Prairie Creek Panther Post

We had a great first week back and were excited to pilot our 4th quarter clubs! It was wonderful to see students engaged, trying new activities, and having fun—club day was a big success, and we look forward to continuing this opportunity. We were also very excited that Prairie Creek earned 1st place in the state of Kansas in Prodigy! Our students answered an incredible 7,755 correct math questions in February, and we will now advance to the National Cup on May 1st—what an outstanding accomplishment by our Panthers!This Week at a Glance:

Wednesday, April 1
- 5th Grade Science Assessment (KAP) – Day 1
- 2nd Grade Reading Assessment (KAP) – Day 1
Thursday, April 2
- 5th Grade Science Assessment (KAP) – Day 2
- 2nd Grade Reading Assessment (KAP) – Day 2
Friday, April 3
- No School

As we look ahead, we are excited to celebrate our military-connected students at our Military Child Assembly on April 15. This event is for all PreK–5 families, and we are looking forward to honoring these students and their families. Please remember to RSVP—more information is included below.

April 2026

Character Word: Perseverance

Week of March 30–April 3

Wednesday, April 1

Staff Meeting 7:45am
5th Grade Science Assessment (KAP) – Day 1
2nd Grade Reading Assessment (KAP) Day 1

Thursday, April 2

5th Grade Science Assessment (KAP) – Day 2
2nd Grade Reading Assessment (KAP) Day 2

Friday, April 3

No School – Conference Credit Day

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize the resilience and sacrifices of our students from military families. To celebrate and honor them, we invite families of active-duty service members and veterans to share a photo for an upcoming tribute!

These photos will be proudly displayed during our Military Child Assembly on April 15th as we honor the strength and sacrifice of our community.

Military Family Breakfast & Assembly RSVP

In addition to our assembly, we are hosting a breakfast to further honor our military families. Please let us know if you plan to attend by filling out our RSVP form:

Click here to RSVP for Military Family Breakfast

How to Submit Photos

Please send your photos to PCEMILITARYFAMILIES@GMAIL.COM by April 1, 2026.

When you email your photo, please include the following information so we can properly recognize your family:

Student Name(s):
Service Member’s Name:
Branch of Service:
Status: (Active Duty or Veteran)
Dates of Service: (For Veterans)

Photo Ideas: We would love to see photos of your child with their military parent(s) in uniform, or a solo photo of the service member in uniform.

Thank you for helping us make this tribute special for our students and their heroes!

This month at Prairie Creek, we are focusing on the character word Courage through Capturing Kids’ Hearts. Courage means choosing what is right, even when it feels hard or uncomfortable. We are encouraging our students to use their brave hearts—whether that’s trying something new, standing up for a friend, asking for help, or learning from mistakes. Throughout the month, teachers will be recognizing students who demonstrate courage in their classrooms and around the building. We are proud of our Panthers for growing not only academically, but also in character each and every day!

There will be no Prairie Creek Singers this Tuesday. Please be sure to look for an email from Mr. Vajnar with additional information. 😊

🏆3rd–5th Grade: William Allen White Challenge

Final Stretch for Young Readers!

Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders have been working hard on the William Allen White Children’s Book Award Challenge, and we are now entering the final week!

To qualify for the party and earn credit for their reading, students must have their book reports completed and submitted by Wednesday, April 1st. Please encourage your child to finish up their final books and reports soon so they don't miss the deadline.

Mrs. McMains

Library Website:

https://sites.google.com/usd385.org/prairie-creek-library/home

Kindergarten through fifth grade students will continue to learn about Conflict Resolution.

Early Learning classroom lessons are completed for the year, but I plan on visiting each of their classes at recess during April and May to continue with positive interactions!

PTO Dinner Nights

April 7: Freddy's 4-8pm

May 12: Chipotle 4-8pm

April 2026

Character Word: Perseverance

Week of March 30–April 3

Wednesday, April 1

5th Grade Science Assessment (KAP) – Day 1
2nd Grade Reading Assessment (KAP) Day 1

Thursday, April 2

5th Grade Science Assessment (KAP) – Day 2
2nd Grade Reading Assessment (KAP) Day 2

Friday, April 3

No School – Conference Credit Day

Week of April 6–10

State Assessment Window (Reading): 3rd–5th Grade
Daily testing block: 9:00–10:30

Apr. 8 – National Zoo Day
Apr. 8 – BLT Retreat
Apr. 8 – Elementary District Site Council 5:00–6:00 PM @ DO
Apr. 9 – Year 1 New Teachers & Mentors Cohort 1 8:00–11:00 AM @ DO
Apr. 9 – Year 1 New Teachers & Mentors Cohort 2 12:30–3:30 PM @ DO
Apr. 10 – PLC Meeting 7:45 AM
Apr. 10 – GMM
Apr. 10 – School Clubs Day

