Important Community Notice: Construction Project and Campus Access Changes
Midwest Central broke ground this week to begin building a new gym east of the high school. We would like to inform students, families, staff, and community members about changes on campus that will continue throughout the entire 2026-27 school year.
As part of this project, a construction area located at MCHS has been securely fenced off to protect the safety of students, staff, and visitors. The project will impact the student walkway between the High School and Primary School buildings as well as parking availability in the high school parking lot.
Safety Remains Our Top Priority
We ask all students, parents, and visitors to remain alert and exercise caution when on campus. Specifically:
• Do not enter or attempt to access any fenced construction areas.
• Follow all posted signs and use only approved walkways and building entrances.
• Be mindful of construction equipment, vehicles, and workers operating in the area.
• Allow extra time for arrival and departure due to changes in traffic and parking patterns.
The construction zone has been designed to maintain a safe separation between school operations and construction activities; however, community cooperation is essential to ensuring everyone's safety.
Parking and Access - The construction project will temporarily reduce available parking in the high school lot. Visitors attending school events are encouraged to watch for updated parking guidance and signage throughout the year.
Spring Sports Information - At this time, access routes and parking arrangements for spring activities, including baseball and track events, are still being finalized. Additional information regarding attendance, parking, and facility access for spring sports will be communicated to families and community members closer to the start of those seasons.
Thank You for Your Patience - We appreciate the flexibility, patience, and support of our students, families, staff, and community as we complete this important project. These improvements will benefit our schools and community for years to come.
Questions regarding the construction project may be directed to Dr. Todd Hellrigel, Superintendent, or Sally Timm, Assistant Superintendent at 309.968.6868 or toddh@midwestcentral.org or timm@midwestcentral.org.
Transportation Spotlight: Crystal Simpson
Meet Crystal Simpson, driver of Bus #12! Crystal began her school bus driving career at Midwest Central, where she served our district for three years before relocating. She then spent five years driving for District 150 before returning home to Midwest Central. Now in her second year back with District 191, Crystal brings a decade of experience behind the wheel.
In addition to driving a regular morning and afternoon route, Crystal also drives one of our two midday Pre-K routes, helping ensure our youngest Raiders travel safely to and from school.
When asked what she enjoys most about driving a school bus, Crystal shared that she loves getting to see the kids every year. Her biggest challenge? Stop-arm runners, a reminder of how important bus safety is for everyone on the road.
Thank you, Crystal, for your dedication to our students and families and for the many miles you travel to keep them safe each day!
Meet Crystal Simpson, driver of Bus #12! Crystal began her school bus driving career at Midwest Central, where she served our district for three years before relocating. She then spent five years driving for District 150 before returning home to Midwest Central. Now in her second year back with District 191, Crystal brings a decade of experience behind the wheel.
In addition to driving a regular morning and afternoon route, Crystal also drives one of our two midday Pre-K routes, helping ensure our youngest Raiders travel safely to and from school.
When asked what she enjoys most about driving a school bus, Crystal shared that she loves getting to see the kids every year. Her biggest challenge? Stop-arm runners, a reminder of how important bus safety is for everyone on the road.
Thank you, Crystal, for your dedication to our students and families and for the many miles you travel to keep them safe each day!
Join our team!
Phone Line Outage – Superintendent’s Office
The phone lines at the Superintendent’s Office are currently down. If you need immediate assistance, please email Assistant Superintendent Sally Timm at timm@midwestcentral.org or call the Bus Barn at 309.968.3020.
The PS, MS, and HS are not impacted by this outage.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Reminder - Today is a 1/2 day for students! There are no PreK classes. Buildings will dismiss as follows: PS - 11:40, MS - 11:20, HS - 11:30
Good evening this is Todd Hellrigel Superintendent of Midwest Central texting to remind all Raiders that tomorrow is a 1/2 day early dismissal. The middle school will dismiss at 11:20. The high school will dismiss at 11:30 and the primary school will dismiss at 11:40. There is no preschool tomorrow.
As Tazewell County voters prepare to consider the proposed County Schools Facility Tax on November 3, we invite our community to learn more about what is being proposed and how the funds could be used.
The attached graphics and short video provide an overview of the proposal, including eligible uses for the revenue, how funds would be distributed, and information about the upcoming referendum. We encourage everyone to review the information and stay informed.
To learn more, visit TazewellForStudents.com.
The attached graphics and short video provide an overview of the proposal, including eligible uses for the revenue, how funds would be distributed, and information about the upcoming referendum. We encourage everyone to review the information and stay informed.
To learn more, visit TazewellForStudents.com.
Exciting news for Midwest Central’s band students!
