United South Central Elementary

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we move through February, we are excited to celebrate I Love to Read Month by embracing the wonder of reading. This month, our focus is on helping students apply their growing literacy skills to decodable passages and books. It is an inspiring time in literacy instruction when students’ skills align, their confidence soars, and they begin to experience the true power of reading. As J.K. Rowling beautifully stated, "Books are a uniquely portable magic." We witness this magic in our classrooms every day. Thanks to our LETRS training and initiatives like UFLI, reading remains a year-round priority, and the progress in student achievement has been remarkable.

As parents and guardians, you play a crucial role in nurturing a love for reading at home. To support your child’s literacy development, engage in meaningful conversations, introduce new vocabulary, and encourage exploring diverse reading materials, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, newspapers, and recipes. Reading aloud together and discussing stories helps strengthen comprehension and enriches their learning experience. Your support in fostering a love for reading at school and home is invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate your partnership.

Beyond literacy, our students are also making tremendous strides in mathematics. Through hands-on activities, problem-solving exercises, and collaborative learning opportunities, they are deepening their understanding of key mathematical concepts. Teachers strategically reinforce number sense, fluency, and reasoning skills for a strong foundation. Whether tackling complex word problems, recognizing patterns, or refining computation skills, our students rise to each challenge. This intentional focus on numeracy builds confidence and perseverance, preparing them for long-term success.

In January, students completed the STAR assessments in reading and math, providing valuable insights into their academic progress. These results allow teachers to tailor instruction and interventions to support continued growth. I encourage you to engage your child in conversations about their learning journey and celebrate their achievements.

Finally, I am grateful for all you do at home to support your child’s education. Your involvement and encouragement impact their success, and USC Elementary would not be the incredible school it is without your partnership.

Mark your calendars! Don’t forget to join us for our annual Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast on February 28, 2025, as we celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and literacy!

It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!
Jennifer Taylor, Elementary Principal

“Reading is a passport to countless adventures." — Mary Pope Osborne

On January 24, 2025, we held our second Rebel Pride celebration, marking the end of the quarter and recognizing students who consistently demonstrate what it means to be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. Teachers nominate three outstanding students from each grade level to receive a Respectful, Responsible, and Safe award based on their positive contributions in classrooms, hallways, and school events.

During the Rebel Pride ceremony, honorees are celebrated with a formal announcement of their names, a framed certificate, and a medal. Each quarter, the entire school community also enjoys a special reward. This quarter’s celebration featured a holiday movie outing at the Flame or Kee Theatre. These celebrations not only acknowledge student achievements but also reinforce the values that make our school community strong.

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

Pictured (L to R) Ariadne Contreras-Rosa, Alani Escobar, Wren Warmka, Parker Field, Ella Ammerman

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) Allison Mejia, Reagan Worsley, Madden Scholten, Renee Harms, Evelyn Garvick

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 and below) Joslyn Mace, Lyndee Obermeyer, Jocelyn Cruz, Mason Velasquez, Aubree Stenzel

Research consistently shows that students who read just 20 minutes a day are exposed to approximately 1.8 million words per year and can score in the 90th percentile on standardized tests. In contrast, students who read only 5 minutes daily encounter about 282,000 words annually and tend to perform in the 50th percentile (Talamo, 2022). The takeaway? Daily reading is a game-changer. Students strengthen their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic performance by making reading a consistent habit. Parents, please encourage your child to pick up a decodable passage or a book and read for 20 minutes a day; it truly makes a difference!

(Source: Talamo, A. (2022). "Why Does My Child Have to Read 20 Minutes per Night After Being in School All Day?" NESCA. Retrieved from NESCA Website.)

Capture the memories of an incredible school year with the 2024-2025 Elementary Yearbook! A yearbook is more than just a collection of photos; it’s a keepsake that celebrates friendships, achievements, and the moments that make this school year special. It’s something your child can look back on for years to come, reliving their favorite memories and milestones.

Order forms were sent home last month, and all orders are due by March 28, 2025. To make it even easier, you can order your yearbook online as well! Don’t miss the chance to give your student a tangible piece of their school journey.

Secure your copy today and preserve the memories that matter most!

K-4 Parents are invited to join us on February 13, 2025, for a special opportunity to watch your child showcase their roller-skating skills during their physical education class! Our students have been working hard to develop their balance, coordination, and confidence on skates, and we are excited for you to see their progress firsthand.

Roller-skating is not only a fun and engaging activity but also a fantastic way to build endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. We encourage you to come cheer on your child as they put their skills into action. We look forward to seeing you there! Stay tuned for details.

📅 February 14-17 – No School (Presidents Day Weekend)
📅 February 18 – School Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Easton
🎭 February 25 – High School Play Robin Hood at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium
📚 February 26 - March 5 – Scholastic Book Fair
🥚 February 28 – Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, 7:00 - 8:00 a.m.

