Although a short week, there was quite a bit that inspired me this week! I had several conversations this week with parents, staff and other district administrators around our children’s well being. We discussed everything from building self-efficacy in our children to teaching coping strategies. Every conversation left me feeling confident that there is hope in supporting our children better and more than we did the day before. The more we reflect, discuss and make plans for improvement, the better job we are doing as adults. I feel so blessed to work on behalf of children and as a partner with all of you!

Grandparent’s Day

We are looking forward to sharing our school day with our student’s grandparents and other important people in their lives on Thursday, November 8^th at 11:00am. Please register for this event by clicking here. Registering ensures that our grandparent guests know where to go on this day. Please make sure they have a smooth and successful visit!

Parent Teacher Student Association Information

Please click here to read through this week’s Parent Teacher Student Association Lincoln Prairie Press newsletter.

We hope to see you tomorrow at our annual Fall Festival! Come anytime between 3:30-6:30pm. It is going to be a beautiful day to Trunk or Treat, tour the Haunted Hall or visit the many other fun fall activities!

Amanda Stochl & Carol Novak

We hope you are excited to welcome in the fall season this weekend! To mark the entrance of a new season, we have another challenge – Fall INSPIREd. As a family, create a list of what inspires you about the season and post it somewhere visible to collect inspirations throughout the season. Creating space for acknowledging what inspires us helps us to find inspiration on a more regular basis! What is first to make your list?

Lincoln Prairie Clubs

In an effort to support conversations at home, we have compiled a Club Brochure posted on our website to review as a family.  The brochure can be accessed by clicking here. You will find all clubs offered this year, as well as contact information for sponsors and times of year offered. The process is still the same as in previous years and we encourage our children to gather the permission slips and only join clubs they are interested in.  Please know that students will receive announcements daily about when different clubs will begin. Permission slips will be made available on the bulletin board outside the main office.

Measures of Academic Progress Reports

On Thursday, October 4, you will receive an email containing your child’s most recent Measures of Academic Progress testing results. Please be sure to review this prior to attending your child’s conference. Our staff is looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s academic and social emotional progress thus far.

Parent Teacher Student Association Information

Please read through this week’s Parent Teacher Student Association newsletter by clicking here.

District Information

Anti-Bullying Presentation for Parents – October 9  As you know, District 54 is committed to ensuring the academic success and social-emotional well-being of all students. This fall we introduced a new social-emotional learning curriculum at all grade levels focused on the belief that each child deserves to be Healthy, Safe, Engaged, Supported and Challenged.

We value our relationships with our students’ parents as we work together to support the children in this community. Therefore, District 54 will host a presentation for parents and other adults in our community about the negative effects of bullying and what we can do as a community to create a culture of kindness and respect.

Humanity Rising is partnering with Kirk Smalley of Stand for the Silent to deliver this powerful message in October, National Bullying Prevention Month. Mr. Smalley will talk about how his own son committed suicide after being bullied.

The presentation will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at our Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Click here to access the flyer for the event.

We hope you will make plans to join us. And please reach out to us if there is ever anything we can do to better support your child.

Schaumburg Parent University – October classes

Schaumburg Parent University (SPU) is designed to involve more parents in the life of the school, to strengthen family relationships, and to improve parenting skills that will ultimately result in improved student success academically, socially and emotionally. There are two evening programs scheduled for October. Please note that child care is always available.

• How to Raise Resilient Children – October 11
  Click Here for the How to Raise Resilient Children Flyer. Jacqueline Rhew, the co-author of Successful Parenting, will talk about creating a custom plan for raising independent children into adulthood, with strategies for increasing motivation, healthy goal setting and active school engagement. This presentation is intended for adults only and is presented in cooperation with the Schaumburg Township Council of PTAs . This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on October 11, 2018, in the District 54 Board Room, 524 E. Schaumburg Road, 2nd floor, Schaumburg.
• Math Night: Escape Room – October 24
  Click Here for the Math Night Flyer. Parents, guardians and students in kindergarten through sixth grade will use math, collaboration and creative thinking to unlock clues and solve problems. This event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on October 24, 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

To register or for more information, contact Meg Kwak at 847-357-6586 or spu@nullsd54.org. Leave your name, contact information, the number of children needing childcare (free) and your child’s school.

We look forward to seeing everyone during Student led Conferences next week.

