Principal's Message 4.27.12

Highlights of the Week
Noa from Mr. Dolinar's class enjoyed a ride to school in a Buffalo Grove Police car on Wednesday. Noa won her police car ride as a raffle prize from Pizza-Bingo night. Sergeant Rodriguez was Noa's chauffeur for her drive to school. As Noa's class excitedly waited for her at the front drive they were surprised to hear her speaking to them over the police car loud speaker. Noa really enjoyed her ride to school and shared that it was "the best day ever." The Prairie PTO sends out a big thank you to Sergeant Rodriguez for being a part of this special day.

Children's author Candice Fleming visited with all our students yesterday. Her presentation was alive with language and animation as she shared with students the seeds that inspire her to write her beautiful children's books. She painted with words the journeys she takes while crafting out each book from beginning to end of the writing process. Mrs. Fleming was a wonderful inspiration for our students yesterday. We were really fortunate to have her here.  

Spring MAP Testing Begins Monday

The Measures of Academic Progress assessment (MAP) will be administered during the weeks of April 30^th and May 7^th.  As you recall, MAP measures students’ progress over the course of the school year in the areas of reading and math.  The computerized assessment is one way that we measure students’ academic growth over the course of the school year.  You will receive a copy of your child’s cumulative results at the end of the year.  Your child’s data will be included with his/her trimester three report card.

Board of Education News in District 96

In open session on Tues., Apr. 17, the District 96 Board of Education regretfully accepted the resignation of Board member Don Shannon. During Mr. Shannon's more than 14 years of service, the District improved in overall rank from 55th to 8th in the state and has received the highest Financial Recognition Status from the Illinois State Board of Education for the past 8 years. READ MORE about Mr. Shannon's devoted service to District 96 students, staff, and community.

The Board of Education is now accepting applications to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Shannon's resignation. Applications are due Apr. 27, 2012, by 4:30 p.m. READ DETAILS / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

MAY ART SHOW DATE CORRECTION:

The District 96 printed calendar lists an incorrect date of May 14 for the Area 125 Consortium Art Show. Please note that the Area 125 Consortium Art Show will be held on Mon., May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Stevenson High School Field House. 

Girls on the Run

**CALLING ALL TO-BE 3rd, 4th and 5th grade GIRLS & FAMILIES!**

If you think your girl would be interested in participating in Girls on the Run (www.girlsontherun.org) for NEXT school year, please email Erin Sauer at esauer@kcsd96.org.  Please see the Principal's message from Friday, April 20th for more information. 

Teacher Appreciation Week... A Message from the PTO

Staff Appreciation Week is May 7-11.  Please help the Staff Appreciation Committee thank our wonderful Prairie teachers and staff by participating in Flower Day on Tuesday, May 8^th, and donating gift cards for game prizes by Tuesday, May 1^st.  Click here for all the details.

Principal Coffee and Parent Technology Training
During the next Principal's Coffee on May 17th from 2:00 - 3:00pm, you will experience first-hand, the technology and applications your child uses at Prairie School. Please complete this survey to give us an idea of what technology you would like to learn more about so you can support and understand what your child is doing at school. The results of this survey will be used to determine the focus for parent training. Thanks!

Second Grade Dental Exams

Please remember that second grade students are required by Illinois state law to have a dental exam.  If you are unsure if you have completed this requirement, please call Mrs. Evans, School Nurse.  The required dental form can be found on the District 96 Student Health Forms link.

PTO News

Check out this week's PTO Newsletter for current happenings in the PTO.

Upcoming Dates

• 5/3 Spring Rhythm Band Concert, 7pm
• 5/9 Prairie Celebrates Learning (formerly Portfolio Night), 6:30 - 7:30pm
• 5/17 Principal's Coffee at 2pm - Technology Topic...more to come...please contribute to our survey
• 5/23 PTO General Meeting and Board Elections, 9:30am
• 5/24 5th grade transition day, 9am
• 5/24 5th grade beginning band concert at TG at 7pm
• 5/25 Half Day of School, 11:45am dismissal
• 5/28 No School - Memorial Day
• 5/31 - Kindergarteners to visit Prairie at 1pm
• 5/31 Talent Show at 7pm
• 6/1 Field Day
• 6/4 Field Day Rain Date
• 6/5 5th Grade Party starting at 12:15pm

Principal's Message 4.20.12

Highlight of the Week
Popcorn Party!!! The Student Council conducted our reward popcorn party on Tuesday for 3rd - 5th graders and on Thursday for 1st and 2nd graders.  If you remember, the Student Council conducted a coin drive for the Leukemia Society where our students raised over $1,300 dollars. It was really fun to have the popcorn machine up and running in the lunchroom with the aroma of freshly popped corn in the air. Everyone really enjoyed this special treat. Thank you to Mr. Nagle for your patient popcorn popping and the Student Council students who helped with the popcorn bags.

