Our Washington Middle School Student Council kept to their promise of a sweet treat for the home base that donated the most cans to the district-wide food and toy drive.
And.. the winner is... Mrs. Kerley's home base, who enjoyed Christmas-themed donuts! It's a pretty sweet way to end their 1st semester.
And.. the winner is... Mrs. Kerley's home base, who enjoyed Christmas-themed donuts! It's a pretty sweet way to end their 1st semester.

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.



We have a heartwarming story to share just in time for the holidays!
Last Friday, members of our Washington Middle School boys’ basketball team visited Jefferson Elementary School to read Christmas books to our first-grade students. Afterward, Coach Chaney treated the team to breakfast at McDonald’s.
While there, the team noticed a gentleman who needed a little assistance getting from the parking lot into the restaurant. Without hesitation, one player stepped outside to offer his arm for support, while others held the door open to make sure he got inside safely.
As it turns out, the gentleman is a veteran who proudly served our country and previously worked for Johnston City Schools. Can you guess who it was?
It was Mr. Jim, the beloved custodian from Lincoln Elementary School! Coincidentally—or maybe fate—he had been featured as our Throwback Thursday just the day before.
Moments like these remind us that kindness, respect, and service are lessons that last a lifetime. We are so proud of our students for representing our schools and community so well this holiday season. ❤️🖤🎄
Last Friday, members of our Washington Middle School boys’ basketball team visited Jefferson Elementary School to read Christmas books to our first-grade students. Afterward, Coach Chaney treated the team to breakfast at McDonald’s.
While there, the team noticed a gentleman who needed a little assistance getting from the parking lot into the restaurant. Without hesitation, one player stepped outside to offer his arm for support, while others held the door open to make sure he got inside safely.
As it turns out, the gentleman is a veteran who proudly served our country and previously worked for Johnston City Schools. Can you guess who it was?
It was Mr. Jim, the beloved custodian from Lincoln Elementary School! Coincidentally—or maybe fate—he had been featured as our Throwback Thursday just the day before.
Moments like these remind us that kindness, respect, and service are lessons that last a lifetime. We are so proud of our students for representing our schools and community so well this holiday season. ❤️🖤🎄



If you're interested in your 1st through 6th grader attending the JCHS Educators Rising Winter Enrichment Camp, please register so we can better prepare for the event.
During this one-day program, participants will enjoy holiday-themed STEM activities and crafts!
It's taking place on Saturday, December 20th, at Jefferson Elementary School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This gives parents the perfect opportunity to finish last-minute shopping, get the house ready for guests, or relax before entertaining!
Walk-ins are welcome, but the club encourages families to sign up in advance. This will help ensure we purchase enough supplies for the camp.
Click the link to sign up now: https://bit.ly/4oAB28T
During this one-day program, participants will enjoy holiday-themed STEM activities and crafts!
It's taking place on Saturday, December 20th, at Jefferson Elementary School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This gives parents the perfect opportunity to finish last-minute shopping, get the house ready for guests, or relax before entertaining!
Walk-ins are welcome, but the club encourages families to sign up in advance. This will help ensure we purchase enough supplies for the camp.
Click the link to sign up now: https://bit.ly/4oAB28T

It's the last week of basketball before our student-athletes get a little downtime during Winter Break.
On Monday, December 15th, our boys' basketball team is hitting the road for a match-up with Carmi-White County starting at 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, December 17th, our boys' and girls' basketball teams will see some action. Our boys' basketball team stays home with a game against Anna starting at 5:30 p.m. While our Lady Indians travel to Herrin for a game against the Tigers, starting at 5 p.m.
On Thursday, December 18th, it's all about our girls' basketball team, who are hitting the road to take on Du Quoin with tipoff at 5:30 p.m. To wrap up the week, our Lady Indians will participate in the Vienna shootout on Saturday, December 20th.
We hope our student-athletes get plenty of rest and recovery time during winter break because we'll have several games left in the season when we return for 2nd semester!
On Monday, December 15th, our boys' basketball team is hitting the road for a match-up with Carmi-White County starting at 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, December 17th, our boys' and girls' basketball teams will see some action. Our boys' basketball team stays home with a game against Anna starting at 5:30 p.m. While our Lady Indians travel to Herrin for a game against the Tigers, starting at 5 p.m.
On Thursday, December 18th, it's all about our girls' basketball team, who are hitting the road to take on Du Quoin with tipoff at 5:30 p.m. To wrap up the week, our Lady Indians will participate in the Vienna shootout on Saturday, December 20th.
We hope our student-athletes get plenty of rest and recovery time during winter break because we'll have several games left in the season when we return for 2nd semester!

