RCS NEWS for Families10.05.26

RCS NEWS for Families October 5, 2026 Calendar October 8-Family-Teacher Conferences October 9-No School due to Conferences the evening before October 12-15-No school, Fall Break October 22-Regular School Board Meeting October 29-Trunk or Treat for PK-5 at Eastlawn. 5:00-7:00. Family-Teacher Conferences All families are welcome to participate in Family-Teacher Conferences this Thursday evening. If you haven't scheduled an appointment, contact the school directly. If you can't make it Thursday night OR there are no open time slots, the school can schedule for another date. Bullying Prevention Month October is Bullying Prevention Month, and throughout Rantoul City Schools we are taking time to reinforce the importance of safe, respectful, and welcoming schools for every student. Our message to students and families is simple: Recognize. Respond. Report. Bullying involves behavior that is intended to harm or intimidate, involves an imbalance of power, and happens more than once. We encourage students who experience or witness concerning behavior to reach out to a trusted adult, and we encourage families to contact their school whenever they have a concern. Reports can also be made through our district’s online Bullying Reporting Form. As part of Bullying Prevention Month, RCS will also participate in National Unity Day on Wednesday, October 21. Unity Day is an opportunity for students and staff to come together around a shared message of kindness, inclusion, acceptance, and standing against bullying. Schools will be sharing more information about how they will recognize the day. Working together, we can help make sure every student knows they belong, their concerns will be heard, and there are adults ready to help. When in doubt, reach out. IN THE FRONT "In the Front" is a monthly initiative designed to bridge our schools and the surrounding community by bringing local neighbors, leaders, and role models directly to school doors to greet students with high fives, smiles, and genuine encouragement as they begin their day. This intergenerational connection serves as a powerful reminder that an entire community stands behind our youth, cheering them on. By creating an uplifting and empowering atmosphere right at the entrance of our schools, "In the Front" ensures every student feels valued, motivated, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event We had an amazing turnout at our annual district-wide Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event on Friday, October 2 at JW Eater Junior High School! Thank you to the many, many families and community members who attended, contributed, volunteered, and participated in the festivities. We learned about the shared culture of people with Spanish-speaking heritages, along with some of the traditions that are unique to different parts of the Spanish-speaking world. Visitors were able to “tour” the many different countries represented and collect stamps in their passports along the way. A huge thank you to our Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) for helping make this event possible and for their continued partnership in bringing our families and schools together! Many community organizations also attended to share information about the services and resources they provide for our families. A special thank you to the RTHS Multicultural Club for providing arts and crafts activities, and to JW Eater Student Council for helping with setup, cleanup, and just being all-around helpful throughout the evening. A mariachi band from UIUC performed, followed by hundreds of RCS students singing and dancing! And, of course, a favorite for many people was sampling some of the unique foods. Homemade empanadas and puff pastries were definitely among the highlights! Thank you also to Rantoul Mayor Sam Hall and Rantoul City Schools Board Members Vaughn, Mendoza, and Joyner for joining us! What a great evening celebrating our students, families, cultures, and community! RCS Family Resources Dashboard We’ve created a new RCS Family Resources Dashboard to make it easier for families to find important district information all in one place. The dashboard provides quick access to frequently used resources, including the 2026–2027 school calendar, FirstView bus tracking, ParentSquare, Skyward, the Student and Family Handbook, school supply lists, reporting forms, volunteer applications, and more. Many resources and descriptions are also available in Spanish. We encourage families to bookmark the page for easy access throughout the school year. RCS Family Resources: https://sites.google.com/rcs137.org/familyresources Community Bulletin Board

