Sprague School
Experimenting with Cicadas
First- and second-graders as seen in these photos collaborated to find out answers to these questions:
How many cicadas might emerge in 17 years from just one square foot of land?
Why do the number of cicadas keep getting larger?
Christie Wylie, Sprague Enrichment Specialist, takes advantage of real life situations as a learning experience for her students. With the emergence of cicadas she did just that this month.
Students explored the outdoors and measured one square foot of land where they found evidence of cicada emergence holes. There were 14 holes.
Then students collected 14 cicada exoskeletons to represent that number using tweezers and plastic tubes.
Students then calculated the number of eggs that might come from one square foot area.
Students researched and discovered that females lay 200 eggs or more. Students calculated that from the 14 holes, seven might be male and seven might be female. So from only seven females there would be a possibility of 1,400 eggs or more! In 17 years, there would be 1,400 cicadas generated from just one square foot of land at Sprague School.
Upcoming Events
- EC Art Fair: 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 31.
- Early Dismissal Day: Friday, May 31. Sprague K-2 dismissed at 11:10 a.m. (No school for early childhood students.)
Last Day of School: Early childhood Tuesday, June 4.
- Last Day of School: K-7 Wednesday, June 5, early release day. Sprague K-2 dismissed at 11:10 a.m.
Report Cards: Viewable after 4:00. p.m. Wednesday, June 5.
Add Sprague Calendar: Subscribe to the Sprague calendar so meetings and events can automatically be added to your personal calendar. Right click, copy and past in new window, download.
EC Art Fair
Early childhood students have been working hard to create artwork for their very own art show on Friday, May 31, at 9:30 a.m. as seen in these pictures.
Spragueville
As a culmination of a study on communities, Sprague second-graders created a town of their own called Spragueville, complete with all the necessary businesses for it to flourish as seen in these photos of students.
Some students created services like nail salons, game centers, and dress up studios. As part of the project, students had to design a storefront, create a marketing strategy, and develop a product for students to sample.
Animal Habitats
As part of a writing and science unit, a group of Sprague first-graders spent time learning about animals. Each student was tasked with using digital tools and non-fiction books to research an animal of their choice. Once their research was completed, the students were then taught how to create their own non-fiction book. At home during this time, the students worked with their parents and siblings to create a three-dimensional model or diorama that represented their animal's habitat. Students shared details about their animal with students and parents who visited their classroom this week as seen in these photos.
Soup Opera
Kindergartners recently performed a musical, “A Soup Opera,” by Jim Gill. Teacher Stacy Binder encouraged students to perform the musical in front of an audience because she said children develop skills such as creative expression, cooperation, following instruction, sharing, taking turns, developing self-esteem and confidence.
“It’s a fun way for students to express themselves through drama as seen in these pictures,” Mrs. binder said.
Medication Pick Up
Parents will need to pick up student medication that has been stored in the school nurse's office. Unclaimed medication will be properly disposed of after Friday, June 14, 2024. If your child is attending summer school, you will need to pick up your child's medication and take it to Daniel Wright or Sprague. The medication should be picked up at the end of summer school or it will be properly disposed of by Friday, July 12. Please contact your school nurse if you have any questions.
Medication administration forms can be found on the District 103 website. New forms must be submitted annually.
Permission Required
During the Sprague Field Day on Monday, June 3, (Rain Date June 4) the students will be offered PLEZI Tropical Punch drink. Plezi (Raising a Healthier Generation) is spreading awareness for Healthier drink option for kids. Please check out the ingredients and submit your approval.
Asian Pacific American Heritage
The roots of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month can be traced back to 1976, when Jeanie Jew, president of the Organization of Chinese American Women, contacted government officials in response to the lack of Asian Pacific representation in the U.S. bicentennial celebrations that same year. The observance began in 1979 as Asian Heritage Week, established by congressional proclamation. In May 1990, the holiday was expanded further when President George Bush signed a proclamation making it month-long for that year. On October 23, 1992, Bush signed legislation designating May of every year Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The month of May was chosen to commemorate two significant events in history: the immigration of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 (Golden Spike Day). The diversity and common experiences of the many ethnic groups are celebrated during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with numerous community festivals as well as government-sponsored activities.
