Thanksgiving break is next week, and that means a few changes to our regular schedule. Please take note of the following dates and dismissal times:

Tuesday, November 25th: Elementary and middle schools will dismiss at 1:50 p.m., and JCHS will dismiss at 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 26th - Friday, November 28th: No school. Enjoy Thanksgiving break.

Mrs. Bright's Food Processing class is getting into the Thanksgiving holiday spirit.

Her students recently dissected pumpkins, roasted pumpkin seeds, and made pumpkin puree. Then, they made pumpkin pie in a bag.

While this process was happening and the days leading up to it, the class learned about pumpkins and how they're made into pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie.

Of course, the lesson ended with students enjoying their pumpkin pie desserts!

Calling all local colleges, businesses, JCHS alumni, the military, and workforce recruiters--come share your knowledge and career journeys with the Johnston City High School community!

We're hosting the Future Frontier: JC College and Career Fair on Friday, February 13th, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and we want our students to hear from YOU!

Those interested can reach out to Jamie Chiaventone (jchiaventone@jcindians.org) or Heather Miller (hmiller@jcindians.org) for additional sign-up information.

Flyer made by Logan Eberhart!

Today is School Board Members Day.

This honorary day acknowledges each school member's role, dedication to providing quality education, and commitment to serving the community.

THANK YOU to our Johnston City CUSD #1 Board of Education.

This awesome group of JCHS juniors and seniors joined nearly 300 high school students from a dozen area schools at John A. Logan College's Applied Tech Day!

Our students had the chance to experience true hands-on learning as college faculty and staff showcased what it’s like to be enrolled in programs focused on engineering, electronics, information systems, welding, and more.

A huge thank-you to JALC for opening doors, sparking curiosity, and giving our Indians a closer look at future career pathways!

Starting this Friday, November 14th, all four Johnston City schools will be offering free weekend grab bags for students! Each bag includes breakfast, snack, and lunch items to help keep students fueled over the weekend.

Grab bags will be available every Friday. If it’s a shortened school week, bags will be sent home on the last day of school for that week.

This program is made possible through Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) funding. We’re so grateful to our FSCS team, students, and staff who worked together to pack these ready-to-go bags.

📸✨ Throwback Thursday! ✨📸

To coincide with the start of our JCHS Girls Basketball season this week, we’re taking a look back at our 1983–1984 Lady Indians team!

This determined group of just 11 players showed incredible teamwork and represented Johnston City with heart each time they stepped on the court.

Do you recognize a familiar face from this team? Tag them below and share your favorite JCHS basketball memory!

All Johnston City Schools are closed today, Tuesday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day.

We extend our gratitude to all veterans for their courage, service, and sacrifice. 🇺🇸

🇺🇸 Veterans Day Reminder 🇺🇸

All Johnston City Schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th, in observance of Veterans Day. Classes will be in session as usual on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of that week.

We encourage our students and families to take time to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country.

Our JCHS Educators Rising Club is preparing to participate in Educators Rising Experience Day at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on November 20th.

During this event, these JCHS students will lead three sessions aimed at sponsors and high school students who are interested in establishing more student-led Educators Rising chapters.

Please note that the final day to register for this workshop is tomorrow - Friday, November 6.

For additional information, please contact:
📧 Ryan Shick: rshick@jcindians.org
📧 Sophie Walker: 2026swalker@jcindians.org

Our JCHS Educators Rising Club would like to thank everyone who supported and participated in the group's Chicken and Dumpling Fundraiser over the weekend! Your generosity is helping to build the next generation of educators.

A very special thank-you goes out to the Class of 1971 for graciously hosting this event. Your support means so much to our students!

A reminder for anyone who purchased a raffle basket ticket. The drawing will be held on November 17th, after the Winter Meet the Indians. It will be during halftime at the girls' varsity game vs. Murphysboro!

🥪 Did you know you can view our schools' breakfast and lunch menus online? 🍎

Through OPAA, our school district's food service provider, you can easily access the full monthly menu right from our website!