Week of April 13–17

State Assessment Window (Math): 3rd–5th Grade
Daily testing block: 9:00–10:30

Apr. 13 – BOE Meeting 6:30 PM
Apr. 14 – EL Library Field Trip

AM 9:15–10:45
PM 1:00–2:15

Apr. 14 – PTO Meeting 6:00 PM
Apr. 15 – Military Child Day
Apr. 15 – 1st Grade Field Trip to Andover Public Library 12:30–2:30 PM
Apr. 17 – Good Morning Meeting
Apr. 17 – School Clubs Day

Week of April 20–24

Apr. 20 – Kindergarten Field Trip to Morning Grit Farm 9:45–1:15
Apr. 22 – Administrators’ Meeting
Apr. 22 – Senior Walkthrough
Apr. 23 – Early Learning Open House 5:30–7:00 PM
Apr. 24 – Kindergarten Visitation
Apr. 24 –GMM
Apr. 24 – School Clubs Day

Week of April 27 – May 1

Apr. 29 – BLT Meeting 7:45 AM
Apr. 29 – Kansas Fitness Day (3rd Grade @ ACHS 9:15–11:30)

Arrival and Dismissal

School Hours: 8:45-3:45 (All Day Kindergarten – Fifth Grade)

Doors Open at 8:35. Dismissal begins at 3:45.

8:35 - 11:50 (A.M. Pre-K and Early Childhood)

12:30 - 3:45 (P.M. Pre-K and Early Childhood)

Arrival - The doors will remain locked until our first bell at 8:35 A.M. If you are in the Car Rider Line, children may NOT exit your vehicle, until the doors open. If you need to walk your child to class, or visit the office, you must enter the North Side of the building, and check-in through the Office. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. This is a District Wide Mandate, and it will be followed, as it ensures the safety of our staff and our students.

Late Arrivals after 8:45 A.M. - The school day starts at 8:45 A.M. Promptly at 8:45 A.M. Bell, the East and West Exterior Doors will be locked. If your child arrives late, please drop your child off at the front of the building which faces the YMCA. Students will be checked in, lunch order taken, and students will be given a tardy slip to enter their classroom.

Dismissal - All Prairie Creek KG - 5th Grade families will be given a Car Rider Number. This number MUST be displayed in order for your child to be released to you in the Car Rider Line. Please have your Card Rider Sign clear and visible in your windshield. If there is no Car Rider Sign, the parent/guardian will be asked to go to the Office to pick up their student(s). This is for the safety and well-being of our staff and students, and there will be no exceptions. While in the Car Rider Line, it is important that you pull up as far as possible to allow us to dismiss students smoothly and quickly. Parents are NOT allowed to park and walk up to get their students. This creates an unsafe situation and will not be allowed. Please watch your speed and attention while in the Car Rider area, as there are many students exiting their cars and/or walking home.

Car Rider Pickup and Dropoff for PreK & Early Childhood is on the East Side of the Building, next to the YMCA Turf Fields. Parents will enter from YMCA Drive.

Car Rider Pickup and Dropoff for Kindergarten - 5th Grade is on the West Side of the Building. The line will form on the road in front of the Farha Center. Parents should NOT try to drive south on Yorktown, and attempt to make a left hand turn into the Parking Lot!

Week of March 30 Week of March 30

📆 Our Schedule This Week 📆 Our Schedule This Week

💜Month of the Military Child 💜Month of the Military Child

💛🖤Capturing Kids Hearts💛🖤 💛🖤Capturing Kids Hearts💛🖤

A Note From Music A Note From Music

A Note From the Library 📚 A Note From the Library 📚

Counselors Corner🎒 Counselors Corner🎒

A Note From PTO 🏫 A Note From PTO 🏫

A Note from our Nurse 👩🏻‍⚕️ A Note from our Nurse 👩🏻‍⚕️

🍕 Weekly Lunch Menu 🍕 Weekly Lunch Menu

🙌 TAKE A LOOK INSIDE PCES 🙌 TAKE A LOOK INSIDE PCES

💡Reminders 💡Reminders

📆Upcoming Dates this Month 📆Upcoming Dates this Month

Arrival and Dismissal