Important Community Notice: Construction Project and Campus Access Changes
Midwest Central broke ground this week to begin building a new gym east of the high school. We would like to inform students, families, staff, and community members about changes on campus that will continue throughout the entire 2026-27 school year.
As part of this project, a construction area located at MCHS has been securely fenced off to protect the safety of students, staff, and visitors. The project will impact the student walkway between the High School and Primary School buildings as well as parking availability in the high school parking lot.
Safety Remains Our Top Priority
We ask all students, parents, and visitors to remain alert and exercise caution when on campus. Specifically:
• Do not enter or attempt to access any fenced construction areas.
• Follow all posted signs and use only approved walkways and building entrances.
• Be mindful of construction equipment, vehicles, and workers operating in the area.
• Allow extra time for arrival and departure due to changes in traffic and parking patterns.
The construction zone has been designed to maintain a safe separation between school operations and construction activities; however, community cooperation is essential to ensuring everyone's safety.
Parking and Access - The construction project will temporarily reduce available parking in the high school lot. Visitors attending school events are encouraged to watch for updated parking guidance and signage throughout the year.
Spring Sports Information - At this time, access routes and parking arrangements for spring activities, including baseball and track events, are still being finalized. Additional information regarding attendance, parking, and facility access for spring sports will be communicated to families and community members closer to the start of those seasons.
Thank You for Your Patience - We appreciate the flexibility, patience, and support of our students, families, staff, and community as we complete this important project. These improvements will benefit our schools and community for years to come.
Questions regarding the construction project may be directed to Dr. Todd Hellrigel, Superintendent, or Sally Timm, Assistant Superintendent at 309.968.6868 or toddh@midwestcentral.org or timm@midwestcentral.org.
Good luck to the Midwest Central Cross Country team as they compete at Illini Central this afternoon!
The Raiders have been working hard throughout the season, building endurance, determination, and teamwork with every practice and meet. We are proud of their dedication and the way they represent Midwest Central both on and off the course.
Best of luck to our runners and coaches as they take on today's competition. Go Raiders!
#MCRaiderNationProud
The Raiders have been working hard throughout the season, building endurance, determination, and teamwork with every practice and meet. We are proud of their dedication and the way they represent Midwest Central both on and off the course.
Best of luck to our runners and coaches as they take on today's competition. Go Raiders!
#MCRaiderNationProud
Transportation Spotlight: Crystal Simpson
Meet Crystal Simpson, driver of Bus #12! Crystal began her school bus driving career at Midwest Central, where she served our district for three years before relocating. She then spent five years driving for District 150 before returning home to Midwest Central. Now in her second year back with District 191, Crystal brings a decade of experience behind the wheel.
In addition to driving a regular morning and afternoon route, Crystal also drives one of our two midday Pre-K routes, helping ensure our youngest Raiders travel safely to and from school.
When asked what she enjoys most about driving a school bus, Crystal shared that she loves getting to see the kids every year. Her biggest challenge? Stop-arm runners, a reminder of how important bus safety is for everyone on the road.
Thank you, Crystal, for your dedication to our students and families and for the many miles you travel to keep them safe each day!
Meet Crystal Simpson, driver of Bus #12! Crystal began her school bus driving career at Midwest Central, where she served our district for three years before relocating. She then spent five years driving for District 150 before returning home to Midwest Central. Now in her second year back with District 191, Crystal brings a decade of experience behind the wheel.
In addition to driving a regular morning and afternoon route, Crystal also drives one of our two midday Pre-K routes, helping ensure our youngest Raiders travel safely to and from school.
When asked what she enjoys most about driving a school bus, Crystal shared that she loves getting to see the kids every year. Her biggest challenge? Stop-arm runners, a reminder of how important bus safety is for everyone on the road.
Thank you, Crystal, for your dedication to our students and families and for the many miles you travel to keep them safe each day!
That’s a wrap on parade season for the combined Midwest Central Middle School and High School Band!
Over the past few weeks, our students represented Midwest Central at three community parades: the Popcorn Festival, the Pekin Marigold Festival, and the Petersburg Harvestfest.