Thanks to a $5,564.88 grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation and an equal matching contribution from Manito Musical Advocates, Midwest Central will purchase 100 Wenger Nota music posture chairs for our primary, middle, and high school band programs, a combined investment of $11,129.76 in our students!
These chairs will give band students across all three schools, from fifth-grade beginners through high school musicians, consistent seating designed for music instruction and a unified, professional appearance at concerts.
Dirk Heinhorst, President of the Forman Valley Community Foundation, and Matt Dobey, President of Manito Musical Advocates, recently presented the checks to Band Director Thad Franklin.
Thank you to both organizations and the community members who make their generosity possible. Your support will serve Midwest Central student musicians for years to come!
Thanks to a $5,564.88 grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation and an equal matching contribution from Manito Musical Advocates, Midwest Central will purchase 100 Wenger Nota music posture chairs for our primary, middle, and high school band programs, a combined investment of $11,129.76 in our students!
These chairs will give band students across all three schools, from fifth-grade beginners through high school musicians, consistent seating designed for music instruction and a unified, professional appearance at concerts.
Dirk Heinhorst, President of the Forman Valley Community Foundation, and Matt Dobey, President of Manito Musical Advocates, recently presented the checks to Band Director Thad Franklin.
Thank you to both organizations and the community members who make their generosity possible. Your support will serve Midwest Central student musicians for years to come!
Happy I.T. Professionals Day!
You know it's a good day when the Wi-Fi works, the printers print, the phones ring, and nobody says, "Did you try turning it off and back on again?"
Today we're giving a huge shoutout to Kyan & Thad for keeping Midwest Central connected, supported, and running smoothly every day. While many of us only notice technology when something goes wrong, they work behind the scenes to keep everything running right.
Thanks for all you do!
You know it's a good day when the Wi-Fi works, the printers print, the phones ring, and nobody says, "Did you try turning it off and back on again?"
Today we're giving a huge shoutout to Kyan & Thad for keeping Midwest Central connected, supported, and running smoothly every day. While many of us only notice technology when something goes wrong, they work behind the scenes to keep everything running right.
Thanks for all you do!
Transportation Staff Spotlight: Lisa
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Lisa!
This year marks an incredible 33 years as a school bus driver, including 9 years with Midwest Central.
When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, Lisa's answer was easy: “My kids." She shared that she enjoys being a grandma figure to many of the students and helping ensure they are safe each day.
Over the years, Lisa has built strong connections with generations of students and families. Her caring nature and dedication to the students she serves have made a lasting impact, and it's clear that the relationships she builds along the way are one of the things she treasures most about the job.
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Lisa simply said she hopes for a smooth year.
Thank you, Lisa, for more than three decades of service, dedication, and care. We are grateful for the positive difference you make in the lives of our students every day.
#MCRaiderNationProud
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Lisa!
This year marks an incredible 33 years as a school bus driver, including 9 years with Midwest Central.
When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, Lisa's answer was easy: “My kids." She shared that she enjoys being a grandma figure to many of the students and helping ensure they are safe each day.
Over the years, Lisa has built strong connections with generations of students and families. Her caring nature and dedication to the students she serves have made a lasting impact, and it's clear that the relationships she builds along the way are one of the things she treasures most about the job.
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Lisa simply said she hopes for a smooth year.
Thank you, Lisa, for more than three decades of service, dedication, and care. We are grateful for the positive difference you make in the lives of our students every day.
#MCRaiderNationProud
Transportation Staff Spotlight: Tammy Atterberry
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Tammy!
This year marks 15 years behind the wheel at Midwest Central, where she can be found driving Bus #6. When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, Tammy's answer was simple:"My kids."
If you've ever talked with Tammy's students or their families, you've probably heard her called"Mom Tammy" or"Grandma Tammy." Over the years, she has built special relationships with generations of students and families, and it's not uncommon for parents to remind her that retirement will have to wait because a younger sibling is just getting started. At this rate, Tammy jokes that she may never get to retire!
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Tammy shared that she's looking forward to"a very good year."
Tammy's kindness, commitment, and genuine care for students have made a lasting impact on countless families throughout her 15 years at Midwest Central. We are grateful for everything she does to help make each bus ride a positive experience.
Thank you, Tammy, for your dedication to our students, families, and community. We hope you have a wonderful year on Bus #6!
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Tammy!
This year marks 15 years behind the wheel at Midwest Central, where she can be found driving Bus #6. When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, Tammy's answer was simple:"My kids."
If you've ever talked with Tammy's students or their families, you've probably heard her called"Mom Tammy" or"Grandma Tammy." Over the years, she has built special relationships with generations of students and families, and it's not uncommon for parents to remind her that retirement will have to wait because a younger sibling is just getting started. At this rate, Tammy jokes that she may never get to retire!
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Tammy shared that she's looking forward to"a very good year."
