Principal's Message 5.31.13

Heading Into Summer...

Dear Parents, 

It's amazing how quickly a school year goes by.  Our students have done such amazing work this year, learning and growing.  We so appreciate the support you give us on a daily basis.  The Prairie Faculty and Staff are a talented group of educators and I thank them as well for their continued dedication to growing our students academically and socially.  

Have a wonderful summer vacation.  I hope your travels, whether near or far, are full of fun and help to create many wonderful family memories.

Sincerely,
Christine Pfaff


**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

PTO... Thank You!!!
We have had such a wonderful school year with the support you provide us on a daily basis.  Ice cream Fridays, School Store, Cultural Arts Assemblies, Pizza-Bingo, Art Auction, changing pictures in frames so many students have their artwork on display, and so many other things that are simply too numerous to mention.  We couldn't do it without you!
~Thanks, Prairie Teachers & Staff

Orchestra Tour

Third, fourth, and fifth graders attended a concert from the 7th & 8th grade orchestra students from Twin Groves.  Ms. Ying and the orchestra provided an fantastic concert allowing for students to see our orchestra instruments in action.

5th Grade Party
Our 5th graders enjoyed a wonderful 5th grade party on Thursday.  We had an improvisational comedy activity (which all students experienced) hosted by Harris Kal.  5th graders went on to enjoy a private recess, ice cream sundae buffet, and received their yearbooks.  A HUGE thank you goes out to Mrs. Andrabi, Mrs. Lyons, & Mrs. Scott - 5th grade room parents - for organizing and running the 5th grade party.  A BIG thank you as well to Mrs. Kamp, Mrs. Schechter, and Mr. Williams - Support Staff - for assisting with supervision.

We Loved Meeting You Willow Grove Kindergarteners
On Thursday, our incoming first graders visited from Willow Grove. Students visited the first grade classrooms, went to the library for story time, and toured the school.  It was wonderful to meet you all and we can't wait to start working with you in August.  
  
Flagpole Assembly
On Thursday, June 6th please come to school at 9:15am to join in one of our most treasured Prairie School traditions... The Last of School Flag Pole Assembly.  Parents and students gather around the flagpole, sign our Prairie School fight song, and wish fond farewells to our 5th graders.  Even if your student is a bus rider, please consider coming out for this wonderful school tradition.  Students will be dismissed at 9:30am.  

Girls on the Run
Best of luck to our Girls on the Run group who will be running their 5K event on Saturday, June 1st at Toyota Park.  The girls have been training very hard for the past several months and are ready to do their personal best this weekend.  A HUGE thank you goes out to Miss Sauer, Miss Hewitt, Miss Kuhl, and Miss Johnston - The GOTR Coaches - for your sincere dedication and caring for all your girls!!

GOTR Recruitment for 13-14 School Year

Hi families of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders for the 2013-2014 school year!

Girls on the Run will be in its THIRD year at Prairie next year and we're trying to get an estimate of the number of girls who would be interested so we can plan coaching staff accordingly.  The season will begin in late February/Early March 2014 and will run for 12 weeks (through the end of the school year).  We meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:45.  Your girl must be available for BOTH practices.   There is a program fee, but scholarships are available.  Please visit www.girlsontherunchicago.org or www.gotr.org for more information about this incredible program!   Please email "Coach Sauer" at esauer@kcsd96.org with questions or to put your girls name on the "interest" list. 

Have a GREAT summer!

Student Council News
Due to very successful Dime and Quarter days, Prairie School raised $362! This money will be donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital to help children fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Congrats Prairie School on a successful fundraiser.

Summer Reading Program Ideas

As the school year comes to a close, I encourage you to find a  summer reading program with your child. Students can lose more than half of their school year gains during the summer vacation. Children who read during the summer months, however, can sustain their literacy levels and are better prepared for learning when school resumes in the fall.  There are so many options when it comes to a summer reading program.  First, don't forget about the District 96 summer reading program as outlined at this link.  Click here to visit a list of summer reading programs in the area.  Thank you for your dedication and partnership in creating lifelong learners!

Lettered Days...

M, 6/3 - "W" - Windy City Sports Day

T, 6/4 -  "X"'tra Day, Do something extra fun today

W, 6/5 - "Y" - Year End Clean Out, Clean out your desks today

Th, 6/6 - "Z" - Zip up your bags and Zoom into summer

Happy Summer Vacation!!

