Happy Halloween from Midwest Central!
We hope all of our students, families, staff, and community members have a fun, safe, and memorable Halloween. Enjoy the festivities, make lots of memories, and don't forget to save a little room for candy!
Have a spook-tacular day, Raiders! 🖤🧡
We hope all of our students, families, staff, and community members have a fun, safe, and memorable Halloween. Enjoy the festivities, make lots of memories, and don't forget to save a little room for candy!
Have a spook-tacular day, Raiders! 🖤🧡
🎉 BIG NEWS FOR RAIDER NATION! 🎉
The 2026 Illinois School Report Card is out, and Midwest Central has plenty to celebrate!
Midwest Central Primary School — EXEMPLARY!
Midwest Central Middle School — COMMENDABLE!
Midwest Central High School — APPROACHING EXEMPLARY!
These accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families.
We are incredibly proud of our Raider community and the work happening in our schools every day. Here's to celebrating our successes and continuing to raise the bar!
Explore our district's Illinois Report Card: https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/District.aspx?districtId=53060191026
**#MCRaiderNationProud**
Our Food Service Teams Were Serving Up More Than Lunch Today!
From the Primary School to the Middle School and High School, our amazing Food Service staff got into the Halloween spirit with some festive costumes while continuing to keep our students well-fed throughout the day.
We appreciate the smiles, creativity, and dedication they bring to our schools every day. Thank you for all you do for our students and staff!
Happy Halloween from our Food Service teams!
From the Primary School to the Middle School and High School, our amazing Food Service staff got into the Halloween spirit with some festive costumes while continuing to keep our students well-fed throughout the day.
We appreciate the smiles, creativity, and dedication they bring to our schools every day. Thank you for all you do for our students and staff!
Happy Halloween from our Food Service teams!
Snow Buddies Update!
We have exciting news! Snow Buddies family tags will be available beginning Monday, November 2, one week earlier than originally planned!!!
By adopting a family, you'll help provide holiday gifts and bring a little extra joy to local families within the Midwest Central School District.
Want to help but don't have time to shop? Monetary donations can be dropped off at any Midwest Central district building and will be used to purchase gifts for Snow Buddies families.
💚 Adopt a family.
❤️ Make a donation.
📢 Share this post.
Together, we can make this season brighter for families throughout our Raider community.
We have exciting news! Snow Buddies family tags will be available beginning Monday, November 2, one week earlier than originally planned!!!
By adopting a family, you'll help provide holiday gifts and bring a little extra joy to local families within the Midwest Central School District.
Want to help but don't have time to shop? Monetary donations can be dropped off at any Midwest Central district building and will be used to purchase gifts for Snow Buddies families.
💚 Adopt a family.
❤️ Make a donation.
📢 Share this post.
Together, we can make this season brighter for families throughout our Raider community.
Around a school bus, a few steps can make a big difference.
The areas directly in front of, beside, and behind a bus are called “danger zones,” where children can be difficult for the driver to see.
Remind your Raider:
• Stay back until the bus stops and the driver signals you to board.
• When crossing, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus, make eye contact with the driver, and wait for their signal. Check traffic before crossing.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Drop something near the bus? Leave it and tell the driver—never bend down to retrieve it yourself.
Motorists: Stay alert for children around every stopped school bus.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Please note two changes to the 2026-27 Midwest Central school calendar following the October Board meeting:
February 3 has been added as a half day.
The previously scheduled April half day has been moved to April 14 to accommodate ACT testing.
The updated calendar is available at www.MidwestCentral.org.
Please take a moment to update your calendars with these changes!
February 3 has been added as a half day.
The previously scheduled April half day has been moved to April 14 to accommodate ACT testing.
The updated calendar is available at www.MidwestCentral.org.
Please take a moment to update your calendars with these changes!
See a school bus approaching railroad tracks? Expect it to stop—even when no students are on board.
Bus drivers activate their hazard flashers, stop, and look and listen for trains before crossing.
If you’re behind the bus:
• Slow down and give it room to stop.
• Never cross the centerline to pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• Let the bus clear the tracks, and cross only when there’s enough space for your entire vehicle on the other side.
A few extra seconds are worth a safe arrival.
Learn more about school buses and railroad crossings: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Bus drivers activate their hazard flashers, stop, and look and listen for trains before crossing.
If you’re behind the bus:
• Slow down and give it room to stop.
• Never cross the centerline to pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• Let the bus clear the tracks, and cross only when there’s enough space for your entire vehicle on the other side.
A few extra seconds are worth a safe arrival.
Learn more about school buses and railroad crossings: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Reminder - Today is a 1/2 day for students due to evening Parent/Teacher Conferences! There are no PreK classes. Buildings will dismiss as follows: PS - 11:40, MS - 11:20, HS - 11:30
Our Community Chapter Little Free Library is officially open!
Earlier this school year, we shared that Midwest Central received a grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation to bring this project to our community. Since then, our Advanced Ag Mechanics class assembled and installed the library, and it is now stocked with its first collection of books for readers of all ages, from Pre-K through adult.
