Dear Parents and Guardians,
On behalf of the United South Central Elementary School staff, I am excited to welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year! Whether you are returning to our school community or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to begin another year of learning, growth, and connection. Our staff is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Over the summer, several exciting facility updates were completed to enhance our students’ learning environment. All classrooms now feature energy-efficient LED lighting as part of a district-wide retrofit. Additionally, several elementary spaces received fresh paint and underwent general improvements. The parking lot has been seal-coated and reconfigured to enhance traffic flow; please note the updated entrance and exit directions. Our buses have been upgraded with enhanced safety features, including new stop arms and onboard cameras. Plans are in place to break ground on a new bus garage. We have also invested in new Chromebooks for every student in grades K–6 to ensure equitable access to digital learning tools.
In addition to our facility updates, we are excited to welcome several new staff members to the USC Elementary team. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Paige Lang, our new choir teacher; Sam Chukuske, who will be joining us as a preschool teacher; Sam Klinger, our new elementary physical education teacher; and Tami Bennett, who will serve as our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator. I am also pleased to share that Karen Robbins will continue with us in a part-time role as Curriculum Coordinator. We are excited for the expertise and enthusiasm these educators will bring to enrich our school community.
At United South Central Elementary, we remain committed to our mission of providing every student with a high-quality education within a supportive and inclusive learning environment. As we begin the 2025–2026 academic year, our focus remains on fostering critical and creative thinking through a rigorous curriculum aligned with the Minnesota State Standards. Our instructional approach is rooted in the core values of USC’s Rebel Rights—Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe—which guide both our teaching practices and student expectations.
This year, our dedicated staff looks forward to partnering with you to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child. We recognize that family involvement plays a vital role in student success, and we deeply value your commitment to working collaboratively with us. Your partnership helps reinforce the educational values we uphold at school and strengthens the learning experience for your child.
As an engaged partner in your child’s education, we respectfully ask that you:
Support the school community’s efforts to provide a positive and productive environment.
Review the District Handbook and Student Code of Conduct with your child to ensure a shared understanding of expectations. Encourage positive behavior, sound decision-making, and regular school attendance.
Work collaboratively with teachers and school staff to address academic or behavioral concerns.
Attend meetings when requested to support your child’s development.
Sign and return the handbook acknowledgment form (distributed at Open House).
As staff have been diligently preparing for a successful year, we are excited about the opportunities that await us and look forward to a school year filled with meaningful learning and growth. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please don’t hesitate to contact the elementary office. Our team is committed to supporting you and your child every step of the way.
Warm Regards,
Jennifer Taylor
Principal, United South Central Elementary