey, Michael C
Hodson, Patrick
Holmes, Madeline C
Holmes, Melissa H
Holzworth, Parker
Huang, David
Huerter, Thomas L
Hughes, Kate C
Irwin, Jenna
Jacobitz, Madeleine
Janse Van Noordwyk, Sabrina
Jaros, Oliver K
Johnson, Hannah F
Johnson, Jaylee A
Jones, Hannah L
Joyce, Rebecca H
Kedwaii, Hadiah
Koester, Zachery
Kohlscheen, Amy L
Kopplin, Emma
Krzemien, Daphne
Laing, Alexandra
Lang, Abby
Lang, John R
Legge, James
Leiferman, Brian M
Lemke, Danielle
Life, Joseph W
Limas, Emma G
Lippincott, Abigail P
Liske, Isabelle
Lovas, Lilla M
Lund, Stephanie F
Malnack, Haley
Mapes, Michaela M
Marvin, Lillian A
McCormick, Lindsay R
McMullen, Audrey F
Militti, Jacob
Miller, Kaya S
Miller, Leah C
Mitchell, Katrina
Mitteis, Blair C
Mizener, Andrew
Morrow, Owen
Muller, Autumn
Murray, Megan L
Murray, Tristan
Nelson, Claire R
Nguyen, Huy
Nolan, Dorothy
Noll, Preston S
Norton, Seth H
Novoa, Mary C
Page 12
O’Dell, Jack A
O’Dell, Paul R
Overman, Alexis T
Pena, Lysette G
Petersen, Sabina
Petri, Haley B
Petri, Hannah E
Pierce, Christa
Pierson, Tyler J
Platt, Jacquelyn J
Plautz, Dylan M
Pope, Carleigh A
Pribus, Caroline J
Prinz, Taylor
Pulverenti, Hannah M
Quaites, Candace
Radicia, Jake T
Radler, Isabella R
Ramsey, Maura A
Rector, Barrett J
Reinert, Michael A
Reznicek, Hope J
Richardson, Broc
Robinette, McKenna I
Robinson, Brett A
Rose, Alexis
Ross, Jules Ann
Russell, Nicole
Sadler, Elisabeth L
Sapkota, Sujata
Schuttler, Delaney
Secora, Tess
Seline, Elizabeth M
Severin, Samantha
Shaw, Jordan
Shehan, Anna J
Shirley, Alexis M
Shrestha, Saugat L
Siegel, Monica H
Simmons, Kiley L
Simon, Thomas W
Sip, Brooke
Smith, Emma K
Stepanek, Anne C
Stodolka, Hannah N
Stone, Yvonne M
Straley, Sarah G
Strecker, Camren
Sullinger, Benjamin R
Suwondo, Troy
Swanda, Zoey N
Thomas, Leyah N
Tracey, Gregory J
Upton, Trevor
Vazzano, Sophia E
Volberding, Benjamin
Wagner, Micah
Wagner, Nikole R
Wallace, Nathan
Watanabe, Zane Y
Watkins, Francine
Weidemann, Quinn
White, Aliyah
Williams, Kelsi
Wilson, Erik D
Yoo, Andrew J
Honor Roll
Abraham, Kylene M
Adams, Danielle
Adams, Edmon
Adams, John
Adamson, Bryanna
Adan, Vanessa
Ahn, Jennifer
Al-Hindi, Sean E
Alexander, Jennifer
Allen, Matthew
Allison, Stevie
AlTwal, Farah
Amara, Cut
Anderson, Braxton G
Anderson, Griffin
Andrews, Jared T
Andrews, Zuri
Armstrong, Colton R
Arnold, Samuel
Arritt, Cassandra
Ashford, Thomas
Babe, Bryce L
Bacon, Samuel
Bahena, Ariana
Bailey, Brennan D
Bailey, Grace
Bailey, Ryan
Banark, Tyler L
Barchus, Ian
Bargas, Hannah
Barger, Julia
Barnett, Samantha
Barnhart, Alexa N
Barton, Sydney
Bass, Jonathan C
Battafarano, Benjamin J
Battershell, Maguire
Bayles, Alexander W
Beasley, Brianna
Beaulieu, Michael J
BeckBest, Samantha
Beckenhauer, Sarah L
Becker, Grace A
Beda, Kenedy
Beda, Madison
Beier, Elliot C.P.
