Panther Tracks

Jordan, Jessica, Colleen and Julie are very excited for the new school year! With 3 of us being new, we are looking forward to getting to know the schools and community to best serve the needs of our students and staff! We appreciate how welcoming everyone has been and know we will have a great year. If you want more information about the 3 of us that are new, please see our press releases below!

1. Tell us about your family.

3. What is your favorite hobby?
I love visiting local farmer markets and enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.

4. What is your favorite food?
Pickles

5. What is something you have learned lately?
I have been learning so much about the systems and traditions at PG. Specifically, I had a chance to meet with our PTO and learn about all of the fun events they are going to offer this upcoming school year. We have so much to celebrate!

6. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
A dog. They are so friendly and loyal- plus they spend about 14 hours+ a day sleeping!

7. What are you most excited about as you join Prairie Grove?

Meeting the community and building connections with our PG students, staff, and families; I appreciate how welcoming and friendly PG has been. I am so impressed with how student-centered our school family is. I look forward to continuing to make PG the place to be!

1. Tell us about your family.

My husband Evan and I have been married for 10 years this summer! We moved to Cary in 2021 and enjoy being part of the community. Our sons Reece (5) and Finn (3) keep us on our toes. Reece is starting Kindergarten this year and is trying flag football this fall. Finn is in PreK and will try soccer. We also have 2 dogs and 2 cats so our house is busy and loud!

2. What is something that makes you really proud?

Watching my children learn and grow! It is so much fun to watch as they learn something new or try something hard and succeed. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

3.What is your favorite hobby?

I love to run!

4. What is your favorite food?

Tacos!!!

5. What is something you have learned lately?

I have been learning so much at Prairie Grove! It has been so much fun meeting the staff and I can’t wait to meet our students!

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

I would love to be a phoenix! I think they are such cool mythical creatures that continue to be reborn from their ashes, like making changes when things are difficult!

7. What are you most excited about as you join Prairie Grove?

I’m really excited to get to know our students! Also, I’m really looking forward to working with our staff and families to determine what we can do to ensure Prairie Grove stays an amazing district for students and staff!

When were erasers added to pencils?

For this week, 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).

As you may be aware, there are certain Illinois Health requirements for certain age levels. Please see the information below and make careful note if it pertains to your child.

Proof of a complete physical examination in preschool, kindergarten and 6th grade must be submitted to the health office by October 15, 2025 or, per Illinois State School Code, your student will be excluded from school.

Preschool

Complete Preschool Physical Examination. No additional immunization requirement if up-to-date.

Kindergarten

Complete Kindergarten Physical Examination and all required immunizations including:

• Two doses of MMR Vaccine

• Four doses of Polio Vaccine

• Four doses of DPT/DPTaP Vaccine

• Two doses of Varicella Vaccine (chicken pox)

Complete Kindergarten Dental Examination- Must be turned in prior to May 15, 2026.

Complete Kindergarten Vision Examination- Must be turned in prior to October 15, 2025.

2nd Grade

No additional physical/immunization requirements if up-to-date.

Complete 2nd grade Dental Examination - Must be turned in prior to May 15, 2026.

6th Grade

Complete Kindergarten Physical Examination and all required immunizations

• Tdap
• Meningococcal vaccinations

Complete Dental Examination- Must be turned in prior to May 15, 2026.

Complete Vision Examination- Must be turned in prior to October 15, 2025.

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!