Monday, Oct 05 2026

RCS NEWS for Families 9.25.26

RCS NEWS for Families September 25, 2026 Calendar October 2-Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event, 5:30 October 8-Family-Teacher Conferences October 9-No School due to Conferences the evening before October 12-15-No school, Fall Break October 22-Regular School Board Meeting Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event RCS 137 and the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee invite all RCS families and community members to join us for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration & Family Engagement Event on Friday, October 2, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at JW Eater Junior High School. Families are invited to enjoy an evening featuring cultural performances, displays, community resources, food, and opportunities to learn and connect with one another. Schedule 5:30–6:30 p.m. — Food & Exhibits 6:30–7:00 p.m. — Presentations 7:00–7:30 p.m. — Food & Exhibits 7:30 p.m. — Event concludes Food will be available while supplies last. Community members and families who are interested in donating a dish for the cultural food tasting are encouraged to contact Melissa Zamora at mzamora@rcs137.org or 217-893-5404. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Hispanic heritage, learn together, and bring our RCS families and community together! New School Board Member At the September 17, 2026 Regular School Board Meeting, the Rantoul City Schools Board of Education appointed Tiffany Joyner to fill the vacant seat on the Board. Tiffany is pictured here on the right taking the Oath of Office with Board President Robin Vaughn. Interested in Serving on the RCS Board of Education? The April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election will include three four-year terms on the Rantoul City Schools #137 Board of Education. Individuals interested in serving on the Board may now begin circulating nominating petitions. Under the 2027 Illinois Candidate’s Guide, petitions for non-municipal nonpartisan offices, including school board positions, could not be circulated before August 25, 2026. Candidate filing will take place November 16–23, 2026. Who is eligible to run? According to the Illinois State Board of Elections Candidate’s Guide, a school board candidate must, as of the date of the election: Be a United States citizen Be at least 18 years old Be a registered voter Have been a resident of Illinois and the school district for at least one year immediately preceding the election Additional statutory eligibility requirements also apply. Candidate Petitions and Filing School board candidates use the appropriate Board of Education petition and candidacy forms identified by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Petitions must contain signatures from at least 50 qualified voters or 10% of the voters residing within the district, whichever is less. Candidate nomination papers for the April election must be filed November 16–23, 2026 with the appropriate county election authority in the county where the school district’s principal office is located. The Board positions on the ballot are four-year terms, and newly elected members begin their terms within 40 days following the election. Learn More Prospective candidates should review the Illinois State Board of Elections 2027 Candidate’s Guide. Information specifically related to Board of Education candidates can be found on pages 52–53 of the PDF linked here: View the 2027 Candidate’s Guide The Candidate’s Guide includes information about qualifications, required forms, petition signatures, filing dates, where nomination papers must be filed, campaign disclosure requirements, and other important election information. The guide is issued by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Important Legal Disclaimer: Rantoul City Schools #137 is providing this information as a general public service only. The District does not provide legal advice regarding candidacy, petition circulation, nomination papers, eligibility, campaign finance, or election requirements and does not endorse or support any candidate. Election laws and requirements are subject to change and may depend upon an individual candidate’s circumstances. Prospective candidates are responsible for confirming all requirements and deadlines with the appropriate election authority, the Illinois State Board of Elections, and/or their own legal counsel. The Illinois State Board of Elections likewise advises prospective candidates that its Candidate’s Guide should not be construed as legal advice. RCS Family Resources Dashboard We’ve created a new RCS Family Resources Dashboard to make it easier for families to find important district information all in one place. The dashboard provides quick access to frequently used resources, including the 2026–2027 school calendar, FirstView bus tracking, ParentSquare, Skyward, the Student and Family Handbook, school supply lists, reporting forms, volunteer applications, and more. Many resources and descriptions are also available in Spanish. We encourage families to bookmark the page for easy access throughout the school year. RCS Family Resources: https://sites.google.com/rcs137.org/familyresources Community Bulletin Board

