Indian Prairie Family Newsletter

School Vision: Our vision here at Indian Prairie is to provide an academically rigorous, structured, literacy-focused learning environment where all students strive to meet high expectations while acting peaceful, attentive, cooperative and kind.

School Mission: The Mission of Indian Prairie Elementary School is to create an environment that nurtures young children to be responsible, productive, life-long learners and to promote high academic achievement, family participation, community involvement and an exemplary staff and encourage the unique abilities of each student

Dear Indian Prairie Families,

I hope this newsletter finds you well! We have an exciting and busy week ahead as we prepare for our MSTEP assessments field trips.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment.

Warm regards,

Ms. Nelson

Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade is hosting Community Input Sessions on four dates for staff and parents to ask questions or share comments on any district-related topic.

The session for Indian Prairie, Northglade, and Woodward will be held at King-Westwood on Monday, April 13, at 6:00 p.m.

There is no need to register in advance to attend.

Thank you.

🎉🌸 The Spring Carnival is Coming! 🌸🎉

The Indian Prairie Spring Carnival is happening on May 2nd from 2:00–4:30 PM and we are so excited! 🎪🎈
But we need YOUR help to make this fun-filled event happen!
We are looking for at least 15 volunteers to help run games and activities throughout the carnival. This is a great way to support our students and help create a memorable afternoon for everyone! 💛
We would love help from:
✨ Parents
✨ High School Students
✨ Middle School Students
Even volunteering for a short time makes a big difference! 🙌
If you're able to help, please sign up and be part of making this Spring Carnival amazing for our kids! 🌷🎯🍿

We’ll have:
✨ Bounce house obstacle courses & slides
🎯 Games for all ages
🎁 Fun prizes
🎉 Lots of smiles and excitement!
🎟 Wristbands are available for pre-order for just $5 (children 4 and over).
👶 Adults and children under 4 are FREE!

Skip the line and pre-order your wristbands for easier entry, or purchase at the door (cash only).
Thank you for helping bring the fun to Indian Prairie! 🎉

Spring Carnival Volunteer Sign Up

Arrive to School On Time: Late Arrivals will not be permitted to enter their classrooms during the MSTEP test, as it would interrupt our students. Ensure your student arrives to school on time daily.
Prioritize Rest: Ensure they are getting a good night’s sleep (9–11 hours is recommended for elementary students!)
Fuel Up: A healthy, protein-rich breakfast helps sustain focus throughout the morning.
Keep it Positive: Encourage them to simply do their best and take their time.
Snack Donations for your Classroom: Chips, pretzels, granola bars, drink boxes.

Are you a patient and enthusiastic individual who enjoys working with children? We are seeking an activity helper to supervise students during lunch and recess for two hours each day. The time frame is from 11:30 to 1:30. If you or someone you know is interested, please email me at nelsontm@kalamazoopublicschools.net.

Thank you.

Meet the Author

Saturday, April 11 | 3–5 pm

Chenery Auditorium: 714 S. Westnedge Ave

Kalamazoo Public Library is excited to welcome Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author of our 2026 Reading Together selection Take My Hand, to Kalamazoo.

Join us at Chenery Auditorium for a moderated conversation with the author, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.

Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling author of Wench, Balm, Take My Hand, and most recently Happy Land. Take My Hand received national recognition and was awarded the 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction.

This is a chance to hear directly from the author and be part of a shared community conversation around this year’s Reading Together title.