Central Families,

I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated from your summer break! Our team at Central Intermediate School is thrilled to welcome our students back for the 2024-2025 school year! The maintenance staff has been diligently preparing the building, and we can’t wait for you to see the results of their hard work.

We have a couple of back-to-school events next week for which we hope you will join us!

Supply Drop-Off: Monday, August 12 from 6 - 7 PM

Virtual Vigilance Online Safety Presentation: Monday, August 12 from 5:45 - 6:30 PM

As we embark on this new school year, we look forward to a time filled with enriching experiences and countless opportunities for growth and learning. Please take a moment to read the important information below about the start of the school year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ericka Bush

Principal

Welcome New CIS Staff!

Mrs. Emily Ham -

6th Grade ELA

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Emily Ham to Central Intermediate School! Originally from Glen Carbon, IL, Mrs. Ham brings 8 years of teaching experience, having taught 6th Grade ELA at Highland Middle School and Belle Valley School. Inspired by her 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Sparks, Mrs. Ham has a passion for reading and aims to share this love with her students. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, watching sports, and attending musicals and plays. A fan of Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Bob’s Burgers, Mrs. Ham also loves everything England and even visited the Harry Potter Studios Museum in Europe. She looks forward to making new friends and contributing to the community at Central Intermediate School.

Mrs. Tonja Graham -

7/8th Grade Financial Literacy & Current Events

We are elated to welcome Mrs. Tonja Graham to Central Intermediate School! Mrs. Graham taught Social Studies for four years in Texas and Illinois. Her journey into education was inspired by a teacher she had while she was attending school as a child. The teacher's animation and creativity inspired Mrs. Graham to become a teacher to help students understand subject areas in fun and creative ways. Mrs. Graham enjoys attending Social Studies conferences where she provides professional development and participates in the learning. She is very excited to start the new course offering at CIS and is looking forward to meeting students and families.

Mrs. Brinlee Martin -

6th Grade Math

We are thrilled to welcome back Mrs. Martin to Central Intermediate School! Originally from Princeville, IL, Mrs. Martin will join us for her first full year of teaching after graduating in December 2023. After student-teaching with Mrs. Barth during the Fall 2023 semester, she began her career in January 2024, teaching 6th-grade math at Metamora Grade School. Inspired by a missions trip to Africa during high school, Mrs. Martin fell in love with teaching while instructing science lessons. Outside the classroom, she enjoys playing pickleball, golfing, and snowboarding. A big fan of CIS, Mrs. Martin looks forward to contributing to the vibrant community at Central, where she previously student-taught and felt right at home.

Mr. Bobby Schumacher - Health/PE

We are excited to welcome Mr. Bobby Schumacher to Central Intermediate School! Originally from Normal, IL, Mr. Schumacher has one year of teaching experience, having taught K-5 PE at Lincoln Elementary District 27. His journey into teaching was inspired by his love for coaching and working with kids, leading him to return to school to become a teacher. Outside the classroom, Mr. Schumacher enjoys playing basketball, golfing, watching Marvel movies, and spending time with his kids. A fan of the Game of Thrones books and TV show, Mr. Schumacher is also ambidextrous and an only child. He looks forward to joining Central for its excellent reputation and the opportunity to expand his horizons by teaching health and fitness.

Mr. Keegan Ege -

WCHS Co-Op

Mr. Keegan Ege is a senior at Washington Community High School with a strong passion for teaching. His background includes instructing preschoolers through the Child Development program and teaching gymnastics at Gym Corner. Eager to gain more classroom experience, Mr. Ege is excited to explore education further during his senior year.

Outside of academics, Mr. Ege has played soccer for many years and enjoys traveling to national parks. His favorite book is The Maze Runner, and he loves the movie Cars.

A Washington, IL native and former CIS student, Mr. Ege looks forward to working with his former teachers and contributing to the educational community. He was also a competitive gymnast for 8 years, earning accolades such as being a 3-time state champion and a regional medalist. Fun fact: he can touch his tongue to his nose!

Important Office Information

New Student Tours

Welcoming new families to Central each year is exciting! We love getting to know new students and families and want to ensure a smooth transition to our school.

We understand that starting at a new school can be overwhelming, and we are here to help ease the process for you. As part of our commitment to providing a welcoming environment, we are pleased to offer student and family tours for all of our new families.