Friday, Sep 25 2026

RCS NEWS for Families 9.11.26

RCS NEWS for Families September 11, 2026 Calendar September 17--Regular School Board Meeting, 6:00 September 25--No Student Attendance, Staff Professional Development Day September 25-Blood Drive October 2-Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event, 5:30 Annual Safety Drills Keeping students and staff safe is one of our most important responsibilities. As part of that work, Illinois law requires schools to conduct several safety drills with students each school year. We want families to understand what these drills are and why they are conducted. In RCS, we follow the Standard Response Protocol of the I Love You Guys Foundation which also aligns with our internal emergency management system, Raptor Alert. During the school year, students will participate in the following required safety drills: Three evacuation/fire drills. These drills teach students how to safely and quickly leave the building during a fire or other emergency. At least one of these drills is conducted with participation from our local fire department. One bus evacuation drill. Students are taught what to do and how to safely exit a school bus in the event of an emergency. One severe weather/shelter-in-place drill. This drill prepares students and staff to move to designated safe areas of the building during a tornado or other severe weather emergency. One law enforcement lockdown drill. This drill prepares students and staff to respond to an active threat or other situation in which remaining secured inside the school is necessary. The required drill is conducted in coordination with local law enforcement and must take place within the first 90 days of the school year. Our goal with every drill is to help students understand what to do during an emergency without creating unnecessary fear or anxiety. Staff provide directions in an age-appropriate manner, and students have an opportunity to ask questions. Illinois law also gives parents and guardians the right to exempt their child from participating in the walk-through portion of the law enforcement lockdown drill for any reason. Students who do not participate will receive alternative safety education so they still understand what to do in an emergency. Additional information about the lockdown drill, including how to request an exemption, will be provided before the drill occurs. Safety drills are an important part of helping our students and staff be prepared should an actual emergency occur. We appreciate the partnership of our families, staff, local law enforcement, fire department, and other first responders in keeping our schools safe. Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event RCS 137 and the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee invite all RCS families and community members to join us for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration & Family Engagement Event on Friday, October 2, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at JW Eater Junior High School. Families are invited to enjoy an evening featuring cultural performances, displays, community resources, food, and opportunities to learn and connect with one another. Schedule 5:30–6:30 p.m. — Food & Exhibits 6:30–7:00 p.m. — Presentations 7:00–7:30 p.m. — Food & Exhibits 7:30 p.m. — Event concludes Food will be available while supplies last. Community members and families who are interested in donating a dish for the cultural food tasting are encouraged to contact Melissa Zamora at mzamora@rcs137.org or 217-893-5404. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Hispanic heritage, learn together, and bring our RCS families and community together! Interested in Serving on the RCS Board of Education? The April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election will include three four-year terms on the Rantoul City Schools #137 Board of Education. Individuals interested in serving on the Board may now begin circulating nominating petitions. Under the 2027 Illinois Candidate’s Guide, petitions for non-municipal nonpartisan offices, including school board positions, could not be circulated before August 25, 2026. Candidate filing will take place November 16–23, 2026. Who is eligible to run? According to the Illinois State Board of Elections Candidate’s Guide, a school board candidate must, as of the date of the election: Be a United States citizen Be at least 18 years old Be a registered voter Have been a resident of Illinois and the school district for at least one year immediately preceding the election Additional statutory eligibility requirements also apply. Candidate Petitions and Filing School board candidates use the appropriate Board of Education petition and candidacy forms identified by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Petitions must contain signatures from at least 50 qualified voters or 10% of the voters residing within the district, whichever is less. Candidate nomination papers for the April election must be filed November 16–23, 2026 with the appropriate county election authority in the county where the school district’s principal office is located. The Board positions on the ballot are four-year terms, and newly elected members begin their terms within 40 days following the election. Learn More Prospective candidates should review the Illinois State Board of Elections 2027 Candidate’s Guide. Information specifically related to Board of Education candidates can be found on pages 52–53 of the PDF linked here: View the 2027 Candidate’s Guide The Candidate’s Guide includes information about qualifications, required forms, petition signatures, filing dates, where nomination papers must be filed, campaign disclosure requirements, and other important election information. The guide is issued by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Important Legal Disclaimer: Rantoul City Schools #137 is providing this information as a general public service only. The District does not provide legal advice regarding candidacy, petition circulation, nomination papers, eligibility, campaign finance, or election requirements and does not endorse or support any candidate. Election laws and requirements are subject to change and may depend upon an individual candidate’s circumstances. Prospective candidates are responsible for confirming all requirements and deadlines with the appropriate election authority, the Illinois State Board of Elections, and/or their own legal counsel. The Illinois State Board of Elections likewise advises prospective candidates that its Candidate’s Guide should not be construed as legal advice. RCS Family Resources Dashboard We’ve created a new RCS Family Resources Dashboard to make it easier for families to find important district information all in one place. The dashboard provides quick access to frequently used resources, including the 2026–2027 school calendar, FirstView bus tracking, ParentSquare, Skyward, the Student and Family Handbook, school supply lists, reporting forms, volunteer applications, and more. Many resources and descriptions are also available in Spanish. We encourage families to bookmark the page for easy access throughout the school year. RCS Family Resources: https://sites.google.com/rcs137.org/familyresources Community Bulletin Board RTHS Home Events Guidelines A Message from RTHS: With Fall sports kicking off at RTHS, we welcome families to attend our events and cheer on the Eagles. A few reminders for everyone. All K-8th grade students must attend with a parent/guardian and sit with the parent/guardian for the entirety of the event. If at any time the parent/guardian leaves the event, the student must go with them. They are not allowed to stay at events unaccompanied. During the game, students need to remain seated and watch the event. If you have any further questions, please contact Brooke Billings, RTHS Principal at bab@rths193.org .

