Wishing all of our Raider families and community a very happy and safe holiday weekend!

Join Our Team

June 30, 2020 Hello Raider Parents, As my previous email stated we do plan to start school in person this fall. This is the time of year that we would normally inform you of school registration details. To that end, we’d like to provide you with registration information so you can mark dates on your calendars. This year we’re transitioning to an online registration format. Midwest Central will roll out the online registration format on August 3rd in the afternoon. For those individuals that have poor internet access or have other technical issues we will hold an in person registration on August 11th at Midwest Central Primary School. During the August 11th registration we will have you use one of the school computers to complete the online registration for your student. We will have onsite help available from 7am to 7pm that day. If you are able to complete the online registration in advance of the 11th you will not need to attend the in person registration. If you choose to attend the in person registration, we ask that only one person per household attend in order to limit the number of people. Please do not bring your children to the in person registration. Although registration is being completed online we will still need to have physical copies of your student’s health documents. Attached to the email is a list of the documents that are needed for individual grade levels. You can drop off necessary documents at any school in the district for your student and they will be routed to the appropriate building. Health records may be dropped off between 8am and 3pm August 3rd through August 11th. Also, if you prefer paying for registration by cash or check, you will be able to drop a check or cash by any building to pay for registration costs. Finally, in order to prepare for the online registration format I have attached a couple guidance documents with some helpful tips of items that can be done in advance of registration. Please take a moment and review the documents attached. We will send out additional registration instructions August 3rd. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we navigate the ever changing state mandates. Our goal is to give you and your students the best possible experience we can this fall. Sincerely, Todd Hellrigel, Ed.D.

June 30, 2020 Dear Raiders, Last week the Illinois State Board of Education released guidance for schools on the 2020-21 school year. This 63-page document has been much anticipated and will go a long way toward answering critical questions all of us share about what the 2020-21 school year will look like in terms of in-person learning, scheduling, transportation, wearing masks, social distancing and other measures intended to keep everyone safe and healthy, while also re-engaging students in the learning process. Several area schools have already released statements about what the 2020-21 school year will look like; however, we believe this may be premature and anticipate changes between now and the time school starts. Right now we don’t have all the answers to provide you, but we’d like to communicate to you what we know now. We plan to return to school this fall for in person instruction 5 days a week following our current published calendar. There will be a couple of calendar changes coming out later this month and we’ll be sure to communicate those changes. Naturally, our instruction days may look different and we’ll most likely have several safety guidelines in place for students, faculty, and staff. Midwest Central is aware of the urgent need to communicate to families about what to expect next school year and anticipate sharing a more detailed plan later this summer. We plan to release our full transition plan the week of July 27th. We will be releasing a survey later this week to collect some information to help us plan for this coming year. It will be short and sweet, and we would appreciate your participation. I’m confident our district can put forth a plan that prioritizes the health and safety of our students while maintaining a dynamic learning environment. Sincerely, Todd Hellrigel, Ed.D.

Preschool Screening Info

Is your Raider ready for FY21?

Join our team!

If your 8th grader participated in the Transition Ceremony, their complimentary photos are ready to be picked up at the MS office. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 to 2 until the end of June.

Each year, two 8th grade students are recognized by the Illinois Principals' Association for representing the ideal Midwest Central Raider. Honored students and their parents are treated to breakfast and an awards ceremony alongside the other recipients in the Central Illinois Valley Region. Sadly, the annual event was cancelled for this year. Either way, we are still honored to announce the MCMS recipients of the Illinois Principals' Association Recognition Award - Courtney Maslana and Hunter Van Orman! We are proud to call you Raiders!

Midwest Central Middle School is starting a NEW CROSS COUNTRY program this fall coached by Dr. Bowden! Our track and cross country coaches requested the program earlier this year and we're excited to announce that the school board has approved this new athletic program for our students. We will also be allowing 5th graders to participate! Registration for fall athletics will begin soon. We don't yet know what the season may look like (or if we are allowed to have one) but we're going to get ready anyhow. We hope to see you out for a run!!

Once again we encourage everyone in our school district to please complete your 2020 Census. The future of our district funding and programs depends on you taking the time to fill this out. Thank you for your help!

MCHS is looking for the 2020-2021 Cheer Team! Coach Hamblin will be conducting informational zoom meetings to talk about the process. If interested, email coach hamblin at (hamblin@midwestcentral.org) to obtain zoom meeting link information for meetings on May 22nd at 4 PM or May 26th at 12 PM.

