The image provides step-by-step instructions on how to schedule family conferences in Skyward.
about 17 hours ago, Annie Baugher
Family Conference Sign-Ups
Looking to make a little extra money while making a difference?

Illini Central needs substitute teachers and paraprofessionals!

Whether you're retired, between jobs, looking for flexible work, or simply have a few days available each month, we'd love to add you to our substitute team!

Did you know you don't need college credit to substitute as a paraprofessional?

If you're 19 or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent, you may qualify for a Short-Term Approval Paraprofessional License (STA-PARA).

To substitute as a teacher, you need at least 60 semester credit hours or an associate's degree.

💰 Substitute Paraprofessionals: $136/day
💰 Substitute Teachers: $160/day


One of the best parts of substituting? Flexibility! You can choose the days that fit your schedule while supporting our students and staff.

Ready to get started?

📋 Licensure information:
https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Sub-Para-Checklist.pdf

📞 Join Illini Central's substitute calling list:
https://aptg.co/q2qGNL

👆 Fingerprinting information:
https://roe53.net/resources/fingerprinting

Questions about licensure? Contact the Regional Office of Education at (309) 477-2290.

We look forward to having you join the Illini Central team!
about 21 hours ago, Jennifer Durbin
substitutes needed cougar and IC logo $135 for paras, no college needed, $160 for teachers flexible schedule
Family Conferences are just around the corner on Wednesday, October 7th, and Thursday, October 8th, from 4:00-8:00. Sign up today via Skyward!

What are Family Conferences?
Family Conferences are the same as a parent/teacher conference, except your student is present.


What are the benefits of Family Conferences?
Ownership of Learning: Students take personal responsibility for their academic achievements and setbacks when discussing their own progress.

Confidence & Communication: Presenting work and talking through goals builds strong public speaking and interpersonal skills.

Self-Reflection: Preparing for these meetings teaches children how to self-assess their strengths and identify areas that need improvement.

Stronger Collaboration: Direct involvement fosters a trusting, collaborative relationship between the student, teacher, and parents.

Clearer Motivation: Hearing expectations directly helps align home and school support, leading to better classroom engagement and positive attitudes toward school
1 day ago, Annie Baugher
Family Conference Sign-Ups
Seniors-please see the attached flyer for scholarship opportunities! Remember to keep checking your Google Classroom for additional scholarship opportunities and availabilities!

1 day ago, Lynsey Means
Menard Electric CoOp
Congratulations to our high school PBIS students of the month for the month of August. Myles, Hailee, Kaci, and Eli were recognized for showing responsibility. Keep up the great work!
2 days ago, Annie Baugher
Student of the Month
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22nd, high school students will attend a presentation on online safety and sextortion. The assembly will be led by Clint Weir. Clint Weir brings nearly three decades of service and strategic leadership to the stage. With 25 years in law enforcement, Clint’s expertise spans criminal investigations, drug awareness education, and a deep understanding of the "street-level" impact of public service. Parallel to this, Clint has also served 25 years in ministry, honing the ability to connect with audiences at a heart level.

This unique intersection of safety expertise and spiritual leadership led to the creation of The Shift. As the founder of The Shift, Clint is on a mission to bridge the gap between where people are and where they could be. Whether speaking to students about youth culture, training officers, or helping corporate teams overhaul their internal culture, Clint delivers
more than just a speech—he delivers a catalyst for change.

Clint has addressed conferences, retreats, and public events nationwide, and specializes in three critical areas:

Youth Culture: Decoding the challenges facing the next generation.

Safety & Awareness: Practical insights from a career in investigations.

Mindset Mastery: Overcoming the obstacles that keep individuals and organizations stagnant.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Annie Baugher, high school principal.
4 days ago, Annie Baugher
Clint Weir

On Thursday, October 15th, we will host our FAFSA Workshop for Parents of the senior class. The event will run from 4:30-6:00pm. Completing the FAFSA form is a high school graduation requirement.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Gonzalez or Mrs. Means!

7 days ago, Adrian Gonzalez
FAFSA Night
Due to a power outage at Lincoln High School, LTEC will NOT be held today. This only applies to those high school students who attend LTEC.
7 days ago, Jennifer Durbin
On Thursday, September 24th the Sophomores will be traveling to Lincoln Land for their annual Careers Expo. Lunch will be provided.
8 days ago, Adrian Gonzalez

We would like to inform all parents and guardians that on Thursday, September 17, 2026, per the School Safety Drill Act, the district will participate in a district-wide Law Enforcement Drill. If you would not like your child to participate, please notify your child’s principal by 9 am on 9/17/26.