Belgrade, Zachary E
Bell, Logan W
Bellus, Gregory
Berentson, Daniel R
Bergeron, Seth R
Bergman, Alexandria J
Bilyeu, Anderson
Boatman, Brittany
Bohacek, Caitlin G
Bohacek, Hannah C
Bollinger, Adrianna
Boltin, Andrew
Bornhoft, Emma
Bowen, Jacob
Bowen, Zachary
Bowes, Hannah
Boyd, Emma
Bradford, Olivia A
Brady, Cole
Brandle, Kingsley Joseph
Brandley, Christopher
Breedlove, Aidan C
Brodkey, Benjamin N
Brown, Kyleigh
Brtek, Taylor
Bruckner, Elizabeth
Bruggeman, Dylan
Brunkhorst, John
Brunton, Tyler C
Buchholz, Brean M
Buckley, James
Buckley, Maria
Budwig, Sophie N
Burks, Koren M
Burns, Daniel J
Byers, Molly A
Calvert, Madelyn O
Carlson, Jaydon M.R.
Carolus, Maggie
Carpenter, Sarah
Carr, Allison
Carter, Kieran
Cassidy, Colin M
Castleman, Connor J
Chan, Tak Sing
Chaudhary, Shaket
Chesire, Lauren
Chloupek, Gillian L
Chvala, Emma G
Cirone, Brooke D
Clark, Joseph F
Clark, Tyler
Coen-Taylor, Abby N
Coldanghise, Mark
Confer-Wood, Bryce
Connelly, Jack T
Cooper, Trenton
Cox, Catherine J
Cox, Dana
Coziahr, Mitchell D
Crain, Jared J
Creech-Barajas, Joshua
Cruz, Bradyn B
Cubrich, Mary
Cubrich, Tom M
Cuevas, Valerie E
Darby, Erin N
Dargy, Hailey
Dassner, Alison E
Day, Natalie E
Decker, Nikolas J
Degand, Nicole
DeGraw, Nadia R
Denholm, Inga
Denker, Grace
Deonarain, Gita A
DeVries, Levi CH
DeVries, Samuel CH
Dickson, Hannah
Dier, Jackson A
DiGiorgio, Christopher
Dilly, Jasmine
Dirks, Emma
Dobry, Kellen
Dodoo, Duane N
Dondlinger, Nolan
Dornacker, Gabrial A
Douglass, Tyler
Dryden, Cassidy
Dudley, Sidnee B
Duff, Jazmine M
Duggan, Madeline C
Duin, Aaron D
Duis, Alyssa
Duncan, Samantha
Durst, Joseph A
Duryee, Logan
Duryee, Payton
Eaton, Monica Lynn
Ehlers, Emma L
Eickhoff, Logan
Emmack, Taylor M
Emmanuel, Katherine F
Endelman, Claire J
English, Taylor A
Erixon, Emma
Esposito, Alberto I
Estee, Jordan P
Everhart, Hailee R
Ewerdt, Heaven Lei
Farah, Maryan A
Farho, Noah P
Faucher, Andrea M
Faulkner, Jack A
Fee, Samantha E
Fehr, Joseph
Feldman, Allan
Ferate, Kalan
Ferber, Isaac S
Fisher, Katelyn M
Fisher, Mia L
Fixley, Elizabeth A
Flairty, Connor M
Flansburg, Jack
Fleming, Tyler J
Fogland, Grace Y
Folda, Zachary
Foral, Haley
Forbes, Ember L
Ford, Salik
Ford, Tia S
Francis, Mitchell
Frazier, Benjamin
Frederick, Charlie
Freeman, Makenna I
Froendt, Amber L
Fuccio, Nathen M
Fulbright, Adam
Furchert, Elizabeth
Gaden, Grant
Gady, Nora
Gagne, Haley
Gailloux, Siena
Galde, Makenzie I
Galvin, Danielle
Galvin, Taylar
Garvais, Sequyah JD
Gaskill, Antonio M
Gaskill, Nyca-Ann
Geise, Abby
Germany, Kathleen J
Gibbons, Luke D
Gifford, Parker
Ginsberg, Elias D
Glenn, Lat’ea M
Golden, Connor E
Golden, Ryan S
Goldstein, Blair H
Goldstein, Grant P
Goodhard, Lauren N
Gordon, Jacob
Gosnell, Wyatt J
Graeve, Sophia
Gray, Maya
Greder, Milo T
Green, Sotonye-Julia M
Griffin, Rachel
Grinvalds, Maija I
Gross, Nicholas R
Guenette, Graham
Guinan, Ashley M
Gurnett, Matthew W
Guyett, Carlee
Hagen, Lia C
Hager, Johannah
Hailu, Marta S
Hall, Isaiha M
Hallgren, James H
Hammans, Emily K.
