Principal's Message 10.12.12

Click here for the PTO Newsletter.

Highlight of the Week

Today 3^rd graders enjoyed their first Mix-it-Up lunch, which they earned for demonstrating expected behaviors in the lunchroom and at recess.  During lunch, expected behaviors consist of good “dining room” manners, raising your hand to leave your seat, and becoming quiet when the horn sounds.  At recess, expected behaviors consist of overall good behavior and lining up quietly when the horn sounds.  4^th and 5^th grades will have their first Mix-it-Up lunch on Monday.  Mix-it-Up lunches will start Trimester 2 for 1^st and 2^nd grades.

This past Wednesday we had our first Principal's Lunch Showcase.  Students from Mrs. Hafft's class and I enjoyed dining together in the MPR at a special table setting in the band room space.  Students really got a kick out of eating in this space with cloth covered tables.  Students shared their favorite piece of work with me prior to heading out for recess which will be displayed on the Principal's Lunch Showcase bulletin board in the MPR.  Miryam shared with me, "This is the best lunch ever." Several other students said that this lunch was really cool.  I look forward to dining with each homeroom throughout the school year.  

Look whose name was pulled this week from the WOW bucket  

Grade 3:  Jordan S., Ari M., Marissa D., Rachel L., Joey W., Gina M., Gulnar B., Kaci E. 

Grade 4:  Abby K., Carly B. 

Grade 5:  Malachi P., Sophia F. 

2012 ISAT Results

The Prairie faculty and I are very proud to share with you the results of the 2012 ISAT exams, which were administered in March of this calendar year.  Our high scores are a testament to the dedication of our teachers, students, and families.  It is through our collective teamwork that our students continue to do so well.  The percentages below indicate the amount of students who met and exceeded in each content area.

	Reading	Math	Science
Grade 3	97.5%	89.9%	-
Grade 4	95.7%	100%	95.7%
Grade 5	94.4%	97.8%	-

Prairie Parent Learning Community

On Tuesday, October 16th at 2pm in the Library, we will hold our first parent meeting.  Our Trimester 1 learning activity will focus on educational learning communities and the various ways students use technology at Prairie.  Please come out to interact with all the cool tools your students use in their classes.

An Evening of Floral Design

Don’t miss out on this exciting evening of floral design presented by talented area florists on Wednesday, November 7th.  Twenty-four arrangements will be raffled off to lucky winners.  All proceeds go to the District 96 Kids in Need Fund.  For more information, click here.

Important Dates

*Wednesdays - School Store

*Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays

*Tuesday, October 16th - Prairie Parent Learning Community at 2pm

*Tuesday, October 16th - 2nd Grade Math Night at Kildeer: MATH NIGHT FOR GRADE 2 PARENTS 

*Thursday, October 18th - Picture Retakes

*Tuesday, October 23rd - Early Release at 2pm

*Wednesday, October 24th - 4th Grade Orchestra Demonstration Concert, 7pm in the MPR

*Wednesday, November 7th - An Evening of Floral Design at 7pm, Twin Groves

*Tuesday, November 13th - SEL Book Talk in the Ivy Hall MAT Room at 9:30am, books available for check out in the Prairie School Office 

Principal's Message 10.5.12

Click here for the PTO Newsletter. 

Prairie WOWs

We are always focusing on expected behaviors at Prairie.  Students are acknowledged for these behaviors by staff regularly.  When positive behaviors go above and beyond, students receive a pink WOW slip.  WOW slips are kept in classroom WOW buckets and then turned into the office WOW bucket each week.  Slips are chosen from the office WOW bucket to be read over the PA during morning announcements on WOW Wednesdays to the tune of "Who Let the Dogs Out."  Students who have their names read, have a group photo taken which is displayed in the Multi-purpose room.  The WOWs are then hung up outside the library on an awesome display created by our Positively Prairie Student Leadership Team.  This week, the following students' names were read over the PA  for being kind, respectful, responsible, and ready.  

Grade 2:  Zoe C.

Grade 3:  Catherine W., Brayden L., Kiran S.

Grade 4:  Michelle G., Connor P., Skylar P. Jordan S., Sophia L.

Grade 5:  Drew L.,

Institute Day

As our students and families enjoyed a gorgeous Friday off from school, all District 96 teachers and administrators convened at Stevenson High School, along with the staff of Stevenson and the seven neighboring elementary school districts that feed into District 125, to discuss current and better literacy practices and to collaborate as to how we can best provide our students with the strategies necessary to be successful now in the 21st century.

