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 Swanson Elementary Staff
Principal
Hello, I’m Kori Hartman! this is my tenth year as Principal of Swanson Elementary! At Swanson, we have a team of dedicated professionals who are devoted to our students and each other. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in French from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in 1987, and I received a Master’s in Reading from UW-Whitewater, along with a Reading Specialist License in 2001. In 2007, I received another Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Prior to Elmbrook, I worked as a first grade teacher and Reading Specialist with the School District of Janesville for 19 years. I later became an elementary school Principal for Janesville from 2007-2011, where I was awarded Principal of the Year in 2009. It has been my honor to work at Swanson since 2011. Swanson is a vibrant learning community with dedicated, professional staff committed to making our school an exceptional place to learn and work together. I love being in classrooms and interacting with students as they tackle a project together. I also thoroughly enjoy learning and growing with our staff as we work to provide the best school experience possible for our students. Outside of school, I love reading, cooking, and going to movies with my family and friends.
Associate Principal
Hello, I’m Martin Castro! This is my second year as Associate Principal for Swanson Elementary and I get the privilege to lead the kind and caring staff that work with your precious little ones. I earned both my Bachelors in Psychology (2008) and my Masters in School Counseling (2012) from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Given that I love to learn, I also earned my MBA in Educational Leadership from Milwaukee School of Engineering (2019) with aspirations to one day complete a doctoral degree. Prior to arriving at Swanson, I served as a School Counselor for Edgewood Elementary in Oak Creek for seven years where I helped lead and facilitate various student learning and engagement teams. I also spent four years as a Lead Counselor and Transition School Aide at Saint A’s Residential Treatment Center. Because of tremendous students, staff, and families, Swanson truly feels like one big family. The opportunities and resources we have allows for creative instruction and caring for the individual needs of our students. Outside of school, I spend as much time with my wife and our three wonderful children doing anything from family game nights to going to Disney World. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and occasional performing in our church’s musical productions.
Teachers
Hello, I’m Shelly Brown! I love working with kids on a daily basis to provide a fun and engaging learning experience. The growth each child makes in a year is amazing to see. There are endless opportunities for them to achieve. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Cardinal Stritch University and my Masters from Walden University. This is my 20th year of teaching and my second at Elmbrook! When I’m not at school, I love being with family, volunteering, being outside, and traveling.
Hello, I’m Alexa Busalacchi! The excitement my students have for learning is contagious, and I love seeing the pride they take in their accomplishments each day. I think the greatest pleasure in teaching is seeing each child grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. This is my eighth year of teaching and my third here at Elmbrook! In my spare time, I enjoy running, going to sporting events, and spending time with my family.
Hello, I’m Kristy Menke! I love being able to see my students grow and experience the excitement of learning every day and being able to learn from them in return. Kindergarteners are full of wonder and throughout the day we are constantly exploring, growing, and playing. This is my 19th year teaching and my fourth in Elmbrook! I earned both my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading focus (316) from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Outside of school, I enjoy a variety of activities like camping, cooking, swimming, watching movies, going to Brewers games, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my husband and two sons.
Hello, I’m Jennifer Spek! I love creating a family each year in my classroom and teaching the children how to work together and have fun to make it the best year ever. The community that we build is so special as we teach academics along with social/emotional growth. The ability to ignite a child’s love for reading and then watch them successfully tackle books that are beyond their ability is my favorite part of kindergarten! I received my degree from UW-Milwaukee in Early Children Exceptional Education Needs (ECEEN) and I am dual-certified in birth to kindergarten education. I have been teaching for a total of 28 years with 26 of those years in Elmbrook! In my free time, I love to read, kayak, hike with my family, and cook food that feeds a healthy microbiome.
Hello, I’m Meredith Wafle! Being able to work with children and help them grow academically and socially each day is a joy. I love the enthusiasm and excitement that fills the classroom as my students grow into readers and writers. This is my 13th year of teaching and seventh year in Elmbrook! I earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and my Masters in Teaching from Cardinal Stritch University. Outside of school, I enjoy my time reading, watching movies, and being active in the outdoors with my family.
Administrative Assistants
Hello, I’m Jen Beug-Hoffman! I love the friendly atmosphere that our staff and students create at Swanson. This is my third year in the Swanson office and I just love it here! Our students pride themselves on being helpful and compassionate towards each other as we aim to make everyone feel welcome. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from UW- Whitewater and have been with Elmbrook Schools for 7 years. I am the proud mom of two amazing children in the district, and in our free time, my husband and I enjoy staying active with our kids, trying interesting foods, and traveling near and far.
Hello, I’m Karen Krzyzak! I love seeing our students as they grow each day and interacting with families at Swanson! I have worked throughout Swanson in various roles including Special Education and Kindergarten Assistant since 2007, and I joined the office staff in 2018. Families will love the diversity and friendly staff and students at our school. I earned my Bachelor’s in Secondary Education in Speech Communication, English, and Theatre from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My husband and I have three daughters and a son who have all attended Swanson, and we love taking family vacations and enjoy movies together. I also love attending theatre productions and performing on-stage when I have the opportunity!