United South Central Elementary

TO: USC Elementary Students and Parents/Guardians

DATE: August 8, 2024

SUBJECT: 2024-2025 School Year

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On behalf of the United South Central Elementary School staff, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2024-25 school year! As we embark on this new academic year, I extend a warm welcome to all our returning and new students and their families to United South Central Elementary. We begin this journey together with great anticipation and excitement, committed to educational excellence and personal growth.

Over the summer, we made exciting campus improvements, including new stadium seats at the Wells Concrete Stadium, a new look in the HS gym, painting in the elementary school, a new carpet in the elementary vestibule, and updating playground equipment (still in progress). These upgrades will enhance our facilities significantly. Our new playground will provide a more inclusive environment with adaptive swings and ramps, ensuring all students have access.

Beyond the physical upgrades to our campus, USC staff and community members have been deeply involved in a strategic planning process with TeamWorks. This collaborative effort aims to develop a comprehensive plan that sets a clear direction for our district's future, ensuring that all our efforts are focused on achieving shared goals and enhancing educational outcomes for all students—a special thank you to all the staff and community members who contributed to this process.

This year, we are excited to welcome four new teachers to our elementary team: Gianni Alm, interventionist; Allie Bauman, a second-grade teacher; Parker Haug, a band teacher; and Samatha Landsteiner, a fourth-grade teacher. Please join me in giving them a warm USC welcome this fall.

At USC, we remain dedicated to delivering high-quality education to every student and nurturing a supportive environment that fosters effective learning. This academic year, we are committed to encouraging our students to think critically and creatively through a robust curriculum aligned with the Minnesota State Standards. Our teaching philosophy incorporates USC’s Rebel Rights - Be Respectful ∙ Be Responsible ∙ Be Safe - into all aspects of our educational approach.

This year, the staff at USC looks forward to collaborating with you to ensure our children reach their fullest potential. Your involvement significantly impacts your child’s education, and we are eager to work alongside you. We appreciate your dedication to teaching your child daily and willingness to partner with us.

As a collaborator in your child’s education, you have the responsibility to:

• Support the efforts of the school community.

• Review the District Handbook and Student Code of Conduct with your child to ensure an understanding of the expectations.

• Promote positive behavior and decision-making by your child.

• Prioritize school attendance.

• Work collaboratively to address matters concerning your child.

• Meet with school staff when requested.

• Sign a statement acknowledging receipt of the handbook at the Open House (pink form).
  
  

As summer draws near, our skilled and dedicated staff have diligently prepared for the upcoming school year. We are confident it will be a fantastic year of valuable learning and growth. If you have any questions or concerns during the school year, please don’t hesitate to contact the elementary school office. Our staff is here to help and would be delighted to meet with you.

Warm Regards,

Jennifer Taylor

USC Elementary Principal

It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!

Rebel Rights: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe

September 2 - Labor Day - No School

September 3 - Elementary Orientation - Attendance is mandatory

September 4 - 5 - Kindergartners will have a staggered start, meaning half of the class will come on September 4 and the other half on September 5. Please watch for a letter to arrive so you can figure out the day your child will attend.

September 22-27 - Homecoming Week!

October 17-18 - MEA Break - No School

Just a reminder - Every Wednesday, there will be a one-hour early dismissal for PLCs. This starts on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

Back to School Vitals

Elementary Orientation will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd, from 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. This event will allow students and parents/guardians to connect with teachers in person. Please call the elementary office at 507-553-5810 starting on August 19 from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. to sign up for a 20-minute meeting with your child’s teacher. Fifth and sixth graders will have a drop-in session with their teachers.

*Please be aware that these conferences are mandatory and require parent/guardian and student attendance. Students who do not attend will be marked absent.

Chrome Tablets and Chromebooks will be distributed after school starts. We encourage all families to purchase insurance. Please remember that insurance does not cover intentional damage, and parents will be responsible for costs incurred.

