The Panther Newsletter
A publication of the Prairie Elementary School PTA
Week of
July 24, 2016

Letter from Principal Shipp

Dear Prairie Parents and Staff,

It's hard to believe summer break is almost over. Some may think educators are sad to see the free-spirited days of summer come to an end. Truth be told, we secretly love to see school supplies displayed as this signals the start of a new year.  Summer gives us time to rejuvenate our minds, bodies and souls.  As July ends, we are refreshed and ready to try new teaching and leading strategies we read about over the summer. We're ready to decorate our classrooms and offices with a touch of our personal flare. We're eager to work with our team of colleagues who share our passion for teaching and learning. Last, but most important, we anticipate the energy we receive from our new students who soon become our family. 
 
Not only do I feel refreshed after a few weeks of summer fun with my family, but I also feel overwhelmed with positive energy as I prepare for my first year as the principal of Prairie Elementary. I want to express my appreciation for all of the warm welcome messages from families and staff. I cannot wait to begin working with you all as we focus our efforts on continuing to make this the best school for our Prairie children.  We want Prairie to be a school that provides a joyful learning environment, while maintaining a high level of rigor.  This is not a simple task, but most definitely possible with all of us working together!

Warmly,

Ms. Kristen Shipp



Welcome, New Prairie Parents!

With each new class of students comes a new class of parents. Welcome to the Prairie community! We look forward to growing with you and your child. 

Please join us at the Ice Cream Social, Wednesday, August 10th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. You and your student can tour the school, visit their classroom and meet other classmates and parents over ice cream. Be sure to stop into the gym to learn about the student activities Prairie offers, join the PTA and donate to Friends of the Library.

Here are some quick links to help you prepare for August:






Feel free to email  us with any questions!

The Newsletter is Moving 

In the Spring we asked parents for feedback on our communication. Many of you suggested that the newsletter be sent at the beginning of the week so important details/dates are top of mind.

We'd like your feedback once again on whether you'd like your newsletter Sunday or Monday - Click Here to give us your input.

Be Sure to Visit the Garden

The Bettenhausens and their watering/weeding volunteers have helped keep the garden healthy through the summer!

It looks very different from the garden students helped plant in the spring. Make sure you stop by to see what's ripe and ready for picking! 

Mark your calendars for Garden work days Tuesday afternoons from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join!

*Newsletter produced by Amy Morgan

Prairie Elementary PTA
c/o Prairie Elementary School
6642 Mission Rd
Prairie Village, Kansas 66208
(913) 993-4400

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Events Calendar

7/20 - Office Re-opens

8/10 - Ice Cream Social, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

8/12 - Kindergarten Conferences

8/12 - First Day of School (gr. 1-6), early dismissal 12:30 p.m.

8/15 - Kindergarten Conferences

8/16 - Kindergarten Begins

8/16 - Kleenex & Coffee in MPR, 8:15 a.m.

8/24 - Back to School Night, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

9/2 - Prairie Fund Mtg, Conference Rm, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m.

9/8 - PTA EXEC Board Mtg, Conference Rm, 8:15 - 9:30

9/9 - NO SCHOOL

9/16 - Art in the Garden, 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Follow Our Blog