During tours, families will have the opportunity to walk through the building and see all of the areas the student will be throughout the day, learn about various classes, programs, and activities that Central has to offer, and get answers to any questions you may have.

We encourage all new families to set up a building tour before the first day of school. You can set up a tour by emailing Mrs. Bush, Principal, at ebush@central51.net.

Office Staff and Office Hours

Regular office hours started this week! The office is open 7:30 - 3:30. The CIS Office is fully staffed with the following team:

Mrs. Michelle Roberts: CIS Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Carrie Bright: CIS Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Dee Schick: CIS Activities Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Kim Martin RN: CIS Nurse
Ms. Kim K. Martin: CIS Assistant Principal
Mrs. Ericka Bush: CIS Principal

Student Schedules

Student schedules are now viewable in Skyward! We encourage you to review your child's schedule as soon as possible and discuss it with your child.

All students should have 10 periods per day. If you notice any errors with your students' schedules, please contact the CIS Office as soon as possible so we can fix any issues.

For eighth-grade families, some students may not have a teacher assigned for eighth-grade ELA and homeroom. As soon as our eighth-grade ELA position is filled, a name will show up in the schedule.

Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

The CIS arrival and dismissal procedures are outlined below and can also be found in the Central District 51 Student/Family Handbook.

By adhering to these procedures, we can reduce the risk of accidents, minimize traffic congestion, and create a safe environment for our students coming and going from school. Cooperation from every family is essential in maintaining a secure and efficient arrival and dismissal process. We also encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the importance of these procedures.

See the visual below for assistance.

Arrival Procedures

Drop off at Central Intermediate School is between 7:40 and 7:55 a.m. each day. Students are not permitted to enter the building before 7:40 a.m. unless students/parents have pre-arranged early arrival with a staff member.

Car Riders

Drop off at Central Intermediate School is at the CIS Main Entrance (Holford Gym doors) beginning at 7:40. Parents/guardians dropping off students MUST use the following procedures:

Drivers MUST enter the drop-off line from the Eagle Avenue entrance. Drivers are not to enter the car line from CPS. This stops the flow of traffic around the parking lot.
Drivers who wish to stay in their cars during drop-off MUST use the CIS drop-off line to drop off students. For student safety, drivers are not to drop students off on the street.
Drivers should pull forward as far as possible in the drop-off zone in front of the CIS entrance to allow as many cars as possible to drop off.
Students should be ready to exit the vehicle as soon as the vehicle stops in front of the sidewalk by CIS. When there is a pause in moving traffic, students should exit the vehicle quickly and enter the building.
Drivers who wish to have their students utilize the crosswalk in front of the main entrance should park their cars and walk students to the crosswalk. For student safety, please do not allow your child to walk across the parking lot alone.

Walker/Bicycle Riders

Walkers and bicycle riders should enter the building through the CIS Main entrance (Holford Gym doors).
Walkers crossing the streets near Central Intermediate School should utilize the crosswalks and crossing guards each day.
Bicycle riders should walk their bikes once they arrive at the sidewalk in front of Central Intermediate School.
Bicycle riders should walk bicycles in crosswalks.
Bicycle riders should park their bikes on the cement pad next to the Central Intermediate School Main Entrance.

Bus Riders

Central Intermediate School bus riders will be released from buses at 7:40. Bus riders will walk through the CIS Cafeteria and directly to their classrooms.

Dismissal Procedures

Dismissal time for fifth through eighth grade students begins at 2:51 p.m. and ends at 2:56 p.m. Dismissal runs as follows:

Bus riders, walkers, and bicycle riders will be dismissed from the Intermediate School at 2:51.
Car riders will be dismissed from CIS at 2:56 p.m.
Siblings who wait for CPS students will be dismissed from class at 2:56 p.m. and will be supervised in Holford Gym until CPS dismissal.

CPS Siblings

CIS provides supervision for students picking up CPS siblings. Students should report to Holford Gym at 2:56 if they are picking up a sibling. CIS students are not allowed to wait outside for CPS siblings and must be supervised in the gym unless they are with a parent/guardian.

Walkers/Bicycle Riders

Once dismissed, students are to leave the school immediately.
Walkers crossing the streets near Central Intermediate School should utilize the crosswalks and crossing guards each day.
Bicycle riders are to walk bicycles in crosswalks and on the sidewalk in front of the school.

