PES Monthly Memo
August 2025
Dear Families,
We are so excited to welcome to a brand-new school year at Pecatonica! I hope this message finds you well and that you and your children have enjoyed a summer full of rest, adventure, and quality time together.
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I want to express how excited we are to welcome our students back into the building on August 19. Our staff has been working hard to prepare a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every child can grow.
This year, we are focusing on building strong foundations—academically, socially, and emotionally. Whether your child is just beginning their journey in kindergarten or returning as a seasoned fourth grade student, we are committed to helping each learner thrive.
Communication between home and school is key to student success. Please watch for regular newsletters, classroom updates, and event reminders throughout the year. Teachers will begin communicating with families via the Pecatonica Schools app, so please download that if you have not already done so.
If you ever have questions, concerns, or ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We can’t wait to see our hallways filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of being together again. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Warmly,
Kim Hansen
Principal, Pecatonica Elementary School
Ms. Bella Wolf (Kindergarten)
Bella is thrilled to begin her kindergarten teaching journey at Pecatonica Elementary as she enters her fifth year in the field of education. She is passionate about creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment for her students and is eager to build strong connections with families, staff, and the wider community. She can’t wait for the school year to begin!
Mrs. Jessica Woods (Special Education)
Jessica Woods will be a new member of the special education team at PES . She is SO excited to be teaching special education at PES! This is her 9th year teaching. She previously taught preschool and life skills in other districts. She went to Pec schools her entire life, and coming back to help students in her community means the world to her. She lives in Pec with her husband, Devin, and her two sons, Henry (4) and Everett (1). Teaching special education is a passion of hers, and she truly wants all students to feel as though they belong.
Ms. Ashton Kendell (Speech and Language Pathologist)
Ashton Kendell is thrilled to be joining the team at Pecatonica Elementary School as the new Speech-Language Pathologist.
She has earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Indiana State University, and is proud to bring that training and experience back to her hometown. Being from Pecatonica, this community has always held a special place in her heart, and she couldn’t be more excited to return and pour her passion into a program that means so much to her.
She is looking forward to meeting new faces and reconnecting with some familiar ones, too.
Lindsey Meurer (2nd Grade)
Lindsey will be teaching 2nd grade here at PES this year! She graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 2021. She attended to Illinois State University where majored in Elementary Education and graduated last May. She loves softball and has been playing her whole life. She has two dogs at home: Jake and Oliver, who are just the best dogs ever! In her free time she likes to hang out with friends and family but also loves to relax and go to the gym. She's so excited to be at PES this year, and can’t wait to see what the future holds!