Panther Tracks

Congratulations to these amazing students, who were recognized at the March Board Meeting for winning the Young Author competition for their grade level:

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

For any questions about transportation, please contact the transportation office: 815-444-4354

Students in grades 3-8 will participate in IAR testing the week of April 6th.It is very important that our parents and students approach this assessment with seriousness and commitment, as the results serve as a valuable tool to inform instructional strategies and identify areas where additional support may be needed. Furthermore, the outcomes of this assessment contribute significantly to our Illinois State Report Card.

To best support your child during this testing period, here are a few tips to help your child do their best on the test:

1. Get enough Zzz's: Make sure they're getting good sleep, especially the night before the test. A regular bedtime routine can really help here.

2. Breakfast of champions: A healthy breakfast sets them up for success. Think whole grains, protein, and fresh fruit.

3. Stay positive: Remind them to do their best, but not to stress about making mistakes. A positive attitude goes a long way.

4. Test-taking smarts: Talk about strategies like reading instructions carefully, managing time, and double-checking their work.

5. Be their cheerleader: Let them know you're rooting for them, no matter what. Positive reinforcement is key!

6. Headphones: Remind them to make sure their headphones are at school.

As always, we deeply appreciate your ongoing support and partnership, especially as we navigate through this critical assessment period. Thank you for your continued collaboration.

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

• 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.

Mrs. Ledinsky's ECE class has some amazing student initiated work!

Great job to our amazing Young Authors. These students each submitted a writing piece to be considered for the contest. Each got a pen and certificate!

• Don't forget to fill out the 8th Grade End Year Activities Survey: 8th Grade End of Year Activities Form
• If you complete the survey by TODAY, then your name will be entered for a chance to win front row seats to graduation!

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.

8th Grade Girls: Please turn in your permission slip as soon as possible for this opportunity!

Congratulations to all of the Junior High students who participated in Young Authors this year! Each Panther got a certificate and a special pen as a reminder to keep being creative and writing!

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:

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.

My family is my pride and joy! My husband Brian and I live in Oakwood Hills. We’ve been married for almost 43 years (Yikes!) and we have three beautiful adult kids: Jon, Julia, and Ben. All of them attended Kindergarten through 8th grade right here at Prairie Grove. In the last two years, we have also been blessed with three perfect grandchildren: Carson (22 months,) Kieran (6 months) and Ella (3 months.)

What is something that makes you really proud?

Something that makes me really proud is seeing my students grow and thrive. I also really love seeing/hearing from former students when they reach out or come back to visit. At home, I am so proud to watch my own “kids” grow up to become great people and awesome adults. And seeing them become wonderful, loving parents to their own kids? Well, it just doesn’t get any better than that!

What is your favorite hobby?

I love to cook and I always enjoy trying new recipes. I also love to read, go to the beach, do crossword puzzles, and take long walks in the summer.

What is your favorite food?

I like almost everything, but if I had to choose a favorite meal, I’d say Malnati’s pizza & salad followed by an ice cream treat from Dairy Queen.

What is something you have learned lately?

Since I will retire at the end of this year, I have recently learned a lot about the ins and outs of Social Security and Medicare (Bor-ing!) But I have also learned recently that there is no greater feeling than to have my grandchild reach for me or run into my open arms.

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

I think I would like to be an otter because like an otter, I am curious, playful, and (sometimes) a little mischievous. Also, I’m happiest when I’m working or laughing with my friends and family.

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

I love so many things about Prairie Grove: my students past and present, the hundreds of families I have gotten to know through the years, and my colleagues, who truly have become my second family. My MOST favorite thing about Prairie Grove is that my daughter (aka Mrs. Williams) teaches here too. I really love that.

Tell us about your family.

Bob and I have been married for 30 yrs. in April, Hailey is 27 with a degree in printmaking and percussion from Carthage, Braiden is 24 with a degree in Education from Carroll University, my mom is 93 (she doesn’t live with us, but I communicate with her daily), Brody is our 11 yr. old black lab.

What is something that makes you really proud?

My family and friends

What is your favorite hobby?

Watching movies-especially docu dramas

What is your favorite food?

Tater tots

What is something you have learned lately?

Create experiences in the present and don’t wait, life is too short.

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

My dog because he’s living the best life!

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

That I get to come to a place that I enjoy with people I have fun with….it’s like I’m getting paid to hang out with my friends- also that I’m appreciated.

What is the only flying mammal?

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!

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

Tuesday, April 21st-

Board of Education Meeting, 7:00