Congratulations to Ms. Beth Roberts on her well-deserved retirement! After years of dedicated service to the Johnston City School District, she is hanging up her hat (and keyboard!).
Ms. Beth, you've been a pillar of the school district, the friendly face everyone knows, and a heart full of compassion for students, staff, and families. From coordinating chaotic schedules to offering words of encouragement, you've done it all with grace and a smile. You truly are the "heart" of the school!
We are so grateful for your hard work and commitment to our community. You've touched countless lives, and your legacy will continue to shape our district.
Please join us in wishing Ms. Beth a joyful and fulfilling retirement. We will miss you greatly!
For more information on the retirement open house, please check the flyer above.
Ms. Beth, you've been a pillar of the school district, the friendly face everyone knows, and a heart full of compassion for students, staff, and families. From coordinating chaotic schedules to offering words of encouragement, you've done it all with grace and a smile. You truly are the "heart" of the school!
We are so grateful for your hard work and commitment to our community. You've touched countless lives, and your legacy will continue to shape our district.
Please join us in wishing Ms. Beth a joyful and fulfilling retirement. We will miss you greatly!
For more information on the retirement open house, please check the flyer above.
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Williford’s 8th-grade Geography students have been diving deep into the rich culture of Japan. The lessons truly came to life yesterday when Mrs. Williford brought an authentic kimono to class for a hands-on demonstration. The highlight of the day? Logan, one of our 8th graders, stepped up to model the traditional garment, giving his classmates a firsthand look at the intricate artistry of Japanese attire.
Congratulations to 8th Grade students, Karsyn and Jaxon, for being selected for the Illinois Principals Association Award. This award is given to two 8th Grade students who have displayed outstanding character, leadership, and academic success.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, our 5th, 6th, and 8th Grade Brain Games teams competed in the Regional Brain Games Competition at Rend Lake College. This year’s theme was New York, and teams competed in art, engineering, math, trivia, and a variety of team challenges centered around all things New York.
This regional competition brought together the top 6 teams from each ROE competition held earlier this school year—truly the best of the best!!
We are proud to have had three teams representing Washington Middle School this week!
BIG congratulations to our 8th Grade team for finishing 5th overall!
Our 5th and 6th Grade teams also did a fantastic job. While they did not place in the overall top 6, final standings will be announced later. They definitely brought their A-game in the costume contest, though, with 5th Grade’s “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” theme earning 2nd place and 6th Grade’s “Hamilton on Broadway” taking 3rd!
It was a fun and challenging two days of competition, and we are so proud of our students for earning this opportunity and representing our school so well!
This regional competition brought together the top 6 teams from each ROE competition held earlier this school year—truly the best of the best!!
We are proud to have had three teams representing Washington Middle School this week!
BIG congratulations to our 8th Grade team for finishing 5th overall!
Our 5th and 6th Grade teams also did a fantastic job. While they did not place in the overall top 6, final standings will be announced later. They definitely brought their A-game in the costume contest, though, with 5th Grade’s “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” theme earning 2nd place and 6th Grade’s “Hamilton on Broadway” taking 3rd!
It was a fun and challenging two days of competition, and we are so proud of our students for earning this opportunity and representing our school so well!
Nothing beats a classroom with no walls! 🌲🎒
Last Friday, our 7th graders headed out to the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center for a day of hands-on adventure and survival skills.
The students explored the unique landscape of the now-drained Little Grassy Lake, trekking across the lake bed to hunt for hidden treasures. Back on dry land, they channeled their inner engineers to build wilderness shelters using only branches and mastered the art of navigation through compass orienteering. 🧭
It was a fantastic day of teamwork and discovery! A huge thank you to the staff at Touch of Nature for such a memorable experience.
Last Friday, our 7th graders headed out to the Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center for a day of hands-on adventure and survival skills.
The students explored the unique landscape of the now-drained Little Grassy Lake, trekking across the lake bed to hunt for hidden treasures. Back on dry land, they channeled their inner engineers to build wilderness shelters using only branches and mastered the art of navigation through compass orienteering. 🧭
It was a fantastic day of teamwork and discovery! A huge thank you to the staff at Touch of Nature for such a memorable experience.
