Little Prairie Primary School
January 2024
From the Principal's Desk
Dear Little Prairie families,
I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying your Holidays. It’s hard to believe that the new calendar year is upon us and we are already preparing to be into the month of January. New years are always an exciting time!
As we approach the middle of the school year, as students did in the fall, 5K, 1 st , and 2 nd grade students will participate in the FastBridge Assessment. Administration of this literacy screening tool is a state requirement, and measures children’s knowledge of important literacy fundamentals, as well as some early math concepts. Students will take part in this assessment within the course of their regular day. Implementation of Fast occurs at different times for different grade levels, beginning the week of January 8th , and will continue throughout the month of January. Fast results will be used to guide teachers in the development of instructional activities and practices and will allow us to better address individual student needs. If you have any further questions regarding the Fast assessment, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.
As we return after some time off, please ensure that your kids are to school on time. Prior to break, we noticed an increase in the number of cars still in the drop-off line at 7:50 and after. Students should be in the door and down to their classrooms by the time the bell rings at 7:50.
Thanks for all you do to help your children be successful in school. We appreciate your support!
Focused on growth for all students,
Lindsey Harris, Principal
An Important Message about Attendance
Happy New Year and Happy New Attendance Habits?
If you are like most adults around January 1st, you are contemplating a resolution. The
definition of resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. While most of us stand firm with our decision on January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, it is likely that by mid to late January we have fallen back to our old habits.
This year, my challenge for many Little Prairie families is to recommit to regular school
attendance and/or being on time for the start of the school day. Our state-issued annual school report cards contain a lot of data about student learning and skills. They also document our schools’ chronic absenteeism rates (those students who miss more than 10% of days in a school year) and the overall attendance rate. Unfortunately, in both categories Little Prairie has regressed.
State Statutes clearly define and require regular school attendance. Additionally, our East Troy
school district policy reiterates the laws and regulations set forth by the State. Specifically, our policy requires documentation after students miss ALL of a day or PART of a day beyond 10 days in a school year.
MISSING SCHOOL = MISSING OUT
- Tardies do impact your child—even if it is “just a few minutes.”
- It doesn’t matter if the absences are excused or unexcused. They still represent lost time in the classroom and a lost opportunity for your child to learn.
- Attendance matters as early as Kindergarten. Research shows a strong correlation between poor attendance and poor reading skills.
- Attendance is an important skill that will help your child GRADUATE and do well in college or the workforce.
- Set an example for your child. Let them know you won’t allow an absence unless absolutely necessary.
- LEARNING IS TAKING PLACE ALL DAY-EVERY DAY AT LITTLE PRAIRIE.
**Disclaimer** A large segment of our student body is present and on-time. AND we do not
want you to send your child if they are actively sick. As we learned from COVID days, this will only
compound the problem. However, most school districts around the State of Wisconsin including East
Troy, acknowledge there has been a steady decline in regular school attendance. We felt it is important for you as a parent to understand our process and expectations.
January's PBIS theme is EMPATHY!
**We earned our school-wide reward -- PJ day and a holiday story!
** Just a friendly reminder about completing a bucket drop and sending it to school when you catch your child showing “bucket filling” behavior at home.
**Don’t forget to wear your school shirts on Mondays.
**We are working towards our next school-wide reward of “Winter Bingo.”
January Reading Calendar
The PTO Prompt
Winter Gear
All students need a coat, hat, snow pants, boots & gloves to play outside at recess!
Please make sure there is an extra outfit (including socks!) at school in the event your child gets wet and needs to change.
January 15th
Counselor's Corner
From the Nurse
Upcoming Events
Developmental Screening Day
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024, 08:00 AM
Little Prairie Primary School, Townline Road, East Troy, WI, USA
PTO Meeting
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2024, 06:00 PM
Little Prairie Primary School, Townline Road, East Troy, WI, USA
PTO Game Night
Friday, Jan 19, 2024, 06:00 PM
Prairie View Elementary School, Townline Road, East Troy, WI, USA
School Board Meeting
Monday, Jan 22, 2024, 06:00 PM
East Troy High School, Graydon Avenue, East Troy, WI, USA
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Little Prairie Primary School
Website: https://www.easttroy.k12.wi.us/schools/little-prairie/
Location: 2109 Townline Road, East Troy, WI, USA
Phone: 262-642-6730