United South Central Elementary
January/February 2024-2025 - Rebel Review - Rebel Preview
Principal's Corner
Happy New Year, USC Rebels!
As we welcome 2025, I hope you had a refreshing winter break, surrounded by loved ones, and enjoyed some much-needed rest. The start of this new year is the perfect time for reflection and setting new goals, and I wish you all a year filled with growth, achievements, and continued progress.
Looking back on 2024, we have accomplished great things together. As we enter 2025 and start a new quarter next week, it is the perfect time to envision the possibilities that lie ahead. Take some time to think about your aspirations for this year. What do you hope to achieve? What dreams and goals are you setting for yourself and your children? This year is a fresh start, full of potential for new beginnings and personal growth.
Reflecting on 2024, we have celebrated many meaningful milestones. Our collective efforts have been impactful, from ensuring students build foundational skills to becoming proficient readers and mathematicians to expanding their horizons through enriching field trips, knowledge bowl, and sports opportunities. Our community rallied behind Audie Olsen with overwhelming support during a benefit, and we have stood together through difficult times of loss while also celebrating joyous occasions, weddings, new babies, and staff achieving advanced degrees. Truly, we are “All in This Together,” as the Minnesota Vikings so perfectly reminded us a few weeks ago.
Looking ahead, USC remains deeply committed to supporting every student’s journey toward success. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring high levels of learning for all students while fostering a positive and supportive environment. In 2025, we will continue strengthening our literacy instruction, with UFLI Phonics integrated into our literacy blocks and decodable books used in classrooms. This work is helping students continue to develop crucial decoding skills that will lay a strong foundation for future reading success. Additionally, we are excited to expand our focus to include morphology, enhancing students' understanding of word structure to improve decoding and vocabulary skills. USC’s strategic plan is now complete and the school board will review it this Tuesday and it will be ready to launch. As a part of this plan, we will have a new mission and vision statement aligning more closely with our work at USC.
In math, we are committed to providing rigorous instruction that helps students build problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency. By reinforcing foundational math concepts and encouraging a growth mindset, we ensure students succeed and thrive in their mathematical journey. It is truly inspiring to witness our students’ growth across these key areas, as they strengthen their foundational skills and gain confidence in their academic journey. Together, we are setting them up for a future filled with success and opportunity.
Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, opportunity, and success for all! Thank you for being an essential part of our USC school community.
2025 We are Ready!
It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!
Jennifer Taylor, Elementary Principal
Senator Dornink is the Principal for a Day
On January 9, Senator Gene Dornink stepped into the role of Principal for the Day at United South Central Elementary, as part of an initiative by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association. This program aims to give legislators an up-close view of how schools operate, highlight the positive work happening within districts, and provide insight into how current issues and mandates impact education.
During his visit, Senator Dornink immersed himself in the daily life of our school. He gained a firsthand understanding of the principal's responsibilities, visited kindergarten, fourth grade, and band classrooms, and observed lunch duty as well as hallway expectations. He also engaged with students to learn more about our cell phone policy, which utilizes Yondr pouches to promote focus and minimize distractions during the school day.
The day concluded with a thoughtful roundtable discussion with students, where their voices and perspectives were heard, followed by a meeting with the administration. Senator Dornink expressed his admiration for the many positive aspects of USC, from our engaged classrooms to our respectful and polite students. He also shared his commitment to supporting meaningful changes that will benefit school districts across the state.
2024-2025 USC Elementary Yearbook
Capture the memories of an incredible school year with the 2024-2025 Elementary Yearbook! A yearbook is more than just a collection of photos; it’s a keepsake that celebrates friendships, achievements, and the moments that make this school year special. It’s something your child can look back on for years to come, reliving their favorite memories and milestones.
Order forms were sent home last week, and all orders are due by March 28, 2025. To make it even easier, you can order your yearbook online as well! Don’t miss the chance to give your student a tangible piece of their school journey.
Secure your copy today and preserve the memories that matter most!