Our keynote speaker today, Dr. Nancy Frey of San Diego State University spoke about encouraging us to find ways in which to stretch the reading and thinking of our students beyond our current practices.  Here are a few excerpts from her book, "Teaching Students to Read Like Detectives" (2012) that resonated with us:

"The habits of asking questions, discussing concepts, and formulating opinions are vital in an age when we are becoming our own editors.  To teach reading and writing as a passive act when, in fact, it has become more proactive leaves our learners vulnerable to propaganda, half-truths, and one-sided opinions."

"Students must be taught to analyze text with the eyes of a detective who is never content with surface-level impressions but instead continually returns to the text to consider information from many perspectives."

"We (Frey and others) propose that within classroom communities an instructional shift must occur that prepares students to investigate texts in ways that enable them to scrutinize, critically analyze, produce, and communicate information." 

As impassioned educators, it is our responsibility to teach our students to become readers who are not satisfied with the superficial, and today, we learned a variety of new ways in which we can help achieve that goal.

Scamper Pictures

Check out our Scamper pictures from last week at https://sites.google.com/a/kcsd96.org/prairie/ on our scrapbook/podcast page.

4th Grade Orchestra Concert

The 4th Grade Orchestra Demonstration Concert is taking place on Wednesday, October 24th at 7pm at Prairie. This will include both 4th Grade Orchestras from Ivy Hall and Prairie.  This performance is to show what the students have learned thus far as well as a chance for you to know what you should be seeing at home while they practice. Miss Ying asks that the students be in the orchestra room at Prairie by 6:15 pm to tune and warm-up. Please contact her with any questions at cying@kcsd96.org.  Thank you for your support!  We look forward to a wonderful concert!

Prairie Parent Learning Community

On Tuesday, October 16th at 2pm in the Library, we will hold our first parent meeting.  Our Trimester 1 learning activity will focus on educational learning communities and the various ways students use technology at Prairie.  Please come out to interact with all the cool tools your students use in their classes.

ARE YOU A PARENT OF A 2^ND GRADER? 

All District 96 parents of 2nd graders are encouraged to come to Kildeer School to attend the district wide MATH NIGHT FOR GRADE 2 PARENTS on Tues., Oct. 16, 7:00–8:00 p.m., Kildeer Countryside School Learning Center, 3100 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove, IL  60047. Math specialists Arlene Steinberg and Lisa Zimmerman will lead a lively workshop so District 96 parents of 2nd graders can learn and practice the focus algorithms their students will be using this year in math.

Important Dates

Wednesdays - School Store

Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays

Monday, October 8th - Columbus Day No School

Tuesday, October 16th - Prairie Parent Learning Community at 2pm

Thursday, October 18th - Picture Retakes

Tuesday, October 23rd - Early Release at 2pm
Wednesday, October 24th - Orchestra Demonstration Concert at 7pm in the MPR
Tuesday, November 13th - SEL Book Talk in the Ivy Hall MAT Room at 9:30am, books available for check out in the Prairie School Office

Principal's Message 9.28.12

Click here for the PTO Newsletter. 

Highlight of the Week-The Scamper!!!
This amazing, all school and family event was huge success once again this school year.  Our P.E. teachers, Mrs. Androjna and Mrs. Lehtman, once again, did an amazing job of organizing and running the event.  The kids had a wonderful time running and walking the route as did our staff.  Thank you to all the parents, grandparents, and siblings who came out today to be a part of this wonderful Prairie tradition.  We would also like to thank the Buffalo Grove Police Department for leading the start of the event with squad car lights flashing - the kids just love this! - and for their support along the route.    

1st Lockdown Drill of the Year

Students and staff successfully participated in our first Lockdown Drill of the school year which was attend by the Buffalo Grove Police Department.  Everyone did a wonderful job of locking classroom doors, locating to a low visibility area in their classrooms, and remaining quiet during the entirety of the drill.  The police officers were very complimentary about how well our students and staff did during this drill.

Birthday Treats

Please remember that all birthday treats must come from the Safe Snack List.  This list can also be found on the Prairie School website.  Birthday treats must come to the school office first to be checked by Mrs. Evans.  Thank you for your cooperation in utilizing the Safe Snack List.

