In the last week, two of our Illini Central Middle School students have been seriously injured in accidents. Paxton Kelsey, 7th grade, was involved in a go-kart accident, and Parker Swaar, 8th grade, was wounded by a shot put. Both boys required extended hospital stays and extreme medical bills. In addition to Paxton's injury, his family recently lost his mother and had to postpone her services until he was released from the hospital.
At Illini Central, we take the phrase, "We Are IC" to heart, and we want to support these two boys on their road to recovery.
On Monday, May 12th, ICMS students can wear their pajamas to school for a minimum donation of $1.
This week, ICHS students are competing to collect the most money. The teacher who collects the most money will have a bucket of ice water poured on his or her head. If the winning teacher collects $250 or more, the principal, Mrs. Baugher, will also have a bucket of ice water dumped on her head.
The money collected from these fundraisers will be divided between the two boys. Anyone wishing to donate may also drop off cash or checks in the Illini Central Middle and High School office.
We recently learned that Mason City National Bank has set up an account to support Paxton and his journey to recovery.
Please consider donating to support our IC family!
Many have asked how to support the Swaar family after Saturday's accident, and here are a few ways:
-A savings account has been set up for Parker Swaar at the Alliance Community Bank in Mason City
-A GoFundMe page has been set up here: https://gofund.me/996e4793
-Donations can also be dropped off in the Illini Central Middle and High School office
The family appreciates all the support as Parker has a long road to recovery.
#WeAreIC
Tayden is through the roof! Tayden from Mrs. Steel's morning class has read 900 books! He is almost at his goal of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!! Keep it up Tayden!
Illlini Central Schools will dismiss at 11:30 on Wednesday, 4/30.
The PreK will have their Transportation Day during the morning hours, and busing is not provided. The Cheesed Out Food Truck will be on site!
The Seniors will present their Reverse Career Fair, showcasing their plans for the future. The fair will be open to the public from 8:30 to 11:00, so stop in and see what our seniors will do with their futures!
Grade School students are encouraged to "Dress for the Future" and dress as their future career.
Last but not least, tomorrow from 4-7 p.m., the first annual Illini Central STEAM Fair will be showcased throughout the building. It is also an open house, so feel free to stop by and see the new addition if you haven't already.
#WeAreIC
As a reminder, Illini Central Schools are closed tomorrow, Friday, April 18th. We WILL be in session on Monday, April 21st. Have a great weekend!
Please read the linked letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c-RrNyIbB_HsI0vGgmir6tvVGHJOe0KF/view?usp=sharing
On Thursday, April 17th, at 6:30 p.m., the Illini Central Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting to reorganize the Board and welcome our new board members. The regular meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the new professional development rooms at ICGS. Please use the old ICGS entrance (Door H3) if you plan to attend the meeting.
Attention parents of upcoming Kindergarten students!
Please save the date for this new, engaging event.
We'll have take home bags for every family and fabulous door prizes.
As a reminder, Illini Central Schools will dismiss at 2:00 pm today, April 9th.
The Illini Central Student Council has decided to Egg Your Yard. The members would come at about 8:00pm on April 19th and set up an Easter Egg Hunt for your kiddos! Each egg will have one piece of candy in it.
This year we have again decided to limit it to Mason City Residents ONLY.
All proceeds for the Egg My Yard fundraiser will be donated to the Mason City to Peoria St. Jude Run!
The form and payment are due by Monday, April 14th.
Here is the link to the form: https://forms.gle/1cejaqm7rKnSPEpS8
Please return the eggs with your student on the Monday after Easter or as soon as possible.
Finally, if you have pets, please make sure they will not be able to get out while we are in your yard on Saturday night.
Contact Mrs. Davis at her email address (hdavis@illinicentral.org) with any questions.
Kindergarten Night is right around the corner! If your student is going to Kindergarten next year, please consider joining us for Kindergarten Night. Students get to experience a real school meal and parents get to meet with the Kindergarten teachers, administration, and other staff to be better prepared and feel ready for next year! Please contact Mrs. List at the Pre-K to get signed up. alist@illinicentral.org or 217-482-5180 ext. 5 for Pre-K.
Illini Central Schools will dismiss at 11:30 tomorrow for professional development activities.
Students in Grade School are encouraged to participate in the "Vacation Wear" dress-up day tomorrow!
Pre-K will have their Cozy Half Day Event for all morning and afternoon students tomorrow from 8:00-10:30 am. There will be no busing for Pre-K. Students must be brought and picked up from school.
Happy 4th Quarter!
On March 10th, the Illini Central Education Association hosted Meet the Candidates for upcoming school board election. Those vying for a seat on the board were given the opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and share what motivates them to run. They were also asked an impromptu question.
Pictured are the candidates who were in attendance.
Front row, left to right: Gina Horn, Dennis Hull, Pamela Pherigo, Amilee Bradshaw, Nancy Robertson
Back row, left to right: Antony Newton, Scott Entwistle, Brooke Reece, Chelsey Lemme
Not pictured: Kole Renken
Follow the link below to read the candidates' answers to the question regarding why they are running for Illini Central School Board.
https://5il.co/3bfp0
The election will take place on Tuesday, April 1st.
*Illini Central CUSD #189 does not endorse any particular candidates.
The city made us aware of a tree that is about to fall on Pine Street just east of the school. Students and parents should avoid the area on their way home.
Illini Central Schools will dismiss at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 12th. Also, Spring Break is next week, March 17-21, 2025.
Regional Championship Apparel Pick-Up!
The apparel that has been ordered can be picked up in the HS/MS using Door A2...look for the sign to buzz in.
Pick-ups will be from 1 to 4:30 this afternoon.
If you have any questions...call the HS/MS office at 217-482-5180.
Get your 2025 Illini Central Cougars Regional Championship Apparel at the following link: https://justicegraphics.net/collections/illini-central-cougars-regional-champions-2025
Your order needs to be in before 2 p.m. tomorrow...Monday March 3rd.
Remember the boys play in Brimfield on Wednesday v. the Peoria Christian Chargers at 7 p.m.
On Monday March 10th, the Illini Central Education Association will be hosting a Meet the Candidates evening in The Cougar Center.
The ICEA will introduce the ten candidates for the upcoming election and allow them to share their visions for the district as a potential Illini Central School Board member.
This event will begin at 6 p.m. Please park on the west side of the building and enter through the new ICGS entrance.
Illini Central has hired a new bus driver!!
In an effort to reduce the number of students on our San Jose buses, we are splitting the afternoon routes into 3 routes instead of 2.
This will help us get students home more efficiently.
Monday, March 3rd will be the start date for this change. Check your Skyward for pickup and drop-off times.
Any questions email Mr. Francis at sfrancis@illinicentral.org or call 217-482-5180 EXT 1404
Illini Central Schools will dismiss at 11:30 on Wednesday, February 26th.
There will be no Pre-K Wednesday February 26th. Instead Pre-K will be holding free developmental screenings for 3-5 year olds who are not yet enrolled in the program. If you have a 3-5 year old child and would like to get them started in Pre-K please call the Pre-K to get signed up!