March Monthly Update

Mission: At Grand Prairie, we dedicate ourselves to creating a caring and safe learning environment for our students while partnering with our families to teach the whole child.

March is a special month at Grand Prairie Elementary as we celebrate Reading Month and embrace the many cultural traditions happening around the world!

In addition to celebrating literacy, we also recognize the richness of our diverse community. This month, we honor Read Across America Day (March 2), Ramadan (beginning February 28), Holi (March 14), Nowruz (March 20), and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). These celebrations highlight themes of renewal, reflection, and togetherness. We encourage families to explore books that reflect different cultures and traditions, fostering understanding and appreciation among our students.

Let’s make March a month of learning, celebration, and connection. Thank you for your continued support in making Grand Prairie a place where every student thrives!

Happy Reading & Best Wishes for Those Celebrating!

students.

Happy reading! 📚

Books about trailblazing women! Click the photo below to learn more.

During arrival and dismissal we need cars to pull as far forward as possible to the next car. Please do NOT park behind this red line shown on the image above. This causes cars to not be able to get in our arrival and dismissal lines. We also should NOT be entering Grand Prairie property until 3:30pm. PE will start being outside and student will be on the playground.

Students who bring back packets by Friday, March 14th, will earn a prize and a green ticket!

Students who bring back packets by Friday, March 28th, will earn a green ticket!

New student/Kindergarten registration opens March 4th. Registration paperwork can be found on the district website or in bins located in front of the school.

Cultural Celebrations Around the World – March Highlights

March is a month filled with cultural and historical celebrations! Here are some important events happening around the world

• Women's History Month: Observed throughout March, honoring the achievements and contributions of women.

• Holi: March 14, 2025. This Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

  
  

• Ramadan: Begins on the evening of February 28, 2025, and ends on the evening of March 30, 2025. This sacred month for Muslims involves fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, and reflection.

  
  

• St. Patrick’s Day: March 17, 2025. A celebration of Irish heritage, often marked by parades, music, and wearing green.

• International Women’s Day: March 8, 2025. A global day recognizing and advocating for women's rights and equality.

• Nowruz: March 21, 2025. The Persian New Year, celebrating renewal, nature, and the start of spring.

• Earth Hour: March 29, 2025. A global movement where people turn off lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate action.

We encourage our Grand Prairie families to take time this month to learn about and appreciate the many cultures and traditions that make our world so vibrant!

Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) for 3rd-5th Graders

This spring, our 3rd-5th grade students will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), a statewide test that helps us see how well students are learning important skills in math and English language arts (ELA). The test is designed to match what students are learning in class and helps teachers understand where students are doing well and where they might need extra support. While doing their best is important, we encourage students to see this as a chance to show what they know! A good night's sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a positive attitude will help students feel confident and ready to shine! 😊📚✏️

The survey gives feedback to Mrs. Moss & Mr. Bialon in the following areas about Grand Prairie:

• Effective Leaders: Mrs. Moss & Mr. Bialon work with teachers to implement a clear and strategic vision for school success.
• Collaborative Teachers: Grand Prairie teachers collaborate to promote students’ growth.
• Involved Families: The entire Grand Prairie staff builds strong relationships with families and communities to support learning.
• Supportive Environment: Grand Prairie is safe and orderly. Grand Prairie teachers have high expectations for students and support students to realize their goals. Grand Prairie students also support one another.
• Ambitious Instruction: Classes are academically demanding and engage students by emphasizing the application of knowledge.