May 18, 2026

Hello Prairie Trail Families,

We made it to the last week of school!

As we close out another wonderful school year, we want to take a moment to thank our families for allowing us to be a part of your children’s lives. It is a true privilege to learn, grow, laugh, and celebrate alongside them each day. We love our students, and we are so proud of the incredible progress they have made this year—not only academically, but also in their confidence, maturity, friendships, independence, and self-esteem.

This year brought many successes, along with challenges that gave us opportunities to grow, persevere, problem-solve, and learn together. Our students have shown resilience, kindness, curiosity, and determination in so many ways. As the year comes to a close, we encourage you to take a moment with your child to reflect on their school year. Talk about their favorite memories, the things they learned, and the skills that may have felt difficult at the beginning of the year but now feel much easier. Celebrate the challenges they faced and the ways they worked through them. This is also a wonderful time to talk about goals, hopes, and dreams for the year ahead.

As we celebrate the end of a great school year, we are grateful for the partnership and support of our families. Thank you for sharing your children with us and for trusting us to help guide, encourage, and love them. We look forward to seeing all the amazing things they will continue to accomplish!

Only one more newsletter this year!

Warm regards,

Wendi Vaughn

Proud Prairie Trail Principal

Mark your calendars and treat yourself! Join us on Monday, May 18th from 5–9 PM for a sweet night out at Handel’s. We will have surprise guest scoopers! Be on the lookout on socials to see who will be there!

📍 2200 Justin Road, Highland Village

Bring your family, invite your friends, and don’t forget to mention Prairie Trail when you order—our school will receive a percentage of the proceeds! 🙌

It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy some delicious ice cream while supporting our school community. We hope to see you there! 🍒✨

YEARBOOKS are here and the extras are going on sale for $40, cash only.

Today (Monday), sales were open to all PTE Staff and 5th grade students.

Tuesday, May 12th sales will open to everyone.

Quantities are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. Any questions can be sent to yearbook advisor, Mrs. McKeon at mckeonb@lisd.net.

🎉 Hello PTE Parents! 🎉

Don’t forget to check out the Newsletter 📰 and Counseling Corner 💭 – they’re updated weekly with fun and helpful info, including our Guidance Lessons 🎓 and tips to support your child’s confidence, friendships, and emotional well-being 😊💖

Find lots of resources for McKinney Vento in the link below:

LISD Counseling Connection McKinney Vento Newsletter

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership! 🙌 We’re better together! 💫

Warmly,

Tori Cook, M. Ed.

Professional School Counselor

Prairie Trail Elementary

972.350.4067

Mrs. Cook’s Counseling Corner

May 18th - Handel's Spirit Night - 5:00-9:00 pm

May 21st - 5th Grade Celebration of Learning - 6:00-7:30 pm (outside)

May 22nd - Last Day of School (early release at 11:45 am)

5th - Find out who your child's teacher will be
8th - Popsicles with PTA - Welcome Event for ALL new Families!
10th - Meet the Teacher

Kinder ONLY - 4:15-5:15

1st-5th - 5:30-6:30
10th - Kinder Parent University - 6:45-7:45 pm

12th - First Day of School

12th - Tears and Cheers with PTA by the Cafe Door - Come have some coffee and donuts to shed a tear or give a cheer after dropping off your students

13th - 1st Grade Parent University - 5:00-6:00 pm

18th - 2nd Grade Parent University - 5:00-6:00 pm

18th - 3rd Grade Parent University - 6:00-7:00 pm

20th - 4th Grade Parent University - 5:00-6:00 pm

20th - 5th Grade Parent University - 6:00-7:00 pm

As we wrap up our Volunteer Spotlight series for the school year, we wanted to shine the spotlight on one of Prairie Trail’s biggest champions, Natalie Smith. After 9 years of dedicated service to PTE, we are incredibly grateful for all she has poured into our school community. While we are so excited for her family’s next chapter as her youngest heads to middle school, she will be deeply missed by students, staff, and families alike. Thank you, Natalie, for the countless hours, leadership, and love you have given to Prairie Trail over the years!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve been married to my husband, Ryan, for 20 years this May, and we have two boys, Carter (11) and Weston (14). I was a PA in orthopedic hand and wrist surgery before staying home with the boys in 2018. Apart from time spent volunteering, you’ll usually find me on long walks with our dog, Junie, my “favorite child.” If you see a black and white Boxer pulling someone down the street, it’s probably me!

