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It has been suggested that this article be merged into Community Consolidated School District 54. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2010.

Lincoln Prairie School is a primary and middle school located in Hoffman Estates, Cook County, Illinois. Lincoln Prairie is part of School District 54.

History

Lincoln Prairie opened in September 1999 and serves students in kindergarten to eighth grade. The design of Lincoln Prairie is the result of the School of Choice Task Force’s recommendations to create choice within District 54’s school system. Any family living within School District 54 is welcome to apply for enrollment at Lincoln Prairie. Lincoln Prairie was, and still is, the only school of its kind in the district.

To create this community school, the task force identified four essential components:

Individual Learners

Students and teachers work to find out how each student is smart through a variety of activities focusing on learning styles and multiple intelligences. Our emphasis is on building relationships with students to increase our understanding of all aspects of the whole child.

Best Instructional Practices

District 54’s core curriculum is the foundation of Lincoln Prairie’s curriculum. Students engage in a variety of interactive projects and activities, which support both the Illinois Learning Standards and District 54’s goals and objectives. Instruction is thematically organized using authentic, integrated curriculum studies.

An all-school yearly theme is emphasized to help students make meaningful connections. An emphasis is placed on balancing both the process and products of learning. Multiage classrooms allow students to be grouped and regrouped based on the students’ developmental readiness for a particular activity or unit.

Students also receive Spanish instruction three times per week through our Foreign Language in the Elementary School Program. Our gifted resource, special services and extended day programs provide additional support to further meet the needs of our students.

Collaboration and Diversity

Lincoln Prairie is a diverse community of learners. Classrooms are arranged in neighborhoods to promote interaction among different age groups, as well as with peers of one’s own age group. Students can act as both learners and leaders depending on the situation. Collaborative relationships between students of different ages and a sense of community are fostered through many Lincoln Prairie programs. The following have been some of these offerings: Chorus, Band & Orchestra, Dance Club, Cross Country, Leadership Council, Volleyball, Battle of the Books, Track and Field, Debate Club, Patrols, Comedy Club and Book Club.

Family and Community Centered

A home-school partnership is encouraged through parent participation. Parents can be involved through a variety of activities, such as the following: Classroom curricular events Parent Education Workshops Classroom volunteering Project Development Time Back to School Picnic Annual “Big Event” Parent/Student/Teacher Conference attendance PTSA committees and activities

Transportation

A modified transportation option is available. Community bus stops are organized regionally to transport students to Lincoln Prairie. Parents are also encouraged to carpool.

PDT

One of the most distinctive elements of the LP curriculum is known as Project Development Time, or PDT. These special classes meet twice a week for 4–12 weeks to offer groups of students the chance to intensively study a particular subject of their choosing. Each member of the staff creates their own PDT and presents it at a Whole School Meeting. Past subjects have ranged from stagecraft to criminology to the history of Japan. PDTs generally have the intent of completing a project, be it making a PowerPoint presentation or preparing one aspect of the school play. PDT choices are also created around the theme for that school year. They are also heavily endorsed and supported by staff members.

Themes

Each year, a conceptual learning theme is selected to provide connections through all learning areas and for all students.

1999-2000:Community

• Musical: The Music Man

2000-2001: Patterns

• Musical: Meet Me in St. Louis

2001-2002: Community (again)

• LP EXPO:Journey through Communication

2002-2003: Discovery

• Musical: Fiddler on the Roof

2003-2004: Connections

• LP EXPO: A Connection Collection

2004-2005: Diversity

• Musical: Annie

2005-2006:Change

• LP EXPO: A Change Exchange

2006-2007: Opportunity

• Musical: The Wizard of OZ

2007-2008: Balance

• LP EXPO: Balancing Acts

2008-2009: Dedication

• Musical: Oliver

2009-2010: Progress

• LP EXPO: LPCOT Lincoln Prairie Progress Continuing to Our Tomorrow

2010-2011: Harmony

• Musical: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Principals

• Mrs. Jan Jetel (1999–2004)
• Mr. Jake Chung (2004–2008)
• Ms. Amanda Stochl (2008–Present)

Notes

• Articles to be merged from January 2010
• Educational institutions established in 1999
• Elementary schools in Illinois
• Middle schools in Illinois
• Schools in Cook County, Illinois
• Hoffman Estates, Illinois