Dear Parents:

I cannot believe that the end of the school year is right around the corner. I have really enjoyed becoming part of the Prairie Point community and sharing in the many traditions, activities and events that take place throughout the school year. There have been too many highlights and memories to count! I am truly looking forward to starting my second year in a few short months.

I do want to share a few things that we will look forward to next year. Many of you may already know that we will be welcoming five early childhood classrooms to Prairie Point next year. We were fortunate to have all of our kindergarteners in our building this year. Our kindergarten students were welcomed into our school family and had opportunities to work with and learn from older students. I loved when our 5th grade and kindergarten reading buddies were able to read together and build friendships. We look forward to having more early learners in our building and the opportunity to strengthen the Prairie Point family.

I am also excited to share that we will begin implementing AVID at Prairie Point next year. If you are not familiar with AVID, it stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID’s mission is to prepare students for college readiness and success in a global society. I know that some of you may be familiar with AVID, as it is currently at both Traughber Junior High and Oswego High School. I have also had the opportunity to speak with some parents who have students at the junior high level and who know a little bit about AVID. I would like to share that AVID looks a little different in the elementary schools and is much more than a binder! I am excited to plan for the implementation of AVID along with our AVID team this summer.

Finally, in the nine years that I have served as a principal, I have learned each new year brings about change. Much of the change is exciting, such as welcoming early childhood students and implementing AVID, however, there can also be changes that are bittersweet. I know that Mrs. Kern shared that she has accepted a principal position in Sandwich for the 2017 – 2018 school year. While I am heartbroken to lose such a wonderful assistant principal, I am excited for Mrs. Kern and her new adventure! I would also like to share we have three teachers who will bring their gifts to another school within the district. Mrs. Holman, Mrs. Warner and Mrs. Ziller will be teaching at Hunt Club next year. Again, I am so sad to lose these teachers but know that the students at Hunt Club will benefit from their strengths.

I am looking forward to these final days of the school year and sharing in my last few “firsts” at Prairie Point!

 Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Groves