Back-to-School Forms—USC staff transitioned to a limited mailing while posting most information on the USC website or in JMC to efficiently send and receive information to all families. We have shared informational documents on the USC website and request that parents answer questions and enter registration data in JMC. Note: If you require a paper copy of any document, contact the elementary school at 507-553-5810 to request a packet.

To access the back-to-school forms, go to the USC district website, click on the Registration tab, select the JMC Login tab, and click on Family to access and complete all the back-to-school forms (see the picture above). When you reach the login screen, you must change the school year from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025. Enter your login information (if you need your login information, please get in touch with the elementary office). On the side tab, click on register for 2024-2025, and you will go through each screen.

School Supplies: The school supply list is available by clicking this [2024-2025 Supply List] or on the district website/Facebook. Please bring your child’s school supplies marked with their name when they meet with their classroom teachers at the orientation conferences. Fifth and sixth-grade students may give their supplies to their first-hour teachers. Please send tennis shoes for gym class and extra clothing.

The student handbook is available on the USC website at www.unitedsouthcentral.org. Please review this updated information, as several changes have occurred since the 2023-2024 school year. Discuss the updates with your child to ensure you are both well-prepared for the new school year.

School pictures will be available on Orientation Day from 8:15 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. This year, each student will receive a packet of images that you can choose to purchase or return to the school. We encourage you to have your child’s picture taken, even if you do not plan to buy photos, to ensure that every student is included in the school yearbook.

Free and Reduced forms are available for completion. These forms can be completed electronically during your family registration. While breakfast and lunch are free for your child this year, completing this application remains essential. Although applying for the free meal benefit is optional, submitting the form is important. Your child may qualify for additional benefits like reduced school fees and other programs. Additionally, your application helps the school qualify for educational funds, discounts, and other beneficial programs such as Title I.

Please be apprised of the new seat belt law.

As of August 1st, children in Minnesota:

1. Will need to ride in a rear-facing car seat until at least age 2, AND until they max out the rear-facing height or weight limit of their seat.

2. Will need to ride in a harnessed seat until a minimum of 4 years old, but preferably until they max out their seat's height or weight limit. **Most kids are not ready to be out of a harnessed seat until 5-6 years old

3. Will be required to ride in a booster seat until 9 years old or until they have outgrown their booster seat limits, AND can pass the "5 Step Test" pictured below **Most kids are not ready to be out of a booster seat until 10-12 years old

4. Under the age of 13 years old MUST ride in the backseat of a vehicle and be properly buckled

Over the past week, students from USC Elementary eagerly participated in the Little Miss Kernel Pageant. This event allowed them to showcase their talents, including graceful dancing, singing, dribbling, pitching, and gymnastics. Their composure under pressure, determination, proactive spirit, and strong work ethic were commendable. Additionally, their exceptional sportsmanship highlighted their achievements. Congratulations to Nora, Mira, Bexley, Ellery, Ciara, Harper, and Rowan for participating in the pageant.

The 2024 Little Miss Kernel royalty is:
Spirit Award: Nora Theede
1st Runner-Up: Bexley Wegner

Little Miss Kernel: Ellery Obermeyer

Elementary School Hours

Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:05 p.m. Students who are not in class before 8:20 a.m. will be marked tardy and will be marked absent at 8:40 a.m.

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. If a parent or guardian needs to access the school building, they must check in at the elementary or high school office, state the reason for their visit, obtain permission to enter, and receive a name badge before proceeding. Ensuring the safety of our students remains our utmost priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Visitors: 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. This policy helps maintain a focused and productive atmosphere for all students.

Parent Contact Information: Please notify the elementary office if your email address or telephone number changes. It is imperative that we can contact you in case of a school-wide emergency or your child becomes ill. Also, keeping your contact information current will ensure you receive notices and announcements from the school.

Outdoor Recess: When temperatures start to drop, it is essential to remember that your child(ren) will have outdoor recess every day, weather permitting. 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 must have the appropriate outdoor attire, 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.

Our school underwent several improvements this summer. A special thank you to our custodial staff for their hard work and dedication and to the USC Booster Club for making these enhancements possible. Enjoy the photos showcasing the changes made over the summer. REBEL PROUD!

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