United South Central School District

Dear USC Parents/Guardians,
As we turn the page from October to November, our classrooms continue to buzz with learning, growth, and excitement. October was a month filled with incredible progress in reading, math, and community spirit. Students engaged deeply with new CKLA lessons, strengthening their understanding of language and reading, while also building confidence in math through problem-solving, reasoning, and real-world word problems. Each day, our students impress us with their curiosity, perseverance, and kindness—reminders of why our work matters so deeply.

Last year, USC Elementary began a valuable partnership with Andrea Hansen and Kari Pratt from the South Central Service Cooperative to strengthen teachers’ mathematical content knowledge and instructional practices. While USC has long demonstrated excellence in math instruction, we are now preparing for the upcoming shift to Minnesota’s new Mathematics Standards, which will be fully implemented statewide in the 2027–2028 school year.

These updated standards place a strong emphasis on how students approach and perform math. Beyond mastering procedures, students will be encouraged to think critically, reason through problems, communicate their mathematical thinking, and apply math concepts to real-world situations. Modeling, representation, and discussion will be key components of the classroom experience, helping learners see mathematics as a meaningful and connected discipline rather than a set of isolated skills.

In preparation for this transition, Andrea and Kari are continuing their collaborative work with our staff this year. They met with teachers during our back-to-school workshop week and again in October, spending time in classrooms teaching number-sense lessons in grades K–6. Their next visit in November will continue to support teachers as we align our instruction with the intent and spirit of the new standards. We are grateful for their partnership and excited to continue this vital work, which ensures that our students are prepared to think deeply, reason effectively, and approach mathematics with confidence and curiosity.

A special thank you to the community members who attended the first USC Facilities meeting at the Nasinec Event Center. Your time, feedback, and commitment to our school district are greatly appreciated. We are fortunate to have such a supportive and engaged community. The next meeting will take place in January—stay tuned for the announcement!

This month, we will be celebrating and cultivating gratitude throughout our school community by encouraging students and staff to reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion, and mutual appreciation. Gratitude enriches our school by fostering a positive environment where everyone feels valued and recognized for their contributions. Whether in the classroom, at home, or during our upcoming Veterans Day celebration, expressing thanks strengthens our connections and reminds us of our shared support.

We are also looking forward to connecting with families during Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 20, 25, and 26. These meetings offer valuable opportunities to celebrate student growth, discuss progress, and foster the partnership between home and school that is crucial to each child’s success.

In addition, we are excited to continue one of our favorite USC traditions—our Thanksgiving meal in the cafeteria. This special event brings students and staff together to share a meal, celebrate one another, and reflect on the true spirit of thankfulness. In closing, thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s education and the collective success of our school. We are grateful to you. May this Thanksgiving season bring your family moments of joy, reflection, and heartfelt gratitude.

With Appreciation, Jennifer Taylor, Principal, USC Elementary