Prairie Central CUSD #8

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Kole Steidinger! Kole, an 8th grader, was nominated by Coach Johnson, who wrote, "This year Kole has taken on a leadership role right from the first day of tryouts and has continued to be a great team leader for us through the year. His leadership with his teammates has helped us start out the year with a 6-2 record and lead us to a county tournament championship. Kole is one of the hardest workers on the team which also sets the standard for everyone else to follow. Kole has worked hard at getting better with his point guard responsibilities and it has made a big difference in our team's success. I look forward to watching Kole continue to develop as a point guard and grow as a leader and basketball player." Kole is also involved in football and FFA.

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Aaralyn Bogucki! Aaralyn, an 8th grader, was nominated by Ms. Eshleman, who wrote, "Aaralyn is such a focused, hardworking student. She always makes sure her work is complete and if she happens to be absent she dutifully retrieves her missing work and completes it immediately. Beyond academics, I have personally witnessed her kind heart as well! She cares about the feelings of her teachers and her classmates, but more importantly, she's not afraid to express that kindness directly to the recipient. A friend came to her one day to show her that she got a "good news note" and Aaralyn told her she was so proud of her. I watched that student light up with pride after she said that, which made me SO PROUD of Aaralyn! :)" Aaralyn is also involved in yearbook, library aide, softball, and volleyball.

Over the past 2 weeks, students in Ms. McArdle’s 8th grade science classes have been learning about acids and bases and neutralization reactions. Using different types of indicators helped students identify pH levels in a colorful way!

PCE had a successful Thanksgiving lunch today! The cafe staff prepared food for over 700 people and we had over 800 people visit throughout the day, including volunteers, Training Tomorrow's Teachers Today students from the high school, lunch visitors, students, and staff. Thank you to everyone who helps makes this day a success!

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Hawken Kurtenbach! Hawken, a 7th grader, was nominated by Coach Cheek, who wrote, "Hawken shows great leadership on the 7th grade basketball team, and he is always giving his all in practice and games trying to make himself and his teammates better." Hawken is also involved in FFA.

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Treyton Zimmerman! Treyton, an 8th grader, was nominated by Mrs. Kratochvil, who wrote, "Treyton is a model student in social studies! He leads by example, coming to class prepared and ready to work. He is attentive to any lesson or activity we are doing each day, and he participates during class discussions. He is supportive of his peers and always respectful to everyone in the room. It's my pleasure to choose Treyton for Student of the Week, and I have no doubt that his future is very bright!" Treyton is also involved in baseball and FFA.

PCJH students are halfway through their 2nd grading period. Formal progress reports are not sent home. However, we strongly encourage you to check your child's grades. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to individual teachers or the school office staff.

The Girls Basketball Bank of Pontiac Turkey Tip-Off is almost here! The tournament will take place Nov. 18, 19, 21, and 23! Admission for the tournament will be $5-Adults, $3-Students/Senior Citizens, NO PASSES ALLOWED, students and staff will have to pay admission for the tournament games. Good luck Hawks!

Star lab was a special guest at the Upper Elementary today! We are thankful for the U of I extension office and 4H for giving us this awesome experience. Star Lab is a portable planetarium allowing students to view outer space phenomena from the comfort of our school! 6th grade students have been learning about moon phases and solar/lunar eclipses in science class. Students loved seeing the features of the moon up close and also spotting the umbra/penumbra from eclipses.

Support PCJH with Box Tops! See below for details.

The girls basketball 2nd Annual Bank of Pontiac Turkey Tip-Off hosted at Prairie Central and Pontiac Twp. High School will kick-off on Monday, November 18! Full schedule attached. Go Hawks!! #ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk

The Upper Elementary recognized Veterans Day today with an assembly where we honored Honor Flight participants and all veterans in each branch of service with the Junior High band, UE student presentations, Veteran slideshow, the Forrest American Legion Color Guard and breakfast. Thank you to all the Veterans who joined us today! We were honored to have you!

Thank you to all of those who were able to participate in our Veterans Day program at PCHS today and thank you to all of our veterans for your service! #ItsAGreatDayToBeAVeteran #ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk

Primary West celebrated our Veterans with a Blackhawk helicopter tour and lunch with some of our very own Veterans!

Today, we honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in our nation's military. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and for the many sacrifices you've made! PCE has honored our veterans today with a Walk of Honor, Honor Wall, and visit with Blackhawk unit A Co 1-106 AVN Phantoms.

Thank you to all of our local veterans and to all of the veterans who have served our country!

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Shannon McGrouary! Shannon, an 8th grader, was nominate by Coach Gradberg, who wrote, "Shannon is a four-sport athlete at the junior high who has done a great job helping the basketball team both on offense and defense. Shannon plays the position of small forward. She does a great job rebounding and is still learning how to position herself better. Shannon never complains about taking on new challenges. She is always asking questions to understand her role and the game better. She has consistently improved and is far from reaching her ceiling. Shannon is very involved with sports at the junior high and is focused on being a well-rounded student athlete." Shannon is also involved in softball, volleyball, and track.

Congratulations to the PCJH Student of the Week, Mason Grages! Mason, a 7th grader, was nominated by Ms. Scheulin, who wrote, "I chose this student because everyday he comes into my class with a positive attitude. He always is excited in the material we are learning and has an answer to any question I ask. He is willing to help out others and is so beyond kind to his peers. He gets along with anyone and has a very high level of empathy and understanding of others which is inspiring to not only his peers but me too!" Mason is also involved in basketball.

Check out the new Prairie Central Military Recognition Wall at PCHS!! Click on the link below if you know of any additions we can make. #ItsAGreatDayToBeAHawk https://forms.gle/uub5gUPNRvF2B3b49

Congratulations to the PCJH Athlete of the Week, Zaythen Fehr! Zaythen, a 7th grader, was nominated by Coach Razo, who wrote, "Zaythen is a member of the 2024 PC Seventh Grade Girls Basketball team. Zaythen was able to play 7th grade basketball as a 6th grader last season and her experiences then has helped her to develop into a hard worker and a leader on this year's team. Zaythen shows a positive attitude in practices and continually works on improving her basketball skills. She is active on the floor during games playing both the guard and forward positions, guarding players of all caliber on defense and leading the team in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots." Zaythen is also involved in FFA.