Friday, Sep 11 2026

RCS NEWS for Families 8.28.26

RCS NEWS for Families August 28, 2026 Calendar September 7--Holiday Observance, No School September 17--Regular School Board Meeting, 6:00 September 25--No Student Attendance, Staff Professional Development Day September 25-Blood Drive October 2-Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event, 5:30 RTHS Home Events Guidelines A Message from RTHS: With Fall sports kicking off at RTHS, we welcome families to attend our events and cheer on the Eagles. A few reminders for everyone. All K-8th grade students must attend with a parent/guardian and sit with the parent/guardian for the entirety of the event. If at any time the parent/guardian leaves the event, the student must go with them. They are not allowed to stay at events unaccompanied. During the game, students need to remain seated and watch the event. If you have any further questions, please contact Brooke Billings, RTHS Principal at bab@rths193.org . Interested in Serving on the RCS Board of Education? The April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election will include three four-year terms on the Rantoul City Schools #137 Board of Education. Individuals interested in serving on the Board may now begin circulating nominating petitions. Under the 2027 Illinois Candidate’s Guide, petitions for non-municipal nonpartisan offices, including school board positions, could not be circulated before August 25, 2026. Candidate filing will take place November 16–23, 2026. Who is eligible to run? According to the Illinois State Board of Elections Candidate’s Guide, a school board candidate must, as of the date of the election: Be a United States citizen Be at least 18 years old Be a registered voter Have been a resident of Illinois and the school district for at least one year immediately preceding the election Additional statutory eligibility requirements also apply. Candidate Petitions and Filing School board candidates use the appropriate Board of Education petition and candidacy forms identified by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Petitions must contain signatures from at least 50 qualified voters or 10% of the voters residing within the district, whichever is less. Candidate nomination papers for the April election must be filed November 16–23, 2026 with the appropriate county election authority in the county where the school district’s principal office is located. The Board positions on the ballot are four-year terms, and newly elected members begin their terms within 40 days following the election. Learn More Prospective candidates should review the Illinois State Board of Elections 2027 Candidate’s Guide. Information specifically related to Board of Education candidates can be found on pages 52–53 of the PDF linked here: View the 2027 Candidate’s Guide The Candidate’s Guide includes information about qualifications, required forms, petition signatures, filing dates, where nomination papers must be filed, campaign disclosure requirements, and other important election information. The guide is issued by the Illinois State Board of Elections. Important Legal Disclaimer: Rantoul City Schools #137 is providing this information as a general public service only. The District does not provide legal advice regarding candidacy, petition circulation, nomination papers, eligibility, campaign finance, or election requirements and does not endorse or support any candidate. Election laws and requirements are subject to change and may depend upon an individual candidate’s circumstances. Prospective candidates are responsible for confirming all requirements and deadlines with the appropriate election authority, the Illinois State Board of Elections, and/or their own legal counsel. The Illinois State Board of Elections likewise advises prospective candidates that its Candidate’s Guide should not be construed as legal advice. RTHS Cheerleading Kids Clinic Rantoul Township High School Cheerleading is hosting a Kids Cheer Clinic for students in grades K-5! Participants will learn cheer motions, a cheer, jump technique, and a dance. They will also have the opportunity to perform during halftime of the RTHS football game on Friday, September 11. Clinic Dates: Tuesday, September 8, 5:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 5:00-6:30 p.m. Halftime Performance: Friday, September 11 RTHS vs. Central Catholic Game begins at 7:00 p.m. RTHS cheerleaders will also visit Pleasant Acres, Broadmeadow, Eastlawn, Northview, and St. Malachy on Thursday, September 10 for a traveling pep rally. Clinic participants from those schools will have the opportunity to perform for their classmates. The cost is $20 per participant and includes a shirt and bow. Register by September 3 to guarantee a shirt. Cash or checks payable to Rantoul Cheerleading will be collected on the first day of the clinic. Please see the attached flyer to register using the QR code. Questions can be directed to Coach Elizabeth Dietz at elizabethdietz@rths193.org Hispanic Heritage Family Engagement Event RCS 137 and the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee invite all RCS families and community members to join us for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration & Family Engagement Event on Friday, October 2, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at JW Eater Junior High School. Families are invited to enjoy an evening featuring cultural performances, displays, community resources, food, and opportunities to learn and connect with one another. Schedule 5:30–6:30 p.m. — Food & Exhibits 6:30–7:00 p.m. — Presentations 7:00–7:30 p.m. — Food & Exhibits 7:30 p.m. — Event concludes Food will be available while supplies last. Community members and families who are interested in donating a dish for the cultural food tasting are encouraged to contact Melissa Zamora at mzamora@rcs137.org or 217-893-5404. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Hispanic heritage, learn together, and bring our RCS families and community together! New RCS Family Resources Dashboard We’ve created a new RCS Family Resources Dashboard to make it easier for families to find important district information all in one place. The dashboard provides quick access to frequently used resources, including the 2026–2027 school calendar, FirstView bus tracking, ParentSquare, Skyward, the Student and Family Handbook, school supply lists, reporting forms, volunteer applications, and more. Many resources and descriptions are also available in Spanish. We encourage families to bookmark the page for easy access throughout the school year. RCS Family Resources: https://sites.google.com/rcs137.org/familyresources Our Districtwide Targeted Learning Focus This year, Rantoul City Schools is bringing a shared focus to teaching and learning across the district. Our districtwide Targeted Learning Focus (TLF) is: “All students will read, analyze, and communicate about complex texts across school settings with increasing independence and confidence.” You’ll hear us summarize this work with a simple phrase: "Build Meaning. Build Thinking. Build Confidence." Each of our schools has also developed its own Targeted Learning Focus that aligns with the districtwide goal while reflecting the specific needs of its students. These school-level priorities were developed by each building’s Instructional Leadership Team, which includes a broad representation of staff. The goal is to create greater consistency and focus across our classrooms while still allowing each school to respond to its students. Whether students are reading in language arts, studying a science article, interpreting a math problem, or examining a primary source in social studies, we want them to become increasingly confident and independent in making meaning, thinking deeply, and communicating what they know. Let’s Build!

