Artistic Awesomeness!

 EPS’s own Rep. Kevin Olickal recently hosted an art contest inviting students to explore "Autumn in Illinois" or "What Inspires You?"  We are so proud to announce our middle school winners: Huda Layeeq, Geela Baptist, Thao Do, and Kelsey Odisho.  Their incredible work is officially Springfield-bound and will be displayed in the Representative’s office!

Congratulations again to our East Prairie SOAR artists on their gallery exhibition.  Thank you to Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes for making the event extra special!

Q3 Pep Rally!

 

Our quarter three pep rally was an incredible showcase of student voice and talent!  A massive shout-out to our cheerleading squad for their energy and to the cast and crew of The Little Mermaid Jr. for their spectacular performance.  It was the perfect way to celebrate our students' hard work this quarter

And of course...

there was plenty of pie!

Lots and lots and lots of it :)

A Message of Belonging

Last night, the Board of Education unanimously approved a proclamation reaffirming our district’s commitment to a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment where every student, staff member, and family feels they belong.  The provisions within this proclamation ensure that:

• The District does not record or track the citizenship or naturalization status of any student;

• Federal laws are strictly followed to ensure no immigration-related information is disclosed without proper legal authorization;

• Clear protocols and a defined chain of command are in place should law enforcement or outside agencies request access to a student or their data;

• The rights of every individual to privacy, education, and protection from discrimination or harassment are fully upheld.

This proclamation reinforces the values and systems already in place within our school community.  We want to be clear that our primary commitment, now and always, is to guarantee that East Prairie remains a safe, protective, and welcoming environment for every student and family, without exception.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of your child’s school team if there is anything we can do to further ensure their safety and well-being.

Inclusion + Excellence

At East Prairie, our commitment to equity and inclusion isn't just a line in a strategic plan - it’s a daily practice.  We strive to make sure every student, educator, and family feels they truly belong. Today, we are incredibly proud to celebrate two staff members who are leading the way:

Ms. Newmark (4th Grade): Honored as a Friend of Niles Township District Special Education for her tireless work in creating a classroom where every child feels welcome.

Mrs. Butera (Student Services Coordinator): Recipient of the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education’s “Trailblazer” award for her visionary dedication to an inclusive school environment.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Newmark and Mrs. Butera!  We are so grateful for their, and all our educators', work in making East Prairie a place where every student can succeed.

Teamwork!

“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”

- Dale Carnegie

Unplug + CONNECT

 

This week’s Unplug + Connect family event was a huge success, filled with hands-on learning, plenty of laughter, and most importantly meaningful connection!

We designed a high-energy night where families can explore the five SEL competencies—like responsible decision-making and social awareness—through interactive games and hands-on activities. 

It was the perfect opportunity to reconnect as a family and a community.

Celebrating Excellence!

We are thrilled to announce that two of our very own, Mrs. Mansour and Ms. Ingrassia, have been honored with the Illinois State Board of Education’s prestigious “Those Who Excel” Awards!  This state-level recognition spotlights educators whose innovation and leadership make a profound difference for students. As Governor JB Pritzker noted, these honorees work tirelessly to make Illinois a premier place for education. Please join us in celebrating their dedication and thanking all the educators who help our East Prairie community thrive!