A reminder that tomorrow is Washington Middle School's December Family Night, sponsored by Full-Service Community Schools. We ask that those interested in attending please register for the event.
The evening will include a FREE chicken and biscuits dinner, along with a kit of the ingredients to make the dish at home.
Other activities include a Christmas tree ornament station, a cookie decorating competition, and a holiday photo opportunity courtesy of Shooting Star Photography!
It's all taking place on Tuesday, December 16th, from 5 to 6 p.m. You can register by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below, so we can ensure that we have enough food and supplies at the event.
https://bit.ly/3XvdLdm
The evening will include a FREE chicken and biscuits dinner, along with a kit of the ingredients to make the dish at home.
Other activities include a Christmas tree ornament station, a cookie decorating competition, and a holiday photo opportunity courtesy of Shooting Star Photography!
It's all taking place on Tuesday, December 16th, from 5 to 6 p.m. You can register by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below, so we can ensure that we have enough food and supplies at the event.
https://bit.ly/3XvdLdm

Winter break is almost here, and that means some changes to our regular schedule.
This week, there will be no tutoring or after-school clubs, but latchkey will still be available.
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! ❄️☃️
This week, there will be no tutoring or after-school clubs, but latchkey will still be available.
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! ❄️☃️

We absolutely love seeing our student-athletes giving back. Members of the Washington Middle School Boys' Basketball team made a special v





Washington Middle School invites you to our December Family Night, sponsored by Full-Service Community Schools.
The evening will include a FREE chicken and biscuits dinner, along with a kit of the ingredients to make the dish at home.
Other activities include a Christmas tree ornament station, a cookie decorating competition, and a holiday photo opportunity courtesy of Shooting Star Photography!
It's all taking place on Tuesday, December 16th, from 5 to 6 p.m. We kindly ask that you register by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below, so we can ensure having enough food and supplies at the event.
https://bit.ly/3XvdLdm
The evening will include a FREE chicken and biscuits dinner, along with a kit of the ingredients to make the dish at home.
Other activities include a Christmas tree ornament station, a cookie decorating competition, and a holiday photo opportunity courtesy of Shooting Star Photography!
It's all taking place on Tuesday, December 16th, from 5 to 6 p.m. We kindly ask that you register by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below, so we can ensure having enough food and supplies at the event.
https://bit.ly/3XvdLdm

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. ❄️❤️🖤

📸✨ Throwback Thursday! ✨📸
This week, we're spotlighting our 2018 Washington Middle School Christmas Dance, where ugly Christmas sweaters were all the fashion anywhere south of the North Pole! It's hard to believe that some of these former WMS students are now seniors!
Remember, this year's Christmas Dance is TOMORROW, Friday, December 12th, from 5-7 p.m. The cost is $3 per student and includes Grinch punch and Christmas cookies. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Plus, there will be a holiday photo opportunity with Shooting Star Photography. Students can take home a 5x7 photograph for $5, which prints on-site.
Just a reminder: the dance is for WMS students only. We can't wait to see your fun, festive, and downright UGLY sweaters!
This week, we're spotlighting our 2018 Washington Middle School Christmas Dance, where ugly Christmas sweaters were all the fashion anywhere south of the North Pole! It's hard to believe that some of these former WMS students are now seniors!
Remember, this year's Christmas Dance is TOMORROW, Friday, December 12th, from 5-7 p.m. The cost is $3 per student and includes Grinch punch and Christmas cookies. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Plus, there will be a holiday photo opportunity with Shooting Star Photography. Students can take home a 5x7 photograph for $5, which prints on-site.
Just a reminder: the dance is for WMS students only. We can't wait to see your fun, festive, and downright UGLY sweaters!

