TCU Le Center K8 August News
2025
Dear TCU Le Center Families
It’s almost here — the first day of school! I can’t wait to open our doors, hear the laughter in the hallways, and see the bright smiles that fill our classrooms. Whether you’re joining us for the very first time or returning for another great year, welcome to the 2025–26 school year at TCU Le Center! A special shoutout to our brand new Kindergarten Class of 2037 — your journey as Titans begins now, and we’re so excited to be part of your very first steps in school.
This year brings plenty of exciting changes. You’ll see in this newsletter some important updates to our drop-off procedures and traffic flow to help mornings run smoother and safer. Our building also keeps getting better — with fresh new flooring in several areas and a bold, eye-catching graphic at the front entrance that shows off our Titan pride the moment you walk up.
We’re welcoming new staff members who bring fresh energy, ideas, and a passion for helping every student thrive. Combined with our incredible returning team, we’re ready to make this a year full of learning, growth, and great memories.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school family. Together, we’re going to make 2025–26 a year to remember!
See you soon, Titans — let’s make it an amazing year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Jeff Eppen, Principal
We have a few new things at TCU LC this year that will be a little different that last year. Please take a look and reach out to our office with questions. These are MUST read updates!
1. Morning Entrance -- Please read this!! A number of changes!! Please click the link! More info below as well.
2. Traffic Flow English & Traffic Flow Spanish -- A few minor changes for drop off and pick up traffic!! Please click the links and review maps and info. More info on this topic below as well.
3. Raptor - Secure monitoring of adults entering our buildings
We’re excited to share an important update in our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff at TCU. Beginning this school year, we will be implementing the Raptor Visitor Management System at our campus. This state-of-the-art system will be used to screen all visitors and contractors before granting access to the building.
Here’s how it works:
Visitors will be required to present a valid government-issued ID upon arrival.
The ID will be scanned through the Raptor system, which checks it against national databases.
Once cleared, visitors will be issued a printed badge that must be worn while inside the school.
This process only takes a few moments and adds an important layer of protection, ensuring that everyone who enters our building is authorized to be here. It’s just one more way we are working to strengthen our security protocols and keep our children as safe as possible.
We appreciate your support and cooperation as we roll out this new system. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
4. Tech fees - New for GRADES 5-12
The Titan Technology Access Plan (TTAP) ensures every student has a reliable Chromebook for learning while protecting families from costly repairs or replacements. By contributing a $25 annual Technology Instructional Supply Fee in grades 5–12, families gain coverage for common issues like cracked screens, battery or keyboard failures, and even full replacement at a fraction of the actual cost. Investing in the plan is far less expensive than paying out-of-pocket, making it the most affordable way to sustain access to essential learning tools throughout a student’s four-year Chromebook cycle. This can be paid for through JMC.
SUPPLY DRIVE
The Le Center PTO is seeking your assistance in restocking supplies for TCU Le Center SChool. Please take a moment to review our list of needed items and drop them off in the designed bins at Rademacher's, Amoco, FIrst State Bank, or First National Bank. We sincerely appreciate your continued support!
TEACHER WISH LISTS
It's going to be an AMAZING YEAR!
Below is the QR code that will take you to the TCU LE CENTER teachers' Amazon Wish Lists. This is a more specific list that can be purchased through Amazon.
To donate, scan the code, search for the respective teacher, and it will direct you to their Amazon wish list.
Thank you in advance for supporting our teachers at TCU Le Center!
Please read our full welcome message: 25.26 Annual Student Registration Message
Haga clic aquí para obtener una traducción al Español de este mensaje
We are excited to welcome our Titans back for the school year! TCU schedules and teacher assignments are now available for grades K-12. Please complete the annual registration process for each of your TCU Titans. The registration process is only supported in the desktop version of the JMC family portal (or click ‘desktop’ on the bottom of the screen when using the mobile version).
The annual student registration process is five simple steps:
1. Review your family and student data for inputs or updates (via JMC family portal).
2. Sign all e-forms assigned to your family. Students in grades 7-12 should log into the JMC student portal to sign student e-forms.
3. Submit a free & reduced price meal application. Free & reduced price meal applications impact critical funding for all students. We ask that all families complete an application. Free and reduced price meal applications must be submitted annually.
4. View bus information (if applicable) or submit a Bus Registration Form. Please continue to monitor your bus assignments as times may shift due to late registrations and routing adjustments.