The idea is simple: take a book or share a book. Books are free for anyone to enjoy, and book donations are welcome to help keep the library stocked. Our Work Skills class will help keep The Community Chapter stocked and maintained on a regular basis.
The Community Chapter has also been added to the Little Free Library map and can be found through the Little Free Library app.
This project came together thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Teresa Hill, Mrs. Abbie Schneider, and Mr. Steve Snider, along with the students who helped turn the idea into a finished project for our community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project happen.
The Community Chapter is located on school property, with the surrounding area included in the district’s normal security camera coverage.
We’re excited to see The Community Chapter put to use!
Earlier this school year, we shared that Midwest Central received a grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation to bring this project to our community. Since then, our Advanced Ag Mechanics class assembled and installed the library, and it is now stocked with its first collection of books for readers of all ages, from Pre-K through adult.
The idea is simple: take a book or share a book. Books are free for anyone to enjoy, and book donations are welcome to help keep the library stocked. Our Work Skills class will help keep The Community Chapter stocked and maintained on a regular basis.
The Community Chapter has also been added to the Little Free Library map and can be found through the Little Free Library app.
This project came together thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Teresa Hill, Mrs. Abbie Schneider, and Mr. Steve Snider, along with the students who helped turn the idea into a finished project for our community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project happen.
The Community Chapter is located on school property, with the surrounding area included in the district’s normal security camera coverage.
We’re excited to see The Community Chapter put to use!
Bus stop safety starts before the bus arrives.
When approaching a school bus stop, watch for these four types of hazards:
• Roadside obstacles: Trees, intersections, construction, and other obstructions can hide children from view.
• Weather and visibility: Leaves, snowbanks, ice, rain, fog, darkness, and bright sunlight can create hazards.
• Moving or changing conditions: Traffic, parked cars, pedestrians, pets, and trash bins can affect visibility and movement.
• Distractions and unexpected activity: Watch for children running late, horseplay, and activity around the stop.
Slow down, stay focused, and expect the unexpected. Our Raiders are counting on you.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
When approaching a school bus stop, watch for these four types of hazards:
• Roadside obstacles: Trees, intersections, construction, and other obstructions can hide children from view.
• Weather and visibility: Leaves, snowbanks, ice, rain, fog, darkness, and bright sunlight can create hazards.
• Moving or changing conditions: Traffic, parked cars, pedestrians, pets, and trash bins can affect visibility and movement.
• Distractions and unexpected activity: Watch for children running late, horseplay, and activity around the stop.
Slow down, stay focused, and expect the unexpected. Our Raiders are counting on you.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
We are incredibly proud to share some very exciting news for Midwest Central!
Midwest Central Primary School has been named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!
MCPS received this prestigious recognition as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, an honor that reflects the tremendous work taking place within our classrooms each and every day.
Only 24 schools across Illinois were recognized as Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools this year. To see Midwest Central Primary School among them is an incredible honor and one that belongs to our entire school community.
This recognition is a testament to our students who show up ready to learn, our teachers and staff who pour so much into helping every child succeed, and our families who support that work along the way.
We couldn't be prouder of what is happening at MCPS. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, and everyone who has played a part in this outstanding achievement.
What an amazing day to be a Raider!
#MCRaiderNationProud
Midwest Central Primary School has been named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!
MCPS received this prestigious recognition as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, an honor that reflects the tremendous work taking place within our classrooms each and every day.
Only 24 schools across Illinois were recognized as Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools this year. To see Midwest Central Primary School among them is an incredible honor and one that belongs to our entire school community.
This recognition is a testament to our students who show up ready to learn, our teachers and staff who pour so much into helping every child succeed, and our families who support that work along the way.
We couldn't be prouder of what is happening at MCPS. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, and everyone who has played a part in this outstanding achievement.
What an amazing day to be a Raider!
#MCRaiderNationProud
School bus lights send an important message. Do you know what each one means?
🟡 Flashing yellow: Slow down, watch for children, and prepare to stop.
🔴 Flashing red + extended stop arm: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
• On two-lane roads, BOTH directions must stop.
• On roads with four or more lanes and at least two lanes traveling in the opposite direction, traffic traveling WITH the bus must stop. Opposing traffic should proceed cautiously.
• On one-way roads, all traffic must stop.
Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Check for children before proceeding.
White rooftop strobe: Helps make the bus more visible, including in poor weather.
Hazard flashers near railroad tracks: Expect the bus to stop. Never cross the centerline to pass a bus within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
A few moments of patience help protect our Raiders.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
🟡 Flashing yellow: Slow down, watch for children, and prepare to stop.
🔴 Flashing red + extended stop arm: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
• On two-lane roads, BOTH directions must stop.
• On roads with four or more lanes and at least two lanes traveling in the opposite direction, traffic traveling WITH the bus must stop. Opposing traffic should proceed cautiously.
• On one-way roads, all traffic must stop.
Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Check for children before proceeding.
White rooftop strobe: Helps make the bus more visible, including in poor weather.
Hazard flashers near railroad tracks: Expect the bus to stop. Never cross the centerline to pass a bus within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
A few moments of patience help protect our Raiders.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Parent/Teacher Conferences are this week.
