The Weekly Update #4

We appreciate your input as we begin planning student class assignments for the upcoming fall term. The questions below are designed to help us better understand your child’s educational needs, personality, and any other factors you feel are important for their success. Please feel free to answer the questions openly and provide as much detail as you believe is helpful.

The information you share will be considered along with teacher recommendations when determining class placements. Class assignments are based on a variety of factors, including gender balance, academic needs, behavior, and social dynamics. To ensure a balanced process, requests for specific teachers cannot be accommodated.

As we plan for next year, some teachers may shift grade levels due to changes in the number of class sections at each grade level. For the 2026–2027 school year, Prospect will have three sections of Kindergarten, First Grade, Third Grade, and Fifth Grade, and two sections of Second Grade and Fourth Grade.

If you have a specific concern regarding your child’s placement, please contact the school office at 630-861-4401 to arrange a meeting with Mrs. Cummings. Mrs. Weaser will assist in scheduling.

Completing the Parent Input Form is optional. It is available for families who would like to share additional information that may assist us in making thoughtful placement decisions.

The form will close on Friday, April 24th at 3:30.

Input Form

“Eat the Rainbow” Optional Challenge

Attention Panthers: This year the EcoPanthers are challenging you to make earth and health-conscious choices. Starting the week of 4/21, we hope you accept the challenge of “Eating the Rainbow”. Your task will be to try and eat colorful fruits and vegetables from the Eat the Rainbow flyer. You can wear the colors that represent the fruits and veggies each day too! Use your flyer to keep track of the various fruits and vegetables you try each day.

By eating more fruits and vegetables for each meal, you will not only fuel your body with nutritious foods, you will also help to create less waste. Don’t forget to compost your scraps at lunch, too!

Earn Paws!

On Friday, April 24th, 5th grade EcoPanthers will be visiting each classroom with Green Paws worth 5 points. If you have your Eat the Rainbow pages printed and completed you will earn the Green Paw. This special paw represents your extra effort in reducing waste and making healthier choices!

“Trashless Tuesdays”

In addition to Eating the Rainbow, we are promoting “Trashless Tuesday” during EARTH Week : TUESDAY APRIL, 21st! Every Tuesday moving forward, we will ask you to try and bring in a trashless lunch.

Tips on how to go “Trashless”:

Small changes can make a big difference for the environment!

1) Choose a reusable lunch box or bag. Skip paper bags.

2) Ditch plastics that are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. We’re talking about plastic utensils, straws, and zip-top bags.

3) Use a refillable bottle for all beverages. They’re not only for water. Plastic bottles and juice boxes contribute to our waste.

4) Opt for fresh, whole fruits instead of pre-packaged slices or pieces. Bananas and oranges come in their own natural packaging!

5) Say no to Styrofoam.

6) Refuse plastic and paper bags when picking up takeout.

7) Don’t overpack. Pack only what will be eaten to eliminate wasted food. We waste more than one-third of our food, according to national estimates.

8) Bring salad dressing, condiments and dips in reusable containers. This will reduce waste, plus those single-serving items can be expensive.

9) Start small. Take stock of your daily lunch and consider one item you could do without or replace with a more sustainable choice.

Remember to keep composting daily, too!!!

The Community House will be offering the Before and After the Bell programs at Prospect School to help meet the needs of our families.

The Community House Registration

For more information about either program, please contact Karen Kaspar at 630-323-7500 ext. 248 or at kkaspar@thecommunityhouse.org