The Pritchett Post -- 12/20/24

Life isn't about getting and having, it's about giving and being. –Kevin Kruse

As we approach the end of the calendar year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible first half of the school year we have had together. Our Panthers have made tremendous strides academically, embracing challenges, and demonstrating a love for learning. Equally important, they have grown socially and emotionally, building friendships, showing kindness, and strengthening our school community. None of this would be possible without your ongoing support and partnership. Thank you for being an integral part of your child’s journey and for contributing to the positive energy that fills our school. Looking forward to 2025, we wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year and know that sharing our lives (parents and teachers) with such wonderful children makes each of us very rich indeed. Take time to reflect on childhood, its joys, and challenges. Children are little for such a short time; savor the moment!

Students will return to school on Tuesday, January 7. As a reminder, in case of inclement weather, you can find school closing information on the district’s home page. In addition, if Pritchett is closed, an automated phone call will be made to the child’s home to notify parents.

Warm regards,

Dr. Moreland -- Principal

On Monday our Kindergarteners demonstrated their creativity by crafting amazing gingerbread houses using recycled milk cartons, candy, and plenty of frosting. With enthusiastic support from your parents and teachers, Kindergarteners brought their imaginative houses to life!

Despite sticky fingers and candy-covered hands, their huge smiles said it all - each student beamed with pride over their sweet and festive creations!

First-grade students had a wonderful time learning about holidays from around the world in an engaging and interactive lesson. Each student created a personalized "passport," which they proudly used to collect stamps after learning about each holiday. The holidays explored included Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, and New Year, providing students with a glimpse into diverse traditions and celebrations. Students were excited to learn about the customs and stories behind each holiday, fostering curiosity and appreciation for different cultures. This hands-on activity not only made learning fun but also encouraged a sense of global understanding and respect.

As a reminder, we want the children outside for recess as much as possible. As long as the windchill is above 10 degrees Fahrenheit, students will be outside. Before we know it snow will be here! If your child would like to play in the snow, snow pants and boots will be needed. Please plan ahead.

During January and February, we will be administering the State of Illinois WIDA ACCESS English Language Assessment for all students who qualify for multilingual services. Testing will be administered during the school day, and no additional action is required by families. Please note that students will not be testing every day during their designated testing window. The dates are set to help plan and organize testing within grade levels at each building. Please see below for the testing schedule at each school:

Pritchett Testing Dates: January 21-February 3

Are you ready for some Bingo? Ms. Boznos put together a fun December reading challenge! When you complete a task, color in the box. You can read books from home, Pritchett's library, and the public library. Books read by parents count! When a row is, bring the sheet to Ms. Boznos for a small token to celebrate success!

Congratulations to our Panther Cup Winners (click on photos to enlarge)!

Please note we will send children home according to our student database records. If you are changing your child's transportation, please send your child with a note in the morning.

For example, if your child takes the bus every day and you are picking up for a doctor's appointment at 3:30 p.m. (dismissal) please send a note that morning. In an 'emergency' situation you may contact Ms. Barraza by phone or email. Unfortunately, we will not be able to honor any changes after 2:00 p.m.

In continued partnership with our transportation provider, First Student, District 102 is launching FirstView®, a bus tracking, and parent communications app for your smartphone or desktop. To download the app and get started using FirstView, click on this link. This app provides:

• Live Tracking
• Predictive Stop Arrival Times
• Custom Alerts and Messages
• Multi-Stop View
• Secure and Easy Access
• Dedicated Customer Support

If you have a busing question or would like to report a problem, please call First Student Bus Company at 847.634.0868 or our Transportation Coordinator, Denise Koto. She can be reached at 847.353.5680 or through email at dkoto@d102.org.

January 7: School Resumes

January 15: Early Dismissal (2:00 p.m.)

January 17: Student Council Spirit Day: Wear Pritchett Clothes / Colors

January 20: No School

January 29:Early Dismissal (2:00 p.m.)

Office Phone Number: 847.353-5700

Fax Number: 847.215.3259

Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Student Hours: 9:00am - 3:30pm

Health Office

Mrs. Priscilla Lowe, Nurse

Attendance Line: 847.353.5703

Email: mmoreland@d102.org
Website: https://www.d102.org/pritchett/
Phone: (847) 363-5700

Email: jcummings@d102.org
Website: https://www.d102.org/pritchett/
Phone: (847) 353-5700