RETURN TO SCHOOL: 2020-2021 SAFE LEARNING More Info

X

Hutchinson Public Schools

Home : West Elementary

Celebrate!

By

American Education Week is being celebrated this year November 16-20, 2020. In 1921, Members of the American Legion, the US Office of Education, and the National Education Association created a plan to improve literacy/physical fitness and recognize the importance of education. These goals are as relevant today as they were in 1921 and have been celebrated the week before Thanksgiving since then.

With the entire world being adversely affected by COVID-19, the challenges for students, families, and educators have never been greater. In a matter of a few days in March 2020, Hutchinson Public Schools were required to transition from traditional in-person education to distance learning, providing daycare, and delivering breakfasts/lunches throughout the district. The Hutchinson Board of Education truly salutes all involved in meeting the challenges of this emergency. The teachers, staff, and administration in Hutchinson have done an amazing job of keeping education moving forward for our students.

With that said, one thing we have learned is that there is no substitute for in-person learning.  Technology has enabled us to provide distance and hybrid learning, but there are limitations. There is no substitute for the relationships that can only happen in-person – between students and their teachers and peers. The social and emotional development of students depends on relationships. In addition, there are many curricula that don’t work as effectively in a distance-learning mode such as chemistry/ physics/biology labs, welding, construction, technical education, art, band, and choir.

Through all of the adversities and challenges of 2020 our educators in Hutchinson have gone above and beyond their regular duties to learn new technology and other skills to ensure that quality education continues. On behalf of the Hutchinson Board of Education, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students, families, teachers, staff, and administration that make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and learn. Thank you!

Keith Kamrath
On behalf of the Hutchinson Board of Education
Tiffany Barnard
Byron Bettenhausen
JoEllen Kimball
Brian Pollmann
Chris Wilke​

Safe and Secure Schools: West Elementary

By

West Elementary has undergone some changes over the past year in order to make the school more safe and secure. This video was produced with the intention of informing parents about these changes and to educate parents about the ways that West Elementary ensures the safety of all students. We discuss how to visit West, how to pick up your child early, and end of the day procedures as well.

MRC Program – Literacy Tutor

By

reading-math_corps1c

Click here to view an informational video about the MRC Program.

 

Would you love to help children grow their reading skills, succeed in school and get extra support? If your answer is yes, you can be trained to serve as a tutor with Minnesota Reading Corps at both West Elementary and Park Elementary. Whether you want to explore an educational career, reenter the workforce, or give back to your community, you can succeed as a tutor. Last year, Minnesota Reading Corps provided direct services to over 30,000 children in more than 700 schools across the state.

As a Literacy Tutor, you’ll use strategies that help students believe in themselves and succeed.  Positions available include: Kindergarten Focus and Elementary (K-3) Literacy Tutors. Full-time tutors typically serve most of their hours during the regular school day.

 

In addition to extensive training, tutors will receive on-site support from specially trained school mentors. Tutors come from many backgrounds and include recent high school and college grads, career changers, stay-at-home parents, and retirees. Tutors may earn a living allowance, educational award, federal student loan forbearance, and other benefits, and have the chance to make a real difference in the life of a child.

 

To apply or learn more about the research based programs, position qualifications, and benefits, visit MinnesotaReadingCorps.org (do not apply via the district website). Questions? Email recruitment@servemnaction.org or call 866-859-2825.

 

Ask Me!

By

pawsticker

Ask Me!

West Elementary is proud to introduce “Ask Me” stickers as part of our positive behavioral support system.  Students caught making good choices have the opportunity to be awarded an “Ask Me” sticker.  This helps facilitate conversation between their peers, school staff, and home about the great things happening at school.  If your child comes home with a sticker, be sure to ask them about the positive choices they made at school.

West Elementary Attendance Guidelines

By

Attendance

One of the most important things families can do to help their children succeed is to make sure they attend school regularly.

When your student is absent:

Contact the school at (320) 587-4470.  State the name, teacher, length and reason for the absence.  If we do not hear from you, we will attempt to call you at home or at work.  If we have not spoken with you or a responsible adult regarding the absence, you must send a note to school.

Excused Absences:

  • Illness
  • Family Death/Illness
  • Religious Holiday / Instruction
  • Medical / Dental Appointments

Unexcused Absences:

  • Missing the bus
  • Staying home to care for siblings
  • Refusing to go to school
  • Oversleeping (Parent or Child)
  • Skipping School
  • No Doctor Note (if required)

Six Strategies to Support School Attendance:

  1. Let children know that you value their education.  Insist they go every day.
  2. Talk to you child about school.  Is your child struggling with schoolwork, classmates, or other problems? Ask how you can help.
  3. Discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher(s).  Ask them to help if needed.
  4. Does your child need a tutor or assessment for special services? Ask for referrals to community programs, and don’t hesitate to use counseling services.
  5. Get to know your child’s friends and their families.
  6. Support/follow school policies.

 

Second Step Bully Prevention Lessons

By

To further help our school be a safe, kind, and respectful place, we are implementing the Second Step Bullying  Prevention Unit.  In the lessons, your child will learn specific skills to help stop bullying.  Students will learn how to:

  • Recognize when bullying is happening
  • Report bullying to a caring adult
  • Refuse to let bullying happen to themselves or others
  • Be a bystander who stands up and is part of the solution to bullying

Traditionally, bullying is recognized and defined by three characteristics.  It is aggressive behavior that:

  1. Is repeated over time
  2. Occurs in a relationship where there is a power imbalance
  3. Intends to cause harm or distress

(Committee for Children, 2013)

We need your help.  Get involved in making our school a safe and respectful place by letting us know if you hear about bullying at our school.  Make sure your child knows to tell you or someone at school if he or she is being bullied.  And give your child the clear message that it is never okay to bully others.

 

Bullying

 

 

District

30 Glen Street NW
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: 320-587-2860
Fax: 320-587-4590

Superintendent:
Daron Vanderheiden
Staff Contact Information

High School

1200 Roberts Road
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: 320-587-2151
Fax: 320-587-8217

Principal: Robert Danneker

Staff Contact Information

Middle School

1365 South Grade Road SW
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: 320-587-2854
Fax: 320-587-2857

Principal: Brenda Vatthauer

Staff Contact Information

Park Elementary

100 Glen Street SW
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: 320-587-2837
Fax: 320-587-4821

Principal: Dan Olberg

Staff Contact Information

West Elementary

875 School Road South
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: 320-587-4470
Fax: 320-587-0735

Principal: Anne Broderius

Staff Contact Information
Hutchinson Public Schools

Hutchinson Public Schools