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/

about 2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Homeless Youth awareness month 2025 sign
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.
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
JCHS Stuco at camp ondessonk
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.
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
jchs class of 71 chicken and dumpling fundraiser
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.
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Playoff game reminders 2025
Halloween Week is here, and there are some schedule changes to be aware of:

🍂 Thursday, October 30th:
▪ 11:30 a.m. dismissal
▪ No Latch Key
▪ Jefferson's Fall Carnival (5 to 8 p.m.)

🍂 Friday, October 31st:
▪ No School
▪ Johnston City downtown Trail of Treats (4 to 6 p.m.)

🍂 Sunday, November 2nd:
▪ Daylight saving time ends
▪ Fall back an hour
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Halloween week 2025
🩷 Our JCHS CNA Students “Care-a-Lot”! 💙

To celebrate their final week of clinicals at Parkway Manor, our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students spread smiles and kindness dressed as Care Bears!

Johnston City High School CNA Instructor Mrs. Mummert and District Nurse Mrs. Johanson joined in the fun too, proudly calling themselves the “Care Bear Tribe.” Mrs. Mummert shared that the residents absolutely loved seeing the students’ colorful costumes.

The fun didn’t stop there! Our CNA students also went reverse trick-or-treating, surprising JCHS staff with sweet treats. Plus, they’re putting their creativity to work by decorating boxes for Johnston City’s downtown Trail of Treats on Halloween night from 4–6 p.m.
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
CNA students dress as care bears
CNA students dress as care bears
CNA students dress as care bears
CNA students dress as care bears
CNA students dress as care bears
CNA students dress as care bears
CNA students dress as care bears
The Johnston City Community Unit School District #1 is accepting applications for two new positions for our upcoming pre-kindergarten wraparound program, called Tiny Tribe:

▪ Tiny Tribe Wrap-Around Child Care Teacher's Aide (1) - AM
▪ Tiny Tribe Wrap-Around Child Care Teacher's Aide (1) – PM

Completed applications, along with a resume and references, should be submitted to:

▪ Mr. Josh Pietrantoni, Superintendent
▪ Email: jpietrantoni@jcindians.org
▪ Mail or In-Person: 1113 Grand Avenue, Johnston City, IL 62951

Those interested can find the application and job description links here: https://www.jcindians.org/page/employment
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Now hiring tiny tribe teacher's aides
In recognition of our JCHS Volleyball game at Sesser-Valier tonight, we're throwing it back to the 2014 Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball teams! 🏐

This photo brings back so many great memories of teamwork, school pride, and the unstoppable spirit of our Lady Indians.

Do you recognize a familiar face who’s still part of the Johnston City Schools family?

#throwbackthursday
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
JCHS 2014 volleyball teams
JCHS 2014 volleyball teams
Our JCHS Food Science students are cooking up something delicious!

Last week, the class held its first kitchen lab by learning to make perfectly scrambled eggs. 🍳 This week, they’re taking their skills to the next level with more complex breakfast creations.

We can’t wait to see (and smell!) what they whip up next!
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Food science starts in the kitchen
food science starts in the kitchen
Our high school FFA recently presented to Mrs. Williford’s 7th and 8th grade PACE classes at Washington Middle School.

This is a great example of our JCHS students inspiring our middle school students, sharing their passion for agriculture, leadership, and hands-on learning with younger students.

We love seeing our older students step up as mentors and role models!

📸 Mrs. Williford
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
JCHS FFA stops at WMS Pace
JCHS FFA stops at WMS Pace
JCHS FFA stops at WMS Pace
JCHS FFA stops at WMS Pace
Today kicks off National School Bus Safety Week.

Remember, always stop when the stop-arm is out for school buses—it’s the law! ✋ 🛑 Flashing red lights and a stop sign ALWAYS mean it's time to keep kids safe.

#schoolbussafety
2 months ago, Brooke Keltner
school bus safety flyer NHTSA
JCHS student Luke Davis interviews Quinton Smothers, the new head coach for the Boys Basketball team.

Davis asked Smothers about his milestones on the court as a player, what it means to be at Johnston City, and how he's bonding with players before the season even starts!

Watch out for this story in our next issue of JC Hometown Highlights, out in December!
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Luke Davis interviews Coach Smothers
JCHS Athletic Schedule October 13 through October 18th, 2025!
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
JCHS athletic schedule oct 13- october 18th 2025
All Johnston City Schools are closed today, Monday, October 13th, in observance of Columbus Day.

Enjoy this Fall day, and we will see you back in class tomorrow!
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Columbus Day 2025  school closure notice
All Johnston City Schools will be closed on Monday, October 13th, in observance of Columbus Day.

We hope you enjoy your three-day weekend after an action-packed Homecoming week!
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Columbus Day 2025  school closure notice
❤️ Homecoming Dress-up Days continue 🖤

Today, students dressed as their favorite meme. We spotted The Chimpmunks, Kris Jenner, The Lorax, and more!

Tomorrow is already our last dress-up day of the week. It's Spirit Day, so grab your red and black!
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
JCHS Meme Day
JCHS Meme Day
JCHS Meme Day
JCHS Meme Day
JCHS Meme Day
JCHS Meme Day
JCHS Meme Day
JCHS Meme Day
Parents and Guardians,

All Johnston City Schools have early dismissal tomorrow, Friday, October 10th.
▪ Elementary/Middle Schools - 1:50 p.m.
▪ Johnston City High School - 2 p.m.

We hope to see you at the Homecoming parade, which starts at 3 p.m.

Find more information here: https://www.jcindians.org/article/2432241
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
early dismissal October 10th 2025
Johnston City Schools Superintendent Mr. Pietrantoni recently visited our high school's Social Work class to talk about the importance of grants and grant writing.

These skills can be applied in various careers, including the social work profession, non-profit sector, government agencies, healthcare settings, and educational institutions.

📸 Mrs. Gualdoni
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
Josh teaches grant writing
Our JCHS students dressed as comedian Adam Sandler for Day 1 of Homecoming Week!

Tomorrow, it's Class Color Day for Johnston City High School students.
▪ Seniors: Purple
▪ Juniors: Blue
▪ Sophomores: Red
▪ Freshmen: Green

Let's keep the Homecoming fun and traditions going! #rolltribe
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
JCHS Adam Sandler Day
🏆👏 Happy National Coaches Day! 👏🏆

Today, we celebrate and thank our incredible coaches at Johnston City High School and Washington Middle School!

From early practices to late nights, our coaches dedicate their time, energy, and passion to helping our student-athletes grow. Not just in sports, but also in teamwork, discipline, and confidence.

We are grateful for every coach who leads our Indians in:

⚾️ Baseball
🏀 Boys and Girls Basketball
⛳ Boys and Girls Golf
👟 Boys and Girls Track
🎳 Bowling
📣 Cheerleading
💃 Dance
🚩 Flag
🏈 Football
🥎 Softball
🏊‍♀️ Swim
🏐 Volleyball
🏆 Wrestling

Thank you for the impact you make in athletics and beyond!
3 months ago, Brooke Keltner
National Coaches Day 2025