Elysian's Lake Francis

Overview

The City of Elysian, located in the midst of the southern Minnesota lake region, has long been known for its tourist and water recreation opportunities. The City retains its friendly rural character and moves the community forward with professional staff who are available to help with a wide range of inquiries.

Location

Population

As of the 2000 census, Elysian's population is 486 residents. The 2007 estimated population is 611.

School Information

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Independent School District #2143
Waterville, Elysian, and Morristown are located in the heart of the southern Minnesota lakes region. Residents and tourists enjoy the Sakatah State Park, Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Area Fisheries Headquarters and numerous resorts and campgrounds.

The W-E-M District serves over 1,600 children from early childhood through 12th grade. The schools and their programs receive many acknowledgements and are supported by parents and the 3 communities they serve.

The Booster Clubs and Partners in Education (P.I.E.) provide many enhancements to the K-12 experience.  Enrollment and finances of the WEM district are stable.

Student Achievement

* Above national average test scores on Stanford Achievement Tests (SAT)

* Above state average in Grades 3 & 5 Math Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA)

* Above state average in the percent passing the Grade 8 Reading and Math Basic Skills Test (BST)

* 98% passing Grade 10 Written Composition Basic Skills Test on first attempt (BST)

* Integrated Senior High Mathematics offerings meet all national and state high standards

Of Special Note

The 2008-09 school years marks the 20th Anniversary of Waterville, Elysian and Morristown coming together as the unified WEM Public Schools.

WEM High School was rated SECOND out of 584 Minnesota State High Schools in an AOL City Guide ranking based on results from the year 2000.

In the fall of 2004, WEM High School was acknowledged as 1 of 10 5-Star Minnesota High Schools for reading and math achievement.

Facilities

School buildings are located in Waterville (Elementary and High School), Elysian (Elementary) and Morristown (Elementary and Junior High).  Each has new playgrounds.  Food is prepared and served at each site.  Each school has a gym and auditorium for fine arts and lyceums.

Highlights and Programs at the Home of the Buccaneers

K-6

• Small class size (20 students per instructor)
• All day every day Kindergarten
• Full implementation of all MN K-12 Standards
• Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and special milk programs
• Enhanced learning programs: Spelling Bee, Celebrate Succes (Disabilities Awareness Programs), Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival, Artists-in-Residence, Kids College (Career Day)
• Buccaneer Buddy Program
• Emphasis on basic skills
• Physical education, music, media and art specialists
• Hands on math and science programs
• Safe, contemporary playgrounds
• Elementary school counselor providing individual, group and classroom developmental guidance
• Automated media center
• Buccaneer Elementary Tutor Program
• Elementary recreation program
• Picture Person Art Appreciation program
• Keyboarding classes
• RSVP program
• Foster grandparents
• CHOICES After-school program

K-12

• Academic and extra curricular student recognition
• Full range of programs and services
• Title 1 math and reading enhancement program
• Early Childhood Screening
• Health screening for vision and hearing
• 97% daily attendance
• Computer technology plays an important role in academics
• Internet labs (Mac, IBM, Dell) with safety filtering
• Computers for student use ratio is 1-7
• Comprehensive extra curricular program
• Experienced and well trained faculty dedicated to continuous improvement
• Field trips, lyceums, theater events, and artists-in-residence
• English Language Learners Program
• Accelerated Math
• Career Explorations
• Counseling staff serving K-12 students

• College and Tech Prep courses
• Band and Choir trips on alternating years
• Project Close Up trip to Washington D.C.
• Science Club trip to Disney World
• Approximately 85% of the student body participates in extra curricular activities
• Automated media center
• Senior High Counselor providing Career and Personal Counseling Services
• Community organizations award many scholarships annually to deserving students
• Work program for special needs and vocational agriculture students
• Industrial Tech/Computer Assisted Drafting
• Hands-on Math and Science
• Career Awareness Day
• Study Skills program
• 3 Choice Lunch Program
• Driver's Education
• Peer Helper Program
  
  Waterville - Elysian - Morristown Schools provide an environment that encourages individual responsibility, value-centered decision making, and accountability.
  
  School Activities and Programs

Communications

Telephone
Local Telephone Company:  Frontier Communications of MN
Service to the Elysian area

Home Service

Phone:  1-800-435-1504

Business Service

Phone:  1-800-953-9335

Internet

Frontier Communications of MN

Phone:  1-800-435-1504

Alltel Wireless

Phone:  1-800-630-1234

Stonebarrier Media, LLC

Phone:  1-888-556-6634

Cable TV
Local Company:  U.S. Cable

Channel 6 is Elysian's community access channel

which runs a continuous bulletin board of news and events
Phone:  1-800-642-5509

Newspaper
Newspaper Name:  The Elysian Enterprise
Weekly edition

Circulation:  500

Phone:  507-362-4495

Radio

Several radio stations serve the Elysian area including

KRUE, KOWZ, KRBI, KDHL, KTOE

Broadcast Television

KEYC-TV is a CBS affiliate located in Mankato,

reporting news from the Elysian area on Channel 12

Airports:  Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is located in Bloomington,

               1 and 1/2 hours driving time from Elysian, north on 35W then east on 494.

               HHH Terminal is adjacent to MSP and is accessible by shuttle and

               light rail connections.

Shipping:  Fed Ex and UPS provide daily service to businesses and homes in Elysian.

* Internet access available at local K-12 schools in WEM Public System

* High School graduates attending post-secondary 85%

Public Protective Services

* Fire

* Police through Le Sueur County Sheriff Dept.

* EMT and Rescue Squad

Economic Development Services

       * Economic Development/Housing Redevelopment Authority

       * Chamber of Commerce

       * Locally Controlled Loan Program

       * Tax Increment Financing

Incentives: The EDA has a locally controlled revolving loan fund for direct financial assistance and has utilized financing from regional and state resources. In addition, the City has established Tax Increment Financing Districts and is capable of customizing financing packages to meet a project's needs. Infrastructure improvements and the 1998 completion of a new wastewater treatment plant make Elysian more attractive for economic development projects.  Please call - we are open to new ideas for our community!

Elysian...quaintly progressive