Amanda Stochl & Carol Novak

There are so many ideas and conversations that flood my days that I’ve come to recognize that constantly thinking and reflecting makes one better equipped to problem solve, develop those ideas and support others fully. I am sitting alongside eight Lincoln Prairie staff members and over 100 District 54 educators today thinking, conversing and reflecting on the future of our schools. Led by Dr. Nick Myers, Associate Superintendent District 54, we are immersing ourselves in ideas and research that will help continue to build on the solid foundation that Lincoln Prairie has already established.  We are proud to reflect on the ideas that Future Ready concepts like collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving have been part of the opportunities we’ve provided our students throughout the past 20 years. I was inspired by Dr. Myers’ comment, “All of these things matter. They inspire, motivate and speak to our kids!” It was a reminder that as we move forward, we are on the right path, focusing on empowering our children fully! What is a hope that inspires you when you think of your child’s future?

Parent Teacher Student Association Information

Please take a few minutes to check out this week’s Parent Teacher Student Association Newsletter by clicking here. As a reminder, information on events, volunteer opportunities and extras are included in this newsletter each week.

District Information

Schaumburg Parent University – September classes  Schaumburg Parent University (SPU) is designed to involve more parents in the life of the school, to strengthen family relationships, and to improve parenting skills that will ultimately result in improved student success academically, socially and emotionally. There are two evening programs scheduled for September. Please note that child care is always available.

The Happiness Advantage – Happiness is not something that happens to you but rather a choice you can make to lead a more fulfilling and enriching life.  Research shows that choosing happiness has an advantage beyond simply feeling good. Come learn about the benefits of positive psychology and experience it firsthand through fun and interactive activities. Parents, guardians and students in third through eighth grade are welcome to attend. This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on September 27, 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

To register or for more information, contact Meg Kwak at (847) 357-6586 or spu@nullsd54.org. Leave your name, contact information, the number of children requiring free childcare and the name of your child’s school.

The Department of Language and Culture is excited to host Free Adult English as a Second Language classes at Nerge, Armstrong and Hanover Highlands this fall. These classes are designed for parents of District 54 students who are interested in learning or practicing their English. During these classes, participants will engage in communicative activities centered around a broad range of topics.  The class will meet 8 times.

• Classes at Nerge will be on Tuesdays, Oct. 9-Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m.
• Classes at Armstrong will be on Wednesdays, Oct. 10-Dec. 12 from 6-8 p.m.
• Classes at Hanover Highlands will be on Mondays, Sept. 24-Nov. 19 from 6-8 p.m.

The Adult English as a Second Language flyers and registration forms in English, Spanish and Polish can be found on the Language and Culture Website by clicking here. Please return completed registration forms to your child’s school. We look forward to having you join us!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Amanda Stochl, Principal & Carol Novak, Assistant Principal

What are you drawn to most in your work, either inside your home or out?  Do you like certain tasks? Errands? Types of work?  I know when it comes to the various types of work we do every day, it is clear what I enjoy doing most – working with kids.  There is not a day that goes by that the innocence, energy or enthusiasm of a child does not create the most joy-filled times of day.  These observations and interactions are the inspiration that fuel our work.  This week I observed a kindergartener beaming after receiving a sticker from Mrs. Albro.  He wasn’t excited to tell me he received a sticker, but that she let HIM pick it out and HE got to put it on and that HE read well with her.  Listening to his prideful response inspired me to be more intentional with what I do and say to our children because EVERY encounter has the potential to inspire them to be their best selves!  What inspires you about your children?  After you think about it, tell them!  I’m confident it would mean just as much as picking out their own sticker!

Parent Teacher Student Association Information

Please take a few minutes to check out this week’s Parent Teacher Student Association Newsletter by clicking here. As a reminder, information on events, volunteer opportunities and extras are included in this newsletter each week.

District Information

Social Emotional Learning

As a school, we strive to meet the needs of the whole child, including the social-emotional needs of every student.  Our teachers know your child by name and by need and we work hard to build relationships and understand all of our learners.  To better ensure we support every student, this year we will be using a universal screener to help us ensure we have identified every student who may need additional social-emotional support.

The universal screener is a series of questions that staff members complete for the students they support. Students do not participate in the screener or receive direct feedback about the results. If your child has elevated risk factors identified through this screener, we would contact you directly to discuss how we can work together to intervene and support your student.  This is simply one additional way for our staff make sure we are helping every student be successful.  If you have any questions about the screener, please feel free to contact me.

