Hello Trojan Families,

This October, our school’s Central Code focus is Empathetic. We believe that when students act with empathy, they help build a stronger, kinder school community. Empathy is not just a nice idea, it is also one of the best tools we have to reduce bullying, exclusion, and hurt feelings.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time when schools, families, and communities raise awareness about bullying and commit to creating safe, supportive environments.

We are excited this year to build on what our students have already practiced during Rachel’s Challenge Day. The kindness pledges, daily challenges, random acts of kindness, and peer support all connect to our October theme: being Empathetic Trojans.

Below is a closer look at our Rachel's Challenge Day, how we define empathy, how it connects to bullying prevention, and how you can help support empathy building at home.

Rachel's Challenge 

This fall, we welcomed a guest speaker from Rachel’s Challenge to share Rachel Scott’s story and her mission to spread kindness. Each grade level spent the day participating in activities that promoted kindness and inclusion. CIS students even left their backpacks at home for the day and spent time connecting with classmates and teachers.

This work connects directly to October’s theme of being Empathetic Trojans and to our focus on preventing bullying.

What Does an Empathetic Trojan Look Like?

Here is the version we share with students:

An Empathetic Trojan is:

• A student who displays socially acceptable actions

• A student who maintains positive connections with others

To bring that to life, examples include:

• Reaching out to someone who is alone

• Listening first when a friend shares a problem

• Apologizing when you hurt someone’s feelings

• Respecting someone’s boundaries

• Inviting someone to join a group

Why Empathy Matters: Research and Perspectives

We are sharing the following articles as resources families may find helpful in thinking about empathy at home.

• Teaching Kids About Boundaries (Why Empathy Matters)
  Explains how empathy helps children respect others’ boundaries and build healthy relationships.

• Teaching Kids How to Deal With Conflict
  Shares ways to help kids manage disagreements with empathy and understanding.

We share these articles as resources for families, and while we do not specifically endorse any sources, we hope you find them helpful. 

Tips for Parents: Cultivating Empathy at Home

• Talk about feelings: When something happens, ask “How do you think that made them feel?”

• Model empathy: If you see someone upset, say “I think she looks sad. Maybe I will ask if she is okay.”

• Use “I” statements: Encourage phrases like, “I felt hurt when …” or “I noticed you looked sad. Do you want to talk?”

• Role play scenarios: Create “What if …” situations to practice responding kindly.

• Praise empathetic behavior: Notice and comment when your child shows empathy, such as “I liked how you asked your sister how she felt.”

We invite you to talk with your child about empathy this month. Ask them what it means to be an Empathetic Trojan and share your own examples. You might even set a family kindness challenge where each person does at least one empathetic act each day.

Together, as school, parents, and students, we can make October a month not only of awareness but of action. By deepening connections, reducing hurt, and cultivating kindness, we create a stronger school community.

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!

Trojan Trot

As a reminder, the Trojan Trot will be October 3, 2025. We appreciate all of the support PTO, CIS families, and community members have given! We look forward to a great day of activities for students. Please feel free to come and watch your student(s) participate in the Trojan Trot!

CIS Race Schedule:

9:00–9:20 — 5th Grade

9:20–9:40 — 6th Grade

9:40–10:00 — 7th Grade

10:00–10:20 — 8th Grade 

**Please note, the school day ends at 11:00 for CIS students on October 3, 2025.**

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!