Welcome to
Kindergarten The School District of Elmbrook’s five elementary schools are among the best in the state: a result of engaged students, outstanding teachers, strong leaders, caring staff, supportive families, and creative learning environments. We are excited to share with you the many great things about Kindergarten. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, share, play, build friendships, and try new things. Our principal welcomes us as we come in. Our teachers greet us with handshakes and high fives.
We stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
How will I get to school? Kindergarten students love to ride the yellow school bus to and from school at no cost to the family. Each elementary school has developed strategies, such as Bus Buddies, to connect Kindergarten students with older students to make sure their ride is consistent, safe and enjoyable. All Elmbrook students receive transportation to their designated school and, when possible, Kindergarten students are picked up close to their home to support a successful transition to school.
What will I learn? All Kindergarten classrooms offer a robust curriculum centered on literacy (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and math. In response to the diverse and broad range of Kindergartner abilities, our talented staff, that includes a Kindergarten teacher and a certified teaching assistant in every classroom, work together to make learning personal for all students through individual, small group, and whole class guided instruction. Students develop the skills and abilities to become independent learners in a classroom community that values social, emotional and academic growth. In addition to the core subject areas of reading, writing, math, science and social studies, Kindergartners participate in art, library, music and physical education classes during the week. These courses help develop the whole child and are vital components to a student’s vibrant and engaging school day. Technology is responsibly embedded as appropriate throughout coursework and supports the needs of the student and the curriculum. See www.elmbrookschools.org/curriculum for specific Kindergarten standards and learning targets.
We play on the playground.
We read, discuss books, and write stories. We learn and practice positive behaviors.
We eat a healthy lunch. We are creative in art class.
What will I have for lunch? Elmbrook’s Food Service program offers a variety of healthy lunch choices to students each day that includes two entree options and a balanced amount of fruit, vegetables, and healthy grains. The Food & Nutrition Department works with families to meet dietary needs. Each student has a food account balance which is used to pay for lunch or milk. Students are also allowed to bring a lunch from home, and family members are always welcome to join their student for lunch any day of the week.
Each family receives a weekly eNewsletter highlighting school events, activities and celebratiions
20 different after-school clubs and activities offered
We check books out of the library.
What other support services are offered? Each student’s learning needs are unique. In addition to classroom resources, we support students who are new English language learners or have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with highly-skilled education professionals and services. Elmbrook is renowned for its inclusive practices, ensuring all students are successful in their classroom learning environment.
We exercise in the gym for physical education. We study science. We take time to rest when we’re tired.
In math, we learn to add, subtract, and make patterns.
We use technology appropriately.
What if I don’t feel well? The School District of Elmbrook has licensed school nurses who supervise health office staff who are trained in first aid and other health services to injured or ill students. If your child ever needs to take medication while at school, health office staff will administer it. The State of Wisconsin requires an immunization record to be on file before your child may attend. Please record and submit this information on the Immunization Form included with your registration materials.
Kindergarten staff to student ratio averages 1:12
What child care services are offered? We sing and dance in music.
The District partners with the West Suburban YMCA to offer school-age Child Care at all elementary schools. This on-site program, called Y Base, is offered for children ages 5-12 before school (6:30am - 8:40am) and after school (3:43pm - 6:00pm), Monday through Friday when school is in session. To enroll your child or for further information, please call the YMCA at 414-454-4625 or email wsschoolage@gwcymca.org. We make friends. At the end of the day, we ride the bus and go home!
We help others.
