Panther Tracks

Mrs. Master got to visit the Medical Detectives class for their outbreak activity where they worked to identify a source of a hypothetical bacterial outbreak using patient profiles, lab tests, and epidemiologist interviews.

• 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.

• 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.

• Starts Monday, February 9th with assembly.
• All students came home with information and a book!
• We are excited to promote reading and literacy with students ECE - 4th Grade.

• Started February 2nd!
• The yearbook is $20 and can be ordered through Skyward.
• This sale will end on February 28th. Order yours today!

• 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.

4th Grade Field Trip to Sunrise Senior Living

2nd Grade Olympics

• In partnership with the Scholastic Book fair (Mrs. Douglas), teachers have given students "caught reading" coupons to celebrate students and their love for reading
• Students got to go down to the book fair for their prize last week-congratulations!

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

• Congratulations to our students for POM- we are so proud of your efforts and dedication to making PG the place to be

Congratulations to PG Jazz 1 for an incredible performance at the Illinois Music Education Conference last Friday! The band received an enthusiastic standing ovation from a packed room and were met with rave reviews from music educators across the state.

All students joining clubs, activities, or athletics are required to complete the Extracurricular Code of Conduct. 2025-2026 form only needs to be filled out one (1) time a year and it is to be completed before Athletics or Clubs begin: COMPLETE THIS FORM

Tuesday, February 17th

6th Grade Girls Basketball @ Antioch Upper (B & A) 4:15

Wednesday, February 18th

8th Grade Girls Basketball Home VS Hiawatha (A & B) 4:15 JH Gym

7th Grade Girls Basketball @ Hiawatha (A & B) 4:15

6th Grade Girls Basketball Home VS Big Hollow (B & A) 4:15 ELEM Gym

Thursday, February 19th

6th Grade Girls Basketball @ Harrison (A & B) 4:15 Game

Scholastic Bowl @ VS Marlowe

Saturday, February 21st

6th Grade Girls Basketball @ Johnsburg Tournament

Tell us about your family.

My wife, Meghan, and I have been married for 10 years and have two wonderful boys named Ben and Charlie. She is also an elementary school teacher, so I feel very lucky to learn from her and share those experiences. We also have an incredibly loving dog named Penny.

What is something that makes you really proud?

One of my favorite things about teaching first grade is watching my students grow and accomplish so many wonderful things as they continue their education beyond first grade. I love when they stop me in the hallway to say they miss first grade or share how something we learned together helped them succeed in their current grade.

As a parent, something that makes me especially proud is when my boys get excited about something they created or achieved and can’t wait to share it with me. I’m also incredibly proud when I see them show kindness to others.

What is your favorite hobby?

This is a relatively new hobby for me, but our family has really gotten into building with LEGO sets. My son’s mind works very quickly at times, and LEGOs have been a great way to help him slow down and focus. My wife and I love sitting with the boys while they build—and we even enjoy building some sets ourselves!

What is your favorite food?

As a former chef, I’ve always enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new dishes or variations of familiar favorites. If I had to choose something I eat more regularly, it would probably be pepperoni pizza! However, a home-cooked steak dinner is likely my favorite ‘special occasion’ meal.

What is something you have learned lately?

Our family has been watching the Percy Jackson show recently, and my son and I have been reading a lot about Greek mythology in between episodes.

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

A koala. After teaching first grade all day and then coming home to two young (and sometimes wild!) boys, the idea of sleeping for 22 hours straight sounds pretty appealing.

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

I’ve been very fortunate to work with some amazing people here at Prairie Grove, both past and present. However, my favorite thing about Prairie Grove is the first grade team! They make coming to school so much fun and help me become a better teacher every day. I’ve learned so much from each of them, and I’m truly in awe of their hard work and dedication to teaching.

Tell us about your family.

Hello everyone! My name is Megan Einert and this is my third year teaching eighth grade English at Prairie Grove. I have lived in Crystal Lake my entire life, and I graduated from Prairie Ridge High School in 2017. My husband’s name is Zach and we have two (almost three) beautiful children together. My daughter, Zoey, is three years old and will start pre-school this year, and my son, Wyatt, is two years old and is the most adventurous little boy. My husband and I are expecting our third baby in June of 2026. We are ecstatic to add another addition to our family.

What is something that makes you really proud?

I am really proud of the people I am raising. Zoey and Wyatt are growing into kind, thoughtful, and courageous individuals, and it amazes me to watch them learn, explore, and problem solve. Every day, they make me proud with their curiosity, their empathy for others, and the unique ways they approach the world. Seeing them grow into confident and compassionate people is one of the greatest joys of my life.

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is reading. I enjoy setting aside time to relax with a cup of coffee and become immersed in a captivating book that is hard to put down. While this hobby is sometimes placed on the back burner due to the busy demands of my children’s schedules and my own responsibilities, I make the most of any free time I have by returning to a good book.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is pasta. I love any dish that includes noodles, whether it be plain, buttered noodles, mac and cheese, or pasta with a red sauce.

What is something you have learned lately?

I have learned that my children and students often teach me just as much as I teach them through their curiosity, questions, and fresh perspectives. They see the world with openness and wonder, which encourages me to slow down and think more deeply about everyday moments, ideas, and experiences I might otherwise take for granted. Their questions push me to reflect, learn alongside them, and sometimes reconsider my own assumptions. By listening to how they explain their ideas and approach new challenges, I am reminded that learning is not one-sided. Their curiosity inspires me to keep growing, stay open-minded, and appreciate learning as a shared experience.

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

If I were any animal, I would be an elephant because elephants are strong, intelligent, and deeply connected to their families. They are known for their empathy, memory, and ability to care for one another, which reflects the importance I place on relationships and supporting those around me. Elephants also lead with quiet confidence rather than force, which I admire and strive to model in my own life.

What is your favorite thing about Prairie Grove?

My favorite thing about Prairie Grove is the strong sense of community. The students, staff, and families genuinely care about one another, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. I also appreciate how the school encourages growth, learning, and collaboration, making it a place where students and teachers can thrive together.

What is the official first day of spring?

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!

February 2-February 17
Read-a-thon

Monday, February 16th

No School, President's Day

Tuesday, February 17th

Board of Education Meeting, 7:00

Friday, February 27th

1/2 Day Student Attendance, End of 2nd Trimester