Prairie Central CUSD #8

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Reid Janssen! Reid is a 14-year-old 8th grader from Fairbury, and is the son of Curt and Laura Janssen. Reid was nominated by Mrs. Lackaff, who wrote, "Reid has been a member of the Prairie Central band program since he began band in 5th grade. Reid has an incredible work ethic and sets an example for what it looks like to strive for excellence. Reid plays clarinet in concert band and pep band and, last year, learned to play tenor saxophone for jazz band. In addition to participating in band at PCJH, Reid also auditioned for and was accepted into the ILMEA All-District Concert Band on clarinet and the ILMEA All-District Jazz Band on tenor saxophone. Reid also participated in IGSMA Solo & Ensemble contest in both 7th and 8th grade. This year, his clarinet duet earned the Best of Day Award for the clarinet room, which is a tremendous recognition! Reid is an incredibly talented musician and never becomes complacent - he is always looking for a new challenge and consistently puts the work in to meet his goals. I cannot wait to watch Reid continue to grow and improve as a musician as he moves on to high school! Thank you for all of your contributions to our PCJH band program, Reid! Keep up the great work!" 

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Jacob Schrader! Jacob is a 12-year-old 7th grader from Chenoa, and is the son of Daniel and Jackie Schrader. Jacob was nominated by Mrs. Sattler, who wrote, "Jacob is a tremendous student and a pleasure to have in the social studies classroom. He consistently demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning, actively engaging with the material and applying it to real-world scenarios. He consistently participates in class discussions, frequently contributing relevant stories that are not only full of personality, but that connect to the content and further understanding for everyone. Furthermore, Jacob exemplifies kindness and respect, both towards his peers and instructors, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Jacob's fantastic attitude brightens the atmosphere of our social studies classroom every day. His diligent work ethic is commendable, as he consistently goes above and beyond in his academics. Notably, Jacob exhibits strong leadership qualities, serving as an exemplary role model for his peers. No doubt, Jacob will succeed here and beyond! Thank you Jacob, for everything you do each and every day!" Jacob is also involved in Band, Baseball, and FFA.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

The PCHS softball game scheduled for today, Friday, May 10, has been canceled due to our opponent needing to make-up a conference game.

Please see the attached info for the PC youth volleyball camp taking place June 25th-28th. The forms are due back to the school your child goes to by May 17th. #GreatDayToBeAHawk

It was a nice night of celebrating all of our PCHS senior athletes at the 37th annual Sr. Athletic Banquet on Tuesday! #GreatDayToBeAHawk

Calling all PCPW and PCPE Kindergarten parents.. Next Friday, May 17th, there will not be school for Kindergarten due to incoming Kindergarten Screenings.

Congratulations to PC’s Izabelle Behrends on qualifying for the IHSA State Finals in both the 100 meter and 300 meter hurdles!!! #GreatDayToBeAHawk

The Upper Elementary had a packed house for our spring Art Show and Band and Choir concert. 5th and 6th graders had a wonderful time demonstrating their fine art skills. A special thank you to our art and music teachers; Mrs. Nagel, Mr. Vincent, Mrs. Lackaff, Mr. Cheek, Mrs. Fehr and Ms. Tatro. We're so grateful for the many hours of fine arts education at the Upper Elementary!

Preschool letters are finally ready to be sent home! if your child is already enrolled in preschool they will be bringing home a letter later this week. If you are new to the program, your letters will be going out in the mail.

Flight Crew members at PCE greeted staff this morning for Teacher Appreciation!

Many eighth graders attended the annual Career Fair in Saunemin on Friday. They visited with representatives from various Livingston County businesses, learned more about what employers look for in employees, and brought home some fun goodies. It was a great morning!

Top Readers at PCE attended Rotary today! The following students were honored: 2nd Grade- Maddie Collins, Miles Golden, Kenton Zehr 3rd Grade- Olivia Elliott, Mason Lanz, Alonzo Mendez Moreno 4th Grade- Jax Hammond, Charity Kuntz, Treyson Rassi

The PCHS JV baseball game scheduled for today, Tuesday, May 7, vs Lexington has been CANCELED due to the rain.

Vote for PC softball player Sam Slagel for The News-Gazette Athlete of the Week using the link below! #GreatDayToBeAHawk https://www.news-gazette.com/sports/prep-sports/

Reminder for PCHS senior athletes and parents, the Senior Athletic Banquet will be tonight, Tuesday, May 7, at 6 PM in the PCHS cafeteria. Don't forget to bring your tickets so you can be entered in the raffle. See you tonight! #GreatDayToBeAHawk

Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County is opening back up here at the Junior High! They will be open after-school Monday, May 6-24th until 5:30pm and then open back up for the 2024-2025 school year. Transportation will be provided and leave the school at 5:30p and drop off at the elementary schools in Chatsworth and Chenoa and the Boys & Girls Club in Fairbury. All kids being picked up from the Junior High will have to be picked up before 5:30pm. Please notify Jess Howard at jhoward@bgclivingston.org or Ms. Hornickel at jhornickel@prairiecentral.org of your transportation needs. The cost is FREE for all 7th & 8th graders. A membership application MUST be completed for your child to attend. What to expect: -tutoring/homework help right after school until about 4pm Tuesday through Friday -art activities -STEM activities -SNACK! -social recreation activities

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Dakota Sage! Dakota is a 13-year-old 7th grader from Cropsey, and is the daughter of Clifford Sage & Michelle Spanmacher. Dakota was nominated by Mrs. Hamlin, who wrote, "Dakota tires hard and puts great effort forth in everything she does. She is engaged in classroom instruction and eager to learn. She completes her work on time and is determined to please others. She is frequently observed lending a helping hand to struggling peers. She is polite as well as respectful to staff. She displays a positive attitude and her smile is contagious."

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Ethan Carrion! Ethan is a 13-year-old 8th grader, and is the son of Elizabeth and Adrian Carrion. Ethan was nominated by Coach Sattler, who wrote, "Ethan has been a standout athlete during track this season, showing both determination and leadership. His strong work ethic and adaptability has been crucial to us this year, providing our relays with an awesome alternate willing to jump in at a moment's notice. Ethan serves as a role model for his teammates, whether in a meet or at practice. Last week, Ethan achieved something noteworthy by earning two PR's at the Twin County Conference meet, adding to his team's success as the 8th grade boys placed first overall. His diligent training and efforts paid off as he clinched third place in both the 800m and 1600m, demonstrating his skill and dedication to excellence. Beyond his impressive performances, Ethan is also a shining star in the classroom, excelling as a committed student. By managing both academics and athletics, he demonstrates the importance of focus and dedication in all areas of life. With his consistent effort, Ethan embodies sportsmanship and motivates others to push their boundaries. He proves that success is attainable for those who are willing to put in the time, both on the track and in the classroom. Thank you Ethan, and we look forward to seeing you succeed into the future!" Ethan is also involved in Band.

Congrats to the UE Student of the week, Penelope Issleb! Penelope deserves to be the student of the week! She is conscientious and is a very hard worker! Even when faced with a difficult task, she perseveres and gives it her all! She always goes above and beyond what is expected. Penelope always has a smile on her face and is a delight to have in class! She thinks of others, is kind, generous, and very thoughtful. Penelope is quick to help both teachers and peers. She is trustworthy! Teachers can count of Penelope to always do the right thing, even when no one is watching! Her actions are not affected by others around her. Penelope is confident in who she is and doesn't try to be like anyone else. She is authentic to what she cares about. Penelope is a good friend to others and always has lots to share!