During our workshop week, we had the opportunity to recognize four staff members who have reached the important milestone of tenure status in their service to United South Central!
👏 Micheel Oltman
👏 Bridgett Strobel
👏 Maddie Trio
👏 Paige Lang
We are incredibly grateful for the years of service, dedication, and commitment each of these staff members has given to our students, families, and USC community. Thank you for all you do to make USC a great place to learn and work!
Congratulations, and thank you for your continued service to USC!
👏 Micheel Oltman
👏 Bridgett Strobel
👏 Maddie Trio
👏 Paige Lang
We are incredibly grateful for the years of service, dedication, and commitment each of these staff members has given to our students, families, and USC community. Thank you for all you do to make USC a great place to learn and work!
Congratulations, and thank you for your continued service to USC!
Join Superintendent Topinka Tuesday mornings at 8 AM throughout September and October for a casual conversation about the upcoming bond referendum on November 3.
Stop by The Pink Cup to ask questions, share your thoughts, and learn more about the district’s facility needs.
📍 The Pink Cup
No formal presentation, just an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and have a conversation about the future of USC.
We hope to see you there!
Stop by The Pink Cup to ask questions, share your thoughts, and learn more about the district’s facility needs.
📍 The Pink Cup
No formal presentation, just an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and have a conversation about the future of USC.
We hope to see you there!
Over the next several weeks, the district will share a series of questions focused on the district’s facility needs, planning process, and the upcoming referendum.
Each week, we’ll explore a different question and provide information to help our community understand the work that has taken place, what we’ve learned, and where things stand today.
Conversation #1: Why is the district considering a referendum now?
Have questions? We want to hear from you. Visit uscgrowingstrong.com or follow along on social media for information about upcoming opportunities to meet with the School Board and district administration, ask questions, and learn more.
Each week, we’ll explore a different question and provide information to help our community understand the work that has taken place, what we’ve learned, and where things stand today.
Conversation #1: Why is the district considering a referendum now?
Have questions? We want to hear from you. Visit uscgrowingstrong.com or follow along on social media for information about upcoming opportunities to meet with the School Board and district administration, ask questions, and learn more.
🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day, Rebels!
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday weekend with family and friends. As we celebrate the hard work and dedication of so many in our communities, we also know that an exciting week is ahead — school starts this week! 📚
We are ready to welcome our students and staff back for another great year at USC.
A reminder of our first days:
🏫 Grades 7-12: Tuesday, September 8
🏫 Grades K-6: Wednesday, September 9
🧸 Preschool: Monday, September 14
Enjoy the final days of summer, get those backpacks ready, and we’ll see you soon, Rebels!
We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday weekend with family and friends. As we celebrate the hard work and dedication of so many in our communities, we also know that an exciting week is ahead — school starts this week! 📚
We are ready to welcome our students and staff back for another great year at USC.
A reminder of our first days:
🏫 Grades 7-12: Tuesday, September 8
🏫 Grades K-6: Wednesday, September 9
🧸 Preschool: Monday, September 14
Enjoy the final days of summer, get those backpacks ready, and we’ll see you soon, Rebels!
September is School Board Recognition Month, and we’re taking a moment to thank the dedicated members of the United South Central School Board!
Our school board members give their time and leadership to help guide our district, support our students and staff, and make important decisions for the future of our schools and communities.
Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your commitment to USC. We appreciate all you do!
Our school board members give their time and leadership to help guide our district, support our students and staff, and make important decisions for the future of our schools and communities.
Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your commitment to USC. We appreciate all you do!
Due to projected temperatures, USC Football at Cleveland has been moved to a 7:30pm kickoff tomorrow night (9/4).
Please help spread the word.
Go get 'em, Rebs!
#prideUSC
Please help spread the word.
Go get 'em, Rebs!
#prideUSC
Rebel Country,
The 2026 Commemorative Homecoming T-Shirts are available for order NOW! If interested, please place your order by the deadline, Friday, Sept. 11th.
You can order at the following link: https://bit.ly/Rebels-HOCO2026
USC Homecoming is slated for Sept. 28-Oct. 2! We're looking forward to a great week in Rebel Country.
#RollRebs
The 2026 Commemorative Homecoming T-Shirts are available for order NOW! If interested, please place your order by the deadline, Friday, Sept. 11th.
You can order at the following link: https://bit.ly/Rebels-HOCO2026
USC Homecoming is slated for Sept. 28-Oct. 2! We're looking forward to a great week in Rebel Country.
#RollRebs
The work behind a great school year starts before the first bell.
This week, our USC staff has been hard at work getting ready for another school year — and there’s a lot that happens before students walk through the doors!