Prairie Parent Learning Community

On Tuesday, October 16th at 2pm in the Library, we will hold our first parent meeting.  Our Trimester 1 learning activity will focus on educational learning communities and the various ways students use technology at Prairie.  Please come out to interact with all the cool tools your students use in their classes.

Library Volunteers

It's never too late to volunteer to help out in our awesome library.  Please contact Miss Katie Hewitt if you have any open time in your schedule at khewitt@kcsd96.org.  Thank you for your support!!

November Book Discussion... Don't be Left Out

Don't miss the opportunity to join parents across District 96 in reading selected chapters from the book Building Resilience in Children & Teens: Giving Kids Roots & Wings by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg. Our school has multiple copies of this book available in our school office for parents to check out, read (selected chapters only, please), & return. This "reading assignment" addresses multiple Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies–essential social and emotional skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will help your child succeed. Parents and educators who already have read it say it is well written and well worth your time. 

Then, in November, working in collaboration with the D96 Parent-to-Parent Network, Student Services Director Kimberly Dahlem and Asst. Student Services Director Kim Lechner will lead a discussion of selected chapters of the book (approx. 80 pp.), which discuss resilience & stress, competence & confidence, character, and more. That book talk will take place at Ivy Hall Elementary School in the "Mat Room" on Tues., Nov. 13, at 9:30 a.m.

Books are available for you to check out, read, and return now through Nov. 12. I hope you will sign out a copy from our school office and join this SEL book study as we work together to give our students "roots and wings."

Important Dates

Wednesdays - School Store

Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays

Wednesday, October 3rd - Support-Educate-Advocate-Children... Autism Support Group  from 6:30 - 7pm at Country Meadows School-bring the whole family
Thursday, October 4th - 4th & 5th grade ISAT & all grades MAP results come home in backpacks
Thursday, October 4th - PTO Movie Night    

Monday, October 8th - Columbus Day No School

Tuesday, October 16th - Prairie Parent Learning Community at 2pm
Thursday, October 18th - Picture Retakes

Tuesday, October 23rd - Early Release at 2pm

Principal's Message 9.21.12

Click here for the PTO Newsletter. 

Highlight of the Week

Students and staff successfully participated in our first Fire Drill of the school year which was attend by the Buffalo Grove Fire Department.  Everyone did a wonderful job of exiting the building quietly and quickly.  When the fire department attends our drills, they typically pull a student or staff member to make sure we are "on our toes."  Our "missing" student was noted right away and made an honorary fireman for the day.  

Birthday Treats

Please remember that all birthday treats must come from the Safe Snack List.  This list can also be found on the Prairie School website.  Birthday treats will be checked by our school nurse prior to being sent to the classroom.  Thank you for your cooperation in utilizing the Safe Snack List.

Library Volunteers

We are looking for parent volunteers to help us shelve and organize our books.  We can work around your schedule, any day, any time.  Please contact Miss Katie Hewitt to arrange a time at khewitt@kcsd96.org.  Thank you for your support!!

Curriculum Based Measure (CBM) & MAZE 

Students in grades one through five were administered an assessment call a Curriculum Based Measure (CBM). CBMs measure reading rate and how accurately a child can read short grade level passages. Students in grades two through five were also be given an assessment called the MAZE this week, which analyzes a child’s reading comprehension. Both of these assessments, in addition to the Measures of Academic Performance assessment (MAP) and classroom measures, will be used to tailor instruction for your child. Your child’s teacher will be happy to share these results with you during parent teacher conferences. 

ISAT and MAP results

Students' spring 2012 ISAT (Grades 4-5) and fall 2012 MAP results will be mailed home on Thursday, October 4th.  Please be on the lookout for these envelopes.

Morning Drop Off

Please remember that during morning drop off to "Drop & Go."  In order to keep the drop off car line moving quickly, after your child exits curbside, please wave goodbye so the cars behind may pull up. 

Important Dates

Wednesdays - School Store

Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays

Sunday, September 23rd - District 96 Dash at 8:30am

Wednesday, September 26th - Yom Kippur - No School

Thursday, October 4th - PTO Movie Night    

Principal's Message 9.14.12

Click here for the PTO Newsletter.  General Meeting this Wednesday at 9:30am.  

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for THE SCAMPER

Are you new to Prairie this year? If you haven't heard already from your child, we are gearing up for THE 17TH ANNUAL SCHOOL YARD SCAMPER FUN RUN on Friday, September 28th. It's not too late to volunteer and be part of a wonderful afternoon full of healthy outdoor fitness and exercise. Please contact Mrs. Lehtman if you would like to be part of this special event!

