As the door closes on the 2025-2026 school year, it is a great time to reflect on the many accomplishments of the School District of New Glarus. One of the most significant highlights this year was the continued growth and enhancement of the district’s 4K program, ensuring that our youngest learners have an exceptional start to their educational journey.
The district expanded 4K to a full-day, play-based 4K program, providing students with increased opportunities to learn through exploration, collaboration, creativity, and purposeful play. Research consistently shows that high-quality, play-based early childhood education helps build strong academic, social, and emotional foundations while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
To further strengthen early literacy, the district implemented the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum, giving students daily instruction in the foundational skills needed for reading success. In addition, the district added the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) 4K curriculum, which provides rich, engaging experiences in language development, vocabulary, listening comprehension, and early literacy through hands-on, age-appropriate instruction.
“The best intervention is prevention. Our goal is to provide every child with the strongest possible start to their educational career,” said Dr. Laura Eicher, New Glarus Elementary School Principal. “These enhancements to our 4K program reflect our commitment to meeting students where they are, supporting their individual needs, and creating joyful learning experiences that prepare them for future success.”
These improvements are part of the School District of New Glarus’ ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence. By combining high-quality instruction, purposeful play, evidence-based literacy practices, and timely intervention, the district continues to invest in the success of every learner from their very first day of school.
As the district looks ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, New Glarus remains dedicated to providing innovative, student-centered learning experiences that prepare all students for a bright future.
