Panther Tracks

Junior High Students will have a presentation about the dangers of vaping from the McHenry County Department of health during PE classes. For questions, please reach out to Janna Asp (jasp@dist46.org) or Jordan Master (jmaster@dist46.org).

Each classroom will have Halloween parties on Friday, October 31st organized by PTO. K-4 parties will be 2:30-3:15 and ECE will be AM- 10:45-11:30, PM- 2:15-3:00.

Costumes:

Children in ECE, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades may wear their costumes to school.
Children in 3rd and 4th grades may bring their costumes to change into at school.
Costumes should be tasteful, modest, and appropriate for a school setting. Costumes may not include any form of weapon, blood, gore, or masks.
Students whose costumes do not meet these standards may be asked to call home for a change of clothing.

Additional Reminders:

Please take and share photos of only your own child.
Snacks will be provided by the PTO.

For those opting out of Halloween activities, an alternative activity will be available. Please email your child’s teacher if you’d like them to participate in the alternative activity.

Junior High students are welcome to dress up this school year for Halloween as we include costumes into Red Ribbon week (see dress up days above). Please note, students who wear face paint, masks, fake blood, or have any costume that do not follow school rules will be asked to change.

Grades 5 & 6: 2:40-4:30 PM

For 5th Grade pick-up, parents please pick up your child in the parking lot off Valley View. Please park and meet your child on the sidewalk to ensure that we are keeping students safe.
For 6th Grade pick-up, parents please pick up your child in the parking lot off 176. Please park and meet your child on the sidewalk in front of Door 27 to ensure we are keeping students safe. If you have children in both 5th and 6th, we will have them stay together at 176 Parking lot.

Grades 7 & 8: 5:00-6:30 PM

Please drop off your child at Door 29, the event entrance located in the parking lot off Route 176.
For pick-up at 6:30, please use the 176 parking lot. Please park and meet your child on the sidewalk at Door 27 to ensure that we are keeping students safe.

Reminders:

please submit the $6 admission fee via Skyward to help us ensure proper staffing. If you’re unable to do so in advance, students may bring cash to pay at the start of the event.
consider bringing warm clothing for any outdoor activities
pizza will be available for purchase

Upcoming Athletic Events

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, October 20th: Boys Basketball Tryouts 2:40-5:00

Tuesday, October 21st: Boys Basketball Tryouts 2:40-5:00

Thank you to everyone for following the new parent pick-up procedures. This week has gone very well and we have been able to reduce traffic on Valley View and get the buses pulled in.

As a reminder, please do not arrive before 3 PM!

Laura Reiman - 4th Grade Teacher

Tell us about your family.

My husband, Jim, and I celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary in September. We have two wonderful children, Sam and Lily. Both are living in the city which makes us empty nesters. We also have two dogs named Monty and Eleanor. We got them to replace the kids that moved out. The great thing about Monty and Eleanor is that no matter what we do, they are always up for an adventure and never complain about how I dress them when we go out!!

What is something that makes you really proud?

I’m really proud of my ability to be independent and self-sufficient. When I camp, I can tow that camper, back it up, set it up and enjoy nature!!

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is anything I can do outside. I love to camp, hike, bike, kayak, paddle board, and fish. I also love to travel…I’ve been to Italy, France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Mexico and Greece.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite foods change with my mood so sometimes I love a good thick crust pizza from Fire Bar and sometimes I crave my mom’s spinach lasagna.

What is something you have learned lately?

I’ve been learning to crochet and so far, I’m terrible at it but I’m not giving up. My goal is to crochet cute hats for my dogs and force them to model for a calendar I plan to sell on Etsy.

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

If I could be an animal, I would be a humming bird. I think they are so beautiful and graceful. Everytime I see one, it feels magical.

What is your favorite thing about PG?

My favorite part of Prairie Grove is the friendships I’ve found here. It’s hard to form friendships as you get older but the friends I have at PG have become some of my best friends.

Mary O'Leary Co-Curricular Team Leader

1. Tell us about your family. I just celebrated 40 years of marriage with my husband, John—and they said it wouldn’t last! We have two daughters. Margaret lives in Chicago with her husband, Chuck, and my granddaughter, Daria. Kathleen lives in Bellevue, WA with her husband, Younes, and my granddaughter, Leena. My grandchildren are the loves of my life and so much fun!

2. What is something that makes you really proud? Besides my family, I’m proud of the work I did to help bring the Challenger Learning Center to McHenry County.

3.What is your favorite hobby? My favorite hobby is traveling—especially to visit family and attend music festivals or concerts. I love meeting new people and experiencing the local culture, food, and sights wherever I go. My favorite music venues include the Salt Shed, The Caverns, NOLA Jazz Fest, Ryman Auditorium and street performers in Ireland!

4.What is your favorite food? When it comes to food, My husband and I can’t resist Neapolitan pizza—wood-fired or charcoal-grilled—and a classic Chicago Italian beef sandwich!

5.What is something you have learned lately? It’s easier to be a grandparent because the sky’s the limit for my granddaughters until it’s time for them to go home.

6.If you were an animal, what would you be and why? My spirit animal is a tiger. I love their beautiful stripes and design, and I admire their ability to overcome obstacles. Tigers remind me to be brave and keep going, no matter the challenge!

7.What is your favorite thing about PG? My favorite thing about PG is the wonderful community of staff, families, and students.. I have the honor of teaching students K–8 and watching them grow into amazing young adults. It’s especially meaningful when I get to teach the children of students I’ve taught in the past. Also, it’s been amazing to teach with several of my former students!

What kind of trees do not lose their leaves in the fall?

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!

Thank you to the PTO for hosting the Scholastic Book Fair!

ECE Field Trip ECE Field Trip

Choir sings the National Anthem at the Student vs. Staff Volleyball game Choir sings the National Anthem at the Student vs. Staff Volleyball game

Vape Presentation (PE Classes) Wednesday, October 29 Grades 5-8 Vape Presentation (PE Classes) Wednesday, October 29 Grades 5-8

Elementary Pumpkin Winners Elementary Pumpkin Winners

Elementary Halloween Information Elementary Halloween Information

Junior High Halloween Information Junior High Halloween Information

Panther Hangout Reminders Panther Hangout Reminders

Athletic Information Athletic Information

Upcoming Athletic Events

Elementary Pick-up Elementary Pick-up

Staff Member Spotlight Staff Member Spotlight

Laura Reiman - 4th Grade Teacher

Mary O'Leary Co-Curricular Team Leader

Trivia of the Week Trivia of the Week

Weekly Activity Weekly Activity

Check-out the PTO Website! Check-out the PTO Website!