4K & Early Childhood Special Ed Services Viking Elementary School 500 East Wall St. Holmen, WI 54636

Ms. Sue Eitland, Administrator [email protected] 608.526.1381, ext. 4133

EC/4K is a great place to be every day, and we appreciate that now that we are back to in- person learning more than ever before!

The students are pros with routines and expectations. When we give gentle reminders, Dates to Remember they let us know they’ve got this! We are so proud of them and thankful to you for helping Feb 8th: Send valentines to school them continue to play, learn, and grow while (If participating in exchange – Optional) they needed to be learning virtually.

February celebrations include, but are not Feb 10th: Early Release limited to: National Children’s Dental Health No school for EC/4K students Month; American Heart Month; Groundhog’s Day; Presidents’ Day; Valentine’s Day; 100th Day th Feb 12 : Classroom Valentine’s Day celebration of School; etc. Make certain to watch for specific school celebrations in the Feb 19th: Virtual Dental Visit with Lowman Dental Communication Log from your child’s teacher. The staff has some wonderful activities Feb 26th: No school for EC/4K Students planned!

In addition to our integrated daily social- emotional learning through classroom activities and interactions, we are continuing our Second Step lessons. It is so important to keep an eye on the children’s emotional health and well- being. If you do notice something at home that we should be aware of and can work on it together with you, please reach out to the teacher or me.

Thank you for being your children’s first and most important teachers! We are so happy that you are able to share them with us at school again!

~Ms. Eitland [email protected]

School District Open 4K REGISTRATION INFORMATION Enrollment The School District of Holmen began accepting enrollment s Wisconsin’s inter-district public school for the 2021-22 Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K) Program on Open Enrollment program allows January 28th. Any child, who is four-years-old on or before parents to apply for their children to September 1, 2021 and lives in the school district boundaries, attend school districts other than the is eligible to participate. We encourage early registration in one in which they live. Applications order to help us plan accordingly for the 2021-22 school year. may be submitted to no more than Note: All enrollment is done online – three non-resident school districts. www.holmen.k12.wi.us

Students in five-year-old Kindergarten Important 4K Information: through grade 12 may apply to participate in Open Enrollment. Open  All 4K classes are held at Viking Elementary School Enrollment for four-year-old  AM Session: 8:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Kindergarten (4K) is limited. Parents  PM Session: 11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. should call their resident school  Placement in AM or PM session is based upon districts to find out if their preschool- transportation needs. We notify families of class aged children qualify for Open placements during the first week of August. Enrollment.

If you have any questions please call our Public Preschool The Open Enrollment application period for the 2021-22 school year is Office at 608.526.1381. from February 1 - April 30, 2021. Parents must apply to the non- resident district. A non-resident district is defined as the district in News from Reading Together which you do not live, but where you Our Reading Together facilitators, Mrs. Mathews and Mrs. want your child to attend. Welch will spend another week visiting classrooms and reading with the children. Then, they will begin working 1:1 or in a It is recommended that you apply for small group with students. The goal of Reading Together is for Open Enrollment through the on-line the children to spend some extra time with an adult learning to application process love reading! We encourage parents to continue reading at home, at http://dpi.wi.gov/oe. The Open as well.

Enrollment application period closes The Holmen Public Library has introduced a Winter Mini at 4:00 p.m. on April 30, 2021. Late Reading Program that runs from January 19-March that includes applications will not be accepted for some fun literacy kits. They are called Anytime Story Times, and any reason. they are grab-and-go literacy kits geared toward preschoolers and

feature story, movement, and hands-on activities that help If you have any questions regarding strengthen early literacy skills that will help prepare children for Open Enrollment, please contact Monika Buggy, Open Enrollment a lifetime of reading and learning. New themes will be introduced every two weeks, and the bags can be found in the entryway of Coordinator/Registrar for the School District of Holmen, Student Services the library.

Department, at (608) 526-1309. We hope our students are enjoying Reading Together at school

and at home. If you ever have questions, please contact us.

