Kindergarten Information

Welcome to Bonner Elementary

Welcome to Bonner Elementary! We are truly excited to welcome you and your child to our amazing school. Please use the information on this webpage as a guide to what you and your child can expect when starting school in the fall of 2025. We genuinely cannot wait to meet you!

As a reminder, an early childhood screening is required and scheduling should be made no later than May 16, 2025. To schedule an early childhood screening through the school district, please contact Community Education at 507.533.1435 or email at communityed@ssdtigers.org. If an early childhood screening is not completed by the start of the school year, this will be done at either our "One-Stop" event or during the first weeks of school.

Please continue to look for regular communication from the District and Bonner Elementary throughout the spring and summer for updated plans for the 2025-2026 school year.

Bonner Elementary at-a-glance

The mission of Bonner Elementary School is to positively develop meaningful relationships between students, staff, home and community which, in turn, effectively builds a foundation for lifelong learning in a changing world.

Located in Stewartville, Minnesota, Bonner Elementary is a kindergarten through second-grade school offering high quality education to approximately 450 students. Our classes have an average size of 23 students, although this varies from year to year and grade level to grade level. Over 70 dedicated staff members help meet students’ needs in all academic areas, including music, art, physical education, talent development, and special education. Bonner incorporates a dedicated system of support called W.I.N. ("What I Need") to ensure all students receive the individual academic support needed to be successful. Bonner also has health-office services, a counselor/school support specialist, and a social worker/school community liaison available for students and families in need of special services. Bonner uses a Positive Behavior Support System called R.O.A.R. which stands for Respect Others, Act Responsibly. Bonner is truly a rich community of learners, and it takes this entire community to ensure learning success for all children. We have high expectations for learning and teaching, and believe our warm, nurturing learning environment makes Bonner Elementary a great place to be!

Is my child eligible to start kindergarten?

In order to start kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2025. An early childhood screening is also required and should be completed no later than May 16, 2025. To schedule an early childhood screening through the school district, please contact Community Education at 507.533.1435 or email at communityed@ssdtigers.org. Finally, all required immunizations must be up-to-date or a Conscientious Objection form must be completed and on file.

How do I EnROLL my student in kindergarten?

If your child is eligible to start kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year, you may register them HERE when the online enrollment form is available through the District offices. Families are encouraged to enroll their child in kindergarten as early as possible but not sooner than February 11, 2025 when the forms are open. Open enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year for students outside the Stewartville School District can occur anytime after October 2024.

When will I know my child’s teacher assignment?

One common question is, “When will I know my child’s teacher?” Due to students occasionally enrolling throughout the summer, initial class assignments are typically not released until mid- to late-August. This allows for necessary adjustments to be made in case there are changes in the number of classroom sections. Families will receive an email indicating their child’s placement along with additional “start-of-school” information during the summer. Class rosters are created with a great deal of thought and consideration. As such, any adjustments to rosters can affect overall classroom dynamics. We respectfully do not take roster requests.

When does school start?

School starts after Labor Day. SEPTEMBER 2nd and 3rd are non-school days for Bonner students and are reserved for “Meet-the-Teacher” conferences and “One Stop Shop” activities. On THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th, half of our kindergarteners ("Maroon Group") will attend school while the other half ("Gold Group") will stay home. On FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th, the "Gold Group" will attend school while the "Maroon Group" will stay home. This smaller student to teacher ratio during the first two days of school will allow for a more individualized, meaningful experience for our new kindergarteners. The first day for ALL kindergarten students will be MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th. This process is the same as the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years.

Current plans are to have the school day start around 8:10 a.m. and dismiss around 2:50 p.m.; these times are only an estimate and are highly subject to change. School office hours are anticipated to be 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., Monday through Friday when school is in session.

What is “One Stop Shop” and why is it important?

“One Stop Shop” is an event that allows students and families to come on-campus in preparation for the upcoming school year. During our “One Stop Shop”, students will have their school pictures taken, complete vision and hearing screenings, set-up and make deposits to lunch accounts, ask questions about transportation, familiarize new students to the building, learn about extra-curricular programs, fill out paperwork, drop off school supplies, drop off medications, and complete other activities designed to best prepare your child for the first day of school. Part of our “One Stop Shop” is a dedicated conference for students and families to meet their new teacher. Families will receive an email in August to sign up for their child’s “Meet-the-Teacher” conference. Included will be a link to an online conference management system called PTCFast. Simply follow the directions and select a time that works best for you. Other “One Stop Shop” activities can be completed around your Meet-the-Teacher conference. It generally takes between one and one-and-a-half hours to complete the activities at our “One Stop Shop”.

When will we receive information about bussing?

