October Menus
Midwest Central will host a free preschool screening for children ages 3–5 who live in the district and plan to enroll for the second half of the 2026–27 school year.
Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: MCPS / 450 Southmoor St., Manito, IL
Eligibility Requirement – Children must turn 3 years old by January 5.
Screenings are by appointment only.
What to Bring:
Certified Birth Certificate (state-issued, not hospital copy)
Current Physical & Immunization Records
Proof of Residency
Photo ID
Income Verification (one of the following):
2 recent consecutive pay stubs
2025 W-2
Employment verification letter
SNAP / WIC / TANF documentation
Schedule your appointment: Call MCPS at 309.968.6464 to schedule your appointment. If there is no answer, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Start date for students will be January 5, 2027.
Email for questions: jackson@midwestcentral.org
Date: October 22, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: MCPS / 450 Southmoor St., Manito, IL
Eligibility Requirement – Children must turn 3 years old by January 5.
Screenings are by appointment only.
What to Bring:
Certified Birth Certificate (state-issued, not hospital copy)
Current Physical & Immunization Records
Proof of Residency
Photo ID
Income Verification (one of the following):
2 recent consecutive pay stubs
2025 W-2
Employment verification letter
SNAP / WIC / TANF documentation
Schedule your appointment: Call MCPS at 309.968.6464 to schedule your appointment. If there is no answer, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Start date for students will be January 5, 2027.
Email for questions: jackson@midwestcentral.org
Meet Chad Ramme, driver of Bus #11! After serving 23 years in the United States Army and later working as a semi-truck driver, Chad returned to Illinois looking for a career that would allow him to make a difference close to home. He completed his school bus training at Midwest Central and has now been safely transporting students for the past nine years.
When asked what he enjoys most about being a school bus driver, Chad shared,"Knowing I am the first smiling face my students see in the morning and the last one they see in the afternoon."
Chad takes great pride in building positive relationships with his students and helping create a safe, respectful environment on Bus #11. This year, his goal is to continue having one of the best-behaved buses in the district.
Thank you, Chad, for your service, dedication, and commitment to the students and families of Midwest Central!
When asked what he enjoys most about being a school bus driver, Chad shared,"Knowing I am the first smiling face my students see in the morning and the last one they see in the afternoon."
Chad takes great pride in building positive relationships with his students and helping create a safe, respectful environment on Bus #11. This year, his goal is to continue having one of the best-behaved buses in the district.
Thank you, Chad, for your service, dedication, and commitment to the students and families of Midwest Central!
MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY — IC MEET RECAP
☀️ A GREAT DAY TO BE A RAIDER AND RUN! ☀️
Our Middle School Cross Country teams competed Thursday at IC on a 2-mile course, and the weather was perfect for racing! Our runners took advantage of the great conditions, with many season-best times and PRs on this course!
BOYS RESULTS
🥇 Reid Sidders — 12:26 | 1st Place
🏃♂️ Liam Frank — 13:17 | 4th Place
🏃♂️ Carson Campbell — 13:27 | 8th Place
🏃♂️ Nolan Bartolazzi — 14:38 | 14th Place
🏃♂️ Tyler Vanderwulp — 15:49 | 19th Place
🏃♂️ Remington Hollis — 17:09 | 24th Place
GIRLS RESULTS
🏃♀️ Kennedy Prather — 15:35 | 11th Place
🏃♀️ Taylen McLaughlin — 16:52 | 18th Place
🏃♀️ Iris McKenzie — 17:56 | 20th Place
🏃♀️ Audrionna Van Orman — 18:04 | 22nd Place
🏃♀️ Lakynn Bohm — 21:29 | 25th Place
🏃♀️ McKenna McCamy — 27:06 | 27th Place
WAY TO GO, RAIDERS!
Congratulations to Reid Sidders on another 1st-place finish! And a huge congratulations to all of our runners who set season-best times and PRs on the IC course!
The hard work is showing, and our athletes continue to get better with every race.
Our next meet is the last home meet of the season. Our 8th graders will be recognized for their achievements before the meet begins.
Maximum Effort. Maximum Gain. #MCRaiderNationProud
☀️ A GREAT DAY TO BE A RAIDER AND RUN! ☀️
Our Middle School Cross Country teams competed Thursday at IC on a 2-mile course, and the weather was perfect for racing! Our runners took advantage of the great conditions, with many season-best times and PRs on this course!
