October 2025 Newsletter
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Fun Run Thank YouWe’d like to thank each and every one of you, our families, for supporting our 11th annual Parent Teacher Organization’s Fun Run! We raised $28,000 for our school - through a family / school community-building event focussed on health and wellness! Along the way, we had so much fun, with periodic class and school celebrations, such as our warm-up activity (the All School Walk) and our Pep Rally. A big thank you to the Fun Run Planning Team: Maria Hackbarth, Samantha Kraemer, Justin Beirowski, Mandy Auger, Kim Krueger, Ryan Nechvatal, Kevin Scully, Kate Beirowski, Courtney Meyer, Meg Hackbarth, Sarah Wirtz, Mary Kay Wortmann, Diana Bhatoya, Sheryl Berndt, Kia Mills, the team leader Alissa Dyreby, and our honorary DJ: John Dyreby :) |
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On occasion, both Mr. Brunner and Ms. Houghan are needed at district events and meetings during the school day. One of the leadership opportunities our school has long provided is for a teacher to become, after a period of training and support, a "Principal Designee" and then fill in for us at Sugar Creek in such situations. Our teacher leaders serving in this capacity this year are Ms. Castellanos, Ms. Lenzlinger, and Ms. Mohr. We thank them for all they do for our students and staff! |
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Please save these few spots for our families that need them, and avoid getting a ticket. Do not park in a handicap parking spot unless you have a Disabled Parking Identification (DIS ID) hang tag. Without this, you can be reported and ticketed. Thank you for your cooperation. |
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Here’s a picture in time: Ms. Teresa Hoffman, a reading teacher and Sugar Creek staff member for some 17 years, seen recently walking down the hall with this handful of happy First Graders!
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“We are deeply grateful … to all of the teachers and staff at the school who create such a supportive and inspiring environment for the students. It is reassuring to know that our child is surrounded by such dedicated educators who bring out the best in her.” |
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In September, October, and beyond, books written by Latin@ authors and illustrators will be highlighted in the library. A special thanks to SC parent Cynthia (Milu) Canicoba for making this beautiful bulletin board - please encourage you students to stop by to take a look and check out some amazing new books in English and Spanish on display! We also had special guests at our October Community Gathering (these are always open to families to attend) to kick off the month: Ballet Folklorico de UW-Madison! This was the first performance for several of these university students, but you never would have guessed. They were magnificent!
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Sugar Creek will be offering a FREE program to families of its elementary student(s) who could use extra food for the weekends. Food items include healthy snacks and some small, easy to prepare meals, which will be sent home in your child’s backpack on a weekly basis, should you choose to sign up. Some of the food items may need to be heated to be eaten. This program is a joint partnership with VASD elementary school social workers, local community groups, and local churches. ***If you are interested in having your elementary student(s) participate in the program, please fill out the form below. If you have more than one child who attends Sugar Creek please enter each child's information in the form ***** Click here to sign up |
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Mr. Kyle, our own Ms. Kyle’s husband, was a gifted MMSD middle school music teacher (and dedicated trombone player!) for many years. He was recently a guest to our Fourth Grade music classes, where he presented on brass instruments. He was super! |
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We have an endowment fund with the Madison Community Foundation, which was established to continue “to serve the mission and vision of the Sugar Creek Elementary School Community.” We recently received a $2,500 donation to our endowment fund, from the Gussel Foundation, Inc.! Donations can be sent or dropped off at our front office. See here for more information. Thank you! |
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We want to inform you of Sugar Creek’s approach to Halloween. While Halloween is a holiday enjoyed by many, we acknowledge that it is not celebrated by all of our students or their families. Students should not wear Halloween costumes or masks to school. This measure is in place to ensure that all students feel included and safe. |
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Apparently, the love of recess extends across species. Ms. Miller’s class recently noticed these three large cranes enjoying some play time of their own on our back playground. |
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Moving Toward Standards-Based Teaching and Learning in VASDThe Verona Area School District is in the midst of a multi-year journey toward Standards-Based Teaching and Learning, a shift designed to ensure every student has clear learning targets, meaningful feedback, and multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding. This approach helps teachers align instruction, assessment, and feedback directly to grade-level standards, creating a more accurate, transparent, and student-centered system for reporting learning. Students are supported to set goals, reflect on their progress, and take ownership of their growth, while families gain clearer insight into what their child knows and can do. To learn more about why and how VASD is making this shift, please view our Standards-Based Teaching and Learning Overview [English - link here] [Spanish - link here] |
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Officer Schultz of the Verona Police Department heard about our Biking Unit, and rode over on one of the department’s bikes, to say hi and to remind students how important it is to follow the safety rules that Mr. Rose and Ms. Curtis are teaching. We loved his surprise visit! |
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Warm Winters Coat Drive - Inviernos Abrigados Campaña de abrigosDonate new or gently used & washed winter gear by Tuesday, October 22nd and help VASD students in need stay warm this winter season! Donations can be delivered to any VASD School site, or our partners at Sugar River UMC (415 W. Verona Ave., Verona) or Redeemer City Church (5356 King James Way, Fitchburg). |
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Does your family need support with winter gear?Register online in advance at: tinyurl.com/55fu29rv Come pick out your winter gear at Redeemer City Church on October 28th from 12-6PM. |
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Protective BehaviorsPlease see this note from Ms. Kaja about our Protective Behaviors Unit, starting soon. |
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Toys for TotsIf your family is in need of support with holiday gifts this winter season, check out the info on Toys for Tots and Empty Stocking below! It is important to note that these are two SEPARATE programs, with different deadlines, registrations and distribution days. Please sign up for EACH program using the two links below. Toys for Tots
Empty Stocking Club
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