Midwest Central Middle School

10/22/2026

Please note two changes to the 2026-27 Midwest Central school calendar following the October Board meeting:

February 3 has been added as a half day.
The previously scheduled April half day has been moved to April 14 to accommodate ACT testing.

The updated calendar is available at www.MidwestCentral.org.

Please take a moment to update your calendars with these changes!

10/22/2026

See a school bus approaching railroad tracks? Expect it to stop—even when no students are on board.

Bus drivers activate their hazard flashers, stop, and look and listen for trains before crossing.

If you’re behind the bus:
• Slow down and give it room to stop.
• Never cross the centerline to pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• Let the bus clear the tracks, and cross only when there’s enough space for your entire vehicle on the other side.

A few extra seconds are worth a safe arrival.

Learn more about school buses and railroad crossings: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

Reminder - Today is a 1/2 day for students due to evening Parent/Teacher Conferences! There are no PreK classes. Buildings will dismiss as follows: PS - 11:40, MS - 11:20, HS - 11:30

10/21/2026

The MCMS Girls Basketball teams hosted West Lincoln-Broadwell Tuesday night and faced some tough competition.

The 7th grade Raiders continued to compete, learn, and grow throughout the game. Every opportunity on the court is a chance to improve, and we’re proud of the effort these girls continue to put in.

The 8th grade Raiders also battled through a tough matchup, falling 44-26. Kallie Herrman led the way with 12 points, Kynlie Hilst added 10, and Faithie Doty and Evan Meeker contributed 2 points each.

Win or lose, every game brings another opportunity to grow as a team. Keep working, learning, and supporting one another, Raiders!

Go Raiders!

10/21/2026

Our Community Chapter Little Free Library is officially open!

Earlier this school year, we shared that Midwest Central received a grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation to bring this project to our community. Since then, our Advanced Ag Mechanics class assembled and installed the library, and it is now stocked with its first collection of books for readers of all ages, from Pre-K through adult.

The idea is simple: take a book or share a book. Books are free for anyone to enjoy, and book donations are welcome to help keep the library stocked. Our Work Skills class will help keep The Community Chapter stocked and maintained on a regular basis.

The Community Chapter has also been added to the Little Free Library map and can be found through the Little Free Library app.

This project came together thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Teresa Hill, Mrs. Abbie Schneider, and Mr. Steve Snider, along with the students who helped turn the idea into a finished project for our community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project happen.

The Community Chapter is located on school property, with the surrounding area included in the district’s normal security camera coverage.

We’re excited to see The Community Chapter put to use!

10/21/2026

Bus stop safety starts before the bus arrives.

When approaching a school bus stop, watch for these four types of hazards:
• Roadside obstacles: Trees, intersections, construction, and other obstructions can hide children from view.
• Weather and visibility: Leaves, snowbanks, ice, rain, fog, darkness, and bright sunlight can create hazards.
• Moving or changing conditions: Traffic, parked cars, pedestrians, pets, and trash bins can affect visibility and movement.
• Distractions and unexpected activity: Watch for children running late, horseplay, and activity around the stop.

Slow down, stay focused, and expect the unexpected. Our Raiders are counting on you.

Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation

10/21/2026

Beta Club is sponsoring Red Ribbon Week October 26–30!

This year’s theme is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.”

We’ll be celebrating all week with themed dress-up days:
🔴 Monday – DREAM BIG, STAY DRUG FREE: Wear pajamas
🔴 Tuesday – USE YOUR SUPERPOWERS, SAY NO TO DRUGS: Dress like a superhero
🔴 Wednesday – WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER: Switch Role Day! Students dress like teachers and teachers dress like students.
🔴 Thursday – SAY BOO TO DRUGS: Wear your Halloween costume
🔴 Friday – GET RED-Y TO SAY NO TO DRUGS: Wear RED!

Halloween Costume Reminders for Thursday:
• No masks or face coverings
• No gore, fake blood, etc.
• No weapons of any kind, including fake weapons
• Costumes must be appropriate for the school setting
• Students who do not follow the costume guidelines will be asked to change

We’re looking forward to a fun week of encouraging our students to make positive choices!

10/20/2026

We are incredibly proud to share some very exciting news for Midwest Central!

Midwest Central Primary School has been named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!

MCPS received this prestigious recognition as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, an honor that reflects the tremendous work taking place within our classrooms each and every day.

Only 24 schools across Illinois were recognized as Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools this year. To see Midwest Central Primary School among them is an incredible honor and one that belongs to our entire school community.

This recognition is a testament to our students who show up ready to learn, our teachers and staff who pour so much into helping every child succeed, and our families who support that work along the way.

We couldn't be prouder of what is happening at MCPS. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, and everyone who has played a part in this outstanding achievement.

What an amazing day to be a Raider!

10/20/2026

The MCMS Girls Basketball teams traveled to Illini Bluffs Monday night and battled through two tough games.

The 7th grade Raiders fell 37-4. Cashlin Abbott and Olivia Livengood each scored 2 points. Keep working and pushing forward, ladies!

The 8th grade Raiders suffered their first loss of the season in a close 33-30 game. Kynlie Hilst and Kallie Herrman led the scoring with 10 points each, followed by Libby DuWaldt with 6. Emma Deluhery and Faithie Doty each added 2 points, with Faithie also contributing strong defense.

Tough nights are part of the season. We’re proud of our Raiders for continuing to compete and work together from start to finish.

Go Raiders!