Girls on the Run

The coaches are excited to announce that "Girls on the Run" will be returning to Prairie from March-June this school year! This international program was created for 3rd-5th grade girls to teach them social-emotional skills while "training" for a 5K (see more about the program at www.girlsontherun.org).  More information will be coming regarding the application process for the program in December/January.  The program will meet 2 days per week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:45pm. Because the program builds from week-to-week, your girl MUST be able to participate BOTH days for the entire time to be eligible to participate in the program.  Please contact Coach Sauer at esauer@kcsd96.org or 847-634-3144 x3720 with any questions. 

Plan ahead to DO THE DASH on Sept. 23

Join District 96 families, teachers, and staff for the 2nd annual District 96 Dash. The 5k walk/run will step off from Twin Groves Middle School, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., at 8:30 a.m. on Sun., Sept. 23. REGISTER ONLINE (each registered runner and walker will receive a T-shirt) and mark your calendar for this fun family activity that all ages will enjoy. All the PTOs in District 96 are working together to sponsor this event and will donate the proceeds to the District 96 Kids in Need Fund. If you are unable to run, please consider making a DONATION.  

**Please know that THE DASH is a separate event from Prairie's Schoolyard Scamper.** 

The School Yard Scamper Fun Run Permission Slips are Past Due  Please submit your online permission slip ASAP so your child can participate in this fabulous all school event. Forms can be found on the Prairie homepage.  If you are interested in volunteering for the Scamper please complete the lower portion of the form.

Fitness Walk Permission Slips are Past Due for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students. Fitness Walk permission slips are required for all students and can be completed online on the Prairie School homepage. Fitness Walks take place during your child's regular gym period and are part of the P.E. curriculum and will start the week of September 10th. 

Student Drop Off & Pick Up

At Prairie we have a "Drop & Go" procedure in place for dropping off your child(ren) in the morning.  Please be sure to pull up in the circle as far as you can prior to allowing your child(ren) to leave the vehicle.  Students must get out on the curbside of the car.  As a parent, I understand wanting to get in that last hug of the morning, so I ask that you please shift this prior to getting in the car so we can ensure safe and timely procedures during our morning drop off time.

For Pick Up, please discuss with your child your approximate location around the Kingsbridge Way area.  Please do not double park or encourage your child to walk between vehicles to get to where you are parked.  With some of our kids being so little, it is hard for drivers to see them.  Again, we are working hard to keep all of our kids safe.  Thank you for your cooperation during these times of the day.  

PTO Happenings

There are lots of great goings-on from the PTO.  Find out what's happening by reading the PTO newsletter.

Safe Snack List

District 96 has posted a Safe Snack List on each school's homepage.  Please refer to this list when providing birthday treats for your child's classroom as all birthday treats must come from the safe snack list.  Treats will be checked by the school nurse.  Treats that are not from the Safe Snack List will not be brought to the classroom.  Treats for classroom parties must be from the Safe Snack List as well and will also be checked by the school nurse.    

Some classrooms at Prairie have a specific safe snack list.  If your child is a member of an allergen restricted classroom, please refer to the safe snack list on the teacher's webpage.    For the Food Allergy Awareness Information & Guidelines for Volunteers document, please refer to this link.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Evans, school nurse.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation in creating a safe environment for all of our students. 

Important Dates

Wednesdays - School Store

Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays

Monday, September 17th - Rosh Hashanah - No School

Wednesday, September 19th - PTO General meeting at 9:30am

Sunday, September 23rd - District 96 Dash at 8:30am

Wednesday, September 26th - Yom Kippur - No School

Thursday, October 4th - PTO Movie Night

Principal's Message 9.7.12

Highlight of the Week 
A big thank you to the PTO for sponsoring another well-attended family fun night.  The Back to School Blow Out was a huge success.  Parents and kids enjoyed ice cream from Dairy Queen while dancing to the latest hits.  A fun time was had by all. 


3rd Grade Parent Math Night

Please join us for a district-wide lively workshop to learn and practice the focus algorithms your child will be using this year in math on Wednesday, September 12th from 7pm - 8pm in the Prairie School Multi-Purpose Room.  For more info, please click here.  

