Prairie Point Panther Press
Newsletter for Prairie Point Elementary School
Friday, January 20, 2017
Welcome to the Prairie Point Panther Press!
Principal's Letter
Dear School Families:
I think having several days of 40 degree weather is throwing off my entire calendar because in my mind spring is right around the corner. When I look at the actual calendar, I'm a little surprised that we actually have two full months before spring officially arrives.
I loved playing outside as a kid and can remember thinking that winter never seemed to end. I know that with shorter days and colder (or rainy) weather, my kids spend much more time inside during the winter and tend to be less active. For some kids, less activity along with the jumpstart back to school in January can be met with a lack of motivation and enthusiasm.
In an article, Motivating Students in the 2nd Semester, Weinstein and Sheslow point to a few things that you can do to help your child stay motivated and alert during the winter months:
Make sure that your child continues to participate in physical activities or exercise during the winter months. While this week hasn’t been great for it, look for opportunities to have your child go outside and play in sunlight. Exposure to sunlight during the winter can promote a healthy body and mind.
Make sure that your child is maintaining a healthy sleep routine. Having regular bed times and limits on screen time, will help maintain a regular sleep routines and assure that he or she is ready to learn at school.
Continue to expect consistent homework completion and routines.
Show an interest in what your child is learning at school. Many of our teachers send or email newsletters. These newsletters provide information about what your child is learning about at school. Instead of asking, “What did you learn today?”, you are able to ask about a specific lesson or project that the teacher shared in the newsletter.
If you find that your child is struggling with homework, reach out to the teacher. All of our teachers are eager to help and willing to provide additional support for students who might need a little more.
Remember to have fun as a family after school work is finished. Even when kids can’t go outside and play, there are opportunities for fun as a family indoors. Play a game, go bowling or maybe read a book together. Spending time as a family is valuable time that your child will remember.
Together, we can work to make the winter months exciting and engaging for all of our students!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Groves
Kindergarten Registration Information
Last call for Lost Found
Unclaimed Items will be donated Friday, Jan 27th
From the Art Room
Greetings from the Art Room,
Our school is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. Right now children are busy creating colorful, fun artwork. In mid February you will receive a personalized order form. Over 40 keepsake products are available, all featuring your child's artwork. Many of the products are less than $15.00. Safe, secure online ordering is available. You can share your code with other family members and invite them to order. Satisfaction guaranteed. Art to Remember keepsakes are perfect for gift giving occasions. Your purchase captures a moment in time and raises funds for the art department. Each year I am able to order clay, glazes, weaving looms and yarn as well as other supplemental materials thanks to the families from last year. Please notify Mrs. Collins if you do not want your child to participate in this program.
Sincerely, Mrs. Bev Collins
Art Teacher Prairie Point
630-636-3651
Fun Fair 2017
In addition, we are seeking several volunteers to help with set-up, ticket sales, concessions, and games--especially for the second shift, 7:00-8:30. If you're willing to donate a couple hours of your time, please use the SignUpGenius link below or contact Sarah Caffarello. SCaffarello@sbcglobal.net. THANKS!
Home and School Calendar
Upcoming Dates
January
24 Culvers Night - 1st grade teachers serving
27 Donuts with Dad, 7:30-8:15
February
2 Home & School, 7:00pm
14 Valentine's Day parties
21 TND - TBD
24 Fun Fair, 5:30-8:30
Save the Date - 12th Annual Variety Show
Calling all Prairie Point talent – we are looking for you! Do you love to sing or dance? Perhaps you can pull a rabbit out of your magic hat or play an instrument! Whatever your talent is, we want you to show us your stuff! The variety show is Friday March 3rd (Preview day is Thursday, February 9th.) Look for forms in Thursday folders AFTER winter break.
Save The Date - Sweet Send Off
PRAIRIE POINT ELEMENTARY
SWEET SEND OFF
Join your fifth grade classmates for a fun-filled healthy celebration.
The kids will vote on the night’s activities at the Valentine’s Day class parties.
DATE: Saturday, June 3rd
TIME: 6-11pm Lock-In
LOCATION: Rush Copley Healthplex
COST: tbd
More details coming soon
Hoops for Hope at OHS Jan 28th
Softball Winter Camp ages 7-11
Girls Mini Pom Camp Grades K-8
News from the Nurse's Office
Noted on the District 308 website: http://www.sd308.org/Page/17756
When should my student stay home from school?
Your child is too ill to go to school if he/she has any of the following symptoms:
· Vomiting and/or diarrhea in the past 24 hours
· Shortness of breath or wheezing (not controlled with an inhaler if they have asthma)
· A cough that interrupts his/her normal activity or wakes them, or other family members at night.
· An undiagnosed rash unless cleared by a physician’s note
· Drainage from the eye
· Severe sore throat
· Fever- If your child has a temperature of 100° (or higher) in the past 24 hours they cannot attend school. Children are to be fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medication, before returning to school.
· A contagious illness that is treated with antibiotics, such as strep throat or pink eye, and has not been taking the antibiotics for a full 24 hours before returning to school.
Aramark Positions Available
For details visit
http://www.sd308.org/Page/8234 or call Kate Kloet at 630-636-4611.