Dear Families,

I’m excited to kick off my 10th year in the district and even more excited for the incredible things ahead in the 2025–2026 school year.

As we get ready to welcome students back, here are a few important updates and reminders to help ensure a smooth start:

💬 Communication: Join Us on Rooms!

If you haven’t yet joined Rooms through our school app, I strongly encourage you to do so before the first day of school. Rooms will be our main communication tool this year. You’ll start receiving messages via Rooms in August, and they’ll notify you just like an email. We've shared your feedback with the company, and they’re working to improve the experience even more.

🚗 Morning Drop-Off Reminders

• Drop-off begins as early as 7:40 AM.

• Please use the circle drive to drop off students and be patient—buses also use this space.

• Do not pass any school bus with its stop sign and arm extended.

• Students should arrive by 8:00 AM. Classes begin promptly at 8:05 AM.

🏫 First-Day Goodbyes

You’re welcome to drop off, take photos, and give a big hug at the front door. We’ll make sure your child gets to their classroom safely.

• For safety reasons, parents do not enter the building during drop-off times.

😢 First-Day Emotions

Will there be tears? Probably! (Maybe more from parents than students!) Don’t worry — we’ve got your babies, and we’re here to make their first day full of love and support.

📞 Transportation Questions

If you have any transportation changes or concerns, please call early:
📞 217-357-9202

🕗 Preschool Times

• Morning Preschool Pickup: 10:45 AM

• Afternoon Preschool Drop-Off: 12:05 PM — staff will be at the front doors. Please wait under the awning.

🚌 Dismissal Details

• Be patient — dismissal may take longer on the first day, but we’ve been working hard to make it smooth!

• Shuttle bus students: picked up in the east parking lot at 2:55 PM

• Route buses: depart from the circle drive at 3:00 PM

• Please avoid using the circle drive during dismissal; it is reserved for buses.

We’re so excited to welcome our students back! I hope you’ve had a summer filled with rest, fun, and special memories with friends and family. I genuinely look forward to seeing you all again in August—if not sooner!

And yes… 💗 you better believe we will LOVE your kids!

Warmly,
Mrs. Ryanne Jacoby
Principal & Special Education Director