Hammitt, Katherine G
Haney, Madaline L
Haney, Madison
Hanus, Christian E
Harrison, Ashley
Harrison, Sophee
Hartin, Dublin WJ
Hawekotte, Sydney
Hawkins, Sara M
Headlee, Anna S
Heath, Amanda
Hector, Benjamin
Hellman, Juliann
Henderson, Brandon
Hengen, Anna
Henrichs, Nicholas K
Henry, Everett
Henry, James
Henry, Rebecca
Herd, Brittany M
Herman, Drake A
Hermann, Molly
Hermann, Sarah
Herrera, Gillian
Hill, Darlondo M
Hinrichs, Gabriel M
Hocij, Dominique
Hodges, Blake A
Hoemann, Hailey M
Holbert, Jaiden N
Hollers, Cadence
Holzapfel, Samantha L
Hoppe, Aaron
Hosman, Kady L
Hosman, Kristine A
Houser, Jerry L
Howery, Brooke K
Hoyme, Anna N
Hrbek, Rachel
Hurlburt, Payton T
Hynek, Jamie
Hynek, Jenna
Ibarra, Maya V
Ingraham, Carly
Jahn, Carly M
James, Lydia
Janicek, Wyatt M
Jankovich, Cole
Jansky, Monica M
Jarosz, Noah
Jasa, Eliza G
Jasa, Ethan A
Jensen, Christina Maria
Jenson, Jack
Honor Roll
Johnson, Conner D
Johnson, Heather
Johnson, Regan E
Johnson, Savannah R
Johnson, Tyler M
Johnson, Zachariah C
Jones, Dante W
Jones, Elizabeth
Jordan, Grant R
Jordan, Spencer C
Kabashi, Husna
Kangas, Lane S
Kasel, Christian
Kasem, Hannah EB
Keator, Grace E
Kellogg, Devin
Kellogg, Taylor
Kendall, Lauren
Kennedy, Cassidy E
Kent, Jacob
Kerby, Benjamin P
Khalil, Khalil T
Khan, Usman
Kirsch, Carly
Kisicki, Rebecca
Klimek, Preston J
Knight, Jaylen Marie
Knudsen, Audrey
Knutson, Anna
Kochheiser, Bailey Renee
Koeneke, Katlynn
Kohl, Tyler J
Kolls, Chelsey
Kolok, Jared T
Konig, Megan A
Konuhova, Tetiana
Kopetzky, Elizabeth
Korengel, Emma
Korff, Kylie M
Koslaphirom, Nicholas
Koslaphirom, William
Kremers, Reece B
Kroeger, Cora
Kroeger, Elisa K
Kruse, Alexis
Kueny, Mason
Kues, Cody
Kutilek, Thomas R
Kyle, Kayla N
LaHood, Ryan J
LaRoda, Niya M
Larsen, Jakob C
Larson, Haley I
Larson, Margaret C
Larson, William
Lawlor, Hope
Lawlor, John H
Lawrence, Kera A
Page 13
Honor Roll
Lawson, Robert T
Lawton, Ashley E
Lawver, Elizabeth D
Lechnowsky, Alexander
Lee, Leah N
Lee, Zoe A
Lehr, Kaylee
Leibel, Caroline D
Lester, Anthony L
Lewis, Elizabeth
Liakos, Victoria A
Like, Kasandra
Limas, Nicholas J
Lindquist, Alex E
Logeman, Avry J
Lomeli, Destiny C
Loney, Brittney
Loney, Melissa
Loontjer, Bradlee J
Lopez, Andrea
Lopez, Isabella M
Loyd, Emma
Loyd, Kate
Ludwig, Carah
Lund, Eric C
Lundin, Bradley
Madson, Samuel C
Malnack, Maxson
Malone, Sophie A
Manning-Brooks, De’Sonja
Marburg, Solomon
Marcus, Abanoub B
Marquez, Israel A
Martin, Tristan
Martinez, Angelica L
Matis, Lauren
Matousek, Adia
Matz, Samantha
Maynard, Maura R
McAdams, Dawson E
McAlister, Katie
McAndrews, Lathan
McAtee, Eric H
McAtee, Jayden
McCann, Audrey J
McCormack, Kirsten A
McCulloh, Tarissa
McIntosh, Vyanna J
Melcher, Ryan
Meradith, Mckenzie
Meyerson, Jacob A
Micheels, Delaney F
Miles, Guinevere
Miller, Emily N
Mitchell, Alexandria
Mitchell, Hayleigh T
Mohamed, Nagat A
Mohamed, Naglaa A
Page 14
Molden, Emma J
Monochie, Kathryn
Morales, Michael A
Morris, Erin N
Morrow, Benjamin
Morrow, James R
Morse, Cassidy G
Morse, Meghan J
Muller, Shayla A
Myers, Amber
Naab, Alyssa M
Naddimulla, Suhail
Nellor, Zachary
Nelson, Julia F
Nelson, Mykiah
Neumann, Alexandra B.