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
On January 9, in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we expressed our gratitude for our strong partnership with the Wells Police Department and School Resource Officer (SRO) DJ Bullerman at United South Central. Officer Bullerman plays a vital role in building positive relationships between law enforcement and our school community. His commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is invaluable, and his presence goes beyond protection. He provides guidance and mentorship and fosters trust, all contributing to a supportive and thriving learning environment. We are deeply grateful for your dedicated service, Officer Bullerman.
Roller Skating is Coming!
Get ready for one of the Most Wonderful Time of the Year—Roller Skating in P.E.!
Starting Monday, February 3, students will lace up their skates and enjoy nearly two weeks of skating fun. Visitors are welcome to watch the excitement on Thursday, February 13, during P.E. class times. Please note, spectators are allowed only on this day.
This year, skates will be provided, but helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are not included. To ensure student safety, we strongly encourage all students to bring a bike helmet and any additional safety gear, such as elbow and knee pads. Wrist guards will be provided. Siblings may share helmets if they are in different classes. Look for more details at the end of January. Let’s make this a safe and fun experience for everyone!
Important Dates to Remember
January 17 - End of First Semester
January 20 - No School - End of First Quarter - Teacher Work Day
January 21 - Start of Second Semester
January 21 - School Board Meeting at 5:30 PM
February - 3 - 13 - Roller Skating in PE for grades K-4; Bring your bike helmets, elbow and knee pads
February 13 - Valentines Class Parties
February 14 & 17 - No School - Presidents Day Weekend
February 28 - Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
Morning Supervision
Morning supervision at USC begins at 8:00 a.m., but we have noticed students arriving as early as 7:15 a.m. Please remind your student to arrive as close to 8:00 a.m. as possible, whether they are dropped off, walk, or bike to school. Breakfast starts at 7:50 a.m., and before 8:00 a.m., staff members are involved in meetings and other duties, so we are unable to provide supervision prior to that time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Health Guidelines
An increase in various illnesses 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 or COVID-19 (they can return after being fever-free for 24 hours and once the cough has subsided).
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.
*When the nurse's office contacts you to pick up your sick child, please aim to do so as promptly as possible.
Parent Supervision at USC Events
We kindly request parents and guardians supervise their elementary-age children during our athletic and activity events. This helps everyone focus on enjoying the game and contributes to a well-managed, safe environment for all attendees. We truly appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of our events and want to ensure a positive experience for all participants. If adequate supervision is not provided, supervisors may need to dismiss individual students from the event to maintain order. This includes running around the Commons and being in areas in the school that are prohibited during games. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Elementary School Vitals
Elementary School Hours
Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:03 p.m. Students who are not in class by 8:20 a.m. will be marked tardy. If students arrive after 8:40 a.m., they will be marked absent.
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.
Parking Notice: Make sure you are legally parked when dropping off and picking up students before and after school. Parking is off-limits in front of the school, where buses load and unload students. Do not park in any of the HANDICAP DESIGNATED AREAS.
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 want parents and students to use the designated crosswalks exclusively.
Entrance into the Building: For safety reasons, parents will drop off and pick up students outside the main doors. To encourage a smooth and organized school environment, parents are required to make an appointment when meeting with a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Additionally, parents and guardians have access to the front office but are not permitted in the school building during school hours without prior approval. Students are not permitted to bring visitors to school, and visitors are not allowed during breakfast or lunch. This policy helps maintain a focused and productive atmosphere for all students, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Parent Contact Information: Please notify the elementary office if your email address, mailing address, or telephone number changes. It is imperative that we contact you in case of a school-wide emergency or your child becomes ill. Also, keeping your contact information current will make sure you receive notices and announcements from the school.
Outdoor Recess: Winter weather is here! It is essential to remember that your child(ren) will have outdoor recess every day, weather permitting, unless it is below 0 degrees or if it is raining or wet outside. In such cases, recess will be held indoors. 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, during the winter months, students need to have the appropriate outdoor clothing such as layers, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants when the snow is on the ground or mud on the playground.
Extra Clothing: Please send an extra set of clothing with your child. It is important to have an additional set in case of spills, mud, accidents, and wet clothing from recess. Thank you.
