Henry-Senachwine Grade School/Jr. High

Illinois Summer Meal Program

I hope you are enjoying a relaxing weekend! This week, May 6-May 10 is Staff Appreciation Week! Thank a staff member for their hard work throughout the year! Congratulations to all Track members that advanced to State! Yearbooks will be on sale starting Monday, May 6th. They are $17.00 and can be purchased in the office. The community Advisory Team will meet Monday, May 6th @ 3:30 at the Grade School. We hope to see you there! We have a lot going on the last few weeks of school. Check your email, the school calendar, and/or the school website for a list of important upcoming dates as we close out the year. May 5: Spring Concert-Band 1:00, Chorus 2:30 May 6-10: Staff Appreciation Week May 6: 8th Grade Step Up Day @ HSHS 1-3, Advisory Team Meeting 3:30 @ GS May 9: PreK-2 Barnyard Discoveries, JH Awards Night @ GS 6:30 PM May 10-11: Track State May 12: Happy Mothers' Day! May 13: Kindergarten Screening May 14: Kindergarten Field Trip May 15: 3rd Grade Garage Sale, 8th Grade Parent Night @ HSHS 6:00, School Board Meeting @ HSHS 7:00 PM May 16: 8th Grade Field Trip, 8th Grade Dance 6-7:30 PM May 17: 1st and 4th Grade Field Trips, Hawaiian/Beach Day, Kindergarten walk to library, 8th Grade Graduation @ HSHS 7:00 PM May 21: 3rd Grade Field Trip May 22: 1st Grade walk to library, PreK (AM) Field Trip May 23: PreK (PM) Field Trip May 24: 2nd Grade Field Trip, Author's Tea, PreK Screening May 27: Memorial Day-No School May 29: 5th Grade Outdoor Ed Day, 6th Grade Field Trip May 30: PreK Last Day, PreK Graduation, 4th Quarter Grades Due, 5th Grade Walking Field Trip June 3: Students' Last Day, Field Day

Dear Henry-Senachwine Parents, Guardians, and Staff: I am writing to provide an update on today’s fire alarm evacuation at HSGS/JH. Today, a little before 12:00 p.m., a fire alarm went off at HSGS/JH. Staff and students were evacuated from the building and walked to the Methodist Church to wait while the Henry Fire Department inspected HSGS/JH for the source of the fire alarm. It was determined that an alarm went off, but there was no fire or danger to the students or staff. Once given the all clear, students and staff were bussed from the Methodist Church back to HSGS/JH. Upon return, students who had yet to eat were fed lunch. It was decided to dismiss the District early at 2:00 p.m., due the fact that HSGS/JH students and staff were wet and uncomfortable after being outside in the rain during the evacuation. All students and staff are safe. Thank you to all of our students for their excellent behavior and to all of our staff for assisting in many roles as we evacuated, transported, returned to school, made announcements, provided lunch, and adjusted schedules. Thank you to our parents/guardians for your patience, understanding and support during this time. Thank you to the Henry Fire Department, law enforcement, and the staff at Methodist Church for your response, expertise, and assistance. Sincerely, Dr. Michael Miller Superintendent

Henry-Senachwine CUSD #5 was selected to participate in a survey through the Illinois State Board of Education. This survey is for parents of students with disabilities and determines how well schools throughout the state are involving parents in their children’s education. In January, surveys were mailed to parents of students with disabilities. If you have not already done so, please take a minute to complete the survey. The survey ends on May 15th. We must receive 10 or more responses to receive a report. More information can be found on the Special Education Indicator 8: Parent Involvement webpage at https://www.isbe.net/Pages/SPP-APR-Indicator-8.aspx.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released the annual Illinois Report Card on Oct. 27 at www.illinoisreportcard.com. The Report Card shows how well our school is progressing on a wide range of educational goals. As you know, our students’ academic growth slowed considerably during the pandemic, in line with nationwide trends. Our teachers, administrators, and staff, in partnership with you, are continuing to focus on improving our school and teaching practices to meet all student needs. One component of the School Report Card is the annual summative designation – a descriptor of how well our school is meeting the needs of all students. This designation is federally required and is based on eight indicators of academic performance. Our designation of Targeted means that overall our school is performing well, but we have room to improve in how we serve one or more individual student groups. At HSGS/JH, it is important to us that all our students succeed. The Targeted designation means that we will receive a federal grant and participate in a school improvement process that began with conducting a needs assessment, developing a school improvement team, and creating a school improvement plan. Ultimately, this designation gives us the opportunity to reflect on our strengths and areas for growth and to further strengthen instruction and supports for our entire student community. We welcome this opportunity to dive into our data and to talk about additional improvements and investments we can make to support every student in reaching their fullest potential. Our school is strongest when we all work together on behalf of our students, so we encourage you to give us your feedback. I invite you to take place in our Stakeholder Advisory Group. During the improvement process, the stakeholder advisory group provides an avenue for varied perspectives and concerns to be articulated and discussed to gain a fuller understanding of issues impacting the school and community. The group would consist of representation from teachers, students, school leaders, parents, local businesses, and community members. The group will meet periodically throughout the school improvement process. The first meeting will be held on May 6th at 3:30 at the Grade School. Please reach out to Angie Merboth, Principal to express interest in taking place in the Advisory Group. (amerboth@hscud5.org 309-364-2531) We at HSGS/JH hold high expectations for all students and believe every student can meet our expectations with the right supports. Thank you for your continued partnership to ensure every child at HSGS/JH is thriving.

