Preschool
3 Year Old Preschool
We meet 2 mornings a week for 2.5 hours. Children learn by playing and working with others. Activities are planned to help your child learn and grow in: language and literacy, math, art and music, small and large motor development, problem solving, independence skills, and cooperation. Your child must attend Lil’ Eagles Daycare program, offered by the school, to attend 3 year old preschool. 3 year old preschool is for children who are 3 by Sept. 1st.
School Readiness
This is a great opportunity for your child to get prepared for kindergarten. Your child will attend school readiness Monday-Thursday for 2.5 hours/day. Your child will explore the areas of art, dramatic play, music & literature, along with developing cognitive skills that include language & problem-solving abilities. School Readiness is for children who are 4 years old by Sept. 1st.
25-26 School Readiness Registration
Click the links below to read the invite letter and to fill out the registration form. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Amanda Meierhofer... 320-453-2900 Ext. 3116 or ameierhofer@evw.k12.mn.us.
Early Childhood Department
Early Childhood Special Education
Erika Ebnet
Hello, my name is Erika Ebnet! I grew up in Watkins and graduated from EVW in 2015. After graduating high school, I attended St. Cloud State University and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a license in Early Childhood Special Education. I have been an Early Childhood Special Education teacher at EVW since 2019. I currently live in St. Augusta with my husband, our two daughters, and our yellow lab.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my kids, going to the cabin, and spending time with family and friends!
(320) 453-2900 x 3115
Samantha Athman
EVW Early Childhood
Amanda Meierhofer
Hello!
My name is Amanda Meierhofer. I currently live northwest of Eden Valley near Rice Lake. I am married to my wonderful husband, Loren, and we have two children, Caleb (16) and Noella (12).
I grew up South of Eden Valley and am a 2004 graduate of EVW. I went to St. Cloud State University where I majored in Elementary Education & Early Childhood Education. I am the Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), School Readiness (SR) & Early Childhood Screening (ECS) Coordinator and 3 Year Old Preschool Teacher.
I love working with little children. It amazes me how fast they can learn new skills. They just want to soak up as much knowledge as they can. This is the very beginning of their time in school. I love being a part of helping them love school!!
In my free time, I love to go camping, read, enjoy the great outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.
(320) 453-2900 x 3116
School Readiness
Mrs. Laura Roush
My name is Laura Roush and I have been a School Readiness teacher at EVW since 2018.
In the spring of 2013 I graduated from ROCORI High School. From there I went on to pursue a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. In December of 2017 I graduated with honors and began working as a substitute teacher for local school districts. Shortly after, I was offered a position working as the first-call substitute teacher for the Eden Valley-Watkins school district for the remainder of the school year. In the summer of 2018, Eden Valley- Watkins then offered me my very first full-time teaching position as a school readiness teacher. After one full year of teaching, I decided to go back to school and work towards a masters degree from Grand Canyon University. In August of 2020, I completed my schooling and officially earned a masters degree in Early Childhood Education. I then continued on with higher education in order to receive my pre-primary teaching license from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall which was completed in the fall of 2023.
When I am not at school I can be found spending time with my family and friends. I have a wonderful husband named Brad and an adorable son named Rowan who was born in May of 2025. I also can be found doing some kind of craft project or watching movies. I also really enjoy traveling to new places. It is a goal of mine to make it to all 50 states at some point throughout my life. So far I am just over half way there :)
320-453-2900 x 3102
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Inclusive Education
Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education
Pre-Primary Teaching Certification
Shaina Bakka
My name is Shania Bakka and I have been teaching School Readiness at Watkins Elementary School since September 2019. I graduated from St. Cloud State University in May 2019 with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education.
I have always wanted to become a teacher. I love teaching preschool and seeing how much each child learns and grows throughout the school year. My goal is to always provide a safe and positive environment for children to learn in.
I live in Maple Lake with my husband, our son, and our chocolate lab. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
(320) 453-2900 x 3114