TCU Le Center K8 April News

As we enter the final quarter of the school year, there is a great deal to celebrate and look forward to at Le Center PreK–8. We are excited to see our Titans continue to perform at a high level—on assessments, on stage, in the classroom, on the field, and in all that they do. Our students have worked incredibly hard, and it has been rewarding to see so many of them achieve goals they have set for themselves and alongside their classmates. I am proud of the first three quarters of the year and look forward to finishing strong together.

At the same time, our community is faced with an important decision that will impact the future of our school. The upcoming building bond referendum represents a significant opportunity to invest in maintaining and improving our PreK–8 facility. These updates focus on essential needs such as building systems, accessibility, and flexible learning spaces that support today’s students. I invite any of our families or community members to reach out and set up a tour of the building before making a decision. This is a great opportunity to see firsthand the progress we’ve made and the areas that still need attention. Our building has come a long way over the past six years, and I am proud of the work that has gone into getting it to where it is today.

This bond is an investment in OUR school and in the future of our students. It will help ensure our building remains safe, efficient, and in the best possible shape for our kids and our future Titans for years to come. Thank you for your continued support of TCU Le Center and for being such an important part of our community.

Take Care,

Mr. Jeff Eppen, Principal

As part of the May 12, 2026 referendum, Le Center PreK–8 would receive updates focused on maintaining the building and improving learning spaces.

Proposal Highlights:

• ADA-accessible restroom renovations

• ADA playground enhancements

• Conversion of an existing computer lab into a flexible classroom

• Roof and exterior door replacements

• Updated HVAC and building systems

• Collaborative learning commons in underutilized space

• Replace tennis courts

Why This Matters

Many of these updates focus on keeping the building working as it should. Systems like heating, ventilation, and roofing have been maintained over time but are now at the point where larger updates are needed. These improvements help:

• Keep classrooms functioning without disruptions

• Support safe and accessible spaces for all students

• Create more flexible learning areas for today’s teaching needs

Continued Investment in Le Center

Le Center PreK–8 is a key part of the district’s long-term plan. Since 2019, nearly $10 million has already been invested in improvements at this building. This proposal would add more than $11 million, continuing that commitment.

Q. Is the district planning to close this school?

A. No. The Le Center building remains a key part of the district’s long-term plan and continues to receive significant investment.

Q. What about the auditorium and Primary Center?

A. The auditorium is planned to be removed at a later date and converted to green space. The Primary Center will continue to be used for programs, training, and district needs.

Tri-City United Public Schools is calling for a special election on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Voters will consider a single ballot question to authorize general obligation bonds not to exceed $39,990,000 for facility infrastructure and learning environment improvements.

Developed through a four-year, community-driven process, the plan uses retiring debt and state tax credits to help minimize the impact on taxpayers. For example, the estimated average increase for a $300,000 home is $5.69 per month, and agricultural landowners benefit from the 70% Ag2School tax credit.

The City of Le Center is gathering community feedback on needs and priorities. Families who work or live in the community may choose to participate using the link or QR code below or by going to the Le Center website at cityoflecenter.com.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JZH395C

BLANKETS

TCU Titan Blankets are for sale again this school year. Contact a PTO member or watch for pop-up sales around the community. Blankets feature Titian colors and the TCU logo, making them perfect for those fall sports games.

Spring brings various assessments to close out the year to showcase learning. There are state-wide assessments, screening assessments, as well as classroom assessments. All serve a different purpose to showcase a child's learning from big picture to specifics.

MCA

What is it: The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are annual, state-mandated tests measuring student proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science based on Minnesota Academic Standards. Taken by students in public schools, these tests assess achievement and guide instruction from grades 3–8 and in high school, acting as a tool for school accountability.

Testing Dates:

April 7-10: 3rd-8th Grade Reading

April 13-17: 3rd-8th Grade Math; 8th Grade Science

April 20-24: 5th Grade Science

Mark your calendars for the 8th Grade Graduation on May 28th from 7:30-9:00. More information and an official invite will be sent at a later date.

Our Titian robotics teams fought hard at the state competition. Our middle school team Fear the Gear (Logan Krocak, Gavin Espersen, Jake Ripp, Matthew Robinson, Odin Wright) got 10th place in skills. Circuit Surfers (Jake Goettl, Landon Ballman, AJ Munguia, Vincent Carpenter, Colton Claffey) took 9th place in skills.

