We changed our drop-off and pick-up procedures when we returned from winter break. All bus riders are dropped off and picked up outside the Middle and High School Entrance. All car riders should be dropped off and picked up outside the NEW Grade School Entrance. The OLD Grade School entrance is no longer used for students before or after school. We strongly encourage parents to use the procedures we have set in place.
By using the back parking lot to pick up students, we significantly reduce the number of students walking across North West Avenue and Chestnut, reducing the chance of an accident. Using the procedures we have set, we also know that students are getting to where they need to be, not taking a stray path and walking to a vehicle parked down the block. With the construction of the old APR in progress, there is a lot more traffic around that portion of the school, and we do not want a student to accidentally be hit by someone who is not expecting a student to walk through cars.
As with the start of every school year, new procedures take practice. While the first day was a little slow, I can attest that by 3:11 today, all students were picked up from the back parking lot. As the semester progresses, this will likely continue to get faster.
If you are picking your children up after school, please inform them that you will pick them up back with the other car riders. Thank you for helping us ensure students are safe before and after school.
Parents, when your students come home today and tell you that the APR disappeared, they're right! Over break, the construction crew began work on creating more classroom and professional development space!
All three sections of The Cougar Center in use on day one... Poms, MS boys basketball, and MS volleyball. Meanwhile, 6th grade volleyball is in the cafeteria and HS girls basketball in the Cougar Den. We are excited to have the space to spread out!
We are excited to have students back in the building tomorrow!
Starting tomorrow, we will be following our new student drop-off and pick-up procedures. For more information, follow this link: https://www.illinicentral.org/article/1928059
Happy 2025! Due to the snow accumulation and the prediction of more overnight, tomorrow's teacher in-service will be a "late start," beginning at 10:00. Staff will meet in the Cougar Center Gym at 10:00 to begin district meetings. Students who were scheduled to take make-up exams will NOT take them tomorrow. Make-up exams will take place on Tuesday, January 7th.
At this time, students will return from break on Tuesday, January 7th. Because we moved into the new building over break, the staff need the in-service day to adjust to new procedures and prepare for students to return. If the weather does not improve overnight, we will revisit the situation in the morning and inform you of any changes.
Just a reminder...
The Class of 2027 will be having a Nelson's Catering Fundraiser in January.
Here are the details:
When: Friday - January 24th
What: Grilled Chicken Dinner w/ Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and a Roll
Time: Pickup @ IC Cafeteria 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Cost: $14.00 per meal (money due at time of order)
Ordering online can be done at the following link until January 17th: https://nelsonscatering.com/illini-central
All orders through the students in the Class of 2027 must be done by January 15th.
Thank you in advance for supporting our Sophomores!
As a reminder, Illini Central Schools will dismiss at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 19th and Friday, December 20th.
The Cares Closet is available all school year to students in need. We have everything from soap and hairbrushes to clothing and coats. Have your student stop by during open hours (listed on flyer) or contact Mrs. Means, Mr. Gonzalez, or Mrs. Smith any other time for access.
Yesterday, ICHS students took a trip to the State Capitol and Illinois State Police Academy. They had fun trying different simulation scenarios and seeing the parts of the Capitol Building that aren't under construction.
On Wednesday, December 11th, Illini Central Schools will dismiss at 2:00 pm for staff professional development.
In case you didn't already know, we offer tutoring for all middle and high school students from 3:00-5:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is also a shuttle bus that runs to Easton and San Jose daily at 5:00 that students are welcome to use.
As ICHS Principal Mrs. Annie Baugher rapidly reaches her due date, Illini Central thought we would introduce our district to the gentleman who will be our interim principal during her maternity leave.
We are glad to welcome Mr. Darren Hartry to our district for the last part of December and the 2nd semester of the 2024-2025 school year.
Here is a link to a bio of Mr. Hartry's time in education & information about his personal life: https://5il.co/322ks
Illini Central is thankful to have Mr. Hartry join our family this Winter.
The Class of 2027 will be having a Nelson's Catering Fundraiser in January.
Here are the details:
When: Friday - January 24th
What: Grilled Chicken Dinner w/ Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, and a Roll
Time: Pickup @ IC Cafeteria 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Cost: $14.00 per meal (money due at time of order)
Ordering online can be done at the following link until January 17th: https://nelsonscatering.com/illini-central
All orders through the students in the Class of 2027 must be done by January 15th.
Thank you in advance for supporting our Sophomores!
As a reminder, Illini Central Schools will not be in session Wednesday, November 26th through Friday, November 28th. We will see you back at school on Monday, December 2nd!
We are grateful for the IC community and thankful for your support!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
The gym floor is finished, and bleachers are currently being installed! Save the dates: Farewell to Easton on December 19th and the first game in the new gym/Open House on January 10th! I can't wait to see our teams compete on this new gym floor!
Today, Illini Central students gathered in the gym for Meet the Cougars. It was a great way to recognize our fall and winter athletes and inspire the future athletes! Mr. Burks called down all of the bitty ball players, and we are excited for the future of IC sports! #WeAreIC
Miles of Smiles is Back!
This is a free dental service that is provided to our school. If you are interested, please fill out the form that is linked in this post and return it to the school as soon as possible.
Here is the link to the form: https://5il.co/312tj
This does count toward the state required dental exams needed for kindergarten, second, sixth and ninth grades.
The clinic will be held on December 16th & 17th.
Interact Club is sponsoring an Impact Life Blood Drive on November 22nd from 9:00 to 2:00 which will be held in the Mason City Public Library parking lot. Please scan the QR code on the signs or see Mrs. Price. If you are 16 and wish to donate, please pick up a form on the table by the office. Community members are also encouraged to sign up so help us get the word out. Interact Club would like to present a scholarship to a senior when we meet the unit goal that has been set by Impact Life. Seniors, see Mrs. Price about enrolling in the Make A Difference Award Program. You could earn points towards a graduation cord and certificate of achievement. This achievement could be added to a resume. Thank you!
Illini Central Schools will be closed on Tuesday, 11/5/2024, for election day per state law.
We have already posted that Senior Madelyn McKinney was the September Student of the Month, but here is her interview on The Cougar Connection Podcast.
The Class IV's Macy McLaughlin sat down with Illini Central's September Student of the Month Madelyn McKinney to discuss her future goals, her favorite HS class, the best advice she has for underclassmen and much, much more.
Here is the link: https://youtu.be/4YZCJUIYFxA
Congratulations again, Madelyn!