🔗 View menus here: https://menus.healthepro.com/organizations/2377

How to find it later:
1️⃣ Go to jcindians.org
2️⃣ Click “Our District” at the top of the page
3️⃣ Scroll down to “Quick Links”
4️⃣ Click the “Menus” icon

Our JCHS students interested in healthcare spent yesterday at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, learning about the university’s admission process, scholarships, and student life.

Students enjoyed lunch in Lentz Dining Hall before touring the Health Science Careers Building and labs, where they explored career pathways in:
▪️ Nursing
▪️ Radiological Science
▪️ Physical Therapy
▪️ Dental Hygiene
▪️ Mortuary Science
▪️ Occupational Therapy
▪️ Health Care Management

We’re especially proud that JCHS alumnus Cade Cockburn led the tour! Since graduating from Johnston City High School, Cade has gone on to achieve incredible success at SIU-C. He was awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship, the university’s most prestigious undergraduate honor valued at more than $103,000.

Cade now works in SIU’s Admissions Department as a Field Representative and recently earned his Master of Science in Business Analytics, after completing his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Systems and Education & Agribusiness Economics.

We’re proud to see one of our own inspiring the next generation of future healthcare professionals!

Phillip Brewer from John A. Logan College stopped by Johnston City High School this morning to meet with seniors interested in attending JALC after graduation.

These Bridge Visits are designed to “bridge the gap” between high school and JALC, helping students explore academic programs, financial aid opportunities, and the next steps toward college enrollment.

We appreciate JALC for taking the time to connect with our seniors and support their transition to college life!

🥫 We're officially launching our district-wide food drive. 🥫

We invite staff and families to support this effort by donating non-perishable food items, snacks, and unwrapped toys. Let’s work together to help our JC Schools’ families celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas!

The school with the most donations will earn a special treat from our Full-Service Community Schools team.

Congratulations to our JCHS Senior Josie Welch, who officially signed her letter of intent to play golf at John A. Logan College!

Welch has had an outstanding high school golf career, earning 19 medalist finishes, including eight this season alone. Her dedication, skill, and leadership have made her a standout both on and off the course.

In addition to continuing her golf journey at the collegiate level, Welch plans to pursue a career in special education, reflecting her passion for helping others and making a difference.

Pictured (left to right): JCHS Golf Coach Darron Rushing, Josie Welch, Jinna Glasco (Welch’s mother), and JALC Golf Coach Mike Mooneyham.

November is Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

This week, the Regional Office of Education #21 and the Area VI McKinney-Vento Homeless Education program are shining a light on the issue by launching the Paint the Town Purple initiative.

Johnston City Schools is participating by placing these signs outside of our unit office and school buildings. Businesses, organizations, and individuals can also take part by wearing purple or lighting up billboards in purple.

To learn more about McKinney-Vento, click here: https://www.roe21.org/programs/area-vi-mckinney-vento-homeless-program/

Our JCHS Student Council attended the Little Egypt District Student Council meeting at Camp Ondessonk yesterday.

This annual event brings together student council members from across southern Illinois for team building and leadership activities.

Although it was a chilly fall day, we were fortunate to have a dry day after rain earlier in the week.

The Johnston City High School Class of 1971 is hosting a fundraiser lunch to benefit our JCHS Educators Rising club.

🍁 Sunday, November 2nd, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

🍁 Masonic Lodge
501 Washington Ave, Johnston City, IL 62951

🍁 All-you-can-eat for $15

🍁 Dumplings, corn, green beans, potatoes, a drink, and a dessert

The JCHS Educators Rising club supports our high school students who aspire to become future educators. The club hosts STEM camps for our younger students and attends training sessions and conferences to better prepare them to lead a classroom.

This Friday night is round one of the IHSA 2A Playoffs between our Johnston City Indians and the Wesclin Warriors. It's also Halloween, and you can celebrate both! 🎃 Kindergarten through 4th-grade students are encouraged to wear their full costumes!

We want our families, fans, and visitors to have a positive, friendly, and safe atmosphere. Here are some reminders regarding the upcoming game.

Please note that admission is $8 for everyone, which is set by IHSA.