Washington Learning Center News
"Learning for fun, learning for growth, learning for life"
September 2023 Message from Principal Brown
We are all very excited to begin a new school year at WLC. This is the 8th year of WLC as a preschool and kindergarten building. We continue to develop and grow every year with the help of our talented, creative, and caring staff.
Each year we all continue to learn and grow, just like the children. This year you will be hearing about the following:
- Kindness - an overall theme for WLC "Be kind! Be Safe! Be a learner!" We have a wonderful school song that your child knows and can sing for you!
- The Pyramid Model in the preschool (which is a conceptual framework of evidence-based practices for promoting young children's healthy social and emotional development)
- Outdoor learning experiences and play.
The kindergarten teachers are planning their first field trip. We are hoping for some beautiful fall weather for exploring at Flandrau State Park and for the adventure at the A-Peeling Acres Orchard.
Kindergarten Goals
Our kindergarten goals this year are from the Minnesota State Standards:
By May 2024 all kindergarten students will be able to:
name all uppercase and lowercase letters in the alphabet.
make all letter sounds.
read, write, and represent whole numbers from 0 - 31.
count with and without objects, forward and backward to at least 20.
Our teachers will also be focusing on implementing regular use of our outdoor spaces for both learning and play. Please be sure that they always have an extra set of clothes to change into if they end up getting wet or really dirty.
Seesaw and Washington Learning Center (WLC) Social Media
Lastly, stay connected with WLC and NUPS on social media. Please follow us on X, Instagram, and Facebook. You will also want to get signed up for Seesaw with your kindergarten child's classroom. Teachers will be posting photos and activities to Seesaw (kindergarten) and social media which will help give you a snapshot of what your child/children are doing at school.
Thank you!
Drop off and pick up have been going quite well and will continue to improve with each day. We greatly appreciate your efforts in making this process safe and swift. Please always use the cross walks to cross streets and to walk up to our office door, #1.
Many children already know how to buckle themselves into their care seat. This is very helpful and allows for a swift dismissal. We realize many have other children to pick up at other locations.
We will continue to help those who still need assistance. We have 50+ students dismissed at curbside which means there are 50+ different car seats for staff to learn about and experience. We can watch informational videos to help us understand the proper way to buckle in a child, but we will still ask you if we have done it correctly. You know your child's carseat best. If you choose to buckle your own child or need to make any adjustments, you will need to pull into a parking space in order to make those changes. We will help manage the traffic flow to maintain safety.
We look forward to this year with your child/children and will continue to provide them with an excellent experience at WLC!
Kindergarten School Day Begins at 8:00 A.M.
- If your child is planning on eating breakfast, please drop them off at 7:30 A.M.
We would like to see all kindergartners here no later than 7:50 so they have time to go to their lockers and be ready for the 8:00 A.M. start.
Some children arrive on the bus and we know they do not have control about the time they arrive at school. We do ensure that those children receive breakfast if they want it.
End of the day dismissal is 3:00 P.M. If you are waiting for your child at curbside, you will see them start to exit the building just after 3:00 P.M. We will dismiss students as soon as they come down according to the cars lined up at the cones.
Curbside pick up has been getting better everyday! Thank you for your assistance and support!
It's HOMECOMING week!
HOMECOMING BUTTONS
Homecoming Dress Up Days
SEPTEMBER MENUS
Breakfast is FREE for all students from 7:30am-8:00am. Please remember if your child is needing to eat breakfast at school they need to be here early enough to make it up to their classroom by 8:00 A.M. Kindergarten does officially start at 8:00 A.M. and students will begin to be marked tardy if they are coming up late from breakfast. Thank you for your assistance and effort in helping the students be up to their classrooms to get their days started on time.
Lunch is FREE for all students. If your student brings a lunch from home but purchases milk there will be a charge of $0.55 to their lunch account.
ECFE - Betty Uehling
ECFE
We had amazing registration this session! Families who attend ECFE not only spend quality time playing and exploring with their children, but they also meet other families in our community who have children of the same age. We still have room in some of our classes...there is still time to join the fun! <https://newulm.ce.eleyo.com/
Upcoming ECFE Events:
Eagles Preschool
Ms. Sara (Ahrens) - sahrens@newulm.k12.mn.us
Ms. Jill (Berdan) - jberdan@newulm.k12.mn.us
Ms. Carla (BERG) - cberg@newulm.k12.mn.us
Ms. Eileen (Bierk) - ebierk@newulm.k12.mn.us
Ms. Melissa (Nehls) - mnehls@newulm.k12.mn.us
Kindergarten
UPCOMING KINDERGARTEN EVENTS:
Kindergarten classes will also be taking a walking field trip to tour the New Ulm Fire Station on Wednesday, October 11th!