Car Riders

Car riders are dismissed from CIS beginning at 2:56 p.m. Parents/guardians picking up students MUST use the following procedures:

Drivers MUST enter the drop-off line from the Eagle Avenue entrance. Drivers are not to enter the car line from CPS after 2:40 p.m.
Drivers who wish to stay in their vehicles during pickup MUST use the CIS drop-off line to pick up students. For student safety, drivers are not to pick up students along the street.
Drivers should pull forward as far as possible in the pickup zone in front of the CIS entrance to allow as many cars as possible in the line.
Students exiting the building will be asked to look for their rides immediately. Students whose rides are not yet in the dropoff zone will be asked to walk to their right when they exit the building so cars can continue to pull forward.
Students will not be permitted to walk to alternative pickup locations.

Drivers may choose to park in the CIS parking lot to avoid the pickup line. Drivers choosing this option MUST exit their vehicle and meet their child near the crosswalk. For their safety, students are not permitted to enter the parking lot until their ride is there to meet them.

Back to School Information

Lockers

Grade-level teachers will assign lockers during the first week of school. Locker assignments will not be available in Skyward until after lockers have been assigned.

Lockers in 5th and 6th grade do not lock. Lockers in 7th and 8th grade do lock, and students will receive a locker combination. Students are expected to leave lockers locked when they are not in use.

Extracurricular Activities

Participating in extracurricular activities adds another layer to middle school students' experience. We are believers that these activities create spaces for our students to connect and share in a way that goes beyond classroom lessons. Our goal is that all students are involved in at least one activity where they feel a sense of belonging.

Please take a look at our Extracurricular Code of Conduct to see all of the extracurricular offerings at CIS, and be on the lookout for more information about student participation in extracurricular activities!

Chromebooks

Please ensure that students have their Chromebooks charged and at school on Wednesday, August 14. If you notice any damage or issues related to your child’s Chromebook, please fill out the Chromebook Repair Request.

As part of the school registration process, all students and families signed off on the Central District 51 Technology Handbook. It is essential that both you and your child are familiar with the information presented in the handbook.

Back to School Information

Cell Phones

All cell phones should remain in students’ lockers throughout the school day and are not permitted in classrooms, the cafeteria, or at recess. Our goal is to minimize distractions to create the best possible learning and social-emotional experience for our students.

In some cases, school staff may permit students to use their cell phones to call or text a parent/guardian. These calls should only take place in the school office or the classroom with a teacher.

Students who do choose to use a cell phone without permission during the school day will be subject to the consequences outlined in the Student/Family Handbook:

First offense – The device will be confiscated by school personnel. A verbal warning will be assigned. The student will receive the device back at the end of the day in the school office.
Second offense – The device will be confiscated. A detention will be assigned. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office.
Third offense – The device will be confiscated. A detention will be assigned. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office. Additionally, the student will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the next 10 school days. If the student is found in possession of the device during this 10-day period, the student will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the remainder of the school year. The student will also face consequences for insubordination.
Fourth and subsequent offense – The device will be confiscated. The student will be assigned a detention and will be prohibited from bringing the device to school for the remainder of the school year. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified and required to pick up the device in the school office. The student will also face consequences for insubordination.

Please discuss these expectations with your child before school begins.

Dress Code

We want to take a moment to remind students and families about our school’s dress code policy that is outlined in detail in the Student/Family Handbook. Our dress code is designed to promote a respectful and positive learning environment while allowing students to express individuality.

Please read through the following dress code information with your child before school begins:

Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, or picture alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images.
Student dress (including accessories) may not display lewd, vulgar, obscene, or offensive language or symbols, including gang symbols.
Hats, coats, bandanas, sweat bands, and sunglasses may not be worn in the building during the school day.
Hair styles, dress, and accessories that pose a safety hazard are not permitted in the school.
Clothing that is poorly fitting, showing skin and/or undergarments, may not be worn at school.
No shirts which do not cover the mid-section (belly) when the student is sitting or standing.
All tops must have straps.
No pants with holes above mid-thigh.
No leggings unless worn with a shirt/sweatshirt/sweater which completely covers the student’s bottom.
The length of shorts or skirts must be appropriate for the school environment.
Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.
If there is any doubt about dress and appearance, building administration will make the final decision.
Students whose dress causes a substantial disruption of the orderly process of school functions or endangers the health or safety of the student, other students, staff or others may be subject to discipline.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Kim K. Martin or Mrs. Bush if you have any questions regarding the dress code.

