TCU Le Center K8 October News

Dear TCU Le Center Families

What a wonderful start to the school year! September brought opportunities to build friendships, establish routines, and celebrate our Titan Pride. We wrapped up the month with a fun Homecoming week filled with dress-up days, a parade, and school spirit. Thank you to our students, staff, and families for making these experiences so special!

A HUGE thank-you to our PTO and everyone who supported the Walk-A-Thon! Together, you raised $11,103.30 and surpassed our goal once again! Your generosity supports learning and creates memorable experiences for our students. It also means I’ll be spending another night on the school roof! Watch for details about when you can join me online for a bedtime story from my rooftop campsite.

As we move into October, our focus continues to be helping every Titan feel KNOWN, CHALLENGED, and SUPPORTED. Our teachers are reviewing assessment information to celebrate progress and identify where students need additional support or challenge. At home, you can help by asking your child what they are learning, what feels challenging, and something they are proud of. Thank you for partnering with us and helping make TCU Le Center a place where every student can learn, grow, and belong!

Mr. Jeff Eppen, Principal

SCHOOL ARRIVAL & BREAKFAST

Students being dropped off or walking to school may enter the building (Door 2S) at 7:30 am ONLY if they plan to eat breakfast at school. Students entering before 7:55 will be guided through the breakfast line. All other students should not arrive earlier than 7:55 am. Students may arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of their school day (8:05 AM). This will help reduce congestion and improve supervision.

Students who ride the bus will be allowed in when their bus arrives and are encouraged to eat breakfast at school. They report to a designated space to wait to be dismissed to classrooms/lockers @ 7:55 AM.

MEET OUR CULTURAL LIASON/INTERPRETER!

Hello Im Cecilia! I am the new Cultural Liaison and Interpreter for the TCU school district. I have two kids that are 5 and 3 and a 2 year old pitbull. I live in Le Center and am part of the Le Center Volunteer ambulance. My favorite color is purple and i love everything and anything avocado.

Please contact me at 507-364-0150 if you need assistance!

THANK YOU LE CENTER PTO!

The PTO of TCU Le Center is INCREDIBLE! Every single day the things they donate through wishlists, activities, fundraisers - make life a little easier, more effective, and more magic for students and staff. This amazing PTO is always looking out for teachers and how to help support staff to bring the best learning to our amazing TCU Titans and we couldn’t be more grateful and couldn’t make the magic we do here at TCU happen without you. Thank you so, so much for all that you do!!

UPDATES FROM LE CENTER PTO

FALL FUNDRAISERS

WALK-A-THON

A huge thank you to the TCU Le Center students for their diligent efforts in fundraising for the walk-a-thon. They surpassed their goal once again this year, resulting in a grand total of $11,103.30. Excellent work!

Hey everyone! Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates on when Mr. Eppen will be reading a bedtime story while he's camped out on the school roof!

From the Le Center PTO Board Members

BLANKETS

TCU Titan Blankets will be for sale again this school year. Blankets are $25.00. Contact a PTO member or watch for pop-up shops at TCU events!

HOMECOMING RECAP

Last week was a lot of fun! Students dressed their Homecoming best, earned treats for their fundraising efforts, and celebrated homecoming with a parade, pepfest, and volleyball tournament. We are all so excited that Mr. Eppen will be spending his 2nd annual night on the school roof.

Employment Opportunities

Hello Parents and Guardians,

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. A lot of the learning and activities happening in

our Student Support Services Department will focus on Bullying and Healthy Friendships. Please

keep in mind that Wednesday, October 21 st , is Unity Day. This is a day where students across

the United States are wearing orange as a visible representation of community, kindness,

acceptance and inclusion. Wearing orange draws attention and starts the conversation about

bullying prevention!

Classroom Lessons: All classes, K-6, will have monthly SEL lessons with the School

Counselor, Mrs. Knott. For the month of October, these lessons will focus primarily on one of

the following topics: Healthy Friendships, What is Bullying?, and Being an Upstander vs.

Bystander. Students should learn skills to standup for themselves and others and gain awareness

about bullying is and how it looks in everyday situations.

Small Groups: Mrs. Knott has been partnering with classroom teachers to determine which

small group topics are most relevant for each grade. Teachers will also identify which students

they believe would benefit from small group skill building and learning then send home

permission slips. If your child brings home a permission slip and you have questions, please

reach out to their classroom teacher. If you believe your student would benefit from a small

group or individual meeting with the school counselor or social worker, please reach out to

Kallen Knott or Theresa Dworak.

Middle School: Middle school students will have Minute Meetings with Mrs. Knott in October.

For 7 th grade, this quick check-in is designed to see what’s going well with their transition to

Middle School, what issues are coming up and a general mid-term grade check. 8 th grade Minute

Meetings will focus on academics and future planning. Throughout the year these meetings will

help prepare 8 th graders for registering for High School classes that best fit their future career

goals.

DUCK CUP MEMORIAL

On October 19th, all TCU 6th-12th graders will attend a Mental Health Awareness presentation. The presentation is being organized by The Duck Cup Memorial. The Duck Cup Memorial is nonprofit organization that supports youth mental health and suicide awareness by providing speakers and educational experience to Midwest schools.

This year, our students will have the opportunity to hear from Kristen, a mental health advocate who is passionate about helping young people understand mental wellness and feel comfortable asking for help when they need it.

During her presentation, Kristen will talk with students about mental health, breaking down the stigma around asking for support, and healthy ways to cope with the challenges that life can bring. She will share
real-life perspectives and practical tools that students can use in their everyday lives.

We are grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with a positive conversation about mental health and remind them that they are not alone. School Counselors and Social Workers will be available after the presentation for any students with questions or concerns.

GAUGING INTEREST FOR A NEW PARENT/GUARDIAN BOOK STUDY: THE ANXIOUS GENERATION

Hello TCU families! We are considering offering a parent/guardian book study focused on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. The book explores changes in childhood and adolescence, including the impact of smartphones, social media, and other aspects of childhood well-being.

The goal of the book study would be to provide a supportive space for parents and guardians to learn, reflect, ask questions, and share ideas about supporting children in today's world.

We are currently gauging interest and would appreciate your feedback in the form of a quick survey. Participating in the survey does not commit you to attending the book study. Thank you!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKCSci4P233Ib-zK24gJ84H_tGeXy4--hs80sFXV3cMYA5Jg/viewform?usp=header

LET'S SMILE DENTAL

We have partnered with the Let's Smile Dental Program. If you are interested in using this service or would like to learn more about it, please use the contact information below.