James Kelley, principal for 23 years at this school. (photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media)

On May 5, Indian Prairie Elementary School opened its doors so students and parents could take a trip down memory lane.

Each classroom represented a year in the life of the school with a video and photos of students and staff. A “fact sheet” outside each classroom reminded reminiscent visitors of trivia of the year: favorite songs, the price of gas, how much we paid for a dozen eggs, and the state of technology.

Kathleen Savage, a fourth-grade teacher at Indian Prairie since the school opened, said that “things have changed a lot,” since she began teaching. Most of the changes are due to technology.

“Now we have fewer text books, and more hands on learning,” she said.

She demonstrated to visitors the experiment her students conduct on plant growth.

“We’re putting the plants into a drought now,” she said. Another table experiment helps students learn about circuits and electricity.

“One thing hasn’t changed,” said Savage. “The kids are still the best part.”

Kathleen Savage, fourth-grade teacher for 25 years at this school, is retiring this spring. (photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media)

Savage writes plays for the children to perform each spring. Everyone who auditions gets a part in the play.

“I’ll miss seeing the kids blossom and grow the most,” Savage said about her retirement at the end of this school year.

Several students of Indian Prairie enjoyed their experience so much that they returned to teach.

Principal Jim Kelley has two fewer years of tenure than Savage. He is as devoted as a principal can be.

“Lots of great things happened here,” he said. “Besides hiring former students as teachers, the children that came through are now giving back to the community. As a new school, we got the opportunity to start building own tradition. This is a celebration of all those who started the school and all those who continue to make each year better than the last.”

Indian Prairie pledges “Kids come first,” from the moment a student, staff or visitor enters the building. Kelley says that it’s important to address student needs academically, as well as socially and emotionally.

“Parents always talk about our high expectations in a family atmosphere,” he said.

Each classroom represented a year in the life of the school with a video and photos of students and staff. A “fact sheet” outside each classroom reminded reminiscent visitors of trivia of the year: favorite songs, the price of gas, how much we paid for a dozen eggs, and the state of technology. (photo by Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media)

Kelley understands that every child is unique.

“One size does not fit all,” he said. “I like to get to know the child and get to know their interests to tap into what excites them and incorporate that into their learning experience.”

Kelley sees a big change in the population over his tenure. Indian Trail was the first expansion school for the district. Within a few years Wood Creek and Glacier Ridge were built. Curriculum changed, too.

“We want students to understand that we’re part of a community in the school and in the town,” he said. “We must look for what’s good for ourselves and for others.”

Today’s staff and students are expected to be good citizens and good stewards. Recently, the school partnered with Culver’s restaurant to raise money for the local food pantry.

“It’s important for students to understand that at times we must take care of others in the community. We’re all in this together,” Kelley said.

The Common Core Standards have raised the bar on student expectation. According to Kelley, many of the skills expected in fifth grade, under the old Illinois State Standards, are expected at an earlier age, so each grade level must make adjustments. People can go online and take practice tests.

“They will be amazed at what students are being assessed on,” he said.

When pressed to predict the future, Kelley said, “In today’s workforce, students will have to be able to get along, be flexible and adapt to change. We don’t even know the careers that the students of today will pursue.”

Teachers and principals at Indian Prairie agree that kids learn best when they can apply the skill they learn and have a true understanding what they study. Visitors to the open house got rewarded with some of what the students learn. After the trip down memory lane, visitors got a rewarded by entertainment, 400 cupcakes, ice cream cups and lemonade.