December 1, 2023
Important Dates
december
| 4 - 19 |
NWEA Testing |
| 6 | Crumbl Cookies - Dine to Donate |
| 12 - 15 | Jingle Jog |
| 12 - 13 | Rackz - Dine to Donate |
| 13 | Late Start |
| 14 | 1st and 2nd Grade Music Program, 6:30pm |
| 15 | Yearbook Cover Designs due |
| 15 | Hawks Herald |
| 22 | Winter Break Begins - No School |
Make sure to bookmark this site so you always have the latest dates of things happening around Prairie Trace!
winter music program
First and second grade students will be performing a program on Thursday, December 14th at 6:30 PM in the gym at PTE. This performance will be based on the book The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.
Students need to return to PTE by 6:15 PM, and they will meet in the music room. Please let Mr. Poticha know if your child will not be able to attend.
Are you listed in the PTE directory?
This year, PTE is using DirectorySpot to power our school directory. You need to complete a form if you want your family's information in the directory. Check your email or contact ptoprairietrace@gmail.com for more information.
Mark your calendars for our upcoming fundraiser! Visit Crumbl Cookies on 146th Street after school on December 6th to support Prairie Trace!
interested in joining the yearbook Team?
Calling all 5th graders! Are you interested in joining the Yearbook Team? Meetings will be Thursdays after school until 3:15pm starting January 11 - February 29.
To apply, complete the form below and then create a mock yearbook page that would look good in the PTE yearbook. You may complete this on paper or computer. Be sure to include photographs and writing. It does not need to be a school topic. We're looking at your design skills. Be creative! Your completed page must be turned into Mrs. Dragash or Miss Knuttel by Dec. 8.
vision screening information
Attention 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade parents - Annual vision screenings were performed by the Zionsville Lions Club on November 7th using an Optec Machine and/or Snellen Chart. If your student was absent that day, we then performed a Snellen Chart screening in the clinic. Please remember this is used only as a reference point and a referral letter was sent home if your student had a failing score while testing. This does not indicate that your student will require glasses, but that it is recommended to have them seen by a professional. If your student passes, then a short letter explaining the procedure was placed in your student's backpacks. All letter were placed in backpacks started on 11/29. If you have any questions or concerns please call the clinic at 317-571-7925 ext. 2105.
help us stock the clinic!
The nurses are asking for help to stock the clinic with extra clothes for times when kids need a change during the school day. Check the wish list below and please donate as you can.
are you missing anything?
Make sure to check the lost and found the next time you are at PTE. Non-claimed lost and found items will be donated during Winter Break.
Fifth Grade Families - Save the Date
Wednesday, January 17th is PTE Night at Clay Middle School. Student drop off is a 4:45pm for pizza, a building tour, and Q&A. Then students will attend the 8th grade basketball game with pick up at 6:30pm. Mark your calendars!
Holiday Lights Recycling
If you have old holiday lights that need to be thrown out, why not recycle them? Each strand is almost 100% recyclable. Drop off your old lights at White's Ace Hardware at 731 South Rangeline Road through January 11th!
Dear Prairie Trace Elementary School Families,
Wow - December is here! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving break with your families and friends. We hope this newsletter finds you well and that you are gearing up for the holiday season and the cold months ahead.
As we reflect on the past months, it's remarkable to see the incredible growth and achievements of our students.Their hard work and dedication, coupled with the support from parents and teachers, have truly made this semester a success. Students are taking NWEA next week, and we can’t wait to see the progress our students have made this year. When you receive your parent reports in January, let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Take a moment to celebrate your child’s accomplishments too!
Upcoming Events:
Winter Concert: First and second grades will perform on December 14th at 6:30 for the annual Winter Concert. Our talented students will showcase their musical abilities. It promises to be a festive evening filled with joy and holiday spirit based on the book The Snowy Day. Prairie Trace students will see the performance during the day.
Late Start: There is one late start in December on Dec. 13th. Please plan accordingly. Remember students can be dropped off starting at 7:15 if you have signed up.
Winter Break: Just a reminder that Dec. 21st is the last day of school for students. Teachers work on the 22nd, but students do not attend. School resumes on January 9th. We wish you all a wonderful and restful break, filled with joy and laughter. Remember to have your child read at least 20 minutes each day (or you can read to them) and practice their math facts!
School Updates:
Inclement Weather Policy: With winter upon us, please familiarize yourself with our inclement weather policy. In the event of school closures or delays, announcements will be made via School Messenger, Twitter, and local TV news stations. Your child's safety is our top priority. Also, remember students will go out to recess as long as the temperature feels like 20 degrees or above at the time of their recess. Please plan accordingly for their clothes each day. Also, it is very helpful if you label their coats, hats, and gloves, so we can return them if we find them, and you do not need to purchase multiples throughout the season.
Thank You and Acknowledgments:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents and guardians who have volunteered their time and resources to support our school community. Your involvement is truly appreciated, and it makes a significant impact on the educational experience of our students. We could not do many of the fun events and activities without our PTO and PTE families! Thank you!
As we conclude this semester, I want to express my gratitude for the privilege of serving as the principal of Prairie Trace Elementary. I love coming to work each day with such amazing students and staff! Wishing you and your families a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Kim Piper
Principal
submit your design for the yearbook!
All designs must have Prairie Trace Elementary and 2023 - 2024 on the cover and created as a portrait on 8.5 x 11 paper. Please submit your design to Mrs. Dragash by December 15th.
Support our fundraiser!
Mabel’s Labels Holiday Collection has launched! Everything from ornaments to gift tags and holiday labels! It’s an excellent time to support our holiday shop, and grow funds for Prairie Trace! Shop here!
Save the date for the PTE international festival - april 19, 2024