10 days ago, Jennifer Durbin
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death on school campuses – more than any form of cancer, concussion, or illness combined. Thousands of seemingly healthy kids die every year due to detectable heart conditions.

That’s why Illini Central CUSD 189 is thrilled to announce that we’ve partnered with Who We Play For to provide our youth the opportunity to get their heart checked with an electrocardiogram (ECG). The heart screening will take place on October 20, 2026, from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m..

Every student-athlete can sign up for a screening online here: https://www.whoweplayfor.org/heart-screening-registration

Why take advantage of this electrocardiogram (ECG) heart screening? The standard physical is statistically proven to be less than 4% effective at detecting any heart conditions; adding an ECG improves those odds to 80-95%.

ECG screening saves lives.

ECG screening is non-invasive, painless, and takes about 5 minutes.

A pediatric cardiologist or cardiologist trained to evaluate the heart of an athlete will interpret each ECG. We will return results via email within one week of the screening.

An ECG typically costs around $150.

What is Who We Play For (WWPF)?

WWPF represents every young person who lost their life due to a detectable heart condition missed in their physical.

At hundreds of schools across the country, WWPF has screened 200,000+ students and saved the lives of 200+ students, all of whom had previously undetected life-threatening heart conditions.


Watch this video (youtube.com/watch?v=WF8SlXw-Dxc&feature=youtu.be) to understand more about what to expect at a heart screening.
11 days ago, Jennifer Durbin
Who We Play For Infographic
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Illini Central Schools will operate on a 9:30 Delayed Start for Professional Development. Details on procedures for this can be found here: https://aptg.co/TZ5XNc
11 days ago, Jennifer Durbin
reminder 9:30 late start for professional development
On Wednesday, the Freshmen class will take a field trip to Midwest Central for a college and career fair. There is no cost and students will be back in time for lunch at school.
11 days ago, Adrian Gonzalez
Thank you to Christ Church in Springfield for their school supply donation!
14 days ago, Mr. Wherley
Thank you to Christ Church in Springfield for their school supply donation.
Help support the Class of 2030 with their Trash Bag Fundraiser at the Prairie Harvest Festival!
15 days ago, Mr. Wherley
Class of 2030 Fundraiser
SAVE THE DATE!

FAFSA Night Workshop for Seniors; Thursday, October 14th from 4:30pm - 6:00pm

More details to follow.
16 days ago, Adrian Gonzalez
The Mason County Health Department, in cooperation with the Illini Central School District, will offer flu vaccinations to students at school on Thursday, October 1st, 2026.

Below is a link to more information & the request form that must be filled out and returned to the school before 9/22/26.

https://aptg.co/P4n9kb
16 days ago, Mr. Wherley
School Flu Shot Clinic 2026
Picture Day is Tuesday, September 15th.

Families who have provided the school with an email address should have received an email from Geskus Photography. This email includes a reminder about Picture Day, as well as information on how to access your child’s photos once they are available. (Each student has a special code.)

If the parent/guardian did not receive an email from Geskus Photography, please check your spam or junk folder.

Parents can also call the GS or HS/MS office to make sure the school has your correct and current email address on file.

Retake Day will be Tuesday, October 20th.

*Graphic created by The Class 6's Maddie Lowers
16 days ago, Mr. Wherley
Picture Day 2026

Friendly Reminder: The junior class will be attending a campus visit to ISU next Thursday, September 10th. Different from years past, students will have to pay $12.50 for lunch on ISU's campus. The price includes an all-you-can-eat buffet. All students need to bring in money by tomorrow, September 9th to Nancy in the main office. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Gonzalez.

17 days ago, Adrian Gonzalez

Attention parents of the class of 2028: The junior class will be attending a campus visit to ISU next Thursday, September 10th. Different from years past, students will have to pay $12.50 for lunch on ISU's campus. The price includes an all-you-can-eat buffet. All students need to bring in money by Wednesday, September 9th to Nancy in the main office. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Gonzalez.

23 days ago, Adrian Gonzalez