Panther Tracks

Please put your child's name and grade in the comments as these will count as pennies for your child's grade!

As part of our commitment to supporting every student’s success, we regularly review attendance throughout the school year. Families will soon receive letters if their child has missed 10% (6 days) or more of the school year as of the end of Trimester 1 (November 14). Please note, this does not include any days missed after the November 14 date. These notifications are meant to keep you informed and to offer support if your family is facing challenges that make regular attendance difficult.

Please know that this is not a punishment and does not mean we have contacted truancy, but this is a proactive step to ensure students stay on track academically and feel connected at school. If you receive a letter and have any questions, please feel free to reach out and we can work together to support your child.

Thank you for your partnership in helping our students thrive every day!

What is Erin's Law?

Erin’s Law, House Bill 6193 was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on January 24, 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades pre-K through 12. It is recommended that four communications a year on Erin’s Law be made available to all students.

Victor Pacini, a survivor of sexual abuse, author and motivational speaker, will be assisting our school in implementing this mandate. Mr. Pacini’s program is developmentally appropriate, interactive, and aligned with learning standards. The focus of his presentation is to teach children basic skills to keep them safe from dangerous or abusive situations. The concepts that will be discussed are:

Distinguishing safe from unsafe touches
Safety rules at home and school
Saying “NO”
Safe/Unsafe Secrets
It’s not the child’s fault if someone touches him or her
Telling a trusted adult

Mr. Victor Pacini and his associates will be presenting at our schools. Student presentations will take place on Thursday, December 4 and Friday, December 5.

If you prefer that your child not participate in this program, please email our school social workers/counselors Ms. Michele Cotsirilos (ECE-4th Grade) at mcotsirilos@dist46.org or Mrs. Kayla Dinkelmann (5th - 8th Grade) at kdinkelmann@dist46.org.

Erin's Law Presentation Parent Night

Monday, December 1, 2025: Erin's Law Livestream for Parents (District 46)

Time: Dec 1, 2025 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89663322868

Meeting ID: 896 6332 2868

Erin's Law Student Presentations

Elementary: Thursday, December 4

Junior High: Friday, December 5

Elementary

1st Place - Lehman

2nd Place - Alberts

Upcoming Athletic Events

All students joining clubs, activities, or athletics are required to complete the Extracurricular Code of Conduct. 2025-2026 form only needs to be filled out one (1) time a year and it is to be completed before Athletics or Clubs begin: COMPLETE THIS FORM

Monday, December 1st

7th Grade (4:15) & 8th Grade (5:15) Home VS Hiawatha (A only) JH Gym

6th Grade @ Harrison 4:15 (A&B)

Tuesday, December 2nd

6th Grade @ Johnsburg at 4:00 (A&B)

Wednesday, December 3rd

8th Grade @ Cambridge Lakes (A&B) 4:15

7th Grade Home VS Cambridge Lakes (A only) 4:15 JH Gym

6th @ Cambridge Lakes (A & B) 6:15

Sunday, December 7th

7 & 8th Grade Cheer @ Crystal Lake Central Competition 8:00 AM Performance

The mobile dentist will be returning to PG on January 30th, offering services here at the school for a reduced price. Online registration is now open for completion at Mobile Dentist.

Thank you to all parents for using the new parent pick up procedures with the double lane and yellow signs.

Ashley Sloan - STEM Teacher

Tell us about your family.

My family consists of my husband, and three kids, Emery, Everett and Mila who all attend school at Prairie Grove! We also have two dogs and a turtle at home.

What is something that makes you really proud?

I am so proud of my kids. They are growing up into amazing little humans and I can’t wait to see what life has in store for them.

What is your favorite hobby?

When I have free time, I enjoy reading.

What is your favorite food?

Swedish meatballs!

What is something you have learned lately?

I’ve been learning a lot about honeybees because our third graders are currently learning about them. Sometimes, as a teacher, we are learning new things right along with our students, which can be really fun! Did you know that queen bees lay 1,500 eggs per day!? Pretty crazy.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

A white tiger because they are beautiful and rare!

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

The kids! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my students this year.

Erin Karlow-5th Grade Teacher

Tell us about your family.

My family consists of my husband Tim. We have been together for 25 years (married for 18 years). We have two amazing kids (Mikayla 15 years old and Gavin 13 years old), and our yellow lab Bella.

What is something that makes you really proud?

I am so proud of my children. They are caring, hardworking and overall great kids. I am also super proud of my students and their accomplishments.

What is your favorite hobby?

I enjoy hiking, listening to music and jigsaw puzzles.

What is your favorite food?

I’m a long time vegetarian, but I still enjoy favorites such as burgers, pizza and my tofurky roast that I get once or twice a year for the holidays. Yum!

What is something you have learned lately?

I am remodeling my house for the first time. One important thing I’ve learned about remodeling a house is that planning is everything. It’s tempting to jump straight into demoing or picking out finishes, but without a detailed plan, you can quickly run into unexpected costs or delays.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

If I were to be any animal, I would be a dog. They’re social and loyal. Dogs form strong bonds. Like dogs, I try to be supportive and reliable. They’re curious, eager to help, and bring comfort to people. A lot of people feel calmer and happier around dogs, and I aim to have that same kind of positive presence. Plus they’re lovable.

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

I have been with Prairie Grove for 11 years. It truly feels like a school that is family oriented. The community is so tight knit which contributes to stronger family and community partnerships. Both of my kids went to Prairie Grove, and my son still does.

In 1995, this popular Thanksgiving vegetable was the first to be grown in space.

If you are a junior high student, email your answer to Mrs. Master (jmaster@dist46.org). If you are an elementary student, email your answer to Mrs. McKenzie (jmckenzie@dist46.org).

Turn in the following activity to Mrs. Master or Mrs. McKenzie to have your work displayed at Prairie Grove!

Want to know more about what PTO is up to? Interested in helping them achieve their mission of supporting ALL students? Visit their website for up to date information on events and initiatives!

Panther Tracks