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! 🏀

Support Washington Middle School & Look Great Doing It!
Our WMS Student Council is excited to announce its T-Shirt Fundraiser, in partnership with Silkworm. This is your chance to grab a high-quality shirt and show off your Indian Pride!
Fundraisers like this allow our students to give back to the community, including sponsoring local children from the Angel Tree.
Those interested in supporting this cause can use the link below to order your shirt(s). The last day to place an order is 1/4/26. All orders will be available for pickup or shipped on 1/15/26.
https://shopsilkworm.com/jcms
Our WMS Student Council is excited to announce its T-Shirt Fundraiser, in partnership with Silkworm. This is your chance to grab a high-quality shirt and show off your Indian Pride!
Fundraisers like this allow our students to give back to the community, including sponsoring local children from the Angel Tree.
Those interested in supporting this cause can use the link below to order your shirt(s). The last day to place an order is 1/4/26. All orders will be available for pickup or shipped on 1/15/26.
https://shopsilkworm.com/jcms

5th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts:
December 18
Time: 4:30-6pm
All students trying out need to have a sports physical and all forms on file in the office.
December 18
Time: 4:30-6pm
All students trying out need to have a sports physical and all forms on file in the office.
Our annual Christmas concert is TONIGHT, 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!
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!

It's another busy week for our WMS student-athletes, especially our basketball teams.
Tonight, Monday, December 8th, both the boys' and girls' basketball teams will see some action. Our boys are away playing Ewing-Northern while our Lady Indians are at home taking on Ziegler-Royalton. Both games start at 6 p.m.
On Tuesday, December 9th, it's all about the Lady Indians. They're up against the Unity Point Trojans. Tipoff is 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, December 10th, our Scholar Bowl team is getting in on the action with a match at Marion. Our boys' basketball team will travel to Desoto. The game starts at 5:30 p.m.
The week wraps up with a home boys' basketball game on Thursday, December 11th, against the Hamilton County Foxes, starting at 6 p.m.
Let's go, Indians! You got this!
Tonight, Monday, December 8th, both the boys' and girls' basketball teams will see some action. Our boys are away playing Ewing-Northern while our Lady Indians are at home taking on Ziegler-Royalton. Both games start at 6 p.m.
On Tuesday, December 9th, it's all about the Lady Indians. They're up against the Unity Point Trojans. Tipoff is 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, December 10th, our Scholar Bowl team is getting in on the action with a match at Marion. Our boys' basketball team will travel to Desoto. The game starts at 5:30 p.m.
The week wraps up with a home boys' basketball game on Thursday, December 11th, against the Hamilton County Foxes, starting at 6 p.m.
Let's go, Indians! You got this!

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!

Christmas Spirit Week is coming up fast! Get your gear together for December 15-19, and help us have a fun last week before break!

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.

This week, members of our Washington Middle School Student Council went shopping for a local Angel Tree. WMS Student Council holds several fundraisers a year to support community projects like this one.
These middle school students were excited to sponsor two Angel Tree children. Sponsor Ms. Kara Stark gives the group a budget, and they do their best to buy all the items on each child's Angel Tree list, including toys and clothes.
This experience is even more meaningful because the group selected tags from the Angel Tree inside the Banterra Bank in Johnston City, meaning these gifts will support fellow JC students.
These middle school students were excited to sponsor two Angel Tree children. Sponsor Ms. Kara Stark gives the group a budget, and they do their best to buy all the items on each child's Angel Tree list, including toys and clothes.
This experience is even more meaningful because the group selected tags from the Angel Tree inside the Banterra Bank in Johnston City, meaning these gifts will support fellow JC students.