Sports physicals are coming up for grades 4-12.! If your student plays a sport or plans to for the upcoming school year, this is a great opportunity to get this done for only $10. Forms will be going home this week with students, or you can get one from the office. Please contact the office with any questions. **This physical does NOT fulfill the state physical requirement for 6th and 9th grade physicals**
Look who's already in the Earth Day spirit! 🌎
Meet Bob, Ms. Stark’s trusty classroom skeleton, and he's more than ready to celebrate Earth Day next week! 💚
Dressed in his finest eco-friendly tee—which reminds us he was a fan before it was cool 😎—and sporting some very stylish red sunglasses, Bob is setting a great example.
Even though he's mostly composed of calcium and good vibes, Bob knows that we all need to do our part to keep the planet healthy. So, follow Bob's lead! We encourage everyone to wear green or your favorite nature-inspired gear next week to show your support for Mother Earth.
Let's make this Earth Day one for the history books... or at least the science books! 📚✨
Meet Bob, Ms. Stark’s trusty classroom skeleton, and he's more than ready to celebrate Earth Day next week! 💚
Dressed in his finest eco-friendly tee—which reminds us he was a fan before it was cool 😎—and sporting some very stylish red sunglasses, Bob is setting a great example.
Even though he's mostly composed of calcium and good vibes, Bob knows that we all need to do our part to keep the planet healthy. So, follow Bob's lead! We encourage everyone to wear green or your favorite nature-inspired gear next week to show your support for Mother Earth.
Let's make this Earth Day one for the history books... or at least the science books! 📚✨
Want more Book Fair? No problem! Keep the party going online. Shop online through 4/19! All book purchases over $35 ship free and every purchase benefits our school! https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmiddleschool19. #ScholasticBookFairs
Be sure to visit JCHS on Friday, April 10, 4-6PM for the 6th Annual JCHS Art Show!
This is it! Our Scholastic Book Fair is here April 7-10. Be sure your child doesn’t suffer Book Fair FOMO - get them prepared to shop at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmiddleschool19 #ScholasticBookFairs
The Scholastic Book Fair’s giving program is open to businesses, organizations, alumni, and the entire community! Anyone can support students in our school who need help buying books. Learn more at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmiddleschool19. #ScholasticBookFairs
Create your child’s Book Fair eWallet so they can shop cash-free, worry-free, and independently! It’s easy to set up and easy for others to contribute funds! Start here: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmiddleschool19. #ScholasticBookFairs
Your child is cordially invited to attend our Scholastic Book Fair on April 7-10! Get them prepared by visiting https://www.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmiddleschool19, where you can also create a Book Fair eWallet. It’s gonna be the Best. Fair. Ever! #ScholasticBookFairs
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! SAVE THE DATE for April 7-10 and get your reader psyched to pick out their own books! Start exploring together: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonmiddleschool19 #ScholasticBookFairs
Tiny Tribe Pre-K Wrap-Around Program is here to help families by providing before and/or after-school care.
Children must be 3 to 4 years of age on or before September 1, 2026.
*Must be a resident of Johnston City CUSD #1 or the child of a district employee.
*HOURS: Early Hours 7:30-8:10, AM Care 8:10-12:10, PM Care 10:45-2:45, After Hours 2:45-5:30, and Full Day Care 7:30-5:30.
*COST: $50 registration fee, due with enrollment forms.
There is a daily fee for wrap-around care.
*Start Date: August 2026
*How to Register: In-Person registration forms can be picked up at Jefferson School or Unit Office. Please return to Renee Grisham, Wrap-Around Supervisor at Jefferson School.
*Registration must be completed by August 1, 2026.
*Questions: Contact Renee Grisham, call 618-983-7561 or email rgrisham@jcindians.org.
ENROLL NOW to reserve your spot!