From teachers and paraprofessionals preparing classrooms and learning plans, to our cafeteria team getting ready to feed our students, bus and van drivers preparing to safely get students where they need to go, and custodians making sure our buildings are clean, safe, and ready to welcome everyone back — it truly takes all of us.
This is just a small snapshot of the people and preparation happening across our district this week.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team working behind the scenes to make sure USC is ready for our students. We can’t wait to get the school year started!
Welcome back, Rebels!
This week, our USC staff has been hard at work getting ready for another school year — and there’s a lot that happens before students walk through the doors!
From teachers and paraprofessionals preparing classrooms and learning plans, to our cafeteria team getting ready to feed our students, bus and van drivers preparing to safely get students where they need to go, and custodians making sure our buildings are clean, safe, and ready to welcome everyone back — it truly takes all of us.
This is just a small snapshot of the people and preparation happening across our district this week.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team working behind the scenes to make sure USC is ready for our students. We can’t wait to get the school year started!
Welcome back, Rebels!
📣 Reminder! USC Middle School & High School Open House is TODAY!
We look forward to welcoming students and families in grades 7–12 this afternoon and evening.
📅 Wednesday, September 2
⏰ 3:30–7:30 PM
Orientation Presentations:
🎓 7th Grade: 5:00 PM
🎓 9th Grade: 6:00 PM
Students and families are encouraged to attend, meet teachers, get familiar with the school, and get ready for a great year ahead!
We’ll see you this evening!
We look forward to welcoming students and families in grades 7–12 this afternoon and evening.
📅 Wednesday, September 2
⏰ 3:30–7:30 PM
Orientation Presentations:
🎓 7th Grade: 5:00 PM
🎓 9th Grade: 6:00 PM
Students and families are encouraged to attend, meet teachers, get familiar with the school, and get ready for a great year ahead!
We’ll see you this evening!
🚐 NOW HIRING: Substitute Van Drivers!
Looking for a flexible opportunity to support our students and schools? United South Central is seeking Substitute Van Drivers! Training is provided, and flexible opportunities are available.
Interested or know someone who might be a great fit? Contact Mary Smothers at msmothers@unitedsouthcentral.org for more information!
Looking for a flexible opportunity to support our students and schools? United South Central is seeking Substitute Van Drivers! Training is provided, and flexible opportunities are available.
Interested or know someone who might be a great fit? Contact Mary Smothers at msmothers@unitedsouthcentral.org for more information!
Substitute Teacher Workshop
USC will hold a substitute teacher workshop for those who are interested in subbing at USC. The training will be held on Thursday, September 3, 12:30 - 4:00 PM. Below is the general outline for the substitute teacher training.
General Information - 12:30 PM
Social Services & forms - 12:45 PM
Keys and checking in for the day - 1:00 PM
Red Rover and time expectations - 1:05 PM
Discipline - 1:15 PM
Lockdown and Drills - 1:25 PM
Technology and time to practice interactive boards - 1:45 PM
Connecting with teachers - 2:30 PM
Please contact Jen Bye at 507-553-5819 if you have any questions.
Rebel Country,
We have some big changes in our Athletic and Activities Department as we head into the 2026-27 school year!
One big change made by all Gopher Conference schools is that we're moving to electronic ticketing and a CASHLESS admission process at all Athletic and Fine Arts events.
Please see the attached image and visit the link below to learn more about the transition and to secure your event tickets/passes through BOUND before game day.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OQgYCTysn4XamIpEdq7ZpIkwQoYt8KVIpDDufg1SU6s/edit?usp=sharing
ROLL REBS!
We have some big changes in our Athletic and Activities Department as we head into the 2026-27 school year!
One big change made by all Gopher Conference schools is that we're moving to electronic ticketing and a CASHLESS admission process at all Athletic and Fine Arts events.
Please see the attached image and visit the link below to learn more about the transition and to secure your event tickets/passes through BOUND before game day.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OQgYCTysn4XamIpEdq7ZpIkwQoYt8KVIpDDufg1SU6s/edit?usp=sharing
ROLL REBS!
As we get ready to welcome students back to USC, Dr. Topinka has shared his annual Back-to-School Superintendent Update with families.
The update includes information on the start of the school year, JMC contact information, safety and emergency drills, traffic and drop-off procedures, enrollment and upcoming facility planning, and more.
📄 Read the full Back-to-School Update: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/6c125d67-8d94-4673-aee3-ec2c75954327/September-2026-B2S-Update-2.pdf?disposition=inline
We’re looking forward to welcoming our students back on September 8 and 9 and getting another great school year underway! Go Rebels!
