Saturday, December 8, 2012

Principal's Message 12.7.12

Highlights of the Week
This week I enjoyed having lunch with Mrs. Knuth's first graders in the multi-purpose room.  These lunch dates give me an opportunity to get to know our students more personally.  During the lunches, students share with me one work product they are proud of which helps me to also to get a lens on students' academic work.  Each of Mrs. Knuth's students shared with me a narrative writing sample many of which were focused on Thanksgiving celebrations.  I enjoyed hearing about all the wonderful meals everyone had and the family fun students enjoyed over the break.  All student work shared during these lunches is displayed on the Principal's Lunch Showcase bulletin board which is in the multi-purpose room.  

Also this week, I enjoyed having lunch with our new 2nd grader, Kira who invited a friend from her class, Lila, to join us.  When new students start school at Prairie, they receive a "Welcome to Prairie" gift bag containing fun Prairie items such as a pencil, temporary tattoo, bracelet, cool school folder, and a coupon for lunch with the principal and a friend.  Kira, Lila, and I had a great lunch talking about hobbies, favorite school activities, and our families.  In the upcoming weeks prior to winter break, I look forward to two more new student lunches.       


Artwork and Photography on Display
A big thank you to Mrs. Zeller, Mrs. Seelig, Mrs. Strezewski, Mrs. Moy, and Mrs. DeJesus
for changing the artwork in our displays around the building.  The time spent on updating the artwork frames is truly appreciated.  Staff enjoy the changing artwork and kids LOVE to see their pieces on display throughout the school.

Speaking of creativity on display at Prairie, our new Photography Club has been quite busy these days.  This group of enthusiastic students has been recording our school year since September.  Recently the club has hung nearly 100 photographs all around the school featuring students and staff during celebration and academic times.  These displays are getting a lot of visitors.  Students, staff, and parents are stopping and taking note of these quality photographs which communicate visually the focused work we do and fun we have at Prairie every day.  I would like to thank Mrs. Barry, the club's sponsor, and the students for sharing with our school community in pictures all the great things that are happening every day.    


Safe Snack Reminder
Our holiday parties will be on Friday, December 21st.  Please remember that all snacks provided for these parties must come from the safe snack list.  Food items brought for birthday treats must be from the safe snack list as well.  Thank you in advance for helping to keep all of our students safe from food allergens.  

From District 96 Band & Orchestra Boosters
It's that time of year again! Holiday decorations are in the stores and holiday season is in full swing. Have you started your shopping yet? Why not support the District 96 Band and Orchestra Students by buying gifts for teachers, friends, and family by purchasing HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS now and through December! Order forms are attached (click here) and you don't have to be in Band or Orchestra to support a great organization or have some convenience shopping this holiday season. Please contact Pamela Weiner at pweiner28@comcast.net if you have any questions. 

News from the Nurse...
As winter weather has arrived, now is a good time to remind your children not to share hats, headbands, scarves or earmuffs with their friends as this can lead to an increased transmission of head lice.  Head lice continues to be one of the most common communicable conditions among children, and outbreaks are possible whenever and wherever children gather.  Since the onset of head lice is typical this time of year, it is a good idea to watch for signs that your child may have lice such as frequent head scratching. If your child has lice, there are a variety of treatments available.  Please check the District website, www.kcsd96.org, under the  “Family Resources,” “Student Health” link for specific information on head lice and District 96 practices.

Click here for the PTO Newsletter.

WOW Names Called this week during announcements...
Grade 1: Serena X., Rylee S.
Grade 2:  Daniel R., Brandon F. 
Grade 3:  Will K., Jilliam A.
Grade 4: Chloe S., Danny O.
Grade 5: Jacob G., Lara K.  

Important Dates
*Wednesdays - School Store
*Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays
*Wednesday, 12/12 - Beginning Band Concert at 7pm
*Thursday, 12/13 - Rhythm Band Concert at 6:30pm
*Winter Break - 12/24 - 1/4

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Principal's Message 11.30.12


Highlight of the Week
This week, the Principal's Lunch Showcase classroom was with Miss Cotter's fifth graders.  As you recall, I dine with each homeroom during lunch at a special table setting complete with table cloths and a prominent location in the MPR.  Students shared out their most recent favorite piece of work.  Many students shared story wheels from a recent book report and technology based weather projects.  This is a great way for me to spend some informal time with the kids.  I really enjoy it and the kids do too.  The get very excited about showing off the great work which then gets displayed on the Principal's Lunch Showcase bulletin board in the hallway near the kitchen.  Next week I will be dining with Mrs. Knuth's classroom.  

