Every week, the activities department recognizes a student(s) as our Wildcat of the Week. These students are recognized not only based on their accomplishments, but also how they display the R.O.A.R principles - Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility. Our most recent Wildcats of the Week for 2024 were our high school band students; Jaden Peterson, Isaac Dowdey, Will Danielson, Lucas Poverud, Nora Westby, Jackson Barber, Adam Schiller, and Paul Skretvedt and Wrestler, Brody Duke!

The third quarter ends on March 14, so we are planning for MCAs for the fourth quarter. Please do not take your children for appointments on the following dates due to MCA testing;

• Grades 5-6 Reading April 15-16  (April 19 / make-up day)
• Grades 7-8 Reading April 17-18  (April 19 / make-up day)
• Grades 5-6 Math April 22-23 (April 26 / make-up day)
• Grades 7-8 Math April 24-25 (April 26 / make-up day)
• Grades 5 & 8 Science April 30-May 1 (May 3 / make-up day)

Camp GK Bear: For the past 20+ years, Centra Care Hospice Willmar has held Camp GK Bear, a program designed for children, grades K-6, who have had a significant person in their life die. For all of us who have experienced any kind of loss, grief is a natural process that helps us deal with our loss. People of all ages grieve, including children, and this can be a scary experience. Often children do not understand what they are feeling. They might not understand that their feelings of grief are serving a purpose and that purpose is to heal. Camp GK Bear will be on Saturday April 13th, 2024, from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at Lakeland Auditorium, 502 Second St. SW, (Lower Level Lakeland Health Center), Willmar MN. The staff and volunteers at Camp GK Bear have had special training and understand the uniqueness of a child's grief journey in comparison to an adult. Through special camp activities, children will learn about the journey of grief. They will also have a chance to share special memories of their loved one who died. There will be opportunities to discuss some of their feelings and how to handle them. Children may learn new ways of coping with the changes that have come about and what it means to move on and live without their loved one. Grief is not something we get over; it is something we learn how to deal with. In addition to learning about grief, children will be able to enjoy recreational activities and have FUN! 

Registration can be done online at www.CentraCare.com/CampGKBear. The registration deadline is Friday, April 5. If you have questions or would like to talk with someone about Camp GK Bear, please feel free to call (320) 231-4450.

Prairie Woods - Principal Randy Juhl

The 25th Annual Prairie Woods Family Book Bingo Night will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in the High School Cafeteria at 6:30PM. The Scholastic Book Fair will run from 5:00PM to 8:00PM.

A big thank you to everyone that helped make the PTO Club Choice Fundraiser a success. The PTO raised over $27,000. Just a reminder that pickup for the fundraiser items is scheduled from 2:50 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at Prairie Woods Elementary.

If you wish to offer thoughts on your child’s placement for the next school year please request the online link, from Marna, kallevigm@isd345.org or Tara, polukat@isd345.org. Placement requests are done to help the child get their academic needs met within an academic school year. Many factors go into creating class lists. We try very hard to balance our classrooms by student gender, academic ability, learning styles, social development, special needs, and class size. Your request will be shared with your child’s current teacher to help with placement, but the rationale will not be shared. Due to student placement being an extremely extensive & time-consuming process, no inquiries/requests will be accepted after April 14, 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Our dates are set for field days for our 1st through 4th grade students. This year, we are going to move our field days to later May and will also be holding two grade levels each day. Families are invited to attend to watch their child(ren) participate. It is intended to be a fun event for the students.

• May 13, 2024, 3rd Grade 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. & 4th Grade 12:45 - 2:30 p.m.
• May 14, 2024, 2nd Grade 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. & 1st Grade 12:45 - 2:30 p.m.

If a make-up day is needed, we will plan to use May 16 & May 20.

(Pictured) Our 3rd Grade Math Enrichment group learning about fractal and building bridges through a hands on activity. This group is taught by Mrs. Paffrath and meets weekly for 8 weeks!

FairyTales On Ice: "Peter Pan & Wendy's Adventures" Saturday, March 30 at 7PM $35/ticket | Get Tickets: www.nls.k12.mn.us/ticketsales

FairyTales On Ice: "Peter Pan & Wendy's Adventures" is not just a figure skating show; it's an immersive experience that will captivate your imagination and tug at your heartstrings. With every twirl and leap, the cast of Fairytales On Ice will transport you to Neverland, where you'll witness the daring escapades of Peter Pan, Wendy, and their companions as they encounter fierce pirates, enchanting mermaids, and other iconic fairytale characters. This family-friendly event promises to be a highlight of the year. Whether you're a longtime fan of figure skating or looking for an enchanting night out with your loved ones, this show has something for everyone. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic on ice!