Parents

Charter public schools provide quality public school options for all families. Charter schools exist and thrive because parents choose them. At PCCS we rely heavily and encourage participation from our parents as we recognize that they are our children’s first teachers and their support and involvement strengthens our school. From being engaged in the classroom, helping our award winning Farm To Table program to being morning greeters for our students; our parents play a vital role in our uniqueness and success. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our community and entrusting us with your child’s development.

COVID-19 Related Resources

COVID-19 Tips

TALKING TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT COVID

COMMUNITY SERVICES

  • UNITED WAY can help with Housing, Utilities, Food, Financial Help, Mental Health, and more 211 Lake County – website offers quick links to find help and information from around Lake County, IL. 330 SOUTH GREENLEAF STREET GURNEE, IL 60031 MAIN: (847) 775-1000 | FAX: (847) 775-1001

INTERNET SERVICES

  • COMCAST is offering new customers in low-income families 60 days of complimentary internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Customer must reside in a Comcast service area. Visit https://www.internetessentials.com/ to apply.

Continuing Education Resources Update

The Illinois State Board of Education is dedicated to providing all students of Illinois with a quality education. In March 2020, ISBE provided educators with virtual educational resources to assist in the transition of continuous learning. With the school year already in full swing, ISBE has re-evaluated the resources and identified the following as distinguishable resources. These resources are aligned to standards and are free to users. They provide opportunities for additional and deeper learning and can be utilized by multiple users (teachers, parents, students).

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES SUICIDE AWARENESS

  • Text-A-Tip  – a 24/7 anonymous text crisis hotline offering emotional support for middle school and high school youth. To access this service, text LAKECO and your message to 1-844-823-5323. Within seconds, you will receive an automated response, and within minutes a live mental health counselor will respond to your text.  All messages are sent through a cloaking server located offsite that keeps the communication completely anonymous.
  • National Suicide Prevention Line https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (800)273-8255
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ERIKA’S LIGHTHOUSE – Promoting Positive Mental Health for Teens Feeling Isolated ANXIETY CDC offers tips for STRESS and COPING with COVID here. TELETHERAPY LAKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT – BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES https://www.lakecountyil.gov ; 847-377-8180 Warren Township Youth & Family Services 100 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL 60031847-244-1101 ext. *401 youthservices@warrentownship.net www.wtyouthservices.com  FOOD PANTRIES

  • Open Arms Mission – Antioch, IL; (847)395-0309
  • Avon Community Food Pantry – Round Lake, IL
  • Warren Township Food Pantry – Gurnee, IL ; 847-244-1101 ext. 101
  • Cool Food Pantry – Waukegan, IL; 847-662-1230
  • Lord of Glory Lutheran Church Food Pantry – Grayslake, IL; 847-548-5673
  • Community Christian Church of Lake County – Waukegan, IL; 847-662-8887
  • Helping Hands Food Pantry – Spring Grove, IL; 815-245-7345

Other Organization/Web Site Links

A Safe Place the sole provider of services exclusively addressing domestic violence in Lake County, Illinois
Boys and Girls Club of Lake County provides after school and summer programming for children. Virtual club option during COVID-19
Boys Scouts of America provides character building programs for children. Virtual scouting activities during COVID-19
Catholic Charities of Lake County has a broad array of services. COVID-19 service and response are available
Childserv offers a wide range of services for children, from foster care to early childhood education throughout the Chicagoland area. Temporarily closed during COVID-19
College of Lake County- the county’s community college also offers free adult educational classes. Buildings are closed during COVID-19
COOL  offers food pantry, family housing and veterans assistance
Habitat for Humanity helps families build and improve places to call home
 Job Center of Lake County connects employers and workforce and provides resources for those seeking employment. Closed during COVID-19 but working remotely. You may Email your request to elocke@lakecountyil.gov or call 847-377-3450  
IL Department of Employment Security– administers state unemployment benefits, runs the employment service and Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market information. Emergency rules are in place to assist more families during COVID-19
IL Department of Human Services– provides a variety of assistance including SNAP benefits and Medical Card.
Lake County Affordable Housing Commission provides grant funds and forgivable loans to qualifying Lake County residences.
Lake County Health Department and Community Center provides a variety of health services including immunizations, doctor appointments, addiction rehab, dental and mental health services.
Lake Behavioral Health offers inpatient and outpatient mental health services for patients 12 and older. They are open during COVID-19 but are not accepting visitors.  
HACES programs are: Legalization, Immigrant Family Resource, Health Plans Enrollment and Navigation, Citizenship and naturalization, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, School Parent Mentors, and Bilingual GED preparation.   .  
Mano a Mano Family Resource Center mission is to empower immigrant families in Lake County, IL to become full participants in American life. This includes a variety of programs  
NICASA provides behavioral health and substance abuse assistance. They remain open during COVID-19 and have included virtual resources during this time  
Prairie State Legal Services offers free legal services for low income persons and those age 60 and over.  During COVID-19 you may call the main office number at 847-662-6925 to speak to a telephone counseling attorney Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm and special telephone access for victims of domestic violence on Wednesday evenings between 6 pm and 8 pm.  
PADS of Lake County is a homeless shelter. During COVID-19 shelters are closed but access to individual accommodations is available after being assessed at the Waukegan location during the hours fo 8-4, Monday- Friday. You may also call 847-689-4357  
Salvation Army offers a variety of services including assistance with utility bill payments, safe shelter, and food security. During COVID-19 food pantries are closed but are providing meals in to-go boxes. An Emotional and Spiritual Support Hotline has also been created and is available from 8-4 by calling 877-740-8829. You may also leave a message  
Roberti Community House has over 20 different programs including a culinary pathway. During COVID-19 their efforts have shifted to focus on food recover, prepartions and distribution  
UMMA Centers provides free GED and computer training as well as ESL and Spanish classes. During COVID-19 food pantry remains open Monday and Wednesday 10-3. GED students are allowed to work form home but all other classes are postponed. You may call 847-336-6136 or email info@ummacenters.org  
Waukegan Public Library beyond books and other media the library provides a variety of services and classes. During COVID-19 you are able to apply for a free library card online to access all their online resources.  
YWCA of Lake County provides services to empower women and eliminate racism including Childcare Assistance Program. During COVID-19 they will be closed ot the public but staff is available remotely.  

