PRAIRIE POST
February 8, 2019
Message from the Principal
We are glad to survive the ice and the wind of another cold week. Unfortunately, we were unable to go outside for recess due to the weather conditions. We are hopeful about next week. I want to encourage all of our parents to help us during the morning pickup and drop-off times. Please refrain from using the side parking lot, parking in front of the school, and dropping scholars off at the front of the building. The side parking lot becomes very slippery during the winter months. In addition to that, I have seen several cars almost collide when they exit the parking lot in the wrong direction. Please help us to keep everyone and their property safe during these times.
This is our first week of our Week Of Wow at Prairie. We have changed companies. However, we will still serve as champions for Healthy Hearts. I want to provide clarity regarding a concern that several parents have spoken to me about. Yes, this program will allow us to raise funds to support our scholars. If Prairie hits the goal, ALL of our scholars will participate in the DAY OF FUN. This will happen if they raise $1 or $1,000. I hope that this clarifies and puts some concerns to rest for our families. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I am excited for our Third Annual Battle of the Books competition that will take place on Thursday, February 28th. Please encourage your scholars to participate in this activity during Read Across America Week which will take place beginning Monday, February 25th. I want to thank the PTA for supporting our scholars by purchasing additional copies of the books for our scholars to share.
This month Prairie is learning and celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans for Black History Month. Each week I will share with you the different ways our scholars are learning and celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans. I want to thank the PTA for sponsoring two Black History Programs on February 27th. One will be during the day for our scholars, and another program will be held for our families to attend in the evening. More information about these two programs will be forthcoming.
This Week In Black History Prairie Learned About...
Robert Abbott
Booker T. Washington
Sojourner Truth
Upcoming Dates
2/12: PTA Meeting
2/12: "Hat" Day (wear your Step it Up hats if you received one)
2/13: Talent Show Rehearsal
2/15: Student Council Meeting
2/19: Grade 1 to Env Ed
2/21: Grade 5 to Planetarium
PTA Papa Murphy's Day
Conferences & Book Fair
2/22: PTA Talent Show
2/25-3/1: Read Across America Week
2/26: Conferences & Book Fair
2/27: Black History Month Program
3/1: Early Release
PTA News
PTA meeting is February 12th. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.. We have Red Cross Certified Babysitters for school age children. If you are unable to make it to the meeting, catch us on Facebook Live.
Papa Murphy's Night is February 21st. It is from 11-8pm. $1 from every pizza sold and 10% of all side items will be donated to Prairie PTA.
February 22nd is the Talent and Art Showcase starting at 6:30 p.m.
We are in the planning stages for Puma Palooza, our annual spring fundraiser. This year it will be held on May 4th from 11-5pm. We are looking for anyone that is willing to donate their time to help this wonderful event. If anyone knows of any businesses that would be willing to donate a product or be a sponsor for our event, please let the PTA know.
Please email us with any questions or concerns to ptaprairie@gmail.com
Soup-er Bowl for the Food Pantry
Thank you from Student Council for your support of this community service project! Our Student Council will be taking a field trip shortly to the Food Pantry to deliver the soup.
Yearbook Orders
Step it Up
Click here for today's update on Step it Up for Heart.
We will be celebrating our success so far with a "Hat Day" on Tuesday, February 12th. The scholars may wear the hats they received from the Step it Up program if they have one or another school appropriate hat!
What is STEP IT UP for HEART?
Our school has a strong tradition of doing Jump Rope for Heart which was a community service learning program of the American Heart Association. That program has ended, so this year we are going to continue our tradition and focus on heart health with STEP IT UP for HEART!
STEP IT UP for HEART focuses on:
Getting kids active.
We have a jump rope unit during the month of February with all scholars.
Educate kids about their hearts, and heart-healthy habits.
Raise money for cardiovascular research.
Teach kids the value of community service.
Where will the money raised go? To continue our tradition of raising money to help others with “sick” hearts, a major portion of the funds raised will be donated to the American Heart Association. The rest of the funds will be used at Prairie to enhance the health and fitness of all scholars.
Why kids will love it! Scholars will love STEP IT UP for HEART because it includes a day of absolute AWESOMENESS! After all donations are raised, kids will experience a giant “Super Party” with obstacles inspired by the TV shows American Ninja Warrior and Wipeout. It’s an amazing day of fun and celebration filled with obstacle courses, a DJ dance party, plus some fantastic rewards based on donations raised. Not to mention the great feeling kids get by knowing that they helped others with “sick” hearts.