Newton, Elizabeth A
Nguyen, Alice
Nguyen, Khanh N
Nguyen, Timmothy B
Nielsen, Alexander S
Nieto Jr., Patrick T
Nihsen, Sabrina
Noble, Jessica M
Noddle, Aaron P
Nodskov, Louis
Nolin, Alec
Noonan, Joseph
North, Erin M
Novacek, Morgan
O’Donnell, Andrew J
O’Kane, Madeline J
O’Neal, Ryan D
Oakman, Zander
Oathout, Camden E
Oldenhuis, Noah C
Olsen, Nachia
Olson, Zyan
Ommen, Danielle R
Palmesano, Kelli M
Paprocki, Jessica
Parizek, Lily A
Patterson, Amanda K
Paulsen, Elise C
Peetz, Meredith
Pepitone, Elena R
Perquin, Courtney
Peters, Cambria
Petersen, Amanda N
Petersen, Luke T
Petersen, Maximilian W
Petersen, Samantha A
Petersen, Scout B
Pflug, Jackson H
Phillips, Jakob M
Pieper, Reis D
Piquette, Evan S
Pivonka, Jasmine K
Placzek, Phoebe
Plucinski, Casey A
Plucinski, Shawn R
Poppert, Abigail K
Poppert, Nicole
Porras, Ricardo
Port, Owen M
Porter, Grace E
Poth, Hannah J
Povey, Mitchell
Price, Evan R
Puls, Ian M
Puls, Xavier
Pursel, Todd
Radde, Kaitlyn
Radicia, Brooke E
Ramaeker, Kaylee N
Ramirez, Cuauhtemoc
Ramirez, Marvin
Ramirez, Sophia M
Rana, Melisa
Randall, Quinton
Rands, Tierney H
Rashid, Annaliese H.
Rashid, Isabell R
Rashid, Lily M
Reeves, Jordan
Reich, Madison
Reilly, Alec
Reilly, Emma
Richardson, Clare O
Roach, Connor
Robino, Olivia
Romero, Julia C
Rose, Kacey J
Rosemond, DeKyah
Rosenquist, Asher S
Ross, Jasmyn
Roth, Adiline R
Rouse, Emma E
Ruff, Henry
Ruffcorn, Kara
Salerno, Lauren E
Salgado, Jessica
Sandoval, Lauren C
Sargent, Miranda N
Sautter, Justin
Sawyer, Patrick M
Schenken, Laura
Schlichte, Hanna L
Schnell, Thomas J
Schrager, Lucas R
Schremmer, Hannah E
Schueneman, James
Schulenberg, Sydney A
Schuler, Haley
Schultz, Lindsey
Schwarz, Leah N
Schweigart, Caleb J
Scovill, Brittany
Seaman, Baylee
Selby, Clairissa R
Selling, Emily A
Shaw-Sutherland, Jacob
Shehan, Kathryn M.J.
Sheibal, Richard A
Sheibal, Trevor J
Shields, Adam C
Shields, Emmalee R
Siebert, Ethan
Silva-Eraso, David F
Simmons, John
Simon, Ellie P
Simon, Gabrielle E
Simon, Madeline C
Sindt, Jared B
Slavicek, Felicity
Smith, Claire
Smith, Hannah N
Smith, Jacob Ma
Smith, Jameson A
Solarana, Maya Q
Sonnleitner, Kayla
Sorrell, Drew
Sortino, Dante
St Amant, Austin J
Staben, Catherine L
Stacy, Jake R
Standfill, Michael A
Stark, Madison
Stastny, Kiley M
Steinkamp, Selena
Sterling, Shayna M
Sternberg, Ethan J
Stevenson, Samuel C
Stone, Anna M
Stouffer, Alexander
Stouffer, Morgan
Stover, Peyton A
Strayer, Courtney E
Sturm, Kaitlyn
Sweeney, Sarah A.M.