Welcome Incoming First Grade Families

The spring general PTO meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 25th at 7pm in Room 19.  It is at this meeting that the PTO and I enjoy welcoming our incoming 1st grade parents.  At the conclusion of this meeting, please join me for a tour of Prairie School during which time I can answer any questions you may have.  The meeting and tour is an adult evening as our incoming first graders will have a tour during the school day at the end of May.

Board of Education and Staffing News in District 96

In open session on Tues., Apr. 17, the District 96 Board of Education regretfully accepted the resignation of Board member Don Shannon. During Mr. Shannon's more than 14 years of service, the District improved in overall rank from 55th to 8th in the state and has received the highest Financial Recognition Status from the Illinois State Board of Education for the past 8 years. READ MORE about Mr. Shannon's devoted service to District 96 students, staff, and community.

The Board of Education is now accepting applications to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Shannon's resignation. Applications are due Apr. 27, 2012, by 4:30 p.m. READ DETAILS / DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM

Also, at their meeting on Apr. 17, Supt. Julie Schmidt recommended and the Board approved the appointment of Twin Groves Assistant Principal Andrew Fenton, effective Aug. 1, 2012. Mr. Fenton succeeds Mrs. Amy Gluck in this role, as Mrs. Gluck will assume the responsibilities of Ivy Hall principal on August 1. READ MORE

Principal Coffee and Parent Technology Training

During the next Principal's Coffee, you will experience first-hand, the technology and applications your child uses at Prairie School. Please complete this survey to give us an idea of what technology you would like to learn more about so you can support and understand what your child is doing at school. The results of this survey will be used to determine the focus for parent training. Thanks!

Girls on the Run

Do you have a daughter that will be in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade next year? 

Do you want her to learn to have a healthy self-image, increase self-esteem, and be a role-model for other girls?

Do you want to see her beaming when she crosses the finish line and conquers a 5K run? 

If so, she might be just right for Girls on the Run!  Girls on the Run is an international organization (check it out at www.girlsontherun.org) that promotes healthy-living and healthy self-esteem for girls.  The program is 12 weeks long and culminates with a 5K fun run.  Erin Sauer and Nicole Nielsen brought Girls on the Run to Prairie for its inaugural season this spring, and on June 9th 14 girls from 3rd, 4th and 5th grade will run their first ever 5K downtown Chicago around Soldier Field with 6500 other girls and 1100 coaches in Chicagoland.

We are looking to see the interest for next year so we can prepare for coaching. The organization has very specific guidelines on the coach to girl ratio.  Here are some things to consider: Practices will be TWO times per week (Probably Wednesday and Thursday) from 3:15-4:30. Girls can not leave early, so we ask you to please carefully consider other commitments (lessons, practices, vacations) prior to committing to Girls on the Run. Additionally, it is highly advised that girls do not miss any practices other than for illness because each lesson builds on the other. 

If you are interested in your girl being a part of Girls on the Run, please contact Erin Sauer atesauer@kcsd96.org.  

Teacher Appreciation Week... A Message from the PTO
Staff Appreciation Week is May 7-11.  Please help the Staff Appreciation Committee thank our wonderful Prairie teachers and staff by participating in Flower Day on Tuesday, May 8^th, and donating gift cards for game prizes by Tuesday, May 1^st.  Click here for all the details.

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 My 5 & 6, 2012, the District 96 lawn treatment
provider, Zenith Landscaping will treat grassy 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 12 & 13, 2012.


From Superintendent Schmidt

Please share your feedback on the new report card format: CLICK HERE AND COMPLETE THIS BRIEF SURVEY.  Be sure to click the SUBMIT button when you finish, to send your responses.

The survey will be available through 4:00 p.m. on Mon., Apr. 23.
Thank you–we do appreciate your time and responses.

Second Grade Dental Exams

Please remember that second grade students are required by Illinois state law to have a dental exam.  If you are unsure if you have completed this requirement, please call Mrs. Evans, School Nurse.  The required dental form can be found on the District 96 Student Health Forms link.

