Back-to-School Guide for 2022-2023
Everything you need to know to prepare your family for the 2022-2023 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
- Prairie Trails Staff Directory
Important Dates
- Wednesday, August 17: Kindergarten Meet-and-Greet (9:30 a.m.)
- Thursday, August 18: First day of Kindergarten (Late arrival Thursday begins at 9:50 a.m.)
- Friday, August 19: Pre-K Meet-and-Greet (9:00 a.m.)
- Monday, August 22: First day of Pre-K
- Friday, August 26: Welcome to Prairie Trails Bash (6:00 p.m.)
- Tuesday, August 30: Picture Day
- Wednesday, August 31: Open House
Registration
- New to the district? Find out how to register your child for 2022-2023.
- 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. |
Lunch Information
This year, the lunch program will return to the pre-pandemic process. Families who meet certain income eligibility guidelines can apply for free or reduced-price meals.
- Learn how to create a MyMealTime account or to add funds
- Breakfast and lunch menus
- Have questions or need help? Contact Kelly Diaz, director of food services, at 224-612-7675 or kdiaz@rtsd26.org.
Bus Information
- Families can still sign up for bus transportation. Please contact Jane Holtz, the district's transportation coordinator, for more information. She can be reached at 847-297-4120 or jholtz@rtsd26.org.
- Updated Bus Routes
Additional Links
COVID-19 Protocols
The health protocols for 2022-2023 will be similar to what they were at the end of last school year. There will be some changes:
- Schools will no longer conduct weekly SHIELD testing
- Classrooms and lunchrooms will no longer require social distancing
- Meals will no longer be paid for by the federal government (see the above section on lunch information)
- The district will not post a dashboard with the daily COVID case count
- A negative home test can now be used to return to school early from a quarantine
Visit our COVID-19 Update Center for the full list of protocols.