Swift, Olivia R
Switzer, Josalyn
Szatko, Riley M
Szto, Dorothy
Tate, Hanna J
Tekla, Kenhan S
Tempero, Mack
Tessin, Hunter
Thelander, Cameron J
Thomas, Jacob
Thomas, Samantha
Thompson, Michael
Thompson, Michaela K
Thorell, Evan J
Tigani, Abigail R
Tighe, Kassandra R
Timmons, Brian
Tombi, Jowe P
Tomcak, Conner L
Tracy, Danielle J
Tracy, Nolan
Treu, Cara A
Trimble, Phillip D
Tsogtoo, Anu-dari
Tucker, Chyna S
Tucker, Elisabet M
Tucker, Jana A
Turman, Abigail Z
Udhus, Edwin
Udhus, Kristin
Vanderloo, Alec T
VanHill, Dylan
VanUnen, April
Vester, Allison
Wagner, Nathan M
Wahl, Austin
Walker, Matthew E
Ward, Grace A
Ward, Katya
Ward, Lindsey A
Warren, Hannah
Warren, Olivia
Washburn, Olivia L
Watsabaugh, Claire
Watsabaugh, William
Watson, Kelsie
Wees, Regina
Weist, Zachary
Wenzl, Joseph G
West, Elizabeth R
Wheeler, Stephanie N
Wigness, Ashlee
Wigodsky, Jacob
Williams, Brooke
Williams, Erik
Williams, Kevin
Wilson, Claire N
Wilson, Michael M
Wilson, Morgan M
Wilson, Sydney N
Wilwerding, Keith M
Wilwerding, Meena
Wing, Olivia
Wittwer, Andrew
Wolfe, Grace
Woodard, Bridget R
Workman, Hanna
Wright, TreVonn
Yohannes, Grace A
Young, Kristen E
Yowell, Emily
Zabel, Derek J
Zetzman, Rachel M
Zhang, Yun
Zimmerman, Matthew
Zito, Jackson R
Warrior Merits
Outstanding Students 2014-2015
These students were recognized for their outstanding achievements in academics, school
and community at Westside’s year-end awards ceremonies:
OUTSTANDING SENIOR GIRL: Michelle Xiao; Runners up: Alexandria Bergman, Skylar Ricceri, Leah Schwarz,, Morgan Zabel
OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOY: Aren Rendell; Runners up: Thomas Ashford,
Connor Flairty, Cyrus Khandalavala, Max Slosburg, Alex Zimmerman
OUTSTANDING SR.-ROTARY CLUB OF OMAHA AWARD: Aren Rendell
OMAHA WORLD HERALD AWARD: Michelle Xiao
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR GIRL: Bridget Mizener; Runners up: Amy Conaway,
Samantha Faulkner, Savana Nawojski, Candace Quaites, Lauren Zimmerman
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR BOY: Payton Knott; Runners up: Ben Battafarano,
Levi DeVries, Sam Frankel, Peter Pellett, Elias Witte
OUTSTANDING SOPHOMORE GIRL: Audrey McMullen; Runners up: Reghan
Callahan, Mykiah Nelson
OUTSTANDING SOPHOMORE BOY: Steven Simon; Runners up: Darlondo
Hill, Zane Watanabe
OUTSTANDING SOPHOMORE EXCHANGE CLUB AWARD: Steven Simon
OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN GIRL-H. VAUGHN PHELPS AWARD: Joitree
Alam; Runners up: Grace Johanningsmeier, Hailey Tierra
OUTSTANDING FRESHMAN BOY-GORDON KUHL AWARD: Samuel
DeVries; Runner up: Daniel Adams
Academic All-State Recipients
The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) announced these student recipients received the 2015 Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association (NCPA) winter
academic all-state awards:
FORREST MCQUEEN (12) - boys basketball; BRIDGET MIZENER (11) and
MIRANDA THACKER (12) - girls basketball; SETH NORTON (10) and PAUL
O’DELL (12) - boys swimming; ELIZABETH AMATO-HANNER (11) and
SAMANTHA BAKER (11) - girls swimming; MAIJA GRINVALDS (11) - speech
and TEIGEN SWANSON (12) - debate.
Page 15
Journalism Students Win Awards
The students earned the following awards at the Nebraska Press Women’s journalism contest in April:
Westside High School - First Place Sweepstakes
JON BASS (12) - Video feature story-first.
JACK COHEN (11) - Radio/TV interview-first.
GRACE FOGLAND (12) - Feature story-second.
SAMUEL FRANKEL (11) - Radio/TV interview-first.
ELIAS GINSBERG (11) - Video news story-first; video feature story-second.