Friday, Aug 28 2026

RCS NEWS for Families 8.10.26

RCS NEWS for Families August 10, 2026 Calendar Aug 17--PreK and Kinder Family-Teacher Conferences (No PreK and Kinder Student Attendance) Aug 17 First Day of Student Attendance for Grades 1 – 8 Aug 18 --First Day of Student Attendance for All PreK and some Kindergarten (Aug 18 --Only Kindergarten for Students Last Names A – L; Aug 19 --Only Kindergarten for Students Last Names M – Z; Aug 20 --Only Kindergarten for Students Last Names A – L; Aug 21 --Only Kindergarten for Students Last Names M – Z) Aug 20--Regular School Board Meeting. 6:00 pm at 1 Aviation Center Drive. Aug 24--All Kindergarten in Attendance Sept 7--Holiday Observance – No School Back to School Events AUGUST 13: “Meet the Teacher” 4:30-5:30 p.m. for Northview and Pleasant Acres 5:00-6:30 p.m. for RISE Academy Meet the Teacher and Family Cookout 5:00-6:30 p.m. for JW Eater 6th Graders. Meet the Teacher and Family Cookout 5:30-6:30 p.m. for Broadmeadow and Eastlawn AUGUST 17: PRE-K and KINDERGARTEN Conferences SEPTEMBER 1: 7th and 8th Grade Curriculum Night at JW Eater and all RISE Academy students 6:00-7:00 p.m. New RCS Family Resources Dashboard We’ve created a new RCS Family Resources Dashboard to make it easier for families to find important district information all in one place. The dashboard provides quick access to frequently used resources, including the 2026–2027 school calendar, FirstView bus tracking, ParentSquare, Skyward, the Student and Family Handbook, school supply lists, reporting forms, volunteer applications, and more. Many resources and descriptions are also available in Spanish. We encourage families to bookmark the page for easy access throughout the school year. RCS Family Resources: https://sites.google.com/rcs137.org/familyresources Our Districtwide Targeted Learning Focus This year, Rantoul City Schools is bringing a shared focus to teaching and learning across the district. Our districtwide Targeted Learning Focus (TLF) is: “All students will read, analyze, and communicate about complex texts across school settings with increasing independence and confidence.” You’ll hear us summarize this work with a simple phrase: "Build Meaning. Build Thinking. Build Confidence." Each of our schools has also developed its own Targeted Learning Focus that aligns with the districtwide goal while reflecting the specific needs of its students. These school-level priorities were developed by each building’s Instructional Leadership Team, which includes a broad representation of staff. The goal is to create greater consistency and focus across our classrooms while still allowing each school to respond to its students. Whether students are reading in language arts, studying a science article, interpreting a math problem, or examining a primary source in social studies, we want them to become increasingly confident and independent in making meaning, thinking deeply, and communicating what they know. Let’s Build! Board Vacancy RCS Community, One of our Board Members, Katherine Johnston, has resigned from the Rantoul City Schools Board of Education due to relocation. Her term was set to expire in April 2027. Due to this vacancy, the Board must seat a new member by September 18, 2026, and the selected member will serve through April 2027. At that time, the seat will be filled through the regular election process. The Board is seeking qualified candidates to be considered for appointment. We encourage any interested community members to submit a letter of interest and the attached questionnaire to RCS by Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at noon. You may email your letter and questionnaire to rcsboard@rcs137.org or leave a hard copy at the district’s main office. The Board will review all applications and determine which applicants to invite for an interview. Based on the number of applicants, the Board may choose not to interview all applicants. Applicants will be contacted individually to schedule interviews. Interviews will occur during a closed session meeting of the Board. After interviews are conducted, the Board anticipates voting to appoint the new member during open session at or before the regularly scheduled September 17, 2026 meeting. To be a Board member, you must be, on the date of appointment, a US Citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of RCS for at least one year immediately prior to the appointment, and a registered voter. Additional qualifications are outlined in Board Policy 2:40. Applicants should show familiarity with the Board’s policies regarding general duties and responsibilities of a Board and Board member including fiduciary responsibilities, conflict of interest, ethics and gift ban. These Board policies may be found here in Board Policy Section 2. An additional reference to consider is the School Board Member Handbook. If you have any questions about this process, you may email rcsboard@rcs137.org or contact individual Board members. Our contact information can be found here. Thank you for your consideration! Sincerely, Robin Vaughn Board President Link to Application E-Learning Plan-Notification of Hearing Dear RCS Families, At the August 20, 2026, Board of Education meeting, a public hearing will be held at 6:05 p.m. to consider the renewal of the District’s e-learning plan. The hearing will be held at 1 Aviation Center Drive, Rantoul, Illinois. In the event of inclement weather or another emergency, the District may use up to five e-learning days in place of regular school attendance days. Before an e-learning day is used, teachers will provide students with e-learning materials for possible school closures. These materials will be designed to provide at least five clock hours of instruction or schoolwork for a typical, on-grade-level student. As needed, modifications and accommodations will be provided for students with disabilities, English learners, and students with other individual learning needs. The District’s e-learning materials are designed so that students can complete the required work without relying on internet access. Technology resources may also be used when available, but students will be provided with non-electronic materials when needed. If the District closes school because of weather or another emergency, the notification sent to families will state whether the day is an e-learning day or a traditional school closure. On an e-learning day, students will be expected to complete the assigned work and return it to their teacher as directed. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments from parents, employees, and members of the community regarding the proposed renewal of the District’s e-learning plan. Please contact your child’s school or the District Office if you have questions about the e-learning plan. Sincerely, Scott Woods Superintendent Rantoul City School District 137

