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.