Johnston City Community School District #1 is proud to announce that Washington Middle School has earned an Exemplary summative designation on the state report card—the highest honor awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), placing it in the top 10 percent of schools statewide for academic performance and student growth. Out of all the schools across the four counties in Regional Office of Education #21, only 14 achieved this prestigious recognition, making Washington Middle School one of these standout schools. This achievement reflects the dedicated hard work and collaboration of our students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families across the district.
GO INDIANS!
GO INDIANS!
Johnston City Community School District #1 is proud to announce that Lincoln Elementary School has earned an Exemplary summative designation on the state report card—the highest honor awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), placing it in the top 10 percent of schools statewide for academic performance and student growth. Out of all the schools across the four counties in Regional Office of Education #21, only 14 achieved this prestigious recognition, making Lincoln Elementary School one of these standout schools. This achievement reflects the dedicated hard work and collaboration of our students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families across the district.
GO INDIANS!
GO INDIANS!
Johnston City Community School District #1 is proud to announce that Washington Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School have both earned an Exemplary summative designation on the state report card—the highest honor awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), placing them in the top 10 percent of schools statewide for academic performance and student growth. Out of all the schools across the four counties in Regional Office of Education #21, only 14 achieved this prestigious recognition, making Johnston City home to two of these standout schools. This achievement reflects the dedicated hard work and collaboration of our students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families across the district.
GO INDIANS!
GO INDIANS!
In observance of Veterans Day, all Johnston City CUSD #1 schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans and military families in our community for their service, sacrifice, and dedication.
Classes will resume on their regular schedule on Thursday, November 12.
GO INDIANS!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans and military families in our community for their service, sacrifice, and dedication.
Classes will resume on their regular schedule on Thursday, November 12.
GO INDIANS!
Being on time sets the foundation for a successful school day! Arriving before the bell gives students the chance to settle in, organize their materials, and start the day focused and ready to learn. Regular, punctual attendance helps build strong routines and ensures students don't miss out on important morning instructions or social connections with peers.
To help jumpstart your morning, we invite all students to arrive a little early and enjoy a free breakfast before school begins!
School Start Times:
Grades K–8: 8:05 AM
Grades 9–12: 8:10 AM
Join us early for breakfast and help your student start their school day nourished, prepared, and on time!
GO INDIANS!
To help jumpstart your morning, we invite all students to arrive a little early and enjoy a free breakfast before school begins!
School Start Times:
Grades K–8: 8:05 AM
Grades 9–12: 8:10 AM
Join us early for breakfast and help your student start their school day nourished, prepared, and on time!
GO INDIANS!
Here are our important dates for the end of October!
Don't forget—Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1st, so remember to set your clocks back one hour!
Don't forget—Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1st, so remember to set your clocks back one hour!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE PRINCIPALS! YOUR HARD WORK, PASSION, AND DAILY DEDICATION BEHIND THE SCENES MAKE OUR DISTRICT A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR EVERY STUDENT. WE APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO!
Mrs. Murrah - Jefferson Elementary Principal
Mrs. Smiley - Lincoln Elementary Principal
Mrs. Armes - Washington Middle School Principal
Mr. Dobraski - Washington Middle School Asst. Principal
Mrs. Schell - High School Principal
Mr. Shick - High School Asst. Principal
Mrs. Murrah - Jefferson Elementary Principal
Mrs. Smiley - Lincoln Elementary Principal
Mrs. Armes - Washington Middle School Principal
Mr. Dobraski - Washington Middle School Asst. Principal
Mrs. Schell - High School Principal
Mr. Shick - High School Asst. Principal
Johnston City Schools will host Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 26 and November 2 from 4:30 to 7:00 PM.
Reminder: School will be closed starting Monday, October 12th in observation of Columbus Day and for the remainder of the week for Fall Break. Enjoy your break! Classes will resume on Monday, October 19th.
Johnston City Community School District families, this is a reminder that all schools in the district will have an 11:30 AM early dismissal on Friday, October 2.
On Friday, September 18, Johnston City Schools will be on a 1:50/2:00 pm dismissal schedule. The Homecoming parade will begin at 3:00 pm at Washington Middle School. GO INDIANS
Homecoming Week is Sept. 14-19
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Coronation in HS Gym at 7:00 pm
Friday, Sept. 18: Parade 3:00 pm and Football Game at 7:00 pm
Saturday, Sept. 19: Dance!
It’s also Hall of Fame Weekend! Friday night, the 2026 inductees will be announced before the game. The Banquet is Saturday at 11:00 AM at the high school.
GO INDIANS!
Wednesday, Sept. 16: Coronation in HS Gym at 7:00 pm
Friday, Sept. 18: Parade 3:00 pm and Football Game at 7:00 pm
Saturday, Sept. 19: Dance!
It’s also Hall of Fame Weekend! Friday night, the 2026 inductees will be announced before the game. The Banquet is Saturday at 11:00 AM at the high school.
GO INDIANS!
Happy Labor Day from JCCUSD #1
Johnston City Schools will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 8th.
Johnston City Community School District families, this is a reminder that all schools in the district will have an 11:30 AM early dismissal on Friday, September 4.
Exciting News for JC Youth
Little Indians Boys & Girls Basketball League is Back! 🏀
Registration is officially opening for students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade!
The season runs from September through mid-December (wrapping up right before Christmas). We understand that several players participate in fall sports; please note that fall sports take priority over this league until those seasons conclude.
Season Details:
Practices: Held weekday evenings between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM (20+ practices anticipated throughout the season).
Games: 20+ games across multiple local leagues.
Locations: Games will be held in Johnston City gyms, as well as West Frankfort and Harrisburg (hosted by the Harrisburg Youth League).
Halftime Showcase: Youth teams will get to showcase their skills during halftime at every home High School Boys Basketball game (2–4 teams per night)!
Following the rec season, players can also look forward to Travel Tribe opportunities.
Questions? Reach out to JCHS Boys Basketball Head Coach Zack Essex at zessex@jcindians.org. Click on this link for more information about the Youth Development League.
Fall Picture Day at JCHS will be Friday, August 14, 2026. Order online at INTER-STATE.COM/ORDER using code 0499XEB. GO INDIANS.
Just a reminder that our Back-to-School Bash will be in downtown Johnston City on Friday, August 7th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This event is for all ages! We will have bounce houses, games, and food. You can also visit our community partners area for additional information on available resources.
JCCUSD #1 would like to welcome all students to the 2026-27 school year! School will begin on Friday, August 7, 2026. We will be on an 11:30 dismissal schedule.
Donate Blood in Memory of Mike Dean
A proud 1999 graduate of JCHS and SIU-C alumnus, Mike went on to become a deeply respected teacher at Sesser-Valier High School. Tragically, he was killed in a 2006 car accident while serving his students. The outpouring of love at his visitation was so immense that mourners waited in line well into the early morning hours. Today, his legacy lives on at the Mike Dean Memorial Park and Playground at the Scout Cabin in Johnston City. Please keep Mike in your hearts and roll up your sleeve to give blood in his honor.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
In Memory of Mike Dean
Friday, July 31st, 2026
1:00pm-5:00pm
JCHS Commons
