West Side School District

West Side Elementary is launching a new and exciting Christmas event this year with Christmas Read Alouds! Tune in to the school's Facebook page next week for a new read aloud each evening from someone special in our school or community! #UnlockingGreatness

In December, the student body voted coach Keith Cornett as the staff member of the month. Students said that Cornett is funny, always positive, and one of the nicest staff members on campus.
Cornett has been coaching for 29 years. He says that he had always loved sports, and that love and knowledge was something he wanted to pass on to others. In doing so, he has had many memorable moments. Cornett said some of the most memorable were winning the state championships in 2014 while coaching his nephew and again last year in 2025 while coaching his daughter, as well as making sure not to give up on players that most coaches would.
Cornett said if he is to be remembered by one thing, he hopes it is by how much he cares.
“I care, not that they are good, but about their well-being,” said Cornett. “I want all kids to be successful and make it in life.”
Interview by Carey Bunton

Congratulations to our Eagles of the Week! Not pictured, Mia Branch and JD Smith. #UnlockingGreatness

It's a tie!!! The catapult and snowball challenge in Mrs. Howell and Mrs. Rose's science classes were a STEAM challenge for the Christmas labs. Newton's Laws and fake snow chemistry were the focus. Students built catapults and launched fake snowballs at targets for points.

The West Side Yearbook Staff would like to thank Greers Ferry Vet Clinic for their donation to the 2025-26 yearbook!

West Side Elementary will have Cookies with Santa next Thursday, December 18th! If you would like to purchase a picture with your child for $5, please return the form attached, or that is being sent home with your child. #UnlockingGreatness
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG7OqPLA7c/9Mpi1fWFHEUuMojaeDyhlg/edit?utm_content=DAG7OqPLA7c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Staff of the Month is meant to make teachers and staff feel honored and appreciated. In the month of November, Mrs. Katy Stark was voted by students as Staff of the Month.
She said, “I feel honored, that is a very important award and I love to hear that I am helping students.”
When asked what made her become a teacher, she answered, “I've always known I was supposed to help people, I’ve always helped adults, and then I figured out maybe I should be intervening with kids that are a younger age and help them make better choices and not end up in the system like adults did.”
Overall, she really enjoys helping people of all ages and loves helping them make better choices in life.
Story by Addison Terrell

More critter fun in Mrs. Traci's room this week! Mrs. Sallie shared her sugar gliders with the first graders as part of their Creature Feature unit!

First Priority had the privilege of hearing from alum Matthew Keeton today! Keeton told students about the importance of making the most of where you are at in the moment. Thank you, Matthew, for speaking to the club!

Remember that West Side Elementary has dress up days next week!

Mrs. Teresa's K-2 Whole Group Enrichment students made Grinch punch last week to learn about the three states of matter.

Let's Go!! 💚🤍🦅🏀

🏀 Lady Eagles Basketball
After Christmas (December 29–31), the Lady Eagles will compete in the Atlas Asphalt Basketball Tournament in Mountain Home!
Their first game is Monday, December 29 vs. Georgetown (Texas).

Make the beautiful drive to Mountain Home and cheer on our Lady Eagles as they take on top competition! 💚🦅

Mrs. Virden from the Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce came and presented our students with their awards from the Festival of Trees Art Show! Victoria Hernandez won second place in the lower elementary division. Hunter Jones, Sydney Smith, Ashlyn Wildman, and Alrick Wood all received honorable mention. Congratulations to all of our artists!

The 43rd Annual Mark Martin Automotive/Lyon College Invitational is set to tip off!!
11 boys and girls teams from around the area will face off for honors and championships. With the tournament running from Monday, December 8th thru Saturday, December 13th.
Entry is $5 for ages 12 and up, while kids get in free! Lyon College students will get in free of charge upon showing their student ID.
Lyon College and this years sponsors Mark Martin Automotive, First Community Bank, and RAWK Imprinting are proud to provide this opportunity to young athletes in our area.
Find Tournament Information at the link below:
https://lyonscots.com/.../3/13/9_131969752825799291.aspx...
Live Stream Link: https://team1sports.com/lyonscots/
Parking Map below.

The schedule for today's 7th Grade basketball jamboree at Pangburn.

Congratulations to our Eagles of the Week last week! #UnlockingGreatness

Just a reminder to students and parents that West Side High School Christmas Dress Up Days begin Monday, December 8th! Parents, please note that high school and elementary days do not have the same themes this week!

Congratulations to Whitney Cook, a 6th grader at West Side Elementary for having her artwork selected to display in the Arkansas Celebrates America250 State Ornament Project. Her ornament, as well as all the others, will be on display in the Old Supreme Court Room at the Arkansas State Capitol for public viewing through mid-January. Congratulations, Whitney! #UnlockingGreatness