Upcoming Dates

• 4/20 Art Auction, TONIGHT, at 7pm at The Cedar Grill, 330 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
• 4/25 PTO General Meeting & 1st grade parent welcome and building tour, 7pm
• 5/3 Spring Rhythm Band Concert, 7pm
• 5/9 Prairie Celebrates Learning (formerly Portfolio Night), 6:30 - 7:30pm
• 5/23 PTO General Meeting and Board Elections, 9:30am
• 5/24 5th grade transition day, 9am
• 5/24 5th grade beginning band concert at TG at 7pm
• 5/25 Half Day of School, 11:45am dismissal
• 5/28 No School - Memorial Day
• 5/31 Talent Show at 7pm
• 6/1 Field Day
• 6/4 Field Day Rain Date
• 6/5 5th Grade Party

Principal's Message 4.13.12

Highlight of the Week
Rockin' USA was one of our highlights this week presented by our singing and dancing 4th graders. The concert featured facts and songs about many of our United States highlighted by a video montage of student artwork and American photographs. Congratulations to the prelude soloist performers Lucas B., Drew S., Atharv K., and Michael B. A huge thank you to Mr. Nagle for his dedication and creativity in directing this concert.


Our second highlight of this week was our Positively Prairie assembly which featured our Positively Prairie Student Leadership Team's videotaped newscast of students being kind, respectful, responsible, and ready at school. All students who have received a WOW slip this year were honored as well. Keep up the great work kids!!

Principal Coffee and Parent Technology Training

During the next Principal's Coffee, you will experience first-hand, the technology and applications your child uses at Prairie School. Please complete this survey to give us an idea of what technology you would like to learn more about so you can support and understand what your child is doing at school. The results of this survey will be used to determine the focus for parent training. Thanks!

Buffalo Grove Bike Rodeo

The 2012 Bike Rodeo will take place at the Mike Rylko Park (Skate Park), 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, on May 19, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. We will be raffling off 2 bikes and numerous bike accessories. The raffle will be at 3:30pm and you do not need to be present to win. The rodeo is for kids 5-12 years old. Bikes with training wheels are allowed. Kids should wear a helmet if possible. 

Welcome Incoming First Grade Families

The spring general PTO meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 25th at 7pm in Room 19.  It is at this meeting that the PTO and I enjoy welcoming our incoming 1st grade families.  At the conclusion of this meeting, please join me for a tour of Prairie School during which time I can answer any questions you may have.  

Book Drive
The Helping Others Together (H.O.T.) club is excited to be conducting our final community service project of the school year, a book drive to bring books to children in needy areas around Chicagoland.  So far, the students of Prairie have collected over 2,000 books!! We're just over halfway to reaching our goal of collecting 4,000! Keep up the great work!

We will be collecting books until Monday, April 23, so please send any books your children have outgrown, that are a 6th grade level or lower, in to school! Thank you so much for your support of this wonderful cause!

Social Emotional Learning Podcast
Are you interested in learning more about the social-emotional learning standards? If so, please click here... SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING PODCAST

PTO News

Next Friday, April 20th is the PTO Art Auction. Please don't miss out on this chance to own awesome student artwork. Check out this week's PTO Newsletter for details.

Placement Requests for the 2012 - 2013 School Year
The Prairie staff welcomes any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. We will take into consideration pertinent information about your child’s learning style and needs, received on or before Friday, April 27, 2012. While we welcome your input, specific teacher requests will not be honored.  Please put your thoughts in writing and address them to me at cpfaff@kcsd96.org. 

Upcoming Dates

• 4/20 Art Auction at 7pm at The Cedar Grill, 330 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove
• 4/25 PTO General Meeting & 1st grade parent welcome and building tour, 7pm
• 5/3 Spring Rhythm Band Concert, 7pm
• 5/9 Prairie Celebrates Learning (formerly Portfolio Night), 6:30 - 7:30pm
• 5/23 PTO General Meeting and Board Elections, 9:30am
• 5/24 5th grade transition day, 9am
• 5/24 5th grade beginning band concert at TG at 7pm
• 5/25 Half Day of School, 11:45am dismissal
• 5/28 No School - Memorial Day
• 5/31 Talent Show at 7pm
• 6/1 Field Day
• 6/4 Field Day Rain Date
• 6/5 5th Grade Party

Principal's Message 4.6.12

Highlight of the Week
WOW!  Prairie students exceeded their Fill the Bucket goal and earned 1,085 WOW slips for the second trimester.  You remember that WOW slips are those pink slips that come home every now and then.  Achieving this Positively Prairie challenge, which was created by our Positively Prairie Student Leadership Team (PPSLT), led to our fun "Buddy Reading" reward.  The PPSLT combined efforts with our Helping Others Together (H.O.T.) club and kicked off our afternoon with an assembly focused on a book drive community service project.  After the assembly, students met with their reading buddy, big kids with younger kids, and enjoyed an afternoon of reading in a location of their choice.  To have a peek at the fun, visit our Reading Buddy Day photos.  In that students exceeded the Fill the Bucket goal, a snack was earned as well.  We are so proud of the students at Prairie!  They really know how to be Kind, Responsible, Respectful and Ready!  


