Back to School: St. Paul School, Trinity Academy, BPC & WP Districts Preparing for 2026-2027 School Year
Administrators, teachers and staff in private faithbased schools in the region, as well as Bushnell-Prairie City School District and West Prairie School District No. 103 are gearing up for a new school year, which is right around the corner.
St. Paul School, Macomb – Serving Grades Pre-K-6: Principal Laura Cody Back to School Events BTS Night/Open House: Monday, Aug. 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
First Day of School Wednesday, Aug. 19
New Personnel
Four staff members.
New Programs, Events & Curriculum Celebrating 125 years of Catholic education in 2027.
Several events will be held, including a kick-off featuring a mass and Bishop Louis Tylka.
Mission Statement
MacArthur faculty and staff work together 'Building the Foundation of Our Future.' We nurture the children’s social, emotional, mental, and physical development. All of our students are encouraged to grow in a love of learning; be respectful to others; be independent thinkers, and be problem-solvers.
How to Enroll
stpaulmacomb.com
Trinity Academy, Industry – Serving Grades K-8: Principal Velynna Spangler First Day of School & Chapel First Day of School & Chapel, 8:35 a.m., Aug. 18.
Families and community members are welcome to attend chapel.
Initiatives
Trinity Academy remains committed to cultivating students who love God, pursue wisdom and serve others through a Christ-centered, classical education.
This year, the school will continue investing in academic excellence while intentionally shaping students in Christian character, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
Having recently secured its permanent campus, Trinity Academy is now focused on the next phase of its capital campaign as we renovate and enhance our facility to better serve current and future generations of students.
Mission Statement
Trinity Academy is to provide classical education combining Christ-centered focus with academic excellence. (Proverbs 2:6) Bushnell-Prairie City Elementary School – Serving Grades PK-4: Principal Michelle Rodeffer, Dean of Students Brittini Chapman Back to School Events Preschool Screening: Aug. 13, 8 a.m-2 p.m. (By appointment - call 309-7729464) Meet the Teacher: Aug. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.
First Day of School Monday, Aug. 17
New Personnel
Kyla Hughes, second grade teacher; Emilee Mahr, kindergarten teacher; Jacey Jones, school psychologist; Valeri Dittmer, speech pathologist; Carrie Savage, paraprofessional; and Angie Vera, paraprofessional.
Initiatives A new math curriculum will be implemented that promotes student independence through engaging, real-world applications.
Throughout the school year, teachers will participate in ongoing professional learning to build their knowledge and ensure successful implementation of the new program. BPC Elementary will also continue strengthening its phonics instruction with the support of its Regional Office of Education (ROE) partners, helping to provide high-quality literacy instruction for all students.
Mission Statement:
The Bushnell-Prairie City School District will educate students to become lifelong learners and responsible, productive citizens. In partnership with families, communities, and businesses, the staff will foster an innovative, safe, and caring environment.
Bushnell-Prairie City Junior High School – Serving Grades 5-8: Principal Bill Knowles, Assistant Principal Kelsey Kelso, Guidance Counselor Brea Bowman Back to School Events Back to School/Open House: Thursday, Aug. 13, 5:30-6 p.m. (fifth grade orientation); 6-7 p.m. (sixtheight grade open house).
New Personnel
Jenny Strange, Scott Strong-Wallace, Katy Mason and Michae Jewell, along with program assistants.
Initiatives
This is the second year for fifth grade to be a part of the junior high. BPC Junior High continues to work to maximize scheduling and staffing to provide its students with learning and social opportunities.
Bushnell-Prairie City High School – Serving Grades 9-12: Principal Jerry Butcher, Assistant Principal Kelsey Kelso, Guidance Counselor Brea Bowman Back to School Events BTS Night/Open House: Thursday, Aug. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.; freshman orientation (Auditorium), 6 p.m.
Meet the Spartans Night: August 14, 6 p.m.
First Day of School Monday, Aug. 17 New Personnel
Two teachers: special education English and upperlevel math.
Initiatives
Using the 'Portrait of a Graduate' model designed by the District Leadership Team, BPC High School will continue to work collaboratively within its district, with its neighbors, and with its local community in order to develop instructional strategies that increase student engagement and success. The high school will continue to push forward, educating the whole student, and preparing each individual to be college or career ready.
West Prairie South Elementary School – Serving Grades Pre-K-6: Principal Caitlin Watson Back to School Events Back to School Open House (K-6): Tuesday, Aug.
18, 5-6 p.m.
Meet the Teacher and Visit Classrooms (Pre-K): Aug. 19-21 (Pre-K teachers will contact families to schedule a date and time).
New Personnel
Three teachers, one paraprofessional.
New Initiatives
A new math curriculum is being implemented for grades K-6, and South Elementary students will enjoy a new playground.
West Prairie School District Mission Statement To empower our students through education to live healthy and productive lives.
West Prairie North Elementary School – Serving Grades Pre-K-6: Principal Sara Ryner Back to School Events
Back to School Open House (Kindergarten-6th): Tuesday, August 18, 5-6 p.m. Pre-K- Meet the Teacher and Visit Classrooms: Aug.
19-21 *Pre-K teachers will contact families to schedule a date and time.
New Personnel
Two teachers, two paraprofessionals.
New Initiatives/Changes
A new math curriculum will be implemented in grades K-6.
First Day of School
K-6, Wednesday, Aug. 19 Pre-K, Monday, Aug. 24 West Prairie Junior & Senior High School – Serving Grades 7-12: Principal Megan Pittman Back to School Events Back to School Open House: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 6-7 p.m.
Meet the Teacher and Visit Classrooms (Pre-K): Aug. 19-21 (Pre-K teachers will contact families to schedule a date and time).
New Personnel 12 staff members.
New Initiatives
First full year implemented student advocates through the Regional Office of Education No. 26 LEAP program; new math curriculum, Eureka Math Squared; addition of a golf team to WP Athletics.
First Day of School Wednesday, Aug. 19
