Prairie Point Express
Family Newsletter
March 26, 2021
School Address: 8101 NW Belvidere Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64152
School Hours: 8:15 am - 3:05 pm
School Phone: 816-359-4380
Principal: Dr. Danny Todtfeld
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Sarah McQuinn
Counselor: Mrs. Ally Swisher
Upcoming Dates
Friday, March 26
- No School for Students - Teacher Work Day
Monday, March 29 - Friday, April 2
- No School - Spring Break
Monday, April 5
- Summer School Enrollment opens via Infinite Campus Parent Portal
- Park Hill Online Academy Enrollment opens
Friday, April 9
- DISTANCE LEARNING DAY - School will take place online - 9:00 AM - 3:40 PM
- 3rd Quarter Grade Cards Available to Parents
Tuesday, April 13
- PTA Meeting - 6:30 pm - Via Zoom
Happy Spring Break!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are three-quarters through the school year and along with the warmer weather, spring break has arrived.
Over the past months, I have seen incredible leadership from our teachers and staff while partnering with parents on behalf of students. We all should be very proud of the nurturing environment that exists at Prairie Point while seeking to meet the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of our students.
I hope that during this Spring Break you are able to take the time to reflect, relax, and be with family and friends. Once we return, we will be in the home stretch making that final push to the end of the school year while providing guidance for students daily in order for them to be in a position to chase their dreams.
Wishing you and your family the very best,
Dr. Danny Todtfeld
Park Hill Online Academy Enrollment
The enrollment window for the Park Hill Online Academy for the 2021-2022 school year is approaching:
- High school: March 15-26
- Middle school: April 5-16
- Elementary: April 5-16
For more information, please visit the district office webpage here. Please continue to check the Prairie Point Express for more information about how to sign up.
Countdown to Kindergarten
Children who turn five on or before July 31 are eligible for kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year. If you have a child who will start kindergarten in Park Hill this August, we have a checklist for you to prepare for blast-off. If you have a neighbor with an incoming kindergarten student, please share this information. Beginning April 5, you can enroll your child in your assigned school. After you enroll, mark your calendar for the Kindergarten Kickoff event on May 6. Remember, the first day of school is August 23. Please check out our district website for more details.
Specials Spotlight with Mr. Downey
In Physical Education, our first graders are playing a game called Star Wars. During the game they are working on fleeing (running) and dodging balls on one team. The other team is working on using the law of opposition while they throw the balls. It is a fast-paced game and the kids are doing a wonderful job of showing good sportsmanship and fair play. Mr. Downey has been impressed with how well our kids are helping each other to critique their throwing abilities and different strategies they are using during the game.
Save the Date for Summer School
PBIS Contests Coming Soon!
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework for improving and integrating all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. It is a way to support everyone to create the kinds of schools where all students are successful. Prairie Point has been working all year to update our processes as we are becoming a PBIS School! We have started many aspects of PBIS this year and are looking forward to learning more.
Tell me more about these contests...
CONTEST DATES: Students, staff, and families may enter their drawings and pledges from April 9 - April 30. The winners will be announced on Friday, May 21st!
CONTEST #1: We are needing to redesign our SOAR Slips to PRIDE POINTS! After spring break, we will have a drawing/graphic design contest.
CONTEST #2: We are needing to come up with a new school pledge that incorporates our new school rules -
Proud Pioneers are Expected to:
Be Safe
Be Kind
Be Responsible
And Do Their Best Everyday!
Please continue to check the Express after spring break for where to submit your entries!
GOOD LUCK PIONEERS! HAPPY CREATING!
Free Eye Exams
Camp Invention
Reminders from Nurse Fennelly
If your child wakes up not feeling well, please do not send them on the bus or drop them at school until you speak with our school nurse, Terri Fennelly. You can reach the front office by calling 359-4380. Nurse Terri's direct line is 359-4384.
Remember, all members of our Park Hill family will follow these guidelines to screen for symptoms of COVID-19, and must stay home if ill. A list of symptoms to screen for can be found below.
- Fever
- Cough
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Lack of appetite
- Loss of taste or smell
Sophie's Run
Sophie’s Run will happen this year! This will be our 11th year!
We hope you will consider joining us.
The race will be on May 8th at Lake Waukomis or you may choose to participate virtually!
Here is the link to Register for the race. This year’s shirt is a beautiful purple, register to get one!
Birthday Treat Reminders
Repeat: Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits
Even though meals are free this year, this form also helps us get needed funding for district services for students. And if you are signed up this year, you won't have a gap in services at the beginning of the next school year.
If you qualify for free or reduced-price meals, you are eligible for additional discounts on things like health care, college application fees, athletics, AP class fees, and fees for the SAT and ACT tests. For more information, click here.
Repeat: Do You Know A Park Hill Star?
The Park Hill Star recognition program was started in 2015 to celebrate support staff and teachers whose work is especially noteworthy.
The following is an overview of the Park Hill Star Program:
Our employees are the reason we are so successful here in the Park Hill School District, and we would like to recognize them for all they do for our students.
That is why we present the Park Hill Star award once a month to a pre-K or elementary teacher, a secondary teacher and a support employee.
REPEAT: E-Backpack (Electronic Fliers)
Currently in the E-Backpack:
- Fliers for Online Clubs hosted by Community Education
- Party Flier (Ordering Birthday Treats through Food Service)
- Yearbook Order Form
- Directory Invite to Families
Repeat: Technology Use at Home
Here are some general guidelines and best practices for laptop use at home.
Thank you for your support. If you have any technology issues or questions, please contact the Help Desk Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 816-359-5000.
Our 5 Pillars of Prevention
Please take some time to learn about Prairie Point's Health and Safety Precautions. Click here to access our matrix and other health information.
Prairie Point Mission
Our Vision
Prairie Point Elementary School provides all children with a safe, caring educational environment that focuses on high expectations and promotes lifelong learning.
Our Mission
To create a safe and caring student centered environment, to empower students to be independent learners, problem solver, and responsible citizens in the 21st Century.
At Prairie Point School, we value:
- Keeping the focus on the student
- Continuous learning and professional growth
- Warm, caring, open-minded environment
- High expectations for all students and adults
- Team work and collaboration
- Empathetic approach with our actions.