Thank you to our entire community for pulling together to make our first day back with students so very special! We promise to partner with our families and community to do our very to ensure that each child has the very best school year possible. We look forward to building upon today's excellent foundation over the coming days, weeks, and months.
What a team! What a fantastic first day! We had a phenomenal kick off to the school year during today's initial institute day. It was so special to have everyone back together and in-person.
We started our day outside with some friendly competition and team building, before delving further into our equity, diversity, and inclusion work, and our health and safety routines.
Our "Welcome Back" family event and grand opening ceremony were the perfect cap to a perfect day!
Building strong relationships and developing a caring sense of community is essential for children to learn and thrive. Creating a nurturing learning environment is at the very heart of our work together. As a first step in this work, we will be holding our “Welcome Back” family event next Wednesday, 8/18, from 2:30-3:30PM. To help with social distancing, families with a last name starting A-L should come from 2:30-3:00, and families with last names starting M-Z from 3:00-3:30. Everyone entering the building must wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. Our goal during this time is to ensure that every child and family has the opportunity to walk through the building, see their teachers, and re-familiarize themselves with in-person schooling. This is also a great opportunity for families wanting to drop school supplies off in advance.
Our “Grand Opening” ceremony and celebration will immediately follow this event in the courtyard at 3:30PM. Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring an outdoor ice cream social following the ceremony. Please see below for a welcome message from our PTA, and learn more about how you can get involved and help support our school community.
Happy August, Panthers! I can't believe we are only a few weeks away from the first day of school. I hope that each of you has had a very special and safe summer! I am excited to hear all about it!
Dear East Prairie families,
We hope the past few weeks have found you healthy, happy, and enjoying the long summer days! It is hard to believe that August is already upon us! That being said, we wanted to reach out with some updates and information heading into the new school year. Please also see the attached message for our students.
Health & Safety
Similar to this past year, East Prairie will adhere to all of the safety guidelines and health protocols outlined by the Illinois Department of Public Health and Skokie Health Department. We will remain vigilant in putting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our kids, staff, families, and community first. As such, we will continue to have everyone in our school wear a mask while kids are present. This includes students, teachers, staff, and anyone visiting the building. We will also continue to teach and reinforce practices that encourage proper hygiene, social distancing, and wellness. Our classrooms, lunchrooms, gyms, common areas, and learning spaces will be set-up in accordance with all guidance. In addition to these safety measures, we will be instituting weekly COVID testing for students and staff through SHIELD Illinois. Please see the attached flyer for additional information regarding details and participation. Ensuring the health and wellbeing of our East Prairie community requires constant communication and the highest levels of partnership between our families and school. Thank you for ensuring you and your child(ren) follow these policies. Thank you for keeping your child(ren) home if they are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID. Above all, thank you for your trust, support, and care.
Upcoming Events
Goofy Olympics Wednesday, August 4th | 1:00-2:30PM on the EPS field
While the Olympic games are in full swing in Tokyo, come join us for an even more fun and goofy version! Bring your friends, bring your family, and get ready to compete in a variety of events for your chance to win the gold medal and everlasting glory!
Chalk, Chat, & Chill Monday, August 9th | 4:30-5:30PM on the playground
Every color of chalk and every flavor of popsicle...what more needs to be said? Join us late afternoon for the opportunity to draw, play, enjoy treats, and connect. Fun for the whole family!
Transition Back Wednesday, August 18th | 2:30-3:30PM enter through main entrance
Wanting to ensure that every child and family has the opportunity to walk through the building, see their teachers, and re-familiarize themselves with in-person schooling we are opening our doors early for a supportive transition back. This opportunity is open to ALL students at ALL grade levels!
GRAND OPENING CEREMONY! Wednesday, August 18th | 3:30-4:30 PM in the EPS courtyard
While we are ready to kick off our third year in our incredible new building, it will hopefully be our first full one! The pandemic may have pushed back our timeline for holding a community celebration to officially open the building, but it didn’t stop us. Save the date for this long overdue ceremony and celebration! More details and information will be shared as we get closer.
First Day of School
Monday, August 23rd First full day for 1st through 8th grade
Monday, August 30th First day of preschool and kindergarten***
***we will be sending additional information regarding screenings and transition days to families soon
First through fifth grade class placement information will be shared on Friday, August 13th. Personalized schedules will be shared with our middle school students in life skills on the first day of school. A friendly reminder that school will begin at 8:45AM on Wednesdays, and 8:30AM all other days, for teacher professional development. Pick-up, drop-off, and additional beginning of the year information will be shared with families over the coming weeks.
Looking Forward
Like all school years, the year to come will be filled with challenges, as well as, happiness, lots of learning, and many special memories to be made. We are committed to ensuring every child feels safe and valued, while also supporting and encouraging them to fulfill their highest potential. We will continue to prioritize care, relationships, and wellbeing in tandem with developing critical thinkers, scholars, and engaged citizens. Our team promises to do everything we can to make this the very best school year for your child(ren) and family. We look forward to the adventure and journey!
In partnership,
The East Prairie Team