Mrs. Cindy Mathews, [email protected] Mrs. Shawna Welch, [email protected]

Health Office News

COVID-19 Testing Nurse: Emily Hanes BSN, RN

If you or your student need to be tested for COVID-19, please see the information below on local testing sites in our community. We continue to ask parents to notify their school’s health office if your student or household member becomes sick in order to plan quarantine dates.

Testing Instructions

Local Hospital: Call your primary care provider or the nurse advisor line for directions on how to receive a nasopharyngeal (PCR) COVID-19 test. The nasopharyngeal test is the most accurate test available and results typically come back within 1 to 2 days.

Gundersen Health System

-Telephone Nurse Advisor: (608) 775-4454 or (800) 858-1050.

-General Number: (608) 782-7300

Or log into your patient portal, under menu, you can fill out a questionnaire for testing. If you qualify for testing, you can schedule an appointment.

Mayo Clinic Health System -COVID-19 Nurse Advisor line: (507) 293 -9525 -General Number: (608) 785-0940

La Crosse County Health Department’s web page and Facebook page lists local testing sites offered throughout the area. These testing sites are run through the National Guard. At these testing sites, they perform a nasal swab test, not a full nasopharyngeal test. The results do take longer to get back, typically taking 2 to 3 days. Individuals must be over the age of 5 to attend.

https://lacrossecounty.org/covid19/testing-information health department testing information

https://www.facebook.com/LaCrosseCountyHealthDepartment/ And click on the events tab

https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/ testing questionnaire

University of Wisconsin La Crosse has rapid tests. These results come back quickly, but results may not be as accurate as other tests. An additional PCR test is recommended to confirm a positive result. The test is administered by self or parent, under supervision of staff and is open to the community. Must be over the age of 5.

https://www.doineedacovid19test.com/LaCrosse_WI_2394.html to register for a time slot

Wednesday, February 10th is a Elementary Summer School District Early Release Day. th Therefore, EC/4K students will not July 19 – August 5th

have school! Watch for additional information

to come soon!

There is No School on Friday, February 26th, 2021. Enjoy the three-day weekend!

Be Prepared for Inclement Weather or Emergencies

The School District of Holmen utilizes a text message notification system to provide notifications to families and staff regarding delays and closings due to inclement weather, as well as other emergencies. If you would like to receive these text messages, text “YES” to 87569.

You may also wish to check the following locations online for various types of communication: Please note: School District of Holmen website at www.holmen.k12.wi.us School District of Holmen Facebook Page If there is a 2-hour Holmen Public Preschool Facebook Page school delay, the AM session of Early The following radio and television stations will be kept informed of school Childhood and 4K cancellations and delays, as well. will be cancelled for the day, but the PM Radio stations: session will run as WQCC—FM CC 106.03 106.3 FM usual. WLXR-FM Magic 105 104.9 FM If school is cancelled WLFN-AM AM 1490 1490 AM or there is an early WKBH-FM Classic Radio 100.1 FM release due to WKBH-AM Relevant Radio 1570 AM inclement weather, WFBZ-FM ESPN 105.5 FM all Public Preschool KQEA-FM The Eagle 102.7 FM activities and WIZM-FM/AM Z-93 93.3 FM/1410 AM programs for the WKTY 580 AM remainder of the WRQT The Rock 95.7 FM day/evening will also WCOW -FM Sparta 97 FM be postponed.

Television Stations: WKBT TV Channel 8 and WXOW TV Channel 19

Creative Curriculum Interest Area: Classroom Library

The Library Area is a very important part of your child’s classroom. It’s where children gain the foundation for reading and writing. It’s also a place where students can relax and enjoy the wonderful world of books.

We encourage students to look at books, listen to recorded stories, retell stories, and “write” their own stories throughout the day. Sometimes children dictate stories to an adult, which we record for them.

We read stories to the children every day. Reading introduces new ideas, helps students learn how to handle problems that come up in life, and mostly encourages children to develop a love for books. As children listen to us read, their own reading skills begin to develop.

