Hello Trojan Families,

Quarter 2 Is Here!

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the second quarter of the school year! This part always goes fast! Please note the important upcoming term dates:

• Friday, November 14: Midterm

• Friday, December 19: End of Quarter 2

• Friday, January 9: Report Cards Published

As we move through the quarter, our focus remains on learning, growth, and celebrating our amazing students.

ROCK Event Recap

Thank you to all of our students who attended last week’s ROCK event! Students had an incredible time and showed outstanding behavior throughout the evening. We also want to extend a huge thank you to our families for following our pick-up expectations. Your cooperation helps us keep dismissal safe and efficient for everyone. We’re so grateful for your partnership in keeping our students safe and making ROCK such a success!

Finally, a big thank you to our CIS Activities PTO Committee for organizing and running the event, and to the volunteers who came to help out! 

Cheering on Our Central Girls Basketball Team

We are proud of our students who attend our Girls' Basketball games to cheer on their classmates! Our students are demonstrating what it means to be respectful fans, supporting our team and showing great sportsmanship, no matter the circumstances. At CIS, we place a strong emphasis on respectful cheering, and our students consistently model this standard at every game. Way to go, Central!

It’s Time… for Coats! 🧥

Even though we know middle schoolers often think coats are optional fashion accessories, we promise, they’re not! As temperatures drop, please remind your child to bring a coat and any needed winter gear. Students will continue to go outside for recess as long as the “real feel” (wind chill) temperature is 20°F or above.

This is also a good lesson in preparedness. While we hope we never need to evacuate the building again, our recent natural gas leak near the school reminded us that anything can happen. If possible, we want students to have access to their coats in the event of an evacuation so they’re not left out in the cold. Having coats on hand keeps everyone safe, warm, and ready for whatever the day may bring.

If your family needs a coat or other winter gear, please contact the CIS Office. We’re happy to help ensure every student has what they need to stay warm this season.

A Quick Reminder: Water Only During the School Day 💧

To help maintain a safe and focused learning environment, please remember that students are only permitted to have water in their bottles during the school day. Here are some additional expectations:

• Beverages such as soda, juice, flavored drinks, coffee, and sports drinks must be brought in a separate, clearly labeled container and are only permitted during lunch. These beverages must remain in the cafeteria and are not allowed on the playground or in classrooms.

• Energy drinks are not allowed at any time during the school day, including lunchtime, due to their high caffeine and sugar content and their impact on student focus and behavior.

If a student brings a non-water beverage in their water bottle, it will be held in the office until the end of the day. Additionally, students returning from appointments (such as doctor or dentist visits) with beverages other than water will be asked to dispose of them before returning to class.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep our classrooms safe, focused, and ready for learning each day!

CENTRAL Code Word for November: Noble (Self-Awareness)

This month, we are focusing on what it means to be Noble:

• A student with a realistic understanding of their strengths and limitations.

• A student with a consistent desire for improvement.

Being noble means having the courage to recognize where we can grow and taking steps toward becoming our best selves.

At School:
At CIS, we help students set both academic and social-emotional goals each fall. Academic goals focus on growth, recognizing that effort and persistence lead to progress. Social-emotional goals help students reflect on how they can strengthen relationships and positive habits. Examples might include:

• Helping a classmate who seems down.

• Thinking positively, even when things are hard.

• Taking responsibility for words and actions.

The goal is for students to recognize what they need to work on and actively work toward it throughout the year.

At Home:
Families can help reinforce self-awareness by having conversations like:

• “What’s something you’re really proud of right now?”

• “What’s one thing you’d like to get better at, and how could I help?”

• “What do you do when something doesn’t go the way you planned?”

Resource to Explore Together:
🎥 Watch Together: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance — Angela Lee Duckworth (TED Talk)
This short video explores how passion and perseverance, more than talent or luck, lead to success. It’s a great reminder for students (and adults!) that staying committed, learning from mistakes, and believing in growth are key parts of being truly noble.

Communication

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns! 

Ericka Bush

Principal

Central Intermediate School 

Email: ebush@central51.net

Office Phone: (309)444-3943 ext. 2402

Hello Central Families!