It truly was the teamwork and flexibility of the Midwest Central community that made our 8th Grade Transition ceremony memorable. Heartfelt thanks to everyone that contributed to bringing us all together during this time of isolation: 8th Grade Students and Families Mr. and Mrs. Coile Green Valley Police Department Green Valley Fire Department Forman Fire Department Manito Police Department Midwest Central Middle School Staff Mr. Blair, Mr. Lazarz, and Mr. Norris If any of these pieces had been missing, tonight would not have been as successful as it was. What an amazing team!

New 8th Grade Link https://youtu.be/5GaMw5qAJIY

We had a technical difficulty so here is the NEW link https://youtu.be/5GaMw5qAJIY

Ok 8th Graders! Tonight is your night! We have been watching the weather apps and things look much more promising than they did yesterday! The link for the live feed is the same as it was. We'll see you in Green Valley between 5:30 and 6:00! https://youtu.be/nLwOSLVakAE

Our faculty and staff are in route for our end of the school year town drive by!! We have rows of cars and smiles! Step outside and wave hello!

It was so good to see everyone yesterday at packet turn-in. Some of you asked about yearbooks while you were here. They have not arrived yet, but we will notify you when they are ready to be picked up.

Don't forget to turn in your final packet and pick up any leftover belongings tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6 to 6. Enter through the Middle School gym foyer doors. Social distancing practices are required by all parties.

FINAL MCMS PICK-UP/DROP OFF INFORMATION: Wednesday, May 13th is the last day for everyone to drop off their completed packets and library books as well as pick up any personal items that were left in the building. 8th grade also has their class T-shirts to pick up. We are extending our hours that day to 6am through 6pm. Please enter the school at the Gym doors and follow the directions given upon entry. Since we have nearly 200 students and most items will be set up in the gym, please be aware that there will be some waiting time while we retrieve your locker contents, etc. We can't wait to see you!

Join our Team - 2nd Grade Teacher Vacancy

Happy National Nurses Day! To all the nurses out there on the front line, we appreciate you! Nurse Denise and Nurse Shyla, you ladies are top notch and we are blessed to have you as part of our Raider family!

8th Grade Parents - Clink on this link for information on the 8th Grade Transition Procession/Ceremony https://5il.co/fw9q

Hello Raiders, We have received the following correspondence from the State Board of Education that they are releasing additional food benefits for all Midwest Central families. Since Midwest Central is a Community Eligible school every student enrolled in Midwest Central is eligible for this benefit whether they qualify for free lunches or not. In order to receive the additional benefit you must apply (information is below) unless you are currently a SNAP recipient. We have been asked to communicate this to our parents. I have also attached a flyer for more assistance. Thank you, Todd Hellrigel, Ed.D. Pandemic EBT Application Available The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) launched the Pandemic EBT application for families on May 1 at https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/. P-EBT is a new special benefit that can help families buy food for their school age children who would normally receive National School Lunch Program (NSLP) free or reduced-priced meals when schools are in session. All families with school age children who attend schools approved for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) are eligible for the benefits as they receive NSLP meals at no charge. Families that currently receive SNAP benefits do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits. These additional P-EBT benefits will be loaded into Illinois LINK EBT accounts along with regular SNAP benefits. Families who do not currently receive SNAP benefits but do have children who receive NSLP free or reduced-priced meals will need to apply directly with IDHS. The fastest way for families to receive benefits is to complete the application for P-EBT available online (Click “Apply for Benefits” at the link.) A paper application in English and Spanish is also available and can be submitted by email to DHS.FCS.PEBT@illinois.gov. IDHS created a flyer to help families with the application process. We are asking NSLP sponsors to share this flyer with their families. ISBE is working in partnership with IDHS to ensure that this validation is available for all NSLP sponsors, both public and non-public. Thank you to all the schools that participate in the NSLP for submitting data by the April 17 deadline. We are asking that you please continue to verify that count, so that all families who are eligible can access the additional financial support provided by P-EBT. Instructions for this crucial verification can be found online. If NSLP sponsors need assistance with the data submission/update, please email the ISBE Nutrition Department at cnp@isbe.net. If families need technical assistance with the application, please direct them to email IDHS at DHS.FCS.PEBT@illinois.gov. Nutrition Department, Illinois State Board of Education 100 N. First St., Springfield, IL 62777 cnp@isbe.net, www.isbe.net/nutrition

Haven't switched over to Midwest Central's new app yet? Get the most current information and notifications by downloading our updated app. For ANDROID: http://bit.ly/3005X4y or iPHONE: https://apple.co/35BmKfD.