Mrs. Stephanie Berkner - sberkner@newulm.k12.mn.us
Hi! My name is Steph Berkner and I've been teaching kindergarten for 14 years. I love the excitement of 5 and 6 year olds! The amount of growth that the kindergartners gain during the academic year is
astounding! When I'm not teaching, you can find me spending time with my family, including my husband Craig and our 3 children, Emmalyn (8), Addlie (6), and Elliot (2). I also enjoy gardening, baking, traveling and spending time at the lake.
Ms. Hailey Boelter - hboelter@newulm.k12.mn.us
Ms. Holly Dahle - hdahle@newulm.k12.mn.us
Hi, my name is Holly Dahle (Dale) and I am a
Kindergarten Teacher here at WLC.
This is my 4th year teaching here at WLC, I have a daughter who is 4 years old and keeps me busy. I like to garden, go camping, and spend time with family and friends! I can’t wait to have a great school year full of learning!
Ms. Emma Dickinson - edickinson@newulm.k12.mn.us
Mrs. Tiffany Gasow - tgasow@newulm.k12.mn.us
Mrs. Mary Niehoff - mniehoff@newulm.k12.mn.us
Hello everyone !
I am so excited to be Teaching here at WLC
again. This is my 7th year in New Ulm. I have many fun and
exciting activities planned for my class to do. I have listed some
of my favorite things for you to get to know me better:
*My husband and I have 10 grandchildren (ages 9 months - 11 years old. )
*I love to travel, especially to the beach where it is warm.
*I like all kinds of music, especially Christian and Country Music.
*I enjoy playing and watching all kinds of sports.
*I have been a kindergarten teacher for 20 + years.
*My favorite thing to do is to teach Kindergarten!!
Mrs. Janel Sasser - jsasser@newulm.k12.mn.us
My name is Mrs. Janel Sasser.
I have been teaching for 30 years.
I love exploring and learning along side my kindergarten students.
My husband Michael and I have 4 children.
Mikayla (29); Brooke (26); Cole (24); and Carson (21).
I love reading, collecting seashells off the beach, gardening, walking my dog Ruby, and snuggling with my cat named Azul.
I am looking forward to watching my students grow both academically and socially during the 2023-2024 school year.
Ms. Paige Vancura - pvancura@newulm.k12.mn.us
My name is Paige Vancura and this is my 1st year at WLC. I graduated this past May from Minnesota State University, Mankato and I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten this year! I currently live in Mankato but I grew up in Windom. When I’m not teaching, I love to read, spend time with family & friends, and snuggle my two cats, Ozzy & Juniper.
SPECIALS - ART, MUSIC, LIBRARY/TECHNOLOGY & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Art & Music - Mrs. Andrea Hanson - ahanson@newulm.k12.mn.us
Library & Technology News - Ms. Angela Hoek - ahoek@newulm.k12.mn.us
Greeting my name is Ms. Hoek.
The students see me for library and technology each week. I also work on the intervention team at WLC. This is my 22nd year at New Ulm Public Schools and my fouth year at WLC.
This month the students were able to check out their first school library books. They learned about taking care of their library books and returning them each week. During storytime, they heard tales of bookworms, librarians who are bears, bus drives who are pirates and how important it is to use good manners. By the end of this month, students will be able to check out two books. During storytime this month, they will hear tales of sharks, bookworms, football, hedgehogs, and apples.
The students come once a week for technology. EPIC will be the first app they learned how to use on iPads. Epic reads them stories that they choose or I assign. SeeSaw is the second app they will learn how to use this month. Their first SeeSaw activity will be a library scavenger hunt. Look for their finished project on your family SeeSaw account later this month.
Physical Education & DAPE - Ms. Mikayla Lindell - mlindell@newulm.k12.mn.us
Hello!
I'm Ms. Lindell, the physical education and DAPE teacher! This will be my 6th year teaching at Washington Learning Center. I love getting to know and witnessing each kindergarten student grow in a multitude of ways through physical education during the school year! When I'm not teaching I like to travel, graden, mountain bike, and simply spend time outdoors!
Special Education
Niki Greenwood - ngreenwood@newulm.k12.mn.us
Hi there!
