This morning, at approximately 7:25, a Johnston City School District bus was involved in a two-vehicle accident on Illinois Route 37. Within minutes, school staff arrived on the scene, including Superintendent Josh Pietrantoni and Transportation Director Becky Vancil.

Out of an abundance of caution, a number of students were transported to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries, including a headache and a sore back.

In accordance with district emergency protocol, parents and guardians of students on the bus were notified immediately before a message was shared with the broader school community.

Multiple first responders assisted at the scene, including the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the Williamson County Fire Department, and United EMS. The Sheriff’s Office conducted a preliminary investigation and determined that the district’s driver was not at fault.

We are deeply grateful to the responding agencies for their quick and professional support, and to our school staff for their prompt and caring actions.

At this time, no further information will be released.
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
This morning, a Johnston City School District bus was involved in an accident. Emergency personnel and school staff responded immediately and have been on the scene, taking all necessary safety precautions.

All parents and guardians of students involved in the accident have been notified directly. At this time, there are no unnotified parents with students connected to the incident.

The safety of our students is our top priority. We are working closely with local authorities and emergency responders to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.

We understand that news of an accident is concerning, and we want to assure our families and community that every precaution is being taken. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
🍂 Happy first day of Fall! 🍂

There are so many FUN activities to enjoy across our region this time of year.

🎃 Carving pumpkins
🍎 Visiting apple orchards
🌾 Corn mazes
👻 Haunted houses

We want to know, what are some of your family traditions during the Fall season?!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
First day of fall 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,

A friendly reminder that all Johnston City Schools will have an 11:30 a.m. dismissal on Friday, September 19. Please plan accordingly for your student’s pick-up or transportation needs.

Thank you for your cooperation!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
11:30 am dismissal on September 19th, 2025
➕➖ Math Made Fun in 1st Grade! ➕➖

At Jefferson Elementary, Mrs. Fietsam makes learning exciting for her 1st graders! This week, students practiced their addition and subtraction skills using dominoes.

Mrs. Fietsam's lesson turned math into a hands-on game, helping to build confidence and understanding.

Way to go, 1st graders, keep practicing those new skills!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
1st graders learn math with dominoes
1st graders learn math with dominoes
🚗✨ Support JCHS Student Council! ✨🚗

Bring your car out for a shine and help support our JCHS Student Council at their upcoming Car Wash!

▪ Saturday, September 27th
▪ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
▪ Banterra Bank
▪ $5 per car

Come by, support a great cause, and leave with a sparkling car!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
JCHS Student Council Car Wash 2025
👑 📜 Knights for a Day in English IV! 👑

Seniors with Mrs. Patrick are studying ballads and stories from the Middle Ages. Today, "King Patrick" and "Herald" Mrs. Cockburn gathered to appoint the title of “sir” and “dame” to rightful subjects.

Candidates stepped forward, kneeled, and then accepted their new, knightly name, such as Sir John the Brave or Dame Riley the Great. They are now on a quest to be a "knight for a day" and then write about their experience of practicing chivalry for a 24-hour period.

4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Mrs. Patrick knights students
Mrs. Patrick knights students
📰✨ Student Voices in Action! ✨📰

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!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Journalism student interviews student-athlete
📚 Students at Jefferson Elementary LOVE to read! 📖

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.
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
jefferson new library visit
Last week, our JCHS students in Mrs. Patrick’s Novels class celebrated creativity and literacy by making their own bookmarks!

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.
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Novel class makes bookmarks
Novel class makes bookmarks
Novel class makes bookmarks
Even though it still very much feels like summer, Fall is almost here! 🍂

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.
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
mrs. cheers virtual apple orchard visit
mrs. cheers virtual apple orchard visit
mrs. cheers virtual apple orchard visit
mrs. cheers virtual apple orchard visit
🐾❤️ A Special Visit from Mr. Kee & River! ❤️🐾

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!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
river lincoln visit sept 2025
river lincoln visit sept 2025
river lincoln visit sept 2025
river lincoln visit sept 2025
river lincoln visit sept 2025
At a special meeting on September 12th, the Johnston City Board of Education made
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
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Special meeting sept 2025
Did you know Johnston City is one of several Community Schools in Southern Illinois?

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!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Community Schools meeting

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! 🐾

4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
River visits 1st grade
River visits 1st grade
River visits 1st grade
River visits 1st grade
River visits 1st grade
River visits 1st grade
River visits 1st grade
River visits 1st grade
Today marks 24 years since the tragic September 11th attacks, a day that Americans will forever remember. We're reflecting on how our JCHS students and staff honored the victims and demonstrated acts of patriotism back in 2001.

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.
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
jchs students 2001 patriotic for 9/11
jchs students 2001 patriotic for 9/11
jchs students 2001 patriotic for 9/11
jchs students 2001 patriotic for 9/11
jchs students 2001 patriotic for 9/11
jchs students 2001 patriotic for 9/11
Our Johnston City High School yearbook staff was one of 13 schools to attend training today at Carterville High School.

One of the BEST parts?! PIZZA!! 🍕
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
2025 Yearbook field trip for training
2025 Yearbook field trip for training
2025 Yearbook field trip for training
2025 Yearbook field trip for training
📱🌐 Learning Internet Safety at WMS 🌐📱

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!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
wms ISP internet safety
wms ISP internet safety
wms ISP internet safety
wms ISP internet safety
🐾❤️ A Special Visit at Jefferson Elementary! ❤️🐾

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!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
Mr. Kee and River visit kindergarten
The goal at our Lincoln Elementary School this year is to maintain an average attendance rate of 95% or higher.

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!
4 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Ms. McCoy's class enjoys treat for attendance