Principal's Message 5.24.13

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

5th Grade Band Concert 
Our fifth grade band members performed on Wednesday night at Twin Groves! They did an amazing job and have shown so much growth throughout the year. Thank you to Mrs. Labowicz for all of your work with our students and a special thank you to her as well for stepping in for Mrs. Williams during her leave.

Summer Reading Program Ideas
As the school year comes to a close, I encourage you to find a  summer reading program with your child. Students can lose more than half of their school year gains during the summer vacation. Children who read during the summer months, however, can sustain their literacy levels and are better prepared for learning when school resumes in the fall.  There are so many options when it comes to a summer reading program.  First, don't forget about the District 96 summer reading program as outlined at this link.  Click here to visit a list of summer reading programs in the area.  Thank you for your dedication and partnership in creating lifelong learners!

Dates to Remember for the 13/14 School Year
Just a brief look at the beginning of our next school year. Classroom assignments, bus routes, and beginning of the year information will be mailed to your home mid-week of August 12th.

• Tuesday, August 20 - Meet Your Teacher Day 
• Wednesday, August 21 - First Day of School FY 13/14 Dismissal @ 2:00 p.m.

H.O.T. Sponsors Book Drive

Don't forget to take some time to gather up the unused books in your home for the Bernie's Book Bank book drive.  Help make a difference in a child's life by giving them the gift of books.  Thanks for your help!! Book drive ends Friday, May 31st.  

Moving Out of the District?

If you are moving out of the district, please stop by the school office to complete a transfer form.

Lettered Days...

T, 5/28 - "S" Day - Sports Day - wear your sports gear

W, 5/29 - "T" Day - Tye Dye Day

Th, 5/30 - "U" Day - University Day - wear your favorite school's gear

F, 5/31 - "V" Vacation Day - wear a t-shirt from your favorite vacation spot

Nathan Z. & Rachel Z. enjoy their ride to school in a police car this past week.

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, May 28 - Field Day

• Special lunch will occur regardless of the weather

Thursday, May 30 - 5th grade party

Friday, May 31 - Field Day Rain Date

• Sack lunch from home if we need to use the rain day

Friday, May 31 - Talent Show @ 6:30pm

Thursday, June 6 - Report Cards Go Home/Last Day of School

Principal's Message 5.17.13

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

A Message from the Principals for a Day...

My day was really fun and I loved all the things I did.  I really liked looking looking the secrets spaces and going to meetings.  The secret spaces I liked were looking at the electrical rooms and the teachers' lounge.  Did you know they have a pop machine in there?  I loved learning about what some staff do as their jobs.  I talked with Miss Sauer about being a social worker and she said that it feels good to help kids feel better.  I had an awesome day!
~Miss Sophia P.

My day as a principal was fun.  I've learned that it takes a lot of work to be a teacher.  Teachers are always busy and they have to be flexible.  I have also learned cool new things about the school.  I liked the secret places.  In the teachers' lounge, there is a t.v. and a vending machine.  It was a very cool experience and the next people who do it will enjoy it a lot.  I loved it!
~Miss Zoe M.

H.O.T. Sponsors Book Drive

Beginning on Monday, May 20, Prairie will be holding a book drive to benefit Bernie's Book Bank. http://www.berniesbookbank.org/ This organization delivers used, outgrown, over-read books to children who have no or limited access to literature in their homes in the Chicagoland area. If you have any children's books, infant to middle school level, please send them in with your child between May 20-May 31. Last year Prairie donated several thousand books and we are hoping to have another successful year! Thank you!

~H.O.T. Committee

Police Car Ride
Congratulations to Connor S. & Lydia S. on winning a ride to school in a Buffalo Grove Police car.  Their ride was fun and exciting complete with sirens and lights.  Thanks also the BGPD for your participation in the Art Auction fund raiser which makes these fun activities possible.

Bicycle Riders

To ensure the safety of our kids, please remind your bicycle riding child to stay on the sidewalks when riding to school and on school property.  The Prairie parking lot is a busy, busy place and we want to make sure students are not traveling through it on foot or on their bikes.  Also, the bike racks have been moved to the front of school for easier bike parking.  Thanks for your help!

Moving Out of the District?

If you are moving out of the district, please stop by the school office to complete a transfer form.

Lettered Days...

5/20 - "N" - Neon Day, wear your brightest clothes

5/21 - "O" - Orange Day, eat one or wear orange

5/22 - "P" - Prairie Day - Spirit wear day, of course!

