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RCS NEWS for Families 11-07-2025
RCS NEWS for Families November 7, 2025 Calendar November 10--No K-5 After School Programs November 13--Regular Board of Education Meeting (Meet and greet at 5:30) Meeting at 6:00. At 1 Aviation Center Drive. AGENDAS POSTED HERE November 24--No K-5 After School Programs November 25--No K-5 After School Programs November 26-28--No School. Thanksgiving. December 5-No bussing for ExPlores RCS Food Drive We’re collecting donations November 3–24 to support the Community Service Center of Northern Champaign County. Bring your canned goods, boxed sides, condiments, hygiene products, and other non-perishable items to JW Eater or the Central Office. You can also make a monetary donation online at https://ccscrantoul.org/donate Let’s come together to help our neighbors this Thanksgiving season! Rantoul Community Pancake Breakfast & Resource Event Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9 AM–1 PM at Eater Jr. High School for a morning of fun and community connection! Enjoy a free pancake breakfast, crafts for kids, and local resource vendors. Families can also take part in The Season of Giving event in Champaign-Urbana (advance sign-up required; limited transportation available). This districtwide family engagement event is hosted by Rantoul City Schools with the help of community partners. For details, contact Tonya Carter at 217-722-7173. FREE Community SWAP Rantoul Township High School November 22nd from 11 am - 4 pm Take what you Need, Leave what you Can! More information coming soon! Sponsored by Catch my Thrift What you should know about reading in RCS In recent years, reading instruction at the elementary level has undergone some big changes. Attached is a brief overview of how we work with students on reading and writing in grades 1-5. Please take a few minutes to make yourself familiar with the attached information, and please reach out if you have questions.
Friday, Nov 07 2025
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Reminder-Let’s talk about behaviors in school-THURSDAY
Rantoul City Schools invites parents, families, and community members to join us for an important evening of learning, discussion, and connection. Thursday, November 6, 2025 5:00–6:30 PM JW Eater Junior High Cafeteria (Use Door 12) Join our Guest Panel Q&A and Round Table Work Groups to: Ask questions and share your perspective Learn how to advocate for your child Support young people in managing emotions and choices Strengthen communication through understanding Together, we can build safer, kinder schools and communities.
Wednesday, Nov 05 2025
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2025 School Report Card
Dear RCS Families, The 2025 Illinois School Report Card is now available for our district and school by going to https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/ . This report card reflects scores for students who were tested last school year, spring of 2025. As a district, RCS continues to make steady progress in student learning, with English Language Arts growth holding near the statewide average and continued improvements in student attendance. For your student, individual student reports will be provided to families soon and are typically sent home with report cards. Each school receives a summative designation. All RCS schools are designated Commendable or Targeted; none are Comprehensive or Intensive. In a diverse, mid-sized district like RCS, multiple student groups are evaluated at each school. A Targeted designation indicates at least one student group requires additional support. Summative Designations Pleasant Acres Commendable Northview Targeted Eastlawn Targeted Broadmeadow Targeted JW Eater and RISE Academy Commendable RCS is using this information to guide precise, group-specific strategies for school improvement including: The new PreK campus expands readiness and strengthens our early learning pipeline. K–5 Restructuring (Companion Schools model) balances enrollment, increases grade-level collaboration, and focuses campuses on primary (K–2) and intermediate (3–5) needs. Implementation of our Instructional Literacy Framework aligns daily literacy blocks with the Science of Reading and ensures consistent intervention practices. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns by calling 217-893-5400 or emailing me at swoods@rcs137.org . Sincerely, Scott Woods, Superintendent
Thursday, Oct 30 2025
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RCS NEWS for Families 10-24-2025
RCS NEWS for Families October 24, 2025 Calendar November 5--Family Literacy Night from 5:30-7:00 at JW Eater November 10--No K-5 After School Programs November 13--Regular Board of Education Meeting (Meet and greet at 5:30) Meeting at 6:00. At 1 Aviation Center Drive. AGENDAS POSTED HERE November 24--No K-5 After School Programs November 25--No K-5 After School Programs November 26-28--No School. Thanksgiving. School Board Meeting Update The Board of Education met on Thursday, October 16 for its regular monthly meeting. Below are some key items: Emily Stratton was named Interim Dean at Eastlawn. She is currently a social worker at Eastlawn. There was a presentation to the board related to the bullying policy, 7:180. The board celebrated that it is being recognized by its state organization (IASB) for Good Governance. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for November 13. Materials from and video of the meeting can be accessed from the Board's webpage. Hispanic Heritage Celebration Photos 10-17-25 What you should know about reading in RCS In recent years, reading instruction at the elementary level has undergone some big changes. Attached is a brief overview of how we work with students on reading and writing in grades 1-5. Please take a few minutes to make yourself familiar with the attached information, and please reach out if you have questions. Bullying Information Below you will find a thirteen minute video (English Only) that provides an overview of how bullying reports are addressed from the initial report to possible disciplinary actions as well as resources for families. A copy of the information found in the video is available as a PDF in Spanish (attached).
