Prairie Principal's Message - 5.16.25

Good Afternoon Prairie Families,

This week was full of fun transitions! It was so nice to welcome our incoming 1st graders for our Kindergarten visit this past Tuesday. Our new students were so excited to see their future school, and many of them were treated to a nice surprise from older siblings. A huge shout out to our peer mentors and 1st grade teachers who led the incoming Pumas through activities during their visit.

On Wednesday, our 5th graders traveled to Twin Groves for their future middle school visit. We hope they got an idea of what fun awaits them next year. 

Finally, our Super WOW Showdown comes to a close this week. We will be hosting a super fun special prize for the grade level that had the most Super WOWs over the course of the Showdown. Stay tuned to find out which grade was the most respectful, responsible, and safe this spring!

Please see information below on remaining dates for the school year. We hope you are able to enjoy the PTO Ice Cream Social this evening. 

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Lauren Delahanty

Principal

*Upcoming Dates*

• Friday, May 23 - Half Day | School Improvement Day 
• Monday, May 26 - No School | District Holiday 
• Thursday, May 29 - Half Day | Last day of school & Report period ends/Trimester 3 report cards issued

NEW *Trimester 3 Report Cards*

As we approach the end of the report period, we'd like to remind families that Trimester 3 report cards will be issued on May 29th. This marks a significant moment to reflect on student progress and achievements. We encourage parents to review these reports with their children and celebrate their efforts and growth.

To view, parents will need to log into School Insight/TeacherEase. Returning families should have School Insight/TeacherEase log-in information. For new families or anyone who does not have an account established, you will soon be receiving an email from the district. If you have any questions, please reach out to your school's front office. If you forgot your password, please ensure you are selecting "Forgot Password" on the School Insight/TeacherEase log-in page. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive learning environment!

NEW *Field Day - Important Information*

Prairie School is very excited for our all day all school Field Day which is scheduled for Thursday, May 22rd! We encourage you to apply sunscreen to your child, use bug repellent that contains 20% or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin and light colored clothing, as your child will spend most of the day outside. Hats and sunglasses are also recommended and students should bring a water bottle. With our unpredictable weather, layering of clothing is also a good idea. In case of rain, Field Day will be on Tuesday, May 27th. We can't wait for this fun filled day to celebrate this school year! 

Thank you, Mrs. Lehtman & Mr. Nickle

Lunch times will be slightly different on Field Day! Please see the lunch times below for 5/22. 

NEW *Band Parent Meeting for 4th Grade Parents*

On Monday, May 19, there will be a special band parent meeting in the Twin Groves Middle School Cafeteria at 6:00 PM. The meeting will inform 4th grade parents all about the band program in 5th grade. Band Registration is now open and parents can sign their student up for band on Monday as well.  Looking forward to seeing all interested families. Students are welcome to come as well. The meeting is planned to be about 45 minutes long. Band Information Sheet and Registration

NEW *FINAL SPIRIT WEEK*

• Monday May 19: Rhyme without a Reason Day: Create an outfit that rhymes with a friend. (For example : maybe someone will dress up as a roller skater, and someone as a baker. Another example is merry and berry : so one person would dress up merry, and another person would dress as the colors of a berry!)
• Tuesday May 20 Twin Day: Match with a friend.
• Wednesday May 21 Monochromatic Day: Wear all blue.
• Thursday May 22 Field Day: Dress for fun outside activities
• Friday May 23 Anything Except a Backpack Day
• Tuesday May 27 Dress Up Like Nature Day: Wear nature related clothes.
• Wednesday May 28 Pajama Day: Wear pajamas and bring one small stuffed animal.
• Thursday May 29 Game Day

NEW *Lost and Found*

Our lost and found is overflowing! Please encourage your child to check for any missing items before the last day of school, as all unclaimed belongings will be donated after 5/29!

NEW *5th Grade Walk-Out* 

5th grade parents are welcome to join us as we congratulate our 5th graders with a special send off. A walk-out parade will be held on the Prairie Path (on the hill and near the flagpole) on Thursday 5/29 at 11:30. Our 5th grade students will first process through the building before exiting at the top of the path. 

Please note: 

• Parents are not allowed in the building, but are invited to watch from outside.
• No other grades will be participating in the walk-out. This is a special celebratory event for our 5th graders. (All 1st through 4th grade students will be dismissed as normal at 11:45 am). 
• No pets are allowed to attend. Please keep them at home as they are not allowed on school property. 
• Please be mindful of cars at pick-up and regular dismissal zones.
• Students will walk on the path. Please do not crowd the path/sidewalk. 
• In the event of rain, the 5th graders will process through the gym. 

Please know that the 5th graders will begin their walkout in the building. Please be in the designated viewing areas by 11:30 am so you don't miss the parade!

REPEAT *Beginning Orchestra Parent Info Meeting (for current 3rd Grade Families):

For any current 3rd Grade students interested in joining 4th Grade Orchestra for the 2025-2026 school year, there will be a Beginning Orchestra Parent Info Meeting on Thursday, May 22nd at 7pm in the Woodlawn Middle School Large Gym. Prior to that meeting, 3rd Grade students will be learning about the orchestra instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) and trying out the instruments.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Anderson ([email protected])

REPEAT *Student Summer Tech*

As we approach the end of the school year, we want to take a moment to touch base about student technology and expectations as we wrap up our time with students. Similar to this time last year, KCSD96 will collect all devices before break and return them when students come back in the fall. Please note, students will not be required to back-up any of their files as their data will still be in place when they get their iPads back in the fall.

Teachers will be collecting the following items: 

For Grades K, 1, and 8:

• iPad
• Case
• Logitech Crayon
• Block Charger + USB-C cable
  • Optional: USB-C audio adapters

For Grades 2-7

• iPad
• Case
• Logitech Crayon
  • Optional: USB-C audio adapters

This process allows us to track inventory, so everything is ready for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, it gives us the opportunity to set clear expectations with students about responsible device use when they receive them in the fall. It also helps us protect our resources by reducing the chances of devices being lost, stolen, or damaged. Finally, by keeping devices at school, we support healthier summer habits focused on outdoor play, social-emotional growth, family time, and rest. 

Please note, students who attend ESY will have access to their devices while they are here learning. Additionally, if a student uses their device as a communication tool, the district will not be collecting their device over the summer. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Delahanty.