Monday, Aug 10 2026

Notice of E-Learning Plan Hearing

Dear RCS Families, At the August 20, 2026, Board of Education meeting, a public hearing will be held at 6:05 p.m. to consider the renewal of the District’s e-learning plan. The hearing will be held at 1 Aviation Center Drive, Rantoul, Illinois. In the event of inclement weather or another emergency, the District may use up to five e-learning days in place of regular school attendance days. Before an e-learning day is used, teachers will provide students with e-learning materials for possible school closures. These materials will be designed to provide at least five clock hours of instruction or schoolwork for a typical, on-grade-level student. As needed, modifications and accommodations will be provided for students with disabilities, English learners, and students with other individual learning needs. The District’s e-learning materials are designed so that students can complete the required work without relying on internet access. Technology resources may also be used when available, but students will be provided with non-electronic materials when needed. If the District closes school because of weather or another emergency, the notification sent to families will state whether the day is an e-learning day or a traditional school closure. On an e-learning day, students will be expected to complete the assigned work and return it to their teacher as directed. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments from parents, employees, and members of the community regarding the proposed renewal of the District’s e-learning plan. Please contact your child’s school or the District Office if you have questions about the e-learning plan. Sincerely, Scott Woods Superintendent Rantoul City School District 137

Monday, Aug 10 2026

School Board Vacancy--Announcement

July 27, 2026 RCS Community, One of our Board Members, Katherine Johnston, has resigned from the Rantoul City Schools Board of Education due to relocation. Her term was set to expire in April 2027. Due to this vacancy, the Board must seat a new member by September 18, 2026, and the selected member will serve through April 2027. At that time, the seat will be filled through the regular election process.  The Board is seeking qualified candidates to be considered for appointment. We encourage any interested community members to submit a letter of interest and the attached questionnaire to RCS by Wednesday, August  8, 2026 at noon. You may email your letter and questionnaire to  rcsboard@rcs137.org  or leave a hard copy at the district’s main office. The Board will review all applications and determine which applicants to invite for an interview.  Based on the number of applicants, the Board may choose not to interview all applicants. Applicants will be contacted individually to schedule interviews.  Interviews will occur during a closed session meeting of the Board.  After interviews are conducted, the Board anticipates voting to appoint the new member during open session at or before the regularly scheduled September 17, 2026 meeting. To be a Board member, you must be, on the date of appointment, a US Citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of RCS for at least one year immediately prior to the appointment, and a registered voter. Additional qualifications are outlined in  Board Policy 2:40 . Applicants should show familiarity with the Board’s policies regarding general duties and responsibilities of a Board and Board member including fiduciary responsibilities, conflict of interest, ethics and gift ban. These Board policies may be found here in  Board Policy Section 2 . An additional reference to consider is the  School Board Member Handbook . If you have any questions about this process, you may email  rcsboard@rcs137.org  or contact individual Board members. Our contact information can be found  here .  Thank you for your consideration! Sincerely, Robin Vaughn Board President [Saturday, Aug 8 at 11:48 AM] Update: The deadline to submit an application of interest is Wednesday, August 12 at noon. The original posting stated an incorrect date if Wednesday, August 8.

Monday, Jul 27 2026

Reminder: 2026–27 Registration and Important Back-to...