Tammy's kindness, commitment, and genuine care for students have made a lasting impact on countless families throughout her 15 years at Midwest Central. We are grateful for everything she does to help make each bus ride a positive experience.
Thank you, Tammy, for your dedication to our students, families, and community. We hope you have a wonderful year on Bus #6!
Happy Labor Day from Midwest Central!
Today we celebrate the hard work and dedication that help make our schools, families, and communities strong. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday!
Transportation Staff Spotlight: Holley Veteto
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Holley!
This year marks 27 years behind the wheel as a school bus driver, with 23 of those years spent at Midwest Central. Holley currently drives Bus #15 and enjoys getting to know students and watching them grow and change over the years.
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Holley kept it simple: "Everyone stays healthy."
More than two decades of service to Midwest Central is an incredible accomplishment, and we are grateful for the care, dedication, and commitment Holley brings to our students each day.
Thank you, Holley, for 23 years of service to Midwest Central. We wish you a wonderful year on Bus #15!
#MCRaiderNationProud
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Holley!
This year marks 27 years behind the wheel as a school bus driver, with 23 of those years spent at Midwest Central. Holley currently drives Bus #15 and enjoys getting to know students and watching them grow and change over the years.
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Holley kept it simple: "Everyone stays healthy."
More than two decades of service to Midwest Central is an incredible accomplishment, and we are grateful for the care, dedication, and commitment Holley brings to our students each day.
Thank you, Holley, for 23 years of service to Midwest Central. We wish you a wonderful year on Bus #15!
#MCRaiderNationProud
Transportation Staff Spotlight: Lori Wolfe
This year marks an incredible 30 years working in the transportation department. Over the years, Lori has worn many hats, serving as a school bus driver for 27 years, a School Bus Driver Trainer, a Safety Coordinator, and now, for the past three years, as a monitor on the Schramm/Rogers bus.
Lori's service extends far beyond the bus route. Throughout her time with the district, she has assisted with school registrations, helped route buses, and even delivered meals and homework to students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her willingness to step in wherever needed has made her an invaluable part of the Midwest Central family.
When asked what she enjoys most about her current role, Lori shared that she loves interacting with students and appreciates the opportunity to connect with them in a different way than she did as a driver. She is looking forward to "an excellent, safe and amazing year" and says there is absolutely nothing she dislikes about her work.
Thirty years of dedication, dependability, and service is an incredible milestone. Lori's knowledge of the district, commitment to students, and positive attitude have made a lasting impact on generations of Midwest Central families.
Thank you, Lori, for 30 years of service to Midwest Central. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do for our students and schools.
#MCRaiderNationProud
This year marks an incredible 30 years working in the transportation department. Over the years, Lori has worn many hats, serving as a school bus driver for 27 years, a School Bus Driver Trainer, a Safety Coordinator, and now, for the past three years, as a monitor on the Schramm/Rogers bus.
Lori's service extends far beyond the bus route. Throughout her time with the district, she has assisted with school registrations, helped route buses, and even delivered meals and homework to students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her willingness to step in wherever needed has made her an invaluable part of the Midwest Central family.
When asked what she enjoys most about her current role, Lori shared that she loves interacting with students and appreciates the opportunity to connect with them in a different way than she did as a driver. She is looking forward to "an excellent, safe and amazing year" and says there is absolutely nothing she dislikes about her work.
Thirty years of dedication, dependability, and service is an incredible milestone. Lori's knowledge of the district, commitment to students, and positive attitude have made a lasting impact on generations of Midwest Central families.
Thank you, Lori, for 30 years of service to Midwest Central. We are grateful for all you have done and continue to do for our students and schools.
#MCRaiderNationProud
Transportation Staff Spotlight: Miss Toni
As we begin a new school year, we'd like to recognize one of the dedicated members of our Transportation Department, Miss Toni.
This year marks 27 years as a school bus driver. For the last 26 years, Toni has driven out-of-district routes, and this year she begins a new chapter driving an in-district route on Bus #10. When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, her answer was simple: “The kids."
While Toni may not be one to brag about her accomplishments, we certainly will! Twenty-seven years of service is an incredible milestone and a testament to her dedication, reliability, and commitment to the students and families she serves each day.
Thank you, Miss Toni, for the countless miles, early mornings, and positive influence you've had on generations of Midwest Central students. We are grateful to have you as part of the Raider family.
Please join us in congratulating Miss Toni on 27 years of service and wishing her a wonderful year on Bus #10! #MCRaiderNationProud
As we begin a new school year, we'd like to recognize one of the dedicated members of our Transportation Department, Miss Toni.
This year marks 27 years as a school bus driver. For the last 26 years, Toni has driven out-of-district routes, and this year she begins a new chapter driving an in-district route on Bus #10. When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, her answer was simple: “The kids."
