The Best Lunch Ever

Today the students earned the privilege of having music at lunch. The level of excitement was even higher than I would have predicted. First lunch Ms. Millbrandt played the music. As it was foreign to me, Melissa explained it was of the B96, KISS,FM variety. Second lunch it was Mrs. Linde spinning the tunes. During the last five minutes of each lunch period the students were allowed to get up and dance. I have never seen that many smiles in one place. Mrs. Linde was given an award by one student for "Best Lunch Ever." It would appear many others shared that sentiment.

Smash Out Cancer

Prairieview and Lakeview are in competition with Eisenhower and Lace schools to see who can collect more to fight cancer. I will be in the hall in the morning when the students arrive collecting dollars. For each dollar the student receives a Smash Cancer slip. They write someones name who has been touched by cancer on the slip. These slips will be displayed on the bulletin board next to the gym.

First Week Back

We made it! As difficult as it was for everyone I spoke to to get up on Tuesday, everyone was still happy about being back! This includes both staff and students. I have to admit I was kind of surprised by this. The first day back after winter break is traditionally a very hard day for many. It was a change and everyone agreed it was hard to wake up. Kids who get more nervous were more nervous and everyone was sleepy, but students and teachers alike were still enthusiastic and happy to be back as the week went on. I'm not sure how many schools get to say that. Prairieview is a pretty nice place to be.

Christmastime

I had the opportunity to attend the Shopping with the Hero Christmas party last week. This is through the Darien-Woodridge, fire, and police. For the past five years, they have been able to take children who would not be able to afford it themselves, shopping at Walmart. Walmart, and others contribute.
Then they return to the station to a wonderful breakfast and party. It is as nice as anything I have ever attended. You can feel the Christmas spirit.
The Lions club has been here every year to help families during the holidays. They were very happy with the generous food donation we collected here at Prairieview. The Lions club has been doing this at least as long as I have been here. This is year twenty for me. Working with these good hearted folks has been a joyful experience!

Conferences

I am so grateful to all the parents who took the time to come see me. It is really nice to put faces with the voices. As long as a day as it is for all concerned it is so worth it. Students shared with me how excited they were to have their parents come in and meet us. It makes them feel special and secure to know the adults in their life are working together for their success.

PBIS Tier 2

Today we introduced a new tool to help students complete homework. It includes a group of students being greeted by a smiling staff member in the morning. The staff member will see that the student has what he/she needs for the day. Students will be reminded in a positive way what their goal for the day is. Before leaving for the day the students will be reporting to the same staff member to quickly show how there homework goals for the day went.
Positive, accurate information has been shown to be a great motivator.

Monday Morning

It is an overcast day. After a three day weekend it is very quiet here at school this November morning. Sometimes it is easier to sit and pay attention on a day like today. Sunshine can certainly lift the spirits but it can also make more of a distraction from learning. So, it is a good day to learn!