My name is Niki Greenwood, and I am an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. This will be my 6th year teaching at Washington Learning Center. I look forward to getting to know my students and developing a relationship with them and their families.
I am blessed with 3 beautiful children ages 6, 3, and 1 years old. I keep very busy with my littles, and my oldest started dance this year. I love every second spent with them. I also have a German Shepard, Luna, for our family pet. She is wonderful with my crazy crew, and the perfect addition to our family of 5.
I’m excited for what this year will bring. Let’s make it the best year yet! It’s good to be an Eagle 🙂
Jaci Krueger - jkrueger@newulm.k12.mn.us
My name is Jaci Krueger. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist at WLC. My favorite thing about working with the preschool students at WLC is experiencing the excitement of learning and playing through their eyes. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 daughters, being outside, and baking all sorts of sweet treats!
Jennifer Lee - jlee@newulm.k12.mn.us
I am an Early Childhood Special Education teacher here at WLC. This is my 28th year as part of ISD 88. My favorite things to explore at WLC are the playground space and the garden area. It is so much fun to watch the children start in an Eagles 3 program and see them change and grow as they make their way through Kindergarten. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 daughters. I enjoy relaxing at the lake, taking my dog for a walk, and spending time with friends.
Erika Lieser - elieser@newulm.k12.mn.us
Jenessa Rothmeier - jrothmeier@newulm.k12.mn.us
Sarah Steinbach - ssteinbach@newulm.k12.mn.us
Hello!
My name is Sarah Steinbach, and I teach special education at WLC. Kindergarten students with IEP goals in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, adaptive skills, motor skills, and others attend sessions with me in the resource room, or I visit them in their classrooms. This is my third year at WLC, and my ninth year teaching. My favorite classroom at WLC is the garden, and my favorite school lunch is nachos.
Licensed School Nurse - Tara Fausch - tfausch@newulm.k12.mn.us
My name is Tara Fausch and I am the licensed school nurse at Washington Learning Center. Besides seeing children that come to the health office for day to day needs and illnesses, I help with early childhood screening and hearing and vision screening, provide training to our health assistants and other staff who will help to meet our students’ health needs throughout the year, and get to visit all of the preschoolers as the Tooth Fairy’s Helper to provide dental health education during February, which is dental health month. I have been a nurse for 12 years and have worked in hospitals, group homes, home care, and for Public Health. In my free time, I keep up with my busy, soccer playing nine year old and spend as much time with family as possible. I look forward to seeing and working with all of your children throughout the year at WLC. Their energy and smiles are contagious!
School Social Worker - Karla Fahey - kfahey@newulm.k12.mn.us
Hi! My name is Karla Fahey and I live in Fairfax. My family and I enjoy camping during the summer months and going on other spontaneous adventures as a family throughout the year! This is my second year at Washington Learning Center as the School Social Worker, and also the District Homeless Liaison. I have loved my time here so far and am enjoying getting to know all your students this school year!
As the School Social Worker, I wear many different hats. I teach our social emotional curriculum, Second Step, once a week in each classroom. I love teaching this curriculum as it allows me to get to know the students better and we have such a fun time during these lessons! Watch SeeSaw for weekly updates on what we are learning about!
I also help with students that may be experiencing behavioral struggles, students that are having a tough time at school or at home, or students that are experiencing any other difficulties that might be a barrier to their success at school. I coordinate with the student’s family to ensure we are meeting the needs of the student together.
Some other ways I help students and their families are by making referrals to outside agencies and resources that may be beneficial to the student and/or their family including mental health referrals, medical referrals, referrals for financial help, parent support and more. Please reach out to me if you have any concerns about your student or your family, have any needs that are not being met, or are just looking for additional resources on a certain topic. I would love to help!
My second role is the District Homeless Liaison. As the Homeless Liaison, I help students (Pre-K - 12) and their families experiencing homelessness enroll in school, find housing, food, financial assistance, transportation to and from school, and any other resources needed to help ensure the safety and success of the student and their family. Again, if you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I want to do everything I can to help your student succeed in school and help your family thrive. Below is the definition of homelessness, as well as your student’s rights under the McKinney Vento Act if they meet the definition of homelessness.
I look forward to a great school year!
