Can you believe we’ve already reached the halfway point of winter break? ❄️⛄
We wanted to check in with our Johnston City Schools families and students to see how your time off is going! Whether you’ve been relaxing at home, traveling, spending time with family, or enjoying the cooler temperatures outside, we’d love to see it.
📸 Post a photo of your favorite moment from break so far in the comments below!
We wanted to check in with our Johnston City Schools families and students to see how your time off is going! Whether you’ve been relaxing at home, traveling, spending time with family, or enjoying the cooler temperatures outside, we’d love to see it.
📸 Post a photo of your favorite moment from break so far in the comments below!
🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Johnston City Schools! 🎄✨
Wishing our students, families, staff, and community a joyful day filled with peace, warmth, and holiday cheer.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year!
Wishing our students, families, staff, and community a joyful day filled with peace, warmth, and holiday cheer.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year!
Abbie and Cara Cullum, both former Johnston City High School students, visited Mrs. Williford’s 7th- and 8th-grade PACE classes today to share information about the Disney College Program.
The program allows college students to live, learn, and work at Walt Disney World while gaining real-world job experience. There are a variety of roles available from attractions and entertainment to hospitality and food service. Plus, opportunities to build professional skills, network with Disney leaders, and attend educational seminars and career development workshops.
Abbie and Cara shared personal experiences from their time in the program, offering insight into how it helped them grow in independence, responsibility, and confidence.
The program allows college students to live, learn, and work at Walt Disney World while gaining real-world job experience. There are a variety of roles available from attractions and entertainment to hospitality and food service. Plus, opportunities to build professional skills, network with Disney leaders, and attend educational seminars and career development workshops.
Abbie and Cara shared personal experiences from their time in the program, offering insight into how it helped them grow in independence, responsibility, and confidence.
A reminder that our 1st semester exams start tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16th. Please take a look at the schedule:
Tuesday, December 16th: 7th period exam
Wednesday, December 17th: 1st, 3rd, and 5th period exams
Thursday, December 18th: 2nd, 4th, and 6th period exams
Be sure to study, get plenty of rest, and eat a nutritious breakfast each morning to stay focused and energized!
Tuesday, December 16th: 7th period exam
Wednesday, December 17th: 1st, 3rd, and 5th period exams
Thursday, December 18th: 2nd, 4th, and 6th period exams
Be sure to study, get plenty of rest, and eat a nutritious breakfast each morning to stay focused and energized!
Winter break is almost here, and that means some changes to our regular schedule.
On Friday, December 19th, all schools will have early dismissal. Our elementary schools and Washington Middle School will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. Johnston City High School will dismiss at 2:00 p.m.
Christmas break will take place from Monday, December 22nd, through Monday, January 5th. Students will return to school for the start of the 2nd Semester on Tuesday, January 6th.
We hope this extended break provides a wonderful opportunity for our students and families to rest, recharge, and enjoy the holiday season! ❄️☃️
On Friday, December 19th, all schools will have early dismissal. Our elementary schools and Washington Middle School will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. Johnston City High School will dismiss at 2:00 p.m.
Christmas break will take place from Monday, December 22nd, through Monday, January 5th. Students will return to school for the start of the 2nd Semester on Tuesday, January 6th.
We hope this extended break provides a wonderful opportunity for our students and families to rest, recharge, and enjoy the holiday season! ❄️☃️
Our JCHS Food Science class is busy for the holidays! To get into the Christmas spirit, the class made homemade, spirit-free eggnog.
Then, our students made homemade cookies and decorated them for Christmas with homemade icing. Ms. Ray and a couple of other students come into the class to judge the students' decorating skills. Jaycie Will won the decorating contest with her Santa Claus cookie.
Then, our students made homemade cookies and decorated them for Christmas with homemade icing. Ms. Ray and a couple of other students come into the class to judge the students' decorating skills. Jaycie Will won the decorating contest with her Santa Claus cookie.
Our Winter Mobile Pantry, sponsored by Full-Service Community Schools, is tomorrow and is open to ALL community members who reside within the Johnston City School District.
This distribution will offer a variety of non-perishable items to help support families and community members during the colder winter months.
The mobile pantry is taking place on Friday, December 12th, at Washington Middle School from 1 to 7 p.m. Please remember to bring a school or government-issued ID to verify residency.
We hope this provides extra support and comfort as we head into the winter season. ❄️❤️🖤
This distribution will offer a variety of non-perishable items to help support families and community members during the colder winter months.
The mobile pantry is taking place on Friday, December 12th, at Washington Middle School from 1 to 7 p.m. Please remember to bring a school or government-issued ID to verify residency.
We hope this provides extra support and comfort as we head into the winter season. ❄️❤️🖤
We are gearing up for our opening JCHS boys' basketball home game this Friday, December 12th. We want to ensure a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all players, coaches, families, and fans.
