8/9 Chalk, Chat, & Chill With Us

 

Goofy Olympics!!!

Thank you to the many students and families who turned out yesterday for the first ever East Prairie Goofy Olympic Games.  We had a phenomenal afternoon hurling water balloons, throwing javelins, scooting, crawling, jumping, bowling, and hopping through a challenge course.  It was wonderful to see kids playing outside, together, and having fun!  We are even more excited for what is sure to be a gold medal school year!

Welcome Back, Panthers!!!

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!

Here is a welcome back letter as we begin to get ready for the new school year.  I promise that your teachers and I are going to do everything we can to make this your best year yet!

Welcome Back & Looking Ahead

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

End-of-Year Letter

I couldn't be more proud of everything that our students have done throughout this year.  Here is one final letter as we wrap things up.  Wishing everyone a sensational and safe summer!

Thank you!

As today is our final school day...WE DID IT!  TOGETHER!  It is the togetherness that makes the accomplishment of bringing another school year to a close so meaningful and special.  It takes a strong sense of community and care to raise a child, and we have an incredible team to help make that happen in the very best of ways.

To our families, thank you for your trust, support, and care; throughout not just this year but all of them.  You are your child’s first teacher, their advocate, mentor, and rock.  Without you none of this is possible.

To our teachers, thank you.  It is moments like these where we get to pause, reflect, and recognize the profound nature of our work.  You would be hard pressed to find a more committed and caring group of educators than those who have guided your child(ren) throughout this year.  On behalf of our teacher team, we are honored to play a role in each of your lives.  

To our kids, WOW!  YOU DID IT!  You faced unparalleled hardship with poise, dignity, perseverance, and empathy.  The world today looks vastly different than the one when we first entered this new school building two years ago.  Each day you are building the skills, knowledge, and mindset to continue to transform the world in ways that are equitable, just, and sustainable.  You have a voice, you have agency, you have power - and we look forward to the stories each of you will write with it.

Wishing you a restorative, enjoyable, and healthy summer!  Thank you for all that you do to make East Prairie the very special place it is!

"Paint the Prairie"

 Thank you to our incredible student artists and generous familial patrons who supported our first ever "Paint the Prairie" art exhibition.  We had a perfect summer evening to come together, connect, listen to good music, and of course view amazing artwork!

Here is the link to our complete gallery collection.  Thank you to Mr. Abraham, Ms. Wade-Kuzwayo, & Mrs. Patterson for their help and support pulling this off!