The update includes information on the start of the school year, JMC contact information, safety and emergency drills, traffic and drop-off procedures, enrollment and upcoming facility planning, and more.
📄 Read the full Back-to-School Update: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4144/United_South_Central_Sd/6c125d67-8d94-4673-aee3-ec2c75954327/September-2026-B2S-Update-2.pdf?disposition=inline
We’re looking forward to welcoming our students back on September 8 and 9 and getting another great school year underway! Go Rebels!
Fall 2026 Referendum Information
United South Central Public Schools has launched a new page on our district website with information and resources related to the November 2026 referendum.
The page is designed to provide factual information about the proposed plan, project details, financial information, and the process—helping community members review the information and make their own informed decisions.
The district’s role is to provide information, not advocate for or against the referendum.
Explore the information page: https://www.uscgrowingstrong.com/the-plan
United South Central Public Schools has launched a new page on our district website with information and resources related to the November 2026 referendum.
The page is designed to provide factual information about the proposed plan, project details, financial information, and the process—helping community members review the information and make their own informed decisions.
The district’s role is to provide information, not advocate for or against the referendum.
Explore the information page: https://www.uscgrowingstrong.com/the-plan
Meet USC’s New High School English Teacher: Merideth Klingbeil
USC is excited to welcome Merideth Klingbeil to our high school teaching staff for the 2026–2027 school year! Ms. Klingbeil will be teaching 9th and 10th grade English.
A Wells native, Ms. Klingbeil recently returned home after attending Bemidji State University, where she earned her degree in English Education with minors in Music and Arts Organization Management. She returns to Wells with her boyfriend, Collin, and their cat, Kratos.
When asked about the teachers who have influenced her, Merideth shared that the educators she worked with during her time at Bemidji State helped shape the teacher she hopes to become.
Ms. Klingbeil's teaching philosophy emphasizes student independence, collaboration, and connecting learning to students’ interests. Her classes will include opportunities for group work and hands-on activities that strengthen reading, writing, and communication skills.
Outside the classroom, Merideth enjoys playing piano, reading, and spending time with family. She is especially excited to join Mrs. Wegner as a director for this year’s fall musical!
Please join us in giving a warm USC welcome to Merideth Klingbeil! We are excited to have her back in Wells and look forward to all she will bring to our students and school community!
USC is excited to welcome Merideth Klingbeil to our high school teaching staff for the 2026–2027 school year! Ms. Klingbeil will be teaching 9th and 10th grade English.
A Wells native, Ms. Klingbeil recently returned home after attending Bemidji State University, where she earned her degree in English Education with minors in Music and Arts Organization Management. She returns to Wells with her boyfriend, Collin, and their cat, Kratos.
When asked about the teachers who have influenced her, Merideth shared that the educators she worked with during her time at Bemidji State helped shape the teacher she hopes to become.
Ms. Klingbeil's teaching philosophy emphasizes student independence, collaboration, and connecting learning to students’ interests. Her classes will include opportunities for group work and hands-on activities that strengthen reading, writing, and communication skills.
Outside the classroom, Merideth enjoys playing piano, reading, and spending time with family. She is especially excited to join Mrs. Wegner as a director for this year’s fall musical!
Please join us in giving a warm USC welcome to Merideth Klingbeil! We are excited to have her back in Wells and look forward to all she will bring to our students and school community!
Meet USC’s New Physical Education Teacher: Eli Wolff
We are excited to welcome Eli Wolff to the USC family for the 2026–2027 school year! Eli will be teaching 5th and 6th grade Physical Education, Lifetime Fitness, and 8th grade Health and Physical Education.
Mr. Wolff is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and is currently in the process of moving to Wells. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the lake, playing golf, and staying active outdoors.
Eli describes his teaching style as relationship-driven, active, and engaging. He looks forward to building strong connections with students, providing mentorship, and sharing his passion for health and exercise.
Having grown up in a small K-12 school community, Mr. Wolff was drawn to USC because of the strong sense of community and the support people have for their school. He says he felt welcomed throughout the hiring process and knew USC would be a great fit.
“I’m super excited to dive into this school and community,” Eli shared. “I look forward to developing relationships with these students and providing mentorship for my students.”
Please join us in giving a warm USC welcome to Eli Wolff! We are excited to have him join our staff and become part of the USC community!
We are excited to welcome Eli Wolff to the USC family for the 2026–2027 school year! Eli will be teaching 5th and 6th grade Physical Education, Lifetime Fitness, and 8th grade Health and Physical Education.
Mr. Wolff is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and is currently in the process of moving to Wells. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the lake, playing golf, and staying active outdoors.