5/23 - "Q" - Quarter Day - bring 25cents for St. Jude's Children's Hospital

5/24 - "R" - Rah! Rah! Day - Be ready to cheer on your teachers in the staff VB game

Upcoming Dates

Wednesday, May 22 - 5th grade trip to TG

Tuesday, May 28 - Field Day

Thursday, May 30 - 5th grade party

Friday, May 31 - Field Day Rain Date

Friday, May 31 - Talent Show @ 6:30pm

Thursday, June 6 - Report Cards go Home/Last Day of School

Principal's Message 5.10.13

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

Girls on the Run News...
The Prairie “Girls on the Run” team held their practice 5K at Heron Creek Forest Preserve to get ready for their final 5K on June 1^st.  They were joined by many members of the staff from Prairie, parents, and friends who were there to run, jog, walk, and cheer them along the 3.1 mile loop!  The GOTR teams from Kildeer and Country Meadows were at the forest preserve doing their practice too, which made for a fun afternoon of encouragement felt by all!   Thanks to coaches Katie Hewitt, Jessica Johnston, Jamie Kuhl and Erin Sauer for leading these girls in a memorable afternoon. Check out this picture of the team of 3^rd-5^th graders and their coaches!

Thank you PTO

A BIG thank you to the PTO for spoiling the Prairie staff this week with luncheons and appreciation gifts.  We sooo appreciate your kindness!! 

5 PAC - Principal's Advisory Council

The 5th Grade Principal's Advisory Council recently held their last meeting of the school year. This opt-in program for 5th graders was really successful this year.  Students had the opportunity to share out great ideas and Dr. Pfaff was able to take these great ideas back to the staff in various ways.  Our last two meetings focused on brainstorming ideas for the 5th grade gift which students will vote on shortly.  I look forward to the 13-14 5PAC and working with these students to affect change at Prairie. 

Lettered Days...

5/13 - "I" - Wear your clothes inside out day

5/14 - "J" - Jeans Day

5/15 - "K" - Kindness Day - perform a random act of kindness

5/16 - "L" - LOL Day... come with an appropriate joke to help your friends laugh

5/17 - "M" - Mismatch Day - mix & match your clothes

Box Tops for Education

Please keep sending in Box Tops for Education.  We recently received a check for $135.00.  All proceeds go back to students!

***LAWN TREATMENT APPLICATION NOTICE***

District 96 uses Integrated Pest Management--a program that combines preventive techniques, non-chemical methods (such as bait traps), and the appropriate use of pesticides (with a preference for products least harmful to human health and the environment).

On the weekend of May 11 & 12, 2013 the District 96 lawn treatment provider Zenith Landscape Group will treat grass areas adjacent to all District buildings. Signs will be posted to indicate that the treatments have been applied. In the event of rain, the applications will occur on the following weekend, May 18 & 19, 2013.

Music Room Talent shows and Auditions

Next week, May 13 - May 17, will be the week for auditions for the school talent show. The auditions will take place before school and during music class. Auditions that have singing, playing an instrument, or dance may be done during music class and auditions that involve other talents need to be done before school. Students will be notified of the results on Tuesday, May 21st, at the end of the day. The evening talent show will be Friday, May 31, at 6:30 PM. Students will need to sign up on theTalent Show sign up form in order to be considered for the school talent show. 

News from H.O.T. - Helping Others Together
Last week, the Helping Others Together (HOT) club took a field trip to the Prairie Crossing Learning Farm in Grayslake. Students learned about where our food comes from, how our fruits and vegetables are grown, composting, and even got to feed some chickens! This experience helped us to learn about how we can help our bodies by eating healthily and how we can grow food sustainably for a healthy planet and future!

Crossing Guard Ron Ericson Retires

Mr. Ericson, our beloved Brandywyn & Kingsbridge corner crossing guard has decided to hang up his stop sign after nearly 10 years of service to the Prairie School community.  Student Council students presented Mr. Ericson with thank you cards that students made for him on April 30th.  We thank Mr. Ericson for keeping our kids safe all these years.  Best of luck to you Ron!      

Bicycle Riders
To ensure the safety of our kids, please remind your bicycle riding child to stay on the sidewalks when riding to school and on school property.  The Prairie parking lot is a busy, busy place and we want to make sure students are not traveling through it on foot or on their bikes.  Thanks for your help!

Moving Out of the District?
If you are moving out of the district, please stop by the school office to complete a transfer form.

Principal's Message 4.26.13

Student Council News...
Congratulations to the students of Prairie School.  We reached our goal of 400 donated toys.  The children earned a Prairie Pod Party.  The Prairie Pod parties will take place Friday, May 3rd.  You may be asking yourself, "What is a Prairie Pod Party?" Well, let me tell you.... The kids will have 20-30 minutes of Friday Fun with all the other classes in their pod.  

