April PreK-4 Newsletter

I recently had the opportunity to chaperone 73 of our high school students on a music-related trip. The high school stage band and concert choir performed at Disney Springs in Orlando Florida. One idea that kept coming up was that our Windom students were AMAZING. Both groups had great performances that drew crowds (See the recordings on our district FB page). They were polite to workers and other visitors, and they were respectful to others who were enjoying their time in Orlando. We received a TON of positive feedback!

All of this started at the preschool and elementary levels. Our staff, in partnership with our families, have the opportunity to get our students started on the right track. Together, we help them learn to be respectful and responsible NOW so that they have habits of good character built for later success. We teach them how to be patient and wait in lines. We teach them to listen to their elders, their leaders, and people who give direction. We teach them how to appropriately respond to difficulty- be it academic or social. We teach them to be considerate of people in a shared space by using appropriate language, volume, topics, and space. Together, we have the opportunity to raise up the next generation of students with Eagle Pride, good character, and amazing social skills.

These items were all left at school in March. Please check the pictures and have students pick up their lost items.

The elementary school opens at 7:30 AM. Please don't drop students off before 7:30. When picking up students, please use the pickup loop. Please DO NOT use the parking lot as a pickup loop. If you are in the parking lot, please park and walk to pick up your child. Additionally, please do not use parking lot B as a pickup loop or park in reserved parking spots. This hinders traffic towards the High School parent pickup. Thank you for your help keeping kids safe and traffic flowing.

Bridges and Elementary families,

If you live in the Windom/Wilder/Bingham Lake area, your children qualify to receive FREE books every month until their fifth birthday!

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides a free book each month via the mail to children who are enrolled. Children from birth to age 5 qualify to sign up for this program.

If you are interested in registering for this program and live within the qualifying area, click the image to open a form. Fill out the form and return it to:

Angie Geesman

Windom Public Schools

PO Box 177

Windom, MN 56101

ECFE provides a vital "village" for parents, combining expert guidance with structured play to strengthen the bond between parent and child. By offering research-based strategies and a local support network, it helps families navigate early developmental milestones while ensuring children enter kindergarten socially and emotionally prepared.

See the attached images for class times and special upcoming events.

Good attendance is one of the most important ways to support your child’s success in school. In the elementary years, students are building critical reading, writing, and math skills every day, and even a few missed days can make it harder to keep up. Being at school also helps children build friendships, confidence, and strong routines.

We understand that children should stay home when they are sick or dealing with important family situations. Our goal is consistent attendance whenever possible so every student can stay connected and continue growing.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning!

Families play a powerful role in supporting positive behavior at home and school. Here are a few simple ways to help:

• Create clear routines – Consistent schedules for mornings, homework, and bedtime help children know what to expect.
• Set clear expectations – Talk about what respectful, safe, and responsible behavior looks like.
• Use positive reinforcement – Notice and praise your child when they make good choices.
• Stay consistent with consequences – Follow through calmly when expectations aren’t met.
• Model behavior – Children learn a lot by watching how adults handle challenges and emotions.
• Keep communication open – Talk with your child about their day and stay connected with their teacher.

Working together, we can help every child build strong habits that lead to success at school and beyond!

Screen time can impact children’s sleep, behavior, and learning, especially when used too often or right before bed. While technology can offer great learning opportunities, it’s important to keep a healthy balance. Setting consistent limits, choosing age-appropriate content, and creating screen-free times (like during meals and before bedtime) can help support your child’s overall well-being. Thank you for helping us build healthy habits together!

Families can play a big role in helping children build independence. Encouraging kids to do things on their own—like getting dressed, packing their backpack, or completing simple chores—helps build confidence and responsibility. Offering choices, setting clear expectations, and allowing children to learn from small mistakes are all important steps. With support and encouragement, children learn they are capable and ready to take on new challenges!

April 1- 2nd grade Books n’ Brownies- 1:45-2:15

April 3- No School- Good Friday

April 6- No School- Staff Development Day

April 16- Statewide Tornado Drill @ 1:45 and 6:45- Be Tornado ready with your family!

April 20- Elementary Spring Concert Gold Gym (K-1st Grade 6pm 2nd-3rd Grade 7pm)

April 28 - Preschool Open House 4:00-6:30

May 5 - Popsicles with preschoolers 10:00/2:15

May 7 - Kindergarten Round Up 4 PM (English Only) and 6PM (Spanish Translation Available)

May 7 - May 7- 4th Grade Field Trip

May 11 - 1st/2nd Grade Terrific Kid Program at 2:00

May 12 - 3rd/4th Grade Terrific Kid Program at 2:00

May 12 - Elementary Art Gallery Walk

May 14 - Elementary Track & Field Day

May 18 - 3rd Grade Field Trip

May 19 - 4th/5th Grade Concert 6:00 pm

May 27 - Preschool signing day 1:30

May 28 - Preschool signing day 9:15

In an effort to best serve our students in a safe, productive, and positive environment, there have been a few small updates to our Elementary Student Handbook. Please review the handbook and remind your child of any important information.

My School Menus

Look for Windom Area School District-ISD177

Most current information can be found on our website: https://www.windom.k12.mn.us/

Are you connected with your child's SeeSaw? Most information about upcoming events is shared there. Ask your child's teacher for a link.