Here are some of the things we do as we read:  Look at pictures and ask: “What do you see?”  Encourage children to predict what will happen next: “What do you suppose will happen now?”  Encourage children to repeat words, rhymes, and phrases they’ve memorized.

What You Can Do at Home Research has shown us the important role families play in helping children learn to read and write. The single most important thing you can do is to read to your child every day. When your child sits next to you as you read, he begins to connect books with good feelings. Here are a few more things you can do with your child.

 Encourage your child to talk about the stories you read.  Ask questions like, “I wonder what will happen next, or “I wonder why…”  Try to relate the story to something in your child’s life (“That looks just like Grandpa’s dog!”)  Visit the library and check out books that interest your child.  Give your child paper and pencils, pens, or markers and let him experiment with writing.

If you would like some help choosing books, or guidance on how to read with your child, please let us know. To keep your child’s home library well stocked, you can draw on the resources of our local public library. When you take the time to read to your child every day, you are doing the very best thing to help your child grow up to be a successful reader.

The School District of Holmen utilizes a “green” approach for distributing flyers from community organizations. Note that most of these advertisements are not district publications (unless marked). The District enables this online distribution as a community service to inform you of educational opportunities, activities and events available in our area. Click on this link to be directed to the information: https://www.holmen.k12.wi.us/community/pre-k-elementary-school-flier.cfm.

PBIS Update The Public Preschool staff recognizes students for being safe, respectful, and responsible through the distribution of individual bucket filler slips. When the entire class displays these behaviors, the teacher places a gumball on the whole class gumball machine. The children get so excited to share that they have filled the gumball machine and get to do a special activity!

When your child brings home an individual bucket filler slip, please let them know how proud of them you are for making great choices (safe, respectful, responsible) at school. It is our belief that recognition will result in additional positive choices and even more bucket fillers!! You may even wish to try bucket filler slips at home?

We do understand the reality that there are also times in which the children display some challenging behaviors. We found a great infographic that we would like to share with you as a reminder of good strategies that help us remain calm during the difficult situation and assist the children in working through what they are trying to communicate to us. Please check it out by going online to the following URL: https://challengingbehavior.cbcs.usf.edu/docs/Stay-Calm_Infographic.pdf

You may also wish to check out a book from our PBIS Lending Library. Here is a link for you to complete the PBIS Lending Library Form child’s teacher will send the book home, and you can return it when you are finished. We hope you will take advantage of these books as reading is a great way to help young children work through situations in their own lives.

Speech Update – Modeling Reading Behavior

As your children watch you read, they will begin to develop an awareness of what people do when they read. When reading familiar stories, point to the words and encourage your child to read along with you. This will model where the words are, where to start reading, and that we read from left to right. If your child is beginning to show an interest in letters, occasionally you may point out a familiar letter (especially those in their names). Also, it is important to talk about the pictures and how the pictures can help us figure out what the words are saying or what is happening in the story.

You can have your children create their own picture stories. Ask them to draw a picture and tell a story about it, or write down the story and then have your child read it.

Remember to read to your child regularly and to use reading activities as a teaching tool. By reading and talking about picture stories with your child, you help them develop language, thinking, and reading skills that are essential for success in the classroom.

Jolie Steinke and Liz Dahlen, EC/4K Speech/Language Pathologists

“Meet the Staff”

Hello! My name is Ms. Eitland. This is my eighth year as the administrator for 4K and Early Childhood Special Education Services, as well as the principal for Elementary Summer School. It is also my 25th year working in the School District of Holmen. This year, we have had to overcome some challenges, such as being at school with our friends and teachers and then transitioning to learning through a virtual setting. Through Zoom calls, Seesaw activities, as well as through conversations with teachers & friends, students have played, learned, and grown together! We are all very proud of our students for their many accomplishments - at school and at home/daycare! Seeing the joy on children's faces as they experience and learn new things is the main reason I love my job so much. Other factors I appreciate include seeing all the effective strategies, activities, and special events that our staff implement to help the children, and collaborating with families and community partners throughout the year. The dedication we all have to the students and our work together is unwavering. When I am away from work, I enjoy playing piano, attending my niece and nephews’ school and co-curricular activities, and hanging out with the rest of my family (I am the third of four sisters). We are loyal fans of the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers! Sending virtual high-fives and elbow bumps to you all!

