United South Central
November 2021. Rebel Preview. Rebel Review.
Rebel Preview
Gratitude
United South Central Elementary staff and students were busy throughout the month of October and it is hard to believe we are already in November! The month of November has always been one of my favorite months of the year because of the beautiful fall colors, cooler temperatures, fall sporting events, and bonfires. We fall back in November and things seem to slow down a bit during the colder months. With the impending holiday of Thanksgiving focused on family, gratitude, and caring for one another, it is the perfect time to share our appreciation.
Upon reflection, there is so much to be grateful for here at United South Central. We have awe-inspiring, caring staff from our teachers, Paraprofessionals, office staff, to our custodians, bus drivers, and lunchroom helpers. I feel privileged to be able to work with all of these great people and I know your children are in capable hands. In addition, I am thankful for the supportive parents/guardians and the community at large. The students and staff could not do it without your support. Thank you for all you do.
Throughout the month of November, I would like to challenge you to think about all of the people you are grateful for and encourage your child(ren) to do the same. Perhaps you may wish to share your appreciation with these folks because kindness and compassion can make you happier and does wonders for those on the receiving end.
Warm Regards,
Ms. Taylor
USC Elementary Principal
Rebel Rights
Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe
Together USC staff and students continue to focus on Rebel Rights which are Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe. Students continue to earn golden tickets for exhibiting Rebel Rights in the school setting. I would like to encourage parents/guardians to talk about Rebel Rights with your child(ren) and how these rights can be used at home in conjunction with the school. We will be having an end-of-the-quarter Rebel Rights Celebration on Friday, November 19, 2021. We are looking forward to celebrating all of the positive things we are seeing in the school environment. Please be sure to talk with your children about all of the good things that are happening at school.
USC Drop off, Pick up, and Parking
Drop off and pick up at USC Elementary
Students will enter the school through the main door by the office.
Students can enter the building at 8:10 AM after they are lined up outside.
Students who would like to eat breakfast can enter the building at 7:50 AM. Students are NOT allowed in the building prior to this. Once In the building, students must go directly to the Commons and remain in the Commons until 8:10 AM, and then they can walk to their classrooms.
Students will be dismissed through the main doors by the office.
** If a parent/guardian needs to enter the school building for any reason, they must check in at the elementary office and get a name badge prior to entering the building.
Reminder: Parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up students outside the main doors. We need to be conscious of limiting traffic and exposure to the school setting.
Parking Notice:
When picking up students before and after school make sure you are legally parked to avoid potential pitfalls. We need to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors.
Rebel Preview
Veteran's Day
We will be honoring our Veterans at the annual Veteran’s Day Celebration on November 11, 2021, at 9:00 am in the auditorium. We will have a guest speaker who is a veteran and elementary students will be singing and playing in the band. In addition, high school students will read essays. There will be a reception for all veterans in the Community Education Conference Room following the program. Community members, staff, and students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.
Conferences
Save the Date(s)
USC Elementary Conferences will be held on the evening of November 18 and on November 23 from 3:30-7:00 PM. On November 24 conferences will be held during the day from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM; There will be No School on this day.
The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming to USC
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Scholastic Book Fair. Hosted by our staff, this event is an opportunity for students of all ages to build their home libraries and further their love of reading. As always, all purchases benefit our school.
After missing out on many beloved traditions, our fall Book Fair will be a familiar, welcome, and safe event for our students. Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place
November 16th thru November 24th.
November 16th: 8:00am-3:45pm
November 17th: 8:00am-3:45pm
November 18th: 8:00am-7:00pm ( Elem. Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences)
November 19th: 8:00am-3:45pm
November 20th: Online Orders All Day
November 21st: Online Orders All Day
November 22nd: 8:00am-3:45pm
November 23rd: 8:00am-7:00pm (K-12 Parent/Teacher Evening Conferences)
November 24th: 8:00am-1:00pm (No school for Elementary-Parent/Teacher Conferences)
• Our Book Fair offers a cash-free payment option called eWallet. It’s a convenient digital account your child can use for shopping at our Fair. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute, too! To get started with eWallet, visit our school's Book Fair homepage and click on the Get Started button under eWallet.
• Can’t make it to the Fair? No problem! Shop online at our school’s Virtual Book Fair from November 16-November 29. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will benefit our school and will be open every day of the book fair!
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/uscrebels
We are excited to celebrate our love of books together at the Book Fair. We look forward to seeing your child there!
Happy Reading
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Break will be on November 25 - 26, 2021. There will be No School on either day. Please enjoy this time with those you are most thankful for.
Dressing for the Weather
Just a reminder...
As fall sets in and the temperatures start to drop, please remember that your child will be playing outside every day, weather permitting. We need your help to ensure your students come to school properly dressed for the weather. Jackets/coats must be worn unless the temperature is 60 degrees or above. Moreover, as the snow flies students need to have additional outdoor gear which includes layers, hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, boots, and snow pants.
Thank you in advance for your help in ensuring your child feels comfortable outside at recess. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call the office at (507) 553-5810.
Rebel Review
Kindergarten Field Trip
The Kindergarten Class made two attempts to go to the pumpkin patch but unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate on either day. No worries though, the teachers brought the pumpkin patch and apple orchard to school! Throughout the day kindergarteners took a virtual field trip to an apple orchard and a pumpkin patch. Students had the opportunity to taste test a variety of apples and pumpkin pies. There were stories, an indoor picnic, and each student got two pumpkins to bring home. Fun was had by all!
Ms. Hotzler's Class
Pumpkins
Ms. Hansen's Class
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
In conjunction with the One School, One Book Literacy Program, Kim Gormley (Title I teacher), Jen Ignaszewski, Kathy Ehlert, and Kari Legred selected the book Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo. Students had the opportunity to read the book, work on comprehension skills, and celebrate the ending of the story with Mercy Watson by having a toast party. Students got to choose between buttered toast (Mercy's favorite), toast with jelly, or toast with sugar and cinnamon. Even better, students got to keep the books! Parents, please ask your child about this fun reading activity.
Also, there are many other Mercy Watson books that can be checked out at the Media Center or your local library.
Toast Party
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Mercy Watson Craft
SCSC Science & Nature Conference
On October 26, fifth and sixth-grade students attended the SCSC Science & Nature Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter. While at the conference, students were able to participate in an academic enrichment experience that allowed them to delve deeper into the science and nature topics they love. Students were exposed to a vast variety of topics and they were able to attend highly educational hands-on sessions. Each student got to attend three sessions. Many forms of science and nature were represented which gave students the opportunity to learn how science plays a part in our world, environment, home, space, earth, life, and technology. Upon return, many students were eager to share the best part of the trip was not only being on a college campus but learning about snakes, items from the Red River Valley, and a host of other science-related topics. Make sure to ask your fifth and sixth graders about this experience.
Snakes
Artifacts
Mystery Science
Students were provided with background knowledge prior to watching mystery science demonstrations