Have a child that will be 4 before September 1st? With enrollment now open, it might be time to start considering your child's educational options! Here in Onalaska, we offer pre-K in each of our elementary schools and have a fantastic, experienced, and passionate team of teachers! We decided to ask them a few questions to give you an idea on how AWESOME they are as well as the program overall!

---

Tracy Hagen - Eagle Bluff Elementary Pre-K Teacher

How long have you been teaching Pre-K?
I have been teaching for 31 years now.  Eighteen of these years have been at Eagle Bluff Elementary while the remaining 13 years were with the local Head Start program.

What is your favorite classroom project or activity?
I absolutely enjoy creating activities that encourage children to wonder and learn.  Some of my favorite activities include making puppets, tie dyeing and baking with the children.

What do you enjoy about teaching?
I love the fact that I go to work each day with a smile on my face.  I love that I can burst out in song and dance at anytime of the day and I will have a roomful of children who are eager to join me.  I love knowing that children are excited to learn and eager to help at this young age.  I love that I get to teach children to think creatively, use their imaginations and develop critical thinking skills through PLAY!

What should parents know when they consider Pre-K?
I want parents/grandparents/caregivers to know that I will be working to instill a lifelong love of learning in their children.  I will welcome all children with open arms and embrace each child’s unique personality and abilities wholeheartedly.

Why is Pre-K an important step in a student's educational journey?
Pre-kindergarten builds a foundation for social-emotional growth, academic achievement and a lifelong love of learning.  It  provides a safe and loving environment for your child to explore, wonder and discover while being supported by a loving pre-k team.

Anything else to know?
I want everyone to know that our pre-kindergarten program in Onalaska is phenomenal.  We have classrooms in our  schools as well as in some of our local childcare centers.  We work as a collaborative team to provide a variety of pre-k learning options for the community.  

---

Valarie Olson - Irving Pertzsch Elementary Pre-K Teacher

How long have you been teaching Pre-K?
I've been teaching Pre-K for 24 years, and this is my 8th year in Onalaska.

What is your favorite classroom project or activity?
There are so many! Journal writing, Topper's Pizza visiting, our year long book kids make for their families.

What do you enjoy about teaching?
The kids are so honest and "real".  They accept everyone, but will also be more than happy to tell you what they think of your clothes, hair, etc. :) 

What should parents know when they consider Pre-K?
Don't worry about what they "need to know" before they come to us.  It's our job to teach them!  Having basic self-help skills like putting on coats and shoes are way more helpful than whether or not they know the alphabet or how high they can count.

Why is Pre-K an important step in a student's educational journey?
Even for kids who already go to daycare or who have done swim lessons or things like that, Pre-K is often their first experience being part of a large group.  There are so many non-academic things we learn in preschool like waiting our turn, making friends, being part of a big group, walking in the halls, etc. And because our Pre-K program is half days, it's also a great stepping stone before kindergarten, which is all day every day.

Anything else to know?
Ask questions. Come visit. It's a great place to be, with so much learning and fun happening everyday!

---

Janie Lundstrom - Northern Hills Elementary Pre-K Teacher

How long have you been teaching Pre-K?
I was a Head Start teacher for 20+ years and taught Early Childhood Curriculum/Assessment at UW-La Crosse for one year. I've been teaching at Northern Hills Elementary for 14 years! 

What is your favorite classroom project or activity?
Ever since I can remember, I had a love for reading, math, dancing, singing and all areas of learning-so obviously Pre-K is the place for me. I don't really have one favorite activity, but I really enjoy doing activities that spark children's imaginations and creativity.  

What do you enjoy about teaching?
I love this age so much! I enjoy getting to know each child as an individual and then become part of a small community. At this age, you can actually watch students learning and growing.   

What should parents know when they consider Pre-K? 
Reading and looking at books together and getting a good night's sleep will really help your child be successful at school. 

Why is Pre-K an important step in a student's educational journey? 
Young children are taking in so much of the world around them at this age.  In our classrooms, children will have opportunities to build their confidence as they understand more about the world around them. They will also learn more about themselves as part of a community.

Anything else to know? 
"Children see magic because they look for it." - Christopher Moore

It is a magical time in their learning about the world around them. We are a program that offers developmentally appropriate activities for your child to foster learning and growth.  Check us out and see if we are a good fit for you and your child!