Each year 2000+ parents and family members volunteer in our classrooms
What is the enrollment process? STEP 1:
STEP 2:
Complete New Student Online Enrollment Application. Verification documents should be uploaded directly to the application www.elmbrookschools.org/enroll. If you already have a child in the district you can complete the application using your Infinite Campus Parent Portal by clicking “More”, then “New Student Enrollment.” Receive Enrollment Confirmation Email
STEP 3:
Participate in Strong Start Conference in August
STEP 4:
Attend 1st Day of School in September
Elementary Schools www.elmbrookschools.org
Brookfield Elementary 2530 N. Brookfield Road Brookfield, WI 53045 262.785.3930
Burleigh Elementary 16185 Burleigh Place Brookfield, WI 53005 262.781.5280
Dixon Elementary
2400 Pilgrim Square Dr. Brookfield, WI 53005 262.785.3970
Swanson Elementary
305 North Calhoun Road Brookfield, WI 53005 262.789.2540
Tonawanda Elementary
13605 Underwood River Pkwy Elm Grove, WI 53122 262.785.3950
Elementary Strong Start Conferences All Elmbrook elementary schools conduct Strong Start Conferences for students entering Kindergarten through fifth grade. These conferences are designed to provide an opportunity for elementary students and teachers to meet each other, one-on-one, prior to the start of the school year to develop positive relationships that will support a strong start for all students! Conferences will be 30 minutes in length and will be conducted over two days in August: August 27 11am - 7pm August 30 8am - 4pm Your child’s 2021-22 classroom teacher will invite you to sign up for a conference in August after class assignments are made public.
Summer School Opportunities Summer School opportunities are available to all incoming 5K-Grade 3 students at Burleigh Elementary. Classes will begin on June 21 and run through July 23 for all students. There will be no classes on Friday, July 2 and Monday, July 5. Prior to registering for summer school you will need to complete the District’s Online Enrollment process and provide required verification documents. Once these steps are completed you will be emailed your Infinite Campus login information which will allow you to select summer school courses. Visit www.elmbrookschools.org/summerschool for all Summer School related information. Please contact Monica Bianco at biancom@elmbrookschools.org with any questions or for additional information.
Meet the Brookfield Elementary Staff
Principal
Hello, I’m Dr. Dan Westfahl! As the Principal of Brookfield Elementary School since 2013, I am honored to lead an incredibly diligent, thoughtful, and caring group of teachers and staff. New students and families will love the personal approach we take to learn about and teach every child to their strengths! At Brookfield Elementary, we truly seek to capture the hearts of every child who walks through our doors, and to inspire their minds as well. Our typical class sizes are 20-22 students, and we ensure a personalized approach to our curriculum through math, reading and writing workshops. Every child has an opportunity to succeed in a varying array of activities and clubs to meet every interest and need. I earned my Bachelors in Elementary Education and English in 1993 from Carroll College. I later continued my education to earn my Curriculum and Instruction license and Reading license from UWM in 2000, followed by my doctorate from Cardinal Stritch in 2009. I received my administrator license in 2010 and also have certification as a Superintendent and Director of Special Education and Pupil Services. Prior to Brookfield Elementary, I taught first grade at the Hamilton School District for 16 years and was a school administrator in the North Shore for four. In 2003, I was awarded the Kohl Teacher Fellowship and also received the AASA Leadership for Learning Award for work with Early Reading Empowerment. In 2017, I was fortunate to be awarded the Herb Kohl Leadership Award, and was named the Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year. I was very proud to represent Elmbrook Schools as one of 50 National Distinguished Principal in Washington D.C. I am a member of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), the Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD), and the Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA), and serve as an adjunct faculty member at both Carroll University and Wisconsin Lutheran College. I have three beautiful daughters who are avid swimmers, cheerleaders, and TikTok fanatics. My incredible wife serves as a school psychologist. We have a dog, a cat, and a frog who keep us all company. I am an avid reader, runner, and triathlete, and am proud to own a basement full of Star Wars memorabilia and children’s books. I look forward to sharing our incredible school with you and your child!
Associate Principal
Hello, I’m Michelle Aprahamian! I am proud to serve as the Associate Principal of Brookfield Elementary since 2013! I love positively impacting the lives of our students and there is never a day that goes by without a hug or a smile! In 1989, I received my Bachelors from UW-Madison in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math. I later earned my administrative degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 2013. Prior to my time as Associate Principal, I served as an instructional resource teacher and pupil support for seven years. I have had the opportunity to work at Brookfield Elementary as a teacher and an administrator. Our staff understands what it means to “capture hearts” first. They go above and beyond to ensure they are meeting each of our students social-emotional and academic needs. They are dedicated to the profession and understand the importance of a strong relationship between home and school. I live in Brookfield with my husband, Mike. We are both graduates of Elmbrook Schools and are proud that all three of our children are also Elmbrook alums. Our roots continue to grow in this community as my oldest son recently purchased his first home here in Brookfield. My younger son works at Duke University as an academic counselor, and my daughter graduated with degrees in International Studies, Spanish and Political Science at Florida International. She is currently pursuing a career as a Spanish teacher. My husband and I look forward to every opportunity we can find to visit our children and new granddaughter. In between visits, we love to take long bike rides and walks with our two dogs!
