The Pritchett Post -- 8/21/26

I hope everyone is excited about the start of a new school year! It was wonderful to be back with children this week! We don't know who was more excited, the students or the teachers! As expected, there were some glitches, and we are working through them. Please know the first two weeks of a new school year are a learning curve for all -- parents, students and teachers. Thank you for your enthusiasm, patience, and partnership as we begin this amazing school year!

Attached to this newsletter, please find several "Panther Pride" pictures taken on the first day of school. To enlarge the picture, simply click on it.

For your children,

Dr. Moreland, Principal

We want to share specific information with you regarding the Parent Only Open House scheduled for September 1. This special evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. with an optional meeting with Dr. Moreland and Mrs. Robinson in the gymnasium. It is a special welcome session designed especially for families who are new to Pritchett.

Starting at 5:30 p.m. classroom teachers will open their doors to welcome families and share important details about the school year. You’ll hear about classroom routines, expectations, and curricular goals. The evening also provides a chance to learn about additional programs and services, as well as meet other teachers your child may work with during the 2026–2027 school year

Please see the attachment below for our evening's agenda, room numbers, and a map of the building.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I want to take a moment to highlight just how important regular school attendance is for your child’s academic success and personal growth. Every day in school truly makes a difference. Why Attendance Matters:

1. Learning and Achievement
   Each lesson builds on the one before it. When students attend regularly, they stay on track with classwork, participate in discussions, and are better prepared to succeed academically.

2. Friendships and Social Skills
   School is where children learn to work with others, build friendships, and develop communication skills. Regular attendance gives them more opportunities to connect and grow socially.

3. Responsibility and Work Habits
   Showing up every day teaches responsibility, commitment, and the value of effort — traits that will help your child now and in the future.

4. Staying on Track
   Absences can make it difficult for students to catch up and may lead to frustration or falling behind. Being present helps your child feel confident and engaged.

5. Future Success
   Consistent attendance lays the foundation for future success in school, college, and careers, where being present and dependable matters.

Tips to ensure daily attendance:

• Set a Routine: Ensure a regular bedtime and morning schedule so your child is ready for school each day.

• Stay Organized: Keep an eye on the school calendar and upcoming events.

• Communicate with Us: If challenges arise that affect attendance, please reach out — we are here to help.

• Encourage and Celebrate: Talk about the importance of attending school and celebrate your child’s efforts to be present.

Thank you for partnering with us to make school attendance a top priority. Together, we can ensure that every child has the best opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

If you are driving your child, please note that students will not be able to enter the building nor exit their vehicle prior to 8:50 a.m. Staff will be present out front in our car drop-off line each morning. Students are dismissed between 3:25 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Please Note:

• Cars need to approach the school traveling south on Horatio Blvd.

• Cars may only make a right-hand turn into the parking lot.

• Cars may only make a right-hand turn to exit the parking lot.

• Parents need to remain in their cars during drop-off and pick-up.

• Cars need to pull all the way forward to the marked “Stop Here” sign.

• Parents need to stay “in line.” Please follow the car ahead of you.

• Illinois State law prohibits cell phone use in a school zone.

Cars may begin lining up to pick up their child no earlier than 3:10 p.m. If you plan on picking up your child at the end of the school day, please print the "Student Pick-Up Sign" below. Please display it on your dashboard, closest to the passenger side of the car. This particular sign lets the pick-up supervisors quickly identify your child, their grade level, and their teacher. Displaying this sign will add to the efficiency of our pick-up process. Thank you! (Please see the map below)

For example, if your child takes the bus every day and you are picking them up for a doctor's appointment at 2:30, please send a note that morning. In an 'emergency' situation you may send an email to Ms. Barraza via email at ibarraza@d102.org. Unfortunately, we will not be able to honor any emails/calls after 3 pm.

Welcome to the After School Program (ASP) at Pritchett School! Each trimester, Pritchett's ASP provides 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students with a fun way to stay right here at Pritchett and try something new on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes include sports, arts, STEM, and more. We encourage you to review the course descriptions with your child. It's a great opportunity to extend the school day with fun and friends. Registration opens Tuesday, August 25th at 9:15 AM!

For detailed information, click the link below!

First Student has implemented a new bus monitoring system called FIRSTacts. This system quickly and efficiently captures inappropriate behavior and instantly shares it with Dr. Moreland and Mrs. Robinson. Students who are reported will receive communication through email regarding their child's misconduct. Various disciplinary measures will be issued including suspension from riding the school bus.

To ensure the safest transportation possible for all of our students, please take a moment to review the following bus etiquette with your child:

• Remain seated, facing forward
• K-3 students must sit in their assigned seat
• No eating or drinking on the bus
• Use inside voices

If you have specific questions about FIRSTActs please reach out to our Director of Transportation, Ms. Denise Koto (dkoto@d102.org) or First Student.

Welcome to the new 2026-2027 school year! I am looking forward to seeing all of your kids. My name is Mrs. Priscilla Lowe, and I am the nurse at Pritchett School. Please do not hesitate to call or email me with any health concerns or questions. 847.955.3508.

If you have a child with life threatening food allergies who requires epinephrine, an inhaler for asthma, a seizure disorder, or a daily medication, please reach out to me ASAP to help with the necessary steps to have these medications in school.

Just a reminder, children may not bring prescription medications or over-the-counter medications to school without a medication authorization form signed by their doctor. I have provided the link from the D102 website where you can download this form. Click Here. Please remember ALL medications must be in the original bottles or boxes, and brought to school by an adult.

Please follow this link if you have questions about immunizations, physical, dental, and vision forms. Links to forms are on the bottom of the page.

I am looking forward to a happy, safe, and healthy school year with your children!

Priscilla Lowe, RN, BSN, PEL-Certified School Nurse

plowe@d102.org

Phone: (847) 353-5708
Fax: (847) 215-3259

August 24: Kindergarten drop-in (9:30 to 11:30)

August 25: First Full Day of School for Kindergarten

August 28: Bus evacuation practice drill

September 1: Open House for Grades 1st-3rd

Office Phone Number: 847.353-5700

Fax Number: 847.215.3259

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Student Hours: 9:00am - 3:30pm

Health Office

Mrs. Priscilla Lowe, Nurse

Attendance Line: 847.353.5703

Email: mmoreland@d102.org
Website: https://www.d102.org/pritchett/
Phone: (847) 363-5700

Email: arobinson@d102.org
Website: https://www.d102.org/pritchett/
Phone: (847) 353-5700