Family Mental Health Nights
You are Invited to Join...
Community Mental Health Partnership Parent Nights
-Informational sessions for Parents and Guardians-
Trauma, Security, and Good Enough Parenting
February 27, 2019 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Lowell Elementary
140 N Grandview Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188
All Parents want what is best for their children...so let's learn what it means to be the “Good Enough” parent, understand how trauma impacts all of us, and provide security and emotional support for our children.
Building Resiliency: Healthy Bodies and Minds
March 20, 2019 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Prairie Elementary
1801 Center Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189
Building resiliency empowers children to grow from the challenges they are faced with. Starting with the body and the mind, let's develop skills that help on a daily basis.
How can I Help? Increasing my Child’s Emotional-Regulation
May 21, 2019 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Hawthorne LAB School
1111 Maitland Dr, Waukesha, WI 53188
All parents have experienced tantrums, but when should parents reach out for help? What can parents do to increase their children’s self-control skills and learn effective ways to de-escalate their children.
The Community Mental Health Provider (CMHP), Amanda Rochwite, ATR, LPC of Family Service of Waukesha is preparing three informational sessions for parents or guardians to provide knowledge, support, and useful tools. Each session will be hosted at a School District of Waukesha Elementary School. Parents and Guardians are welcome to attend all three sessions. Refreshments will be provided.
Amanda Rochwite is an art therapist and licensed professional counselor employed through Family Service of Waukesha. Her position is funded by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to provide mental health support in 5 School District of Waukesha elementary schools. Her role is to build and support educator and parent understanding and ability to adapt mental health concepts into useful strategies to effectively reach and teach students influenced by mental health challenges.
Physical Education Newsletter
District Enrollment Information
2019-2020 New Student Enrollment:
If you have a child turning 4 before September 1, 2019 - now is the time to enroll in 4K! To be included in the 4K lottery, you will need to complete the enrollment process by February 1, 2019. To find out more information on the required documents for enrollment please visit https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/Page/109.
Open Enrollment:
Wisconsin’s inter-district public school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend school districts other than the one in which they live. The open enrollment application period for the 2019-2020 school year is from February 4- April 30, 2019. The application period closes at 4:00 p.m. on April 30, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted for any reason.
Parents may apply in one of two ways:
On-line (recommend) at http://dpi.wi.gov/sms/psctoc.html
Although an on-line application is recommended, paper applications may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction or any school district. Paper applications must be delivered to the nonresident school district. School District of Waukesha applications should be submitted attention to:
Stephanie Peterson
Open Enrollment
222 Maple Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186
Who needs to complete this process:
Students currently attending a Waukesha school via Tuition Waiver for the 2018-2019 school year.
Students who have changed residency to a non-Waukesha address between September 1st and February 3rd.
Students planning to move into an address that is outside of the School District of Waukesha between February 4 and September 1, 2019; and wish to stay in the School District of Waukesha.
Note: families that move unexpectedly after April 30th are able to complete a Tuition Waiver form for the following year.
School Psychologist Updates
School Counselor Newsletter
See below for monthly newsletter from our District School Counselor, Heidi Edwards:
Raptor Check In Procedures
Health Room News
As a reminder, ANY medication (including cough drops) must have paperwork on file in the Health Room. All medications must be dropped off and picked up by parents.
Safe Arrival Attendance Program
Prairie has implemented the District's new Safe Arrival attendance protocol. Please read the information on the link below:
Lunch & Recess Schedule
Free & Reduced Lunch
Free & Reduced Lunch Information
Paper copies are also available in our office. Please direct any questions you may have to Jessica Huinker at 262-970-1048.
Background checks
School/Community Activities
All school and community activities are now being posted on the Waukesha School District website under the Community tab and then "Community Connections". Here is the link for easy reference. We also have the same information posted on the Prairie Elementary Website under the "For Families" tab and "Community Connections". Here is the link for your convenience. In addition, these flyers are also available through a quick link called "Peachjar" on the home page of both the school and the district websites.
Prairie Elementary School
Email: vanderso@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: www.waukeshaschools.com/prairie
Location: 1801 Center Road, Waukesha, WI, United States
Phone: 262-970-2205