Principal's Message 9.14.18

Principal's Message 9.14.18

No School Wednesday, September 19th


Sign Language Club

Have you ever wanted to talk to someone without saying a word? Well you can, we have a Sign Language Club here at Prairie School! Registration is open for students in 3rd through 5th grade. Sign Language Club meets weekly on Friday mornings at 7:45 am. Students will meet weekly to learn American Sign Language (ASL).  Students are introduced to ASL including the alphabet, vocabulary (family members, colors, numbers, etc.), basic sentence structure, negatives, questions, and directional verbs. Elements of Deaf Culture are woven throughout each lesson.  Students will learn to sign simple sentences and convey meaning from basic everyday conversation. There is a limit of 20 students. Please see Prairie's Clubs page for more information and to sign up!


Library Check Out & Book Return

Students can now check out 10 books at a time from the library.  Please encourage your child to return their books when they are finished with them. There's no need to wait until all 10 are read.  We are fortunate to have a high demand for our library books and are excited to keep the circulation of them in motion.


 

Thought Exchange Partnership

We are now seeking parents to fill two spots on our district Thought Exchange Partnership, formerly known as the Parent Review Committee! If you are looking for a way to get involved, be a voice for our school, and learn a lot, please consider joining. If you are interested in this opportunity, please send me an email by September 28th! Please know that selection for the committee will be done via a lottery for the two open spots. I will contact everyone who emailed me once the lottery has been completed to let you know if you have been selected! The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 11th in the evening.

Thought Exchange Partnership Purpose:

To share with parents information regarding district goals and initiatives, curricular and instructional innovations, programs and other informational topics.  (i.e. District Goals, MAP and PARCC Results)

To review school board or school code required topics (i.e. Handbook, Discipline Policy, Grants, Calendar)

To understand parent perceptions and solicit feedback on school district topics to assist the district in communication and planning.

 


 

Handwriting and Cursive Instruction

Third, fourth, and fifth graders will be learning cursive writing during their time in the Learning Center. In addition, first and second graders will receive instruction in handwriting to help hone their skills making the transition to cursive a bit smoother. We are using the Handwriting Without Tears resource for all grade levels, so students will be familiar with the materials from grade-to-grade. Furthermore, the materials use child friendly language and have been proven successful for increasing student handwriting skills.


MAP Reports in Your Email Inbox Today

NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Reports Sent Today 

The District will send an email via School Messenger today (9-14-2018) between 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. with instructions for accessing your child's Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) student progress report online.

The message will include links to more information about understanding student growth, RIT scores, and general information about the MAP assessment.

Please contact Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Jeanne Spiller if you would like more information about your child's report: [email protected], 847.459.4260, ext. 8010. 


PTO Points

  • 9/21/18 is special lunch.   Remember to sign up by the end of the month for next month’s special lunch.  All sign up information is on the Membership Toolkit 
  • 9/20 /18 is the deadline to order Scamper shirts.   Order forms are on the Membership Toolkit.
  • Spirit wear orders are due October 19th!  Order forms are on the Membership Toolkit.
  • We are still looking for volunteers for our PTO events.  Please sign up today on the Membership Toolkit. 

Warm Regards,

Dr. Christine Pfaff, Principal

Follow me on Twitter @clkpfaff1