2025-2026

4K Family,                                                                                                  

Welcome to 4K. I look forward to being your child’s teacher at Westside Elementary. Your child is in my  ___ AM /  ___  PM  class which  meets  Monday through Thursday  from 7:50-11:00 (AM)  or 12:00-3:10 (PM). There is no class on Friday. However, family events are held on many Fridays throughout the year. 

A little bit about me…..I was born and raised in Iowa. I have been teaching 4K  in Reedsburg with a wonderful paraprofessional (Mrs. Kissack) since the start of the program. I have worked with 4-year-olds in some capacity my entire 31-year career. I am a Green Bay Packer and  Iowa Hawkeye fan and love to retreat to my cabin up north with my husband who is also a teacher/coach in Reedsburg. 

Our classroom activities focus on the development of the whole child. We teach academics, practice physical skills and promote the social/emotional well being of each student.  Our Bridges math curriculum includes problems & investigations, number corner/calendar and work places. Our new CKLA literacy curriculum will build foundational language and literacy skills to prepare students for later reading success.  Our daily schedule offers small/ large group experiences, teacher & child directed activities, movement/music, snack, art, free play and outdoor play. Good decision making and conflict resolution skills are taught using the Be Good Bee/Beaver  and Tucker the Turtle. A feeling wall and The Zones of Regulation are used to learn about  emotions.The S.M.A.R.T. room will be  used to integrate movement with academics. Formal assessments will be done in the fall, winter and spring. Report cards, family outreach events, parent/teacher conferences and home visits are also offered. 

Reedsburg 4K values play-based and hands-on learning. This provides a safe and comfortable way to learn and practice skills while interacting with other people and various materials. Children will be provided the opportunity to initiate and sustain play on a daily basis. 

An Open House will be held on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 12:00-6:00 pm. This is a wonderful  opportunity to see the classroom and drop off supplies.   

The first day of 4K will be for one hour only on Tuesday, September 2. Parents attend with their child according to the beginning letter of your child’s last name:

AM Session                                 PM Session

A-M   8:00-9:00                            A-M   12:00-1:00

N-Z    9:30-10:30                          N-Z    1:30-2:30

This hour will provide an opportunity to learn about classroom policies and procedures.  (The first regular day of 4K will be Wednesday, Sept. 3).                   

Supply List: 

(Do not put names on items except the $20, backpack, & clothes)

• $20 snack fee (in labeled envelope). Make checks to:  Mrs. Pottinger 

• 4- ELMERS Glue sticks (Jumbo or Regular)

• 1-pkg Washable CRAYOLA Markers

• 1-roll of paper towels

• 1-box gallon-sized sealable baggies 

• 3-vinyl pocket folder (Plain colored. No

names…will be used as replacements) 

• 1 pkg. napkins

• 1 box facial tissue

• 1-pkg. 24 count CRAYOLA Crayons

• EXTRA SET OF CLOTHES (shirt, socks, pants, underwear) in  ziplock baggie with child’s name on it)

• 1-LARGE  Backpack with name on outside (big enough to hold a pocket folder, no wheels)

Please dress child appropriately! Your child may get dirty/messy!  Closed-toed shoes are best for our woodchip playground!  Please put names on coats and boots.  No jewelry, please. Understand that items may get lost. There is a lost & found at school and bus garage. 

To prevent loss, theft or breakage please keep all toys at home.

Take-Home Folder: 4K students will have a folder sent home daily to communicate important information. Please empty it and read materials every night! Two folders can be provided for parents who live apart. 

About Sickness: Your child should stay home if he/she is vomiting, has a fever or diarrhea. He/she  should be free of those things for 24 hours before returning to school. An email/call to the office and bus garage when your child will be absent  is appreciated. Safe calls will be made. 

Please fill out and return the included  Let’s Get Acquainted form so I can learn more about your child. Electronic ASQ Home Assessments should also be completed once a link is received. 

Feel free to contact me at  cpottinger@rsd.k12.wi.us  or via phone (768-8934 X 2408).  Don't forget to join our Facebook group by searching Mrs. Pottinger’s 4K 2025-26. 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Pottinger