Prairie News

November 4, 2026

Our bi-weekly e-updates are delivered right to your inbox and also posted on our website's Parent Resources area under Email Updates. If you need another email address added to our listserv, please contact Ms. Melissa at mbadger@rockprairiemontessori.com. 

Reflections

Ms. Tracey


One of the first rules we teach young children here at RPMS is “Be safe!”  Last week, I shared with you some of what we do to keep your children safe.  This week, I ask you to do your part to keep our community safe by reviewing our parking lot safety rules for arriving and leaving school grounds.


 Please follow these  guidelines:

  • When entering the school, be mindful to not exceed 10 mph as you drive and park.
  • Our traffic flows in one direction; you may reference the map pictured below to remind yourself of the pattern. 
  • Children in Lower Elementary and younger should be accompanied by an adult or older sibling when they walk from a parking space into school.
  • Use designated crosswalks when possible.
  • If you are using our drop-off lane, have children exit the car on the right side, out of the flow of traffic; be certain school staff has connected with your child before you pull away. 
  • The drop-off lane is for flowing traffic; if you are walking into the building, please utilize a parking space.
  • Be mindful of surroundings and children when backing out of parking spaces. If children are exiting a vehicle, please wait to pull out until they are safely out of the way. 
  • If your children play on the front schoolyard after school, please accompany them to and from your vehicle. 
  • Reminder: Our school and grounds are smoke-free zones


Let’s be safe together!



UPCOMING EVENTS


Besides our weekly update, events are also posted on our

online Parent Google Calendar. 





November 2-5

Scholastic Book Fair

(Aftter school and during conference hours)


November 2-4

Evening Parent Teacher Conferences


November 5

No School

Morning Parent Teacher Conferences


November 6

No School


Friday, November 13

8:30-9:30 am

Coffee and Conversation

School Commons


November 16

Texas Roadhouse Dine to Donate

Fundraising Day

(Mention you are with Rock Prairie!)


November 23-27

No School - Fall Break



Appreciation


Thank you to all the volunteers and patrons who helped us make our first Scholastic Book Fair a success.  We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!


We also appreciate the food that parents generously provided our staff this past conference week, as well as all the parents who invested their time to meet with our teachers about their students’ progress.

Removing fallen autumn leaves in the park with electric cordless air blower_ process of blowing_ raking and cleaning area from yellow leaves_ regular seasonal work garden tools and modern equipment

Volunteer needed to blow leaves

Leaf Blower Provided


We are looking for someone to blow leaves off the parking lot and sidewalk areas.  A gas-powered backpack leaf blower is available at the school to use for this task. You can volunteer to do this on a weekday or the weekend - times are flexible!  Please contact Melissa if you are interested at mbadger@rockprairiemontessori.com   


Looking for Dried Corn with Husks


Our Geranium Toddlers’ House is looking for 8-10 ears of dried corn, with the husks on.  If you can donate, please let Ms. Kelly know at kludeman@rockprairiemontessori.com.


Winter Programs - Save the Date 


We are gearing up to start practicing our winter program songs soon and would like to let parents know the dates and times for these events so you can save the dates:


Lower Elementary Winter Sing

Thursday, 12/17 6-7 pm


Children’s House Winter Sing

Friday, 12/18, 9:30 am


The Children’s House Winter Sing takes place on the last day of school before winter break, when we have an 11 am dismissal day for all students. Parents will be invited to go back to the classrooms after the sing to visit before leaving with their children for the day.

Word Parade ANSWERS


We were happy to see so many turn out for our elementary word parade last month. Some of our students really stumped us with their costumes! For those curious about what words the costumes represented, click on this Google photo album link.  


Community Coffee


Please join us for a community coffee gathering on Friday, November 13, right after drop-off. Make yourself a cup of coffee in our vestibule and join us in our Commons. No presentation - just connection and conversation.   

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser


Stop by the Janesville Texas Roadhouse on November 16 for dinner, and part of your meal’s proceeds will come back to RPMS!  It is an all-day event, so whether it’s a quick to-go order or a leisurely meal inside, make sure to mention you’re with RPMS.

Family Volunteer Hours

RPMS families are asked to contribute 10 volunteer hours before the end of the school year. Virtual and in-person parent meetings, parent education events, and conferences are included in these hours; double attendance means double the hours! Always refer to the Weekly Update for volunteer opportunities; plus some opportunities will be emailed out separately. Families are asked to log their volunteer hours online at: https://bit.ly/RPMShours.  Any unfulfilled hours will be invoiced at $10/hour in June.

Culvers Scoopie Night 


Culvers also asks that all volunteers dress appropriately (no sandals, short shorts or skirts); those with hair longer than shoulder length will be asked to tie it back because they will be delivering food to Culvers guests; and please put away all phones, food, and drink while you are volunteering.


We have two more Scoopie Night fundraisers for the year, with our next taking place on Wednesday, December 2, from 4 to 8 pm. This is a great opportunity to hang out with other RPMS families and staff while enjoying some delicious food and treats!


We are looking for adult servers for one-hour shifts. Children may come but must be closely supervised.


To volunteer for Wednesday, December 2 event:  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA8AE2BA2F94-64921753-culvers#/


To volunteer for Monday, March 9 event:  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA8AE2BA2F94-64921778-culvers#/



 
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