It is that time of year again to complete the 5Essentials Parent Survey. Your input is important to us!
To complete the parent survey:
Visit: survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/ and select Parent Survey
Select the necessary language to complete the survey. (English or Spanish).
Enter email address and county of your child’s school
Advance to survey questions.
Answer all applicable questions.
Click Submit Survey.
This is a state requirement for us. Please note below information that describes what the 5 Essentials survey is about:
5 Essentials is an evidence-based system designed to drive improvement in schools nationwide—it reliably measures changes in a school organization through the 5Essentials Survey utilizing these five components found to be critical for school success:
Effective Leaders: The principal works with teachers to implement a clear and strategic vision for school success.
Collaborative Teachers: The staff is committed to the school, receives strong professional development, and works together to improve the school.
Involved Families: The entire school staff builds strong relationships with families and communities to support learning.
Supportive Environment: The school is safe and orderly. Teachers have high expectations for students. Students are supported by their teachers and peers.
Ambitious Instruction: Classes are academically demanding and engage students by emphasizing the application of knowledge.
You can also complete the survey in our office. There will be Chromebooks available in the lobby for any parent who would like to come by the school to complete the survey. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 7:30am-4pm.
It’s time to gear up, JC! Our Indians have a big week ahead. From the basketball courts to the Scholar Bowl buzzers, we are hitting the road and defending our home turf.
Check out the lineup for February 16–21 and come show that Washington pride!
🗓️ The Schedule:
Monday, Feb 16: NO SCHOOL – Enjoy the day off and get ready to bring the noise tomorrow! 😴
Tuesday, Feb 17: 🏀 5/6 Boys Basketball @ Christopher
Wednesday, Feb 18:
🧠 Scholar Bowl @ Herrin
🏀 5/6 Boys Basketball vs. Hamilton County
🏀 5th Grade Girls Basketball @ Herrin
Thursday, Feb 19: 🏐 Volleyball @ Christopher
Friday, Feb 20: 🏐 Volleyball @ Goreville
🏀 5th Grade Boys Basketball @ Eldorado Tournament
Saturday, Feb 21: * 🏀 5th Grade Boys Basketball @ Eldorado Tournament
questions. Students will select their 9th grade courses at this meeting. We hope to see all 8th grade students and their parents at this very important event! *WMS volleyball players will meet at 4:00.
If you have any questions, please contact Jamie Chiaventone, School Counselor, at (618) 983-8638.
Our ALOP (Alternative Learning Opportunities Program) students just leveled up the school’s vibe with a serious dose of heart!
For their latest group project centered on Kindness and Caring, students went beyond the classroom to show their appreciation for the team that keeps our school running. This wasn't just a lesson—it was a full-blown "appreciation mission."
💌 The Mission:
Each student selected two teachers or staff members who have made an impact on their journey. But they didn't just stop by to say thanks—they arrived with:
Handmade Masterpieces: Custom-designed, heartfelt Valentines created right here in the ALOP classroom.
A Sweet Surprise: Every card came paired with a special treat to brighten their day.
🌟 Why It Matters:
At its core, ALOP is about growth, connection, and community. By taking the time to craft these gifts and deliver them personally, our students practiced the art of gratitude and saw firsthand how a small gesture can create a massive ripple of positivity.
The smiles in the hallways said it all—mission accomplished!
"Kindness is a gift everyone can afford to give." — The ALOP Team
If you are paying in person with cash/check, please send your order form to the middle school office by Friday, 2/13. If you are ordering online, orders are due by Sunday, 2/15. Yearbooks are $14.50 each. We will not be able to take any late orders. Thank you!
🌹 Spread the Love (and Support the 8th Grade!)
Looking for a sweet way to brighten someone’s day this Valentine's? Our Annual 8th Grade Carnation Sale is officially here!
Whether it’s for a best friend, a favorite teacher, or a special family member, a carnation is the perfect way to say "I'm thinking of you." Plus, every flower purchased helps fund our 8th-grade end-of-year activities!
💰 Pricing:
1 Carnation: $3
2 Carnations: $5 (Double the love!)
📝 How to Order:
Don't let the deadline slip by! You can grab an order form in one of three ways:
Mrs. Dobraski’s Room
The Main Office
Download & Print the form here!
Note: Please return all forms and payments by 2/11/26 to ensure delivery on Friday, February 13.
Thanks for supporting our 8th graders! 🎓✨
Our Volleyball Spirit Nights are here! Come out, dress up, and cheer on the team at our upcoming home games. Here’s the lineup:
Tue, 2/3 vs. Elverado: Neon/Construction Night 🦺
Tue, 2/10 vs. West Frankfort: Hawaiian Night 🌺
Wed, 2/11 vs. Unity Point: Patriotic Night
Mon, 2/23 vs. Hamilton County: Safari/Camo Night 🪖
Wed, 2/25 vs. Goreville: Pink Out/Barbie Night 👑
Mon, 3/2 vs. Christopher: Black Out Night ⬛
Wed, 3/4 vs. Zeigler-Royalton: 8th Grade Night (Red & Black) ⚫🔴
Mon, 3/9 vs. Sesser: Pajama Night 😴
Show your school pride and support our volleyball team! See you there! Go Indians!
The schedule has shifted, but the game goes on! Tonight's home game is off, but our boys are now traveling to West Frankfort to battle it out on the road.
Saturday Morning Basketball: The rescheduled game vs. Hamilton County is set for this Saturday (1/31) at 10:00 AM (Away). Go Indians!
Johnston City Schools will be closed and using an e-learning day tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Johnston City CUSD #1 is closely monitoring an evolving winter weather system expected this weekend. In anticipation of possible school closure, we want to ensure all families are prepared for potential e-learning days next week.
What to Expect if E-Learning is Utilized:
JCHS and WMS Students: Teachers will be available via school email and/or Google Classroom from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. E-Learning Packets have already been sent home. If you have any questions, please contact your student's school.
Lincoln and Jefferson Students: Teachers will be available via school email and/or ClassDojo from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. E-Learning Packets have already been sent home. If you have any questions, please contact your student's school.
Dental Safari is returning to Washington School on February 12th! If you would like your student to be seen, please ensure you have a consent form on file.
To participate:
Sign up online (info attached).
OR pick up a paper form in the office and return it immediately.
Note: This visit fulfills the State of Illinois dental exam requirement for all Kindergarten, 2nd, and 9th-grade students.
This Wednesday, Jan 21, is Meet the Advocate Night at the WMS Boys Basketball game. We’d love for you to meet Ms. Chamness from the ROE #21 ALOP program!
Ms. Chamness plays a huge role in our school by offering personalized guidance, resources, and social-emotional support to help our students thrive. 💪📚
Come say hi, ask questions, and cheer on the team! See you there!
#WMS #CommunitySupport #StudentAdvocacy #ROE21 #BasketballNight
Celebrating Our 7th & 8th Grade Brain Games Teams! 🧠✨
We are so incredibly proud of our 7th and 8th Grade Brain Games teams for their outstanding performance today at John A. Logan! Both groups showed fantastic teamwork, critical thinking, and school spirit while competing against some tough competition.
A huge congratulations to our 8th Grade team, who secured 3rd place overall! 🏆 Because of their hard work and dedication, they will be advancing to the Regional competition in April! We can’t wait to see what they accomplish next.
We also want to give a massive shout-out to our 7th Grade team. We are so proud of the way they collaborated and represented Washington Middle School today. Their determination and problem-solving skills were on full display, and they truly did an amazing job.
In three years of competing, our students continue to impress us with their collaboration and heart. Congratulations to all our competitors for another successful day of Brain Games! 👏📚
