Washington Junior High School

Washington Junior High School

 

January 2026 Newsletter

 

2026

There is something powerful about the date changing to "2026." It serves as a mental reset button along with a chance to leave behind the missed assignments or frustrations of the past and look forward with new hope.

As we welcome our students back, our message is simple: Growth is a journey, not a destination.

Whether the first half of the school year was a triumph or a challenge, 2026 is a blank slate. We are challenging every student to set one academic goal (like mastering a difficult subject) and one personal goal (like improving organization) for the months ahead.

We are committed to providing the inspiration and support they need to reach those goals. Let’s make 2026 a year defined not by where we started, but by how far we can go together.

 

 

 

 

Finding Nemo Jr.

Oglesby Public Schools is proud to present our annual musical, Finding Nemo Jr. This year's production will be under the direction of Mr. Reid Tomasson.

The performance dates will be March 7th and 8th.

Congratulations to the Washington School cast of Matilda Jr. the Musical!

Nemo: Leana A.

Marlin: Easton S.

Dory: Aubrie E.

Professor Ray/Bruce/Crush: Raelyn M.

Chum/Breeze: Stella H.

Anchor/Squirt: Harper Q.

Coral/Pearl/Peach: Scarlett M.

Nigel/Sheldon: Ruby M.

Bubbles/Tad: Landon S.

Bloat/Pearl's Parent: Junie H.

Gurgle/Sheldon's Parent: Levi Z.

Gill/Tad's Parent: Georgia G.

Ensemble: Iris H., Evelyn C., Sofia G., Ryalle W., Matthew J., Lennox H., Sophia F., Bailee F., Jaxson V., and Janessa L.

Rehearsals will begin after the holiday break.

Lunch Menu/Calendar

Menu

January Lunch Menu

January Activity Calendar

As a reminder school breakfast and lunch are free for all students!

On behalf of Washington School and OPS 125 we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season and New Year!

Nurse's Notes

Nurses Notes

 

 

A fever is a warning sign that all is not right with the body. The best way to check a fever is with a thermometer, which every home should have. No child with a fever of 100 degrees should ever be in school. Do not allow your child to return to school until he/she has been without a fever for 24 hours (without fever reducing medication).


The common cold presents the most frequent problem to parents. A child with a “heavy” cold and hacking cough belongs at home in bed, even if there is no fever. If your child complains of a sore throat but has no other symptoms, he/she may attend school. If he/she has a bright red throat with or without white spots or if a fever is present keep your child home and call your medical doctor.

A rash may be the first sign of illnesses like strep throat or chicken pox. Do not send your child to school with a rash until you have been seen by your doctor and are cleared to return to school. Secure a note from your doctor that states their rash is not communicable.

Consult your doctor if your child has a stomach ache which is persistent or severe enough to limit activity. If vomiting occurs, keep your child at home for at least 24 hours after the last episode. 

 A child with diarrhea should be kept at home for 24 hours after the last episode. Always call your medical doctor if improvement does not occur.

 

School Nurses Page

Don't Forget to Visit

www.ops125.net for important updates and reminders.

Download our App on either IOS or Android devices to keep up to date with the latest messages!

OPS has a Facebook page: Click on the link on our website to go to our Facebook page and “like” us to have updates sent straight to your Facebook page.

January 5th - Institute Day, No School

January 6th - School Resumes

January 14th - Early Dismissal, 2:05

January 19th - No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 23rd - Midterm Reports

Notice: Admission for Homeless Children 

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, any homeless child shall be immediately admitted, even if the child’s parent/guardian is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment. A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A home child living in any District school’s attendance area may attend that school. The child shall have access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children, including a public preschool education.  Please contact Kelly Legrenzi, homeless liaison for the Oglesby Public School District for additional information about homeless issues.

Student Health & Safety Education

Students in grades 6-8 will participate in a comprehensive health and safety education program designed to address critical topics relevant to their age group. This program includes six weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. The sessions incorporate multimedia presentations, group discussions, and interactive activities to engage students and encourage thoughtful participation.

Topics covered include:

  • Digital Citizenship and Online Safety: Responsible use of technology, social media etiquette, and recognizing and responding to cyberbullying.

  • Mental Health Awareness: Strategies for managing stress, understanding emotions, and seeking help when needed.

  • Healthy Relationships: Understanding respect, communication, and boundaries in friendships and other relationships.

  • Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving: Tools for addressing and resolving disputes in a constructive manner.

  • Substance Awareness: Information on the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances, and strategies for resisting peer pressure.

  • Review of Erin’s Law: Reinforcement of safe/unsafe and unwanted touching concepts, recognizing signs of abuse, and understanding how to respond appropriately.

You will be receiving a more detailed letter prior to the beginning of these programs. You may opt your child out of the program at that time. These classes have been taught to students throughout the years in a number of fashions by teachers and other health professionals.

Extracurriculars

Boys Basketball:

January 13th - 8th grade night

Games on 1/6, 1/8, 1/3 and 1/15

 

Volleyball:

January 8 - 1st home game (Blue & Gold)

Games on: 1/8, 1/12, 1/15, 1/20, 1/21, 1/22, 1/24, 1/27, 1/28, 1/29 and 1/30-31

 

Musical:

Practices will start all month

 

Scholastic Bowl:

Practices will start on January 12th.