Each parade gave our middle school and high school musicians another opportunity to perform together, build confidence, and represent our schools and communities. We are proud of the work they put into preparing for each performance and of the way they carried themselves throughout the season.
Thank you to our families, volunteers, bus drivers, and everyone who helped make these performances possible, and thank you to everyone who came out along the parade routes to support the band!
Congratulations to all of our students on a successful 2026 parade season!
Over the past few weeks, our students represented Midwest Central at three community parades: the Popcorn Festival, the Pekin Marigold Festival, and the Petersburg Harvestfest.
Each parade gave our middle school and high school musicians another opportunity to perform together, build confidence, and represent our schools and communities. We are proud of the work they put into preparing for each performance and of the way they carried themselves throughout the season.
Thank you to our families, volunteers, bus drivers, and everyone who helped make these performances possible, and thank you to everyone who came out along the parade routes to support the band!
Congratulations to all of our students on a successful 2026 parade season!
Join our team!
Phone Line Outage – Superintendent’s Office
The phone lines at the Superintendent’s Office are currently down. If you need immediate assistance, please email Assistant Superintendent Sally Timm at timm@midwestcentral.org or call the Bus Barn at 309.968.3020.
The PS, MS, and HS are not impacted by this outage.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
This week's 6th Grade Spotlight is Luke Rollo!
Luke is a kind and hardworking student who is always willing to help those around him. He supports his classmates, contributes thoughtfully to class discussions, and consistently takes pride in his work. Whether it's helping a table mate or staying on top of assignments, Luke sets a great example for others.
Luke truly exemplifies the Raider P.A.T.H. Way to go, Luke! 👏
#MCRaiderNationProud
Luke is a kind and hardworking student who is always willing to help those around him. He supports his classmates, contributes thoughtfully to class discussions, and consistently takes pride in his work. Whether it's helping a table mate or staying on top of assignments, Luke sets a great example for others.
Luke truly exemplifies the Raider P.A.T.H. Way to go, Luke! 👏
#MCRaiderNationProud
Reminder - Today is a 1/2 day for students! There are no PreK classes. Buildings will dismiss as follows: PS - 11:40, MS - 11:20, HS - 11:30
As Tazewell County voters prepare to consider the proposed County Schools Facility Tax on November 3, we invite our community to learn more about what is being proposed and how the funds could be used.
The attached graphics and short video provide an overview of the proposal, including eligible uses for the revenue, how funds would be distributed, and information about the upcoming referendum. We encourage everyone to review the information and stay informed.
To learn more, visit TazewellForStudents.com.
The attached graphics and short video provide an overview of the proposal, including eligible uses for the revenue, how funds would be distributed, and information about the upcoming referendum. We encourage everyone to review the information and stay informed.
To learn more, visit TazewellForStudents.com.
Exciting news for Midwest Central’s band students!
Thanks to a $5,564.88 grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation and an equal matching contribution from Manito Musical Advocates, Midwest Central will purchase 100 Wenger Nota music posture chairs for our primary, middle, and high school band programs, a combined investment of $11,129.76 in our students!
These chairs will give band students across all three schools, from fifth-grade beginners through high school musicians, consistent seating designed for music instruction and a unified, professional appearance at concerts.
Dirk Heinhorst, President of the Forman Valley Community Foundation, and Matt Dobey, President of Manito Musical Advocates, recently presented the checks to Band Director Thad Franklin.
Thank you to both organizations and the community members who make their generosity possible. Your support will serve Midwest Central student musicians for years to come!
Thanks to a $5,564.88 grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation and an equal matching contribution from Manito Musical Advocates, Midwest Central will purchase 100 Wenger Nota music posture chairs for our primary, middle, and high school band programs, a combined investment of $11,129.76 in our students!
These chairs will give band students across all three schools, from fifth-grade beginners through high school musicians, consistent seating designed for music instruction and a unified, professional appearance at concerts.
Dirk Heinhorst, President of the Forman Valley Community Foundation, and Matt Dobey, President of Manito Musical Advocates, recently presented the checks to Band Director Thad Franklin.