 

STATE OF ILLINOIS

Organization Web Site:

Illinois Department on Aging Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission Illinois State Board of Education Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Illinois Housing Development Authority Illinois Department of Human Rights

EDUCATIONAL LINKS:

Literacy

Reviewed Childrens Books National Center for Family Literacy Improving Early Reading Achievement Federal Resources for Educational Excellence  

Parent Links

Helping your Child with Homework

Bilingual Education

Google Translate National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition Discovery School: Foreign Languages

SPECIAL EDUCATION LINKS:

Organizations and Agencies for Special Needs Children

The National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE) National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities National Center for Learning Disabilities Council for Exceptional Children US Department of Education

Information on Specific Conditions

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association American Foundation for the Blind Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Dyslexia National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Handbook, Medical Forms, Fee Waiver and Classroom Supply Lists

This page contains many school-related forms that pertain to student needs while at school. Please contact us if you need assistance finding any forms.

 

Parent-Student Handbook

Welcome to a new school year at Prairie Crossing Charter School!  Whether you are new to our school or a familiar face, we are pleased to be travelling along with you on your school journey. We are excited and looking forward to continuing truly meaningful partnerships with our families, staff and community, so that our students will thrive academically, socially and environmentally. This handbook is intended to provide answers to questions and guidelines that ensure a safe and enriching learning environment for every PCCS students.  Please familiarize yourself with the information herein so that we can forge an effective partnership and provide you with the small school personalized care that you expect and deserve.  Thank you!

Student Yearly Instructional Fee:

Medical Forms 2024 /2025

2024-2025 School Calendar

2024-2025 School Supply List

 

 

Enrichment

Enrichment info coming!

Software

Student Online Personal Protection Act – SOPPA

As part of your child’s education, PCCS partners with education technology companies to provide services such as digital curriculum, educational resources, and analytical tools. PCCS is committed to protecting the information security and privacy of our students in accordance with the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA). SOPPA is the data privacy law that regulates student data collection and use by schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and education technology vendors. On August 23, 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law an amended version of SOPPA that gives parents greater control over student data. Among the changes is a new requirement to enact breach notifications that are available to the public. SOPPA also requires Illinois school districts to provide additional guarantees that student data is protected when collected by education technology companies and used for beneficial purposes only. The law is effective July 1, 2021. PCCS adheres to the following applicable laws regarding student data

  • PCCS Approved Applications PCCS values your child’s privacy and strives to ensure that parents are aware of what web-based tools and applications are being used for educational purposes.  A list of PCCS’s approved web-based tools, written agreements with operators, and a list of data elements shared can be found and reviewed here. Data Breaches In the event that there is a data breach, PCCS will notify parents via district communication systems within 30 days of a data breach and within 60 days if a third-party is responsible for the data breach. Video What is Soppa? Student Online Personal Protection Act

Immunization
Immunizations
  • The Illinois State Board of Education School Code and Child Health Examination Code (77 Ill Adm. Code 665) requires specific immunizations for a child to attend public school. More information is outlined in the Illinois State Board of Education website.

