Principal's Message 3.22.13

Positively Prairie Highlight
Today we had our monthly Prairie Pal Buddy Activity.  Students came together to do something kind for other children.  Our student buddies made cards stuffed with an activity sheet for hospitalized kids at Edwards Hospital in Naperville.  Our kids were really excited about doing something kind for others.    

Babysitting for Parent Teacher Conferences

Twin Groves 6th Girl Scout Troop 41416 (former Prairie School Girl Scouts) will be providing babysitting services during the upcoming Parent-Teacher Converences. Please help Troop 41416 feed the hungry by utilizing their services. For 1 hour of babysitting Troop 41416 kindly requests 1 non-perishable food item or $2 donation per child (for children over 1 year of age only, please). Food donations will be given to the Vernon Township food pantry. Your financial support helps the girls of Troop 41416 earn their Silver Award. This award is the highest Girl Scout service award for Junior Girl Scouts. 

Locations are as follows:

Monday, April 8: 4:45pm - 6pm in room 19

Monday, April 8: 6pm - 8:45pm in the gym

Tuesday, April 9: 9:45am - 1:45pm in the gym

No reservation necessary, children should be older than 1 year (sorry, we will not be changing diapers), parents cannot leave the school and must provide a cell phone number and a conference room number.  For additional information regarding babysitting please email Nina Strezewski nina_strez@yahoo.com.

Creating Balanced Class Lists
I welcome any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. I will take into consideration pertinent information about your child’s learning style and needs, received on or before FRIDAY, APRIL 26th, 2013.  I cannot express enough how important it is that your thoughts are in writing. As you can imagine, we receive lots of parent input, and verbal information is nearly impossible to track. Further, please direct all of this communication to me as ultimately I am responsible for reviewing final class lists in August when teachers are not working.  While we welcome your input, specific teacher requests will not be honored.  Please put your thoughts in writing and address them to me either via hard copy letter or email (cpfaff@kcsd96.org).

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

Upcoming Dates

Monday, April 1st - Return from Spring Break

Monday, April 8th & Tuesday, April 9th - Parent - Teacher Conferences

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

Thursday, June 6th - Last Day of School

Principal's Message 3.15.13

Parents of current 5th graders, if you missed the orientation program presented this week on Tues., Mar. 12, here are MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT ORIENTATION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS. School supply kits for students who will attend Twin Groves next year must be purchased through Twin Groves by Apr. 12. MORE INFO

PTO Board Positions... News from Co-President Cynthia Zarkowsky
Hi all! It is that time of year again. In the PTO newsletter, you will find forms to sign up for both open Executive Board positions and for Chair positions. It is the most fun to chair events with friends so if there is something that interests you, see if you can find a friend and indicate this on the form.  If you are currently in a Chair or Board position and wish to continue (most chair positions are a two year commitment whenever possible) you will still need to fill out and return a form indicating this. Some of these committees take very little time to run and are great for parents with super busy schedules. Email Suzanne Dicker at suzannedicker@yahoo.com or Cynthia Zarkowsky at zarkstron@sbcglobal.net with any questions and we would be happy to steer you in a good direction. 

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 it 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 while 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, etc. as they make a match for each individual child.  Specialists and the specials team collaborate with the teams as needed during this process as well, and I attend each of these meetings.
• 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 in August with summer changes for move ins/outs reflected.

This process happens at grades 1-4.  Willow Grove creates the class lists for our incoming kindergartners enrolled there and I will add in students who attend private kindergartens.  Our 5th grade team actively works with Twin Groves to provide data and input related to placement decisions as well.

We strongly believe that this detailed and collaborative process creates learning environments that benefit all students.  It is a delicate balancing act which takes much consideration and thought by professionals who know and care about your children.  Our goal is to create balanced class lists that promote the success of each child.  Please know that your child is placed in a classroom for very specific reasons.  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.  

I welcome any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. I will take into consideration pertinent information about your child’s learning style and needs, received on or before FRIDAY, APRIL 26th, 2013.  I cannot express enough how important it is that your thoughts are in writing. As you can imagine, we receive lots of parent input, and verbal information is nearly impossible to track. Further, please direct all of this communication to me as ultimately I am responsible for reviewing final class lists in August when teachers are not working.  While we welcome your input, specific teacher requests will not be honored.  Please put your thoughts in writing and address them to me either via hard copy letter or email (cpfaff@kcsd96.org).

