Panther Tracks

Mrs. Master joined the opening ceremony and competitions in her toga this week to participate in the Greek Olympics!

Congratulations to the following students who are being recognized for Young Authors:

2nd Grade: Jayden Salvaras

3rd Grade: Kailey Neirmann

4th Grade: Jacob Gieseke

5th grade: Saanvi Banda

6th grade: Sofia Lawal

7th grade: Gabriella Barbieri

8th grade: Elena Carter

We look forward to celebrating these students at our March 10 Board Meeting.

• The survey, administered online by UChicago Impact for the Illinois State Board of Education, measures five key indicators: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environments, and Ambitious Instruction to assess school learning environment and effectiveness.

• Research shows schools strong in at least three of these areas are 10 times more likely to improve student learning in math and reading.

• Teachers and students in grades 4–8 will participate during the school day.

• The survey is confidential, takes only a few minutes, and students who return completed raffle tickets can be entered to win fun prizes as a thank-you for participation.

All of the following criteria must be met in order for students or staff to return to school:

• 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication

• Without any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without the use of medications

• Feeling well enough to attend and participate in the learning environment

• We are pleased to announce that our school will once again participate in the Kids Heart Challenge, beginning February 10 and continuing through March 13. This program, in partnership with the American Heart Association, promotes heart health, kindness, and physical activity.
• Students in grades K–4 will take part in this year’s challenge, building on the incredible success of last year, when our school community raised over $18,000 to support heart research and education!
• Information and participation materials will be sent home with students after the kickoff on February 10. We look forward to another successful and meaningful challenge this year.

• 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.

Fourth grade students did an amazing job at their band concert this week. Shout out to all the students and their director Mr. Crylen!

Staff of the Month - Not Pictured Mrs. Cook

Mr. Steinsdoerfer

• Don't forget to fill out the 8th Grade End Year Activities Survey: 8th Grade End of Year Activities Form

Prairie Ridge High School has invited PGJH to participate in different leadership opportunities for Women's History Month. On March 19, PR students and staff will offer a student leadership workshop for ten female 5th grade students here at PGJH. In addition, PR students and staff will offer a student leadership workshop for all 8th grade female students in the afternoon on March 19 at Prairie Ridge High School. Mrs. Master and Ms. Cotton will accompany students for this opportunity. All 8th grade female students will receive a permission slip to attend this optional event.

Something magical is brewing on our stage! Our PG Junior High Players are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming production of Happily Ever Before by Tracy Wells, arranged by Pioneer Drama Services. Since our first auditions on January 22nd, our cast of 35 along with our dedicated crew have been working tirelessly four days a week—running lines, perfecting blocking, and building the world of the play—to bring this spectacular show to life.

You won’t want to miss this star-studded storybook ensemble, featuring three Princesses, three Prince Charmings, seven Dwarfs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, and Little Red Riding Hood. Guiding the way are the Fairy Godmother and the Pink and Blue Fairies, but they’ll have their work cut out for them! No tale is complete without a bit of trouble, provided by our Wicked Queen, Wicked Stepmother, the Dark Fairy, and that mischievous duo: Rumpelstiltskin and his twin sister, Rumbellina. Every student on stage and behind the scenes is pouring their heart into this performance, and we can’t wait to share the magic with you on April 17th and 18th at 7:00 PM. Mark your calendars for a night of fairy-tale fun!

Mrs. Mate presents to the staff about google classroom tips and tricks!

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

5th-8th Grade Track Practice Schedule:

Tuesday, March 10th Track Practice 2:40-4:30

Wednesday, March 11th Track Practice 2:40-4:30

Thursday, March 12th Student Council's Faculty VS 8th Grade Boys and Girls Basketball 4:00-6:00

Friday, March 13th No Track Practice

Monday, March 16th Track Practice 2:40-4:30

Tuesday, March 17th Track Practice 2:40-4:30

Wednesday, March 18th Track Practice 2:40-4:30

Thursday, March 19th Track Practice 2:40-4:30

Friday, March 20th No Track Practice

GO PANTHERS!

Tell us about your family.

We are a family of 5! My husband and I have been married for 16 years. We have 3 kids, Norah(13), Hadley(10), and Logan(7). They all play sports including Force Soccer, Travel softball, and dance. We have a dog named Copper and he is 5. We live in Crystal Lake and love being outdoors and playing board games together.

What is something that makes you really proud?

The impact that I have had and continue to have with students throughout the many years I have been teaching. Sometimes when you are teaching you don’t realize how deep your impact goes until they tell you at a certain moment and then you are just like, “Wow! I had no idea!” I had a student from last year that couldn’t tie his shoes and we worked on it together all year. This year when he saw me the first thing he said was,”Mrs. Adams guess what?! I can tie my shoes!” It was such a fun moment!

What is your favorite hobby?

Sitting with my coffee mug in the morning on my patio with my dog Copper or going for walks with my dog.

What is your favorite food?

Pasta

What is something you have learned lately?

Life is so fleeting. Embrace every little moment and do the things that you hesitate doing, no regrets. Everything teaches you something.

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

An otter, I think they are so cute, loving, and fun!

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

I am lucky to teach on both sides of the building each day and get to know every grade level kindergarten through 8th grade. It’s fun having all the conversations, hello’s, high fives, good mornings, and everything in between with all the students of PG!

What is the Illinois State Flower?

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!

Tuesday, March 10th

Board of Education Meeting, 7:00

Thursday, March 12th

8th Grade Girls and Boys Basketball teams VS Faculty 4:00-6:00 JH Gym

Wednesday, March 18th

PTO McTeacher Night, 4:00

March 23-March 27

No School, Spring Break

Friday, April 3rd-

No School

Monday, April 6th-

PTO Meeting, 7:00