PTO News...

General Meeting Date Change

The PTO General Meeting has been changed to Wednesday, May 29th at 6:30pm.  All parents that will be new to Prairie in August are encouraged to attend.  Following the meeting, there will be a tour of the school and time for  Q & A.  

Staff Appreciation Week

The PTO is hosting Staff Appreciation Week from May 6th - 10th.  Tuesday, May 7th is Thank You Card Day.  This new event replaces flower day.  Students can bring as many cards as they'd like and pass them out to their teachers.  The PTO kindly requests gift card donations.  For more specifics on Staff Appreciation Week and other PTO news, please click HERE for the PTO Newsletter.  

MAP Testing

MAP Testing will occur next week for all students at Prairie.  Students will take the reading and math tests.  Assessment results are used as one piece of information to inform instruction.  Results will be sent home prior to the end of the school year.   

ABC Countdown

Student Council is trying something new this year, an ABC countdown for the last 26 days of school.  Each day will be a different theme and we'll be starting on on May 1st.  Please see below to help your child participate in the fun.    

A America Day (Show your pride by wearing red, white and blue) Wednesday, May 1

B Backwards Day (Wear your shirt backwards) Thursday, May 2

C Crazy Hair Day (Make your hair as crazy as possible) Friday, May 3

D Dime Day (Bring in your extra dimes to donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital) May 6

E Exercise Day (Wear exercise clothes& put in some extra exercise) Tuesday, May 7

F Favorite Fruit Day (Bring in your favorite fruit for lunch!) Wednesday, May 8

G Green Day (Wear green & do something good for the environment) Thursday, May 9

H Hat Day (Wear your favorite hat) Friday, May 10

I Inside Out Day (Wear your clothes inside out) Monday, May 13

J Jean Day (Wear jeans, a jean jacket, jean skirt, etc.) Tuesday, May 14

K Kindness Day (Perform an extra act of kindness today) Wednesday, May 15

L LOL Day (Come with an appropriate joke to make someone laugh out loud!) 5/6

M Mismatch Day (Mix and match your clothes) Friday, May 17

N Neon Day (Wear your brightest, neon clothes) Monday, May 20

O Orange Day (Bring one to eat or wear the color orange) Tuesday, May 21

P Prairie Day (Wear Prairie Clothes, of course!) Wednesday, May 22

Q Quarter Day (Bring in your extra quarters to donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital)

Thursday, May 23

R Rah! Rah! Day (Be ready to cheer on your teachers in the staff volleyball game) 5/24

S Sports Day (Come dressed ready to play sports for Field Day-Don’t forget your

sportsmanship too) 5/28

T Tye Dye Day (Wear your favorite tye dye clothing!) Wednesday, May 29

U University Day (Wear your favorite College/University clothing) Thursday, May 30

V Vacation Day (Wear a t-shirt from your favorite vacation spot) Friday, May 31

W Windy City Sports Day (Wear your favorite Chicago sports team gear) Monday, June 3

X X-tra Day (Do something X-tra fun today) Tuesday, June 4

Y Year End Cleanout (Clean out your desks today) Wednesday, June 5

Z Zip up your bags and Zoom into summer (Last Day!) Thursday, June 6

Principal's Message 4.19.13

Early Release on Tuesday, 4/23

Teachers will be involved in professional development work on this day therefore students will be dismissed at 2pm.  

Please register early to help us plan for next year!

We want to make the very best plans for all kids next year.  Help us by registering as soon as possible!  

Registration emails were sent out April 1 for the 2013-14 school year. ALL students who will attend District 96 in the Aug. 2013–June 2014 school year must register.  Click on the link in the registration email you were sent to open the online registration form for your student. The subject line of the email reads: "Register your District 96 Student for 2013–2014 School Year."  Please read carefully to confirm the accuracy of the information that appears. It is very important that we have current contact information for your family to send you communications and to reach you in an emergency. Please update your information as necessary. Registration questions? Please call 847.634.3144.  

Class Placement Input

is due on Friday, April 26th...next Friday.  We will be starting this process soon.

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

Upcoming Dates

Friday, April 19th - Art Auction - Cubby Bear North 7 - 9:30pm

Wednesday, May 15th - Prairie Celebrates Learning at 6pm-7pm

Thursday, May 16th - Orchestra Extravaganza Concert Grades 4-8 at Twin Groves

Thursday, May 23rd - 5th grade trip to Twin Groves

Friday, May 31st - Talent Show at 6:30pm

Thursday, June 6th - Last Day of School