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

Upcoming Dates

Tuesday, March 19: Early Release @ 2pm

Friday, March 22nd - 2nd grade dental exams are due

Monday, April 1st - Return from Spring Break

Monday, April 8th & Tuesday, April 9th - Parent - Teacher Conferences

Principal's Message 3. 8.13

ISAT Update
The students are working so, so hard! We are extraordinarily proud of their tenacity and are astounded by their diligence in taking the assessments.  Monday will be the last day for formal testing and then make-ups will continue throughout next week. Thank you for all of your support in making sure your child has a great night's rest and a power packed breakfast! 

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 it 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 while 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, etc. as they make a match for each individual child.  Specialists and the specials team collaborate with the teams as needed during this process as well, and I attend each of these meetings.
• 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 in August with summer changes for move ins/outs reflected.

This process happens at grades 1-4.  Willow Grove creates the class lists for our incoming kindergartners enrolled there and I will add in students who attend private kindergartens.  Our 5th grade team actively works with Twin Groves to provide data and input related to placement decisions as well.

We strongly believe that this detailed and collaborative process creates learning environments that benefit all students.  It is a delicate balancing act which takes much consideration and thought by professionals who know and care about your children.  Our goal is to create balanced class lists that promote the success of each child.  Please know that your child is placed in a classroom for very specific reasons.  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.  

I welcome any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs, and learning style. I will take into consideration pertinent information about your child’s learning style and needs, received on or before FRIDAY, APRIL 26th, 2013.  I cannot express enough how important it is that your thoughts are in writing. As you can imagine, we receive lots of parent input, and verbal information is nearly impossible to track. Further, please direct all of this communication to me as ultimately I am responsible for reviewing final class lists in August when teachers are not working. While we welcome your input, specific teacher requests will not be honored.  Please put your thoughts in writing and address them to me either via hard copy letter or email (cpfaff@kcsd96.org).

Attention 5th Grade Parents

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: Tues., Mar. 12, 7 p.m., Woodlawn Middle School gym, 6362 Gilmer Rd, Long Grove 60047.

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

Upcoming Dates
Sunday, March 10: Daylight Savings Time (Move clocks forward an hour)
Monday, March 11: 2nd Grade Concert at 6:30pm
Tuesday, March 12: Incoming 5th Grade Parent Night @ WL 7pm
Wednesday, March 13th - Report Cards go home
Tuesday, March 19: Early Release @ 2pm

Friday, March 22nd - 2nd grade dental exams are due

Principal's Message 3.1.13

Winter MAP Results...
will be coming home in backpacks today, Friday, March 1st.  If you have any questions about your child's performance, please contact your child's teacher.

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. 

Prairie Author Visit 
Aaron Reynolds will be visiting our students on April 30th.  Mr. Reynolds is a children's author who has written several children's books.  You can learn more about Mr. Reynolds here.  Author signed books can be ordered prior to his visit.  If you are interested, please print out an order form and return it to your child's teacher by March 18th.

2nd Grade Concert

The 2nd grade concert has been rescheduled for Monday, March 11th at 6:30pm because of our snow storm cancellation this week.  

Principal's Lunch Showcase

This week I had the pleasure of having lunch with Mrs. Smith's class.  They shared with me many wonderful projects that they've worked on recently.  The Immigration Projects were by far the kids' favorites and I really enjoyed getting to know the backgrounds of our students. 

**Click here for the PTO Newsletter.**  

**Movie Night is Friday, March 8th.  The movie night flyer can be found here.**    

Morning Drop Off Time Reminder

Drop off time in the morning is 8:10am - 8:20am  This is the time that adult supervision is available in the multi-purpose room for line up.  Thank you for your help in ensuring that our kids are supervised.      

WOWs Read This Week & Last...

Grade 1: Alex L., Finlay O., 

Grade 2: Jackie C., Aryan J., Ryan A., Varsha U.,  Valerie P. 

Grade 5: Jason L., Shaina W., Kilian W., 

Upcoming Dates:

Monday, March 4th - No School, Pulaski Day
Tuesday, March 12th - 5th grade parent night at Woodlawn at 7pm for ALL 5th grade parents 

Wednesday, March 13th - Report Cards go home
Friday, March 22nd - 2nd grade dental exams are due