Please take a moment to review our 2025–2026 Basketball Season Reminders. These guidelines help us maintain a fun and welcoming environment for everyone who comes out to support our teams.
We appreciate your cooperation and can't wait to see you at our games! 🏀
Please take a moment to review our 2025–2026 Basketball Season Reminders. These guidelines help us maintain a fun and welcoming environment for everyone who comes out to support our teams.
We appreciate your cooperation and can't wait to see you at our games! 🏀
Parents and Guardians,
A friendly reminder that we have a School Improvement Day on Friday, December 12th. This means all Johnston City Schools will dismiss early at 11:30 a.m.
Please make any necessary arrangements for your child’s pickup or after-school care. Thank you!
A friendly reminder that we have a School Improvement Day on Friday, December 12th. This means all Johnston City Schools will dismiss early at 11:30 a.m.
Please make any necessary arrangements for your child’s pickup or after-school care. Thank you!
Johnston City Schools is still collecting items for our district-wide food and toy drive. There's only one week left!
We invite staff and students to support this effort by donating non-perishable food items, snacks, and unwrapped toys. Let’s work together to help our Johnston City Schools families.
Students can bring donations to class or drop them off at any school's front office. The school with the most donations will earn a special treat from our Full-Service Community Schools team.
We invite staff and students to support this effort by donating non-perishable food items, snacks, and unwrapped toys. Let’s work together to help our Johnston City Schools families.
Students can bring donations to class or drop them off at any school's front office. The school with the most donations will earn a special treat from our Full-Service Community Schools team.
Scholarship Opportunity: Illinois Electric Cooperatives Memorial Scholarships
Sixteen scholarships are awarded to high school seniors each year.
- Ten are reserved for high school seniors who plan to enroll full-time at a 2-year or a 4-year college, university or vocational/technical school. These students must be children of an Illinois electric cooperative consumer-member.
- Five are reserved for high school seniors enrolling full-time at a 2-year Illinois community college. These students must be the children of Illinois electric cooperative consumer-members, employees or directors.
- One, the Earl W. Struck Memorial Scholarship, will go to a high school senior who is the child of an Illinois electric cooperative employee or director and will enroll full-time at a 2-year or a 4-year college, university or vocational/technical school.
Eligibility Requirements: The applicant must be a high school senior who is planning to enroll in a full-time (at least 12 hours) undergraduate course of study at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college, university or vocational/technical school.
How to Apply: Applications are completed online. Please visit this link for more information: https://aiec.coop/iec-scholarship/scholarship-application-preparation/
Full-Service Community Schools is hosting another Mobile Pantry. This time, the distribution will focus on providing non-perishable food items. This event is open to all community members residing within the Johnston City School District.
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 1:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Washington Middle School
Please remember to bring a student or government-issued ID to verify residency within the Johnston City School District.
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 1:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Washington Middle School
Please remember to bring a student or government-issued ID to verify residency within the Johnston City School District.
Our JCHS Educators Rising club recently visited Mrs. Williford's PACE classes at Washington Middle School!
During the visit, our high school students shared why they joined Educators Rising and what being a member is all about.
Educators Rising is designed for high school students interested in becoming future educators. Members participate in leadership workshops and conferences, help run STEM camps for younger students, and mentor Educators Rising clubs at other schools.
Visits like this one are especially meaningful because many of our current members were first inspired to join after meeting high school leaders during their own middle school years.
During the visit, our high school students shared why they joined Educators Rising and what being a member is all about.
Educators Rising is designed for high school students interested in becoming future educators. Members participate in leadership workshops and conferences, help run STEM camps for younger students, and mentor Educators Rising clubs at other schools.
Visits like this one are especially meaningful because many of our current members were first inspired to join after meeting high school leaders during their own middle school years.
We invite you to our annual Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 9th. The concert is taking place at the Johnston City High School Gymnasium starting at 7 p.m.
The evening will feature performances by our talented 7th–12th Grade Band, 5th–6th Grade Band, Middle and High School Choirs, and the Lincoln Elementary 3rd Grade Children’s Chorus.
Bring your family and friends to celebrate the season with wonderful holiday favorites performed by our students. We look forward to seeing you there!
The evening will feature performances by our talented 7th–12th Grade Band, 5th–6th Grade Band, Middle and High School Choirs, and the Lincoln Elementary 3rd Grade Children’s Chorus.
Bring your family and friends to celebrate the season with wonderful holiday favorites performed by our students. We look forward to seeing you there!
Parents/Guardians,
Johnston City schools will be in session today, Tuesday, December 2nd. Please, take extra caution by leaving earlier and driving slower. Also, buses might be running a little later than usual.
Johnston City schools will be in session today, Tuesday, December 2nd. Please, take extra caution by leaving earlier and driving slower. Also, buses might be running a little later than usual.