Teachers
Hello, I’m Laurie Benz! I have had the privilege of teaching for the past 18 years! There are so many reasons I love teaching kindergarten. First and foremost, I love having a front row seat to watch and be part of this magical time of learning. A time when your little ones are acquiring new skills and concepts, forming friendships, becoming independent, and filling each day with giggles and gasps. This is my eighth year in Elmbrook and my 13th year teaching kindergarten! I earned my teaching degree from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY and in 2015, I was named a Kohl Fellowship Award Recipient for my work as an outstanding educator in Southeastern Wisconsin. With a strong desire to grow as an educator, I entered the Special Education Certification Program at Carroll University and in May of 2020, I received my Cross Categorical Special Education License. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband Ken of 28 years, our daughters Cassidy and Madalynn, and our lovely little granddaughter Luna. I am an avid reader and enjoy writing. Over the years, I have written many poems, songs, chants and short stories for the classroom to help teach and secure various skills and concepts across content areas.
Hello, I’m Emily Koscielniak! Kindergarteners are wonderfully honest, earnest, optimistic, and some of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I love being able to guide my students as they learn skills and explore ideas that will influence their future world.
This is my 14th year of teaching and my third in Elmbrook. I earned my degree in Elementary Education from UW - Madison and my Early Childhood Special Education degree from UW - Milwaukee. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, reading, exercising, and remodeling our home!
Hello, I’m Kate Marx! I knew I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher by the time I was in sixth grade! I have always loved working with and being around young children. I love the excitement and the passion they have for life in general. There is never a boring day in Kindergarten. I earned my BSE in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Emphasis from UW-Whitewater, my Reading Teacher License from Cardinal Stritch, and my Master’s Degree in Education from National Louis University. I’ve taught kindergarten for 31 years and, when I’m not working, I love cooking, baking, reading, spending time with my husband and children (ages 13 and 16), and playing the piano.
Hello, I’m Lauren Radosevich! I love being with the kids and being able to have a positive impact on their lives. I love teaching kindergarten because everything is always exciting and I get to watch the kids grow and learn! My favorite part is when their little lightbulbs go on and they begin to make meaningful connections between our classroom and their everyday lives. I earned my Bachelors in Early Childhood Special Education from UW-Whitewater and my Masters of Education from Aurora University. I’ve been teaching for a total of 23 years, with 15 of those years in Elmbrook! When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family, reading, bicycling, and boating on local lakes!
Administrative Assistants
Hello, I’m Karen Hamilton! I have the opportunity to greet and assist our students and families at Brookfield Elementary! I am proud of the role I play as a school ambassador, striving to deliver the highest level of customer service to our Bobcat families! I have been with Elmbrook Schools for 26 years and am committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for our staff, students, families and community members. Families love the Bobcat Community’s friendly atmosphere and balance between school and family in developing a child that is well-rounded both socially and academically. My own children are Brookfield Elementary alumni! My husband and I have three children and I love spending time with my family. In my spare time I love relaxing by reading a good book, decorating and crafting!
Hello, I’m Stacy Damuth! I am excited to be a part of the Bobcat staff! I have been working at Brookfield Elementary since 2016, and I am confident new families will love our warm, caring teachers and staff, and our amazing Principal! I enjoy meeting the families of the Elmbrook community and being able to help them get acquainted with our school. My family resides in Brookfield and have three boys: a fifth-grader here at Brookfield Elementary, and a Freshman and Junior at Brookfield Central. We have a dog named Eddie, a cat named Biff, and greatly enjoy our family game nights.