Greetings Holmen Public Preschool families! My name is Kristy McKnight and I am the Holmen Public Preschool Administrative Assistant. I have been with the School District of Holmen for 15 years. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to have been a part of "launching" our 4K program 14 years ago!

I am a graduate of Holmen High School. My husband and I have two children and reside in Holmen. My son is 9 years old and in fourth grade, and my daughter just turned 6 and is in Kindergarten.

I look forward to connecting with all of our Preschool families at some point throughout this school year! I can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling 608.526.1381.

Hello 4K Families! I am Mrs. Naomi Bjergum. I have been teaching for fifteen years and this is my fifth year teaching 4K in the Holmen School District. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with both my bachelor and master’s degrees in elementary education. My husband Matt and I have two children. Rylan is in fifth grade and Taelyn is in third grade. We enjoy doing many outdoor activities together as a family. We like swimming, fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, hunting and many more adventures. You will most likely find me on the sidelines of a soccer game, at the ice rink for hockey or watching a gymnastics practice. Our children keep us very busy!

Hi! My name is Ms. Amy and this my 2nd year as a 4K Educational Assistant. I am married and have one child. My husband, Charlie, and I met in college at Winona State and have been married for 15 years. Our son is named Casey. He is 13 years old and is an 8th grader at Holmen Middle School. I enjoy hanging out with family, traveling and watching my son play baseball. I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the students and I am excited to spend the rest of the year with them helping them learn and explore!

Hi 4K families! My name is Andrea Wiesner and I teach 4K at Viking Elementary. This is my second year in Holmen! Before coming here, I was teaching Kindergarten in Independence. I am originally from Rochester and now live in Onalaska. I graduated from UW-Oshkosh in 2017, and I just completed my Master's degree from UWL over the summer!

Outside of work, I enjoy playing volleyball, hiking, and spend time with friends and family. My fiancé and I are busy re-planning our wedding that we had to postpone until next summer. We also just bought our first home so we are having fun with all the new house projects! We have a 1 year old Husky puppy who keeps us very active at home!

I’m so excited to be part of the Holmen School District and to continue helping children learn and grow here in 4K!

Hello to all. My name is Mandy Nesseth, or Ms. Mandy as the children call me. I am a 4K Educational Assistant here at Viking Elementary, working in Ms. Wiesner’s classroom. I have been with the 4K program since it started 14 years ago. I have had the opportunity to work in all of our different school buildings and site locations and with most of our wonderful teachers.

My husband and I live in Holmen with our two sons. Our oldest son Jaden is a Freshman in college. Deven is a Senior at Holmen High School. They are both actively involved in many sports and keep us very busy with their game schedules. As a family, we enjoy sporting events, boating, traveling, swimming in our pool, cookouts and spending time with family and friends. I am a Holmen Alumni and love watching this great community grow! I am honored to get to work with each and every one of your children as they start their educational experiences with us here at 4K. We have fun learning and engaging in new experiences every day!

Hello, my name is Amy Gasch. This is my second year as a 4K teacher in the Holmen Public Preschool Program, and my 11th year teaching. Prior to working in Holmen, I taught in Lawrence, MA. While there I mostly taught 4K, but did teach Kindergarten a couple of years. When we returned to the area, I stayed home with my daughters and then worked at their daycare.

When I am away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family. We like hiking, reading, playing games, watching movies, going to plays, exploring our local parks and attending many of the wonderful events put on by the community.

I have enjoyed getting to know my 4K friends and think we are going to have an amazing rest of the school year. We will have lots of fun and exciting adventures as we play, learn and grow together!

Hello families! My name is “Ms. Debbie” Butzler and I am the Educational Assistant in Mrs. Gasch’s classroom at Viking Elementary. Some families may also have spoken to me at the bus stop as I pick up your child for school. I have been working with the Holmen Public Preschool since the 4K program started 14 years ago.

