Panther Tracks

Dear District 46 Families,

Happy Spring!

As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to thank you for your continued support and partnership with our school community. We are so grateful to be in the Panther community and appreciate the role that it plays in fostering a positive and safe environment for students and staff.

We want to take a moment to remind families about the importance of responsible and respectful use of social media and technology. We ask for your help in reinforcing ROAR with your students. These four pillars of Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility, are the core values of PG.

Respect:

• Be Respectful and Kind: posts or comments that target/make fun of other students, staff, or school programs can be hurtful and lead to consequences, which may or may not include disciplinary protocols or legal action

Ownership:

• Think Before you Post: content shared online can spread quickly, may be difficult to remove once posted, and create unintended consequences

• Report Concerns: if you see something online that is unsafe, inappropriate, and/or threatening, please tell a trusted adult and administration at PG

• Inappropriate or harmful online behavior may result in school discipline and, in some cases, could lead to legal consequences

Attitude:

• Think Before you Post: content shared online can spread quickly, may be difficult to remove once posted, and create unintended consequences

Responsibility:

• Privacy: photos, videos, or screenshots of students and staff should not be shared, modified, or used without permission

• Use of School Logos and Images: school names, logos, and staff photos should not be used to create unofficial accounts or content

• Many social media accounts, such as TikTok, have a user profile requirement of 13 years of age per their terms and requirements

Our shared goal is to maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive school community, both in person and online. Thank you for partnering with us to guide students in making positive choices.

Looking for more resources on internet safety in McHenry County? Visit the Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County (https://mchenrycac.org/internet-safety/) for more information on keeping children safe on the internet.

Sincerely,

Jordan Master and Jessica McKenzie

This spring, we piloted a new parent pick-up procedure at the Junior High — moving car riders to Door 27 at the front of the building. The goal was a safer, more efficient dismissal, and we committed to families that we'd gather feedback before deciding what to do next year.

If you're a PGJH parent, please take two minutes to share your experience. Your feedback will directly shape our decision for the 2026–27 school year.

Take the Survey.

Fun Fair - April 24 (New Date)

MAP Testing- Week of May 4

Fine Arts Night and Open House - May 7 5:00-6:30

Book Fair - May 4-7

Spring Panther Hangout-May 8

Field Day - May 28

To help ensure the safety of our youngest students, an adult must be present at the bus stop for all ECE and Kindergarten drop-offs. If a parent/guardian is not available, the driver will bring the student back to school in order to maintain on time bus routes and keep other students on the bus safe and on schedule. If your child is brought back to school, office staff will contact the family to arrange for pick-up.

• Open for the 2026-2027 School Year.
• If you have concerns, please contact Jessica McKenzie at jmckenzie@dist46.org to set up time for a screener.

• Open for the 2026-2027 School year
• We have many openings for our 4 day morning groups!

Students celebrating our amazing administrative assistants, Missy Klimkowski and Sue Carolan!

Student Panther Buck Rewards!

Friday, May 8: Spring Panther Hangout

Wednesday, May 13: 8th Grade Celebration (see graphic and info below)

Thursday, May 21: 8th Grade at Great America

Friday, May 22: 8th Grade Picnic

Tuesday, May 26: 8th Grade Promotion

Stay tuned for information coming to families in regards to Promotion details!

On behalf of the PG PTO, we wanted to communicate the date for the 8th grade dinner night. Please save the date for May 13, from 6-8:30.

For any questions specific to this event, please reach out to Carla Hamilton at Hammy6275@gmail.com.

Please send any photos you want to pass along to the slideshow creators using the following email address:

pgjh2026@gmail.com

Happily Ever Before was an absolute hit-even a Tornado warning couldn't stop this production-the show must go on! We are so proud of our cast, crew, Mrs. Mate, and Mrs. O'Leary's teamwork to make this hilarious story come to life. Bravo!

Please make sure a current physical is on file. All students participating in clubs, activities, or athletics are required to complete the Extracurricular Code of Conduct form. The 2025–2026 form only needs to be completed once per school year and must be submitted before participation in any athletics or clubs begins.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, April 29th Meet @ Marengo High School

Marengo Address: 110 Franks Rd, Marengo, IL 60152

GO PANTHERS!

Practice Schedules HERE!

Tell us about your family.

The Brown Family is made up of myself, my husband Marty and our two children Chase and Emma. Both my husband and I are in the field of education working with middle school students. Chase is 8 years old, in 2nd grade, loves all things sports and video games. We are venturing into our first season of baseball. Emma is 4 years old, in preschool, loves to dance, sing, play outside, school, and anything that her big brother is doing.

What is something that makes you really proud?

I am really proud of the people my children are becoming. Though Chase and Emma are still young, they are kind and caring individuals who have their own personalities. I love that they push me to be a better person.

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby would have to be reading! Any chance I get to read is a win and adds to my day. My favorite genre to read is Historical Fiction. Lately, I have been getting more into audiobooks while driving to school. Oh, and listening to memoirs read by the author themselves!

What is your favorite food?

My all- time favorite food is tacos! I could eat a version of tacos any day of the week. And, I passed this down to my son.

What is something you have learned lately?

Learning never ends. Whether I am taking a class, reading a book, teaching and learning from my students, or slowing down to enjoy the small moments, learning is always happening.

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

I would probably be a cat. Cuddled up and lounging in the sun all day, napping as I see would be amazing.

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

The people. Everyday I get to come to PGJH and be with my friends. I get to share my life with some of the most amazing people who have become more than just colleagues and friends, they are my family.

What is the largest state in the US?

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).

Complete the weekly activity with your family!

Friday, April 25th-

PTO Fun Fair, 5-7:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 3rd-

PTO- Bowling with my Buddy

May 4th-8th-

Teacher Appreciation Week

Monday, May 4th-

PTO Meeting-7:00

Thursday, May 7th-

Open House/Fine Arts Night-5-6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19th-

Board of Education Meeting-7:00

Monday, May 25th-

No School, Memorial Day