5. Pay dues, fees, and purchase planners in the Tuition/Fees menu. Click on “Pay my Bill” to pay assigned fees (planners, grades 9-12 class dues). Click on “Purchase Items” to search the store for the K-4 Snack Break Program and grades 9-12 class registration fees.
Please read the 25.26 Annual Student Registration Message
for steps on how to get started with registration, more transportation information, and important upcoming dates.
Emily Meger: Administrative Assistant
Julie Rogers: 7th & 8th Grade Math & Coaching (GBB and JH VB)
Laura Swiechowski: Speech Language Pathologist
Kallen Knott: Counselor Grades 5 & 6 - (Days T, TH, F) (Shared with Monty K8)
Austin Pinke: Special Services Teacher
Aurora Bertola: Multilingual TeachSarah
Sarah Westphal: Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Georgia McManus: Sped Paraprofessional (Pinke)
Michelle Boudreau: Sped Paraprofessional (Eppen & Gerdes)
Lucas Hardel: IT Tech Support
Eden Hodkins: Multilingual Services Paraprofessional (Gluth & Bertola)
Jason Toupence: SW Metro Program Coordinator
Lauren WItheridge: SW Metro Program Director
TBD: Sped Paraprofessional (Calllijuri)
TBD: Kitchen Worker
TBD: Reading Corp Tutor
TBD: Math Corp Tutor
Aug. 27: 7/8th Grade Open House (4:30-6:30 pm)
Sept. 2: First day of school for 7th & 8th Graders
Sept. 2: K-6 Bolting Back to School Conferences (11:30 am - 7:30 pm)
Sept. 2: School Pictures
Sept. 3: K-6 Bolting Back to School Conferences (10:30 am - 6:30 pm)
Sept. 3: School Pictures
Sept. 4: First day of school for K-6 students
Oct. 6-10: Homecoming Week
Oct. 16 & 17: MEA - No School
Oct. 31: End 1st Quarter
Please log in to your family portal to see your student's teacher assignment(s) and schedule for this fall! If you have forgotten your username or password OR are new to the district, please click the link at the bottom of the login page. If you still need assistance, please contact the school office.
Link to JMC to Log In - Make sure to use the appropriate school year in the dropdown box!
Who: 7th & 8th Grade Students & Parents/Guardians
When: Wednesday, August 27th, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: TCU Le Center
Why: Find the classrooms, meet the teachers, locate lockers, drop off school supplies, etc
Who: Incoming TCU K-6th grade Students & Families
What: A personalized, 20-minute conference to meet your child’s teacher and complete necessary paperwork.
Where: TCU Le Center Elementary
When: September 2nd, 11:30-7:30 or September 3rd, 10:30-6:30
Why: This will allow your child to feel more comfortable when meeting his/her teacher for the first time. It provides an opportunity for staff to begin building a relationship with your family as well as get to know your child as a reader.
Please find your child's teacher in the list below and sign up for a time:
All TCU Le Center 7th Grade students will have their pictures taken on Tuesday, September 2nd (First Day of School) during the school day. All TCU Le Center 8th Grade students will have their pictures taken on Wednesday, September 3rd (Second Day of School).
Kindergarten - 6th Grade students will have their pictures taken at their Bolting Back to School Conference. Stop in the elementary gym before or after your child's conference.
Pictures can be pre-ordered online HERE.
SNACK PROGRAM!
K-4 Snack Break: We are excited to offer healthy snack options daily for students to purchase. All snacks offered meet the USDA’s Smart Snacks in school nutrition standards. Milk is also available as a stand-alone option or in addition to the snack option. (Note: For kindergarten students, milk is state-funded and offered daily at snack break free of charge).
- No sign up is required. All snack break items are purchased through the student lunch account as “snack break” a la carte. (Students must have a positive balance in their lunch account to purchase from the snack break cart).
- Snack is $0.65 each and Milk is $0.50 each
- This program is separate from the school lunch program. Signing up for the K-4 Snack Break Program is optional for families, and is not part of the Application for Educational Benefits Application (AEB) that provides school meals for families who qualify.
Other Food Services Information:
Free breakfast and lunch for all students will continue this school year.
All students receive 1 free breakfast + 1 free lunch every school day (provided through the National School Lunch & Breakfast Programs).