11:30 Dismissal on Friday, March 27th
🏃♂️ SPEED. STRENGTH. SPIRIT. 🏃♀️
The wait is over! It’s time to hit the blocks and kick off an epic season. Whether you’re a returning athlete or trying something brand new, we want to see you on the track!
Check the schedule below to see when your grade takes the field:
📅 THE LINEUP:
5th & 6th Grade: Monday, March 23 (3:00–4:30 PM)
7th & 8th Grade: Tuesday, March 24 (3:00–4:30 PM)
📍 LOCATION: High School Track
⚠️ PRO TIP: You can’t run if you aren’t cleared! Make sure your physical and all paperwork are turned in BEFORE you arrive.
The wait is over! It’s time to hit the blocks and kick off an epic season. Whether you’re a returning athlete or trying something brand new, we want to see you on the track!
Check the schedule below to see when your grade takes the field:
📅 THE LINEUP:
5th & 6th Grade: Monday, March 23 (3:00–4:30 PM)
7th & 8th Grade: Tuesday, March 24 (3:00–4:30 PM)
📍 LOCATION: High School Track
⚠️ PRO TIP: You can’t run if you aren’t cleared! Make sure your physical and all paperwork are turned in BEFORE you arrive.
Our 8th Grade Scholar Bowl team delivered a commanding performance during last week’s tournament, dominating the first two rounds of play. Their impressive season concluded in a thrilling quarterfinals match against Herrin—a true "nail-biter" that came down to the final round. Despite a narrow 10-point loss, our scholars showed incredible grit and sportsmanship, finishing their season as one of the Top 8 teams in the region. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication!
Gear up, fans! We have a jam-packed week of athletics coming your way. From "Barbie" vibes to Camo vibes, there’s a seat in the stands with your name on it. Here is your official rundown for February 23–28:
Monday, Feb 23
Volleyball (Home) vs. Hamilton County: It’s CAMO NIGHT! 🦌 Hide from the competition, but don’t hide your spirit.
5th Grade Girls Basketball: Away @ Harrisburg.
Tuesday, Feb 24
Volleyball: Away @ Herrin.
5/6 Boys Basketball (Home) vs. Pinckneyville: Come protect our home court! 🏀
Wednesday, Feb 25
Volleyball (Home) vs. Goreville: Get your pink on for PINK OUT / BARBIE NIGHT! 🎀 Let’s make the gym a "Dreamhouse" and support a great cause.
Scholar Bowl: Away @ Marion. (Go show off those big brains! 🧠)
5th Grade Boys Basketball: Away @ Herrin.
Thursday, Feb 26
5/6 Boys Basketball: Away @ Zeigler/Royalton.
Volleyball: Away @ Sesser/Valier.
Friday, Feb 27
5th Grade Boys Basketball: Round Robin @ Sesser. 🌪️
Saturday, Feb 28
Boys Basketball: Round Robin continues @ Sesser.
Volleyball: Away @ Hamilton County.
Monday, Feb 23
Volleyball (Home) vs. Hamilton County: It’s CAMO NIGHT! 🦌 Hide from the competition, but don’t hide your spirit.
5th Grade Girls Basketball: Away @ Harrisburg.
Tuesday, Feb 24
Volleyball: Away @ Herrin.
5/6 Boys Basketball (Home) vs. Pinckneyville: Come protect our home court! 🏀
Wednesday, Feb 25
Volleyball (Home) vs. Goreville: Get your pink on for PINK OUT / BARBIE NIGHT! 🎀 Let’s make the gym a "Dreamhouse" and support a great cause.
Scholar Bowl: Away @ Marion. (Go show off those big brains! 🧠)
5th Grade Boys Basketball: Away @ Herrin.
Thursday, Feb 26
5/6 Boys Basketball: Away @ Zeigler/Royalton.
Volleyball: Away @ Sesser/Valier.
Friday, Feb 27
5th Grade Boys Basketball: Round Robin @ Sesser. 🌪️
Saturday, Feb 28
Boys Basketball: Round Robin continues @ Sesser.
Volleyball: Away @ Hamilton County.
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.