Tutors: The District does not endorse or recommend specific tutors; however, a list of people providing tutoring services is available.
The Hutchinson Public Library also has many resources for student learning.
Tutors: The District does not endorse or recommend specific tutors; however, a list of people providing tutoring services is available.
The Hutchinson Public Library also has many resources for student learning.
By Mary Myers-Reinarts, Early Learning Coordinator
Early education is alive and strong at Hutchinson Public Schools! Offering opportunities for families with young children between the ages of birth up to kindergarten enrollment, our early learning programs are designed to recognize parents as their child’s first and foremost teacher. We are here to support you in this role. Working out of West Elementary School, our team offers several early learning programs for children and their parents.
The ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) program offers classes for parents and children, aged birth to kindergarten enrollment. The classes provide an opportunity for parents to meet other parents with similar aged children, and take part in learning activities supported by early childhood and parent educators. Our class offerings are listed in the Hutchinson Park/Recreation/Community Education brochure, or online at www.hutchinsonprce.com. Limited classes for summer 2024 will be offered, with full offerings available fall 2024. Join us for fun and learning!
Early Childhood Screening also takes place at West Elementary School. It is a free check of how your three- or four-year-old child is growing, developing, and learning. We encourage parents to register their child soon after the child’s third birthday. For more information, call us at 320-234-2624 or visit our website at www.isd423.org to schedule an appointment.
Early intervention makes a difference. Our Early Intervention team works closely with families. While every child is unique, children generally develop in certain predictable ways. If you are concerned about your child’s development, growth or learning, contact your healthcare provider, your school district, or Help Me Grow at HelpMeGrowMN.org or 1-866-693-4769. Early Intervention can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills, meet challenges, and can increase success in daily life and later in school.
Play and Learn Preschool is also found in West Elementary School. Designed for children who are three- or four-years-old as of September 1st of each school year, Play and Learn is a structured, supportive preschool setting where children can participate in a variety of activities appropriate to their developmental level. We work to promote children’s communication and language skills, build social skills, develop gross and fine motor skills, increase general knowledge, nurture creativity, teach pre-academics, foster kindergarten readiness, and offer parent involvement opportunities. Play and Learn Preschool is an inclusive program which integrates children with special needs. Tuition assistance and limited school transportation may be available to your family.
Call 320-234-2624 for more information.
Our preschool STAR program is a classroom-based special education program for preschool age children. The STAR program allows teachers to create individualized routines for every student. The program philosophy is to provide a structured, supportive setting where children can participate in a variety of activities appropriate for their developmental level. All children benefit from the services of licensed professionals and educational assistants.
Please contact Mary Myers-Reinarts at 320-234-2624 for more information about any of our programs. Early learning programs make a big difference in the lives of young children, paving the way for future school and life success. We strive to support parents as the voice and most important advocate for their young child. Consider participating in one of our early learning programs. We are so excited to help you and your child learn and grow!
The 2024-2025 Academic Calendar is now available!
Revised 2/12/24
*No School for Students December 20, 2024 and April 17, 2025 (K-12 Professional Development)
Highlights
By Jessica Bouta, Licensed School Counselor, West Elementary
The beginning of a new calendar year can be an exciting time, when we often reflect and set attainable goals for the coming year. Talking with your child about their goals and aspirations can help provide them with direction, motivation, and purpose.
Of course, challenges, setbacks and obstacles are inevitable. Helping children develop a growth mindset, a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and perseverance, can help. Caregivers can empower their children to embrace these challenges, learn from mistakes, and unlock their full potential.
The following list of strategies can help develop a growth mindset to build resilience and overcome challenging situations:
1. Emphasize the Power of ‘Yet’
Introduce the concept of “yet” as a powerful word that signifies growth and potential. When children say, “I can’t do it,” encourage them to add “yet” to the end of the sentence, shifting their mindset to a growth-oriented perspective. Teach them that with effort and practice, they can achieve their goals and master new skills.
2. Praise Effort, Progress, and Strategies
Focus on praising children’s efforts, progress, and strategies rather than innate abilities. Recognize their hard work, dedication, and resilience in the face of challenges. By highlighting their progress and growth over time, you reinforce the belief that dedication and perseverance lead to improvement and success.
