Southview Elementary School

2nd - 4th Grade

601 E Southview Dr, Marshall, MN 56258

507-537-6962

Principal: Peter Thor

Peter Thor

Dear Southview Elementary School Community,

Welcome! I am a proud graduate of our very own Marshall Public Schools system and have enjoyed working in the field of education in one aspect or another since 2003. My faith, family, and former teachers were instrumental in helping me become the person I am today. I am thrilled to be working in this incredible community and look forward to an amazing year of growth and success.

At Southview Elementary, we believe in nurturing the individual growth and development of each and every student. Our dedicated educators are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of students. We recognize and celebrate the diverse talents, interests, and abilities that each child brings to our school, and we strive to provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

One of our key focuses at Southview Elementary revolves around the science of reading. We understand the critical role that literacy plays in a child's overall education and future success. Our educators are experienced and trained in evidence-based instructional practices that enhance phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. By implementing research-backed strategies, such as direct instruction and small-group interventions, we ensure that every student becomes a strong and confident reader.

We have also been working hard to implement guided math groups to support our students in developing essential mathematical skills. These small-group sessions allow our teachers to provide differentiated instruction, tailor-made to meet the diverse learning needs of our students. We seek to empower our young learners to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and build foundational skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.

We firmly believe that education is a partnership between the school, families, and the broader community. We encourage parents and guardians to actively engage in their child's educational journey by participating in school activities, attending parent-teacher conferences, and staying updated about their child's progress. Together, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment where our students can flourish and reach their full potential.

As we embark on this new school year, I am incredibly excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Southview Elementary is more than just a place of learning; it's a community where we value each child. I am confident that, with the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, involved families, and motivated students, we will make positive strides towards excellence in education.

I look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement, and success for all our students. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Together, let us make this school year the best one yet!

Educationally yours,

Peter Thor

Principal

Assistant Principal: Amanda Pederson

When I am not leading or learning, I spend time with my family. My husband and children have been a part of the community for 13 years.  I have lived in Marshall most of my life as I am a graduate from Marshall High School. As a family we enjoy playing games, traveling, sports, and movies.

I have been in the field of education for 18 years, 8 of which were spent as a middle school teacher at the Marshall Middle School. I have taught middle school math, science, and technology.  I will be starting my 8th year as an administrator this year, and my 6th year back at Marshall and serving the students and families of Marshall Public Schools. I obtained my Bachelors (2005), Masters (2012), Education Specialist with K-12 Principal License (2017) degrees from Southwest Minnesota State University and completed my Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership through Minnesota State University Moorhead (2024). I am passionate about education, learning, and leadership. Education is the gateway to all things!

At Southview Elementary we strive to support students in all aspects of their education and believe all students can learn and grow. We focus on a positive culture and environment that supports learning and student growth. We believe that every student can learn if given the opportunity. This takes the work of a partnership between school and home, and we welcome the opportunity to work with families to support students. We focus on the diversity of our students, their talents, interests, and abilities and how this all plays a role in their learning. Our teachers are trained in best practices for instruction and learning to meet the needs of all students. Our staff at Southview is passionate, hardworking, and student focused.

One thing that I love about MPS is that it offers so many opportunities to our students in all grades, families, and the community. We work to be forward thinking and find ways to keep growing and changing with the world around us. This helps us to meet the needs of all our students on an individual level. We continue to hear from students after graduation and how their time at MPS have helped them in their post-secondary years whether on the job or at college. Marshall is a great community for families and our school systems are next to none. We welcome you to the MPS family.

Amanda Pederson