My husband Jack and I live in Holmen. We have two sons and one daughter: Zachary, Matthew and Jenna. Zachary is married and lives and works in Minneapolis while Matthew lives and works outside of Chicago. Jenna graduated from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse this past spring and is working in La Crosse. Our family likes to go hiking in our nation’s national parks and also in our parks in Wisconsin. Some of my additional hobbies include gardening, antique shopping and upcycling.

I truly enjoy helping support children in their learning and I look forward to meeting the new students and their families each year.

Hello! My name is Ann Wilson, and this is my thirteenth year teaching 4K. This is my sixth year teaching in the School District of Holmen. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood - Middle Childhood Education. I live in Onalaska with my husband Robbie and my daughters Kennedy (8), Desiree (5) and Eva (2). I enjoy every minute that I have with my family. We especially enjoy playing and watching sports together!

I love teaching young children because they have such a natural curiosity about the world around them! It’s so much fun to empower them to be lifelong learners. Each 4K class has an educational assistant, and I am lucky enough to be partnered with Lori Taylor. I can be contacted through email at [email protected] or by calling 608.526.1381.

Hi, my name is Lori Taylor and I have been an educational assistant with the School District of Holmen for over 17 years. I began as an Early Childhood Special Education Assistant and then moved into a 4K Educational Assistant position when the program started. I am privileged to work with Mrs. Wilson in the classroom.

My husband and I love living in Holmen and truly enjoy the beauty of this area. Some of my favorite things to do are spend time with our four granddaughters, watch movies, read, kayak, bike and simply be out in nature.

My name is Jennifer Lulloff and I teach 4K at Viking Elementary. I was born and raised in

La Crosse, and am the oldest of four girls. After graduating from Logan High School, I

attended Winona State University where I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I graduated from Winona State in 2005 and later received my Master Degree from UWL. I began teaching 4K in Holmen in 2010. Prior to joining this 4K team, I taught Kindergarten as well as a K-6th grade healthy lifestyles class in Fountain City, Wisconsin. Working with young children and advocating for their success is my passion. Supporting their learning and finding ways to help them overcome hurdles while developing pride in their accomplishments is what makes this an amazing job!

I currently live in Holmen with my husband, daughter, and black lab. My husband teaches physical education and coaches football and wrestling at Holmen High School. Our family

loves to be outside together. We enjoy fishing, hunting, going to the park, going for bike

rides to the library, and visiting the ice cream shop.

Hi, my name is Leslie Marconi. I graduated from Holmen in 2002, and have been working in the Holmen School District for the last 2 years as a substitute Educational Assistant (EA) between 4K and Evergreen Elementary. At the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, I accepted a position as Mrs. Lulloff's EA in 4K.

I live outside of Holmen, in our recently purchased home, with my husband, our 2 kids, and our Goldendoodle. I love living in such a great community, spending time with my children, traveling, being outside, and learning new things. I can't wait to see what the rest of this school year brings.

Hello 4K families! My name is Melanie Brooks and I am a 4K teacher in the Holmen Public Preschool Program. This is my fourth year teaching 4K here, and my seventh year of teaching overall. I am originally from a small town in Minnesota, not far from Rochester. After high school, I went to UW-Stout and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. My husband and I live in Bangor and we love to find things to do outside together like kayaking, camping, hiking, etc. I was on maternity leave at the beginning of the school year soaking up all the cuddles I could with our daughter, Everly. It was great to return to the classroom in late November. The enthusiasm that my students have for learning is infectious and makes every day an adventure.

Hi!! My name is Lee Thoma and I am an Educational Assistant in Mrs. Brooks' classroom at Viking Elementary. I have been working in the Public Preschool/4K program since 2011. I have a degree in Marketing and am a few credits shy of my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Education from UW-Stout. I grew up in Holmen and now live in Galesville with my husband. Outside of school, my husband and I love to enjoy time with our families and friends. We also love to go camping, boating, motorcycle riding and spending time on our ATV riding around on our land. I love to play volleyball, softball, weight training and running. I tell everyone that I meet that I have the best job ever!!! I get to play with the students in the classroom, offer them snack and ride the bus with them; their 3 most favorite things in the entire world at the age of 4!!!

