Principal's Message 12.16.11

Highlight of the Week
Our week ended with wonderful winter parties with fun crafts and games which made a great kick off to the winter break.  Students enjoyed all the festivities as did the staff.  Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time today to make this afternoon a memorable and fun event.  


4th Grade Math Night
The 4th grade math night has become a district-wide event.  All four elementary schools' parents are welcome to attend this evening of math learning on January 11th.  For more information please click on this link:  PARENTS OF 4TH-GRADERS MATH NIGHT

The Human Growth and Development Unit 

This annual curricular unit will be taught from January 17th-23rd to all third,  fourth and fifth grade students.  The unit will deal primarily with the informational aspects of human growth and development.  Instruction will be provided by Mrs. Androjna and Mrs. Lehtman.  If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact either of our P.E. teachers.

Happy Holidays

Please enjoy a safe and restful holiday while enjoying time with family and friends.  Prairie staff look forward to seeing everyone in 2012!

PTO Highlight

Please visit the PTO Newsletter to learn about upcoming PTO events and news.    

Principal's Message 12.9.11

Highlight of the Week
Today we had a wonderful presentation sponsored by the PTO.  The Amazing Adventures of Lewis & Clark, produced by Face to Face Productions, was funny and informative.  Our presenters, Lewis & Clark did a wonderful job of walking our students through their westward American frontier travels.  Our students were equally amazing, so much so, that the presenters complimented our students on their terrific behavior and understanding a subtle one liners.  Thank you to the PTO for sponsoring this educational and engaging event.  


Rhythm Band Concert
The winter Rhythm Band Concert is on Tuesday, December 12th at 7pm.  Student performers should arrive at 6:40pm and enter through the Kingsbridge door.  We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.    


Club News
Fourth Grade Author's Club will begin on January 4.  If you haven't signed up yet there is still time.  Go to the following link to find out more information.  Authors Club   You can send a printed copy of the permission slip or sign up online using the link included on the permission slip. 


Helping Others Together Third Annual Winter Clothes Drive is on again! If you have gently used winter clothing such as coats, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, earmuffs, snow pants, boots, etc. that you or your children have outgrown, please bring them to our front lobby and place in the boxes marked "Winter Clothes Drive." All sizes (children and adult) will be accepted. Your donations will be greatly appreciated and will go to families in nearby Lake County school districts who otherwise might not be warm this winter. We will be collecting through January to accommodate any "winter cleaning" that might happen over Winter Break. Your thoughtful donations are much appreciated! 

Winter Parties

Classroom parties will be held on Friday, December 16, from 2:00-3:00PM.  The classroom party is a wonderful opportunity for the students to celebrate the season.  Parents that have signed up to help through their room parent are asked to pick up their badge at the main office.  If you have not scanned your driver’s license through our raptor security system I advise you to do so prior to Friday.  Having your information on file will allow us to process your badge in a timely manner. 

Winter Gear

It's cold out there!!  Please make sure that your child leaves the house each day with gear that will keep them warm while outside at recess.  Gloves, scarf, hat, and when we have lots of snow, snow pants.  Students do go outside for recess if the temperature and/or wind chill is 10 degrees Farenheit and above.  

PTO Highlight

Please visit the PTO Newsletter to learn about upcoming PTO events and news.  

Principal's Message 12.2.11

Book Room Grand Opening
Recently we opened our new teacher Guided Reading Book Room.  This book room will provide teachers with a multitude of literacy resources for use in daily reading instruction at a multitude of instructional reading levels.  A HUGE thank you goes out to the following parents for helping to label, level, and organize materials in the new book room space:  Mr. Driscoll, Mrs. Oh, Mrs. Borin, Mrs. Strezewski, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Krames, Mrs. Hirsh, Mrs. Dicker, and Mrs. DeZutter.  We truly could not have completed this large amount of work without your dedication and support.   


Thank You PTO 
A huge thank you goes out to the Prairie PTO for providing an appetizer buffet during Parent-Teacher conferences.  The staff really looks forward to these delicious treats and they really help give us an energy boost.  The time given toward baking, shopping, setting up, and cleaning up is truly appreciated!


A Message from Girl Scout Troop 41416

Last week during Parent-Teacher conferences the combined Ivy Hall/Prairie 5th Grade Girl Scout of Troop 41416 provided babysitting at both Ivy Hall School and Prairie school.  As a result of the generosity of the families of Prairie and Ivy Hall, the troop was able to donate over 40 food items as well as a $100 Dominick's Gift Card to the Vernon Township Food Pantry.  Although this was in invaluable experience for the girls in terms of leadership, it was also exciting and fun as they spent time with friends old and new.  Yesterday, the 12 girls delivered the donations to the Vernon Township Food Pantry and were able to assist in stocking the shelves for a humbling yet memorable experience.

Troop 41416 thanks all the families who participated in babysitting for their generosity and hopes you keep us in mind for conferences in the Spring. 

Lewis & Clark Assembly on December 9th

On December 9, we will be having an assembly sponsored by the PTO Cultural Arts Committee.  The Amazing Adventures of Lewis & Clark will be presented twice allowing primary and intermediate students opportunities for grade level instructional opportunities.  This musical show explores the concepts of teamwork and courage and some of the challenges faced by Lewis and Clark during their historic journey across the western United States.  To learn more about the ideas presented in the show, visit www.facetofaceproductions.com for a study guide and links to other websites.

Club News...
4th Grade Author's Club

Fourth Grade Author's Club will begin on Wednesday, January 4.  If you haven't signed up yet there is still time.  Go to the following link to find out more information:  Authors Club.   You can also send a printed copy of the permission slip.  If you have any questions about 4th Grade Author's Club, please contact Mrs. Addona at baddona@kcsd96.org.

News from Helping Others Together (H.O.T.)

It is time again for the Prairie and Helping Others Together Third Annual Winter Clothes Drive! If you have gently used winter clothing such as coats, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, earmuffs, snow pants, boots, etc. that you or your children have outgrown, please bring them to our front lobby and place in the boxes marked "Winter Clothes Drive." All sizes (children and adult) will be accepted. Your donations will be greatly appreciated and will go to families in nearby Lake County school districts who otherwise might not be warm this winter. We will be collecting through January to accommodate any "winter cleaning" that might happen over Winter Break. Your thoughtful donations are much appreciated!

PTO Highlight

Please visit the PTO Newsletter to learn about upcoming PTO events and news.