✅ Thursday, October 22: Early dismissal with students attending a half day (morning only) - There are no PreK classes. Buildings will dismiss as follows: PS - 11:40, MS - 11:20, HS - 11:30
✅ Friday, October 23: No School
We look forward to connecting with families during conferences!
Transportation Spotlight: Jarrod Cunningham
Meet Jarrod, driver of Bus #9! Jarrod has been part of our Midwest Central transportation family for three years, and if you’ve ever tried to catch him between trips, you know he’s always on the go!
In addition to his daily route, Jarrod keeps our Raiders moving to sporting events and other activities. Over the past three years, he has logged more than 300 activity trips alongside his regular route—quite a few miles supporting our students!
Jarrod has become a huge asset to our transportation team, and we appreciate his dedication to safely getting our Raiders to school, to their activities, and back home.
Thank you, Jarrod, for your hard work, commitment to safety, and the many miles you travel for our students and families!
Today also marks the start of School Bus Safety Week. Throughout the week, we’ll share reminders about bus lights, bus stops, railroad crossings, and danger zones. Help support Jarrod and all our drivers by slowing down, staying alert, and doing your part to keep every ride safe!
Meet Jarrod, driver of Bus #9! Jarrod has been part of our Midwest Central transportation family for three years, and if you’ve ever tried to catch him between trips, you know he’s always on the go!
In addition to his daily route, Jarrod keeps our Raiders moving to sporting events and other activities. Over the past three years, he has logged more than 300 activity trips alongside his regular route—quite a few miles supporting our students!
Jarrod has become a huge asset to our transportation team, and we appreciate his dedication to safely getting our Raiders to school, to their activities, and back home.
Thank you, Jarrod, for your hard work, commitment to safety, and the many miles you travel for our students and families!
Today also marks the start of School Bus Safety Week. Throughout the week, we’ll share reminders about bus lights, bus stops, railroad crossings, and danger zones. Help support Jarrod and all our drivers by slowing down, staying alert, and doing your part to keep every ride safe!
Raider Nation, today marks the end of the 1st nine weeks. Congratulations to our students on a strong start to the school year, and best of luck as we begin the 2nd quarter!
Happy Columbus Day, Raider Nation!
Whether you're exploring the outdoors, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a day to recharge, we hope you're having a great day. We look forward to welcoming students back tomorrow!
Whether you're exploring the outdoors, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a day to recharge, we hope you're having a great day. We look forward to welcoming students back tomorrow!
Reminder, Raider Nation! There will be no school on Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
Trunk-or-Treat is almost here! Join us for a frightfully fun night on Saturday, October 31, at Midwest Central High School! Trick out your costumes and stroll through a row of decorated cars. Community members are welcome to join in the fun! Inside, there will be games, photo ops, and devilishly delicious treats. Celebrate with us on Halloween night! 🎃👻🕷️
Help brighten the holidays for families in our Raider community!
Snow Buddies supports children and families in need within Midwest Central School District.
You can help in two ways:
• Donate now: Monetary donations can be dropped off at any Midwest Central school office to help purchase gifts.
• Shop for a family: Beginning November 9, pick up a tag at Midwest Central Primary School with a participating family’s gift wishes and use it to guide your shopping.
Questions? Contact Megan McMullen at mcmullen@midwestcentral.org or 309.968.6464.
Thank you for helping bring holiday joy to local families!
Snow Buddies supports children and families in need within Midwest Central School District.
You can help in two ways:
• Donate now: Monetary donations can be dropped off at any Midwest Central school office to help purchase gifts.
• Shop for a family: Beginning November 9, pick up a tag at Midwest Central Primary School with a participating family’s gift wishes and use it to guide your shopping.
Questions? Contact Megan McMullen at mcmullen@midwestcentral.org or 309.968.6464.
Thank you for helping bring holiday joy to local families!
Transportation Spotlight: Jessica Herndon
Meet Jessica Herndon, driver of Bus #3! Jessica first joined Midwest Central as a school bus monitor, serving in that role for four years before deciding to take the next step and train to become a school bus driver. She is now in her second year behind the wheel and enjoys the opportunity to serve students and families each day.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a bus driver, Jessica shared that she loves hearing the stories from both students and co-workers.
Like many drivers, one of Jessica's biggest challenges is dealing with traffic and distracted drivers. This year, she's looking forward to a year filled with safe rides, happy faces, good mornings, and lots of smiles.
Thank you, Jessica, for your dedication to our students and for helping make every bus ride a safe and positive experience!
Meet Jessica Herndon, driver of Bus #3! Jessica first joined Midwest Central as a school bus monitor, serving in that role for four years before deciding to take the next step and train to become a school bus driver. She is now in her second year behind the wheel and enjoys the opportunity to serve students and families each day.
When asked what she enjoys most about being a bus driver, Jessica shared that she loves hearing the stories from both students and co-workers.
Like many drivers, one of Jessica's biggest challenges is dealing with traffic and distracted drivers. This year, she's looking forward to a year filled with safe rides, happy faces, good mornings, and lots of smiles.
Thank you, Jessica, for your dedication to our students and for helping make every bus ride a safe and positive experience!