📅 March 3 – K-12 Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences

• 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Walk-in Conferences

• 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Scheduled Conferences

🎉 March 13 – Kindergarten Round-Up (No School for Kindergarten)
🌸 March 14-17 – No School (Spring Break)
🎶 March 18 – Grades 5-12 Band Concert
📆 March 26 – End of the Third Quarter
📆 March 27 – Start of the Fourth Quarter

Mark your calendars, and thank you for staying informed! 🚀

Morning supervision at USC begins at 8:00 a.m., but we have noticed students arriving as early as 7:15 a.m. Please remind your student to arrive as close to 8:00 a.m. as possible, whether they are dropped off, walk, or bike to school. Breakfast starts at 7:50 a.m., and before 8:00 a.m., staff members are involved in meetings and other duties, so we are unable to provide supervision prior to that time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

An increase in various illnesses is typical for this time of year. Here are some important reminders about when to keep your children home from school. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining a healthy environment for all students.

Please keep your child at home if they:

• Have had a fever of 100.0°F or higher within the past 24 hours.

• Have experienced vomiting or persistent diarrhea in the last 24 hours.

• Are diagnosed with strep throat (they can return after 12 hours on antibiotics and no fever for 24 hours).

• Have influenza or COVID-19 (they can return after being fever-free for 24 hours and once the cough has subsided).

• Exhibit a severe, frequent cough that would impede concentration and disturb others.

• Have a draining wound.

Your adherence to these guidelines helps us in our collective effort to keep our students healthy.

*When the nurse's office contacts you to pick up your sick child, please aim to do so as promptly as possible.

This winter, we have had one traditional snow day in January. In the event of another, we will implement a Virtual Learning Day. Our goal is to provide students ample time to prepare, ensuring they have the necessary materials for learning at home. Please begin considering what your student(s) may need for a successful Virtual Learning Day. If your family requires internet access, we have limited hotspots for checkout. Feel free to reach out with any questions regarding this program.

We kindly request parents and guardians supervise their elementary-age children during our athletic and activity events. This helps everyone focus on enjoying the game and contributes to a well-managed, safe environment for all attendees. We truly appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of our events and want to ensure a positive experience for all participants. If adequate supervision is not provided, supervisors may need to dismiss individual students from the event to maintain order. This includes running around the Commons and being in areas in the school that are prohibited during games. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Elementary School Hours

Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:03 p.m. Students who are not in class by 8:20 a.m. will be marked tardy. If students arrive after 8:40 a.m., they will be marked absent.

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. 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. Students are not permitted to bring visitors to school, and visitors are not allowed during breakfast or lunch. This policy helps maintain a focused and productive atmosphere for all students, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

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

Outdoor Recess: Winter weather is here! It is essential to remember that your child(ren) will have outdoor recess every day, weather permitting, unless it is below 0 degrees or if it is raining or wet outside. In such cases, recess will be held indoors. 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 need to have the appropriate outdoor clothing 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.

On Monday, February 3, 2025, students in grades K-4 laced up their skates and kicked off their roller skating unit in physical education. Thanks to the efforts of PE teachers Tammy Bullerman, Paul Meyer, and Jesse Morgan, specialized skates with soft wheels were secured to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Since then, the elementary gym has been filled with energy and excitement as students glide across the floor, refining their roller skating skills.

This long-standing tradition, established decades ago, highlights roller skating as a "Lifetime Sport"—one that fosters balance, coordination, and motor skill development. Beyond its physical benefits, roller skating is an excellent cardiovascular workout, helping students build endurance while having fun. Throughout the unit, students have been facing challenges that encourage perseverance and resilience—valuable skills both in and out of the gym.

With each passing day, students are gaining confidence on wheels, and we can’t wait to see their progress at the end of the unit! 🛼🎉

Last week, third and fourth-grade students who met their Accelerated Reading (AR) goal for the quarter were rewarded with a special celebration at Dairy Queen! They enjoyed a delicious meal complete with ice cream treats. Congratulations to these dedicated readers. Your hard work is paying off! Keep up the fantastic reading!

Fifth and sixth-grade students enjoyed their end-of-the-quarter Rebel Pride Celebration on Friday, January 31, 2025! The morning started with a fun-filled trip to the Albert Lea Ice Arena, where students who earned AR points enjoyed skating with their classmates. In the afternoon, classroom teachers hosted the quarterly reward celebration, recognizing students for their achievements in AR points and maintaining communication logs free of concerns. This event honored their commitment to Rebel Rights—being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. Congratulations to all our students for their hard work and dedication!

First-grade students took full advantage of the unseasonably warm weather last week, enjoying recess time outside on the playground equipment. Outdoor play fosters physical activity and encourages social interactions and creativity. Seeing our youngest learners embracing movement, fun, and friendship in the fresh air is wonderful!

Mrs. Jones’ kindergarten students have been working hard to build their early reading skills! During their reading rotations, they practiced Heart Words, sharpened their phonemic awareness by segmenting and blending short o words like rob, hop, and jog, and strengthened their writing skills by putting them into print. These foundational literacy activities help our young learners become confident readers—way to go, kindergarteners!

This winter, elementary students have been actively participating in various Community Ed sports, showcasing their skills and enthusiasm in games, matches, and even during halftime at varsity events. From girls' and boys' basketball to wrestling, there has been no shortage of excitement and dedication on display.

These young athletes are developing teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship while building a strong foundation for future success. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the energy they bring to every competition. Keep up the great work, and we look forward to seeing even more growth and achievements throughout the season!

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