News from the Nurse...
As winter weather has arrived, now is a good time to remind your children not to share hats, headbands, scarves or earmuffs with their friends as this can lead to an increased transmission of head lice.  Head lice continues to be one of the most common communicable conditions among children, and outbreaks are possible whenever and wherever children gather.  Since the onset of head lice is typical this time of year, it is a good idea to watch for signs that your child may have lice such as frequent head scratching. If your child has lice, there are a variety of treatments available.  Please check the District website, www.kcsd96.org, under the  “Family Resources,” “Student Health” link for specific information on head lice and District 96 practices.

Student Council News...
Student Council is doing a "Chores for Change" community service project.  Prairie students will be making the holidays brighter for 5 families in need by purchasing holiday dinner baskets.  The goal is for each homeroom to raise $50.  With the money, Student Council will be purchasing non-perishable food items, gift cards, and decorations for a delicious holiday meal.

Here is how it works:
*Kids will be responsible for completing chores at home
*Parents decide how much the kids earn for each chore
*Kids donate their earnings to school by December 7th
*Need some chore ideas???.... clean out the car, empty the trash, straighten books on a bookshelf, make lunch for school, make the beds,  and/or walk the dog.  There are so many possibilities.

Student Council hopes the activity will help kids learn the importance of helping others by taking responsibility for earning the money.  If you have any questions, you may email the Student Council sponsors Mrs. Spivack or Miss Steinberg at lspivack@kcsd96.org and ssteinberg@kcsd96.org.  To see the complete flyer for this activity, click here.  Thank you for your support.


Click here for the PTO Newsletter.

WOW Names Called this week during announcements...
Grade 1:  Lindsay G., Lindsey C.
Grade 2:  Dan J., Jacob D. 
Grade 3: Lydia S., Jasmine L., Mark M., Sophie E., Kayle S.
Grade 4: James X., David S., Julia D.

Important Dates
*Wednesdays - School Store
*Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays
*Wednesday, 12/12 - Beginning Band Concert at 7pm
*Thursday, 12/13 - Rhythm Band Concert at 6:30pm
*Winter Break - 12/24 - 1/4

Friday, November 16, 2012

Principal's Message 11.16.12

Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday Next Week!
Enjoy the time with your family!


Highlight of the Week
Thank you to all the families that came out this Thursday for Family Reading Night.  This evening is always such a great success and so much fun for everyone.  Students and parents enjoyed moving to and from different locations in the building where they read stories from around the world, did flashlight reading, word games, and enjoyed some reader's theater.  Thank you to Miss Katie Hewitt, ICT Center Teacher and Instructional Coach, for her hard work and dedication to making this evening such a success.

Backpack Check
Your child's report card came home today.  Take some time this weekend to review your child's progress with them in preparation for next week's parent-teacher conferences.  

Positively Prairie Assembly
 On November 9th, we had another Positively Prairie assembly.  The focus of this assembly was responsibility, specifically expected hallway behaviors.  Our Positively Prairie Student Leadership Team rocked it once again with an awesome video of what expected hallway behaviors look like.  Take a minute to watch this fun video that PPSLT put together.  Thanks to the kids who do this important work and their staff leader, Miss Erin Sauer. 

GOOD NEWS FOR D96 PARENTS WHO PREPAY THEIR STUDENTS’ LUNCHES ONLINE
District administrators shared your feedback with the staff of MealsPlus and the following improvement is the result: The $100 payment cap on LunchPrepay.com has been removed. Parents will no longer need to make multiple payments for amounts over $100. (Note: The $1.95 transaction fee per payment still applies, however.)

Parent-Teacher Conferences are November 19th and 20th
  • Monday, 11/19 from 5-7pm 
  • Tuesday, 11/20 from 2-7pm  
  • Your child's teacher will be sending a reminder home with your appointment date on Monday, 11/12.  
  • We do hope that you will be able to attend conferences in person.  If you cannot, you may request a phone conference with your child's teacher and team members when appropriate.  It is not the expectation of the District for teachers to recreate the conference experience outside the dates/times identified on the District calendar.
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 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, November 19: 4:45 - 6pm in room 19
Monday, November 19: 6 - 7:15pm in the gym
Tuesday, November 20: 1:45 - 7:15pm in the gym
Children should be older than 1 year (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 at nina_strez@yahoo.com

Click here for the PTO Newsletter.

