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 Dixon Elementary Staff
Principal
Hello, I’m Luke Sadowski! I have been the proud Principal of Dixon Elementary since 2019! I have been with Elmbrook since 2016, previously serving as Swanson Elementary’s Associate Principal. I help lead the kind and caring staff of Dixon as we personalize learning for each and every student and develop social-emotional skills in each child. The first thing families will notice about our school is our caring, welcoming environment. Because of tremendous students, staff and families, Dixon feels like a big family. We have amazing resources that allow for creative instruction and caring for the individual needs of our students. I graduated from Edgewood College with a business degree and eventually went back to get certified to teach Special Education. In 2014, I earned my Master’s Degree from Viterbo University, along with my Principal and Pupil Services licenses. Prior to my time in Elmbrook, I taught special education for six years across southeastern Wisconsin and served as a school administrator for three years - including two years as Dean of Students in Wauwatosa. I love getting to help students learn and grow every day! My wife and I have three wonderful sons. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing and playing sports of all kinds!
Administrative Assistant
Hello, I’m Julie Johnson! I have the privilege to greet and assist our students and families at Dixon Elementary! I love to help others, and I strive to exceed your expectations. I earned my Associates Degree from Waukesha County Technical College, and I have been helping Elmbrook families and staff for 32 years at Dixon! Our teachers and staff at Dixon are kind, patient, engaging, encouraging and compassionate and, as a result, our students love to learn. My father was a teacher for forty years, my sister is a fourth-grade teacher, and my two nieces are educators. My family understands the importance of education, and I enjoy the vital role I play to help our school function seamlessly. If I can be helpful to a teacher, parent or especially a student, then it’s a good day at Dixon School!
Teachers
Hello, I’m Erin Fossum!
I love watching my students grow and develop over the course of the school year. Being a part of my students lives as they begin their educational career is a truly magical experience. Every day Kindergarten is filled with smiles, laughter, great books, and a sense of wonder. I received my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Winona State University. I have been teaching for 14 years and this is my seventh year in Elmbrook! I previously helped to start the Elmbrook Schools’ Preschool program. I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, reading, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors.
Hello, I’m Nikki Haskey! Teaching provides a new adventure each day, and teaching students is the most fulfilling way to spend every day! I love when I see a child have that “lightbulb moment” and experience such joy and pride in their accomplishments. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Education from UW-Whitewater in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and my K-12 Reading Teacher License from Carroll University. I have been teaching for a total of 22 years, and this is my tenth year in Elmbrook! The time that I spend with my family is my favorite- we love camping, watching sports, and traveling.
Hello, I’m Megan Peschke! When I’m in the classroom, I continue to be captivated by the eagerness of my students to learn and am spellbound by their incredible achievements. I love being able to be a positive influence on my students as they constantly inspire me with their excitement towards learning and life. I earned my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and this is my fourth year at Dixon Elementary! I love to learn and I just recieved my Reading Teacher License at Carroll University and currently in school for my Reading Specialist License. I enjoy exploring the outdoors, photography, and traveling. Being a teacher isn’t a job, it’s a passion!
Hello, I’m Laura Schubert! I enjoy being able to connect with my students and their families. There’s nothing better than the thrill of watching students blossom and grow over the course of the year. I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, my Early Childhood Licensure from Alverno College, and my Masters in Professional Development/Early Childhood Mathematics from Alverno College. I began teaching in 1991 and have been teaching at Elmbrook since 2002. In 2017, I was honored to receive the Elmbrook Engaged in Excellence award for Excellence in Elementary Teaching. I am a wife and mother, and I cherish time spent with my family. I have a passion for fitness and wellness pursuits. I also love to write and have published a memoir, Incompatible with Life: A Story of Hope.