December News 2025
Pepin Elementary
We hope you and your family had a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving break. It’s hard to believe that December is already here. There is so much to share about this busy month. We hope you will take a moment to look this over.
Character Theme: Empathy
Our elementary character theme for December is Empathy. Empathy means “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings,” a key practice in building strong relationships. Here are some conversation starters for the dinner table:
Why do you think practicing empathy is important?
How can empathy help in solving conflicts?
We will meet on December 5 to talk more about Empathy, along with our friends in the Eagle’s Nest Groups.
Family Resource Council Events
Giving Tree: Our Giving Tree will be set up in the lobby near the district office. Teachers will add gift tags suggesting items needed for their classrooms. If you’d like to participate, take a tag, return it with the gift, and place it under the tree. The tree will be by the large gym during our Elementary Program on December 10 at 10:00 a.m. Thank you for supporting our Pepin Area School community!
Holiday Crafts Night: Join us on Monday, December 8th, from 6:00-7:00 pm in the cafeteria to make winter-themed decorations. All ages are welcome! Children must be accompanied by a parent or grandparent. We’ll have hot chocolate and treats for everyone. Come and go as your schedule allows—we hope to see you there!
Fruit Sale Update
Fruit orders will arrive on December 8th for evening pickup. We’ll notify you as soon as we confirm the delivery time. Thank you for making this year’s sale a success.
Elementary Program
Mrs. Rundquist and our students are preparing for the elementary program, which will feature grades K-5 on December 10 at 10:00 a.m. in the large gym. The program will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. It is one of the highlights of the year.
Celebration Trip: Swimming at Ellsworth Pool
To celebrate our students’ hard work, we’ll take a fun swimming trip on December 19. Departure is at 12:15 p.m. with swimming from 1-2:30 p.m. We’ll return in time for regular dismissal.
Please send:
Towel and swimsuit
Water bottle
Warm clothing for the bus ride home
Layered clothing for the ride there
Winter Weather Reminder
Please ensure your child is prepared for outdoor recess with warm coats, boots, snow pants, hats, and gloves. Being dressed warmly makes recess much more enjoyable! If your family needs any winter clothing, please reach out—we’re here to help. Also, please mark hats, gloves, mittens, coats and snow pants so we can return them to the rightful owner if they are lost.
We hope you enjoy a restful season with family and friends.
Warmly,
Mrs. Riesgraf
