November 10: Food Drive kick off to support IV Food Pantry

November 11: Veterans' Day and concert at 2:45pm

November 14: Trimester 1 Ends

November 19: History Fair

November 19: Book Fair on the stage

November 24: Parent/Teacher Conferences (4-7pm) See below to sign up!

November 25: Parent/Teacher Conferences (8-12pm)

November 25-28: No School, Thanksgiving Break

94.8% attendance rate for Washington School in October, which is down from last year at this time.

95.7% October 2024.

93.8% Attendance

94.5% Attendance

96.1% Attendance

We invite you to our upcoming parent/teacher conferences. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with your child's teachers and gain insights into their academic and behavioral progress. When you enter the school, you will receive updates on their performance, including the trimester 1 report cards, beginning-of-the-year test percentages, and Spring 2025 IAR results.

Attending these conferences is crucial for your child's success, as it allows us to work together to support their learning journey. Your involvement and commitment make a significant difference. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up here

There are two options for attendance:

• Group sessions (not guaranteed to talk to each teacher, max time for individual conference of 4 minutes). Group session will take place in the gym from 4-5:30pm.

• Private conferences scheduled with individual teachers in their rooms from 5:30-7pm on Monday and 8:30-12 on Tuesday morning.

November Lunch Menu

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, and its presence in education is becoming increasingly significant. At Washington, we believe it’s essential to approach this powerful technology thoughtfully and strategically.

We recognize that AI tools can accelerate work and open new doors for efficiency, but they also present challenges—especially in distinguishing between genuine student work and AI-generated content. Our goal is not to ignore AI, but to harness its potential to enhance learning while upholding academic integrity.

Our Proactive Approach

Our staff is actively developing frameworks and guidelines to integrate AI responsibly into our classrooms. Here are the key initiatives we are working on:

Establishing a Coding System: We are creating a clear coding system that will inform students and families when and how AI is an acceptable tool for a specific assignment. This will eliminate guesswork and clearly define the boundaries for appropriate use.

Focusing on Learning Enhancement: We are actively researching and piloting specific AI tools that can improve the learning process, such as personalized feedback, enhanced research, and creative problem-solving support. Our focus is on using AI as a cognitive partner, not a substitute for student effort in completing projects, papers, or other core assignments.

We are committed to preparing our students for a future where AI skills are vital. We look forward to sharing more details about our AI guidelines and classroom implementations in the coming months. We encourage you to discuss the responsible use of powerful digital tools with your children at home.

Join us for the History/Civics Fair on Wednesday, November 19 at Washington School! The event will run from 4 - 5:30pm. Our 7th and 8th graders have put together some amazing projects showcasing their skills of finding sources, conducting research, putting that research into writing, and crafting a visual aid to highlight their findings. The 7th graders' civics projects will be showcased on the east side of the gym, while the 8th graders' Illinois History Fair projects will be on the west side.

Additionally, 7 competitive history fair projects, which adhere to the "Revolution, Reaction, and Reform" theme, will be entered into the regional competition. These projects will be displayed along the stage floor.

Don't miss the Washington Book Fair on the stage, a perfect spot to find early holiday gifts for your loved ones. Come support our talented students and enjoy a great day of learning and celebration!

Illinois Valley Food Pantry Information:
In order to receive holiday food baskets, you must register as a client prior to the holiday distribution.
 
The pick-up for your Thanksgiving basket will be Wednesday, Nov. 19th from 1-6 p.m. This is a one day, curbside only pick-up.  You must show your photo ID and proof of address. This basket is in addition to your monthly order, if you are already receiving services.     
 
Christmas baskets can be picked up Wednesday Dec. 18th from 1-6 p.m.    This is a one day, curbside only pick-up. Please enter the line at the public parking at the corner of 2nd & Wright. You must show your photo ID and proof of address. The Food Pantry will be closed from 12 P.M. on Dec. 20th through Jan 5th. The food pantry reopens on January 6.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Illinois Valley Food Pantry is located at 4133 Progress Blvd, Peru, IL 61354.  Phone 815-224-3658.  For regular monthly orders, pick-up days are Mon. from 9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m., Wed. 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m..
 
If this is your first time ordering or picking up from the Illinois Valley Food Pantry, you will need to stop by and fill out a form.  The hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Wed (10:00 A.M.-6:00 p.m.), and closed on Sat.
 
On your first visit bring the birthdates of all persons living in your household, proof of address, and a photo ID. 

School Nurses Page

If your child has borrowed clothing from the health office due to an accident or spill, please wash and return these clothes to the school nurse in a timely manner.

If you would like to make a donation of gently used clothing, the Lincoln health office is in need of size 8-10 & 10-12 boys pants as well as 8-10 girls pants. Please only send pants in these sizes at this time.

Thank you.

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/washingtonjuniorhighschool

Tis the season for buying gifts!

While books might not be the most exciting gift they are a gift that promotes healthy habits and helps to support:

• Improved Memory

• Improved Focus

• Reduced Stress

• Improved Sleep

• Improved Vocabulary

• Improved Writing Skills

Parents Right to Know: In accordance with the ESEA Section 1111(h)(6) Parents Right to Know, the Oglesby School District is notifying every parent in a Title I school that you have the right and may request information regarding the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher. This information regarding the professional quali-fications of your child’s teachers including at a minimum the following:

1. Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grades and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other professional status through which state qualifi-cation or licensing criteria have been waived.

3. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of certification or degree.

4. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their qualifications.

If at any time your child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher not highly qualified, the school will notify you. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Superintendent Michael Pillion, at 883-9297.

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.