This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our Arcadia Elementary Kindergarten Team, a passionate group of educators dedicated to creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire every child to grow, explore, and thrive.

Our kindergarten team includes Anne Reuter, Andrea Izdepski, Savannah Hathaway, Yuliana Vasquez, and Emily Eichman (long-term substitute). Together, they teach English Language Arts (CKLA), Math (Bridges), Social-Emotional Learning (Second Step), and Science (Mystery Science)—laying the foundation for our youngest learners’ academic and emotional success.

Meet the Teachers

Anne Reuter is in her 17th year of teaching, with nine of those years spent in kindergarten at Arcadia Elementary. She graduated from Viterbo University with a major in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education. Anne also earned her master’s degree in elementary education and reading certification from UW–Stout. Her dedication to early literacy and student growth shines through in every lesson.

Andrea Izdepski (known to her students as Ms. Andie) brings 13 years of teaching experience. She has taught 3rd grade, 4K, and now kindergarten. She holds a master’s degree in education along with licenses as a reading teacher, reading specialist, and ESL instructor. Andrea is also certified through The Neurosequential Network in trauma-informed teaching and is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Educator. In 2020, she was recognized as a Badger Outstanding Educator and received a $1,000 Tools for Schools grant. She also led the effort to bring Inchy the Bookworm, a book vending machine, to Arcadia Elementary—encouraging literacy in a fun and rewarding way.

Savannah Hathaway is in her third year teaching kindergarten at Arcadia Elementary. She graduated with honors from Winona State University, where she majored in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and minored in Child Advocacy Studies. Savannah was an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, an honors society for education majors, and earned two national scholarships for her dedication to the field. She hopes to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree to further support her students and community.

Yuliana Vasquez is teaching kindergarten for the first time this year as part of the Valle Program. She is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her new daughter in September. Her bilingual background and compassionate approach help create a warm, inclusive classroom environment where every student feels supported and valued.

Emily Eichman, serving as a long-term substitute, brings a unique global perspective to the kindergarten team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Jamestown and her master’s degree in International Relations from Bond University in Australia. Emily holds TEFL and TESOL certifications and has over 10 years of teaching experience in the U.S. and abroad, working with students of all ages and backgrounds.

Focus and Philosophy

The Kindergarten Team is committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child. Their mission is to create a play-based, engaging, and academically strong learning environment where students take an active role in their learning.
By working together with families and the community, the team ensures that all children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and joyful environment.

Classroom Highlights

Recently, kindergarten students have been busy exploring the Mystery Science curriculum. Through hands-on activities, they’ve learned about forces and motion by experimenting with wrecking balls, bowling, and guiding boulders from mountaintops to dump trucks—all within the classroom! These interactive lessons help students see science in action while encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and communication.

Looking Ahead

The team is excited to welcome Ranger Dana from the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge later this month. Ranger Dana, a bilingual educator, will introduce students to the wildlife that lives in and around Arcadia through real animal furs, skulls, and prints.
In the spring, students will take a field trip to the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge to see these animals and habitats firsthand, bringing their classroom learning to life.