Attendance & Tardies

Attendance and punctuality are vital for students' academic success, and our goal is that students are present and on time each school day.

We understand that occasional circumstances, such as illness, emergencies, or family situations, may prevent a student from attending school. In such cases, please let the school office know. It is important to note that absences become unexcused after ten absences without a doctor's note. In certain situations, accumulating three unexcused absences may lead to a truancy referral.

If your child's attendance is affected by special circumstances, please contact Mrs. Bush (ebush@central51.net). We are committed to supporting our students and families to ensure their success.

The CIS office accepts doctor's notes or documentation from previous appointments to adjust attendance records. Please forward any notes or documentation to Mrs. Bright at cbright@central51.net, and she will ensure that the attendance records are updated accordingly. While doctor's notes are not mandatory for absences within the first ten days, we encourage families to provide them if available, especially if your child's absences are likely to exceed ten days.

Our school day begins at 7:55, and students are expected to be in their classrooms, ready to learn, by this time. Students arriving late and not in their classrooms by 7:55 will be marked tardy. Accumulating three tardies will result in a detention.

For any special circumstances, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding attendance or tardies, or if your student or family needs support, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Bush at ebush@central51.net.

Online Safety

Safe2Help

Central Intermediate school participates in a statewide school safety program called Safe2Help Illinois. The program offers students a safe and confidential way to share information that may help present suicides, bullying, school violence, and other threats to student safety. The program also includes resources for educators and parents to reinforce the program concepts with their students.

Safe2Help Illinois features a 24/7 helpline (1-844-4-SAFEIL), free mobile app, and dedicated website (www.Safe2Helpil.com). In the absence of a trusted adult, students can use Safe2Help Illinois to share concerns about themselves or others in a confidential environment. Once vetted, the information will be immediately shared with local school officials, 911 call centers/Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) depending on the nature of the tip. It is important to note that this program is not intended to punish, suspend or expel students. Rather, the intent is to encourage students to “seek help before harm,” with the goal of intervening and helping students before they harm themselves or others.

Please be on the lookout for more detailed information about how we will discuss Safe2Help with students in the coming weeks. Also, stop by the main entrance at Supply Drop-Off to learn more about Safe2Help!

If you would like to learn more about Safe2Help, please click the link above, or check out one of these informational videos:

What is Safe2Help

You Hold the Key

Hapara Parent Portal

Hapara, installed on all students’ school issued Chromebooks, allows school staff to monitor students’ online activity on their school issued Chromebooks and when students are logged into their school Google accounts on other devices.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance communication and collaboration between home and school, we will be extending invitations for the Hapara Parent Portal to families of students in grades 3 through 8. Since these students have the privilege of taking their Chromebooks home, Hapara will serve as a valuable tool for you to stay connected and engaged in your child's online activities.

Currently, administrators and counselors are notified via email when online activities are of concern with wellness alerts. When parents/guardians opt in to the Hapara Parent Portal, families are also emailed with wellness alerts. Your active involvement in monitoring your student’s online activity plays a crucial role in promptly addressing any concerning behavior outside of school on your child’s device.

To ensure that you receive the Hapara Parent Portal invitation, we will utilize the student and family information listed in Skyward. Each family will receive an invitation from Hapara to sign up and subscribe. We hope that all families will take advantage of this opportunity to stay connected.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your input is important to us as we strive to create the best possible experience for our students and families.

Online Safety

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, offering numerous opportunities for connection, creativity, and self-expression. However, it also poses certain risks and challenges, especially for young individuals who may not fully comprehend the implications of their online activities. As responsible adults, it is our duty to guide and protect them as they navigate the digital landscape.

Here are a few reasons why monitoring social media can be beneficial:

Ensuring Online Safety: By monitoring your child's social media activity, you can help protect them from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, and potential scams. Regularly checking their interactions can provide valuable insights into their online experiences and help identify red flags.
Promoting Responsible Digital Citizenship: You can encourage your child to become a responsible digital citizen by discussing appropriate online behavior and setting clear guidelines. Discuss the importance of respectful communication, responsible sharing of personal information, and being mindful of the consequences of their online actions.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-being: Social media can significantly impact mental health, especially for young individuals. By monitoring their social media usage, you can look for signs of distress or any negative effects on their well-being. This allows you to intervene and offer support when needed.