How long have you been part of the PTE PTA community?
This is my 9th year as a Prairie Trail PTA member and my 7th year on the board. I’ve had the chance to do a little bit of everything, including Room Rep Chair, Treasurer, VP of Volunteers, Spring Fest Chair, Silent Auction, Sunshine, Reflections, and President. It’s been an incredible experience.

What inspired you to get involved with the PTA?
I wanted to meet people, get involved, and show my kids what it looks like to give back. Early on, I met a PTA board member who was so welcoming and encouraged me to get involved. She brought me on as Room Rep Chair, and the rest is history. The people I’ve served with are some of the best, and many have become lifelong friends.

What has been your favorite PTA event or project to volunteer with?
That’s a tough one. PTE PTA does so many great things. Spring Fest is the biggest event, and nothing beats seeing the kids’ excitement when the rides roll in. It’s such a fun moment every year. One standout event was last year’s membership drive when Mrs. Vaughn camped on the school roof after we hit our goal. Helping pull that off and seeing the kids’ reactions was unforgettable.

What will you miss most about volunteering at PTE?
The people, without a doubt. I’ve loved getting to know the staff, families, and students. The everyday moments meant the most — hugs and high fives in the hallway or kids saying hi when they’d see me out around town. I always joked I felt like a mini celebrity, and a lot of kids thought I worked at the school. Prairie Trail truly feels like a family. I’ll miss those daily interactions the most, but I’m so grateful for the friendships and memories that will last well beyond this chapter.

School Supply Wrap Packs are now available to order for next year! Save yourself both time and money by ordering now through June 16th.

This program is meant to be a service to our Prairie Trail families, and everything will be delivered directly to the school!

https://www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks/

School code: PRA 013 (three letters, three numbers)

***Note- in most grades the dual language class kits differ slightly from the monolingual class kits. Make sure you are ordering the right one.***

We love supporting all that Marcus High School offers for summer camps. Check out a few of the flyers below, but there is also a MHS website with ALL of the summer camp info. Check back to it periodically as the information gets updated often.

• Marcus High School Summer Camp Website

Check below for other summer camp info.

These programs are not endorsed by PTE, but I know I was always looking for fun things for my children to do over the summer when they were in elementary school.

Families receive $25 off registration, and your PTO/PTA earns a $25 gift card for every camper who signs up!

Register here: https://flourpower.duckdojo.com/locations/denton/events/2/CMP

Code: PRAIRIETRAIL25PTA

The Deadline to register using the promotion is May 1st.

For all the latest information, upcoming events, and more, join us in our Facebook group, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our PTA website!

Need to add money to your child's lunch account? RevTrack Link

Menus for May are not posted to LISD website yet, but keep a lookout at this WEBSITE. Those should be posted Monday, May 4th.

Do you have some special visitors who want to have lunch at PTE with a student and the parent/guardian won't be coming with them?

We can help you make that happen. You just need to fill out THIS FORM using an email that is listed for a parent/guardian of the student in Skyward. If you could fill out the form before 9:00 am the day they plan to come to lunch, we can make that happen.

The visitor will still need to bring their ID and check in through the office.

If the parent/guardian will be coming to lunch with the special visitors, there is no need to fill out the form. You being with them is sufficient.
Let us know if you have questions.

Thanks,

PTE Office Staff

Email: prairietrail@lisd.net
Website: lisd.net/prairietrail
Location: 5555 Timber Creek Road, Flower Mound, TX, USA
Phone: (469)713-5980
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prairietrailes
X (Twitter): @PrairieTrailES