phsD #133 District communicator
December, 2024
DISTRICT NEWS
Welcome to the District Communicator, a monthly publication highlighting achievements, news, important information about our district, and further provides a synopsis of happenings within the district. More communication is provided through school newsletters, communications home and monthly school board minutes approved from the month before. Our goal is to maintain open and transparent communication with our community.
December was a month filled with concerts, the beginning of winter sports, a PSA Pajama Night event, and much more! Thanks for reading and we look forward to the many adventures that await us in the months to come.
What's happened this month!
PRAIRIE HILL ELEMENTARY
Prairie Hill Elementary celebrated several successful events in the month of December. Students, teachers and the community enjoyed a highly successful book fair that generated $10,000 in sales in just seven days.
The PSA hosted a well-attended PJ Reading Night with over 100 students and their families, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and community partners like Culvers. The "Play with Parents" event was a resounding success, with students confidently teaching their parents about their learning through engaging stations prepared by Mrs. Sockness. Finally, Mrs. Allen and the students did an excellent job with the winter concerts!
WILLOWBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL
The school has enjoyed a busy and successful month. "Bleed Blue Day" was a highlight, filled with activities honoring winter sports teams and clubs, including a special guest mascot. Eighth graders had a memorable experience working with younger students at PHS. Seventh graders learned from Goldie Pierske, whose parents survived the Holocaust and participated in a meaningful project packaging care packages for troops overseas. Fifth and sixth graders created cards for residents of assisted living homes.
Athletically, the school is seeing positive progress. Basketball teams had successful seasons, with the varsity team winning in double overtime. Dance and cheer teams also had successful seasons, ant there has been a noticed increase in participation after a dip during the pandemic.
Finally, the school's music programs are thriving, with the winter band concert and choir performances showcasing the students' hard work and dedication.
sHOUT-OUT!/staff spotlight
This month's spotlight shines on the Band and Choir Directors
This month's Staff Spotlight goes to Willowbrook’s band and choir directors and their continued involvement with ILMEA (Illinois Music Education Association). Congratulations to Mrs. Gotzsche and Ms. Crippen on playing an integral role in our student’s musical education!
sCHOOL BOARD NEWS
Prairie Hill School District #133 Board Meeting Recap
The Prairie Hill School District #133 Board of Education held its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 18th, at 5:30 PM. During the meeting, the board listened to public comments from an audience member with questions about school board attendance.
Mr. Czizek presented on the Tax Levy, discussed staff fill rates since increasing the daily substitute rate of pay and updated the school board on the Health and Life Safety survey, that was provided by the district’s architects.
Board committee discussions focused on discussions about Jack’s Corner, First Student bussing negotiations, and a mid-year check-in with Mrs. Thompson about the progress at Willowbrook Middle School. Also discussed during the policy committee presentation were reviews related to policy in regard to the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and board agenda clarifications.
more resources
Pride of prairie hill
At each monthly meeting, the Prairie Hill School Board will recognize at least one of our outstanding staff members for a specific achievement. Interested in nominating? Click the link below!
The PSA provides several events for the Prairie Hill Community and is always looking for volunteers! Meetings are held every other month at 3:30 at Prairie Hill Elementary School.