Our talented JCHS Journalism student, Lucy, recently interviewed student-athlete Lilli for an article in the upcoming issue of our district-wide digital magazine.
The two talked about Lilli’s role as Cheer Captain, her successes and challenges on the ball field, and how her experiences at JCHS are preparing her for a future career in nursing.
Stay tuned — the next issue of JC Hometown Highlights will be published in December!
Last week marked International Literacy Day, and our students had an amazing time exploring the school's brand-new library today! Thanks to our recent construction project, we now have a beautiful new space filled with cozy, flexible seating and endless opportunities to learn, imagine, and grow.
Soon, students will be checking out their own books—building reading fluency, fostering a love for stories, and taking adventures through the written word.
This fun craft tied perfectly into National Literacy Day and National Arts in Education Week, reminding us that reading and the arts go hand-in-hand.
One Fall tradition is visiting apple orchards for apple picking, apple cider, and those delicious donuts.
Mrs. Cheers took her kindergarten students on a virtual field trip to an apple orchard. Afterwards, students participated in apple-themed arts and crafts.
Former 2nd-grade teacher Mr. Kee and his beloved therapy dog River returned to Johnston City Schools this week for several special visits!
After spending time at Jefferson Elementary, the pair made a stop at Lincoln Elementary today. For many of our 3rd- and 4th-grade students, this was an extra-special reunion — they were once in Mr. Kee’s classroom and saw River every day.
We’re so grateful to Mr. Kee and River for continuing to share their time, comfort, and smiles with our students!
several updates that we’d like to share with our families.
First, we’re excited to announce Charity Price as the High School Assistant Secretary and welcome her to Johnston City Schools.
In addition to this hiring, three available positions are now posted, including part-time Licensed Practical Nurse, part-time Custodian, and Bus Driver.
Interested applicants can find more information here: https://www.jcindians.org/page/employment
This morning, our Community Schools team met with their counterparts from Herrin, Vienna, Du Quoin, Carbondale, and Trico to share ideas and strengthen support for students and families.
This collaboration is a reminder that when schools work together, our entire region benefits!
Former 2nd-grade teacher Mr. Kee and his therapy dog, River, visited Jefferson Elementary this week, and it was hard to tell who enjoyed it more—River or the students.
Mrs. Fietsam and Mrs. Monchino's 1st-grade class was all smiles yesterday as River happily soaked up the affection she missed since Mr. Kee's retirement in May.
Thank you for returning to Jefferson this week, Mr. Kee and River! 🐾
At that time, students crafted and sold red, white, and blue ribbons, bracelets, and keychains as part of a fundraiser. In total, they raised over $1,000, which was donated to the American Red Cross.
Additionally, our JCHS students gathered at the high school's flagpole to pray for the victims and painted a mural featuring red, white, and blue artwork.
One of the BEST parts?! PIZZA!! 🍕
Our Washington Middle School students recently took part in an engaging presentation led by Sergeant Lee Stewart of the Illinois State Police.
Through interactive discussion, students learned how to stay safe while using games, apps, and cell phones. The presentation reminded them of the importance of making smart choices online and protecting themselves in today’s digital world.
A big thank-you to Sergeant Stewart for sharing his time and expertise with our students!
Former 2nd-grade teacher Mr. Kee and his beloved therapy dog River made their first return visit to Jefferson Elementary yesterday! Both retired in May, but they promised to come back. Our students were absolutely thrilled to see them again.
Today, Mr. Kee and River are spending time with our 1st-grade students. We’ll be sharing those photos soon, so stay tuned!
In the month of August, we made that goal, and Ms. McCoy's class had the best percentage at 99.3%. Those students were rewarded with a special treat.
The school looks at this each month, and the class with the highest attendance rate receives a snack! Keep up the good work, Lincoln parents and students!
🎉🏈 Homecoming 2025 is Almost Here! 🏈🎉
Get ready, Indians — it’s nearly time to show your pride and celebrate one of our favorite traditions! Mark your calendars for an exciting week of events:
▪ Coronation
Wednesday, October 8th | 7:00 PM
Wendell Starrick Gymnasium
▪ Parade
Friday, October 10th | 3:00 PM
Washington Ave., Broadway Blvd., and Jefferson Ave.
▪ Homecoming Football Game
Friday, October 10th | Gates Open 5:30 PM | Kickoff 7:00 PM
JCHS Athletic Complex
▪ JC Sports Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, October 12th | 11:30 AM
JCHS Gymnasium
▪ JC Homecoming Dance
Saturday, October 12th | 7:00 PM
JCHS Gymnasium
Community groups or organizations interested in entering a float in the parade can call the high school office at 618-983-8638 or email agualdoni@jcindians.org to be considered for a parade entry.
Let’s pack the stands, line the streets, and cheer on our Indians as we make Homecoming 2025 one to remember! ❤️🖤
▪ Kyle Baker
▪ Tony Kendrick
▪ Roy Rogers.
This year's inductees, along with any previous honorees in attendance, will be recognized during the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, October 10.
The induction ceremony and banquet will be held on Saturday, October 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the Johnston City High School Gymnasium. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the District Office or the High School Office.
▪ Students toss the ag-themed stress ball to another student
▪ Ask a question like "What's a male turkey called?"
▪ The other student will answer "Tom"
▪ And, repeat!
📸 Photo credit: Mrs. Bright
Homecoming Week is Almost Here, Indians!
Mark your calendars — 2025 Homecoming Week is just a month away! From October 6th–11th, our Johnston City community will come together to celebrate school spirit, tradition, and our amazing students. Events include:
❤ Coronation
🖤 Homecoming Parade
❤ JCHS Football Game vs. Hamilton County Foxes
🖤 Johnston City Sports Hall of Fame Induction & Banquet
🖤Homecoming Dance in High School Gym
We can’t wait to see YOU cheer on our students, honor our Sports Hall of Fame inductees, and celebrate everything that makes Johnston City special!
Ms. Moore’s 2nd-grade class is leading the way with Jefferson Elementary School’s recycling program!
These students are excited to make a real difference and help our school become more eco-friendly. They’ve been learning what items can be recycled, how to sort them properly, and why caring for our planet matters.
Way to go, 2nd graders!
We’re taking a look back at Mrs. Crowe’s 3rd-grade class. In 1967, 3rd graders attended Jefferson Elementary School. Now, Lincoln Elementary is home to our 3rd and 4th-grade students.
We’d love to hear from you! If you attended Johnston City Schools in 3rd grade, who was your teacher? Share your memories in the comments below!
#ThrowbackThursday
Mrs. Roach’s 2nd-grade class recently completed their unit on Solids and Liquids. Their final experiment was making their own Oobleck, which results from mixing cornstarch and water.
These students were very excited to see how the substance acts as a solid, then “melts” and turns into a liquid!
