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West Elementary News

December 2024

West ElementaryNewsDecember 2024
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EMMETSBURG DISTRICT MISSION

The Emmetsburg CSD believes we will create an environment of promoting growth and serving others.

December District Newsletter

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4 yr Old Preschool

Preschool visited the Nature Center and Kaitlin, the Naturalist. They were able to learn about various animals and insects that they houe at the nature center as well as touch and feel them. Kaitlin also taught us all about deer, elkm and even reindeer. They found out elk and reindeer antlers are very heavy!! Preschool has been learning lots in December with exploring, playing, and experiencing. They baked cupcakes after reading Spot Bakes a Cake.

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Kindergarten Readiness

Readiness Kindergarten students have had a busy but exciting December! They visited the Nature Center, enjoyed an ice cream treat for winning Bingo, worked hard on reading, writing and math activities! They have also been busy getting ready for the holidays! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Kindergarten

Kindergarten wrapepd up November with a Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade with some ballons that they decorated. They also made some homemade bread to wrap up their farm unit. After their farm unit they started a new unit on Native Americans. Students really enjoyed this unit with all the fun activites that they made including pinch pots, and some good writing about canoes and moccasins.
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2nd Grade

We had some guest presenters come to West and present on Ag in the Classroom. Second graders made apple carts during their presentation. In math class they have been working on number lines and recently made a human number line.

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Third Grade

3rd grade students are working on a research project over the inventions of the telephone or the incandescebt light bulb. They will create newspaper articles after they complete their research.

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Fourth Grade

4th graders also had some special presentations from Ag in the Classroom on the top three states producing different commoditiies. In December, 4th graders also enjoyed reading with preschoolers.

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First Grade

Last Friday we had a special Holiday Celebration at the high school with all K-12 students. Students and staff membes were mixed into various groups in which they had lunch, made crafts, read books, and played bingo.


A special shout out to Mrs. Gustafson for a terrific K-1 music concert!

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3 year old Preschool

3 year old preschool has been putting their cutting skills to work! They revviewed shapes and practicied cutting staight lines to cut out a triangle shapes. They used the triangles and various art materials to decorate the trees. The students used glue, glitter, stickers, and pom balls to decorate their trees however they wanted! There are some creative minds in 3 year old preschool!

This is some data collected from first semester about how their PLC has positively impacted our students.
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Did you Know?

What is a PLC (Professional Learning Community)?

A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a group of educators who come together regularly to collaborate, share ideas, and work toward improving their teaching practices. These communities are focused on continuous learning, reflection, and growth. Teachers within a PLC typically meet on a consistent basis to discuss strategies, student performance, new teaching methods, and ways to address challenges they face in the classroom.


In a PLC, the emphasis is on collective responsibility for student success, where teachers work together to create a positive, impactful learning environment. The idea is that when teachers collaborate, they can better support each other, refine their craft, and implement practices that benefit students.


Why is PLC Important for Teachers?

  1. Collaboration and Support
    Teaching can be an isolating profession, but through PLCs, teachers can share experiences and expertise, providing emotional and professional support. They learn from one another’s successes and mistakes, which enriches their teaching strategies.

  2. Improved Teaching Practices
    When teachers reflect on their methods and engage in discussions about student data, best practices, and new ideas, they are better equipped to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of every student. PLCs help teachers remain open to new approaches and foster a growth mindset.

  3. Better Student Outcomes
    Ultimately, PLCs are about improving student achievement. By collaborating to ensure all students are receiving quality instruction, teachers can address learning gaps, provide differentiated support, and celebrate student success together. Teachers can also track students' progress as a team, ensuring that no student falls behind.

  4. Ongoing Professional Development
    PLCs provide an informal yet powerful space for professional development. Teachers are able to learn together and stay updated on the latest research, educational trends, and instructional strategies.

How Does This Affect Your Child?

As a parent, you may wonder how something that focuses on teachers' growth impacts your child’s learning. The truth is, when teachers engage in meaningful collaboration through PLCs, they are better prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students. With teachers continuously refining their practices and sharing strategies, students benefit from improved instruction, individualized attention, and a more positive learning environment.

This collaboration ultimately helps our school create a culture of excellence, ensuring your child receives the best possible education. When teachers succeed, students succeed!


Professional Learning Communities are an essential part of fostering a dynamic, responsive, and effective educational environment. By empowering teachers to collaborate and grow professionally, PLCs ultimately create a better learning experience for our students. We are committed to ensuring that your child benefits from this collaborative effort, as it helps us build a strong foundation for their academic success.

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January Events

January 3- Students back, 2 hr early out

January 10- 2 hr early out

January 17- 2 hr early out

January 24- 2 hr early out

January 31- 2 hr early out

Contact Info

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to grade level teachers or Mr. Bjustrom. Below is contact info.

Building Principal

Tyler Bjustrom tbjustrom@e-hawks.org

West Elementary Staff Directory

Sara Straw
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