Hello Raider Parents, We have been diligently working on high school graduation and 8th grade transition plans for the past couple of weeks. We were trying to develop alternate plans while also staying in the guidelines of social distancing. We received approval yesterday from the Mason County Health Department to move forward with our plans, and we had planned to email out tomorrow what those plans were going to be. However, as of last night the State Board has banned any kind of graduation ceremony except virtual (online). They have banned any in person type of ceremony including drive up or drive by ceremonies. This is incredibly disheartening for Midwest Central, our seniors, and our 8th grade students. We do not feel a virtual ceremony is appropriate to commemorate these events. We've had this happen to us multiple times already where we've made plans only to have them taken out of our control by the State Board of Education or the Governor. Midwest Central has the desire to do something special for our seniors and 8th grade students; therefore, we're again putting high school graduation and 8th grade transition on hold until we have some better guidance. Our hope is that by waiting we'll be able to do something in June or July although we can't anticipate to what extent at this point. We realize none of this is ideal, and we're also frustrated with the Chicago machine dictating downstate plans. Unfortunately our hands are legally tied right now. As we receive more information, rest assured we'll update you on how we can honor our senior and 8th grade students. I've attached the State Board's email for your information. I'm sorry I have to keep sending you unfortunate news. This will eventually pass, and we'll eventually go back to normal. Sunny days are ahead. Sincerely, Todd Hellrigel, Ed.D.

Join our team! We have an opening for Reading Interventionist.

Join our team! We have an opening for a 1:1 Paraprofessional.

If you have not already signed up, please contact Coach Brittany at richmond@midwestcentral.org to get the link to the online meeting.

Happy Administrative Professional's Day! MC is lucky to have an amazing group ladies in this category! Thank you all for your hard work, allowing the students to have a better educational experience and making the day to day operations of the the District run as smoothly as possible. You are truly the best! Raider Nation - If you get a chance, make sure to thank an Administrative Professional today.

Dear Raider Parents and Community Members: I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. Friday, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced that remote learning in Illinois will be extended through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Although in-person learning has been suspended for the remainder of the year, at Midwest Central, I assure you our entire staff remains committed to learning and engaging with all students through remote learning, as well as continuing with our food distribution program. Like you, we are saddened by the reality that our school community will not be able to reconvene in person this school year due to this public health crisis. So many of you have worked so hard to learn and grow in both the classroom and in extracurricular activities that today’s announcement may feel like a step back. I wanted to update you with the current plans for the remainder of the year: 1. We will provide a 3rd learning packet to students next week. We will have a pick up on Wednesday, April 29th from 6am - noon and Thursday from noon - 6pm. These will be due May 13th. We’d ask you to drop off your 2nd learning packet April 29th. 2. We will be using a pass/incomplete grade for the 2nd semester grades. We again ask that you work with your student to do the best they can in completing these packets. I have asked our building principals and teachers to work with those students that were failing 3rd quarter as this is an opportunity for them to bring up their grades. 3. Lockers will be cleaned out by the custodial staff and student items will be bagged for a pick up on the 13th of May. Student items in classrooms will also be bagged up for a pick up on the 13th of May. 4. We ask that you bring both class texts and library books to return when you pick up your packet on the 29th or 30th or when you drop off your packets on May 13th. These are expensive items so we ask that you work hard to get them returned to us. 5. High School Graduation and Middle School Transition are currently on hold. As we get further guidance on social distancing our hope is we can perhaps hold some sort of recognition for these in May. (thinking positive). Unfortunately, we’re at the mercy of our Governor on this. We are committed to trying to do something to recognize the hard work of both our 8th grade students and our seniors who have been robbed of these special moments. 6. We will continue to serve meals through the 22nd of May. Don’t forget to pick up meals M, W, and F if you’re not on a delivery route. 7. Last official day for seniors is May 8th and for all other students it will be May 15th. Sincerely, Dr. Todd Hellrigel