Team Fear The Gear

Team Circuit Surfers

Students loved visiting with all of the Career Day speakers!

We are finally fully staffed at TCU Le Center!! We have some great new hires, but now the attention shifts to another school in the district! This is a chance to work with older students!

We are in need of Paraprofessionals at TCU High School!

If you are interested or know anyone that is, an application can be completed here: Para Application Link

POSITION: Paraprofessional, K-8 1.0 FTE

LOCATION: TCU High School

STARTING DATE: ASAP! 2025 SALARY RANGE: $17-$21 per hour based on qualifications and years of experience; $1/hour additional for fluency in Spanish or Teacher’s license.

BENEFITS: Insurance, retirement and paid time off

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS:

-This role involves assisting students and staff with accessing library resources, checking out materials,

and maintaining the media center.

- Paraprofessionals work with students receiving Special Education services under the direction of the licensed special education teacher and perform duties to support the programming in general, and to meet student's individual academic, functional, social, and emotional needs.

Apr. 14: K-4 Music Showcase @ PAC

Apr. 14: AVID College Fair and Twins Game

May 8: Baby Animal Day

May 12: Kindergarten Graduation Pictures

May 13: 3rd Grade Field Trip

May 13: Kindergarten Field Trip

May 14: 2nd Grade Field Trip

May 15: Grades 5-8 Titan Dash

May 18: District Band Concert @ PAC

May 21: District Choir Concert @ PAC

May 22: Kindergarten Graduation

May 25: Memorial Day - No School

May 28: 8th Grade Breakfast and Graduation 7:30-9:00

May 28: Last Day of School!

Symptoms of seasonal allergies and colds are upon us. Just a reminder for all... the health office does NOT provide cough drops or any other medications. Medications, whether over the counter or prescription, should not be brought to school unless you have a medication administration at school form completed and the medication is brought to the health office to be stored and administered by the health office per TCU school board policy. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Health Office at 507-364-0156.

Congratulations to our March Students of the Month. They were celebrated at our PBIS assembly in April.

March Academic Students of the Month

March Titan Pride & Leadership Students of the Month

Le Center K-4 Showcase

• When: Tuesday, April 14th
• K-2 @ 6:00 PM
• 3-4 @ 7:00 PM
• Where: High School PAC

District 5-8 Band Concert

• When: Monday, May 18th
• 5-6 @ 6:00 PM
• 7-8 @ 7:15 PM
• Where: High School PAC

District 5-8 Choir Concert

• When: Thursday, May 21st
• 5-6 @ 6:00 PM
• 7-8 @ 7:00 PM
• Where: High School PAC

English/Reading and Language Support Tutoring

Eden Hodgins offers private tutoring for elementary and middle school students looking for extra practice with reading and English skills, as well as bilingual support and homework help for English learners.

Grades: 1st-8th

When: Mondays 3:30-6pm

Where: TCU Le Center Media Center

Cost: $17 per half hour session

Sign up here: https://tcu2905.arux.app/course/850/winter-spring-2025-26/english-reading-and-language-support-tutoring

Tutoría de inglés, lectura, y apoyo bilingüe

Eden Hodgins ofrece tutoría privada para estudiantes de escuela primaria y secundaria que busquen práctica extra con la lectura, la clase de inglés, y también ofrece apoyo bilingüe en la tarea para los que están aprendiendo inglés.

Grados: 1er-8vo

Cuando: Cada lunes 330-530pm

Donde: TCU Le Center Media Center

Cuesta: $17 por sesión de media hora

Registrarse aqui: https://tcu2905.arux.app/course/850/winter-spring-2025-26/english-reading-and-language-support-tutoring

Parents/Guardians are always welcome to join us as a lunch guest, but we have a few requests from our Food Service Department. Please call before 10:00AM to be added to the daily lunch count. When you arrive please stop in the office with payment and to pick up a visitor badge and meal pass. If you are bringing food from outside of the building you will need to check in and pick up a visitor pass.

Please make sure to notify the school office if your child is absent or planning on being absent. You can call the office at 507.357.6802 or email at ahardel@tcu2905.us.

May 25: No School - Memorial Day

Website: https://www.tcu2905.us/page/4182
Location: 150 West Tyrone Street, Le Center, MN, USA
Phone: 507-357-6802
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCULeCenterK8/
Twitter: @jeffeppen