The 4th annual blood drive in memory of Nathan Spiller will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Johnston City High School Gymnasium.
Nathan, who was born on December 12th, 1991, tragically passed away in 2018 in a vehicle accident. He served in the Street and Utility Departments for the town of Johnston City and was a proud graduate of Johnston City High School.
During high school, Nathan participated in football and basketball until an injury curtailed his athletic pursuits. He was passionate about the outdoors, particularly fishing, and enjoyed riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers with friends.
Nathan, who was born on December 12th, 1991, tragically passed away in 2018 in a vehicle accident. He served in the Street and Utility Departments for the town of Johnston City and was a proud graduate of Johnston City High School.
During high school, Nathan participated in football and basketball until an injury curtailed his athletic pursuits. He was passionate about the outdoors, particularly fishing, and enjoyed riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers with friends.
We hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and feels rested and ready to learn these next few weeks before Christmas break.
A friendly reminder that Johnston City Schools will dismiss early on Friday, December 5th. Our elementary schools and Washington Middle School will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. Johnston City High School will dismiss at 2:00 p.m.
Here are some other important dates to keep in mind:
- Friday, December 12th: Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for all schools.
- Friday, December 19th: Elementary and middle schools will dismiss at 1:50 p.m., and JCHS at 2:00 p.m.
- Monday, December 22nd – Monday, January 5th: Christmas Break! Schools will be closed for the holidays.
-Tuesday, January 6th: Students return for the start of 2nd semester classes.
A friendly reminder that Johnston City Schools will dismiss early on Friday, December 5th. Our elementary schools and Washington Middle School will dismiss at 1:50 p.m. Johnston City High School will dismiss at 2:00 p.m.
Here are some other important dates to keep in mind:
- Friday, December 12th: Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for all schools.
- Friday, December 19th: Elementary and middle schools will dismiss at 1:50 p.m., and JCHS at 2:00 p.m.
- Monday, December 22nd – Monday, January 5th: Christmas Break! Schools will be closed for the holidays.
-Tuesday, January 6th: Students return for the start of 2nd semester classes.
Happy Thanksgiving, Johnston City Schools Family!
We are incredibly grateful for our staff, students, and families. We hope you take today to slow down, relax with loved ones, enjoy some delicious food, and create wonderful holiday memories.
Have a Thanksgiving photo you’d like to share? Drop it in the comments below. We would love to see it!
Enjoy the break, and we’ll see everyone back in class on Monday, December 1st!
We are incredibly grateful for our staff, students, and families. We hope you take today to slow down, relax with loved ones, enjoy some delicious food, and create wonderful holiday memories.
Have a Thanksgiving photo you’d like to share? Drop it in the comments below. We would love to see it!
Enjoy the break, and we’ll see everyone back in class on Monday, December 1st!
This week, our JCHS Educators Rising club had an outstanding day at Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (SIUC) first-ever Educators Rising Experience Day!
Drawing on our experience as the first Educators Rising club in Illinois, our officers successfully led three breakout sessions. This founding club was established by JCHS History Teacher and sponsor, Mr. Shick. These breakout sessions provided strategies, tips, and mentorship to help other schools successfully launch and expand their own clubs—a model that has been replicated statewide.
In addition to leading sessions, our members embraced opportunities for collaboration and networking. JCHS Educators Rising connected with students from Du Quoin, Trico, West Frankfort, and Meridian through fun, cooperative activities, including a game of 64 squares. On top of this, five of our members stepped up to compete in a Research Project competition!
Drawing on our experience as the first Educators Rising club in Illinois, our officers successfully led three breakout sessions. This founding club was established by JCHS History Teacher and sponsor, Mr. Shick. These breakout sessions provided strategies, tips, and mentorship to help other schools successfully launch and expand their own clubs—a model that has been replicated statewide.
In addition to leading sessions, our members embraced opportunities for collaboration and networking. JCHS Educators Rising connected with students from Du Quoin, Trico, West Frankfort, and Meridian through fun, cooperative activities, including a game of 64 squares. On top of this, five of our members stepped up to compete in a Research Project competition!
JCHS Counselor Jamie Chiaventone gave a presentation to our 8th-grade WMS students about the PreACT, which all 8th-graders will take on Monday, November 24th.
The test is a precursor to the ACT and provides school administration with baseline data in English, Math, Reading, and Science. The data is used to help determine the courses 8th graders will be placed in their freshman year.
During the presentation, students were provided test-taking tips and were encouraged to get a good night's sleep the day before the test, eat breakfast, and come to school with a fully charged Chromebook.
The test is a precursor to the ACT and provides school administration with baseline data in English, Math, Reading, and Science. The data is used to help determine the courses 8th graders will be placed in their freshman year.
During the presentation, students were provided test-taking tips and were encouraged to get a good night's sleep the day before the test, eat breakfast, and come to school with a fully charged Chromebook.