Dear RCS Families, This is a reminder that all students must register for school each year. Returning K–8 Students Online registration is now open at  www.rcs137.org . Select Registration and New Student, then log in to Skyward and complete the Returning Student Online Registration process. Please make sure each registration step has a green check mark and that you click Submit Returning Online Registration 2026–2027 at the end. Returning K–8 students do not need to attend centralized registration if their registration can be completed online. Centralized Registration Centralized registration will be held for: New students in grades K–8 Returning families who need access to a computer All new and returning Pre-K students Thursday, July 23 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. JW Eater Junior High School 400 E. Wabash Avenue First Days of School August 17: First day for students in grades 1–8; Pre-K and Kindergarten conferences August 18: First day for all Pre-K students and Kindergarten students with last names beginning A–L August 19: First day for Kindergarten students with last names beginning M–Z August 20: Second day for Kindergarten students with last names beginning A–L August 21: Second day for Kindergarten students with last names beginning M–Z Meet the Teacher — August 13 4:30–5:30 p.m.: Northview and Pleasant Acres 5:30–6:30 p.m.: Broadmeadow and Eastlawn 5:00–6:00 p.m.: Sixth-grade students at JW Eater and fifth- and sixth-grade students at RISE Academy School Supply List https://tinyurl.com/3fhp9xu9 For assistance with registration, please contact your child’s school or call or email Darcy Widener at 217-893-5452 or dwidener@rcs137.org. We look forward to welcoming our students and families back for the 2026–27 school year! Sincerely,  Scott Woods Superintendent

Monday, Jul 20 2026

RCS NEWS for Families 05.16.2026

RCS NEWS for Families May 16, 2026 Calendar Thursday, May 21. Last day of school for PreK Students. Thursday, May 21. JW Eater Promotion Ceremony. Friday, May 22. Last Day for Student Attendance (Half Day). Thursday, June 18. Regular School Board Meeting. Thursday, July 23. Centralized Registration. Congratulations Mrs. Blackwell At the May 14 Board of Education Meeting, the Board recognized Mrs. Susan Blackwell for her 26 years of dedicated service to Rantoul City Schools. Susan began working at J.W. Eater Junior High School in August 2000 and has supported students in a variety of roles throughout her career, including as a special education support staff member and coordinator of the school’s in-school suspension program. She is known for her reliability, consistency, and unwavering dedication to students and staff. Susan also shared that, in addition to working with students, she has enjoyed learning many new computer skills over the years with Nakia’s help. In recognition of her service, a donation was made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor, and she received a commemorative plaque. In retirement, Susan looks forward to spending time as a stay-at-home grandma with her first- and fifth-grade granddaughters and enjoying all that comes with their schooling. May 14 Regular School Board Meeting At the May 14 Regular Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the District’s 2026–2027 Certified Staff Evaluation Framework, annual Title I Schoolwide Plans and School Improvement Plans, and the 2026–2027 Consolidated District Plan required for federal grant funding. These plans help guide district priorities related to literacy, mathematics, student support systems, and school improvement efforts. In staffing and personnel items, the Board approved new administrative hires, two new job descriptions designed to assist with student behavioral support systems, and the Board also approved a contract for speech-language pathology services to support students with specialized needs and reviewed updates to Board policies recommended through the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). In Superintendent comments, administration shared information regarding: End-of-year and summer calendar dates A revised student bullying and harassment reporting form designed to make reporting easier for students and families Summer school selection criteria, which are based on student academic need and reading performance at K-5. The Board also approved the establishment of a Special Board Committee for Student Equity. The committee will review issues related to equitable student access, opportunities, and outcomes and will provide recommendations to the Board over the next year. The next regular Board of Education meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2026. The full board packet and a video of the meeting are available here: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2431 New Administrative Hires Two new administrators were appointed at the May 14 School Board Meeting. Cassie McConkey, Behavioral MTSS Specialist, District. Cassie McConkey currently serves as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for RCS and will assume the newly created role of Behavioral MTSS Specialist for the 2026–2027 school year. Cassie brings extensive experience in behavior supports, special education, staff development, and systems-level leadership. She earned her Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has recently completed her Master of Science in Educational Leadership, as well as principal and special education administrator endorsements, through Eastern Illinois University. During her time with RCS, Cassie has led district efforts to strengthen Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans, provided coaching and professional development to staff, supervised Registered Behavior Technicians, and helped build more inclusive and supportive learning environments for students. Her work has also extended beyond the district through conference presentations, research, and consultation with other school systems on behavior and MTSS practices. We are excited to have Cassie step into this important leadership role as we continue strengthening our districtwide behavioral systems and supports for students and staff. Outside of school, Cassie exists among her three teenagers (Sophia, Kale, and Sunni) and is married to her high school sweetheart. She is obsessed with her French Bulldog, Teeter, and enjoys watching true crime documentaries, tending to her chickens, and when the weather is nice, relaxing in the pool. Jason Peterson, Assistant Principal, Pleasant Acres. Jason Peterson currently serves as a teacher at J.W. Eater Junior High School and brings more than a decade of educational experience to his new role as Assistant Principal at Pleasant Acres Elementary School. Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Secondary School Teaching from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and recently completed a master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a Principal Endorsement from Eastern Illinois University. Jason previously taught at JW Eater from 2018 to 2022, where he served as both an 8th grade Social Studies and Language Arts teacher, mentored new staff members, supported social-emotional learning initiatives, and coached basketball. Prior to returning to teach at JW Eater in 2024, Jason served as Student Services Coordinator at Unity High School, where his responsibilities included student support services, testing coordination, scheduling, and college and career planning. Jason is known for his professionalism, strong relationships with students and staff, and commitment to student success, and we are excited to welcome him into this leadership role at Pleasant Acres. Outside of school, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, working out, playing sports, watchi Registration and Back to School Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is now open. All students must be registered every year. Families may complete registration online or attend centralized registration in person. Returning Students Students who attended an RCS school for the full 2025-2026 school year should complete online registration now. To register: Go to the district website at Rantoul City Schools Click Registration and New Student Log in to Skyward and complete Returning Student Online Registration 2026-2027 for each child in your household If you need help with your login or password, contact your child’s school or call Darcy Widener at 217-893-5452. New Students and Families Needing Computer Access Centralized Registration for grades K-8 will be held: Thursday, July 23, 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. J.W. Eater Junior High School Returning students do not need to attend centralized registration if online registration is completed at home. All Pre-K students, both new and returning, must complete registration in person at centralized registration. School Start Dates AUGUST 17, 2026: First Day of School for grades 1-8 AUGUST 18, 2026: First Day of School for ALL Pre-K Students and Kindergarten students with last name beginning with A-L. AUGUST 19, 2026: First Day of School for Kindergarten students with last name beginning with M-Z. AUGUST 20, 2026: Second Day of School for Kindergarten students with last name beginning with A-L. AUGUST 21, 2026: Second Day of School for Kindergarten students with last name beginning with M-Z. Back to School Events AUGUST 13, 2026: “Meet the Teacher” Event 5:00-6:00 p.m. for 6th Graders at JW Eater and 5/6th Graders at RISE Academy “Meet the Teacher” Event 4:30-5:30 p.m. for Northview and Pleasant Acres and 5:30-6:30 p.m. for Broadmeadow and Eastlawn AUGUST 17, 2026: PRE-K and KINDERGARTEN Conferences SEPTEMBER 1, 2026: 7th and 8th Grade Curriculum Night at JW Eater and at RISE Academy 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 16 2026

