Students enjoying the winter weather in Outdoor Club
Good Afternoon Prairie Families,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It is hard to believe that we only have three weeks of learning before winter break. As a reminder, we appreciate everyone calling or emailing the office if your child(ren) are not in attendance. If you know in advance of an absence, please email the classroom teacher and Mrs. Glassgow ([email protected]).
Next week, we have MAP testing. I have included MAP testing dates and other details below. Please ensure that your child gets a good sleep and breakfast. Results from the MAP test are used by teachers to make instructional decisions for your child.
As is typical for the Chicago area, the weather is vacillating. Some days are very cold and others are mild. Please ensure your child has the proper clothing for outdoor recess.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Lauren Delahanty
Principal
Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday, December 6 - MAP Testing
- Thursday, December 7 - MAP Testing
- Tuesday, December 19 - Early Release Day
- Tuesday, December 19 - Newcomer Coffee & Conversation, 7 p.m. (Ivy Hall Elementary School)
- For parents/guardians of newly registered students in Kindergarten–Grade 8
- RSVP by December 13 to: https://forms.gle/Kn5SkyzZFbHgtyCn7
- Friday, December 22 - Start of Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
NEW *MAP Testing*
The MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment will be administered in all District 96 schools in grades K-8 on Wednesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 7. If students are absent for testing, and the make up window is still open, students will be able to make up the test. If the window is closed they will not be able to make up the test.
NEW *Recess During the Winter*
For students to play in the snow, they must have snow pants, boots, gloves, and a jacket. This applies to both the field and the playground area. This ensures that their clothes, hands, and feet are dry for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon. Students who do not have snow pants and boots can still play on the blacktop area.
NEW *Variety Show*
Come join us for the Prairie Variety Show on Wednesday, December 6th in the Gym. There will be a 6:00 pm show and a 7:00 pm show. We hope you enjoy the show!
-Mrs. Muehling and Ms. Heuer
NEW *District Opportunity - Newcomer Coffee & Conversation*
District 96 hosts a Newcomer Coffee & Conversation for parents and guardians of newly registered students, to give them an opportunity to ask questions and share information about their transition.
This year’s Coffee starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, at Ivy Hall Elementary School (Mat Room), 1072 Ivy Hall Lane, Buffalo Grove.
It is an informal opportunity for these new parents and guardians to ask questions and share their thoughts ~ with other parents and staff ~ about their experiences in the district. These parents might be experiencing the District’s social customs and teaching practices for the first time, just as their students have, and can glean from the experiences of others.
New parents/guardians who missed the New Family Tours in August are encouraged to attend this conversation. Those who did attend the tours are welcome to join this conversation to share how they are adjusting to the District 96 culture.
For planning purposes, RSVP by December 13 at https://forms.gle/Kn5SkyzZFbHgtyCn7.
This is an event only for parents and guardians.
Coffee and other refreshments will be served.
Got questions? Email Lubna K. Andrabi, Community Parent Liaison, at [email protected].
REPEAT: *Sense of Belonging Survey*
In District 96, we believe that feedback from students regarding their perception of the school climate and teacher-student relationships provides valuable input about their sense of belonging. Our school district is committed to providing our students with every opportunity to succeed. Substantial research indicates that supporting students’ social-emotional development improves their readiness to learn, positive classroom engagement, and overall academic performance. As a result, District 96 will administer a student belonging survey to all students EC-8. These surveys are below for your review. A physical copy will be available from the district office upon request.
Surveys Below:
With this information, the District can make thoughtful and informed decisions to support students' deeper sense of belonging at school. As always, student privacy and safety are of the utmost importance. This survey is FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act), and PPRA (The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment) certified. The collected data will improve our students’ sense of belonging and will only be used by our schools. Student responses will support group patterns so schools can provide support in those targeted areas. Thank you for supporting our school communities and their corresponding sense of belonging.
If you would like to exclude your child from participating in the survey, please contact your child/children’s building principal.
REPEAT *Lost and Found*
Our lost and found is overflowing with items! Students have been asked to check for any items that they might have misplaced. The lost and found is present every day in our Multipurpose Room. Please remind your students to check the lost and found for any missing items. Any items left after we leave for winter break will be donated.
REPEAT *Attendance*
We know that some absences are necessary due to illness and other circumstances. Being absent a couple of days per month adds up very quickly. Two (2) absences per month or 17 days per school year adds up to 10% of the school year. Missing 10% of school days triggers a designation by the state of Illinois as “chronically absent.” We appreciate your partnership in supporting your child to have strong attendance by being present and on time for school.