Loveland Staff Newsletter

Dear Loveland Staff,

I hope you have all enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating month of June filled with family, friends, and some well-deserved relaxation! Russ and I recently returned from celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary in Florida. I recently spent the Fourth of July holiday at Woman Lake in northern Minnesota with family and friends. We enjoyed great food, time on the lake, fishing, fireworks, and making memories together. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and recharge before the start of another school year. I hope each of you has had the opportunity to make special memories and enjoy time doing the things you love this summer.

As I walked into the Swing School after returning from vacation, I couldn't help but feel excited about the year ahead. The building is looking great, and thanks to the hard work of Walt, Jack, Orlando, and Mary, it is starting to feel more and more like home. While there is still plenty to do, I can already envision our students filling the hallways and classrooms with energy, laughter, and learning.

The 2026-27 school year will certainly be a unique one for all of us. Moving into the Swing School means there will be new routines, new spaces, and undoubtedly a few challenges for us to figure out along the way. If there is one thing I know about the Loveland staff, it is that we do our best work when we work together. We will learn, adjust, problem-solve, and grow as a team. Most importantly, we will continue to provide our students with the exceptional instruction, care, and sense of belonging that make Loveland such a special place.

I am excited for each of you to get into your classrooms and begin making your spaces your own. While this may be our temporary home for the next 18 months, it is already beginning to feel like Loveland. Together, we will continue the traditions, relationships, and high expectations that define the Land of Love while also creating new memories and experiences along the way.

As we embrace our construction theme this year, "Building a Better Tomorrow, Together!" I can't think of a more fitting message. We are not only preparing students for their futures, but we are also literally building the future home of Loveland School.

Steph

Remember, approved summer work hours must be completed before pre-opening days. If you'd like to use your hours, let me know what days work for you, and I'll coordinate with our custodial team to help move furniture or anything else you need.

As you unpack, I encourage you to think about what you'll want in our new Loveland. The classroom size and storage at the Swing School are very similar, making this a great opportunity to organize for our future home.

Although the Swing School is temporary, our students deserve classrooms that are welcoming, engaging, and full of learning. Let's work together to make this space feel like Loveland from day one!

Important Dates:

July 29th ALL New Special Education Staff Report

July 30th ALL NEW Staff Report

August 6th VETERAN STAFF RETURN @ BAXTER

• 7:30-8:15 - Light Breakfast & Coffee
• 8:30-10:00 - All Staff Welcome w/ Dr. Lucas & Guest Speaker

The WCS 2026-27 school year is "We Set the Standard." This theme challenges each of us to lead by example and take pride in the work we do every day. Setting the standard means demonstrating excellence in our classrooms, our relationships, our service to families, and our commitment to students. It is about consistently doing what is best for kids, supporting one another, and creating learning environments where everyone can thrive.

This year's theme reflects an exciting chapter in Loveland's history. As we learn in our temporary Swing School home and watch our new school take shape, we will continue building a bright future for our students every day.

Together, we will create meaningful relationships, provide exceptional instruction, and support one another through every challenge and celebration. While our building may be changing, the heart of Loveland and the Land of Love will remain the same.

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I wanted to officially introduce three new members of our Loveland family.

Please help me welcome Rosie Sodoro, our new School Counselor; Hanna Hofmann, who joins our Special Education team; and Mady Pfeil, our new Second Grade teacher.

Many of you already know Mady from her student teaching experience at Loveland last spring with Ms. Dippel and Mrs. Kammandel, so we're excited to officially welcome her back as a staff member.

I know each of them will be wonderful additions to our team. Please take a few minutes during our opening days to introduce yourself, answer questions, and help them feel at home as they settle into Loveland