Eli describes his teaching style as relationship-driven, active, and engaging. He looks forward to building strong connections with students, providing mentorship, and sharing his passion for health and exercise.
Having grown up in a small K-12 school community, Mr. Wolff was drawn to USC because of the strong sense of community and the support people have for their school. He says he felt welcomed throughout the hiring process and knew USC would be a great fit.
“I’m super excited to dive into this school and community,” Eli shared. “I look forward to developing relationships with these students and providing mentorship for my students.”
Please join us in giving a warm USC welcome to Eli Wolff! We are excited to have him join our staff and become part of the USC community!
Meet USC’s New Middle School English Teacher: Stefanie Topinka
We are excited to welcome Stefanie Topinka to the USC high school staff for the 2026–2027 school year! Stefanie will be teaching 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts.
Stefanie lives right here in Wells with her husband, Taylor, and their two boys, Thane and Tatum. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education and Literacy and earned her master’s degree in Literacy Education from Hamline University.
After several years of teaching elementary students, Mrs. Topinka is excited to work with middle school students and share her passion for language arts. Her teaching style includes hands-on activities, collaboration, curiosity, and opportunities for students to grow as writers and explore different perspectives.
Stefanie’s passion for education began with the teachers who inspired her as a student, as well as her mom, who worked in her elementary school library. She believes strong relationships and a supportive classroom environment are key to helping students feel engaged and excited about learning.
Outside of school, Mrs. Topinka enjoys traveling, baking, learning about history, and spending time with her family. She has traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad and loves experiencing different cultures and making memories with her family.
Stefanie is especially looking forward to getting to know USC students, staff, and families and becoming part of the Wells community.
Please join us in giving a warm USC welcome to Stefanie Topinka! We are thrilled to have her join our USC family and look forward to the enthusiasm, curiosity, and love of learning she will bring to our students!
We are excited to welcome Stefanie Topinka to the USC high school staff for the 2026–2027 school year! Stefanie will be teaching 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts.
Stefanie lives right here in Wells with her husband, Taylor, and their two boys, Thane and Tatum. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education and Literacy and earned her master’s degree in Literacy Education from Hamline University.
After several years of teaching elementary students, Mrs. Topinka is excited to work with middle school students and share her passion for language arts. Her teaching style includes hands-on activities, collaboration, curiosity, and opportunities for students to grow as writers and explore different perspectives.
Stefanie’s passion for education began with the teachers who inspired her as a student, as well as her mom, who worked in her elementary school library. She believes strong relationships and a supportive classroom environment are key to helping students feel engaged and excited about learning.
Outside of school, Mrs. Topinka enjoys traveling, baking, learning about history, and spending time with her family. She has traveled throughout the U.S. and abroad and loves experiencing different cultures and making memories with her family.
Stefanie is especially looking forward to getting to know USC students, staff, and families and becoming part of the Wells community.
Please join us in giving a warm USC welcome to Stefanie Topinka! We are thrilled to have her join our USC family and look forward to the enthusiasm, curiosity, and love of learning she will bring to our students!
The USC Middle School and High School Open House will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 3:30 - 7:30 PM. All students in grades 7-12 are encouraged to attend.
Orientation presentations will be held at 5:00 PM for students in grade 7 and at 6:00 PM for students in grade 9.
Orientation presentations will be held at 5:00 PM for students in grade 7 and at 6:00 PM for students in grade 9.
📚 We’re Hiring: 6th Grade Long-Term Substitute
United South Central is looking for a 6th Grade Long-Term Substitute Teacher for the upcoming school year. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team and working with a great group of students and staff, we’d love to hear from you!
Learn more and apply here: 6th Grade Long-Term Substitute Opening
Please share with anyone who may be a good fit for USC!
United South Central is looking for a 6th Grade Long-Term Substitute Teacher for the upcoming school year. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team and working with a great group of students and staff, we’d love to hear from you!
Learn more and apply here: 6th Grade Long-Term Substitute Opening
Please share with anyone who may be a good fit for USC!
Reminder: The School Board of ISD 2134 will hold its Regular School Board Meeting tonight, Tuesday, August 18th, at 7:00 PM at the Walters Fire Hall (224 Main St., Walters, MN).
A Facilities Process Q&A Session will also be held prior to the meeting from 6:30–7:00 PM for community members who may have questions regarding our ongoing facilities planning process.
We encourage all community members to attend and stay informed on the important work taking place across our district.
A Facilities Process Q&A Session will also be held prior to the meeting from 6:30–7:00 PM for community members who may have questions regarding our ongoing facilities planning process.
We encourage all community members to attend and stay informed on the important work taking place across our district.
