Prussing News

Dear Prussing Families,

As we approach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to share two important updates regarding next year’s homeroom communication process and improvements to our Comprehensive Gifted Program (CGP).

Homeroom Placement Communication

In previous years, students’ upcoming homeroom teacher was listed on their Quarter 4 report card, which is sent home on the last day of school. This year, we are shifting our practice.

Due to the significant movement in enrollment that occurs over the summer, early homeroom assignments often require multiple revisions. This creates confusion for families and takes significant time to manage. Instead, homeroom placements for the 2025–2026 school year will be communicated in late July or early August.

Our team will spend the summer thoughtfully finalizing class rosters, with the goal of creating balanced, supportive classrooms that reflect the needs of our school community. Please understand that every placement is made with the utmost care and professionalism. To ensure equity and consistency, we do not accept parent requests for homeroom assignments.

Comprehensive Gifted Program Updates

Homeroom assignments have historically been connected to the Comprehensive Gifted Program. However, we are making several important changes to how the CGP is structured and communicated.

Under the leadership of Ms. Keiper, our CGP Coordinator, we have reflected on our current model and worked to enhance transparency, review placement criteria, and address longstanding concerns.

Moving forward:

• CGP students will no longer be clustered in specific homerooms. Students will interact across homerooms in enrichment classes, lunch, and recess, while receiving academically appropriate instruction throughout the day.

• All students at Prussing will continue to receive grade-level content that is differentiated to meet their individual needs regardless of placement. CGP students may engage in deeper exploration of concepts or receive content at a .5 grade level acceleration, based on readiness.

• Placement into the CGP is determined through a thoughtful, multi-step process using multiple data points. We are committed to ensuring that the program remains inclusive, equitable, and responsive to student growth.

To support families in understanding these changes, we are offering two opportunities to learn more about the CGP:

CGP Parent Information Session

Thursday, June 5 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Prussing Cafeteria

CGP Coffee & Q&A

Friday, June 6 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Prussing Cafeteria

These sessions will provide an overview of how the program is utilized at Prussing, how students are selected, how we support students over time, and how we communicate with families if academic or social-emotional needs change.

Thank you for your continued support, trust, and engagement as we work to ensure all students at Prussing receive the high-quality, challenging, and compassionate education they deserve.

Sincerely,

Mr Zalar
Principal, Prussing Elementary School

Please read through the following to stay up to date with events at our school.

😁 -Thank you to the Fun in the Sun committee for organizing this event. We are looking forward to bigger and better things next year.

😁 - Parents and families, thank you, for coming out. We had over 100 volunteers for Fun in the Sun!

😁-Thank you to Senator Martwick for providing free snow cones to all the students at Fun in the Sun.

😁-Congrats to all the 8th grade students who took the Algebra Exam last week.

😁- Amazing job, DJ Arnowitz and the 8th grade team who organized an fun-filled and memorable 8th Grade Luncheon.

😁-Best wishes to all the 8th grade students who will be graduating on June 9th! Congrats Grads!

Congratulations to Danica "Harley", Lisanna and Fabian for winning the Biliteracy Award.

Thank you to all the volunteers, parents, staff, administration, park officials, and everyone else that helped make Fun in the Sun a huge success.

Two whole days of fun, music, games, arts - we are looking forward to more events like this one, next school year.

Thank you to Senator Martwick for providing free snow cones to all students!

8th grade students enjoyed their luncheon at Biagio's. Thank you to the 8th grade team, parent chaperones and Mrs. Arnowitz for making this a memorable time for all.

Students took pride today in walking around with flags and clothing that represents their culture and where their families are from. Many families came to see the parade and the children walk around celebrating. Pictures will be in the next newsletter.

Prussing’s Uniting Voices Choir participated in the annual event "Paint the Town Red" at Navy Pier.

After their performance, the students enjoyed a sweet ice cream treat, followed by a thrilling (and free!) ride on the Flyover—thanks to the generosity of Uniting Voices. It was a fun and memorable day for all involved. A heartfelt thank you to the chaperones and parents who joined us and helped make it all possible.

A special thank you to Mix Bravos for conducting the choir this year and to Ms. Weingardt for being our amazing choir liaison. Your dedication and support have made all the difference!

Shoutout to the Prussing 7th and 8th grade Flag football team for an amazing season.

SHOUT OUT TO ALL OF THE GRADUATING 8th GRADERS!! We know how hard you worked to get here!

Please make sure that you fill out the High School Connection Interest Form. Click here for the link to the form: High School Connection Interest Form. Even if you filled it out for the high school you are going to, this one needs to be filled out as well.

If you would like more information about high school connection visit the website: https://www.cps.edu/academics/summer-programs/high-school-connection/

If you have any questions ask Ms. Keiper or Ms. Kelly. Thanks!

All Prussing Families - Tips on Summer programs to stay active and have fun!

Chicago Park District - They have TONS of low priced or Free activities all summer long!

Chicago Public Libraries - Keep up with reading this summer, they have a lot of fun programs and reading challenges this summer!

We hope you all have a safe and fun summer!

Here are some important numbers you should know:

988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

1-800-345-9049 - Screening, Adolescent, and Support Services (SASS)

Our LSSI clinician will be running a group in the community for parents beginning in mid August. If you have questions or are interested in participating, please contact Isabella Thompson at 773-663-8741 or ithompson9@cps.edu.

The next PTO meeting will be June 11th at 5pm, in the music room or you can join online. The link is on the Prussing website.

- Please follow the Prussing PTO Facebook page for the latest events.

Please join us for our last meeting of the year! Meet us in the music room at 5PM OR see our facebook page for a link to join virtually.

The Prussing PTO is excited to celebrate the last day of school! Enjoy free lemonade and ice pops at dismissal!

Thank you to everyone who voted! Our newly elected board looks forward to meeting you and serving in the 25/26 school year.

At our last LSC meeting this past Wednesday, Principal Zalar reviewed the school year 2025-2026 budget.

The next LSC meeting will be held on June 11th at 6 pm in the Multipurpose Room. You can attend in person or online. The link is always on the Prussing website.

Click on the button to see upcoming events!

If you would like to find archived newsletters, please visit our Facebook page or school website.