Plan ahead to DO THE DASH on Sept. 23

Join District 96 families, teachers, and staff for the 2nd annual District 96 Dash. The 5k walk/run will step off from Twin Groves Middle School, 2600 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., at 8:30 a.m. on Sun., Sept. 23. REGISTER ONLINE (each registered runner and walker will receive a T-shirt) and mark your calendar for this fun family activity that all ages will enjoy. All the PTOs in District 96 are working together to sponsor this event and will donate the proceeds to the District 96 Kids in Need Fund. If you are unable to run, please consider making a DONATION.  

**Please know that THE DASH is a separate event from Prairie's Schoolyard Scamper.** 

The School Yard Scamper Fun Run Permission Slips are Past Due  Please submit your online permission slip ASAP so your child can participate in this fabulous all school event. Forms can be found on the Prairie homepage.  If you are interested in volunteering for the Scamper please complete the lower portion of the form.

Fitness Walk Permission Slips are Past Due for all 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students. Fitness Walk permission slips are required for all students and can be completed online on the Prairie School homepage. Fitness Walks take place during your child's regular gym period and are part of the P.E. curriculum and will start the week of September 10th. 

Student Drop Off & Pick Up
At Prairie we have a "Drop & Go" procedure in place for dropping off your child(ren) in the morning.  Please be sure to pull up in the circle as far as you can prior to allowing your child(ren) to leave the vehicle.  Students must get out on the curbside of the car.  As a parent, I understand wanting to get in that last hug of the morning, so I ask that you please shift this prior to getting in the car so we can ensure safe and timely procedures during our morning drop off time.

For Pick Up, please discuss with your child your approximate location around the Kingsbridge Way area.  Please do not double park or encourage your child to walk between vehicles to get to where you are parked.  With some of our kids being so little, it is hard for drivers to see them.  Again, we are working hard to keep all of our kids safe.  Thank you for your cooperation during these times of the day.  

PTO Happenings

There are lots of great goings-on from the PTO.  Find out what's happening by reading the PTO newsletter.

Helping Others Together - H.O.T. - News

Prairie Students, do you want to make a difference in your community? Are you ‘Going Green’ and excited to help others do the same? Are you passionate about helping others and making our world a better place? Then join Prairie’s community service club today! H.O.T. or Helping Others Together will kick off the year with our first meeting on Monday, September 24 and will meet approximately two times a month from 3:00-4:15 in Miss Cotter's room. Our club is open to students of all ages but we are unfortunately only able to accommodate 20 students at this time. So if you are interested, complete the permission slip today!

Is your 4th or 5th Grader interested in Student Council?

There will be an informational meeting on September 11th at 8:00am for any 4th or 5th graders interested in Student Council.  At the meeting, students will learn about the responsibilities of being a student council representative or officer and how elections will be conducted.  The meeting will take place in Mrs. Spivack's room.  

Attention 4th & 5th Graders!

This year Prairie will sponsor a photography club. The Photography Club will meet on Wednesday mornings before school at 7:50 in Room 19.  Photographers will be responsible for taking pictures throughout the year of various events to be hung in our Prairie hallways.  Students will be assigned events to cover.  Some activities include, The Schoolyard Scamper, Positively Prairie Assemblies, Cultural Arts assemblies, and classroom activities.   Click here  for information and to register for Photography Club

Safe Snack List

District 96 has posted a Safe Snack List on each school's homepage.  Please refer to this list when providing birthday treats for your child's classroom as all birthday treats must come from the safe snack list.  Treats will be checked by the school nurse.  Treats that are not from the Safe Snack List will not be brought to the classroom.  Treats for classroom parties must be from the Safe Snack List as well and will also be checked by the school nurse.    

Some classrooms at Prairie have a specific safe snack list.  If your child is a member of an allergen restricted classroom, please refer to the safe snack list on the teacher's webpage.    For the Food Allergy Awareness Information & Guidelines for Volunteers document, please refer to this link.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Evans, school nurse.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation in creating a safe environment for all of our students. 

Important Dates

Wednesdays - School Store
Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays

Wednesday, September 12th - 3rd Grade Math Night at Prairie

Monday, September 17th - Rosh Hashanah - No School

Wednesday, September 19th - PTO General meeting at 9:30am

Sunday, September 23rd - District 96 Dash at 8:30am

Wednesday, September 26th - Yom Kippur - No School

Thursday, October 4th - PTO Movie Night