WOW Names Called this week during announcements...
Grade 1: Vageesh R., Seth A.
Grade 2: Jaden P., Lila B.
Grade 3: Anuj S., Brandon M.
Grade 4: Julia F., Blake F., Noah B.
Grade 5: Abby S., Ria K.

Important Dates
*Wednesdays - School Store
*Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays
*Monday, November 19th - Early Dismissal at 2pm.
*Monday, November 19th - Parent Teacher Conferences 5pm - 7pm
*Tuesday, November 20th - No School for Students
*Tuesday, November 20th - Parent Teacher Conferences 2pm - 7pm
*Wednesday, 11/21- Friday, 11/23 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
*Winter Break - 12/24 - 1/4


Friday, November 9, 2012

Principal's Message 11.9.12



The Prairie School Community would like to send a BIG thank you to the men and women that serve our country!

We are honored to know so many Veterans and recognize each one on Veteran’s Day!  We are forever grateful for your service.

We would like to specifically thank Mr. Ron Ericson, our crossing guard, for his service in the U.S. Coast Guard 
   

Family Reading Night
Save the date! Family Reading Night is just around the corner. On Thursday, November 15th, Prairie will be hosting our annual Family Reading Night "One World, Many Stories". Family Reading Night is a statewide event sponsored by the Secretary of State, Jesse White. This event promotes and encourages families to spend quality time reading together. Your family will be able to enjoy a variety of reading stations that will be hosted by Prairie staff and student council. You are invited to join us at 6:30PM to browse and shop at our book fair. Family reading night runs from 7:00pm-8:00pm. We look forward to seeing you and sharing an evening of books, reading, and fun!

Cold Weather Wear
Please send your cuties to school with their mittens, scarves, and hats as needed.  They love being warm when they are outside for recess.  Thanks for your help.  

Parent-Teacher Conferences are November 19th and 20th
  • Monday, 11/19 from 5-7pm 
  • Tuesday, 11/20 from 2-7pm  
  • Your child's teacher will be sending a reminder home with your appointment date on Monday, 11/12.  
  • We do hope that you will be able to attend conferences in person.  If you cannot, you may request a phone conference with your child's teacher and team members when appropriate.  It is not the expectation of the District for teachers to recreate the conference experience outside the dates/times identified on the District calendar.


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 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, November 19: 4:45 - 6pm in room 19
Monday, November 19: 6 - 7:15pm in the gym
Tuesday, November 20: 1:45 - 7:15pm in the gym
Children should be older than 1 year (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 at nina_strez@yahoo.com


Book Fair 
We hope you will visit Prairie’s Book Fair throughout the week: Monday, Nov. 12 – Thursday, Nov. 15; whether during your child’s classroom visit or any other time the Book Fair is open, including extended hours for Family Reading Night on Thursday, Nov. 15th  7-8pm. 
Can't make it to the Book Fair...Be sure to visit Prairie’s Online Book Fair:http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/prairiebookfair.
It is open for three weeks, November 4-24, and includes an expanded selection of books and other items. The best part is that all orders ship to Prairie for FREE, and each purchase directly benefits our school.
Prairie’s Book Fair Days/Times

Monday, November 12 at 8:30am-2:30pm

Tuesday, November 13 at 8:30am-2:30pm 
Wednesday, November 14 at 8:00am-1:00pm 
Thursday, November 15 at 8am-1pm and 6:30-8:30pm


Click here for the PTO Newsletter.

WOW Names Called this week during announcements...
Grade 1: Anthony Z., 
Grade 3: Leo K., Korey O., Simon J., Aman N., Max F., Samarth A., Lucas C.
Grade 4: Chloe S., Alex S., 

Important Dates
*Wednesdays - School Store
*Fridays - Ice Cream Fridays
*Friday, November 9th - End of 1st Trimester
*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
*Monday, November 19th - Early Dismissal at 2pm.
*Monday, November 19th - Parent Teacher Conferences 5pm - 7pm
*Tuesday, November 20th - No School for Students
*Tuesday, November 20th - Parent Teacher Conferences 2pm - 7pm
*Wednesday, 11/21- Friday, 11/23 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
*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
*Monday, November 19th - Early Dismissal at 2pm.
*Monday, November 19th - Parent Teacher Conferences 5pm - 7pm
*Tuesday, November 20th - No School for Students
*Tuesday, November 20th - Parent Teacher Conferences 2pm - 7pm
*Wednesday, 11/21- Friday, 11/23 - No School - Thanksgiving Break