The Stewartville School District currently contracts through Grisim Bus Company. The finalization of bus routes occurs over the summer. Information will be sent out to parents prior to the start of school and is also published in our local newspaper, The Stewartville Star and school website. It is very important for families to keep their home and daycare addresses up-to-date as they do change bussing routes. To change addresses, please contact the Bonner office at 507-533-1500.

If my child is bussed, how do you ensure that my child gets on the correct bus?

Bussing in the Stewartville School District is contracted through the Grisim Bus Company. Bus schedules and routes are released in August and confirmed during our One-Stop event in early September. We use a tag system for students with after-school plans that serves as communication between the home and the school. At the end of the school day, students are grouped in regard to their after-school plans and dismissed in an organized manner. Kindergarten students are escorted to their buses after school and sit near the front of the bus; in this way, we are highly confident students are on the correct bus at the end of the school day. It is encouraged that families bring their child to their after-school bus stop prior to the start of school to help familiarize them with the stop. If your child does not arrive at their stop as expected, please call the school office at 507-533-1500 or the Grisim Bus Company at 507-533-8775 for assistance.

What does a typical day look like at Bonner for kindergartners?

The transition to full-day, everyday school can be challenging, but also highly rewarding, for young students. Students typically arrive at school between 7:45 (please no earlier!) and 8:10. Once class begins, the teacher will lead students through a variety of academic and social activities designed to provide a rich, well-rounded education. Both academics and social skills are taught every day by the classroom teacher. Art, music, and physical education are also taught on a rotating basis with specialists. Students have ample opportunities to learn how to interact with adults and peers. Play is a highly important part of kindergarten and is incorporated into each school day.

All kindergartners receive breakfast while at school free of charge. You may also choose to give your child breakfast at home, which would make this a “second breakfast” for them. For lunch, students are typically given one to two lunch choices. Students may also choose to bring lunch from home, and a carton of milk may be purchased. Students also receive a minimum of 30 minutes of recess each day. Some teachers will build additional recesses and/or free-choice time into their schedules. We have a large playground area that includes swings and jungle gym equipment, a large blacktop surface, and large fields to run and play.

At the end of the school day, kindergartners are dismissed in an organized manner. We have developed a system for identifying after-school plans for all Bonner students. This includes identifying tags attached to their backpacks. As families, you can help us get your child home safely after school by using this tag system and communicating with your child’s teacher any plans that are different from the norm. For any last-minute changes, please call the school office at 507.533.1500, and we will communicate this information to your child’s teacher.

What supplies does my child need for school?

A supply list will be developed and emailed to parents over the summer. This list will be posted on our school website and can also be commonly found in larger retail stores. Individual classroom teachers may request additional items. Winter outerwear [boots, jackets, mittens/gloves, hats, and snow pants] is very important since we do have outdoor recess. We would also like your children’s time in gym class to be safe, therefore all children must wear tennis shoes while participating in gym class. Sandals, snow boots, or dress shoes are not appropriate or safe for gym activities. If you could use help with school supplies, please contact Principal McInroy at zane.mcinroy@ssdtigers.org or our School Social Worker, Hana El-Afandi at hana.elafandi@ssdtigers.org (available after August 15, 2025)

What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures for Bonner?

Many families choose to transport their children to and from school. Please understand the following information in this section is dynamic and subject to change. Updates will be provided!

When dropping students off, please keep the following in mind:

1. Please do not drop students off prior to 7:45. Our formal supervision does not start until this time, and students dropped off early will not be supervised.

2. When dropping students off, please have adults remain in the vehicle. Having adults exit the vehicle significantly slows down the drop-off process for other students and drivers. School staff will be present to assist students.

3. When dropping students off, please have students exit from the passenger side of the vehicle. This is a safety concern since other vehicles may be passing by closely as they exit the drop-off area. This also speeds up the drop-off process.

4. Please drop students off near the main entrance of the school by the flagpole and have them enter through the main doors of the school.

5. Please move as quickly and safely as possible during student drop-offs. This will help other adults and students who are patiently waiting for their turn.

6. Please do not drop students off at other, unsupervised locations (for example, the alleyway on the south side of the building or the west side of the building in the parking lot). It is very dangerous having students walking in these areas without supervision.

7. There are designated handicapped parking located on the southside alley. Unless you have a qualifying vehicle with student need, please do not drop students off at this location. There are also two designated handicapped parking spaces located in the main school parking lot located on the south side of the building.

For picking students up, please refer to the following guidance:

1. When entering the Bonner drive, please stay in your vehicle and pull up to the loading zone near the flagpole. Our supervisors will have your child waiting for you.

2. Please do not exit your vehicle when your child approaches. This significantly slows down the line behind you.

3. Have students enter on the passenger side of the vehicle. Our supervisors will assist children in the opening and closing of doors if necessary.