Outdoor Recess

As we are moving into cooler temperatures, please remind your child to bring a coat for school. We will be going outside for recess as many days as possible as long as the temperature is at 20 degrees or above. Students will not be able to stay inside for recess on days that we have outdoor recess. 

If your child does not have a coat or warm items to wear, please contact the CIS office for assistance.

Students Attending Extracurricular Events

We are excited to have students participating in various activities at Central! It would be amazing to see students support their fellow classmates at their competitions. If students choose to go to an event, they need to observe the following: 

1. Supervision for Younger Students
   
   

   • Students in 5th grade and younger must remain with their parents/guardians for the entirety of the games.

   • These students may travel to and from the concession stand, but must return directly to their parents once they have purchased items.
     
     

2. Restricted Areas
   
   

   • Students may not play or gather in areas outside of the gym, including Holford Lobby, Central Lobby, or other school spaces.
     
     

3. Court Access
   
   

   • Only players are allowed on the court during halftime and between games.

   • Spectators are not allowed on the court at any time and may not play with basketballs or volleyballs during games.
     
     

4. Fifth Grade Students
   
   

   • Fifth graders must have a parent present at the game at all times. They may sit in the student section during the game but remain under parental supervision.
     
     

5. Sixth–Eighth Grade Students
   
   

   • Students in grades 6–8 may be dropped off for games but must be picked up promptly at the conclusion of the game.
     
     

6. Respect for Facilities
   
   

   • All students are expected to pick up after themselves and help keep our facilities clean.
     
     

7. Cheering, Sportsmanship, and Respect
   
   

   • We encourage loud, proud, and positive cheering for Central.

   • Cheering against the other team—such as turning backs during free throws, chanting “you can’t do that,” calling “air ball,” or mocking opponents—will not be allowed.

   • Even if other fans participate in these behaviors, Central students will be expected to model respectful sportsmanship.

   • Referees, coaches, and officials must be treated with respect at all times. Any negative comments, arguing, or disrespectful behavior toward officials will not be tolerated.
     
     

8. Consequences for Misconduct
   
   

Failure to comply with these expectations, or any additional conduct concerns, may result in removal from the game and/or a ban from future extracurricular events.

We want all students to enjoy their experience as they attend events. The procedures help ensure students are safe and supported. Please come out and cheer loudly for our Central Trojans!

Bus Expectations

Riding the bus is an essential part of the school experience, and it’s crucial that we maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone on board. Please review the following important reminders with your CIS student(s):

1. Be Respectful to the Driver

Your bus driver is there to keep everyone safe. Listen to their instructions, and always greet them when you get on and off the bus. A simple “thank you” goes a long way!

2. Stay Seated

Once you’re on the bus, please stay in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop. Standing or moving around while the bus is in motion can lead to accidents.

3. Keep Noise Levels Down

While it’s great to socialize with friends, remember that loud voices can distract the driver. Use indoor voices and save the shouting for outside! Don't forget! Phones should be silent during the ride.

4. No Food or Drink

To keep the bus clean and free from distractions, students should avoid eating or drinking while on the bus; this includes chewing gum.

5. Respect Personal Space

Everyone has their own personal space. Avoid touching or bothering others on the bus.

6. Use Appropriate Language

Always use kind and respectful language when talking to your friends and classmates. Inappropriate language will be addressed by administration. Bullying or negative comments will not be tolerated and will be dealt with by administration.

7. Be Prepared to Get Off

As you approach your stop, gather your belongings and prepare to exit the bus. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before standing up.

8. Follow School Policies

Remember that the same behavioral expectations in school apply to the bus. Disruptive behavior can lead to consequences, including losing bus privileges.

9. Report Issues

If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, please tell an adult or report it to your teacher. We all have the right to feel safe on our way to and from school.

We are excited to share some wonderful news; Dr. Bush has officially earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from Illinois State University!

This is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects Dr. Bush’s hard work, dedication, and love for learning. Her achievement is an inspiration to our entire school community and a great reminder to our students that learning never stops!

CIS had a wonderful time celebrating her accomplishment. Students made signs, notes of appreciation, assisted in decorating the office, and participated in a Parade of Champions to showcase her achievement.

We are so proud of Dr. Bush and grateful for the passion and leadership she brings to our school each day. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Bush on reaching this incredible milestone!