Thank you to both organizations and the community members who make their generosity possible. Your support will serve Midwest Central student musicians for years to come!
The Raiders baseball team is getting hot at the right time of the season, playing their most complete game of the season en route to a 9-7 victory over Hollis Monday night!
The Raiders offense pounded out 9 hits, with 7 different Raiders picking up hits. Ody Hale was 2-3 with 2 RBIs and Nicky Frank, Landen Dietz, and Sean Guy all picked up extra base hits for Midwest Central. Sean Guy, Hudson Nolan, and Nicky Frank also had big RBIs for the Raiders.
Ben Deluhery picked up the win for the Raiders on the mound as the Raiders used a trio of pitchers and good defense to seal the victory!
The Raiders open up postseason play with a home matchup against Buffalo Tri City on Thursday at 4:30!
The Raiders offense pounded out 9 hits, with 7 different Raiders picking up hits. Ody Hale was 2-3 with 2 RBIs and Nicky Frank, Landen Dietz, and Sean Guy all picked up extra base hits for Midwest Central. Sean Guy, Hudson Nolan, and Nicky Frank also had big RBIs for the Raiders.
Ben Deluhery picked up the win for the Raiders on the mound as the Raiders used a trio of pitchers and good defense to seal the victory!
The Raiders open up postseason play with a home matchup against Buffalo Tri City on Thursday at 4:30!
Happy I.T. Professionals Day!
You know it's a good day when the Wi-Fi works, the printers print, the phones ring, and nobody says, "Did you try turning it off and back on again?"
Today we're giving a huge shoutout to Kyan & Thad for keeping Midwest Central connected, supported, and running smoothly every day. While many of us only notice technology when something goes wrong, they work behind the scenes to keep everything running right.
Thanks for all you do!
You know it's a good day when the Wi-Fi works, the printers print, the phones ring, and nobody says, "Did you try turning it off and back on again?"
Today we're giving a huge shoutout to Kyan & Thad for keeping Midwest Central connected, supported, and running smoothly every day. While many of us only notice technology when something goes wrong, they work behind the scenes to keep everything running right.
Thanks for all you do!
Transportation Staff Spotlight: Lisa
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Lisa!
This year marks an incredible 33 years as a school bus driver, including 9 years with Midwest Central.
When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, Lisa's answer was easy: “My kids." She shared that she enjoys being a grandma figure to many of the students and helping ensure they are safe each day.
Over the years, Lisa has built strong connections with generations of students and families. Her caring nature and dedication to the students she serves have made a lasting impact, and it's clear that the relationships she builds along the way are one of the things she treasures most about the job.
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Lisa simply said she hopes for a smooth year.
Thank you, Lisa, for more than three decades of service, dedication, and care. We are grateful for the positive difference you make in the lives of our students every day.
#MCRaiderNationProud
As we continue highlighting the amazing members of our Transportation Department, we'd like to introduce Lisa!
This year marks an incredible 33 years as a school bus driver, including 9 years with Midwest Central.
When asked her favorite thing about driving a school bus, Lisa's answer was easy: “My kids." She shared that she enjoys being a grandma figure to many of the students and helping ensure they are safe each day.
Over the years, Lisa has built strong connections with generations of students and families. Her caring nature and dedication to the students she serves have made a lasting impact, and it's clear that the relationships she builds along the way are one of the things she treasures most about the job.
When asked what she's hoping for this school year, Lisa simply said she hopes for a smooth year.
Thank you, Lisa, for more than three decades of service, dedication, and care. We are grateful for the positive difference you make in the lives of our students every day.
#MCRaiderNationProud
⚾ Baseball vs. Hollis
📍 Home Game
⏰ 4:15 PM
Best of luck to our players and coaches as they take on Hollis this afternoon. Go Raiders!
#MCRaiderNationProud
📍 Home Game
⏰ 4:15 PM
Best of luck to our players and coaches as they take on Hollis this afternoon. Go Raiders!
#MCRaiderNationProud
School Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, September 23.
Picture forms are being sent home, and families may place orders online or return the completed form with payment on picture day. Please note that the office will not hold payments prior to picture day.
We look forward to capturing another great year at Midwest Central!