Hi! My name is Cindy Pfiffner and I am a substitute teacher in the Holmen 4K Program. I taught in Minnesota and Wisconsin for thirty-three years before retiring in 2016. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work in the Holmen School District as a long-term substitute teacher with 4K through 3rd grade students. My favorite part of teaching 4K is being the first one to witness so many groundbreaking moments that these young learners experience. I live in Hokah, Minnesota with my four-legged baby, Maddie Mae. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, quilting, reading, and long walks! I am excited about the great things that are happening in Holmen’s 4K Program!

My name is Mrs. Mathews, and I am one of the new Reading Together Facilitators here at the Holmen Public Preschool. This is my 7th year working in the Holmen School District, and my background is in Early Childhood Education. Besides my love for reading, I enjoy baking and decorating cakes, and I LOVE dogs! I have two dogs named Mocha and Dakota who are part of the Coulee Region Humane Society’s Therapy Dog program, and they visit patients in the hospital, go to various community events, and visit with children in schools and libraries. I am looking forward to helping students develop a lifelong love of books!

Hi. My name is Mrs. Shawna Welch. I am the long-term substitute Reading Together Facilitator for 4K this year. Prior to starting in this role, I provided support to students in Holmen Care and also worked as a substitute Educational Assistant. I live in Trempealeau with my husband and two boys. In my free time, I like to travel and spend time with my family.

Hi! My name is Jackie Guetschow and I am an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. This is my 11th year at Holmen Public Preschool. This year, my morning is spent supporting students with IEPs in 4K classrooms and my afternoons are spent with our self-contained class of students with IEPs who are not yet in 4K. I live in La Crosse with my husband Jeff. We have been married 26 years this past June. I have 3 adult daughters; Naomi and Jasmine who are 27 and Kira who is 22. I love working here because we have a wonderful team who gives their all to support our students!

Hi! I am Ms. Jodi and I am one of the Early Childhood Special Education teachers. I have been working with the district since 2017 and absolutely love being a part of the Early Childhood/4K program. I enjoy getting to work with many children to help them learn and grow! I currently live in Holmen with my husband Matt, our 7 year old son, Soren, and our puppy, Marley. Soren started 1st grade this year and it's been so exciting to watch him learn so many new things! In our free time, we enjoy hiking, biking, boating and anything outdoors! I also enjoy reading, as well. I look forward to continuing to get to know your child and your family this school year!

I'm Miss Liz, one of the Speech Therapists in the Holmen Public Preschool Program. I have been practicing speech therapy for 19 years. I have a husband, two children ages 14 and 12, and a two year old labradoodle named Solar. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, watching football, baseball, basketball, and tennis, as well as watching movies and taking Solar for walks.

Hello! My name is Jolie Steinke. I began my first job as a speech-language pathologist in the Holmen School District in 1997. After several years in the district, I took a little time off from working in the schools when I had my 2 daughters, Abby and Grace. As time passed, I knew I was ready to be back teaching kids and worked part-time in both WI and MN schools. I was lucky enough to come full circle back to the Holmen School District where I live and am raising my girls. In my free time I like to hike, camp, and just hang out with my family. I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of Wisconsin and to work with kids in a great school district!

Hello Families! I’m Ms. Nicole Plomedahl and I work in a few different classrooms supporting students. You may also see me on the bus picking up or dropping off students. I’m a graduate of Holmen High School. I have two children. Trevor works full time at Kwik Trip and will be going to Chippewa Valley Tech for linesmen school in the summer. Chesney is a senior at Holmen High School. I also have a very energetic dog named Bella that is a 3 year old chocolate lab/Brittany mix. I worked previously in the district for 7 years and missed working with the children, so I decided to return. I also work as a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker. In my spare time, I enjoy watching and supporting Holmen athletics, doing crafts, as well as spending time with family and friends.