4. Do not park along the pick-up lane, exit your vehicle, and retrieve your child on your own. From our experience, this actually slows down the pick-up process.

5. Do not attempt to pick up students in the “through” lane.

6. Be extra cautious when driving. There are many students and adults moving about at the end of the school day.

We hope that you understand our commitment to safety and will do your part in keeping all of our Bonner family and local residents safe and comfortable. If everyone operates within the same parameters and exercises patience and understanding, we will continue to increase our efficiency while keeping everyone safe. Thank you all in advance for your understanding and promotion.

What if my child is ill or has an appointment?

Regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability.

If your child cannot attend school, please call our attendance line at 507.533.1500, option 1, or email bonnerattendance@ssdtigers.org prior to 8:00 a.m.. When reporting the absence please provide a reason for the absence along with any symptoms of an illness. If your child has an appointment, please contact both your child’s teacher and the office. If given proper advanced notice, we will try our best to have your child ready for pick-up shortly after you arrive.

If your child becomes ill during the school day, the Bonner Health Office will contact you. If necessary, we will request your child be picked up from school. Children who are running a fever of 100.00 degrees or higher and/or have vomited, are required to be picked up from school. Your child may not return to school until 24 hours after the fever has broke and vomiting has ended without the aid of any over-the-counter pain reliever/fever reducer medication. We understand families may struggle to pick up their sick child during the school day, but it is important to consider the health of your child, the health of other students, and the overall operations of the school. We respectfully ask that sick children are picked up in a prompt and timely manner, and no later than 30 minutes upon notice.

How will I know how my child is progressing in school?

Part of the responsibility of our teachers is to provide regular updates as to your child’s academic and social progress in school. Formal report cards are distributed four times per year via Family Access. Bonner Elementary also uses benchmark testing and progress monitoring through FASTBridge assessments. These assessments provide insight as to academic progress and comparisons to other students both in the district and nationally. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for the fall for all students; dates and times are still to be determined. It is strongly encouraged for you to reach out to your child’s teacher at any time via phone or email with any questions or concerns.

Family Access is a service provided by the Stewartville Public School District through which parents and students may view grades, schedules, attendance, lunch account balance, and other information online. User IDs and passwords are assigned during the registration process. If you are experiencing problems after registration, please contact the Bonner Office at 507.533.1500 for assistance in logging into Family Access.

What safety protocols will my child’s teacher follow at school?

Safety will always be a priority at Bonner Elementary. The building is secure during school hours, and the only access point is our main entrance. During the school day, the building is alarmed to prevent unauthorized people entering the building or students leaving the building. Visitors are required to enter the main entrance, state their reason for the visit, and scan their driver’s license before confirmation and entry into the building. Our school also participates in fire drills, severe weather drills, bus safety drills, and alert drills. Alert drills, which feature different scenarios which require immediate attention and action based on location to the event, are completed academically and heavily reinforce the concepts of listening to adult directions.

What if my child needs extra support?

Bonner Elementary prides itself on being a student-centered community. Each day, our educators provide high-quality academic instruction to all students. Students who need extra academic support may be eligible for W.I.N. (“What I Need”) during which they receive interventions specifically designed to address academic challenges. Bonner Elementary also has a fully-supported special education department and health office to support students’ academic and medical needs while attending school. A school support specialist, a school community liaison, and an English Learner teacher are also assigned to Bonner Elementary to help support students and families.

What if my child has health or medical conditions that need to be supported at school?

A school nurse or health aide will be available to attend to any health needs that may arise during the school day. You will be contacted if the concern requires discussion or possible dismissal. This may include health-related discussions regarding contagious conditions or diseases along with recommendations, guidance, and parameters set for returning to school.

We are fully staffed and capable of providing medical support including the distribution of medications. For more information, please contact our District School Nurse, Tricia Bredesen, at 507.250.5503.

DoES MY CHILD qualify for free and reduced lunch?

School breakfasts and lunches for the 2024-2025 school were free to all students. However, we are currently unsure if this program will continue into the 2025-2026 school year. Application forms for free or reduced lunches, also known as Educational Benefits forms, may be downloaded or picked up at the Bonner Office. Please return the completed applications to any one of the schools in the District. You will receive notification of eligibility as determined by Federal guidelines. Names of those receiving free or reduced lunch are kept confidential. Families MUST re-apply every year for Educational Benefits. It is strongly encouraged to fill out the Educational Benefits form even if you may not feel you qualify for this program since this may provide benefits in other areas. Educational Benefits forms for the 2025-2026 school year will be emailed to you when you receive your child's class assignment and will also be available at our "One Stop Shop" in September.

Can I visit my child while at school?

