Hello, I’m Luke Sadowski and 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 sta of Dixon as we personalize learning for each and every student and develop social-emotional skills in each child.
Dixon’s vision is Love, Inspire, Grow - and the first thing families will notice about our school is our caring, welcoming environment. Because of tremendous students, sta 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 four wonderful sons. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing and playing sports of all kinds!
MARIAN RIVERA ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Hello, I’m Marian Rivera and I have had the pleasure of being Dixon’s Associate Principal since 2021! I love that I get to work with students in classrooms all across our building. Being in education means that your workplace always has an abundance of joy, love, and celebration.
Dixon is a very special school and our team is incredibly kind, knowledgeable, collaborative, and dedicated. Our teaching teams work incredibly hard to find creative, engaging ways to meet the needs of students. Sta care for each and every student and value the gifts each individual brings.
I earned my BA from Marquette and my MA in Elementary Education from Alverno College. I completed my Director of Instruction and Administrative Leadership licenses in 2022. Prior to my role in Elmbrook, I taught for 8 years in Milwaukee and St. Paul, and served as an instructional coach for 3 years.
My wife and I have a dog and a cat, and we enjoy hiking, board games, and great local co ee shops. We also spend time learning and growing at our gym where I hold a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
OFFICE STAFF
LESLIE KNIPFER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hello, I’m Leslie Knipfer, and I have the privilege of supporting our students, families, teachers, and sta here at Dixon Elementary! I am passionate about helping others and love seeing everyone succeed, no matter the challenge.
I attended Arizona State University and spent 10 years working in behavioral health, where I contracted with Child Protective Services in Arizona. Before my current role, I served as a Special Education Assistant right here at Dixon.
At Dixon, we are truly a family. We work together to provide a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can grow academically and build a strong sense of community. Our students pride themselves on inclusivity, which makes Dixon a wonderful place to learn and thrive.
Outside of school, my husband and I have two children who attend Elmbrook schools. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and embarking on road trip adventures. I’m also bilingual in Spanish, which allows me to connect with even more of our families.
I love being part of the Dixon team, and I’m here to help however I can. When I see students, families, and sta overcome challenges and achieve their goals, I know it’s been a great day at Dixon Elementary!
TEACHERS
ERIN FOSSUM
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 4K 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 18 years and this is my 11th year in Elmbrook! I previously helped to start the former Elmbrook Schools’ Preschool program. I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, reading, watching movies, and enjoying the outdoors.
LAURA SCHUBERT
Hello, I’m Laura Schubert! I enjoy being able to connect with my 4K students and their families. There’s nothing better than the thrill of watching little ones 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.
5K TEACHERS
JACLYN DURHAM
Hello, I’m Jaclyn Durham! Being a teacher is a profoundly challenging and rewarding job! I wake up every day smiling, knowing I can grow, influence a life, inspire a child, and love what I do. Kindergarten teachers are the first people to pass on the passion of learning to students. I received my Bachelors in Education Studies and Physiology from Ripon College and my Masters in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University. I have been teaching for a total of 21 years, 14 of which have been here in Elmbrook! I love reading, watching movies, camping and playing with my daughters, Reagan, Abigail, and Grace.
NIKKI HASKEY
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 26 years, and this is my 14th year in Elmbrook! The time that I spend with my family is my favorite- we love camping, watching sports, and traveling.
JILL LIPPE
I’m Jill Lippe! I love experiencing a student’s “lightbulb” moment in learning and sharing my love for reading with them each and every day. Seeing the growth of my students throughout the year and collaborating with my Kindergarten teachers are what I love most about teaching.
I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota and have been teaching for nine years, with six of those in Elmbrook! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading mystery novels and traveling with my family in our travel trailer.
ELIZABETH POETSCH
Hello, I’m Elizabeth Poetsch! I love using creativity to create fun and challenging classroom lessons while building great relationships with my students and their families. The enthusiasm and innocence of kindergarten students can be incredibly rewarding, inspiring and hilarious. I love the unique and fulfilling experience that teaching Kindergarten provides me!
I earned my degree from Mount Mary University and have been teaching for 16 years. Outside of school, I enjoy doing anything on-or-in water, hiking, spending time with my family, traveling, and a good pun.
GO DRAGONS!
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Complete your child’s online enrollment at www.elmbrookschools.org/enroll.
STEP 1 | 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.” Verification documents are required even if you have a child currently attending in the district.
STEP 2 | Receive Enrollment Confirmation Email
STEP 3 | Participate in Strong Start Conference in August
STEP 4 | Attend 1st Day of School in September
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 conducted over two days | August 28th & 29th
Your child’s 2025-26 classroom teacher will invite you to sign up for a conference in August after class assignments are made public.
SUMMER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
Students enrolling in 5K for the 2025-26 school year are eligible to participate in our 4K Momentum Summer School Program! Elmbrook’s summer school Momentum Program will be held at Dixon Elementary this year. This session will run Monday, June 16 through Friday, July 18. There will be no classes on Thursday, July 3rd, and Friday, July 4th.
Elmbrook's August Jumpstart Program is a one week only and will be in session from Monday, August 4th through Friday, August 8th. Our Jumpstart Program is a separate summer school program o ered to incoming 4K and 5K students of the 25-26 school year (Current 3K and 4K students) at their school buildings in an e ort to acclimate our youngest students to their new school environment.
Registration for summer school o erings will open on Thursday, February 27 and close on Thursday, March 6, 2024 at noon. Registration can be completed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Prior to registration, you will need to complete the District's Online Enrollment. Online enrollment forms can be found on elmbrookschools.org/enroll. Please feel free to contact Jered Bares at baresj@elmbrookschools.org with any questions or check out our Summer School Registration FAQ’s at elmbrookschools.org/summerschool!
