Burleigh Kindergarten Staff 2023

MEET THE STAFF OF BURLEIGH ELEMENTARY

CHRISTIAN PLEISTER PRINCIPAL

Hello, I’m Christian Pleister and I am currently in my ninth 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 differentiate 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’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!

KRISTA ISERLOTH ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Hello, I’m Krista Iserloth and I’ve been the Associate Principal of Burleigh Elementary since 2022! I’m proud to help lead a school with such a welcoming, generous, skilled and willing team. Families love our school for its focus on kids, our rigorous curriculum, and our enthusiasm for education and character growth. Burleigh is a big school with a small, community feeling that is full of people that work to care for and connect with each and every student as we grow lifelong learners. I can’t exactly put into words the joy our students bring to me, but I can say it starts with their stories, development through the year, and the kindness they show to their peers and our staff. In addition to how proud I am of our students, I'm also proud of our staff. I’m constantly amazed by the experience and expertise our staff show in the classroom each day!

I earned my Bachelors in Psychology from UW-Stevens Point (2011), followed by my Masters in Educational Psychology from UW-Milwaukee (2013) and Masters in Educational Administration (2022) from Concordia University. Prior to Elmbrook, I served at East Troy Middle School as a School Counselor for 5 years and then also their Dean of Students for three years.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, traveling and exploring new foods. I live with my husband, daughter, and our two bulldogs.

OFFICE STAFF 4K TEACHERS

JENNI GESKE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Hello, I’m Jenni Geske! I love being able to welcome our new families to Burleigh and working with our students as they learn and grow. Burleigh’s incredible staff has so much to offer our students both academically and through enrichment opportunities throughout the school year. Our students pride themselves on their positive behavior, sense of belonging and school spirit, and the love and support of our students and staff is felt by all!

I earned my Teaching Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Mount Mary University and my Graduate Degree in Instructional Technology in Education from Edgewood College.

I work alongside Nancy Rusk to welcome visitors to our school and make sure all of our students’ needs are met. Outside of school, I have four children, two dogs, a rabbit, and I love cooking and baking, reading, and watching my childrens’ sporting events.

NANCY RUSK RECEPTIONIST

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 15 years as a parent, 2.5 years as a Kindergarten and Special Education Substitute, and this is my sixth year as Burleigh’s Receptionist! I work alongside Jenni Geske and Becky Brummer to welcome all visitors and families to our wonderful school.

My husband and 3 daughters all attended Burleigh in the past! When I'm not at Burleigh, I enjoy spending time with my family as we hike, play tennis and family games.

BETSY HEUN

Betsy Heun! Every day in 4K is unique and brings new ideas, new challenges, and something funny to laugh about! My students make every day exciting and magical. Teaching kindergarten gives me the opportunity to provide our youngest learners and families with a strong foundation that the rest of a child's education can build on.

I earned my degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from St. Norbert College and have been teaching for 22 years! In my free time, I love spending time with my family, boating up north, and watching my children play football, basketball, and soccer.

JENNIFER KUCHARSKI

Hello, I’m Jennifer Kucharski! I love helping to shape young minds and making learning exciting for my students. It is very rewarding to see the growth that children make throughout the year, and having the opportunity to shape the beginning of their educational career brings me pride and enthusiasm as they learn each day.

I received my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from UW-Milwaukee and have been teaching in Elmbrook for a total of 15 years! In my spare time, I love spending time with my family at our cabin up-north - fishing, swimming, snowmobiling & relaxing. I also love to read, do puzzles, and scrapbook!

TEACHERS

PAM CLINE

Hello, I’m Pam Cline! I love teaching because of the difference I’m able to make in my student's lives. Building a social-emotional connection with students is really fulfilling, and watching them grow in reading, learning and in relationships throughout the school year is tremendous!

I earned my Masters in Education from Cardinal Stritch and have been teaching for 17 years, with 6 of those years in Elmbrook! When I’m not teaching, I enjoy exercising, spending time with loved ones, and reading mystery novels.

JOHNELL EALES

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 25 years! In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends, reading, swimming and hiking.

KATIE HILLIG

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!

KAYLA MOFFATT

Hello, I’m Kayla Moffatt, and 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 11th year of teaching and my fifth 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 Engaged in Excellence Awards. I enjoy sports, reading, and spending my free time with my family and friends.

AIMEE SIMEK

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 23nd year of teaching and my sixth 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!

JACKIE TOPP

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 20 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 son, Colton, and daughter, Charlotte. We enjoy traveling, biking/hiking/exploring the outdoors and attending sporting events!

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.”

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 31st & September 1st Your child’s 2023-24 classroom teacher will invite you to sign up for a conference in August after class assignments are made public.

SUMMER SCHOOL OPPORTUNTIES

Summer school opportunities are available for all Incoming Kindergarten and current Kindergarten students. The Kindergarten and 1st grade Momentum program will be held this year at Brookfield Elementary.

Classes will take place Monday, June 19 to Friday, July 21 for all students. There will be no classes on Monday, July 3rd or Tuesday, July 4th Summer Jumpstart Program will begin August 7th - Friday, August 11th. The Jumpstart program is offered to Incoming 4K and Incoming 5K students in their homeschool buildings.

Registration for summer school will open on Tuesday, March 14 and close on Thursday, March 21, 2023. Prior to registration you will need to complete the Districts Online Enrollment. Online enrollment link is located on the Elmbrookschools.org website. Please click the “Enrollment for New Students and Families” tab. You will receive an email with your personal Infinite Campus login, which will allow you to register for summer school.

Visit www.elmbrookschools.org/summerschool for all summer school related information. Please contact Monica Bianco at biancom@elmbrookschools.org with any questions.