Life on the Prairie

September 1st . . . Labor Day . . . NO SCHOOL

September 2nd & 4th . . . MAP testing

September 9th . . . PTO meeting . . . 9:15 AM

September 12th . . . 6th grade Party on the Prairie . . . 3:40 to 5:00 PM

September 15th . . . Back to School Night . . . 6:00 to 8:00 PM

September 15 -19th . . . Safety Week

September 26th . . . School portrait retakes

We have had a great start to the year! We are so happy to see all of our students' faces and look forward to growing with them throughout the year.

As the significant road work on Route 14 continues, our transportation company is reminding everyone that pick up and drop off delays are to be expected, and may change from week to week. Make sure to download the My Ride K-12 app, which follows the bus in real time and can help prepare you for schedule adjustments on a given day.

This school year we are launching a new initiative—B Here, B Now, B Engaged—to support students in focusing on learning, connecting with peers, and minimizing distractions. We want to be clear: we are pro-technology, but anti-distraction. Technology is a powerful tool for learning, but only when used responsibly and at the right times.

What’s Changing?

• School iPads: We have added new protections to ensure student devices are used for learning. YouTube access has been restricted, and a new web filter has been installed that works both at school and at home.

• Personal Devices: Students will now be required to keep personal devices “off and out of sight” during the school day. This includes cell phones, smart watches, headphones, and similar items.

Intervention Steps for Misuse:

1. First instance – Teacher will hold the device until the end of the class period.

2. Second instance – Device will be held until the end of the school day.

3. Third instance – Device will be sent to the office, where a parent/guardian will need to pick it up.

We believe these steps will help reduce distractions and support students in being present, focused, and engaged in their learning. Thank you for partnering with us to make this a successful school year!

Due to a change in school code by the Illinois State Board of Education, this year a medical note is required from parents/guardians who select the: “MEDUE: Medical/Dental Appointment” excuse option for their student in Infinite Campus or call their student out of school for a medical/dental appointment.

The revised school code defines "valid cause" for an absence as any of the following:

• illness, including the mental or behavioral health of the student;
• attendance at a verified medical or therapeutic appointment;
• appointment with a victim services provider.

Please note that the student’s absence will be marked "unexcused" in Infinite Campus until a note is provided. If the student is not returning to school on the day of the appointment, it can be brought to school the following day.

We understand this is a change in practice from previous years. Please know that our front office is here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Please join us from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Monday the 15th for Back to School Night. Be sure to print a copy (or have it on your phone) of your child's schedule so you can follow along in their footsteps!

Check out our fall sports offerings!