The following story is from the January 2025 Greatness Update magazine, featuring our 2024 annual report. For the full issue, visit plcschools.org/our-district/annual-report. 

“Kings and queens are royal, which means they already have a lot of money, so why did they need Columbus to find the gold for them?” a five-year-old asks, hand shooting up during a lesson in Lisa Elsasser’s kindergarten classroom at La Vista West Elementary. This thoughtful question about royal wealth didn’t come out of nowhere—it emerged from weeks of learning about both kings and queens and early explorers, showing just how deeply these young minds can think when given the right tools.

This kind of moment is becoming increasingly common in Papillion La Vista Community Schools’ kindergarten classrooms, where a new approach to teaching reading and writing is transforming how our youngest students learn. The Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program, implemented this fall, is already showing impressive results.

“If you were to ask these children to explain how plants grow, describe why farms are important, or share facts about Native Americans, they could do it,” Elsasser says with pride. “They’re not just learning to read—they’re reading to learn, even at five years old.”

The new program takes a unique approach. Instead of having young students spend long periods working independently at their desks, children are actively engaged throughout the day. You might find them moving around the room practicing writing strokes that will soon become letters, playing sound games that build reading skills, or diving deep into fascinating topics through stories and discussions.

“There are so many ways for children to learn,” Elsasser explains. “Some students learn best by seeing, others by hearing, and many by moving their bodies. This program includes all of these approaches—from ‘stomp and spell’ activities to hands-on letter building to visual aids—so every child can succeed.”

The results are already evident. “I’ve watched students progress from making simple marks on a page to writing actual words,” Elsasser shares. “They’re reading simple sentences fluently, and more importantly, they’re excited about learning.”

This enthusiasm comes from letting children explore topics in depth. Rather than jumping from subject to subject, students spend several weeks investigating a single theme—like the five senses, farms, or early American history. This approach allows children to build real expertise and confidence in what they know.

“We can dig deeper into different topics and make learning more fun by adding enrichment activities. Students are more engaged, making more connections, and using sophisticated vocabulary in their everyday conversations,” Elsasser reflects. 

The success in Elsasser’s classroom reflects a carefully planned district-wide initiative. PLCS chose CKLA after an extensive evaluation process that included input from teachers, special educators, and building instructional coaches. The program stood out for its alignment with Nebraska’s 2021-adopted English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and its proven approach to building both skills and knowledge simultaneously.

This fall’s kindergarten implementation marks just the first step. In 2025, the program will expand to grades 1-5, creating a consistent and challenging learning experience throughout elementary school. The staged rollout allows for thorough teacher training and support—something that’s already proving valuable. “First grade teachers have seen positive things in our students who had CKLA during our pilot last year,” Elsasser notes, highlighting the program’s lasting impact.

For parents and community members, the difference is clear in the students themselves. These kindergarteners aren’t just learning basics—they’re becoming confident thinkers who can tackle complex ideas, ask insightful questions, and share their knowledge with others. As Elsasser puts it, “This approach really helps our young learners feel empowered.”

In her classroom at La Vista West Elementary, another hand goes up with another thoughtful question. It’s just another day of kindergarteners showing us that when we raise expectations and provide the right support, there’s no limit to what our youngest learners can achieve.