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Newsletter for the Taylor Prairie School Community
June 9, 2020
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Greetings Taylor Prairie Families, 
The 2019-2020 school year started out like most years with the excitement of meeting new friends, learning the rules and expectations for the classroom and school, practicing new skills, and becoming a member of the school community. No one anticipated the abrupt end of being in the school setting and following the established daily routines. Virtual learning quickly became our mode of operation. Learning how to navigate various platforms, learn and teach in different environments, and our journey of synchronous and asynchronous learning rapidly became our new norm. Virtual learning has had its challenges, but it also has given us time to reflect on "school" as we have always known it. It has solidified our beliefs about the importance of building relationships within our school setting and the importance of digging deeper into our essential learning standards. Throughout the virtual learning experience, we have listened to your comments and suggestions and have tried to make adjustments along the way to make the experience better for your child and for you as the caregiver providing assistance with your child's educational journey. We will continue to reflect and evaluate and learn from the last three months.
The million-dollar question that is on all our minds centers on what our school year will look like in the fall. As a district, we continue to monitor the data and information from Public Health Madison and Dane County, Department of Health Services, the Department of Public Instruction. We will continue to monitor and create plans that align with guidance from these agencies. The safety of students, staff, and the community is in the forefront of all our discussions. We will share information during the summer about the upcoming school year when we have a clearer vision about the best way to move forward.
The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and so many others serves as a reminder that we still have a long way to go to dismantle racism and injustices. Over the past years, we have focused on providing professional development on culturally responsive practices so that we can look inward and then make changes systemically. We have been learning about historically marginalized groups; understanding our own cultural identities; identifying our own implicit biases; and exploring how misconceptions, beliefs, and assumptions influence interactions with others. We have taken that knowledge and applied it by examining our curriculum and instruction to determine if it is culturally relevant and making changes when we identify misalignment, focusing on asset-based thinking and celebrating diversity in our classrooms, and working together to co-plan lessons so that we include all students so they can access grade level standards. As a school and as a district, we are firm in our commitment to achieve equity for our students and families.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to educate your children. Each student brings something very special to our school community. Stay safe and healthy over the summer months. We look forward to working with you in the fall. Best wishes to our first grade students and families as you move on to Cottage Grove School- we will miss you!
With compassion,
Connie Haessly
Taylor Prairie School Principal
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| Current School Year Information |
While the school year is almost over, there are a few things the current 4k-1st grade families need to know.
- Report cards: These will be posted by June 10th. Third trimester will not show evaluation of skills, rather will state the objectives that were covered during distance learning.
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Grab 'N' Go Free Meals: Last day is Thursday, June 11th.
- Printing Report Cards: Must be printed by June 30th.
- SEE-SAW: If you would like to download a copy of your child's portfolio, please follow these instructions (in Spanish) before June 19, 2020.
- Device drop-off: This will take place after summer school has ended. Tuesday, July 21st from 3-7 pm, and Wednesday, July 22nd from 8-11am. Details will come, but be prepared to clearly label and bag the iPad and charger, and drive-through during one of those times (or have a friend/neighbor return it during those times).
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Special Messages from TP Staff
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STOP HERE!!!
SHOW THESE VIDEOS TO YOUR KIDDOS!!!
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Moving?
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As we begin the placement process, it is important that we know if your child
WILL NOT
be attending the Monona Grove School District next year.
If you plan on moving before the beginning of the next school year,
please email
[email protected]
. We will forward a withdrawal form to assist in forwarding your child's records to the next school. Also, we will arrange return of the district iPads, books, or other items.
Thank you!
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Some Farewells and Celebrations!
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We have two employees retiring this year.
Congratulations! Enjoy the well-deserved days ahead!
You both will be missed!
Virginia Walsh
Head Custodian at Taylor Prairie
28 years in the district
Robert "RJ" Auner
Physical Therapist at Taylor Prairie School
(and CGS, Winnequah, and MGHS)
8 years in the district
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We have three staff members moving on with the 1st graders to CGS!
Ms. Peggy Riley Ms. Kay Pruzinski Ms. Lisa Stefl
We'll miss you at TP, but we are glad you'll be nearby! Enjoy CGS!
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Congrats to these employees for your "Years of Service" Recognition:
5 Years: Mae Fruhling, Keisha Nee, Michelle Weiss
20 Years: Lisa Ishii, Kim Koch, Penny Meikle
30 Years: Lori Seals
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We have one TP staff member leaving the district.
Ms. Heather Reekie has accepted a Speech Pathologist position in a district closer to her home. She has been with MGSD for 13 years. Best wishes to you, Heather!
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THESE TAYLOR PRAIRIE STAFF MEMBERS!
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| Incoming 4K-1st for 2020-2021 |
Pending many unknowns, here are some dates/items for your information, if everything goes as planned. Remember, everything is changing these days, but this is our plan if we start the year as we hope. Thank you for your patience and understanding if/when there are changes.
- Registration: At this point, there is no need to complete the online registration for students staying in the district for the 2020-2021 school year. If information is requested by the district, that will be done later in the summer.
- Transportation:Information related to transportation will be made available later in the summer when we learn more about the start of the school year.
- School Supply Lists: Watch for communication later this summer.
- Picture Day: This year, Captial School Pictures is opening their studio for school pictures during the summer. Please see this flyer for all that you need to know! It also contains your order form. (You may have received one with your school materials as well.) For students not photographed this summer, we will have our regularly scheduled picture (and retake) days at school.
- Placement:Early in August, we will share information with you in Infinite Campus about your child's class assignment.
- Taylor Prairie Office Hours: The office and grounds will be closed through July.
- Newsletters: In early August, look for our first 20-21 Newsletter with important dates, times and information regarding the new school year. To ensure that you are receiving all messages, it is vital that your email is current in Infinite Campus. You may also want to check your spam folder to make sure emails are not being routed there.
- Updated Information over the summer: Please read emails from the school/district as they may contain important information about the upcoming school year. We will also keep our TP web page as up-to-date as possible, with any changes or information you may need.
- Start of the School Year: Later in the summer, we will share more information about the start of the year as we will know more about the specific guidelines from public health.
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| Some Fun Summer Links and Resources |
Check out what the TP Teachers have put together for MAKERS!
Be A Maker!
Here are GREAT ideas for kids to "make" this summer!
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Other great resources to help this summer!
ABCya! - Many fun games for free (some require premium membership)! Everything from math and reading to drawing and creating! Kids love this site!
Storyline Online
- Great children's books read to them by well-known people.
Monona Library - Keep up to date with what is going on at the Monona Library!
Henry Vilas Zoo - Find out when the zoo opens, and in the meantime, learn about all of the animals they have and maybe even Zoom with them!
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Pupil Services
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 If you find that your family is in need and would like some support (food, shelter, mental health needs), please reach out to one of our Pupil Service Team members:
Also, you can call 211, which will connect you with non-profit and government services in our area that may assist you with the needs you may be experiencing.
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| CG PTO |
Please remember, SCRIP is available throughout the summer!
To the right is just a sampling of the cards available, and many are reloadable right from your phone with proceeds going to CG PTO!
 If you have a child going into
4K-4th grade for next year, you may want stay informed of possible events and volunteering (family fun nights, festivals, teacher appreciation). Please fill out
this Google Form so you don't miss out!
Next year's meeting dates are:
September 21, 2020
November 9, 2020
January 11, 2021
March 8, 2021
May 10, 2021
We are looking for one more person to join the PTO board and one person for a committee chair! There are only five regular PTO meetings and a few additional board meetings. It is a fun group and a great cause - your kids and their schools!
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General Information & Resources
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