Prairie Point Express
Family Newsletter
December 22, 2020
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
A Note from Dr. Todtfeld and Mrs. McQuinn
Happy Holidays!
This year has definitely challenged us as a community but in true Pioneer Spirit, we have come together. Our theme this year has been "We are One." We hope that you feel as connected and close to our school community as we feel to you.
We wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a happy, healthy new year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Todtfeld and Mrs. McQuinn
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, December 23 - Sunday, January 3
- NO SCHOOL, Winter Vacation
Thursday, December 31
- Deadline to Order Yearbooks (information below)
Monday, January 4
- Back to School!
Monday, January 11
- Letters mailed to parents regarding 2nd-semester placements
Friday, January 15
- End of 2nd quarter (1st semester) celebrations
Monday, January 18
- No school
Tuesday, January 19
- Beginning of 3rd quarter (2nd semester) - new placements start
Second Semester Updates
Calendar Clarification:
We recently announced that for elementary students, to accommodate requests to switch between learning modes, we must move staff around, so some students will get new teachers for second semester, even if they did not switch their learning mode. Students and families will find out their assignments by January 11.
When we announced this, there was a little confusion about when second semester would start. When we set the 2020-2021 school year calendar a year ago, we set the last day of first semester on January 15, and we set the first day of second semester on January 19. This is true for both online and in-person students. If a student has a new teacher or a different learning mode for second semester, they will start in their new class on January 19.
Families were/are invited to share feedback with Dr. Todtfeld regarding any thoughts/concerns regarding possible movement second semester. This feedback is being taken into consideration throughout this process. If you did not get a chance to watch the board meeting, you can view the presentation below.
Updates from the District
CDC Guidelines
Recently, the CDC announced changes to its guidance for the length of quarantines for people who have no COVID-19 symptoms.
We are working with the Platte County and Kansas City health departments, who determined that we will use the 10-day option. This means that if someone has no symptoms, they may end their quarantine after 10 days, but they must wear their mask and monitor symptoms for the entire 14 days. Our local health departments decided not to use the CDC’s seven-day option, which would require a test. They said this is due to the high community prevalence and the additional strain on community testing.
We will start this new protocol in Park Hill with any direct exposures that occur on or after December 23.
After Winter Break
Antigen Testing
Starting on January 4, we will start offering antigen testing to students who have COVID-19 symptoms. We already offer this to staff members. If a student has symptoms, their family may work with the school nurse to request and schedule a test. Consent forms are available on our website.
Vaccines
As COVID-19 vaccines start to become available, we will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and work with our local health departments. If we find out anything that will impact our school community, we will notify you.
Prairie Point Star Awards
Prairie Point Spotlight - Watch our Video Below
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: Yearbook Orders
To Order Your Yearbook:
- Visit: ybpay.lifetouch.com
- Enter Yearbook ID Code: 1724721
- School Name: Prairie Point Elem School
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.