Immunization Requirements

  • MCV Vaccination Requirements
    All students entering sixth grade must show proof of one meningococcal conjugate vaccination (MCV) on or after the child’s 11th birthday.
  • Diphtheria Tetanus & Acellular Pertusis (DTaP)
    Any child two years or older entering school (Preschool, early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12), must show proof of having received four or more doses of DTaP vaccine. The first three doses must be at least four weeks (28 days) apart. The third and fourth dose must be at least six months apart. A fifth booster dose is required on or after the child’s 4th birthday. The fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was given after the child’s fourth birthday. The fourth dose, only, in this case, is considered the booster dose.
  •  Diphtheria Tetanus & Acellular Pertusis (TDaP Booster)Students entering grade 6 must show proof of having received one dose of TDaP, regardless of the interval since the last diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis dose. The recommended age for receiving the Tdap vaccine is 11-years-old.
  •  Inactive Polio Vaccine (IPV) or Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)
    • Any child entering a child care facility or school program below the kindergarten level shall show proof of having received two or more doses of polio vaccine (defined as oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)) by one year of age and a third dose by the second birthday. Doses in the series shall have been received no less than four weeks (28 days) apart.  Any child 24 months of age or older shall show proof of at least three doses of polio vaccine appropriately spaced.
    • Any child entering school at any grade level (kindergarten through 12) shall show proof of having received three or more doses of polio vaccine (defined as oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)).  A child who received any combination of IPV and OPV shall show proof of having received at least four doses, with the last dose having been received on or after the fourth birthday. Doses in the series shall have been received no less than four weeks (28 days) apart.  A child who received IPV exclusively or OPV exclusively shall show proof of having received at least three doses, with the last dose having been received on or after the fourth birthday. Doses in the series shall have been received no less than four weeks (28 days) apart.
    • Beginning with the school year 2017-2018, any child entering kindergarten shall show proof of having received four or more doses of polio vaccine (defined as oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)).  The first three doses in the series shall have been received no less than four weeks (28 days) apart. The fourth or last dose shall be administered on or after the fourth birthday and at least six months after the previous dose. A fourth dose is not needed if the third dose was administered at age four or older and at least six months after the previous dose, in accordance with the ACIP catch-up series.
    • For students attending school programs in which grade levels (kindergarten through 12) are not assigned, including special education programs, proof of polio vaccine shall be submitted before the school years in which the child reaches the ages of five, 11 and 15.  Students eligible to remain in public schools beyond grade 12 (special education) shall meet the requirements for grade 12.
  •  Measles
    • Children entering school at any grade level must show proof of having received two doses of live measles vaccine. The first must have been given at or after one year of age, usually as part of the MMR, and the second, no less than a month later.  Proof of disease, verified by a doctor, is acceptable in place of immunization.
  • Rubella (German Measles)
    Any child two years or older entering a school program (Preschool, early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12), must show proof of having received two doses of live rubella virus vaccine. The first dose must be completed on or after the first birthday and the second dose no less than four weeks (28 days) after the first dose, or proof of immunity. The second dose is usually given as part of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine between 4 through 6 years old. The proof of vaccination must include day, month, year to determine the minimal interval between vaccinations has been met. If vaccination cannot be verified, the only other acceptable proof of rubella immunity is evidence through a specific rubella antibody blood test. This test must be completed in a laboratory that regularly performs antibody testing. Reported history of the disease is not an acceptable proof of immunity.
  •  Mumps
    Any child two years or older entering a school program (Pre-kindergarten, Early Intervention, or Kindergarten through 12th grade) must show proof of having received two doses of live mumps virus vaccine. The first dose must be completed on or after the child’s first birthday and the second dose no less than four weeks (28 days) after the first dose. The second dose is usually given as part of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine between 4 through 6 years old. If vaccination cannot be verified, other acceptable proofs of mumps immunity include: 1) the proof of the date of the illness signed and verified by a physician or 2) a specific mumps antibody blood test completed in a laboratory
  •  Hepatitis B
    Any child two years or older entering a school program (Preschool, early childhood, kindergarten through grade 12), must show proof of having received three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. The first two doses must have been completed no less than four weeks (28 days) apart. The interval between the second and third dose must have been at least eight weeks (56 days) apart. The interval between the first and the third dose must be at least four months (112 days) apart. A previous or current hepatitis B infection may be substituted for the vaccine series. Proof of the infection must be verified by specific positive hepatitis B blood tests completed in a laboratory.  All children entering 6th grade must provide proof of a completed hepatitis B series or proof of immunity.
  •  HIB (Haemphilus Influenza Type B)
    All children entering preschool or an early intervention program must show proof of having received one dose of HIB vaccination, given on or after 15 months of age. The HIB is not required for children in grades kindergarten through 12.
  •  Influenza Information
    Flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant people, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk of flu complications.
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine
    • Any child entering a child care facility or school program below the kindergarten level shall show proof of having received one dose of varicella vaccine on or after the first birthday, or other proof of immunity described in Section 665.250(g).
    • Children entering school at any grade level (kindergarten through 12) shall show proof of having received at least one dose of varicella vaccine on or after the first birthday, or other proof of immunity described in Section 665.250(g).
    • Any child entering kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2014 shall show proof of having received two doses of varicella vaccine, the first dose on or after the first birthday and the second dose no less than four weeks (28 days) after the first dose, or other proof of immunity described in Section 665.250(g)
  • TB Skin Test
    This test is done at the physician’s discretion.

Reporting

    • Immunization data reported to ISBE by each Nov. 15 105 ILCS 5/27-8.1(6). By Dec. 1, the District must annually make the immunization data that it must report to ISBE each year publicly available.