The ELC/PC Viking View
Responsible, Respectful & Ready
Friday, March 20, 2026
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive March 23-27
The Early Learning and Primary Centers are hosting a food drive for our local food pantry, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. We will be collecting items from March 23th through March 27th, 2026. Please bring donations to the table right inside the main doors of our building at the PC or to a box outside of the office at the ELC, during this time.
Items we are specifically looking for:
Applesauce pouches - for school snacks
Meat sticks (shelf-stable) - for school snacks
Baked beans
Corned beef hash
Vegetable oil
Pickles
Salad dressing
Flour
Canned pasta meals
Spaghettios, Ravioli
Canned chicken
Canned salmon
Bottled fruit juice
Tomato paste
Tomato sauce
At this time, the food pantry does not need boxed macaroni and cheese, applesauce cups/jars, or cream of chicken soup.
With Viking Pride,
Rachael Johnson, Principal
Notification: Upcoming ELC/PC Evacuation Practice
Dear K-2 Families,
I want to inform you about an upcoming fire evacuation practice scheduled for Friday, March 27th. As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, these drills are an important part of our preparedness efforts.
Thank you for your support and partnership as we continue to work to ensure our school is a safe place for everyone.
Kindly,
Rachael Johnson
K-2 Principal
Second Grade Book Club Feedback
Please click this LINK to give us feedback about the Second Grade Book Club. Thank you in advance for your time.
Helping Your Child Navigate Worries and Anxiety
As parents, we all want our children to grow up feeling happy, confident, and secure. However, it's normal for kids to experience worries and anxiety from time to time, especially as they navigate the challenges of growing up. Whether it's starting school, making new friends, or facing unfamiliar situations, there are plenty of things that can cause anxiety in young children. The good news is that as parents, there are many ways we can help our little ones cope with their worries and build resilience. Here are some tips to guide you through this journey:
Create a Safe and Open Environment: Encourage open communication with your child. Let them know that it's okay to talk about their feelings, fears, and worries. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their concerns without fear of judgment.
Listen Actively: When your child expresses worries or anxiety, listen to them attentively. Show empathy and validate their feelings. Sometimes, just having someone to listen to can make a big difference in how they feel.
Teach Coping Strategies: Help your child develop coping strategies to manage their worries. Deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques, or simple mindfulness activities can be effective tools for calming anxious thoughts. Here is a poster of calming strategies that have been taught at school.
Establish Routines: Consistent routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability for children, which can help reduce anxiety. Establish regular bedtime routines, meal times, and daily schedules to create a sense of order in your child's life. Visual schedules of common routines at home can be comforting to children.
Encourage Positive Thinking: Teach your child to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Help them reframe their worries in a more positive light and focus on things they can control.
Lead by Example: Children often learn by observing their parents' behavior. Show them healthy ways to cope with stress and manage your own worries in front of them. Be mindful of the language you use and try to model positive thinking.
Limit Exposure to Stressful Situations: Pay attention to your child's triggers and try to limit their exposure to stressful situations whenever possible. For example, if they're anxious about a particular activity, you can gradually expose them to it in small, manageable steps.
Encourage Physical Activity: Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Encourage your child to engage in active play, sports, or outdoor activities to help them release pent-up energy and stress.
Celebrate Achievements: Praise your child's efforts and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their self-esteem and confidence, making them more resilient in the face of challenges.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your child's worries persist or significantly interfere with their daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. The ELC/PC has a school counselor, social worker, and psychologist available to help you navigate this decision. They can provide additional support and strategies to help your child cope with their anxiety.
Remember, every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and supportive as you help your child navigate their worries and anxiety. With your love and guidance, they'll develop the resilience and coping skills they need to thrive emotionally and mentally. Please reach out to the ELC/PC Student Services Team with any questions.
Lost And Found
PTO News
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, March 27 - Second Grade Book Club
- Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3 - No School - Spring Break
- Thursday, April 9 - 26/27 Kindergarten Parent Information Night at ELC
- Monday, April 13 - Early Release
- Friday, April 24 - Kindergarten Spring Sing and Art Gallery Walk
SPARK ✨ CAMP INVENTION 2026
Summer School Registration Reminder
If your child received a summer school invitation during conferences, please use the link provided on the invitation to register as soon as possible to secure their spot!
Registration for all other students will open on April 7. Don’t miss this opportunity for fun and learning this summer!
For assistance, please reach out to Katie Hardyman, Summer School Administrator at hardymankatie@mounthorebschools.org or Jesse Meudt, Program Support at meudtjesse@mounthorebschools.org.
Supports Available
Need social-emotional support for your child? Need to problem-solve or check-in with our Student Services team members? We have a team of highly qualified staff who stand on the ready to support you and your student. You can call the PC main office at 437-7506 or ELC main office 437-7606 to be connected to our team, or you can send them an email directly.
Dean of Students: Katie Hardyman, hardymankatie@mounthorebschools.org
School Counselor: Jordyn Van Zeeland, vanzeelandjordyn@mounthorebschools.org
School Social Worker: Sophia Langkamp, langkampsophia@mounthorebschools.org
School Psychologist/4K Coordinator: Nicole Tepe, tepenicole@mounthorebschools.org
School Nurse: Christy Staats, staatschristy@mounthorebschools.org
Resources
Volunteer Background Check form
Blue Note Form for temporary bus riding changes
Bullying, Harassment & Intimidation - How to Report It
Contact Info
Primary Center
Secretary: Lyndsay Evans-Eder, evansederlyndsay@mounthorebschools.org
Website: https://www.mounthorebschools.org/schools/primary/
Location: 207 Academy Street, Mount Horeb, WI, USA
Phone: 608-437-7506
Early Learning Center
Principal: Rachael Johnson, johnsonrachael@mounthorebschools.org
Secretary: Colleen Kittleson, kittlesoncolleen@mounthorebschools.org
Website: https://www.mounthorebschools.org/schools/elc/
Location: 300 Spellman Street, Mount Horeb, WI, USA
Phone: 608-437-7606