Friday, Oct 24 2025
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Bullying and Harassment Information for Families
Bullying and Harassment Information for Families October 22, 2025 Included here is information for families about bullying and harassment policies and procedures. Below you will find a thirteen minute video (English Only) that provides an overview of how bullying reports are addressed from the initial report to possible disciplinary actions as well as resources for families. A copy of the information found in the video is available as a PDF in Spanish (attached). Links from the Video Links from the Video Psychology Today Article https://tinyurl.com/56eu9fzb RCS FAQ https://sites.google.com/rcs137.org/bullying-faq/home Bullying Prevention in Positive Behavior Support. Includes lessons on Stop, Walk, Talk. https://tinyurl.com/4rdrxrdv StopBullying.gov is a comprehensive resource center for families, teachers, and students. https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/how-to-prevent-bullying Responsive Classroom Resources about bullying. https://www.pbis.org/topics/bullying-prevention Resources from Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) https://www.pbis.org/topics/bullying-prevention Presentación en Español https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MheQgv9DUL-vHZrCEfiq7pWfGy-_pdNq/view?usp=sharing Presentation in English https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rvHq3x0ujvLbEyAEXyqQ8ZL230DCxPyL/view?usp=sharing Making a Report After reviewing this information, if you believe your student has been the victim of bullying, cyberbullying, or sexual harassment, we encourage you to take two steps: Contact your student’s school right away. Document the concern using THIS ONLINE FORM. Every report is taken seriously. Each reported incident is fully investigated by staff, and appropriate actions are taken, which may include disciplinary measures. Thank you for partnering with us to keep RCS schools safe and supportive for all students.
Wednesday, Oct 22 2025
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RCS NEWS for Families 10-13-2025
RCS NEWS for Families October 13, 2025 Calendar October 16--Regular Board of Education Meeting (Meet and greet at 5:30) Meeting at 6:00. At 1 Aviation Center Drive. AGENDAS POSTED HERE October 17--District-wide Hispanic Heritage Celebration from 6:00-8:00 at JW Eater October 20--No K-5 After School Program October 20--Autumn for All: An Autism Acceptance Play Date from 5:00-6:00 at Northview November 5--Family Literacy Night from 5:30-7:00 at JW Eater Hispanic Heritage Celebration All families are welcome to attend our annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration at JW Eater from 6:00-8:00 on Friday, October 17. Detailed schedule below: 6:00 - 7:00 pm Food and tables (country and community) 7:00 - 7:30 pm Presentations (food will be open still) 7:30 - 8:00 pm Food and tables (country and community) 8:00 pm Closing What you should know about reading in RCS In recent years, reading instruction at the elementary level has undergone some big changes. Attached is a brief overview of how we work with students on reading and writing in grades 1-5. Please take a few minutes to make yourself familiar with the information, and please reach out if you have questions. ENGLISH SPANISH Bullying Prevention Each school year we remind families of both your rights and our responsibility to create and maintain a safe learning environment for every student. Please take a few minutes to review our Frequently Asked Questions Website which provides information on important topics such as identifying, reporting, preventing, and responding to concerns like bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment. After reviewing this information, if you believe your student has been the victim of bullying, cyberbullying, or sexual harassment, we encourage you to take two steps: Contact your student’s school right away. Document the concern using THIS ONLINE FORM. Every report is taken seriously. Each reported incident is fully investigated by staff, and appropriate actions are taken, which may include disciplinary measures. Thank you for partnering with us to keep RCS schools safe and supportive for all students.