Here are some practical tips for monitoring social media usage:

Open Dialogue: Maintain open and honest communication with your child about their online activities. Encourage them to share any concerns or experiences they have had while using social media platforms.
Establish Boundaries: Set clear guidelines regarding screen time and the use of social media platforms. Discuss the importance of balance and moderation, and work together to establish reasonable limits that align with your family's values.
Familiarize Yourself: Take the time to understand the various social media platforms your child is using. Stay informed about their features, privacy settings, and potential risks. This will enable you to have more meaningful conversations and provide informed guidance.
Be a Role Model: Children learn best by observing their parents and guardians. Be mindful of your own social media behavior and ensure that you are setting a positive example. Use social media responsibly, respect others' privacy, and engage in healthy digital interactions.

Remember, monitoring social media is not about invading your child's privacy but about ensuring their safety and well-being. By staying actively involved in their digital lives, we can collectively create a safer and more enjoyable online experience for our children.

CENTRAL Code

We're thrilled to continue CENTRAL Code this school year, building on the progress we made the last two years promoting social and emotional learning (SEL) within our school community.

CENTRAL Code consists of letters that focus on important social and emotional competencies. Throughout the year, we will emphasize each letter and its competencies through lessons and engaging social-emotional activities.

Below is detailed information about CENTRAL Code:

C - Capable (Self-Management)

A student who controls their emotions and behaviors
A student who completes tasks in new or challenging situations

E - Empathetic (Relationship Skills)

A student who displays socially acceptable actions
A student who maintains positive connections with others

N - Noble (Self-Awareness)

A student with a realistic understanding of their strengths and limitations.
A student with a consistent desire for improvement.

T - Thoughtful (Optimistic Thinking)

A student who is confident, hopeful, and positive regarding themselves and their life situations in the past, present, and future.

R - Responsible (Personal Responsibility)

A student who is careful and reliable in their actions.
A student who contributes to group efforts.

A - Aware (Social Awareness & Decision Making)

A student who recognizes her/his impact on self and others
A student who uses cooperation and tolerance in social situations
A student who problem-solves by learning from others and previous experiences.
A student who uses their values to guide actions
A student who accepts responsibility for his/her decisions

L - Lead (Goal Directed Behavior)

A student who takes initiative of tasks of varying levels.
A student who is persistent in completing tasks of varying levels.

Each month, Central Intermediate School proudly recognizes students who exemplify the CENTRAL Code through student assemblies. We celebrate these exceptional students during these assemblies by announcing their names and presenting them with a certificate. Additionally, photos of the honorees are shared on our social media platforms to acknowledge their achievements and inspire our school community.

Lunch Schedules

Fifth through eighth grade students have 43 minutes (33 minutes on Wednesdays) for lunch and recess. Each grade level’s lunch schedules are as follows:

5th/6th Lunch

5th Grade: (Lunch followed by recess): 11:50 - 12:33 p.m. | 11:30-12:03p.m. (Wednesdays)

6th Grade (Recess followed by lunch): 11:50 - 12:33 p.m. | 11:30-12:03 p.m. (Wednesdays)

7th/8th Lunch

To reduce congestion in the cafeteria, CIS will try something new this year with seventh and eighth-grade students. Students will have the opportunity to choose between two lunch/recess times:

7A Lunch and 7B Lunch :

A Lunch: Lunch from 12:36 - 1:00; Recess from 1:00 - 1:19 (times differ on Wednesdays)
B Lunch: Recess from 12:36 - 1:00; Lunch from 1:00 - 1:19 (times differ on Wednesdays)

8A Lunch and 8B Lunch :

8A Lunch: Lunch from 11:04 - 11:25; Recess from 11:25 - 11:47 (times differ on Wednesdays)
8B Lunch: Recess from 11:04 - 11:25; Lunch from 11:25 - 11:47 (times differ on Wednesdays)

The following expectations apply for the new lunch structure:

All students MUST have lunch AND go to recess. Students cannot stay in one location for the entire lunch or recess.
Options may be limited during periods of inclement weather.
Options are subject to change at the discretion of the building administration.