United South Central Elementary

Dear Parents and Guardians-

As summer approaches, I sincerely hope you have had a positive and successful school year and a wonderful end. I want to thank the students, staff, and community for making this year incredible. Reflecting on this past year, one word comes to mind: investment. At the start of every year, we invest significantly in our children, teachers, coaches, the USC school district, and the community. These investments vary in stakes, but all come with growth potential. Looking back on the high points and areas for reflection, the 2023-2024 school year has yielded impressive results on many levels.

On May 1, 2024, the elementary education teachers, Para Educators, and Speech-Language Pathologists completed their two-year Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling training (LETRS). This was our biggest investment, as it lasted two years and has changed how we look at literacy instruction. Teachers will continue implementing the Science of Reading at USC to enhance literacy instruction, elevate student outcomes, raise reading proficiency rates, and address disparities in student achievement.

This year, teachers implemented UFLI (explicit phonics instruction) to teach students basic foundational reading skills. We are seeing great results, and this will continue into next year with special education teachers, ELL, and Title I on board during our Rebel Readers time. In addition to UFLI continuing, Core5®, The Better Alphabet Song™, and Secret Stories® will continue as they all contribute to our ongoing success.

On the math homefront, students continue to have Math Masters time in addition to large group instruction along with IXL. Beyond academics, our high investment results are evident in various activities, including live performances like Doktor Kaboom at the Ordway Theatre, Farm America, Base Camp, Ruby Ranch, Como Zoo, Rebel Pride Celebrations, the Book Blast, field trips, and more.

As we close out the 2023-24 school year, I am grateful for the continued opportunity to serve at United South Central Elementary. I am continually impressed by the tenacity and determination of our staff and students, as well as the positive atmosphere, astute insights, and unique talents I encounter daily. Thank you to USC parents and community members for your unwavering support. We couldn't have achieved our goals without you and are profoundly grateful. I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversations, meetings, phone calls, and community events. As we bid farewell to another year, we are already working on improving, reaching, and teaching every student in 2024-2025. The future is bright at USC Elementary.

The investments we've made this year have laid a solid foundation for continued growth and success. Until next school year, I wish you fun, laughter, and learning this summer. Enjoy your vacation!

Warm Regards,
Jennifer Taylor

USC Elementary Principal

It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!

Rebel Rights: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe

As we approach the end of the school year and begin planning for the next, the process of assigning students to classes for the upcoming year is underway. USC Elementary staff, specialists, administrators, and other team members dedicate considerable time and effort to this placement process. Our ultimate goal is to create well-balanced classes that promote maximum growth for each student.

To provide the best educational experience, we consider factors such as gender balance, personalities, academic performance, health considerations, behavioral needs, language proficiency, and special education requirements. We formulate these lists based on the expertise of classroom teachers and input from specialists, academic support staff (such as ELL and SPED teachers), school social workers, and administrators.

Due to the complexity of these considerations, we cannot guarantee a specific placement for any child. However, please rest assured that your child's best interests are always our top priority, and each placement is carefully considered. Once placements are finalized, they are not subject to change unless there has been an oversight on our part during the placement process. It is important to note that moving a student from one class to another can disrupt the balance of the classroom and affect scheduling.

As we look forward to the new school year, we eagerly anticipate welcoming students back with renewed energy and enthusiasm in the fall of 2024. Thank you for your continued support.

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Summer is the perfect time for students of all ages to relax, but it’s also a period when summer learning loss, often called the “summer slide,” can occur. This happens when children do not engage in educational activities during the summer months. USC Elementary students have made significant progress in learning to read, and we want to ensure they continue to advance and build on their achievements.

Reading during the summer helps students:
-Strengthen and maintain their skills.
-Exercise their developing brains.
-Increase their knowledge base.
-Elevate the importance of lifelong learning.
-Foster social and emotional development.
-Prepare for the next academic year.

This summer, the Wells Public Library is thrilled to host the 'Adventure Begins at Your Library' reading program from June 5 to August 11, 2024. This exciting program is packed with music, crafts, storytime, comedy, The RAD Zoo, and even prizes for reading books. It's a summer adventure your child won't want to miss!

You are invited to explore this program and discover the joy of reading great books with your child this summer. By participating in summer reading, you're not just preventing summer learning loss; you're fostering a love for learning that will continue to grow and succeed academically.

Please see the following announcement from Faribault and Martin County Services as you plan your summer activities.

As we wrap up the school year, we must look ahead to the fall and our school schedule for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. Please keep in mind that we have one major change to our schedule next year, and we will be incorporating a 1-hour early release on Wednesdays (except for the first and last Wednesday of the school year, which will be regular-length days). On Wednesdays, USC will then dismiss at 2:06 PM. This schedule creates time for our teachers and support staff to participate in valuable professional development to help them be at their best for our students. Please consider this change as you look ahead to the upcoming school year.

