Life on the Prairie
April 24, 2026
Important Dates
May 6th . . . NJHS Honor Night . . . 6 PM at Prairie
May 12th . . . Last PTO meeting . . . 9:15 AM at Prairie
May 12th . . . Orchestra spring concert . . . 7 PM at BHS
May 14th . . . 5th grade parent orientation . . . 6 PM at Prairie
May 15th . . . 8th Grade Social . . . 7PM - 9PM at Prairie
May 25th . . . Memorial Day . . . NO SCHOOL
May 27th . . . Last day for 8th grade and Recognition at BHS . . . 7 PM
May 29th . . . Last day for 6th and 7th grades
Need the Lowdown? We Got You.
ABC Countdown Begins Next Week!
Can you believe it? It's here! Student Council is sponsoring this year's ABC Countdown. Check out the calendar and get in on the fun.
Two, Four, Six, Eight . . . Who Do We Appreciate?
We have the greatest teachers of all time! And what better way to show appreciation for all that they do than with a gift card giveaway hosted by our very own principal, Mr. Lobbins. The PTO needs your help in collecting funds for gift cards that will be purchased by the PTO and raffled off to the teachers on Wednesday, May 6th. Please consider donating using this link. Any amount will help make the teachers feel appreciated and loved.
The Book Fair is Back!
Students will be visiting the book fair with their ELA class (6th-Tuesday, 7th-Wednesday, 8th-Monday). The fair will also be open to everyone Thursday and Friday during school hours. Cash, credit and digital payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) will be accepted.
Did you know? Students who read just 4-6 books over the summer are significantly more likely to retain their reading level and start the next school year with confidence. Let’s keep those minds active!
Volunteers Needed! We need your help! If you would be willing to help our wonderful librarian Laura Winter with checkout, please sign up here.
End of Year Details for Eighth Graders
8th grade parents, please click here to read about our end of the year expectations and privileges for your 8th grader.
8th Grade Yard Signs Available
Celebrate your 8th grade student’s accomplishments with a celebratory yard sign! Order here by April 30th for pick up in early May.
8th Grade Social: Viva 8th Grade!
All Prairie 8th graders are invited to celebrate in style at our Viva 8th Grade! Event - a fun, high-energy night honoring your middle school memories and milestones. For just $10 per ticket, enjoy pizza and snacks, a live DJ playing your favorite music, and a 360-degree photo booth to capture unforgettable moments with friends.
This year’s Game Night-themed celebration will feature a variety of exciting, school-appropriate games. Upon check-in, each student will receive the same number of tickets to use throughout the night, no extras to buy, giving everyone an equal chance to play and win. Prizes include both physical items and fun “experience” prizes, making the night even more memorable.
With easy-to-play activities, plenty of laughs, and a lively atmosphere, it’s all about connecting with friends and celebrating the journey before heading off to high school.
Don’t miss it - this is a night you’ll remember!
Parent Volunteers/Donations Needed!
Your support will help make this a memorable celebration for our 8th Graders. Weather through donations, setup, check-in, games, or clean up, every role makes a difference. Please consider signing up. We'd really appreciate it!
Sign up here: Parent Volunteers or Donations
Did you get your 8th Grade Shirt Ordered?
Didn’t get your 8th grade shirt ordered by 4/17? Don’t sweat it! You can order for home delivery or pick it up at the Imprintery in Barrington. Order here.
Come Be a Part of Our Last PTO Meeting of the Year!
Please consider joining us for our final Prairie PTO meeting of the 2025/26 school year. We’ll be taking care of business - voting in our new 2026/27 slate and our budget for the upcoming year. As if that’s not enough excitement, we’ll get end of year updates from our awesome Prairie administrative staff. RSVP here.
Boys and Girls Club Newsletter
Click here to check out all of the great things that are happening with the Boys and Girls Club!
Bring It!
Your outgrown spiritwear, that is. To school. No extra trip to the resale shop required!
The PTO has placed boxes inside the main and student activities entrances to collect your too-small or rarely worn spiritwear. They are hoping to pass along items your kids have outgrown to others who can give them a second life.
The plan is for the boxes to be there throughout the year, so send 'em in!
Want to Create a Schoology Parent Account?
Click here!