TIM GRAVES (12) - Opinion-third.
THOMAS HUERTER (12) - Opinion-first.
JENNA HYNEK (11 ) - Double-truck layout-first.
KATHARINE LEFEBVRE (10) - News story-first; sports photo-second.
SARAH LEMKE (12) - Sports photo-first; feature photo-second; cartooning-second.
AREN RENDELL (12) - Sports story-first; review-first; opinion-second.
CLAIRISSA SELBY (12) - Feature photo-first.
MONICA SIEGEL (11) - Sports photo-third;
JACE WIESELER (11) - News story-second.
These awards were received at the UNO Journalism contest:
Westside High School - Second Place Sweepstakes
LIA HAGEN (12) - news story-second; ALLIE LAING (12) - newspaper art/computer graphic-first and second;
newspaper single-page layout-second; newspaper two-page layout-third; Sarah Lemke - sports photograph-second;
Aren Rendell - review-first; sports story-third; EVA WETZEL (11) - column-second; Jace Wieseler - feature storythird.
Jerred Zegelis is the Journalism advisor.
Career Center Seniors Earn Scholarships
The Breakfast Optimist Club recently awarded a pair of $500 scholarships to Westside High School Career Center
students MUERYNDA KELLY (12) and ANDY PINTADO (12). Applicants for the scholarships were judged on
their demonstrated involvement and leadership at school, academic standing, and career goals.
Chemistry and Physics Competitions
In February, AP Physics C students took the Drake Physics Exam. This is a very rigorous exam that is probably
even tougher than the AP exam. It is given to students in the 5 state region. Four of the eleven students taking the
exam at Westside - ANTONIO GASKILL (12), ELIZABETH TYLER (12), JOSEPH WILES (12) and CYRUS
KHANDALAVALA (12) - were in the top 50 and able to apply for a full, 4-year scholarship to Drake University in
Des Moines.
Judy Stucky is their Physics instructor.
Westside Warriors did very well at the UNO/Creighton Chemistry Field Day competition held at UNO in April. A
team of Westside juniors received third place in the Primary Division (out of 28 teams). Team members were:
SAVANA NAWOJSKI (11), CLAIRE NELSON (11), NICK PELLETT (11), LAUREN ZIMMERMAN (11),
and BRETT ROBINSON (11).
Mike Fauss is their Chemistry teacher.
Page 16
Westside Student Elected to State DECA Office
Congratulations to MATT JOHNSON (11) who was named as a Vice President of Nebraska DECA in March.
Other results:
Westside DECA had a great showing at the State
Career and Development Conference in March.
These students were named first place winners:
KELSEY COZIAHR (12); JAKE FAUGLID
(11); SAM FRANKEL (11); TIM GRAVES
(12)/KIERAN CARTER (12)/FORREST
MCQUEEN (12) (Project); CYRUS
KHANDALAVALA (12)/MAX SLOSBURG
(12); MICHAELA MAPES (12); CARLY
PRIBUS (12)/GABI CHRISTENSEN (12)
(Project) and SAM STEVENSON (12)
(Financial Consulting).
These individuals/teams placed in the top eight
in their category: EDMON ADAMS (11)/
DAVID HUANG (11); JAMES BUCKLEY
(11); CHANDLER BUSHNELL (12); LEVI
DEVRIES (11)/BEN VOLBERDING (11);
ZiIYU FAN (11)/DAVID SILVA-ERASO (11);
MOLLY GRAF (12)/CARA TREU (12); RACHEL GRIFFIN (12)/KADY HOSMAN (12); LIZZIE
HARWOOD (11); MADISON HOY (11); KATE HUGHES (11)/MICHAELA THOMPSON (11); JENNA
HYNEK (11); COLE JANKOVICH (11)/NATE WAGNER (11); SOL MARBURG (11); TRISTAN MARTIN
(11); LAUREN MATIS (12)/LIZ NEWTON (12); ALEX NEUMANN (11)/MARIAH TESSIN (11); JAKOB
PHILLIPS (11); DANTE SORTINO (11)/ALEC VANDERLOO (11); COURTNEY STRAYER (12); LUIS
TORRES (12); and ERIK WILLIAMS (12).
DECA advisors are Katie Harmon and Sarah Schau.
SMP Teams in UNO Competition
The Student Mentoring Program (SMP) had two teams wrap up their season at the annual engineering/architecture
competition held at UNO in March. Team 1 received gold in Research and team members were:
Lead - EVERETT HENRY (12), CAMILLE ROTERMUND (9), CLAIRE SMITH (9), JACKSON
CUNNINGHAM (11), JACKSON DIER (11), ISAAC FERBER (11), DARIEN HENRY (11), JOSEPH
WENZL (11), and SUHAIL NADDIMULLA(12).
