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 Burleigh Elementary Staff
Principal
Hello, I’m Christian Pleister! I am currently in my seventh year as Principal of Burleigh Elementary! I lead our compassionate and engaging staff as they strive to positively influence all students as they grow into lifelong learners. In 1998, I earned my teaching degree from UW-Milwaukee in Special Education and I later continued my education, earning my Educational Leadership degree alongside my Principal and Director of Curriculum and Instruction licenses from Cardinal Stritch University in 2006. Prior to Burleigh, I served as an elementary special education teacher for a combined nine years in Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee, and was a school administrator in Greendale for six years before joining Elmbrook. At Burleigh, we use a workshop model for literacy and math instruction and meet with each student on a regular basis to set goals and monitor progress in order to ensure a personalized learning experience. We have been recognized as a Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition for our work in closing the achievement gap for certain student groups. I am also the Director of Elmbrook Schools’ Preschool, a member of the AWSA Elementary Principals’ Commission, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on the lives of so many students and staff. In my spare time, I like to lead an active and healthy lifestyle by working out on a regular basis, doing as much as possible outside, and going to concerts!
Associate Principal
Hello, I’m Mekenna Ellis! This is my third year as Associate Principal at Burleigh! I love being able to see a wide variety of students each day and develop personal connections with them throughout the year. Burleigh is a big school with a small, community feeling, full of people that work to care for and connect with every student. Our staff models lifelong learning for our students each day as they consistently seek out opportunities to learn and grow! I earned my Bachelors in Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence Education from UW-LaCrosse in 2007 and my Masters in Reading from Concordia University in 2012. I later received my administrative license in 2015 from UW-Milwaukee. Prior to Elmbrook, I taught for 11 years at both Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated School District, and as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach for the Wauwatosa School District. I have presented for the Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA) and the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) numerous times. Outside of school, my husband and I have three sons, a dog, and two cats. I enjoy running, playing volleyball, reading, and exploring the outdoors.
Teachers
Hello, I’m Johnell Eales! I love making a difference in a child’s life both in and out of the classroom. One of the things I love most about kindergarten is watching the students learn to read– it is so exciting to help them open the door to the new adventures they will find in books. I earned my degree in Elementary Education from Rockford College and have been teaching for 23 years! In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends, reading, swimming and hiking.
Hello, I’m Katie Hillig! I love being responsible for helping children learn to read, discover, reflect, communicate and overall LOVE school! I believe teaching kindergarten is the best profession in the entire world! I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001, and my Masters in Reading (316) and Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University in 2008. I have been teaching in Elmbrook since 2002, and in my free time I enjoy traveling, photography, shopping, and watching my children play hockey and baseball!
Hello, I’m Kayla Moffatt! I love seeing the excitement that each student has for learning and trying new things in Kindergarten! The limitless creativity of my students and their wonderful stories fill each day with fun and joy. This is my ninth year of teaching and my second year teaching Kindergarten! I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University. In 2018, I received a Golden Apple for Excellence in Elementary Teaching at the Elmbrook Engaged in Excellence Awards. I enjoy sports, reading, and spending my free time with my family and friends.
Hello, I’m Aimee Simek! My favorite part of my job is getting to see my students experience success and continuously helping them strive to be their best. I love being able to build a foundation for future learning in my students. I received my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction: Interdisciplinary Studies from National Louis University. This is my 21st year of teaching and my fourth year in Elmbrook. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to parks and the zoo, reading, and cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers!
Hello, I’m Jackie Topp! My favorite part of my job is being able to see life through a kindergartener’s perspective! Being able to see their confidence grow and how they change socially and emotionally is a joy to experience. I have been teaching kindergarten at Burleigh Elementary for 18 years. I received my degree in Early Childhood from UW-Milwaukee and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. In my free time, my husband and I love spending time with our 12-year-old son, Colton, and nine-year-old daughter, Charlotte. We enjoy traveling, biking/hiking/exploring the outdoors and attending sporting events!
Administrative Assistants
Hello, I’m Pam Peters-Colclasure! I love being able to welcome our new families to Burleigh and working with our students as they grow over the years. Burleigh’s wonderful staff has so much to offer our students academically and in additional enrichment opportunities throughout the school year. I work alongside Nancy Rusk to welcome visitors to our school, and make sure our students’ needs are met. I believe our students pride themselves on their ability to be open to new challenges in and out of the classroom. Our administration and teaching staff always have the best interests of the students and their families at heart. Our students are always actively engaged in the number of activities and opportunities that we offer. Elmbrook is a special district and Burleigh is an incredible school.
Hello, I’m Nancy Rusk! I enjoy working with students and being able to interact with visitors to our school each day. At Burleigh, our students pride themselves on growing their independence and making everyone feel welcome and included. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from UW- Milwaukee, and I have been with Elmbrook for over 11 years as a parent, 2.5 years as a Kindergarten and Special Education Substitute, and this is my fourth year as Burleigh’s Receptionist! I work alongside Pam Peters-Colclasure to welcome all visitors and new families to our wonderful school. My husband and I have three daughters that have all attended Burleigh! I enjoy spending time with my family as we hike, attend musicals, play tennis, and watch movies.