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Principal Message

I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. As we gear up for the upcoming school year, I am thrilled to extend my warmest welcome to both returning and new families to Prairie Run Elementary – where we proudly declare, "We're Proud to Be… PRE!" The 2023-2024 academic year promises to be one filled with inspiration, personalized learning, engaging activities, and remarkable growth – all designed to make it a truly "Merry Prairie" for our students.

At Big Walnut, our mission has always been to inspire and guide our students to their maximum potential. This year we are more committed than ever to foster an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. Our dedicated team of educators is excited to embark on this journey with your children, celebrating their unique strengths and personalizing their educational experience to ensure each student reaches new heights.

We firmly believe that education should be a collaborative effort between home and school. In this spirit, we invite you to engage actively in your child's educational journey and to be an involved parent/guardian. Your involvement is invaluable and contributes to the success of our students! To keep you in the know, our main communication tool is email. We invite you, also, to stay connected with our PTO, our school events, and parent-teacher interactions to gain insights into your child's progress and discover ways you can support their growth and our school.

Speaking of growth, this academic year is all about embracing opportunities to grow – academically, socially, and emotionally. Through teamwork, creativity, and resilience, your children will not only learn subjects but also valuable life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

We're also excited to share that the "Merry Prairie" spirit will be woven into the fabric of our school culture.

With a series of joyful events, community projects, and celebrations planned throughout the year, we aim to create an atmosphere of positivity, inclusivity, and unity within our PRE family. Our motto is to work hard to play hard!

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education and growth. Let's work hand in hand to make the 2023-2024 school year a memorable and enriching journey for every person at our Merry Prairie.

With warm regards,
Kim Castiglione
Principal

Kim Castiglione has been with Big Walnut Local Schools for sixteen years beginning as a Literacy Facilitator and RTI Coordinator at BWE and GRE before becoming a principal in the district. Her principal career began by reopening Harrison Street in 2014 and eventually took her to open Prairie Run Elementary, where she has been since 2020. Kim holds her undergraduate degree from Miami University in Early Childhood Education, a masters degree in School Psychology from the University of Dayton, and an additional Masters Degree in School Administration plus an endorsement in Leadership from Miami University.

Her husband, Mike, is her best friend and life partner of twenty plus years and they are blessed to have two children that attend Big Walnut Local Schools. Kim is passionate about creating a happy school for staff and students. She believes in doing all things in love, will do anything for kids, and believes in helping adults be the best they can be.