Panther Tracks
September 26, 2025
Each year, we work to make sure every student in our school receives the support they need to achieve success and experience positive outcomes on our campus. Ongoing screening in both academic and social, emotional, and behavioral functioning can identify students that need additional support to increase their academic performance and improve overall well-being.
Screening tools help school staff develop effective plans and allocate resources at the school, class, and individual levels. During the week of September 29th, we will administer an SEL screener to all students in grades 3-8. JH students will take the Youth Needs Screener and 3rd and 4th graders will take Waypoints.
The results will be used as one data point in a proactive process that supports students with organizational strategies, social skills, coping strategies, and other supports that help them fully engage in their learning. Should our team identify your child as needing additional support, you will be notified just as you would with academic interventions.
We encourage every child to participate in the SEL Screeners as it gives us important information about addressing common needs at the school level and how to best support each student in our school.
If you decide that you would like to have your child not participate in the screener, please email your child’s building principal, Jordan Master (jmaster@dist46.org) or Jessica McKenzie (jmckenzie@dist46.org) by Monday, September 29th.
We appreciate the ongoing partnership with our families to ensure all students receive what they need and can experience success at Prairie Grove District 46.
Jen Moon - Special Education Team Lead
I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 18 years, and life with him has been such a fun adventure. We have two awesome boys—Trey, 15, is a high school sophomore who lives for baseball and is just beginning to learn how to drive, and Jack, 11, is definitely in his pre-teen phase and loves being both a baseball and basketball player.Rounding out our family is Tilla, our sweet (and very energetic) almost 2 year old Australian Shepherd, who makes sure we’re always on the move.
What is something that makes you really proud?
I’m really proud of my whole family—both the one my husband and I have with our boys, and the one I grew up in. My parents, sister, brothers, nieces, and nephews are all spread out across the U.S. and even abroad, but no matter the distance, we stay connected. Watching my own kids grow surrounded by that love and support makes me feel really lucky and proud of the family we all share
What is your favorite hobby?
I love cheering loudly from the sidelines for my boys, spending time with friends, getting my hands dirty in the garden, and going on new adventures or traveling whenever I can. But if you really want to find me at my happiest, it’s by the ocean—whether it’s soaking up the sun or just listening to the waves, that’s my favorite spot in the world!
What is your favorite food?
I’m a huge fan of Mexican food—tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, salsa, you name it! Honestly, if there’s Mexican food on the table, I’m usually the happiest person in the room!
What is something you have learned lately?
Lately, I’ve been realizing that being a mom and a teacher is all about patience, showing up, and going with the flow. With my boys, whether it’s learning to drive or dealing with pre-teen moments, it’s a mix of supporting them and letting them figure things out on their own. As a teacher, I see every kiddo grows at their own pace, and just a little encouragement can make a big difference. Both roles keep me on my toes, but they also remind me how rewarding it is to be present, care deeply, and enjoy all the little moments along the way.
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
If I were an animal, I’d be a sea turtle. I like to take life at my own pace and enjoy the journey instead of rushing through it. I’m pretty grounded, but I also love a little adventure—whether that’s traveling, spending time with family and friends, or just hanging out at the ocean. Sea turtles are resilient and always find their way back home, which feels a lot like me—trying to keep a balance between exploring the world and staying connected to the people and places I love.
What is your favorite thing about PG?
My favorite thing about being a part of Prairie Grove School, where I’ve been for 21 years, is the incredible community I get to be a part of every day. From the students who inspire me with their curiosity and energy, to the families who welcome me into their lives, and the close friends I’ve made along the way, PG has become so much more than a workplace—it’s truly a second home. Being part of this community for over two decades has allowed me to grow, laugh, and celebrate so many milestones alongside the people I care about, and that is something I will always treasure.
Tony Covganka- 7th Grade Team Leader
1. Tell us about your family.
I’ve been with my wife for 19 years and we have two children, Jack 11 and James 8. We also have our dog named Luci and a Leopard Gecko named Gary.
2. What is something that makes you really proud?
Anytime my sons accomplish something. I’m also really proud when I see my students accomplish something that they didn’t think they could do.
3. What is your favorite hobby?
I love food and cooking. It’s a time when I focus on making something tasty and tune out all the other things from the day.
4. What is your favorite food?
I think the one food that I have to have once it gets in my head is Hot wings.
5. What is something you have learned lately?
I just learned that the moss that hangs off the trees in the south is called Spanish moss. It is called that because the French Explorers thought that it looked like the beards of the Spanish conquistadors. It was called Spanish Beard or Grey Beard for a while but then changed to Spanish Moss, which is my new favorite moss.
6. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
I think an owl because they look like they know a lot about history. Or any animal that has a beard.
7. What is your favorite thing about PG?
It’s really about the people. From the families and students to the staff it's a place where everyone can be themselves but also work toward a common goal.
