Principal's Message 2.22.13

Principal's Lunch Showcase
This week I had the pleasure of having lunch with Mrs. Reuter's class.  They shared with me many wonderful projects that they've worked on recently.  Some students shared games they created that meet literacy learning targets while other students shared their "I Have a Dream" essays in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.  I truly enjoy spending this casual time with your kids, seeing the excitement they have for their work and just simply hanging out with them.  

ISAT Testing Starts Wednesday, March 6th

The Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) 

will begin on Wednesday, March 6th and conclude on Monday, March 11th.  Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will be tested in mathematics and reading.  4th grade students will also take the science exam.  

You will receive information about your child’s performance on the ISAT tests next fall.  The test results will be used as one piece of information to guide instruction. 

You can help your child do his or her best on the test by:

1. Making sure that your child attends school on the days of testing provided they are not ill;
2. Making sure your child gets a good night’s sleep;
3. Eating a healthy breakfast;
4. Reminding your child to ask the teacher questions if he or she does not understand the test directions;
5. Letting your child know that you have confidence in his or her ability; and
6. Advising your child not to worry about the test – just do the best he or she can.

Please call your child’s teacher if you want additional information or have further questions about these tests. We look forward to sharing the ISAT results with you this fall.  

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**    

District Pacing Guides Now Online

Additional information regarding student learning targets is now available on the District website.  Parents have always had access to the District Curriculum Frameworks which include the mastery expectations (3.0 learning targets)  for students in each grade for every subject area, and represent the learning targets included on report cards.  These targets remain constant throughout the school year.  

Parents will now have access to the District Pacing Guides which include the mastery expectations (3.0 learning targets) and additional learning targets (2.0 and 4.0 learning targets) that teachers use for instructional purposes. The 4.0 learning targets indicate a more complex learning target related to the 3.0 learning target.  The 2.0 learning targets indicate a simpler version of the 3.0 learning target.  The 4.0 and 2.0 learning targets are fluid and flexible, sometimes adjusted throughout the school year based on information from student performance and teacher input.  Click  KINDERGARTEN–ELEMENTARY PACING GUIDES for our grades K -5 learning targets and click MIDDLE SCHOOL PACING GUIDES for the grades 6-8 learning targets.  These links can also be found through accessing the updated CURRICULUM PAGE.

I strongly encourage you to take a look, as this provides you with a great deal of information related to your child's learning path. Feel free to contact me or any of your child's teachers if you have questions or need more information. 

2013-2014 District 96 School Year Calendar Approved

Please visit this link to view the school calendar for next year.

2nd Grade Dental Exams are Due...

Please be sure to get your 2nd grader's dental forms back to school.  Mrs. Evans is working on updating the health office records.  The due date for the dental exams is March 22nd.     

Visitor Lanyards and Substitute Teacher Lanyards
To help our staff be aware that all visitors and substitutes to the building have checked into the office through our raptor system, we will be providing lanyards to all.  Red lanyards will be worn by parent visitors and contractors.  Blue lanyards will be worn by our substitute teachers.  We appreciate your help in utilizing this visual communication tool within our school.    

Morning Drop Off Time Reminder

Drop off time in the morning is 8:10am.  This is the time that adult supervision begins in the multi-purpose room for line up.  Thank you for your help in ensuring that our kids are supervised.      

Attention Parents of  5th Graders

The D96  Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Network is partnering with Woodlawn and Twin Groves Middle School principals and staff to present a brand-new transition program for parents whose current fifth-grade students will be attending middle school in August 2013. 

This don’t-miss program on Tues., Mar. 12,  @ 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School Gym, for ALL District 96 parents of current fifth graders will feature a student panel for Q&A and practical transition tips, middle school staff, and Principals Heather Friziellie and Greg Grana. 

Please note that this program replaces the school-based programs presented in previous years. One program/one date for ALL parents of current D96 fifth-grade students: Tuesday, March 12th at 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School gym, 6362 Gilmer Rd, Long Grove 60047.

WOWs Read This Week & Last...
Grade 1:  Zach P., Kaavya N., Brandon G., Rachel K., Kosei K., Chloe R., Jasmine M.
Grade 2:  Alex L., Haley L., Zachary K., Arthur K., Vince C., Ethan C., Kayla Y., Srikar V.
Grade 4:  Joey G., Noah B., Ryan M., Manaav A., Krishna P., Krushank B.
Grade 5:  Romir S., Ethan B.

Principal's Message 2.15.13

Positively Prairie Assembly this Thursday
On Thursday, the Positively Prairie Student Leadership Team (PPSLT) hosted an all school assembly.  The PPSLT was really creative, once again, in designing this fun and purposeful assembly.  The focus of the assembly was expected behaviors reviewed through a Jeopardy Game format.  All students had a really fun time at the assembly and teachers were impressed with how much learning was retained from our all school behavior expectations review a few weeks ago.  A big thank you to all PPSLT kids and Miss Sauer for your leadership in organizing and conducting this assembly.  

