Life on the Prairie

September 5th & 8th . . . MAP retakes

September 9th . . . PTO meeting . . . 9:15 AM

September 12th . . . 6th grade Party on the Prairie . . . 3:40 to 5:00 PM

September 15th . . . Back to School Night . . . 6:00 to 8:00 PM

September 15 -19th . . . Safety Week

September 26th . . . School portrait retakes

October 7th . . . Orchestra concert . . . 7 PM in the large gym

October 15th & 16th . . . Parent-teacher conferences

October 17th . . . NO SCHOOL

VIP (our photographers) will send emails to families with a direct link when students' private galleries are ready to view and order. Please watch your inboxes, as this should be happening soon!

If your student missed school on the 22nd or would like to participate in retakes, those will happen on September 26th. New this year, students must have an appointment to see a photographer. Please fill out this form to schedule your student's picture time.

Please join us from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Monday the 15th for Back to School Night. Be sure to print a copy (or have it on your phone) of your child's schedule so you can follow along in their footsteps!

Get ready for a week of reading excitement! From September 8–15, Prairie students will visit the Anderson’s Book Fair during the school day to explore books and create wish lists for purchases.

Families are invited to shop the fair during Back-to-School Night on Monday, September 15th, when caregivers can purchase the titles their students are most excited about.

Prefer online shopping? Anderson’s Bookshop offers the same great selection on their website—so you can browse and buy any time. View the book fair online flyer here.

Every purchase keeps students inspired to read!

Dear Prairie Families,

I want to share an important health update about our school community. We have a staff member with a severe, airborne latex allergy that can trigger anaphylaxis. While it isn’t possible to guarantee a completely latex-free environment, we are committed to taking reasonable steps to reduce exposure and maintain a safe setting for everyone.

To help support this effort, we ask that families:

• Do not send latex balloons to school. Mylar/foil balloons are a safe alternative.
  

• Be mindful when sending in supplies or materials that could contain latex. If you are unsure, feel free to check with our school nurse.

Thank you for helping us create a caring and safe environment at Prairie. Your cooperation ensures that our focus can remain on what matters most—learning, growth, and the success of everyone within our Prairie family.

With gratitude,

Travis Lobbins
Principal, Prairie Campus

This school year we are launching a new initiative—B Here, B Now, B Engaged—to support students in focusing on learning, connecting with peers, and minimizing distractions. We want to be clear: we are pro-technology, but anti-distraction. Technology is a powerful tool for learning, but only when used responsibly and at the right times.

What’s Changing?

• School iPads: We have added new protections to ensure student devices are used for learning. YouTube access has been restricted, and a new web filter has been installed that works both at school and at home.

• Personal Devices: Students will now be required to keep personal devices “off and out of sight” during the school day. This includes cell phones, smart watches, headphones, and similar items.

Intervention Steps for Misuse:

1. First instance – Teacher will hold the device until the end of the class period.

2. Second instance – Device will be held until the end of the school day.

3. Third instance – Device will be sent to the office, where a parent/guardian will need to pick it up.

We believe these steps will help reduce distractions and support students in being present, focused, and engaged in their learning. Thank you for partnering with us to make this a successful school year!

Due to a change in school code by the Illinois State Board of Education, this year a medical note is required from parents/guardians who select the: “MEDUE: Medical/Dental Appointment” excuse option for their student in Infinite Campus or call their student out of school for a medical/dental appointment.

The revised school code defines "valid cause" for an absence as any of the following:

• illness, including the mental or behavioral health of the student;
• attendance at a verified medical or therapeutic appointment;
• appointment with a victim services provider.

Please note that the student’s absence will be marked "unexcused" in Infinite Campus until a note is provided. If the student is not returning to school on the day of the appointment, it can be brought to school the following day.

We understand this is a change in practice from previous years. Please know that our front office is here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Check out our fall sports offerings!