Meadowlark Messenger

Lark Families,

What a wonderful October we had together! From our incredible Trunk or Treat event to exciting field trips and deep classroom learning, our students have been shining. It has been joyful to see curiosity, creativity, and connection in action as we continue our schoolwide focus on Depth and Complexity—helping students think critically, see multiple perspectives, and build understanding across subjects.

Bullying Prevention Month

As you know, we are using the Second Step program in your child’s classroom. The Second Step program teaches important skills for getting along with others, solving problems, and making safe, respectful choices. To build on that foundation, we are introducing the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit.

Through these lessons, students will learn specific skills to help stop bullying. They will learn how to:

• Recognize when bullying is happening (bullying is repeated, one-sided, and intentionally mean)
• Report bullying to a caring adult
• Refuse to let bullying happen to themselves or others
• Be a bystander who stands up and is part of the solution

No Place for Hate Pledge

We launched Bullying Prevention Month with our No Place for Hate Pledge! Students, staff, families, and community members signed their names on a star to help our school be “A Universe with No Space for Hate: Embracing Every Star.”

Each person in our community promises to:

1. Treat everyone fairly and respectfully.

2. Act as an ally or seek help from a trusted adult if someone is being hurt or bullied.

3. Help others feel safe and included in school.

4. Do their part to make our school No Place for Hate.

For bullying prevention to work, everyone plays an important role. Please remind your child that it’s always okay to ask for help or speak up if they see or experience bullying. Together, we can ensure that every student feels safe, seen, and valued at Prairie Hills. If you have any questions about the Bullying Prevention Unit or the Second Step program, please reach out to Adrienne Foubert for more information.

Captain Compassion and Antibullying Superhero Day

Upstanders, assemble! Captain Compassion and sidekick Kid Kinder have returned to empower students to recognize, report, and refuse bullying in all its forms. Each week, classes will follow a new Captain Compassion webcomic adventure to help students discover and use their “upstander powers.”

Join us in celebrating Antibullying Superhero Day on Friday, November 21! Students and staff are invited to dress as superheroes who stand up for kindness, respect, and inclusion. Together, we’ll make sure our galaxy stays bright and welcoming for all!

Warmly,

Stephanie Auday

Principal

Jennifer Hetrick

Assistant Principal

At Prairie Hills we believe in the importance of feedback and recognition and would like to invite you in recognizing staff within our community that exemplify the vision of Prairie Hills. Please help us nominate exceptional staff who support us in building a Thriving, Innovating and Nurturing Community. To nominate Lark Staff, please click on the link below. We will be recognizing two staff members per month based on nominations during our PRIDE celebrations.

Check out all the happenings at Prairie Hills Elementary this month- Picture Retakes, Young Ameritowne and much more- click the calendar linked here.

• At Prairie Hills Elementary, we have many students with serious food allergies—including nuts, eggs, certain fruits, and coconut. To help keep all students safe and included, please do not send or distribute any food-related treats, including during the school day or at dismissal. If you’d like to send in birthday treats, please limit these to non-food items (such as stickers, pencils, or small trinkets). Additionally, please remind your student that sharing food with others is not allowed at any time. This includes snacks, lunches, and after-school treats. Your cooperation helps protect our students from allergic reactions—including life-threatening anaphylaxis—and ensures that every child feels safe, included, and cared for at school. Thank you for your support, Collyn Knoles RN, BSN.
• For more information about important building-wide procedures please check-out our Student Handbook located on our school web page linked here.

• As we approach the holiday season, we want to ensure that all families have access to the resources they may need. If you are in need of resources or community support, please email or call me at teresa.c.coen@adams12.org, (720) 972-8796. I will collect names and needs confidentially. We kindly ask that you reach out by November 28th so we can provide the necessary support. With warm regards, Teresa Coen, School Social Worker
• HERO Kids Sports is Hiring! - Looking for a fun and rewarding way to make a difference? Coaches receive full training, equipment, and support to inspire youth ages 2-12 through play, teamwork, and movement. Whether you’re leading afterschool sessions, preschool activities, or weekend events, you’ll help kids build confidence and have fun. Apply today and become a HERO!
• Start the Conversation - Nov 5, 2pm, virtual. You don’t have to be an expert to talk with your teen about vaping and nicotine. This free, 90-minute virtual workshop designed for parents and caregivers of youth ages 11–24 will provide practical, youth-informed strategies and tools to build trust and talk with young people. Register at this link.
• Operation Freebird Food Giveaway and Resource Fair - Nov 22, 10am-2pm, Mountain States Toyota. Scroll down for the flier.
• Brothers Redevelopment Offers Adams County Residents Up to $10,000 for Homeownership, Business, or Education - To learn more about this program visit Brothers Redevelopment.