United South Central Elementary

December/January Newsletter

Rebel Rights

Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe

Happy New Year, USC Rebels! During winter break, I hope you had the chance to spend time with those you cherish most by catching up with friends and family and enjoying some rest and relaxation. As we kick off 2024, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a year filled with successes and continued progress for all of you.

The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity for reflection, a chance to look back on the past, and, more importantly, anticipate future possibilities. During the winter break, I took some time to reflect on the experiences of 2023 and contemplate the exciting work and opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. As we embark on this new chapter, consider your aspirations for the year. What accomplishments do you hope to achieve? What dreams and goals are you setting for yourself and your child(ren)? Each of us has a unique story, and 2024 provides a blank canvas for new beginnings and personal growth.

Looking back on the past year, we have achieved significant milestones and overcome various challenges. In the new year, USC staff will remain fully devoted to achieving high levels of learning for all students while fostering an intentional culture to create an optimal learning environment. The elementary teachers are progressing through the remaining sessions of their LETRS training, marking our transition towards structured literacy. Integrating UFLI Phonics into literacy blocks, coupled with using decodable books, continues to enhance the acquisition of crucial decoding strategies. It's gratifying to observe students building a robust foundation in phonics, a pivotal element for future reading success.

Furthermore, in the new year, students will maintain access to Math Masters and Rebel Readers, allowing our educators to tailor instruction and offer reinforcement, support, and enrichment. Students will continue collaborating with classroom teachers, Title I, ELL, and Special Education personnel throughout this period to target areas needing extra support. We remain enthusiastic about the opportunities this presents for our students.

​​As the December newsletter outlines, our ongoing focus is on fostering a sense of belonging among students through implementing the Be Good People Curriculum. Each Monday, students receive a new mission for the week, encompassing activities like expressing gratitude, seeking assistance, adhering to rules, and managing emotions. Students and staff collaboratively engage in these weekly missions, contributing to heightened social and emotional awareness development. We look forward to witnessing further progress in these efforts throughout 2024.

In closing, as we embrace the new year, let us reaffirm our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. Together, we can inspire, empower, and support them in reaching their full potential. I encourage you to stay engaged with your child's education, attend school events, and communicate with our dedicated teachers and staff.

Wishing you and your family a prosperous, healthy, and joyful New Year. Thank you for being an essential part of our USC school community.

2024 We are Ready!

Warm Regards,

Jennifer Taylor
USC Elementary Principal
It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!

January 2 - School Resumes
January 19 - End of First Semester
January 22 - No School - Teacher Work Day
January 23 - No School - Staff Development Day
January 24 - Start of Second Semester
February 7 - Two-Hour Early Out
February 16 & 19 - No School - Presidents Day Weekend

The state of Minnesota has 500,000 students who are not proficient in reading. That is enough students to fill the US Bank Stadium in its entirety 7.5 times. If we simultaneously read every student's name who is not a proficient reader, it would take us 12 days.

We have the power to change this.

The time is now.
Let’s Read.

“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” ― Victor Hugo

On January 9, in recognition of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we express our deep appreciation for our partnership with the Wells P.D. and School Resource Officer (SRO) D.J. Bullerman at United South Central. Officer Bullerman plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the school community, ensuring the safety and security of students and staff, and cultivating a supportive learning environment. His presence goes beyond safeguarding; it extends to providing guidance, mentorship, and instilling trust, contributing significantly to our school community's overall well-being and success. Thank you for your dedicated service, Officer Bullerman!

This fall, kindergarten through second-grade students drew posters for Fire Prevention Week and visited the fire station. This year, the poster contest winners were Wade Lindahl, Parker Field, and Callahan Scholten—a special thank you to the Wells Fire Department for the fire trucks. Congratulations.

On December 11 and 12, families had the pleasure of attending our K-5 holiday music program conducted by Bjorn Hagen and Sheila Rame. Following that, on December 21, our preschool students showcased their concert under the guidance of Renea O’Rourke, Katherine Walton, and Carol Supalla. The students delivered a charming performance of various Christmas songs, bringing the festive spirit to life with their beautiful music.

On Friday, December 8, moms, dads, siblings, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and cousins joined in to assist the 5th-grade students in constructing their ‘Extreme’ Gingerbread Houses. Amidst the gallons of frosting, gingerbread, and pounds of candy, joyous smiles and laughter filled the air during this delightful event. Thank you to the fifth-grade teachers and Jamie Gordan Kamm for orchestrating this memorable occasion. Undoubtedly, it was one of the Year's Most Wonderful Events.

During the holiday season, the USC Student Government organized a series of dress-up days for staff and students, allowing everyone to embrace the festive spirit by showcasing their best holiday-themed attire. The ever-changing themes brought excitement and variety to each day. The week commenced with Pajamas and Stuffed Animals on Monday, followed by Red and Green Day on Tuesday, Winter White Out on Wednesday, and culminating in the spirited celebration of Holiday Sweater Day on Thursday. Everyone enjoyed the festivities!

It is January, and we don't have any measurable snowfall yet! Still, we need to start considering our virtual learning plans for this winter. We have a small cushion of student days built into our school calendar for the school year, and it is possible that we may call a "regular snow day" early on this winter if the need arises, before utilizing our virtual learning days to continue instruction when it is not possible to come into the school building. We plan to provide as much notice as possible before utilizing a Virtual Learning Day. We aim to communicate this possibility in advance so our students can have time to prepare and collect their necessary materials. Please begin thinking about what your student(s) will need to be successful on a Virtual Learning Day while learning from home. If your family is in need of internet access for Virtual Learning, we do have a small number of internet hotspots that can be checked out. Please contact us if you have any specific questions about this program.

