About Our School

Welcome to Westridge Middle School, Home of the Cougars!

Principal Kayla Wichman talks to students in the cafeteria.

We are a proud school with great students, parents, and staff. Our focus is to develop each student academically, socially, and behaviorally. The "Westridge Way" encourages students to work hard, respect others, achieve beyond their own expectations, and have "fun" through the learning process. Thank you for visiting our website to learn more about our school. If you have any questions, please e-mail or give us a call.

Be sure to follow us on social media.

"Every Student, Every Day, A Success!"

Westridge at a Glance

6-8th Grade Students: 624

Teachers: 50

CEP School: Meals at no cost

Skills Academy program site

(Information from Nebraska Dept. of Education, 2025)

Thank you for visiting our website to learn more about our academic opportunities as well as our family events. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Kayla Wichman, principal

Westridge Middle School building entrance.

School History
School Report

School History

The school was named for Dr. C. Ray Gates, Superintendent of Schools from 1922 until his death in September 1944.

1955

The building included only Grades K-4. It consisted of five classrooms, an office suite, and a multi-purpose room. The school was officially dedicated on November 8, 1955.

1957-1958

A two room addition was approved in April 1957. This addition was occupied in January 1958.

1961-1964

More land was purchased and three more classrooms were built.

1965-1966

Four more rooms were added, bringing the total number of classrooms to fourteen, from the original five in 1955.

1979-1982

Gates School was selected as the site for special education services. A gymnasium, office, media center, music room, standard classrooms, and special education classrooms were added and occupied in 1982. The school now had twenty classrooms and space for special services.

2005-2008

Gates added a third section of grades Kindergarten, First, Second and Third. A full time ELL specialist was added on staff in 2006. A part time social worker joined the staff that year as well. Gates was also selected as the site for the district's ELL Newcomers program in 2006.

2008-2014

Gates alternated between two and three sections of grade 4 and 5. A full time learning facilitator was added on staff in 2011. Gates was selected as the site the the district's Educational and Life Skills program in 2013.

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