Hello Raiders, I hope you're all staying home and staying safe. These are certainly strange times, and I'm sure cabin fever is getting old at this point. We appreciate all you're doing to help your students. We had a great packet pick up turn out and I wanted to thank you all for your efforts. We've also been asked to share with you food bank locations. Here is a link to area food bank locations. https://tazewellcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Nearby/index.html?appid=bcaaa73edb8043febd79c83b70c94c26 Thank you for your support in these troubling times. Keep smiling! Dr. Todd Hellrigel

Choir parents, if you can and have yet to do so, please join the music Facebook page “Music with Mr. Forbes”. I will be posting resources and you can post your students’ work and/or musical experiences they are having while at home! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2577650239221353/?ref=share

To improve access to technology at home and assist remote learning, Midwest Central will be selling our older Chromebooks (with soft case) to district families for $15 each. These Chromebooks were purchased by the district approximately 5-6 years ago and are no longer supported by Google; however, they all have been reset to factory settings and work very well. Students will need to use their gmail account to log into them. We will be organizing the sale based on demand and need. Midwest Central will not providing service or support for devices after sale. INTERESTED? Please fill out this form OR call your school between 8-2 on Wednesday. https://forms.gle/d8ToRbtasTxzMadW8

Ms. Ranallo would like to share the following information from IDHS: The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched a free-of-charge emotional support text line, Call4Calm, for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19. Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR” to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Call4Calm is free to use, and individuals will remain anonymous. Once a resident sends a text to the hotline, within 24 hours they will receive a call from a counselor employed by a local community mental health center to provide support. Individuals can also text 5-5-2-0-2-0, with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how navigate and access supports and services. https://files.constantcontact.com/f1e178eb701/52334ca1-10cc-4c16-99c3-3ed1099d9f5a.pdf

Calling all nerds!!!

April 3, 2020 Parents and Students, On March 27th, the Illinois State Board of Education communicated information to all school districts pertaining to the development of Remote Learning plans. Midwest Central values all students as learners. After reviewing the details of this document, please contact your child’s principal if you have any questions. Remote Learning Rationale Remote Learning is designed to: • Maximize student learning in a challenging situation. • Promote instruction focused on Core Content • Communicate a commitment to our high educational standards through regular and meaningful contact with each student and/or family. • Promote independence and responsibility for our students as learners. • Promote flexible learning in a family-friendly manner. • Model technology use in the digital age. Core Content For the purposes of this document, Core Content refers to the standards that are most significant for student success in subsequent years. Core Content must be aligned to state standards. Teachers will work in collaboration to determine Core Content. Family-Friendly Instruction For the purposes of this document, Family-Friendly Instruction means: • Flexible due dates. • Flexible ways for students to work on mastering and demonstrating mastery of Core Content . • Clear, consistent and reliable ways for students and parents to receive support from teachers. Process Starting April 13 and continuing through the end of the remote learning period, Midwest Central weekly schedule will be: • Every two weeks students will be provided learning packets to complete. The first packet pick up will be Monday, April 13th. • Packets will need to be picked up at your student’s respective school. • Packets will be available for pick up from 6am – Noon Monday, April 13th and Noon – 6pm on Tuesday, April 14th. • Please return the 1st packet with completed work when you pick up the 2nd packet. • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday meals will continue to be provided either by pick up or delivery by bus. Student Attendance No formal reporting of attendance is required during this time, but teachers will keep track of which students are engaged in the process and how often each student is involved, based on student responses. Grading Teachers will continue to grade student work that is turned in and will assign grades to work as normal. Regards, Dr. Todd Hellrigel

Midwest Central has transitioned to a NEW website and app! It provides better access to content and enables us to keep you more informed. Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/3005X4y or iPhone: https://apple.co/35BmKfD.

UPDATED BUS ROUTES for next week! The new schedules reflect additions and subtractions from this week's routes so that we can make deliveries and times more accurate! Phone calls are being made to inform every student/family requesting meals.

Thanks to everyone for being patient as we completed distribution of food and learning packets Wednesday! We will continue meal deliveries/pickup using bus routes and buildings on Friday -20th, Monday - 23rd, Wednesday -25th, Friday-27th, and Monday -30th. ROUTES: Buses were running 30-40 minutes faster than the time we distributed. Please be on the lookout for an early arrival, as we expect this trend to continue, and note the arrival time the next drop off. PICKUP: Buildings will operate pickup from 10 AM to 12 PM (with exceptions as necessary).

Staff volunteers getting ready for deliveries today!

