Dear Families,
Thank you to all the families that were able to come out for the Monster Bash last Friday. The new addition of Trunk-or-Treating was a huge hit. Thank you to the families who decorated their vehicles to add to the fun! Today we wrapped up our Halloween festivities with our Halloween Parade, two assemblies for social-distancing purposes, and our classroom parties. Thank you to the PTO and our staff-led Prairie Halloween Committee for making these events possible.
Kindly,
Christine Pfaff - Principal
NEW *Law Enforcement Safety Drill*
On Tuesday, 11/2, Prairie will be conducting a Law Enforcement Safety Drill. Students may be evacuating the building during the drill. If there is inclement weather, students will not evacuate and the drill will proceed as scheduled.
In compliance with the New Safety Drill Act, parents have the right to exempt their child from the Law Enforcement Drill.
If you do not wish your son or daughter to participate in the Law Enforcement Safety Drill, please contact Dr. Pfaff at [email protected]. If we do not hear from you, we will assume your child has permission to participate in the drill.
NEW *Family Name Cards for Parent Pick-Up*
Thank you to the families who are utilizing your family name card for after-school parent pick-up. Our staff is able to quickly see the student's last name which really helps to quickly identify children and move them faster to their pick-up vehicle. When the weather is challenging during drop-off and pick-up times like today, naturally, there are many more vehicles. This is another reason to ensure that you use the family name card. This will help us radio to staff monitoring students who are sheltered under the balcony area to bring them out to their car. We ask that all families please use their family name card. Doing so will help in moving the line more quickly. It's a win-win.
NEW *Morning Parent Drop Off - Please Help*
We are experiencing gridlock on some days during morning drop-off. This is occurring because some cars are not pulling forward as far as possible. Why is this a problem? This causes a backup, cars further down the line get frustrated and pull around other cars. We’ve seen some near accidents in the circle drive, and none of us want an accident.
Adults need to stay in the vehicle. Why? When a parent gets out, it prolongs the drop-off process. A staff member is happy to help. Please just flag them over. If possible, please seat your child on the passenger side of the car. This makes helping your child out of the car safer for staff and child(ren). If you do not want a staff member helping your child out of the car, please park in the small parking lot and then walk your child to the sidewalk that leads to the blacktop area.
Lastly, our staff is working incredibly hard during pick-up and drop-off times. To borrow the well-known U.S. Postal motto, "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom..." will stop Prairie staff from keeping your child(ren) safe. Please do not yell at, scream at, or disrespect them in any way. If you have any concerns, please call me at 847.634.3144 and I will be happy to problem-solve with you.
Thank you for your adherence to these expectations. ~Dr. Pfaff
NEW *Family Reading Night*
Our annual Family Reading Night takes place on Th, 11/18 from 6:30-7:30 pm. The theme this year is "Reading Colors Your World". Our goal is to encourage families to spend quality time reading together. There will be two rounds of literacy-related activities. Please consider using this Google Form to RSVP and indicate your ideal preferences for the evening activities. It will help us plan for the event and do our best to make a match for your choices. We look forward to seeing you at the event! Please RSVP here.
NEW *Non-Breakable Water Bottles Only Please*
We encourage all students to have a water bottle at school. Please be sure that the water bottle your child brings to school is not breakable such as plastic or stainless steel. Glass water bottles presents obvious concerns. Thank you for your help.
NEW *Lost and Found*
Our lost and found has many items it in. If you are missing something, please encourage your child to look in the lost and found, which is located in the lunchroom. All items that remain will be donated when we head into Thanksgiving Break.
NEW *Picture Retakes*
If you would like your child to have a picture retake, please do the following:
- Return all the contents of the portrait envelope
- If you ordered a download, please do not download it.
- Complete the Retake Day instructions on the back of the portrait envelope
If your child was absent on picture day:
- Please complete a picture day order form. Your child can pick one up in the office.
Any questions should be directed to E. D. Clark Photography at 847.231.4444.