These members of Team 2 received an Award of Distinction:
Lead - DAVID ATRI (10), SOREN JOHNSON (10), SHAWN PLUCINSKI (10), MATTHEW KISCHER (10),
DANIEL GUO (10), MAX GOLDBERG (10), JANA TUCKER (11), and JAMES HALLGREN (10).
Additional gold medals were received in Applied Sciences; Innovation; Research; Technology and Proposal.
Here is the website to read a little about each SMP team: https://sites.google.com/site/samesmp/teams-1
Tyler Foster is the advisor for SMP.
Quiz Bowl Competition
Quiz Bowl team members who won first place at the Grace University tournament were: AVA BOWMAN (10),
ROBERT GABEL (10), BEATRICE HAMMEL (9), ZACH MCCARTY (10) and PRESTON NOLL (10).
The Quiz Bowl sponsor is Holly Weeks.
Page 17
Robotics and SkillsUSA Competitions
Robotics students competed against teams
from across the U.S. at the U.S. Open Robotics tournament in April held in Council Bluffs. Westside students participating
were: (seniors) JORDAN ESTEE, ZANE
HOMAN, and ALEX
ZIMMERMAN and (juniors) BEN
FRAZIER, CHRIS SCHMIDT.
At the Nebraska State Leadership and Skills
Conference in April, these students received
SkillsUSA state champion gold medals:
ZACH SUMMERS (12) and ELIZABETH
FURCHERT (11). Zach competed in Action Skills and in a seven minute presentation described the welding courses he has
taken at Westside and how he is preparing
for a future in welding after graduation.
Elizabeth competed in Welding Art Sculpture and in an interview with judges, plus in a notebook described the
process whereby she built a model of her Chevrolet 4x4 pickup. Also competing at the State competition were:
DAWSON MCADAMS (11) and RYAN FLETCHER (11) in Plumbing; Jordan Estee and Alex Zimmerman in
Mobile Robotics and KALEB BUSS (12) in GMAW welding.
The Robotics and SkillsUSA instructor is Paul Cross.
German Student to Participate in Exchange Program
Congratulations to REBECCA JOYCE (11) who received a U.S. State Department sponsored scholarship to spend
the 2015-16 school year in Germany. The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program is a full scholarship program valued at $10,000. Rebecca will live with a host family and attend a German high school, as well as meet with
government officials in the U.S. and Germany.
National German Exam Results
These students were honored in April for achieving high scores on the National German Exam: Silver - ELLIE
BRUCKNER (12), LIA HAGEN (12), EVERETT HENRY (12), MADELEINE JACOBITZ (9), JACOB M.
SMITH (9), SAM SWEENEY (9), JOSALYN SWITZER (12), ERIK WILSON (10); Bronze - HALEY GAGNE
(9), ABBY GEISE (9), MICAH WAGNER (9), ANDREW WITTWER (10).
Students who placed at the State German Convention in May were: first - HALEY PETRI (9) - spelling level 2;
GREG TRACEY (11) - spelling level 3; LIA HAGEN (12) - Directed Dialog level 4; second - KENNETH
ERICKSON (11) - spelling level 4; Pass Auf (Quiz Bowl) - EVIE ALLISON (12), ZAC DUMINY (12), Kenny
Erickson, Greg Tracey; third - HANNAH PETRI (9) - Artwork; and Kenny Erickson - Directed Dialog level 4.
The instructors for German are Pam Hoover and Melissa Roth.
Latin Student Awards
These Latin students were awarded high marks for their performance on the National Latin Exam in April: Summa
Cum Laude gold - Latin 2 - PRESTON NOLL (10); Latin 3 - LINDSAY MCCORMICK (11); Latin 4 JENNIFER SOLHEIM (12).
Maxima Cum Laude silver - Latin 1 - MAIJA GRINVALDS (11), STEPHANIE LUND (9), LAUREN MOTT
(10), MADELINE RAUHAUSER (9), CAMREN STRECKER (10), KASSANDRA TIGHE (9); Latin 2 HEAVEN EWERDT (10), BEATRICE HAMMEL (9), SETH NORTON (10), ANDREW WITTWER (10);
Latin 3 - MOLLY BYERS (11), DANIELLE GALVIN (11), HADIAH KEDWAII (11), YVONNE STONE (11).
