
Sprague School

Building Young Storytellers
First-graders recently spent time retelling the story of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” as seen in these photos.
“There are multiple versions to this story. The idea is for students to select one of the versions and recall it in the correct order that it takes place,” said teacher Holly Schlan.
Retelling stories in the correct sequence is a critical skill for young learners because it strengthens their comprehension, memory, and ability to organize thoughts. When students recall events in order—beginning, middle, and end—they develop a deeper understanding of narrative structure, which is essential for both reading and writing.
By practicing with “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” first-graders not only improve their ability to recall details but also enhance their verbal communication skills. Using picture scenes and iPads to narrate the story gives them a fun, interactive way to reinforce these essential literacy skills.
Upcoming Events
- Friday, Feb. 28: No School for Teacher Institute Day.
- Friday, Feb. 28: Talent Show registration deadline.
- Thursday, March 6: Summer school registration opens at 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 6: Family folk dancing for second-grade families.
- Thursday, March 13: Late Start, k-2 students should be in their classroom at 9:45 a.m. No school for early childhood students.
- Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28: Spring break, schools are closed.
2nd-Grade Family Folk Dance Night
Second-grade families mark your calendars for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6! It's Sprague's second-grade Family Folk Dance Night and you are all invited to join us in the big gym for some great fun. Your students have learned many movement games and dances and they want you to try them, too! This is not a performance, but a chance to move to the music and join the fun. All family members of second-graders are invited to participate in the activities. Yes, that means if you have younger/older siblings, grandma, baby - they are welcome, too! Music teachers Mr. Kahn, Mrs. Orals, and Half Day's Mrs. Smidt will be leading the activities. Come when you can, and leave when you must. It's very casual and we look forward to seeing you on the 6th of March! Don't forget to wear comfy shoes!
Black History Month
At Sprague, we celebrate our diversity and different cultures throughout the year. February marks Black History Month and students at Sprague engage in a variety of curriculum-aligned activities to explore the history and achievements of Black Americans. Library Media Specialist Lauren Lenzini curates a diverse selection of books that are age appropriate. For young learners, Black History Month is about celebrating inspiring people and their contributions in ways they can understand.
Tell Us What You Think
Parents, students, and teachers are invited to participate in giving feedback on school climate and learning conditions in District 103 through the state-administered, Illinois 5Essentials Survey.
This 20-minute survey is a great way for D103 parents to provide input into the five indicators from the survey that affect and predict school success:
Effective Leaders
Collaborative Teachers
Involved Families
Supportive Environments
Ambitious Instruction
Future-Ready Friday:
D103’s Portrait of a Graduate in Action!
D103’s vision is to create a learning environment where every student thrives academically, emotionally and socially. Take a moment to enjoy a brief video for Future-Ready Friday: D103’s Portrait of a Graduate in Action! On our YouTube Channel are brief student voice videos where they demonstrate learning in the classroom.
Kindergarten/Preschool Registration Now Open
Kindergarten
Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Kindergarten registration is for District 103 residents who will turn 5-years-old on or before September 1. (Please do not register your Sprague early childhood student for kindergarten until the spring.)
The district offers half day and full day kindergarten. There is no lottery for full day kindergarten. Registration takes place through our online portal, PowerSchool enrollment.
Full day kindergarten is $3,500, if a deposit of $500 is paid by April 4, and $3,850 thereafter.
Full day kindergarten tuition is payable in two installments due August 1, 2025 and December 1, 2025.
Half day kindergarten is $100.00 for the year.
Visit the kindergarten registration page for documents required for registration.
Preschool
Register today for the Sprague Early Childhood program that focuses on learning through play by providing hands-on, interactive learning experiences. Our early childhood students participate in a variety of small and large group activities that focus on developing social and learning related skills through investigation, exploration, and discovery.
Early Childhood Community Peer tuition rates for 2025-2026 are as follows:
Extended Day: $8,686 per year
Half Day Tuition: $4,343 per year
Bus transportation to and from Sprague School will be available for a fee of $400 per year per child.
Bus transportation available to/from area child care facilities.
Partnerships
Sprague Talent Show – March 15, 2025! 🎶
Join us in celebrating our talented students as they take the stage in the Sprague Gym! From musicians and dancers to magicians and more, it's a day of entertainment and community fun. Performances are limited to 4 minutes to give everyone a chance to shine! We also need Parent Volunteers and Student Emcees for this event. Sign up for both at https://dub.sh/D103SignUp
Date & Time:
- Saturday, March 15 - Morning Session: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Saturday, March 15 - Afternoon Session: 1 to 3 p.m.
Reserve your spot by Friday, Feb. 28: https://dub.sh/6yFJeo6
You can edit your submission until March 1.
Need to upload music? Send it to us here: https://dub.sh/BNcRm8P
For any questions about this event, please contact Doug Oguss at dougoguss@gmail.com.
See you on stage!
Run for D103 5K
The Run for D103 5K Run/Walk is a family-friendly, annual fundraising event held in the spring that enables the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) to provide District 103 with programs and equipment for the benefit of our children. This race is representative of our district's commitment to foster both healthy minds and healthy bodies in our children and to instill a lifelong passion for education and exercise.
Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, meet new people, and have fun! We can't wait to see you at the starting line!
👉 Register today @ runford103.org
Community
Family Information Night: Homework Resources at Vernon Area Public Library
Join us on Tuesday, March 4, from 6:30–8:00 p.m. at the Vernon Area Public Library to learn about the many resources available to help your child with their homework! This program will introduce you to valuable library resources to support your child's academic success from kindergarten through eighth-grade. A librarian-led tour of the library will also be included.
This program is intended for adults, and childcare will be provided. Please note, childcare is not available for children under 3-years-old. Please register with for the program and for childcare. Please reach out to Jacqueline Niziolek, MLL Multilingual Coordinator, at jbever@d103.com with questions.
BOWL-for-KIDS Fundraiser
The Kiwanis Club of Buffalo Grove and Lincolnshire is rolling into action, and we've got an event that's right up your alley – quite literally! Join us for the second installment of our BOWL-for-KIDS Fundraiser event that promises an evening of strikes, spares, and all-around good times while raising money to benefit the youth in and around our community.
- Friday, March 7
- 6:30–8:30pm
- Bowlero (350 McHenry Rd. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089)
- Registration: $35 per individual or $200 per lane (for up to 6 bowlers)
Includes...
- Two hours of bowling fun
- Shoe rental
- Two slices of delicious cheese pizza
- Unlimited soft drinks
Spring Baseball Registration
The LSA Recreational Baseball program is open to players 3-years-old through eighth-grade. The goal of this program is to give young players an introductory understanding of the game in an organized and fun setting. All divisions are coed. The season will run from April to July. For questions please reach out to lsahousebaseball@gmail.com.
Rush Soccer Registration
Chicago Rush Soccer invites families of children born in 2018 and 2019 to register now for their spring academy.
Laura B. Sprague School
- Principal Ann Hofmeier
- Assistant Principal Jennifer Arroyo
- 847-945-6686
- Ls_attendance@d103.org