Greetings Prairie-Hills S.T.E.A.M. Academy Families and Community Members,   

I am truly excited and honored to be the principal of the new Prairie-Hills S.T.E.A.M. Academy, and to embark upon our partnership with you to ensure that all students meet their full potential. My twenty plus years of experience coupled with my recent experience as Assistant Principal have prepared me for this journey with our scholars. 

This year will provide many opportunities for our scholars to address their academic, social, and emotional well-being. Our S.T.E.A.M Academy will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, as we create inclusive learning that brings our scholars’ imagination to life.  Our staff will work diligently to assist in the development of your child’s skills and talents in a nurturing and safe environment. 

Prairie-Hills S.T.E.A.M. Academy is located at 3035 West 163rd Street, Markham, IL. 60428. For the 2022-2023 school year, students can arrive for breakfast beginning at 8:15 a.m. and enter door 20. Please remember there is no supervision prior to 8:15 a.m., and students should not report earlier than that time. Our instructional day begins at 8:45 a.m., and it is crucial that your child be present every day for learning before the start of the instructional day. Student dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. and students who are being picked up from school will be dismissed after buses leave S.T.E.A.M.  

All Prairie-Hills School District #144 students wear uniforms. Student uniforms are navy or black bottoms, green plaid skirts / jumpers, red or navy polo shirts, navy blazers, and fully enclosed shoes (solid color- choice of black, brown, or navy) with laces that match the shoes. Student uniforms will be made available for cash purchase only at our principal reception on August 8th. If you choose to purchase, our sale prices for each item are as follows; pants $15.00, polo shirts $7.00, and plaid skirts $20.00. 

We appreciate your support in our efforts to keep all students safe. To ensure the well-being of our students and staff, we will continue with our COVID safety protocols. All students will be given a COVID test weekly, beginning on Wednesday, August 24th, 2022. A waiver for testing must be on file for all students.  

In the pursuit of EXCELLENCE, I will stay committed to forging strong relationships with you and your child.  I know our S.T.E.A.M. Academy will be a highly engaging and a positive experience. To continue our ongoing and open communication, feel free to contact me at (work) 708-985-2401, ext. 6102, (cell) 708-297-6983, or email me at: gdriskell@phsd144.net.   

I look forward to our first full day of school on Wednesday, August 24, 2022! 

Educationally yours,  

 
Dr. Gina Driskell, Principal