As we wrap up 2023, we enter the time of year where Minnesota winters can get treacherous. In the case of inclement winter weather our school district will be utilizing up to five eLearning days. When we have weather-related school cancellations, instructional time is lost. While eLearning days cannot replace the face-to-face time students have with their teachers, it can provide better continuity when the interruption occurs.

If an eLearning day is called, our families, students, and staff will have some time to adjust their day and our teachers will be accessible both online and by telephone during the normal school hours to assist parents and students.

Weather decisions are some of the toughest school decisions to make. Our Superintendent must balance school operation expectations and the needs of our students while exercising caution and safety. There is no guarantee forecasts or projections will be completely accurate. Slight variations can have dramatic effects on the decision to conduct or cancel school. Many factors such as; temperature, precipitation, wind speed and direction, duration of expected conditions, timing, and severity play a major role in these decisions. Consideration also must be given to visibility, existing snow, road conditions, and highway department recommendations.

If we have more than five inclement weather days, the school board will determine if the days will be made up. Families will receive weather related announcements via an automated phone call, text message, and email from the school district if they are signed up to receive "priority" notifications in Parent Portal. In addition, the district will post messages on local tv and radio stations, on the school district website, and on our social media sites.

New this year! Our Cub Kids Preschool will be participating in eLearning! Any Cub Kids families that do not have a Parent Portal account can email Stacy: adamss@isd345.org to set up their account.

Upcoming! We hope you can come and show your support to our band and choir students. The Choir Concert will be on December 11 and the Band Concert will be on December 18 at 7pm in the NLS PAC!

We have awarded our November 2023 R.O.A.R Awards to Madalyn Lungren, McKenna McDowell, Caleb Walz, and Anna Goelz.

• Madalyn was nominated for Responsibility. She works hard, uses all her time in class well, does what is asked of her and works well with others. Maddie goes above and beyond to be successful in the classroom and is a joy to be around.
• McKenna was nominated for Attitude. McKenna is kind to everyone. She shows up ready to do her best in school and with a "can do" attitude. She really fits all of the ROAR behavior.
• Caleb was nominated for Ownership is always striving to do his best in class. He is always willing to help others when needed. He can always be counted on to display ROAR behaviors and he encourages others to do so as well.
• Anna was nominated for Attitude. Anna truly displays all areas of ROAR. She is always working to the best of her ability, offering to assist others, and is respectful of everyone. Her positive attitude is contagious in the classroom. She's a great classroom leader!

Prairie Woods - Principal Randy Juhl

The Book Fair is coming to Prairie Woods December 6 - 8, 2023. Your child will be coming to the media center to preview and purchase books. Don't forget the sales tax! General Hours: Wed., Dec. 6: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Thur., Dec. 7: 8:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Fri., Dec. 8: 8:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Parent Shopping Times

7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Wednesday - Friday

2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Wednesday

2:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Thursday

Online shopping is also available now until December 14: Prairie Woods Online Book Fair

Please take time to talk with your child about the importance of dressing for the weather. We ask all families to please send a winter hat, gloves, boots, and a warm coat with your child to school. We want to be ready for winter weather. We will plan to go outside for recess daily, unless temperatures are below 0º or wind chill is below -5º.

If school is dismissed/closed early, due to inclement weather, all activities are automatically canceled, and students will be sent to designated locations per your instructions to the classroom teacher at Back-to-School conferences in August. **There is no PALS Program on days that school is dismissed Early for inclement weather. If school is two hours late, we will serve a quick breakfast. The breakfast will consist of a breakfast bar, cereal, craisins, and a juice box. Remember breakfast is free as long as students take all the required contents. On late start days, morning PALS will start at 9:00 a.m.

October Students of the Month! Congratulations to these students for showcasing Respect, Ownership, Accountability, and Responsibility behaviors!

Kindergarten - A. Hofstad, A. Anderson, C. Porkornowski, L. Dahl, A. Blomker, W. Bertram

First Grade - A. Miller, O. Christensen, B. Marquardt, D. Wallentine, G. Ashburn

Second Grade - G. Gomez, L. Mateski, H. Johnson, T. Skindelien, E. Elisason, T. Thalberg

Third Grade - M. Jacons. X. Walz, C. Kershner, C. Griffith, K. Plumley

Fourth Grade - D. Booyens, L. Schueller, B. Hooper, W. Keefe, B. Wallentine