We've noticed an increase in various illnesses, which is typical for this time of year. Here are some important reminders about when to keep your children home from school. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining a healthy environment for all students.

Please keep your child at home if they:

• Have had a fever of 100.0°F or higher within the past 24 hours.

• Have experienced vomiting or persistent diarrhea in the last 24 hours.

• Are diagnosed with strep throat (they can return after 12 hours on antibiotics and no fever for 24 hours).

• Have influenza (they can return after being fever-free for 24 hours and once the cough has subsided).

• Test positive for COVID-19; in this case, they must stay home for five days. Please inform the school when your student tests positive. Note: COVID-related guidelines are subject to change as updates occur.

• Exhibit a severe, frequent cough that would impede concentration and disturb others.

• Have a draining wound.

Your adherence to these guidelines helps us in our collective effort to keep our students healthy.

*Parents, if your child is unwell, it's important that they visit the nurse's office to assess whether it's appropriate for them to go home. Using text messages to notify parents will not be considered sufficient. Please remind your students that they need to visit the nurse's office if they are feeling ill to ensure proper communication procedures are followed. Additionally, if the nurse's office contacts you to pick up your ill child, please aim to do so as promptly as possible.

At athletic and activity events, we kindly ask that parents consider supervision for their elementary-age children attending events at USC. We are so glad to see the energy and enthusiasm toward events and activities at USC, and we want to ensure everyone is safe. If this is not the case, individual students may be dismissed from the event.

Remember to preserve your child's precious memories by ordering a USC Elementary yearbook, capturing their growth and milestones throughout the school year. Yearbooks are available for order until April 4, costing $17.00. Order forms were sent out in December. If you require an additional form, there are extras in the elementary office.

Payment can be made in cash, by check (made out to Strawbridge), or through credit card (online orders include a fee).
To order online, visit the link: https://strawbridge.fotomerchanthv.com/search/YB29666.

Ensure you secure this lasting tribute to your child's elementary experience.

Entrance into the Building
We kindly request that parents drop off and pick up students outside the main doors for safety reasons. If a parent/guardian needs to access the school building for any reason, they are required to check in at the elementary or high school office and get a name badge prior to entering the building. Ensuring the safety of our students remains our utmost concern, and we appreciate your cooperation in the matter.

Drop off and pick up at USC Elementary

• Students will enter the school by the main door by the elementary office

• Students can enter the building at 8:10 A.M. after they are lined up outside. Please be mindful to drop your students off as close to 8:10 A.M. as possible to alleviate a long wait before the start of the school day.

• Students who have breakfast can access the school building at 7:50 A.M. Upon arrival, they should proceed directly to the Commons Area. After breakfast, students will return outside and enter the elementary building at 8:10 A.M., when the official school day begins. It is important to note that students are not permitted to enter the elementary building until 8:10 A.M.

• Students will be dismissed from the main doors by the office.
  
  

Crosswalks: To prioritize students' safety, we request that everyone consistently use the designated crosswalks when dropping off or picking up students. We emphasize that our top priority is ensuring the safety of our students, and we discourage any attempts to walk between school buses, as it poses a significant safety risk. We would like for both parents and students to use the designated crosswalks exclusively.

Parking Advisory: To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors, please make sure you are parked legally when dropping off or picking up your children before and after school. You can avoid potential issues by following parking regulations.

Parent Contact Information: Please notify the elementary office if your email address or telephone number changes. It is imperative that we are able to contact you in case of a school-wide emergency or your child becomes ill. Also, keeping your contact information current will ensure you receive notices and announcements from the school.

Extra Clothing: Please send an extra set of clothing with your child. It is important we have an extra set of clothing in the event of spills, mud, accidents, and wet clothing from recess. Thank you.

Outdoor Recess: With the arrival of winter and decreasing temperatures, it's essential to keep in mind that your children will have outdoor recess every day, weather permitting. Your assistance in ensuring your students come to school adequately prepared for the weather is greatly appreciated. Unless the temperature is 60 degrees or higher, please ensure your child wears a jacket or coat. Additionally, as winter approaches, it's crucial for students to have the appropriate outdoor attire, such as layers, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants when the snow is on the ground. Thank you in advance for your help in making sure your child feels comfortable outside at recess. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the Elementary Office at (507) 553-5810.

Lost and Found: Please consider checking the tables in the Commons area, near the vending machine, for any misplaced items belonging to your child. To prevent your child's items from ending up in Lost and Found, please ensure all clothing is labeled correctly with their name.

This year, guided by Lyssa Warmka, students attending ELL classes receive an extra scoop of phonics (UFLI), reading, math, and additional support for their coursework in a warm and inviting environment.

Fourth-grade students are experiencing positive outcomes by incorporating whisper phones into their reading activities. These devices amplify sounds, allowing students to hear their voices, sounds, and words more distinctly when reading. This enhancement contributes to the development of their reading and phonetic skills while simultaneously refining attention spans and overall language structure. A special thank you to the Education Foundation for their generous contributions to supporting our whisper phones.

Fifth-grade book club members delved into Barbara Robinson's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" during the month of December and convened for their book club session guided by Mrs. Taylor. The book club gathering was marked with donuts, juice, and full-size candy treats to celebrate the occasion.

On December 21, students in grades K-6 boarded buses to attend a holiday movie at the Flame Theater in Wells and the KEE Theater in Kiester. This annual tradition is made possible through successful fundraising efforts, and students eagerly anticipate this festive outing each year—a special thank you to Pierre Stencel for arranging this.

Email: jtaylor@unitedsouthcentral.org
Location: 600 11th Street Southwest, Wells, MN, USA
Phone: 507-553-5810