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 Tonawanda Elementary Staff Principal
Hello, I’m Kristin Olson! Welcome to Tonawanda Elementary School! I have been the proud principal of Tonawanda Elementary since 2015. Tonawanda is a small school with growing enrollment where we are focused on developing a sense of belonging for all in our community! I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1993 with a degree in Elementary Education and received my Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Northern Illinois University - DeKalb in 1999. I have 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and have served as an administrator for a total of ten years. At Tonawanda, students are cared for by the entire staff. Our teaching staff is dedicated to our students and the profession. They are continuous learners and implement best instructional practices. The students at our school are the reason I love my job the most! Being a part of a community of engaged learners, dedicated teachers, caring staff, and supportive parents is truly remarkable. For several consecutive years, our school has been rated among the best in the state as measured by the Wisconsin State Report Card! My husband, Cory, and I have two teenage sons, Evan and Andrew. I am my sons’ number one fan - watching them on the fields and on the court as they play football, basketball, and baseball. As a family, we enjoy water sports, snow skiing, and game nights at home!
Administrative Assistant Hello, I’m Michelle Kiese! I have the opportunity to greet and assist our students and families at Tonawanda Elementary! I love being able to build relationships with our students and their parents, as well as supporting our students’ growth and development through the years. We are a strong little community and we are very fortunate to have so many engaged families and classroom volunteers. I’ve been with Elmbrook Schools for nine years and am continually impressed with our students’ efforts to include all of their classmates in our school community. I am originally from the sunny shores of Oahu, Hawaii, but am proud to now call Wisconsin my home. I have two children - my son Nicholas is a Brookfield Central graduate and a dad to two-year-old Wolfgang and nine-month-old Alice, and my daughter Meghan is also a Brookfield Central graduate who is currently attending the University of Minnesota. When I’m not at Tonawanda or with my family, I can be found coaching the Brookfield Central Junior Lancer Cheerleaders.
Teachers
Hello, I’m Jennifer Forseth! I love teaching because I can make a difference in the lives of children and I can help create a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Kindergarten is magical- the children are so curious and always excited to learn new things. The growth I see in each child is unbelievable and their energy is contagious! I received my Early Childhood degree from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and have taught for a total of 20 years, 19 of which have been here in Elmbrook! I enjoy spending time with my family and going on vacations with them- our favorite vacation spot is Door County.
Hello, I’m Mary Walker! I enjoy watching the excitement and love my students have for learning as they gain confidence and master new skills. The biggest reward is seeing their growth from the beginning of the year to the end. I received my Bachelor of Science from Indiana University in Business Economics and Public Policy and later my Master’s degree from DePaul University in Education - Teaching and Learning. I have taught for a total of 16 years and this is my fourth year in Elmbrook. I love spending time with my family, going for bike rides, watching movies, and working in our garden.
Hello, I’m Theresa Westphal! I love that I have the opportunity to not only make a difference in every child’s life but that my work has the ability to change the future. I am able to improve the world by nurturing, teaching, inspiring, loving and believing in each and every one of my students. Teaching is not only a job for me but a true passion. I love that on a daily basis, I get to watch children explore, question, and learn while discovering the world around them. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-La Crosse and my Masters of Education Degree from Aurora University. I have been teaching Kindergarten and First grade for a total of 27 years, with 23 years in Elmbrook! I love spending time with my family more than anything in the world. We enjoy hiking, traveling, cheering for the Packers and Badgers, and doing projects around the house!