What's the Student Council been up to?
For Valentine's Day, the Student Council made a heart valentine for every student in the school.  The valentines were hung all around the school and kids were given the challenge of finding their own valentine.  Those who did received a Prairie School temporary tattoo.  It was fun to see so many kids wearing the Prairie Dog tattoos.  Thanks Student Council for creating this fun Valentine's Day activity for all to enjoy.

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**    

Weiner Take All Fundraiser this Saturday

Please consider stopping by Weiner Take All on Saturday from 12pm - 8pm for the District 96 fundraiser.  All proceeds go back to students in the form of programming and materials. 

2nd Grade Dental Exams are Due...

Please be sure to get your 2nd grader's dental forms back to school.  Mrs. Evans is working on updating the health office records.   

Common Core Parent Presentation PowerPoint

The Common Core presentation from this past Monday's parent evening parent meeting is posted on the district website.  If you weren't able to attend and are interested in the Common Core, please click here.  

Pizza Bingo Next Friday

Don't miss this family fun Prairie tradition!!  Pizza Bingo is Friday, February 22nd from 6:30pm-8:30pm.  If you are planning on coming and have not already registered, please click here for the reduced price registration form.    

Morning Drop Off Time Reminder

Drop off time in the morning is 8:10am.  This is the time that adult supervision begins in the multi-purpose room for line up.  Thank you for your help in ensuring that our kids are supervised.      

Attention Parents of  5th Graders

The D96  Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Network is partnering with Woodlawn and Twin Groves Middle School principals and staff to present a brand-new transition program for parents whose current fifth-grade students will be attending middle school in August 2013. 

This don’t-miss program on Tues., Mar. 12,  @ 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School Gym, for ALL District 96 parents of current fifth graders will feature a student panel for Q&A and practical transition tips, middle school staff, and Principals Heather Friziellie and Greg Grana. 

Please note that this program replaces the school-based programs presented in previous years. One program/one date for ALL parents of current D96 fifth-grade students: Tuesday, March 12th at 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School gym, 6362 Gilmer Rd, Long Grove 60047.

Principal's Message 2.8.13

Human Growth & Development Unit Coming Soon

Human Growth and Development will be taught to all third, fourth and fifth students February 11 - 15.  The unit will deal primarily with the informational aspects of human growth and development education.  Instruction will be provided by a trained teacher to teach our district's program.  Classes will meet for four-five 30 minute sessions as part of the Physical Education program.  The connection between this subject matter and individual moral values and religious beliefs will be considered the responsibility of parents.  Unit objectives were shared at the start of school.  Should you need further clarification on the objectives of the program please contact the school.

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**    

5th Grade Concert

For photos of the 5th grade concert from last week, please click this LINK. 

New Common Core Standards: How Are They Different?

I hope you will join me for this learning opportunity for parents on Monday, 2/11 at 7 p.m. in the Ivy Hall School Mat Room, 1072 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove. Please enter through the double doors facing Clohesey Drive, on the east side of the school.

The program focus is the significant changes to curriculum–more rigor and greater expectations–that are the result of our implementation of Common Core Learning Standards. The Common Core is changing  English/Language Arts instruction at every grade level. In the 2013–14 school year, Common Core Learning Standards will be implemented for every grade level in math.  Join District administrators and staff for the program on Mon., Feb. 11, to learn more.

Literacy Learning with a Technology Connection Parent Afternoon

On February 15^th from 2:00pm – 3:00pm we will be having a learning opportunity with our reading specialist/literacy coach, Mrs. Nicole Nielsen.  During this time Mrs. Nielsen will be talking about literacy strategies to use at home.  She will also be discussing different ways technology can be integrated into literacy to help make reading and writing fun!  If you are planning on coming, please RSVP to Mrs. Johnson at 847.634.3144. 

Is Your Child Well Enough to Attend School?

As stated in the Student Handbook, section 5.0 General Health Questions and Procedures: 

Children with temperatures of 100 degrees or above, sneezing or runny 

noses, sore or irritated eyes, or severe abdominal cramps should not be in 

school. A child with a temperature of 100 degrees or more should stay home 

for 24 hours after his or her temperature returns to normal without the use 

of fever-reducing medications. Parents should notify the school whenever 

there is confirmation of a communicable or contagious illness of any sort.

Please refer to the Send to School or Keep Home? guidelines when deciding if you should keep your child home or send them to school.

5PAC - 5th Grade Principal's Advisory Council

On Monday, I had a great 5PAC meeting with several student representatives from the 5th grade class.  Megan L., Lucas B., Josh N., Jacob G., Ria K., Radha P., and I reviewed the recess expectations generated from our Positively Prairie Behavior Expectations Day last Friday.  We summarized the expectations for kickball and four-square and will meet again to create a format to share out the expectations with the student body.  During our meeting, the kids shared that they really enjoyed last Friday's event.  They said they liked the Web of Germs because "it got the point across."  The size of the problem activity was a big hit too in that they enjoyed discussing with their classmates their opinions about various situations that were presented during the activity.  The 5PAC kids felt the activity helped put the size of various problems into perspective.  5PAC is a great leadership opportunity for our 5th graders and every 5th grade student will participate in 5PAC this year.           