Mindful Matters Personal Wellness in Seneca is forming an Autism (ASD) Caregiver Support Group as a part of their continuum of services for students and families in rural areas. The Autism Caregiver Support Group will meet, via Zoom, on the first Monday of each month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The group's first meeting will take place on May 6, 2024. This is an "open group" which means participants can join at any time. There is no cost for attending the Autism Caregiver Support Group. Attendees can RSVP and access the meeting link by visiting our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/mindfulmatterspersonalwellness

Middle School Science Teacher (24-25 School Year): Henry-Senachwine Grade & Jr. High School is seeking an energetic, flexible, and highly motivated middle school Science teacher who will meet the academic, behavioral, social and emotional needs of students. The successful teacher candidate must demonstrate collaboration and leadership skills, plan and execute engaging, differentiated instruction that is aligned with the curriculum,  demonstrate knowledge and understanding of effective instructional strategies, implement classroom management, work collectively with other staff members, exhibit a student-centered approach to learning, create a classroom environment conducive to learning and personal growth of children, assess individual learner needs and use data to meet the needs of all students, practice reflective teaching, monitor learner progress, and build strong ties between home and school. Must have an Illinois Teaching Certificate endorsed in middle school science.  Must have an understanding of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated data driven instruction. Knowledge of middle school curriculum and concepts.   The ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively with students, parents and colleagues. Must have a background check and be finger printed. Must be an ethical person with high moral values and integrity. Must be organized and flexible. To express interest in this position, the following documents must be submitted to Mrs. Angie Merboth, Henry-Senachwine Grade & Jr. High School Principal, at amerboth@hscud5.org: letter of interest, resume, copy of transcripts, credentials, and three letters of reference.

Due to health concerns and scheduling, treats and snacks for any occasion must be arranged in advance with the classroom teacher. All treats and snacks must be store bought and prepackaged in individual servings. No homemade treats or snacks are allowed at school. Treats and snacks may not require refrigeration and must have a clearly printed list of ingredients on the packaging.

HENRY-SENACHWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES... FREE MEALS TO CONTINUE The Henry-Senachwine School District is pleased to announce that we will be continuing to implement a new option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2023-2024 school year.  What does this mean for you and your children attending the Henry-Senachwine School District? All enrolled students are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge each day of the school year. No further actions are required of the parents/guardians. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit an application.  The CEP Program will take effect the first day of school. Charges for ALA Carte purchases at the High School and extra milk purchases at both Schools will still apply.  If you have any questions related to the CEP Program, please contact Food Service Director, Sasha Stillwell. Her email is sstillwell@hscud5.org or you may call 309-364-3614. 

Students entering kindergarten and sixth grade will be required to provide proof of a completed physical examination including an immunization record in addition to a completed dental examination. Students in second grade will also be required to provide proof of a dental examination. Additionally, students entering kindergarten and students entering an Illinois school for the first time are required to receive a vision examination. New students to the district will need a completed Illinois physical examination and completed immunization record. All school physicals and immunization records are due on October 15, 2023. New students will also need to bring in a copy of a certified birth certificate. Proof of residency is required for all new families registering in the district. If you have any questions, please call the Henry-Senachwine Grade and Junior High School office at 309-364-2531. New students may register at https://www.teacherease.com/NewFamilyRegistration.aspx?refid=f4749a61-fb7d-4049-9507-5bc36448819f