NEW *Yearbook Photo Focus*
Our new yearbook photo focus is fall celebrations and thankfulness. Please submit your student's photo to [email protected].
NEW *Keeping Kids in School through the Fall & Winter Seasons*
Our top priority is to keep kids in school with as little disruption as possible and we need your help and support to do so. As we head into colder fall and winter weather and we begin to spend more time indoors, we encourage you to stay vigilant when it comes to health and safety measures. The recent interest survey indicated that the parents of over 1,600 District 96 students are interested in scheduling vaccination appointments for their 5-11 year olds as they become available in the coming weeks. However, we are mindful of the continued risks that COVID presents to the school community and families of KCSD 96. The Illinois Department of Public Health has released guidance on how to celebrate more safely during the 2021 Fall season.
Guidance on Celebrations from the IDPH
As we continue through Fall and head into the holiday season, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is issuing updated guidance to help people celebrate more safely as we continue to battle COVID-19.
Masks
Masks are currently required, per Executive Order, in all indoor public locations in Illinois. A costume mask is NOT a substitute for a well-fitting mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a costume mask over a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is not recommended because it could make breathing more difficult. Safer options include choosing a costume that does not come with a costume mask, or find a costume that incorporates a face covering.
Trick-or-Treat
Trick-or-treating outdoors in small groups is best, but if outdoors is not an option, there are steps people can take to make indoor trick-or-treating safer. Those handing out tricks or treats indoors should open doors and windows as much as possible to promote increased ventilation and wear a mask. It is also important for everyone handing out or receiving treats to wash their hands.
Alternatives to door-to-door trick-or-treating can include setting up tables in a parking lot or other safe outdoor area where individually wrapped treats can be set out or holding an outdoor costume parade for kids along with a parent/guardian.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, do not participate in any Halloween or Fall events.
More information on Halloween and Fall Guidance is on the IDPH website.
REPEATING *Attendance Information*
Attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of academic achievement and having your student in his/her seat, ready to learn for the entire school day will benefit them, their classmates, and our whole school community. Let’s work together to make sure your child has great attendance and can get the most out of their learning opportunities this school year.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
We know that there are a wide variety of reasons that students are absent from school, from health concerns to transportation challenges. There are many people in our building prepared to help you if you or your student face challenges in getting to school regularly or on time. We promise to track attendance daily, to notice when your student is missing from class, communicate with you to understand why they were absent, and to identify barriers and supports available to overcome challenges you may face in helping your student attend school. Our parent handbook reflects legislative updates from the state and is ready for you to review.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
We miss your student when they are not at school as we value their contributions to our school community. If your student is going to be absent, please contact the school in advance. If an absence was unplanned, please contact the school office as soon as possible.
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
Send your child to school unless they are truly sick, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, contagious rash or showing any other COVID-like symptoms.
Avoid appointments and travel when school is in session.
Keep track of your child’s attendance.
Set a regular bedtime and morning routine (including limiting how late your child may use any electronic devices) and finish homework and pack backpacks the night before.
Have a back-up plan for getting to school in case something comes up (this could be alternative bus routes, roads, or a plan with family members, neighbors, or other parents).
Communicate with the school about how we can work together to support your child’s attendance.
OUR DUTIES UPON A STUDENT’S ABSENCES
If your child has five unexcused absences we will reach out via phone and follow up with an email.
If your child has seven unexcused absences we will schedule a conference with you and your child to create a student success plan and help for continued supports.
After 10 days of unexcused absences, and our supports and interventions haven’t helped get your student to school consistently, we are required to file a petition and you will be notified by formal letter that the case will be forwarded to the truancy department and the Lake County ROE, alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010, Illinois' mandatory attendance law.
WHAT IS EXCUSED AND WHAT IS UNEXCUSED
Excused: Medical appointment, illness, quarantine, death in the family, mental health day, religious holiday
Unexcused: Most other reasons for absence including vacation, sporting event, missing the bus, sleeping in, day before a special individual occasion.