While Toni may not be one to brag about her accomplishments, we certainly will! Twenty-seven years of service is an incredible milestone and a testament to her dedication, reliability, and commitment to the students and families she serves each day.
Thank you, Miss Toni, for the countless miles, early mornings, and positive influence you've had on generations of Midwest Central students. We are grateful to have you as part of the Raider family.
Please join us in congratulating Miss Toni on 27 years of service and wishing her a wonderful year on Bus #10! #MCRaiderNationProud
Make a Difference. Join Midwest Central.
For a complete listing of current openings, check out our website: www.midwestcentral.org
For a complete listing of current openings, check out our website: www.midwestcentral.org
The halls are ready. The classrooms are waiting. And just like that… a brand-new school year is here!
Tomorrow we welcome our students back to Midwest Central, and can't wait to see those familiar faces—and meet some new ones, too!
New year. New goals. New memories to make.
Same amazing Raider community.
Get those backpacks packed, alarms set, and first-day outfits ready. Let's make 2026–27 a GREAT one!
See you tomorrow, Raiders! #MCRaiderNationProud
Tomorrow we welcome our students back to Midwest Central, and can't wait to see those familiar faces—and meet some new ones, too!
New year. New goals. New memories to make.
Same amazing Raider community.
Get those backpacks packed, alarms set, and first-day outfits ready. Let's make 2026–27 a GREAT one!
See you tomorrow, Raiders! #MCRaiderNationProud
Welcome Back, Raiders!
Today was the first day back for our Midwest Central teachers and staff, and we kicked off the 2026–27 school year with a morning full of good food, laughter, inspiration, and time together!
First up was a delicious breakfast prepared by our amazing Food Service staff—and it was MOST yummy! Thank you for starting our day off right!
We then had the opportunity to hear from Mark Schumacher, a motivational speaker, comedian, and former classroom teacher who knows firsthand both the joys and challenges of education. Mark brought plenty of laughs while reminding our staff about the impact educators make every single day. It was a fun and inspiring way to start the year!
Dr. Hellrigel followed with district updates before staff headed to their individual buildings to prepare for the days ahead.
We are thankful for the time together today and excited to have our Raider family back under one roof. Now there’s just one very important piece missing... OUR STUDENTS!
We can't wait to see our Raiders on Friday! #MCRaiderNationProud
Today was the first day back for our Midwest Central teachers and staff, and we kicked off the 2026–27 school year with a morning full of good food, laughter, inspiration, and time together!
First up was a delicious breakfast prepared by our amazing Food Service staff—and it was MOST yummy! Thank you for starting our day off right!
We then had the opportunity to hear from Mark Schumacher, a motivational speaker, comedian, and former classroom teacher who knows firsthand both the joys and challenges of education. Mark brought plenty of laughs while reminding our staff about the impact educators make every single day. It was a fun and inspiring way to start the year!
Dr. Hellrigel followed with district updates before staff headed to their individual buildings to prepare for the days ahead.
We are thankful for the time together today and excited to have our Raider family back under one roof. Now there’s just one very important piece missing... OUR STUDENTS!
We can't wait to see our Raiders on Friday! #MCRaiderNationProud
Midwest Central Basketball Campers Shine at Curley Boo Johnson Camp! 🏀
A large group of Midwest Central student-athletes attended the Curley Boo Johnson Basketball Camp in Washington this week, wrapping up an outstanding summer of learning, competition, and skill development.
Camp coaches included J.J. Proehl, Josh Dawe, Malachi Carroll, Joe Proehl, Cally DeSutter, and Kenzie Doty, who helped provide a great experience for all participants.
Several Midwest Central players earned individual awards throughout the week, highlighting their hard work and dedication on the court. Most importantly, our campers represented Midwest Central with pride while building their basketball skills and making lasting memories.
Congratulations to all of our campers and coaches on a successful week of basketball!
#MCRaiderNationProud
A large group of Midwest Central student-athletes attended the Curley Boo Johnson Basketball Camp in Washington this week, wrapping up an outstanding summer of learning, competition, and skill development.
Camp coaches included J.J. Proehl, Josh Dawe, Malachi Carroll, Joe Proehl, Cally DeSutter, and Kenzie Doty, who helped provide a great experience for all participants.
Several Midwest Central players earned individual awards throughout the week, highlighting their hard work and dedication on the court. Most importantly, our campers represented Midwest Central with pride while building their basketball skills and making lasting memories.
Congratulations to all of our campers and coaches on a successful week of basketball!
#MCRaiderNationProud
Your Next Chapter Starts Here.
For a complete listing of current openings, check out our website: www.midwestcentral.org
For a complete listing of current openings, check out our website: www.midwestcentral.org