Occasional lunches with your child are special moments and are welcomed. However, we do caution the regularity, purpose, and timing of such visits. If you would like to order a school lunch, please contact the school office before 8:30 so we can place your order. In order for students to start learning independence and routine, we ask that you do not have lunch with your child during the first month of school. We also ask that parents not eat breakfast at school with their children.

All visitors should use the main doors, and will be asked by office staff to scan their driver’s license prior to admission to the building. This includes not only the driver, but all visitors. Upon entering the building, please stop at the office to sign-in and obtain a visitor pass before going to any classroom or the lunchroom. Although this may seem like an inconvenience, it is for the safety of the students here at Bonner Elementary. Visitors are not allowed on the Bonner playground. Visitors are considered guests and the building administration or their designee reserves the right to refuse or dismiss any visitor for any reason prior to or during a visit. Please be sure to sign-out at the office before leaving the building.

Volunteers are needed in many areas. Please contact the office if interested in volunteering at our school. Volunteers will be asked to submit a Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement form prior to participating in volunteer activities.

Does Bonner have a Parent-Teacher Association?

Yes. Bonner Elementary School and Bear Cave Intermediate School have a joint Parent Advisory Council (SEPTA: Stewartville Elementary Parent Teacher Association). The council meets the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:00 PM during the school year with some exceptions as directed by S.E.P.T.A. leadership. SEPTA meets to review, discuss, and listen to information of importance to the school, students, and parents. All parents are welcome to attend and participate in SEPTA meetings. For more information, please see the SEPTA Webpage.

What does bathrooming look like?

Students are expected to be fully trained for using the restroom prior to starting kindergarten. In kindergarten, it is common to bring the entire class down to the restroom as a group several times a day. Unless documented medical conditions exist, students at Bonner Elementary should have firm control of their personal toileting needs. This said, it is understood that occasional accidents may occur. Families are encouraged to send an extra set of clothing, to be kept in their locker, in case a student has a toileting accident. Typically when students have toileting accidents, they are sent to the school health office where they can be assisted in changing clothes, if necessary. Families are also notified by health-office personnel or their child’s teacher. However, there are no extra resources or staffing available to assist with the frequent and ongoing toileting accidents. If toileting accidents occur on a frequent basis or erupt into a major event, parents may be called to help change their child or possibly bring the child home to properly shower or bathe. In these situations, students are welcomed to return to school when cleaned. If your child struggles with independent toileting, please let your child’s teacher know.

What does the school need from me as a parent?

We genuinely value and appreciate family support and understanding. In addition to this, we ask that parents provide up-to-date contact information including phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, changes in daycare providers, emergency contacts, etc. in order to facilitate quick communication from the school to the family. If changes to addresses [including daycare changes] are made over the summer, please contact the Bonner Office so updated busing can be set up prior to the start of school. If contact information changes during the school year, please contact the Bonner Office.

If there are Court orders that affect your child, PLEASE provide this information to the school. A current, written Court order will provide the documentation we need to best support you and your child. The school must remain a neutral entity during civil disputes. If there is any other information or concerns you have regarding your child’s safety or peace-of-mind at school, please contact Principal McInroy.

Is there School-Aged Child Care available at Bonner?

Yes, the Stewartville School District does run a school-aged child care program called Tiger Time. This program runs before school (starting at 6:30 a.m.) and after school (ending at 5:30 p.m.). However, there are limited slots available; enrollment is not guaranteed. If you are interested in enrolling in Tiger Time, please contact Ms. Megan Wilber at megan.wilber@ssdtigers.org or 507.533.1597 for more information.

How does Bonner address behavior concerns?

All students are entitled to learn and develop in a setting that promotes respect of self, others, and property. Proper positive discipline can only result from an environment that provides options and emphasizes student self-direction, decision-making, and responsibility. Schools can function effectively only with discipline based on mutual understanding of rights and responsibilities.

Bonner Elementary uses a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system called R.O.A.R. (Respect Others, Act Responsibly) as a basis for our school-wide behavior plans. Whenever possible, we believe education and positive reinforcement should be the first steps to minimize misbehavior. Most behavior concerns are addressed by the classroom teacher in a fair and equitable manner. If necessary, teachers may request assistance from the building principal, or possibly the school support specialist or school community liaison depending on the need of the child.

How can I learn more about what is happening at Bonner Elementary?

Bonner Elementary is a very dynamic school. Primary communication will come from your child’s classroom teacher. Many teachers provide newsletters or use other forms of communication to keep families up-to-date. The school also maintains a website and will communicate with families via email for news that affects all students. Facebook is the primary social media outlet for Bonner; please consider following us! You are always welcome to contact your child’s teachers or the office with questions or concerns.

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