Panther Tracks

The Board appointed Dr. Joseph Bailey and Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis as Interim Superintendents, effective immediately. They will lead District 46 through the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year, ahead of the official start of incoming Superintendent Victoria Larsen on July 1, 2026.

Dr. Bailey brings extensive experience in district finance, operations, and organizational leadership, having served as superintendent in Medinah School District 11 for 10 years and Lincolnwood School District 74 for five years. His work has included guiding districts through complex financial and operational challenges and strengthening systems to support long-term sustainability.

Dr. Sharma-Lewis recently retired after 15 years as a superintendent in Illinois, most recently serving Diamond Lake School District 76. She is widely recognized for strengthening district culture, improving communication practices, and deepening staff and community engagement while maintaining a strong focus on student success.

About the Leadership Structure

The dual-interim model ensures continuous superintendent oversight while complying with state limits on the number of days retired superintendents may work in a school year. Dr. Bailey and Dr. Sharma-Lewis will share time in the district and responsibilities to ensure consistent leadership and full coverage throughout the transition.

Together, Dr. Bailey and Dr. Sharma-Lewis will:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of district operations, finances, and systems

• Listen closely to staff perspectives and experiences

• Identify strengths and areas for improvement

• Prepare clear recommendations so our incoming superintendent can begin with a strong foundation

Next Steps

Dr. Bailey and Dr. Sharma-Lewis will begin their work immediately by meeting with District 46 staff tomorrow, Thursday, January 8. As they settle into the district, they will share information with families and community members about how to connect with them, ask questions, and provide input.

District 46 is at a pivotal moment that demands clarity, transparency, and trust. The Board, alongside the interim leaders and our incoming superintendent, is approaching this period with a focus on listening, assessing, and setting the stage for long-term success.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of District 46 and its students.

We are excited to announce our launch of our bus tracking software for parents, My Ride K-12. Tyler Technologies' My Ride K-12 is a parent-focused app and web portal for real-time school bus tracking, offering live GPS location, estimated arrival times (ETAs), bus stop info, and instant alerts for delays or changes, syncing with the district's student transportation software for peace of mind and reduced school calls, allowing parents to see their child's journey from pickup to drop-off. Please view the directions on how to download the app.

Parent/Guardians of students Grades 6-8 received an email this week regarding Suicide Prevention Training presentations that will be held in January and early February for students. Please read your email for that very important update. If you have any questions and/or do not want your child to participate in the SOS program, please contact our school social worker, Kayla Dinkelmann (Kdinkelmann@dist46.org), prior to the program date.

Staff have been trained in the QPR method and parents have the opportunity to register to attend an online parent seminar about QPR, led by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Please use the following flyer to register if you are interested.

The following presentation dates are scheduled for students:

• 8th Grade Student Training - Thursday, January 22nd

• 7th Grade Student Training - Thursday, January 29th

• 6th Grade Student Training - Thursday, February 5th

All students joining clubs, activities, or athletics are required to complete the Extracurricular Code of Conduct. 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

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, January 13th

Scholastic Bowl @ Hannah Beardsley

8th Grade Girls basketball Home VS Carpentersville

7th Grade Girls basketball @ Carpentersville

Wednesday, January 14th

Girls Basketball Team Photos

6th Grade Girls Basketball @ Harvard

Scholastic bowl is a competition where students in grades 6-8 compete in a quiz style game on a variety of academic subjects to earn points for our team. Prairie Grove’s team will officially begin competing against local middle schools in mid-January. If interested, please contact Mrs. Meyers or Mrs. Devine!

The mobile dentist will be returning to PG on January 30th, offering services here at the school for a reduced price. Online registration is now open for completion at Mobile Dentist.

The Prairie Ridge High School Booster Club is excited to welcome incoming eighth-grade students and families at the annual High School Kickoff on Thursday, January 15, from 6–8 PM. After the welcome presentation and electives breakout sessions, stop by the Booster Club table in the gymnasium. We’ll have a wide selection of Wolves spirit wear available for purchase (cash, card or mobile pay accepted)—perfect for getting your future Wolf ready for high school!

What is the only mammal that lays eggs?

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!