Panther Tracks

Dear Families,

We are writing to share that there was damage to a portion of the exterior brick on one of our school buildings. This occurred several weeks ago, and on behalf of the Board of Education and district leadership team we want to assure you that there is no structural damage and no one was injured.

Thank you to the DC trip supervisors and students who made this year's DC trip so wonderful!

Congratulations to Korin G. for performing as the principal euphonium in the 2026 All-Illinois Junior Band this past weekend! The AIJB performed in the Foellinger Great Hall at the University of Illinois. And congratulations as well to Mackenzie M. who received an honorable mention for her excellent flute audition! You both make PG proud and represent our band program so well!

Each year, we work to make sure every student in our school receives the support they need to achieve success and experience positive outcomes on our campus. Ongoing screening in both academic and social, emotional, and behavioral functioning can identify students that need additional support to increase their academic performance and improve overall well-being.

Screening tools help school staff develop effective plans and allocate resources at the school, class, and individual levels. During the week of February 2nd, we will administer an SEL screener to all students in grades 3-8. JH students will take the Youth Needs Screener and 3rd and 4th graders will take Waypoints.

The results will be used as one data point in a proactive process that supports students with organizational strategies, social skills, coping strategies, and other supports that help them fully engage in their learning. Should our team identify your child as needing additional support, you will be notified just as you would with academic interventions.

We encourage every child to participate in the SEL Screeners as it gives us important information about addressing common needs at the school level and how to best support each student in our school.

If you decide that you would like to have your child not participate in the screener, please email your child’s building principal with your child's name and grade, Jordan Master (jmaster@dist46.org) or Jessica McKenzie (jmckenzie@dist46.org) by Friday, January 30th.

We appreciate the ongoing partnership with our families to ensure all students receive what they need and can experience success at Prairie Grove District 46.

As part of our commitment to supporting every student’s success, we regularly review attendance throughout the school year. Families will soon receive letters if their child has missed 10% (9 days) or more of the school year as of the Trimester 2 midterm or received a previous letter and now has 15% or more of the school year. These notifications are meant to keep you informed and to offer support if your family is facing challenges that make regular attendance difficult.

Please know that this is not a punishment and does not mean we have contacted truancy, but this is a proactive step to ensure students stay on track academically and feel connected at school. If you receive a letter and have any questions, please feel free to reach out and we can work together to support your child.

Thank you for your partnership in helping our students thrive every day!

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.

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 27th

6th Grade Girls basketball (A&B) Home VS Harvard 4:15 EL Gym

7th Grade Girls basketball (A&B) @ Harvard 4:15 JH Gym

8th Grade Girls basketball (A&B) Home VS Harvard 4:15 JH Gym

Scholastic Bowl @ Cary

Wednesday, January 28th

6th Grade Girls basketball (A&B) HOME VS Fox River Grove JH Gym

Thursday, January 29th

6th Grade Girls basketball (A&B) @ Big Hollow 4:15

7th Grade Girls basketball (A&B) @ Genoa Kingston 4:15

8th Grade Girls basketball (A&B) Home VS Genoa Kingston 5:00 JH Gym

Scholastic Bowl @ Bernotas

Friday, January 30th & Saturday, January 31st

7th & 8th Grade Girls basketball @ Johnsburg Tournament

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.

What was the coldest temperature recorded on earth?

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!