Attention Parents of  5th Graders

The D96  Parent-to-Parent (P2P) Network is partnering with Woodlawn and Twin Groves Middle School principals and staff to present a brand-new transition program for parents whose current fifth-grade students will be attending middle school in August 2013. 

This don’t-miss program on Tues., Mar. 12,  @ 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School Gym, for ALL District 96 parents of current fifth graders will feature a student panel for Q&A and practical transition tips, middle school staff, and Principals Heather Friziellie and Greg Grana. 

Please note that this program replaces the school-based programs presented in previous years. One program/one date for ALL parents of current D96 fifth-grade students: Tuesday, March 12th at 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School gym, 6362 Gilmer Rd, Long Grove 60047.

Photography Club News...

The Photography Club has once again done an amazing job of recording Prairie celebrations of learning and fun and displaying these images all around our building.  I can't tell you how fun it is to see students and staff looking at these great photos trying to find themselves and their friends.  The comments that I over hear when students and staff are looking at these pictures are full of excitement and laughter.  A big thank you to all our Photography Club kids and Mrs. Barry for bringing our daily work and fun to permanently to life through images that we all truly enjoy. 

WOW Recipients this Week

Grade 1: Sam A.

Grade 2: Evan B., Sydney O., Javeria K.

Grade 3:  Hadi A.,  Caitlyn G.

Grade 4:  Erin D.

Grade 5:  Dylan H., Drew S., Michael B.

Principal's Message 2.1.13

Positively Prairie Behavior Expectation Review Activity

On Friday, the Positively Prairie Committee (PPC) hosted a half-day rotation activity to review expected behaviors and social-emotional learning competencies.  The PPC created eight stations taught by teaching teams that reviewed expected behaviors for the lunchroom, recess, hallways, bathroom, and library.  Three additional stations focused on social-emotional learning reviewed appropriate voice levels for various settings, colored thoughts, and the size of the problem.  The stations incorporated activities that honored the various learning styles of our students through incorporating writing, drawing, movement, and discussion.  It was awesome to see, as the morning progressed, how students incorporated what they learned into each successive station.  In talking to many students today about the morning activity, they all shared how fun it was and were able to share what they learned.  Be sure to ask your child about the event as much of what they learned could be helpful at home as well.     

Students determine the size of the problem for various scenarios.

In the "Web of Germs," students get a strong visual on
how germs travel if you forget to wash your hands.

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**    

FOUNDATION NEWS 

Honor outstanding effort! Take time to NOMINATE someone you admire for his or her commitment and noteworthy dedication to the District 96 Community. Nominations can be made ONLINE at www.96foundation.org through Fri., Feb. 8.

Crystal Apple award winners shall be honored at a special recognition dinner on Friday, March 15th, at the Arboretum Club, Buffalo Grove at 6p.m. Tickets information will be available on the district website in mid-February!

Human Growth & Development Unit Coming Soon

Human Growth and Development will be taught to all third, fourth and fifth students February 11 - 15.  The unit will deal primarily with the informational aspects of human growth and development education.  Instruction will be provided by a trained teacher to teach our district's program.  Classes will meet for four-five 30 minute sessions as part of the Physical Education program.  The connection between this subject matter and individual moral values and religious beliefs will be considered the responsibility of parents.  Unit objectives were shared at the start of school.  Should you need further clarification on the objectives of the program please contact the school.

News from the PTO Prairie Art Auction Committee
The kids are starting to work on their class art pieces for the Art Auction which will be held on April 19th.  Mr. Morris is in need of some parents to help during Art Class to keep kids and projects moving to completion for the Art Auction.  The goal is to finish them so they can be displayed during the parent-teacher conferences on April 8th and 9th.  If you are able to help out, please click the Art Help Schedule link.

Please sign-up sooner than later to see your child in a classroom environment and help in getting these awesome artwork pieces ready for the Art Auction.   As the kids complete their art, help will not be needed.  Mr. Morris would like to have two parents maximum per class.  Thanks in advance for helping.

Regards,
Aimee Brohl, Patricia DeJesus, Jennifer Salpietro, and Lauren Song

Literacy Learning with a Technology Connection Parent Afternoon

On February 15^th from 2:00pm – 3:00pm we will be having a learning opportunity with our reading specialist/literacy coach, Mrs. Nicole Nielsen.  During this time Mrs. Nielsen will be talking about literacy strategies to use at home.  She will also be discussing different ways technology can be integrated into literacy to help make reading and writing fun!  If you are planning on coming, please RSVP to Mrs. Johnson at 847.634.3144. 

Valentine's Reminder
Please remember any items attached to Valentines should be non-food items.  Suggestions have been provided in previous blog entries.