RCS NEWS for Families 05.12.2026

RCS NEWS for Families May 12, 2026 Calendar Thursday, May 14. Regular School Board Meeting. Wednesday, May 15. Last day for K-5 After School Programs. Saturday, May 16. Carle Mobile Clinic. 9-4 at RTHS. Thursday, May 21. Last day of school for PreK Students. Thursday, May 21. JW Eater Promotion Ceremony. Friday, May 22. Last Day for Student Attendance (Half Day). Registration and Back to School Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year is now open. All students must be registered every year. Families may complete registration online or attend centralized registration in person. Returning Students Students who attended an RCS school for the full 2025-2026 school year should complete online registration now. To register: Go to the district website at Rantoul City Schools Click Registration and New Student Log in to Skyward and complete Returning Student Online Registration 2026-2027 for each child in your household If you need help with your login or password, contact your child’s school or call Darcy Widener at 217-893-5452. New Students and Families Needing Computer Access Centralized Registration for grades K-8 will be held: Thursday, July 23, 2026 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. J.W. Eater Junior High School Returning students do not need to attend centralized registration if online registration is completed at home. All Pre-K students, both new and returning, must complete registration in person at centralized registration. School Start Dates AUGUST 17, 2026: First Day of School for grades 1-8 AUGUST 18, 2026: First Day of School for ALL Pre-K Students and Kindergarten students with last name beginning with A-L. AUGUST 19, 2026: First Day of School for Kindergarten students with last name beginning with M-Z. AUGUST 20, 2026: Second Day of School for Kindergarten students with last name beginning with A-L. AUGUST 21, 2026: Second Day of School for Kindergarten students with last name beginning with M-Z. Back to School Events AUGUST 13, 2026: “Meet the Teacher” Event 5:00-6:00 p.m. for 6th Graders at JW Eater and 5/6th Graders at RISE Academy “Meet the Teacher” Event 4:30-5:30 p.m. for Northview and Pleasant Acres and 5:30-6:30 p.m. for Broadmeadow and Eastlawn AUGUST 17, 2026: PRE-K and KINDERGARTEN Conferences SEPTEMBER 1, 2026: 7th and 8th Grade Curriculum Night at JW Eater and at RISE Academy 6:00-7:00 p.m. Carle Mobile Clinic If your student is going into Kindergarten, 6th or 9th grade next school year they are required to have a current physical done. Now would be a great time to make an appointment!

Tuesday, May 12 2026