Prairie Central CUSD #8

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Kaniah Ellis! Kaniah, a 7th grader, was nominated by Ms. Ritter, who wrote, "I am thrilled to nominate Kaniah as my Star Student of the Week! My classroom brightens every time Kaniah walks in. She consistently demonstrates an exceptional work ethic, approaching every task with determination, focus, and a smile. Her positive outlook is truly infectious, inspiring her peers (AND ME!) to stay motivated, encouraged, and engaged. Kaniah is also incredibly helpful and empathetic, always willing to lend a hand to classmates, whether it's with classwork or simply offering words of encouragement to those who need it most. Her kindness and leadership make her a role model in our classroom, and she truly embodies the qualities of a Star Student. Kaniah - it has been such a joy watching you grow at the Junior High. I am so proud of you. Keep up the great work!" Kaniah is involved in basketball and FFA.

The future PC cheerleaders put on a great halftime performance at today’s boys basketball game! #ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Lucas Huisman! Lucas, an 8th grader, was nominated by Coach Johnson, who wrote, "Luke is a great teammate and is always willing to help out his teammates in practice. Whether it is helping them understand a drill or concept that we are working on or helping them with their pre-practice skill development he is always there to help out. Luke continues to work hard everyday in practice to help set a standard for his team. I look forward to watching Luke develop as a basketball player as he continues to grow and get taller and stronger. His work ethic will no doubt lead to more success on and off the court." Luke is also involved in FFA and baseball.

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Peter Leman! Peter, an 8th grader, was nominated by Mr. Rothert, who wrote, "Peter is a great student to have in class. He is the first one in my class each day and is ready to go for whatever we are doing that day. He doesn't complain and works hard at all tasks I give him. Peter is also a great help when it comes to helping others who might be struggling with something. He's quick to jump in and help if needed." Peter is active in the FFA and also serves as a student librarian.

The 39th Annual Wrestling Hawk Classic will take place tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 11 starting at 9 AM at PCHS! Come out and check out a great day of wrestling! Admission will be Adults-$6, Students-$4, NO PASSES ALLOWED. #ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk

Tonight's JH Volleyball practice is CANCELLED. Practice tomorrow will resume as normal. JH Wrestling practice will be at the High School.

Tomorrow morning will be Winter Sports Picture Day for the Junior High. All JH Boys Basketball, Cheerleading, Wrestling, and Volleyball players should bring their uniform to school. To order pictures, please visit inter-state.com/order and used code 92548ZA.

Here is a helpful chart for preschool age parents! If your child is going to Kindergarten this fall, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/GCniYkg4YgRafNbg6

Before break, 7th-grade science students participated in the Aurora Mastodont Project with the Illinois State Museum. The project's goal is to find more Mastodont (an extinct mammal) remains to improve the scientific understanding of their environment. The students sorted through samples of 15,000-year-old bones, snails, plant debris, and more!

Happy New Year! It is time already to start thinking about next year and preschool! Attached is information on the screening dates for PC, along with new guidelines.

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Olivia Tarter! Olivia, a 7th grader, was nominated by Mrs. Harms, who wrote, "I am blessed to have Olivia in my ELA class and Student Council. Olivia works incredibly hard in and out of the classroom to display excellence in learning and leadership. When not working on coursework, she uses her free time to complete council tasks like creating bulletin boards, tidying our building, and fundraising for our club and service projects. Olivia tends to spend time lifting others up in spirit and with their studies. Equally important, she advocates for herself in class! Olivia has taken her artistic eye and become one of the main bulletin board designers. She makes sure our school is decorated with creative and inspiring sayings. Her attention to detail levels up our building's aesthetic! I can count on Olivia for help in many areas - helping a classmate to filing papers, organizing the back room to creating uplifting items for lockers. Our building is truly lucky to have her as student leader!" Olivia is involved in Volleyball, Peer Partners, and Student Council.

Merry Christmas!

Anyone still needing to turn in Cheer Clinic paperwork and payment please send these items with your child to school on January 6th. Please feel free to email Coach Forsyth with any questions, jforsyth@prairiecentral.org.

Congratulations to Coach Dan Groce on his induction into the IHSFCA Hall of Fame!! Check out the link below for Coach Groce's career stats. https://view.gogipper.com/page/2515559

Congratulations to the PCJH FFA Dairy Products Judging team on placing 1st at the State competition (junior division). Team members are Cade Freed, Orrin Schaffer, Koltyn Fehr, David Smith, and Braylen Brucker.

PCJH needs your help! Our lost and found is overflowing with... 25 sweatshirts 6 coats 5 water bottles 3 lunch boxes 3 shirts 3 hats 3 pencil pouches 2 agendas 2 rulers 1 wireless mouse 1 calculator pair of crocs pair of eyeglasses ... and a partridge in a pair tree!

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Cooper Stork! Cooper, a 7th grader, was nominated by Coach Cheek, who wrote, "Cooper works extremely hard in basketball practice, and is a great leader in the floor for our team. Cooper has a smile on his face and pushes his teammates to do their best." Cooper is also involved in FFA.

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Liza Taulbee! Liza, an 8th grader, was nominated by Mrs. Harms, who wrote, "It has been my pleasure to work with Liza for the past two years. During this time, I have witnessed her grow in her grace, maturity, and advocacy for herself and others. This year, I have been doubly blessed to have her both as a student in my ELA class and an active representative in Student Council. Liza displays an incredible work ethic both in and out of the classroom. As a veteran to the council, Liza has shown great leadership by helping the new members grow our council and school presence. She has a knack for seeing a need and speaking up and/or organizing those around her to take care of the immediate need. Liza is quick to help those around her and volunteers to help teachers and students alike. Liza is dependable and positive, and I count myself truly lucky to know her! I can’t wait to see what her future has in store!" Liza is involved in Choir, Student Council, Speech Team, and Scholastic Bowl.

Today is the first day PCE students can view our Kindness eWall, an electronic dashboard where students, staff and families can submit positive messages. As students and staff walk past the tv, they see these positive and encouraging messages. We also have it displayed in our cafeteria today. If you have something to submit, please use this link! https://youuplift.com/prairie-central-school-district-kindness-wall/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHJTR9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHbMqzwm8zZq5dOzUnw8I5GW7JPCyQqrKt9hBRtj7CUeWRbP6cCbHek57zQ_aem_Xauj7crDyia75OE5c5D92g

Congratulations to the PCJH 7th grade boys basketball team for placing 3rd in the Twin County Conference!