Back-to-School Guide for 2026-2027
Everything you need to know to prepare your family for the 2026-2027 school year. This page will be regularly updated in the weeks leading up to the first day of school.
Contact Information
- Phone: 224-265-9900
- Email: ptinfo@rtsd26.org
- Principal: Amy Veytsman, aveytsman@rtsd26.org
- Asst. Principal: Natalie Hudson, nhudson@rtsd26.org
- Prairie Trails Staff Directory
Important Dates
- Wednesday, August 19: Kindergarten Meet and Greet
- Thursday, August 20: First day of Kindergarten
- Thursday, August 20: Pre-K Meet and Greet
- Friday, August 21: First day of Pre-K
- Friday, August 28: PTC Back to School Bash
- Wednesday, September 9: Picture Day
- Wednesday, September 9: Curriculum Night (6:00p.m.)
- Friday, September 18: PTC Music Night
Registration
- New to the district? Find out how to register your child for 2025-2026.
- Have questions or need help? Contact the Prairie Trails office at 224-265-9900 or ptinfo@rtsd26.org.
School Hours
Please note that on Thursdays kindergarten has a late arrival to allow for professional development. There is no pre-kindergarten on Thursdays.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten AM |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 11:30 a.m. |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 11:30 a.m. |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 11:30 a.m. |
No Pre-K |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 11:30 a.m. |
| Pre-Kindergarten PM |
Start 1:00 p.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
Start 1:00 p.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
Start 1:00 p.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
No Pre-K |
Start 1:00 p.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
| Kindergarten |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
Start 9:50 a.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
Start 9:00 a.m. End 3:30 p.m. |
School Meal Information
- Families who meet certain income eligibility guidelines can apply for free or reduced-price meals.
- Breakfast and Lunch Menus
- Learn how to create a MyMealTime account or to add funds
- Have questions or need help? Contact Jill Kersten, director of food services, at 224-612-7675 or jkersten@rtsd26.org.
Bus Information
- Families can sign up for bus transportation through July 10. Please contact the district's transportation coordinator, for more information. You can reach them at (224) 612-7327 or BusinessServices@rtsd26.org.