Community Education - Crystal Fleck
Babysitter Training - Boys and girls ages 10 and up
Instructor: Kiersten Dean
Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm Fee: $57.25
Washington Learning Center (door #1) Room #104
Babysitting, often the first job for a young person, is a chance to earn money and develop a sense of responsibility. This course will cover appropriate games and activities, telephone common sense, basic first aid, good decision-making skills, and much more. There will be take-home materials for all in class as well as some items for their babysitter bags. **Each student will need to bring a sack lunch and a doll to class.
Home Alone
Instructor: Kiersten Dean
Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Fee: $25 For 3rd Grade and older.
Washington Learning Center (door #1) Rm #104
This class will cover the basics of staying home alone and coming and going from home safely. Topics include appliance safety, responsibilities, house rules, first aid, and more are discussed. There will be time allowed for questions and answers from the attendees. You will feel confident and educated to stay home after attending this class. There will be take-home materials for all in class. This class is for completed 3rd graders and older.
Building a Positive Way of Thinking
Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results. Through fun, interactive group discussions, you'll understand the effects of negative self-talk, learn how to reframe your thoughts with positivity and feel more confident. When positive thinking becomes a habit, you’ll search for the silver lining and make the best out of any situation. Please bring paper and a pen. Min. 3, max. 10.
Heather Behr, Certified Life Coach
- Grade 5-8 sessions: Thursdays. Sept 21-Nov. 16
- 3:45–5 p.m- $115
- Grade 9-12 sessions: Thursday. Sept 21-Nov. 16
- 5:15p.m-6:15p.m $115
- Adult sessions: Thursdays Sept 21-Nov. 16
- 6:15–7:15p.m- $115
New Class: The Beauty of Balancing Your Blood Sugar Online Class
Instructor: Autumn Enloe, MS, RD, LD, CLT
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 6:30 pm-7:30 pm Fee $20.00
Knowing how you balance your blood sugar is key for optimal energy and metabolic health. Balanced blood sugars can help reduce sugar cravings, support your digestion, keep you feeling full longer, and optimize your hormones. In this class, you’ll learn simple ways to balance blood sugar naturally through nutrition and lifestyle habits!
Leave It, Move It, Roll It, Take It Seminar
Instructor: Mike Benz, Edward Jones
Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 5:30 pm (45 minutes via Zoom)
**Register by September 12th** Fee $5.00
An Education Program designed to help people learn how to handle their 401(k), pension or other employer-sponsored retirement plan when they leave a job. Participants will learn about:
- The Most Common Distribution Options
- How to avoid having the IRS withhold 20% of your retirement distribution
- How taxes, penalties, and investment options factor into your decision.
Registrations can be received by:
• Online with a credit card at http://newulm.ce.eleyo.com
• Phone: 507-233-8307 (registration is complete only after payment has been received)
• Mail: Community Education, 910 14th St. North, New Ulm, MN 56073
• Stop in at our office at the Washington Learning Center, 910 14th St. North (door #1)
Drop Off / Pick Up Reminders
Preschool Pickup
Kindergarten Pickup
Parking and Entering the Building
We want to keep Franklin Street free of parked cars during drop off and pick up so parents waiting in cars can line up there and not block the street.
Thank you for your efforts in following these plan to keep everyone safe.
Please see the maps and contact the office with any questions. (507) 233-8300
Franklin Street
Preschool parent cars will be lining up along Franklin, the length of the parking lot, as they wait to turn right onto 14th N Street.
Kindergarten parents will continue to line up along the WEST side of Franklin just north of the parking lot entrance.
Thank you for your efforts in following these plan to keep everyone safe.
Please review the 2 maps below for preschool and kindergarten traffic plans.
U Turns on Franklin
We ask that all drivers enter the curbside drop off from the North (coming from 16th Street) and either get in line along Franklin Street curb and wait your turn to enter the curbside area so as not to block the driveway leading to the loading dock. We need to leave that open for delivery trucks, and our custodial and maintenance vehicles. Franklin is a very busy street in the morning and is not the place for U turns. If you haven't been following the procedures, please plan your morning routine to do so. If everyone is following the procedures, then everyone is assured to have a safe and positive experience.
The curbside drop off and pick up procedures will be shared with parents all throughout the year and will have a permanent posting on our newsletter. It is so important that ALL drivers follow the developed procedures. The procedures are in place in order to keep ALL people safe.
Contact the WLC Office
Email: nhubert@newulm.k12.mn.us
Website: http://www.newulm.k12.mn.us/washington-learning-center/
Location: 910 14th North Street, New Ulm, MN, United States
Phone: (507) 233-8300
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NUPSwlc
Twitter: @NUPSwlc