Our choir students had the opportunity to perform at Allstate Arena and the Niles North Choral Festival this past week.
At East Prairie an intense focus on collaboration is at the heart of EVERYTHING we do! We know that when adults learn more, kids learn more! We greatly value and appreciate the opportunity that Institute Day provides for us to learn from, with, and alongside one another.
Dear East Prairie families,
As we head into tomorrow’s election and the uncertainty of the weeks ahead, we wanted to again share and speak to our collective values as a school community. We want to be explicit about what we believe and stand for, highlighting our core value of “we are better together!” We must, regardless of the differences we hold, continue to find common ground to discuss, consider, and act upon matters both collectively and as individuals.
At East Prairie, our aim is to cultivate informed young people towards active participation in our shared democracy. We seek to partner with families to develop in children a well rounded and critical perspective of any issue, alongside the qualities of empathy, care, and compassion. Above all, we strive to create a learning environment where ALL kids and adults are valued, respected, and cared for. We approach this work each day with humility and an enormous sense of responsibility.
Here are two articles to help support families in discussing the election:
Talking to Children About the Election - American Psychological Association
Talking to Children and Teens About the Election - Psychology Today
At a time when rhetoric is heated and tensions are escalated, we are grateful for the example set by our staff, families, and community members. We are thankful for the care, respect, and dignity afforded every member of our school community. Thank you for the ongoing efforts to collectively foster a compassionate and inclusive learning environment for all. Despite the uncertainty and challenge, we have the incredible opportunity and responsibility each day to shape minds, provide comfort, care, and security for some whom this may not be a given, and forge future trajectories beyond anything imaginable. Though daunting and often difficult, this work truly matters. Thank you for partnering with us in fulfilling this responsibility one day at a time with care, kindness, and unrelenting purpose!
Here is a link to a message that will be shared with students.
Each of us continues to have an important role to play in making sure our school, community, and broader shared world are safe, just, and equitable. This work is not easy, but remains fiercely important. It is through our conversations, considerations, and most importantly actions, that we shape a brighter future for not just our children and selves, but for future generations to come. Together we will collectively meet this, and any, moment by sustaining and strengthening the relationships between our homes, school, and community.
In partnership,
The East Prairie team
