Central Families,

As we enter March, we are gearing up for an important and productive month! Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) testing begins on Monday, and we appreciate your support in helping students be prepared. Ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time will set them up for success.

This month, our Central Code focus is "Aware," emphasizing social awareness and decision-making. Students will be encouraged to consider different perspectives, show empathy toward others, and make responsible choices in their learning and social interactions. These skills are essential for building a positive and inclusive school community.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering student success. We look forward to a great month ahead!

5Essentials 

We need your input! Please take a few minutes to complete the 5Essentials Survey, which helps us understand our school’s strengths and areas for growth. Your feedback directly impacts our efforts to improve student learning, school climate, and family engagement.

The survey is open now – your voice matters! Click HERE to participate.

Branches Care Closet 

What: Branches of Washington is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower children, youth, and their families by offering programs and resources that foster their development and success. Once per month, volunteers will staff the Branches Care Closet room at school and help students shop for free hygiene products, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, as well as free new or gently used clothing such as shorts, pants, leggings, shirts, hoodies, sweaters, sweatshirts, and new packages of underwear and socks.

Where: Central Primary and Intermediate Schools

When: Once per month

Who: Any student who qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunch can participate in this program. Students must have this permission form on file before they shop.

Questions?

• How Much Does it Cost?  All items in the Care Closet are free.

• Who Donates the Items?  Toiletries and clothing are donated by Washington area churches, businesses, and residents.

How Can My Child Participate? Complete the permission form HERE, and return it to school. Need a paper copy? No problem! Email Mrs. Bush, and we can have it ready for you in the office or send home with your child. 

Lunch & Recess Expectations

We have recently noticed some challenges with students following lunch and recess expectations. To ensure a safe and structured environment for all students, we ask for your support in reinforcing the following guidelines. Please review these expectations with your child.

• Due to limited supervision in the hallways during lunch/recess periods, students must bring their coats and lunch boxes with them to lunch and recess each day. They will not be permitted to return to their lockers for forgotten items.

• All students are expected to be in the lunchroom or on the playground during their designated lunch/recess time. Staying inside for recess is not allowed.

• During recess and lunch, students may only use the restroom located in the cafeteria and must have permission from an adult.

• Food and drinks are not allowed on the playground.

• If a student needs additional time to finish their lunch, they should notify an adult so arrangements can be made for them to stay in the cafeteria.

Students who choose not to follow these expectations may be subject to removal from the cafeteria and/or recess for one or more days and could also receive an after-school detention. Thank you for your help in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.

Words Matter: Respectful Communication

On February 26, Officer Taylor delivered an important presentation to students about respectful communication and making positive choices to avoid disciplinary actions. The session focused on the power of words, how inappropriate language can create a negative school environment, and the consequences of bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Each grade-level's engagement in the assembly was wonderful!

Key takeaways from the presentation included:

• Respectful Communication: Words matter! Name-calling, insults, and inappropriate language can be harmful and disruptive. Students were reminded to think before speaking and to treat others kindly.

• Consequences of Negative Behavior: Bullying, fighting, using hate speech, or making threats can lead to serious consequences, including a visit to the principal’s office or further disciplinary action.

• Digital Responsibility: Chromebooks should only be used for schoolwork, and taking unauthorized photos or videos is not allowed. Additionally, cell phones must remain off and in lockers unless a teacher grants permission.

• Bullying & Harassment Awareness: Students learned about different types of bullying—including verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying—and their harmful effects. They were encouraged to report any concerns to a trusted adult.

• How to Help: If a student witnesses or experiences inappropriate language, threats, or harassment, they should speak up and seek support from a teacher, counselor, or other school staff.

Parents are encouraged to continue these conversations at home, reinforcing the importance of respect and responsibility.

ROCK

The second and final CIS ROCK event is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025. ROCK is a PTO-sponsored reward event designed to celebrate students who have demonstrated good behavior at school. To qualify, students must have no detentions or suspensions between Monday, February 3, and Friday, April 11.

ROCK wouldn’t be possible without the help of parent volunteers. It’s a fun and rewarding way to get involved and support our students. If you’re interested in volunteering, look for more information from PTO closer to the date.

Thank you for encouraging your students to follow the CENTRAL Code and make daily positive choices!

Aladdin Jr.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Aladdin Jr.! We are so proud of our students, staff, and families who made the show a success!

Term 3 & 4 Dates

• Term 3 End Date: Friday, March 7

• Term 3 Report Cards Published: Friday, March 14

• Term 4 Start Date: Monday, March 10

• Term 4 Midterm: Friday, April 11

• Term 4 End Date: Friday, May 23 (with no emergency days)

• Term 4 Report Cards Published: Friday, May 23 (with no emergency days)

Communication

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

Email: ebush@central51.net

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