Monday, Oct 13 2025
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RCS NEWS for Families 09-29-2025
RCS NEWS for Families September 29, 2025 Calendar October 6--No K-5 After School Programs. October 9--No K-5 After School Program. October 9--Family-Teacher Conferences during the evening. October 10--No School (conferences the evening before). October 13--No School (holiday). October 16--Regular Board of Education Meeting (Meet and greet at 5:30. Meeting at 6:00. At 1 Aviation Center Drive.) October 17--District-wide Hispanic Heritage Celebration from 6:00-8:00 at JW Eater. October 20--No K-5 After School Program Bullying Prevention Each school year we remind families of both your rights and our responsibility to create and maintain a safe learning environment for every student. Please take a few minutes to review our Frequently Asked Questions Website which provides information on important topics such as identifying, reporting, preventing, and responding to concerns like bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment. After reviewing this information, if you believe your student has been the victim of bullying, cyberbullying, or sexual harassment, we encourage you to take two steps: Contact your student’s school right away. Document the concern using THIS ONLINE FORM. Every report is taken seriously. Each reported incident is fully investigated by staff, and appropriate actions are taken, which may include disciplinary measures. Thank you for partnering with us to keep RCS schools safe and supportive for all students. Shout out: Mrs. Birch! Broadmeadow's Mrs. Birch was recognized as Mix 94.5's Teacher of the Month. Check it out: CLICK HERE. Board of Education Honored The RCS Board of Education has been recognized for their governance practices by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). RCS was one of 42 Illinois school districts to earn the School Board Governance Recognition honor for their effective governance behaviors and their commitment toward obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead the district. IASB’s School Board Governance Recognition program acknowledges local boards of education that practice good governance behaviors as outlined by IASB's Foundational Principles of Effective Governance. The focus of Governance Recognition is on full board development and participation. Boards that meet the necessary requirements are recognized for the two-year honorary distinction. The School Board Governance Recognition program aims to showcase how good governance creates a positive impact for students, staff, and the entire district community. It provides an opportunity for districts to tell their story about programs and projects that are improving outcomes in their local school districts and offers board members a chance to highlight how continuous learning, both by individual board members and the full board team, results in improved governance for the board of education and positive outcomes for the district. “Our board works as a team and puts our students first,” said Board President Robin Vaughn. “We’re always learning and improving together because we know a strong education takes dedication and teamwork.” Vaughn added, “Much of what we do happens outside board meetings—researching issues, connecting with the community, advocating for our schools, and understanding school finance together.”
Monday, Sep 29 2025
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RCS NEWS for Families 09-19-2025
RCS NEWS for Families September 19, 2025 Beyond the Board Room: Mr. Henderson Check out this profile of Mr. Henderson, Director of Alternative Programs. The article is attached as a PDF and LINKED HERE. Board Meeting Update-9/17/25 The board meet Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 for their regular monthly meeting. Agenda items included: An Intergovernmental Agreement with RTHS regarding employee benefits. A Memorandum of Understanding clarifying the compensation for Inclusion Facilitators. Approval of a "Dean" job description. This position will be posted as part of the leadership transition at Eastlawn. Approval of a resolution to move forward with applying for a Safe Routes to School grant project for JW Eater to improve safety along Wabash Avenue. This project is in collaboration with the Village. Approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 (2025-2026) Budget. Detailed information can be found here: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2431 The next regular meeting is Thursday, October 16.
Friday, Sep 19 2025
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RCS NEWS for Families 09-12-2025
RCS NEWS for Families September 12, 2025 School Board Meeting: Thursday, September 18 The Board will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, September 18 at 1 Aviation Center Drive. Please note, the meeting will begin at 5:30 PM, not the regular 6:00 PM. Additionally, the Board will not host their usual meet and greet prior to the meeting this month. At 6:00, the Board will hold its required public hearing for the 2025-2026 budget, and then the board will move into closed session to meet with the Illinois Association of School Boards for self-evaluation. The official agenda and packet are posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Prior agendas and packets are available here: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2431 Sharing-Paid UIUC Research Opportunities PreK - Does your PreK serve children as young as 3? Help Us Study How Kids Learn Math! The Brain and Cognitive Development Lab at UIUC is looking to recruit participants aged 2.75 to 3.5 who speak and understand English to participate in a fun research study on early math and brain development over time! The study involves two short lab visits (about 1.5 hours each) within two weeks, featuring interactive games and safe, non-invasive brain imaging techniques across multiple visits over three years. Families receive $80 for these visits and an additional $160 for two follow-ups over the next two years. If you're interested in learning more, we'd love to hear from you at bcdlab@illinois.edu, (217) 300-2934, or visit our website (https://publish.illinois.edu/danielchyde/participate/) Kindergarten Illini Kindergarten Cohort Study We’re currently enrolling children in Kindergarten to participate in a study on children’s physical activity, screen time, and sleep. Your child will wear a device on their wrist—similar to a smartwatch—for one week, and you’ll complete a short survey about their daily routine. The goal is to better understand how we can improve daily routines and programs that support healthy habits in kids. You and your child will receive a report with the results. Families will receive a $40 thank-you gift card for participating in the study. Learn more about the study here: https://illinikincohort.web.illinois.edu/ or click this link if you're interested in participating: https://redcap.link/illinikincohort Grades 6th-8th--TEAM Project: We are inviting teenage girls (in grades 6, 7, and 8) and their moms across the country to be a part of the TEAM Project! The purpose of this study is to understand teen girls' experiences with other kids and how moms are involved. Moms complete three online sessions and daughters complete two online sessions over a three-month period. Families can earn up to $70 for the study. To learn more or sign up, please see our flyer at this website: https://publish.illinois.edu/adapt-lab/the-team-project/. To see if you are eligible, go here: https://illinois.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d4ITAMjrG4CAM06 Flyers attached.
Friday, Sep 12 2025