3. Encourage Risk-taking and Exploration
Create a supportive environment where children feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and exploring new ideas. By embracing challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities, children develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.
4. Teach the Science of the Brain
Introduce children to the science of the brain. Explain that with effort, practice, and perseverance, they can strengthen neural connections, develop new skills, and enhance their abilities over time.
5. Foster a Growth Mindset Environment
Create a growth mindset environment that promotes curiosity and exploration. Provide children with opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from their peers. Celebrate their progress and efforts, creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere where they feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and grow.
6. Model a Growth Mindset
As role models, parents, educators, and caregivers play a crucial role in modeling a growth mindset for children. Demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and a passion for learning through your actions, attitudes, and behaviors. Share stories of your own challenges, setbacks, and successes, highlighting the importance of effort, determination, and continuous learning.
7. Encourage Reflective Practices
Encourage children to engage in reflective practices, self-assessment, and goal-setting. Teach them to reflect on their strengths, areas for improvement, and develop actionable goals and strategies to achieve them. By fostering self-awareness and accountability, children take ownership of their learning and growth journey.
Cultivating a growth mindset in children is essential for fostering resilience, motivation, and a passion for learning. As we embark on a new year filled with so many possibilities, remember that nurturing a growth mindset is a lifelong journey that requires patience, encouragement, and continuous support to help children reach their goals and thrive in today’s ever-changing world.
We have openings at Play & Learn Preschool…
Located in West Elementary School at 875 School Road SW
Four-Year-Old Classes (four by September 1, 2023 and potty trained)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:35 – 11:05 am OR 12:50 – 3:20 pm
Tuition Cost: *$115/month- parents transport
*$195/month- when using school transportation
*Application for reduced/free tuition is available.
Three-Year-Old Classes (three by September 1, 2023 and potty trained)
Tuesday/Thursday 8:35 – 11:05 am
Tuition Cost: *$90/month- parents transport
No school transportation available for three-year-old groups
*Application for reduced/free tuition is available.
Begin the registration process here:
Play and Learn Preschool Registration Link
Contact Mary Myers-Reinarts with questions. [email protected] or 320-234-2624
Hutchinson, Litchfield, Dassel-Cokato Farm to School program featured in AgWeek!
By Bailey Rettmann, Principal, West Elementary
One of the most rewarding and beneficial activities parents can engage in with their children is reading. Here are some of the reasons that reading with your children is so important, not just as a means of education but also as a way to nurture their emotional and cognitive development.
Reading with your children from a young age lays the foundation for their language and literacy skills. It exposes them to a rich vocabulary and helps them understand sentence structure and grammar. Early exposure to books enhances their ability to communicate effectively.
Reading introduces children to the world of knowledge and imagination. As parents read together with their children, they instill a love for learning and curiosity about the world. Children who are read to regularly tend to be more motivated to explore books on their own.
Shared reading time is an excellent opportunity for bonding. Snuggling up with a book creates a warm and comforting environment that fosters emotional connection. It’s a chance to show affection, share stories, and create lasting memories.
Reading stimulates brain development in children. It enhances their cognitive skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. It also improves concentration and memory, which are valuable for academic success.
Books often contain valuable life lessons and moral values. Through stories, children can learn about empathy, kindness, and ethical decision-making. Reading together provides a platform for discussing these important topics.
Regular reading sessions promote strong communication skills. Children learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings more effectively. They also become better listeners, which is essential for healthy relationships.
Children who are exposed to reading at home tend to perform better academically. They have stronger reading comprehension and vocabulary, which are critical for success in school and beyond.
The importance of reading with your children extends far beyond childhood. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Children who grow up with a love for reading are more likely to become lifelong readers and continue reaping the benefits of literacy throughout their lives.
In conclusion, reading with your children is a simple yet powerful way to support their overall development. It builds strong foundations, fosters a love for learning, strengthens bonds, enhances cognitive skills, teaches valuable life lessons, expands horizons, improves communication, boosts academic success, fosters independence, and bestows a lifelong gift.
As parents, you have the opportunity to shape your child’s future by making reading a cherished part of their daily routine. The importance of this activity cannot be overstated, as it not only enriches their minds but also nourishes their souls and brings you closer together.
So, pick up a book, open its pages, and embark on a journey of exploration, imagination, and connection with your child today. The benefits will be felt for years to come.