Stop the Summer Slide
For some students, the summer slump can impact students if they do not continue to take advantage of learning and keep their brains engaged in reading. Please read this e-notice if you missed it on ways to stop the Summer Reading Slide.
Sprague Summer Countdown
Post the Sprague Summer Countdown on your home refrigerator or bulletin board to get your student excited about summer.
- Tuesday, 5/28: W - I wonder What I will do this summer? I wonder what next year will be like?
- Wednesday, 5/29: I - Inside out day! Wear your clothes inside out!
- Thursday, 5/30: L - Write a Letter to your next year’s teacher!
- Friday, 5/31: D - Drawing day! Take time to Draw!
- Monday, 6/3: C - Wear your favorite Color!
- Tuesday, 6/4: A - Appreciation Day! Compliment your friends and teachers!
- Wednesday, 6/5: T - Taylor Swift or Teams Day! Wear your best swiftie or team clothing!
Lost and Found
With just 4 days of school before summer begins, direct your students to check the lost and found for missing items. There are jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and more. Claim them before the school year ends! Check out the items before Wednesday, June 5!
Partnerships
Spirit Wear Summer Sale
Take advantage of the PTO's Spirit Wear summer sale through Tuesday, June 4. Fiind a large assortment of T-shirts, hoodies, and even Wildcats baseball caps.
School Supplies for Fall
Order your student's school supply kit online complete with everything your teacher requested for the start of the fall school year.
Order 1st Day School Supplies kit today and eliminate the fear, uncertainty, and doubt that comes with starting a new school year. Get the exact supplies your teacher requested in just one click and give your child the confidence to conquer next year with no fear. 1st Day School Supplies provides only the highest quality branded products that will last the entire year, guaranteed! 1st Day School Supplies is the BEST way to buy back-to-school supplies. Order now.
Surprise Your Student
Purchase a brick with your student's name on it where it will be waiting for them as they enter Daniel Wright Junior High School. A memory for a lifetime! Don't miss this opportunity for your student with the Learning Fund Foundation's Legacy Brick fundraiser. Order your brick by Monday, June 10, so the foundation can install them in the fall of 2024.
Seeking Leaders for D103 PTO and Executive Board: Shape the Future of Education
The District 103 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and Executive Board are calling upon passionate and dedicated individuals to step forward and assume leadership roles for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This pivotal opportunity not only enriches your engagement with the community but also directly impacts the educational landscape for our children. As we navigate the evolving challenges in education, your leadership can chart a course that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.
By joining the PTO or Executive Board, you become a catalyst for positive change, influencing policies, programs, and initiatives that shape the academic journey of students across our district. Whether you bring expertise in fundraising, communication, event planning, or advocacy, your unique skills and perspectives are invaluable in creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Seize this chance to make a lasting difference and be part of a dynamic team driving educational success in D103!
- Sign up for leadership roles: https://bit.ly/4a9mgi8
Community News
Steve & Kate's Camp
At Steve & Kate's Camp, campers choose from a variety of activities including sewing, coding, maker crafts, sports & more! Buy any number of days to use at any time. Unused days are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Est. 1980. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included.
Nursery School Program
Lincolnshire Community Nursery School is excited to open up our high quality and engaging enrichment classes to 4 year old students from the community for the 2024-2025 school year! Classes are available Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Transportation from Sprague's Early Childhood program is available. LCNS is proud to be a NAEYC accredited program. Reach out to Katie Tantillo at director@lcns.org or 847-945-1450 for more details. www.lcns.org"
Vernon Township Summer Camp
Children aged 4-7-years old are invited to participate in the Vernon Township Summer Camp from June 17 to August 2. Visit the Vernon Township website for details.
Center for Gifted Classes
The Center for Gifted is bringing their flagship program, Summer Wonders, back to District 103. Offering an exciting variety of challenging, hands-on courses, it comprises three one-week sessions for grades first through sixth in July. The Center for Gifted will offer a 10% tuition discount to students of District 103 families and employees. District 103 students receive a 10% tuition discount, using this code at checkout: TEN4D103.
Laura B. Sprague School
- Principal Ann Hofmeier
- Assistant Principal Jennifer Arroyo
- 847-945-6686
- Ls_attendance@d103.org