Do I still need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits?
It is important for families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits - even though the meals are free. Applications for Education Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports. TCU is asking that ALL families complete an Application for Educational Benefits (AEB), which must be submitted annually. AEB applications can be completed in the JMC family portal. Navigate to register for the 2025-2026 application. We will have the AEB forms available at Open House and Bolting Back to School. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, such as:
- WIC Benefits
- Metro Transits’ Transit Assistance Program
- FCC Affordable Connectivity Program/Reduced price internet programs
- Some summer camps, athletic programs and/or child care offer scholarships or discounts.
What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Students in Grades K-12
- At breakfast, the student must choose at least 3 items to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose at least ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their breakfast.
- At lunch, the student must choose at least 3 components to be counted as a reimbursable meal. The student must choose at least ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable as part of their lunch.
Students in Preschool
- At breakfast and lunch, the student must take all of the items included in the meal. This includes the entrée, fruit, vegetable and milk.
What is not included in the MN Free School Meals Program?
Single item purchases and non-reimbursable meals are not free. Some examples include:
- Carton of milk
- Snack items
- Second entrée
- A second breakfast or a second lunch
- Meals that do not meet the minimum requirements
- Meals served to teachers, staff, and other adults.
Other Meal Details
- Students will enter their meal account number into the pin pad at the point of sale station for their free breakfast and free lunch.
- Students who bring a cold lunch from home may purchase a carton of milk for $0.50
- A la carte is available after meal service for students in grades 7-8. Students will need to have a positive balance in their meal accounts.
- Students may pre-order a free bagged lunch on designated classroom field trip days.
Palmer Bus has a new phone number! To reach them, please call 507.481.6638.
Bus transportation will be provided to resident students living in the school-designated transportation area. Parents are permitted to designate a licensed day care facility or the home of a relative as the home of the pupil for transportation aid purposes. Any questions regarding transportation should be made to Palmer Bus Company, 507-481-6638.
Bus assignments will be communicated using the JMC family portal. You will not be receiving a postcard or a call. To view busing information, navigate to “Bus” on the left side menu in the JMC family portal. Please continue to monitor your bus assignments through the first weeks of the school year as times may shift due to late registrations and routing adjustments.
If your student(s) need transportation, but you do not see bus information in JMC, please complete a Bus Registration Form. (Exceptions are special transportation and PreK transportation assignments, which will be communicated at a later date and directly by Palmer.)
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. If childcare before school is needed, KidZone is available by calling Layne Wilbright at 507-364-3042 or by contacting his email at lwilbright@tcu2905.us.
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.
Parents who walk their children to school should accompany them to the front door (2S). Parents are not allowed to enter the building unless they check into the office (door 1S) for approval and have a valid reason to be in the building.
WHERE TO PICK UP/DROP OFF STUDENTS:
○ Drop Off - Before school begins - Door 2S (By Commons Area)
○ Drop Off - DURING SCHOOL HOURS- Door 1S (By Main Office)
○ Pick Up - DURING SCHOOL HOURS- Door 1S (By Main Office)
○ Pick Up - After School Hours- Door 2S - Grade K-2 & Door 1S - Grades 3-8
Updates to Traffic Flow for Drop off and Pick up times:
○ It is important to follow this traffic flow framework to increase student and parent safety, increase emergency vehicle accessibility, and increase the efficiency and timeliness of the pick-up and drop-off process. Thank you in advance for helping with this!
NEW: Please see the maps below.Traffic arriving from the West on Tyrone St will not be allowed to turn left into the drop off line.
*We ask that you do not park your vehicle and get out of your vehicle. Children should exit and enter each vehicle along the curb side of the car. DO NOT HAVE CHILDREN WALKING AROUND THE CAR TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE.
* * * *NOTE: If you have child seats that are fastened in your back seat, please be sure they are on the opposite side of where your school-aged child will be dropped off or picked up.
Looking for TCU Le Center News?
Box Tops
Casey’s Rewards
Coborn's More School
Coborn's More School Rewards - Turn your groceries
into points for our school by downloading the mobile
app and designating us as your preferred school.
TCU Le Center K8 School
Website: https://www.tcu2905.us/page/4182
Location: 150 West Tyrone Street, Le Center, MN, USA
Phone: 507-357-6802
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TCULeCenterK8/
Twitter: @jeffeppen