For this year's quarterly Rebel Pride Celebrations, teachers nominate students from each grade level who consistently embody the USC Rebel Rights of being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe in their daily interactions in the classroom, hallways, and events. The selected students are recognized during the Rebel Pride ceremony, with their names announced, and they receive a framed certificate and a prize. Class rewards differ each quarter, and students enjoyed an ice cream treat for the fourth quarter.

This award is given to students who go above and beyond during the quarter and show respect to staff, students, and property.

Pictured (L to R) Kipp Linder, Lincoln Hander, Everett King, Bria Thofson, and Harper Bird

This award is given to students who show up on time, are dedicated to completing work, and help others during the quarter.

Pictured (L to R) Amelia Staloch, Kyson Buendorf, Bexley Wegner, Grace Linder, and Harper Stern

This award is given to students who make safe choices, keep their hands and feet to themselves, and follow safety protocols in the classroom and throughout the building.

(L to R) Gryer Goette, Audrey Voigt, Mia Hinsch, Ciara Schrader, Gabriela Velasquez

Second-grade students participated in the annual Animal Fair, showcasing their hard work and research. They created detailed boards featuring their animals' habitats, diets, and three interesting facts. Additionally, students built models of the animals' habitats and crafted clay replicas of the animals themselves. The event drew students and community members alike, making it a truly impressive occasion.

During May, the kindergarten classes embarked on a field trip to Ruby Ranch, aiming for experiential learning, skill development, and nature exploration. The students enthusiastically shared that their highlight was interacting with the animals. Gratitude goes to the kindergarten teachers and chaperones for facilitating this memorable day.

Students in Mrs. Stevermer’s fifth-grade STEM class have dedicated a portion of this past quarter to learning how to type. They have significantly improved their typing skills, starting with the home row and progressing to various other letters on the keyboard. Mastering typing is a crucial skill they will need as they transition to the sixth-grade next year and beyond.

Second-grade students recently took a trip to Como Zoo, where they spent the day exploring. This excursion complemented their animal fair projects, allowing them to see their chosen animals up close in their natural habitats. The students were thrilled to share their zoo adventures and newfound knowledge.

Fifth-grade students went on a field trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, located in the former Methodist Church in Spring Valley, MN, to gain insight into the Wilder family’s life when they first settled in Minnesota. Laura Ingalls and "Manly" lived in Spring Valley from 1890 to 1891 when they were newly married. After visiting the museum, the students went to Niagara Cave in Harmony, Minnesota, where they explored underground passages shaped by water flow. There, they saw 450-million-year-old fossils and an incredible waterfall.

On May 22nd, the fourth-grade class visited Base Camp at Fort Snelling. Students enjoyed rock climbing, archery, and various team-building activities. The day was filled with fun and excitement!

The sixth graders recently embarked on an exciting field trip to the Mill City Museum in Minneapolis. This unique museum is located within the historic ruins of the Washburn A Mill, which opened in 1880 as the world's largest and most advanced flour mill. Reopened by the Minnesota Historical Society in 2003, Mill City Museum offers a dynamic educational experience that brings history to life. During their visit, students engaged in hands-on activities in the baking and water labs, and they enjoyed a ride on the historic grain elevator, taking in a panoramic view of the city.

One of the year's most anticipated events for the first-grade class happened on May 17, 2024. If you guessed the fishing trip to Daly Park, you are correct. Students, teachers, and chaperones headed to the lake for a fun-filled day of fishing, boat safety, lake creature identification, the water cycle, and lunch provided by the Lura Lake Association. Students were quick to report they had a “fabulous” time. A special thank you to the teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers for making this day possible.

During the fourth quarter, the fifth-grade students selected an influential person from the present or history to research. They compiled their findings into a slide presentation and dressed as their chosen figure for the Wax Museum event. Parents, grandparents, and community members were invited to attend and listen to the presentations. Seeing the students' hard work pay off each year and witnessing their growth during the event is remarkable. In the pictures below, Aria Johnson presents on Jane Goodall, Peyton Schrader presents on Hellen Keller, and William Kayser presents on John Deere.

Last week, USC first graders celebrated their victory in the penny war with a delicious pizza party. It was a great day to be a first-grader! Pictured below is Mrs. Stenzel's class.

Third-grade students visited Farm America during the last week of school. Located in Waseca, MN, Farm America provided the students with an opportunity to explore and connect with the evolving story of Minnesota agriculture. They participated in various sensory experiences, including guided walking tours, farm animal interactions, interactive exhibits, and visits to crop research plots. The focus was on food, fiber, renewable fuels, jobs, and more, offering a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

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