Moran Prairie Messenger
Weekly Moran Prairie Family and Community Newsletter
Friday October 13th:
Highlights for the week:
- Mr. Huntington wow'ed us all with his guitar skills during the staff learning day!
- Young scientists made rain on mountains to see river patterns!
- 5th grade scientists prepared for tomorrow's annular solar eclipse - check our social media post to learn more!
- Cross country had their final meets to qualify for All City!
- Kindergarten took their first field trip out to Greenbluff!
- 5th and 3rd graders had an interactive presentation on fire safety from our local fire station!
- Families showed up for our first Ferris Feeder Pattern Event!
- Students in Mrs. P's class learned to play the guitar!
Principal Update
While today was a non-student day, teaching staff were present in the building engaging in learning together. We spent this invaluable time in community with each other. We continued to build positive relationships and supports with each other. We began planning for our goals this year in terms of student, staff, and family supports to improve our school. We talked about the beginning steps for establishing a clear and meaningful mission and vision. We spent time in our teams diving into new curriculum and planning for student learning. And we had a special musical performance to remind us all to continue soaring!
We always thank families and our community for this time; we know the day off can present challenges, and we are grateful that it continues to be supported! This time together has a direct impact on the experience of our students!
Ongoing Reminders
- Thank you for continuing to park in other spots in the lot rather than in our bus and Zum zones. These marked zones have been chosen in partnership with the district safety department and facilities/maintenance to provide a safe spot for students with unique transportation needs to be able to access their ride. We appreciate your attention to this!
- If your child is biking to school, please provide them a lock and remind them to lock their bike. We have quite a few unlocked bikes as well as an unlocked e-bike; we can help as well, just let us know!
- When letting your students out of the car, please have them exit the car on the curb side not the street side. We have many cars driving past, exiting the curb side keeps everyone safe!
- Please label all your student's belongings! Backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, extra clothes, and more! This helps us return lost items to their owner rather than placing in the increasingly full lost and found!
Find our new Moran Prairie Instagram and follow us for regular updates of the amazing things we're doing this year!
Mission & Vision Development
As we continue to build our learner community and provide the best experience for our students, one area we look to is a clear mission and vision. Our mission and vision should outline all we believe about learning at Moran Prairie, what we hope for our students, and what we strive for each day. It serves as the guiding light for the entire educational community, including students, parents, teachers, and staff. A well-defined mission and vision statement not only articulate the school's core values and goals but also inspire a sense of purpose and unity among all stakeholders. It provides a roadmap for decision-making, ensuring that all efforts are aligned towards a common objective, and helps families understand the school's educational philosophy and the kind of nurturing and learning environment their children will experience. In essence, a clear mission and vision statement fosters a strong sense of identity and direction, creating a foundation upon which a thriving and harmonious learning community can flourish.
We are beginning this work in community together. The first step is to gather input from our stakeholders on their beliefs, hopes, and goals. To provide an opportunity for families and students to have their voice heard, we ask that you complete this simple survey with your student(s). We will then be combining common threads and believes from families, students, and staff to put together a new mission that can be agreed upon by all!
Survey for families and students.
Next, we will be developing a work group to actively solicit input from all stakeholders in this process!
Family Dance!
Next Friday is PTG's annual Family Dance! The event will start at 6:30 pm. Families can enter through the main doors and head into the MPR/Gym for the dance. The music and dancing will occur in the gym, concessions and face painting will be in the MPR.
We do ask that all students are accompanied by an adult, not just an older sibling, to support with safety for all.
This year's theme is Western! Can't wait to see everyone dressed up!
Spirit Gear Sale
Counselor Corner
This week in counseling lessons, students are learning about solving problems using Kelso’s Choices. Students have a wheel of 9 choices to resolve their “small” or “kid-sized” problems. In order to figure out if it is a small or big problem, they need to ask themselves, "Is someone hurt or in danger?". If the answer is “Yes”, they need to go to an adult right away. However, if the answer is “No”, they can solve the problem themselves.
A student uses 2 Kelso’s Choices to solve their small problems. If 2 Kelso’s Choices do not solve the problem--or anytime they are afraid--then it becomes a big problem. A BIG problem is one that students should ask an adult for help to solve. This helps students become empowered to solve their own problems and also learn when it’s appropriate to ask an adult for help. You can encourage your child to use Kelso's Choices at home, too!
Specialist Showcase
Mr. Cloninger attended Lewis & Clark HS, the United States Military Academy, Montana State University, and Eastern Washington University. He has 30+ years teaching here in SPS. He enjoys time at Couer D'Alene lake with his family, working out, watching college football, MMA, and movies.
"Movement and exercise are a right, not a privilege."
Chase Middle School's CCTV
Upcoming Dates
- Sunday October 15th: Spirit Gear Sale ends
- Monday October 16th: Student late start at 9:30 for staff collaboration, Prairie Dog Monday
- Tuesday October 17th: Cross Country after school (only all city qualifiers)
- Thursday October 19th: Earthquake drill, Cross Country after school (only all city qualifiers)
- Friday October 20th: PTG Family Dance @ 6:30 pm
- Monday October 23rd: Student late start at 9:30 for staff collaboration, Prairie Dog Monday
- Tuesday October 24th: All City Meet for qualifying runners after school
- Friday October 27th: Virtual Top Dog Awards, ASB Spirit Day
You can find the calendar for the 2023-24 school year here. This may help with planning for next year!
Grants funded!
Thank you to all families! Your support of the PTG and Moran Prairie helps fund grants and projects just like these!
Stay Connected
- Email us: mrnprairie.ptg@gmail.com
- Moran Prairie PTG Website: www.moranprairieptg.org
- Like us: www.facebook.com/MoranPrairiePTG/