6th Grade Orientation Night at Twin Groves
5th grade parents and students, please don't miss out on the great opportunity to attend 6th Grade Orientation next week on April 10th at 7:00pm.  This is a wonderful evening to learn more about 6th grade and get a feel for the Twin Groves campus.


Welcome Incoming First Grade Families
The spring general PTO meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 25th at 7pm.  It is at this meeting that the PTO and I enjoy welcoming our incoming 1st grade families.  At the conclusion of this meeting, please join me for a tour of Prairie School during which time I can answer any questions you may have.     


Growing Your Child as a Reader
Are you looking to help your child become a better reader?  The BUILDING READERS NEWSLETTER is full of wonderful ideas.


Lockdown Drill
On Tuesday we conducted our second lockdown drill of the school year with the assistance of Office Staci Kupsak from the Buffalo Grove Police Department.  This drill was conducted during the 3rd grade recess period to provide students the opportunity to practice getting to safety while outside.  The third graders did a great job of moving into the prairie area located adjacent to the playground.  All other students were in the building in their respective classrooms and did a great job as well of remaining quiet and out-of-sight.  Students and staff are to be complimented for the serious manner in which these drills are discussed and practiced.       


Book Drive
The Helping Others Together (H.O.T.) club is excited to be conducting their final community service project of the school year, a book drive to bring books to children in needy areas.  Did you know that in communities such as ours, there is a ratio of 13 books per child.  In low income areas, the ratio is 1 book for every 300 children.  That's outrageous!  


From April 5th - April 19th, H.O.T. will be collecting any gently used or new books to donate to Bernie's Book Bank.  The books can range from the beginning reader to 6th grade level, however; please no text books or workbooks.  Our school goal is to collect 4,000 books.  Please find some time in the upcoming week to go through your book shelves, look under beds, or wherever else books in need of a home may be.  Thank you for your support!

PTO News

Did you have a chance to see the AWESOME student artwork on display during parent-teacher conferences?  Don't miss out on the chance to own one of these terrific pieces.  Be sure to get your registration in to the PTO for the Friday, April 20th event.  To learn more about location and cost, please visit the PTO Newsletter. We hope to see you there!    

Placement Requests for the 2012 - 2013 School Year

It’s time to start thinking ahead to the 2012-2013 school year.  Creating balanced class lists that meet the needs of all students is a tremendously difficult job that takes many hours of thoughtful dialogue between classroom teachers, administrators, and other staff members.  We at Prairie take student classroom placement very seriously.  The process for class list creation is as follows:

·      First, teachers think about the social and academic needs of each of their current students, recording pertinent information to assist in the decision making process.

·      Next, teachers meet together as grade level teams to form class lists that are balanced in terms of academic, social, and emotional needs as well as considering friendships and other areas.  This is no easy task and often takes several meetings.  Teachers consider each child’s personality, academic needs, friendship patterns, and so on as they make a match for each individual child.  Specialists, the specials team, and I collaborate with the teams as needed during this process as well.

·      Each grade level team types a draft set of class lists that are then submitted to me.  One at a time, I will consider each student and his/her placement.  At this time, parent input is also considered.  Any changes in the draft lists are reviewed by the classroom teachers to ensure balance. 

·      Final class lists are then created with summer changes for move ins/outs reflected.

This same process happens at first grade.  Willow Grove creates the class lists for our incoming kindergartners enrolled there and I will add in students who attend private kindergartens.  Our goal is to create balanced class lists that promote the success of each child.  The process benefits all students.  Because of the input and thought given by teachers, parents, and administrators, we are very reluctant to make changes once this process occurs, as removing or moving one child can disrupt the balance of a class, impacting all students. 

The Prairie staff welcomes any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. We will take into consideration pertinent information about your child’s learning style and needs, received on or before Friday, April 27, 2012. While we welcome your input, specific teacher requests will not be honored.  Please put your thoughts in writing and address them to me at cpfaff@kcsd96.org.