BOYS RESULTS
🥇 Reid Sidders — 12:26 | 1st Place
🏃♂️ Liam Frank — 13:17 | 4th Place
🏃♂️ Carson Campbell — 13:27 | 8th Place
🏃♂️ Nolan Bartolazzi — 14:38 | 14th Place
🏃♂️ Tyler Vanderwulp — 15:49 | 19th Place
🏃♂️ Remington Hollis — 17:09 | 24th Place
GIRLS RESULTS
🏃♀️ Kennedy Prather — 15:35 | 11th Place
🏃♀️ Taylen McLaughlin — 16:52 | 18th Place
🏃♀️ Iris McKenzie — 17:56 | 20th Place
🏃♀️ Audrionna Van Orman — 18:04 | 22nd Place
🏃♀️ Lakynn Bohm — 21:29 | 25th Place
🏃♀️ McKenna McCamy — 27:06 | 27th Place
WAY TO GO, RAIDERS!
Congratulations to Reid Sidders on another 1st-place finish! And a huge congratulations to all of our runners who set season-best times and PRs on the IC course!
The hard work is showing, and our athletes continue to get better with every race.
Our next meet is the last home meet of the season. Our 8th graders will be recognized for their achievements before the meet begins.
Maximum Effort. Maximum Gain. #MCRaiderNationProud
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.
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!
After a special morning celebrating Goodies with Grandparents, our class enjoyed some table toy fun together. These activities encourage creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while making learning even more enjoyable!
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!
Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Frank, and Mrs. Gough brought a little Toy Story magic to the hallways with their creative classroom door decorations!
Their fun and welcoming designs help create an exciting environment for students and are a great example of the time and effort our teachers put into making their classrooms inviting places to learn and grow.
Great job, teachers! 🚀
Their fun and welcoming designs help create an exciting environment for students and are a great example of the time and effort our teachers put into making their classrooms inviting places to learn and grow.
Great job, teachers! 🚀
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!
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
The second-grade hallways have taken on a little Disney magic this year! Inspired by Mickey Mouse and friends, the second-grade teachers decorated their classroom doors with colorful and creative displays to welcome students each day.
Just down the hall, the third-grade teachers brought the world of Monsters, Inc. to life with fun door designs that are sure to bring smiles to students and staff alike.
A big thank you to our teachers for the time, creativity, and effort they put into creating welcoming spaces for our students. Great job, second- and third-grade teams!
Just down the hall, the third-grade teachers brought the world of Monsters, Inc. to life with fun door designs that are sure to bring smiles to students and staff alike.
A big thank you to our teachers for the time, creativity, and effort they put into creating welcoming spaces for our students. Great job, second- and third-grade teams!
The first-grade teachers are helping students start the year with a little creativity and a lot of personality!
Inspired by Disney Pixar's Inside Out, the first-grade classroom doors have been transformed into colorful displays that help welcome students each day. The creative designs add a fun touch to the hallways and showcase the time and care our teachers put into creating inviting learning spaces.
Great job, first-grade team!
Inspired by Disney Pixar's Inside Out, the first-grade classroom doors have been transformed into colorful displays that help welcome students each day. The creative designs add a fun touch to the hallways and showcase the time and care our teachers put into creating inviting learning spaces.
Great job, first-grade team!
The kindergarten teachers have their classroom doors ready for a new adventure!
Inspired by Disney Pixar's Up, each classroom door was transformed with a fun and creative theme to help welcome students and families to a new school year. The colorful displays are a great example of the time, effort, and creativity our teachers put into making their classrooms inviting places to learn and grow.
Great job, Kindergarten team! 🎈
Inspired by Disney Pixar's Up, each classroom door was transformed with a fun and creative theme to help welcome students and families to a new school year. The colorful displays are a great example of the time, effort, and creativity our teachers put into making their classrooms inviting places to learn and grow.
Great job, Kindergarten team! 🎈
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 22 at the Primary School!
All students will have their picture taken, and order forms will be coming soon.
We look forward to capturing another great year of Midwest Central smiles!
All students will have their picture taken, and order forms will be coming soon.
We look forward to capturing another great year of Midwest Central smiles!
Join us for Goodies with Grandparents at MCPS on Monday, September 14, from 7:00 - 7:45 AM!
Grandparents are invited to stop by for a morning treat and spend a little time with their special Raider before the school day begins. We look forward to welcoming our grandparents and sharing this special time together.
Grandparents are invited to stop by for a morning treat and spend a little time with their special Raider before the school day begins. We look forward to welcoming our grandparents and sharing this special time together.