Picture forms are being sent home, and families may place orders online or return the completed form with payment on picture day. Please note that the office will not hold payments prior to picture day.
We look forward to capturing another great year at Midwest Central!
Students interested in joining the MCMS Girls Basketball Team are invited to attend tryouts on Monday, September 14, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the MCMS Gym.
Practice will begin on Tuesday, September 15, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM. A parent meeting will be held following practice on Friday, September 18.
Before trying out, athletes must:
• Have a current physical on file
• Complete athletic registration
For more information, please contact Coach Fisher at fisher@midwestcentral.org or Coach Oberle at oberle@midwestcentral.org.
Practice will begin on Tuesday, September 15, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM. A parent meeting will be held following practice on Friday, September 18.
Before trying out, athletes must:
• Have a current physical on file
• Complete athletic registration
For more information, please contact Coach Fisher at fisher@midwestcentral.org or Coach Oberle at oberle@midwestcentral.org.
⚾ Baseball vs. Tremont
📍 Home Game
⏰ 4:15 PM
Best of luck to our players and coaches as they take on Tremont this afternoon. Go Raiders!
📍 Home Game
⏰ 4:15 PM
Best of luck to our players and coaches as they take on Tremont this afternoon. Go Raiders!
Midwest Central won big over Havana JH 10-0 on Tuesday in their first regional game.
A single by Saige Koontz put the Raiders on the board in the bottom of the first.
An error, and a ground out by Libby Duwaldt helped extend the early lead in the second inning.
Libby earned the win in the circle for Midwest Central, turning in a dominant performance. The hurler surrendered just one hit and no runs over five innings, striking out seven and walking none. With her seven strikeouts, Libby surpassed the 100-strikeout mark for the season and now has 101 strikeouts on the year.
The Raiders tallied 10 hits in the game. Libby provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Midwest Central with three runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Kallie Herrman, Libby, Kynlie Hilst, and Sarah Huff each collected two hits for the team. Mackenzie Campbell stole two bases and led the team with two walks. Midwest Central were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error.
The Raiders will return home Wednesday to face Pleasant Plains in a semi-regional matchup, with first pitch set for 4:30 PM
A single by Saige Koontz put the Raiders on the board in the bottom of the first.
An error, and a ground out by Libby Duwaldt helped extend the early lead in the second inning.
Libby earned the win in the circle for Midwest Central, turning in a dominant performance. The hurler surrendered just one hit and no runs over five innings, striking out seven and walking none. With her seven strikeouts, Libby surpassed the 100-strikeout mark for the season and now has 101 strikeouts on the year.
The Raiders tallied 10 hits in the game. Libby provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Midwest Central with three runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Kallie Herrman, Libby, Kynlie Hilst, and Sarah Huff each collected two hits for the team. Mackenzie Campbell stole two bases and led the team with two walks. Midwest Central were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error.
The Raiders will return home Wednesday to face Pleasant Plains in a semi-regional matchup, with first pitch set for 4:30 PM
Patriot Day & National Day of Service and Remembrance
This Friday, September 11, we invite our students, staff, families, and community members to join us in recognizing Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance by wearing USA attire or red, white, and blue.
As we remember those affected by the events of September 11, 2001, we also recognize the spirit of service, unity, and patriotism that continues to bring communities together.
We hope you'll join us as we honor this important day.
This Friday, September 11, we invite our students, staff, families, and community members to join us in recognizing Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance by wearing USA attire or red, white, and blue.
As we remember those affected by the events of September 11, 2001, we also recognize the spirit of service, unity, and patriotism that continues to bring communities together.
We hope you'll join us as we honor this important day.
🏃 Cross Country Meet
📍 Manito
⏰ 4:00 PM
The Cross Country team will compete on their home course in Manito this afternoon.
Best of luck to our runners and coaches as they represent Midwest Central. Go Raiders!
#MCRaiderNationProud
📍 Manito
⏰ 4:00 PM
The Cross Country team will compete on their home course in Manito this afternoon.
Best of luck to our runners and coaches as they represent Midwest Central. Go Raiders!
#MCRaiderNationProud