Run to Read 5K

If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so today by using clicking this link to register.  You can also view last years’ experience by clicking here.  We hope to see lots of LP families on Sunday, September 23 at the annual District 54 Run to Read!

Schaumburg Parent University – September classes

Schaumburg Parent University (SPU) is designed to involve more parents in the life of the school, to strengthen family relationships, and to improve parenting skills that will ultimately result in improved student success academically, socially and emotionally. There are two evening programs scheduled for September. Please note that child care is always available.

The Happiness Advantage – Happiness is not something that happens to you but rather a choice you can make to lead a more fulfilling and enriching life.  Research shows that choosing happiness has an advantage beyond simply feeling good. Come learn about the benefits of positive psychology and experience it firsthand through fun and interactive activities. Parents, guardians and students in third through eighth grade are welcome to attend. This event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on September 27, 2018, at the District 54 Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

To register or for more information, contact Meg Kwak at (847) 357-6586 or spu@nullsd54.org. Leave your name, contact information, the number of children requiring free childcare and the name of your child’s school.

Multicultural Parent Advisory Council

Please join us for our first meeting from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Professional Learning Center, 522 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Our topic is “ACCESS, MAP and PARCC: What do they tell me about my child’s learning?” Childcare is available for ages 3-5. To RSVP, fill out the form on the event flyer and send it to your child’s school by Sept. 13. Click here to visit our website for more information and to view the flyer in English, Spanish, Polish and Japanese. You can also ask your child’s school for a paper copy of the flyer.

Adult English as a Second Language Classes

The Department of Language and Culture is excited to host Free Adult English as a Second Language classes at Nerge, Armstrong and Hanover Highlands this fall. These classes are designed for parents of District 54 students who are interested in learning or practicing their English. During these classes, participants will engage in communicative activities centered around a broad range of topics.  The class will meet 8 times.

• Classes at Nerge will be on Tuesdays, Oct. 9-Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m.
• Classes at Armstrong will be on Wednesdays, Oct. 10-Dec. 12 from 6-8 p.m.
• Classes at Hanover Highlands will be on Mondays, Sept. 24-Nov. 19 from 6-8 p.m.

The Adult English as a Second Language flyers and registration forms in English, Spanish and Polish can be found on the Language and Culture Website by clicking here. Please return completed registration forms to your child’s school. We look forward to having you join us!

District 54 Education Foundation – Upcoming support opportunity at Lou Malnati’s September 19

The Foundation is partnering with Lou Malnati’s in Schaumburg to raise funds for students. Eat at or order from Lou Malnati’s Schaumburg or Lou Malnati’s Barrington Road on September 19, and 20 percent of total sales will be donated to the District 54 Education Foundation. You must bring in or mention the flyer at the time of your order; click here for the flyer.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Amanda Stochl, Principal & Carol Novak, Assistant Principal

This week marked the conclusion of all 4 of our curriculum night events. Our hope was that parents left with an understanding of our goals for the year, what learning opportunities children will be engaged in and how partnering on this school journey will definitely help our students reach their fullest potential!

I was particularly inspired this week as I reflected on the amount of parents that came to hear our presentations; taking notes and asking questions. At one point, I watched as two parents spoke with a teacher. They were asking probing questions about helping their child acclimate to the new school year. I listened as Ms. Mueller provided them reassurance and shared specific information that would help them support their child further. They left the conversation feeling more confident and excited for the year ahead. A similar experience took place during the Middle Level night. I received an email from a parent, new to Middle Level, conveying how their fears and uncertainties were quickly diminished after hearing from the teachers. The amount of care and commitment that was conveyed by the staff working with our Middle Level students was seen clearly and left this parent feeling optimistic and frankly extremely glad her children are at Lincoln Prairie!

Both of these examples remind me how intentional communication delivered in genuine ways can provide huge benefits to all. Who has inspired you this week?

Parent Teacher Student Association Information

Please take a few minutes to check out this week’s Parent Teacher Student Association Newsletter by clicking here. As a reminder, information on events, volunteer opportunities and extras are included in this newsletter each week.

If you are in the neighborhood tomorrow, Saturday, September 8, from 10:00am-2:00pm, stop by our school parking lot. The 8^th grade class is hosting a Car Wash fundraiser. Money raised supports events and a class gift for the whole community!

Come to the first Parent Teacher Student Association Meeting of the year – Monday, September 10, from 7:00-8:00pm. Everyone is invited! Childcare is provided.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Amanda Stochl, Principal & Carol Novak, Assistant Principal