On specified days, students can receive MEALS and LEARNING PACKETS either by pick up at each of the buildings or by bus route. The amended bus routes (attached) reflect an adjustment for all bus routes to start at 9 AM and conclude by 1:15 PM. For MEALS, routes will run on March 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th, & 30th, and for LEARNING PACKETS, routes will run on March 18th and 23rd (includes a pickup of completed learning). The Transportation department will be calling home to confirm times with families on March 17th. If you are unsure about your arrangement for meals and learning packets, contact the appropriate school before NOON on Tuesday, March 17th.

Midwest Central is planning to provide meals to students during the closure. We need YOU to let us know if we should prepare meals for your student! Please complete the survey link below by NOON on MONDAY. Please share with others. https://forms.gle/ENMZg6gXfoAEYmfS6

The dance scheduled from 6 to 8 PM will continue as scheduled this evening. There will be more information to follow regarding school closure.

Tuesday is St. Patrick’s Day. Students - wear green!! In order to be counted, green must be a piece of clothing, not a small circle on a shirt. The family with the best percentage of participation wins snack cakes for their prize!

Join our team! Opening for Primary School Principal.

The Scholastic Bowl team will travel to Edison tonight. The meet starts at 4:00 PM. Good luck Raiders!

Notice regarding an upcoming asbestos abatement project at the High School.

Tomorrow is Colon/Colorectal Awareness Day. There have been employees of our district directly affected by this! Raider Nation - Please consider showing your support by wearing BLUE tomorrow. This would be encouraging AND help raise awareness! Thank you!

Students - Beta Club is hosting a book drive. We are collecting books that are in good condition. You can drop the book off at the library. Thanks!

The Scholastic Bowl team will travel to DeeMack for a 4:00 PM match. Good luck Raiders!

Reminder - Tomorrow, March 6th, is a 1/2 day for students.

Students - Student Council is sponsoring a Spring Fling Dance on March 13. There will be flowers hidden and if you find one, you will receive a prize! Remember to wear bright colors! Admission is $2.00 and the dance is 6:00-8:00 PM. Can’t wait to see you all there!

Students - Mark your calendars!!! Student Council will be hosting a talent show on April 24th. We can't wait to see the show because we know how talented you all are!

After another very close first game, the Scholastic Bowl team won their second match against St. Joseph’s with a score of 180 - 60!

Track practice is tonight at the Middle School 3:00-4:30 PM.

Track practice starts tonight here at the Middle School 3:00-4:30 PM. There is also a parent meeting tonight that will start at 4:30 PM.

The Scholastic Bowl team will travel to St. Joe’s for a meet tonight starting at 3:30 PM. Good luck Raiders!

Ms. Fisher’s 7th grade ELA classes recently finished reading the classic, The Call of the Wild by Jack London. To wrap up the unit, they went to the newly released movie! The kids gave it two thumbs up!

No school on Monday, March 2 in observance of Casimir Pulaski Day. Enjoy your long weekend!

7th grade girls’ volleyball team will compete tomorrow in the regional games. They will travel to Farmington – game is 11:00 AM against Illini Bluffs. Good luck Lady Raiders!

After a very close first match, the Scholastic Bowl team won their second game against South Pekin with a score of 190-125! YAY RAIDERS!!!!

Check out 2 Special Education openings in the District for next school year.

Save the Date - Freshman Orientation

Tonight is 8th grade recognition night for Volleyball. We host Edison and games start at 6:00 PM. Good luck Lady Raiders!!!

The Scholastic Bowl team will travel to South Pekin for a meet tonight at 3:30 PM. Good luck!

Job Vacancy - Reading Interventionist

The volleyball team will travel to Illini Central for a 5:00 p.m. start time. Gooooo Raiders!!

March Breakfast/Lunch Menus

You won't want to miss our District Band & Chorus Concert!

Good Luck to Taylor Smith and Mady Harper - they begin their Sectional 3 Point Showdown at any moment!

Raider families - Help us help our community by donating to the FFA sponsored canned food drive.

It's yearbook time! All order forms are due back this Friday. Cost is $13.

Hope to see you there!

There is no school today due to weather conditions. A reminder, there is also no school on Monday for president’s day. Stay warm!

Congratulations to the Scholastic Bowl team for winning both of their games against Georgetowne MS last night! Keep up the great work!

Beta Club Teddy Bear/stuffed animal drive

Good morning, students!