Placing third in Certamen, level 1 (Latin Quiz Bowl) were ninth graders Madeline Rauhauser and REBECCA
ONKEN.
Congratulations to all of these World Language students!
Carolyn Harvey and Elizabeth Black are the instructors for Latin classes.
Page 18
Violinist Receives National Award
JENNIFER AHN (12) placed second at the Music Teachers National Association Solo Competition in Las Vegas in
March. Jennifer performed a thirty minute program of music to earn the $1000 award.
Lanny Stutheit is the orchestra teacher.
Poetry Slam Team Named Best Group
Westside High School received first place at the “Louder Than a Bomb” Poetry Slam Festival in March at UNO.
These students performed very well, and their group piece put them over the top: ELLIE BRUCKNER (12); ZOE
DEBOLT (9); ALLISON GUENETTE (12); LIA HAGEN (12); KATHRYN MONOCHIE (9); SARAH SWEENEY (12); PEYTON WELLS (12).
Eric Sayre is the adviser for this group.
ATSC Qualifies For National Competition
ATSC was named third runner-up at the
FAME Orlando Show Choir Competition in
Florida in March. This secured the group a spot
in the National Show Choir Finals in Chicago
in April. JACOB THOMAS (11) was named
Best Male Soloist.
Congratulations to the members of the Amazing Technicolor Show Choir, Show Band
and Stage crew on their Top Ten finish at
the FAME National Show Choir Finals in
Chicago in April. They represented Westside
with passion and class on a national stage.
Congratulations to XZAVIER FORT (11) for
being named Best Male Performer of the entire
competition.
Show Choir directors are Doran Johnson and
Kyle Avery.
FBLA Announces Student Awards
Congratulations to these students for their excellent performance at the FBLA State Leadership Conference in April:
EDMON ADAMS (11) - first - Mobile Applications Development; MICHAELA MAPES (12) and SAM
STEVENSON (12) - first - Banking and Financial Systems; Michaela Mapes, Sam Stevenson, and TIM GRAVES
(12) - first - Global Business, first - Management Decision Making and second - Marketing; STEPHANIE LUND
(9) - eighth - Business Math and Intro to Business.
Sydney Kobza is the FBLA advisor.
To submit information for future Warrior Merits, contact Mrs. Trudi Nolin at 402-343-2787 or email Mrs. Nolin at
nolin.trudi@westside66.net.
Web Page Information
Athletic Schedule Web Page: www.mhsaaconference.org
Westside Community Schools Web Page: westside66.org
WHS Web Page: whs.westside66.org
Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Web Page: www.nsaahome.org
NE Collegiate Athletic Assoc. (NCAA) Web Page: https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter
WHS Phone Hot Line Number: 402-390-3333 (Listen for selections)
Page 19
Westside Community Schools
Westside High School
8701 Pacific St.
Omaha, NE 68114
WHS Upcoming Events
8/12
8/13
8/14
8/17
8/17
8/19
8/27
8/28
9:00 a.m.
7:45-4:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m.
8:00-2:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m.
6:00-8:00 p.m.
9:00-1:00 p.m.
4:30-6:30 p.m.
9/4
9/7
9/12 8:00 a.m.
9/24 9:00 a.m.
9/21 6:30-8:00 p.m.
9/25 9:00 p.m.
9/26 8:00-11:00 p.m.
Freshman Orientation Day (See Schedule)
All Student Opening Schedule
1st Day of Class - All Students
Under Classman Picture Day - Main Entrance
Westside Career Center Picture Day @ CCC
Curriculum Night for 9th Grade Students and Parents
Club Fair Day - Main Entrance
SAB Carnival - WHS Plaza
No School - Staff Professional Development
No School - Labor Day
ACT Test
Principal’s Parent Coffee
Homecoming Parade/Pep Rally
SAB Homecoming Fireworks @ WHS
Homecoming Dance
10/2 8:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Picture Retake Day
10/3 8:00 a.m.
SAT Test
10/13-14 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/14
TBDPSAT
10/15No School- Intersession
10/16 No School
10/19
No School - Staff Professional Development
10/22 8:00 a.m.
Report Cards Distributed in Homeroom
10/24 8:00 a.m.
ACT Test
11/5 8:05-8:25 a.m.
Senior Graduation Items Presentation - Auditorium
11/7 8:00 a.m.
SAT Test
11/11-13
Willsie Cap/Gown/Grad Sale
11/16Winter Athletic Practice Begin
11/26-27Thanksgiving Break
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 861
OMAHA, NE
68114