Lost and Found: Lost and Found tables are located in the Commons area, near the vending machine. To prevent your child's items from ending up in Lost and Found, please ensure all clothing is labeled correctly with their name.
Spotlight on Fifth and Sixth Grade
Fifth and sixth-grade students enjoyed their end-of-the-quarter Rebel Pride Celebration on Friday, January 31, 2025! The morning kicked off with a fun-filled trip to the Albert Lea Ice Arena, where students who earned AR points enjoyed skating with their classmates. In the afternoon, classroom teachers hosted the quarterly reward celebration, recognizing students for their achievements in AR points and maintaining communication logs free of concerns. This event honored their commitment to Rebel Rights—being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. Congratulations to all our students for their hard work and dedication!
Spotlight on First Grade
Mrs. Olson’s first-grade class welcomed the new year with creativity and excitement by designing their 2025 Vision Boards! Each student thoughtfully highlighted their unique strengths and set meaningful goals for the year ahead, transforming their dreams into vibrant and inspiring works of art that radiated enthusiasm for growth and success in 2025. Here’s to an incredible year ahead, full of growth, discovery, and endless possibilities for Mrs. Olson’s class!
Spotlight on Third Grade
On December 11, our third-grade class embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Ordway Theatre to experience the magic of The Little Mermaid. The excitement was palpable as students eagerly took their seats, ready to be whisked away into an underwater world of dazzling costumes, captivating music, and enchanting storytelling.
This field trip wasn’t just about enjoying a show—it was an opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in the arts, ignite their imaginations, dream bigger, and experience the magic of live theater. They also had the unique chance to see the orchestra pit up close and chat with ensemble members, gaining insight into the teamwork and talent behind the performance. The joy and wonder on their faces as the story came to life on stage were priceless. Thank you to the Ordway Theatre for providing such a memorable experience and to our staff and chaperones for making this adventure possible.
Spotlight on Kindergarten
One of the many benefits of having a K-12 building is the meaningful connections formed between older and younger students. These interactions allow high school students to serve as mentors and role models while fostering a strong sense of community.
Recently, our junior class showcased their creativity by writing and illustrating children’s books inspired by a novel they read in class. They then visited the kindergarten classrooms to share their stories. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful questions, the juniors encouraged the kindergarteners to explore comprehension skills and actively participate in the reading experience.
Spotlight on Fourth Grade
Students in Mr. Stencel’s class dove into the world of poetry, honing their critical thinking and analytical skills. They explored how to compare and contrast different poems, uncovering unique styles and themes. By identifying main ideas, students gained a deeper understanding of the poet’s message and intent.
Spotlight on Big Rebel/Little Rebel
The USC Big Rebels (mentors from grades 7-12) joined their Little Rebels from the elementary school for a cheerful Holiday Party just before Winter Break. The event was a festive celebration filled with snacks, holiday crafts, and seasonal music, creating a joyful atmosphere. This gathering offered a wonderful chance for the Big Rebels to strengthen their bonds with the Little Rebels, sharing in the holiday spirit and creating lasting memories together.
Spotlight on Sixth Grade
Just before the holiday break, sixth-grade students had the opportunity to join their book clubs alongside various USC staff members to discuss the books they had read. During these engaging discussions, students explored the themes, analyzed key characters, and shared their opinions on who they admired or disliked. They also reflected on the plot, imagining how they would change the story if they were the author. This was a fantastic chance for students and staff to connect through literature, sparking meaningful conversations and building stronger relationships.
Spotlight on Third Grade
In a recent Title I lesson, Mrs. Gormley worked with a third-grade class, guiding them through an engaging math lesson focused on mastering addition strategies. The class began by exploring the "in and out" method for addition, starting with the foundational rule of 2. This approach helped students build a strong understanding of how numbers interact and how to efficiently solve addition problems. Mrs. Gormley's creative and hands-on teaching style made learning both fun and impactful, setting the stage for continued success in math.
Jennifer Taylor, USC Elementary Principal
Email: jtaylor@unitedsouthcentral.org
Location: 600 11th Street Southwest, Wells, MN, USA
Phone: 507-553-5810