Springfield Public Schools - District 186

Come see us! ✏🎉😍

The Department of Family and Community Engagement is set-up at the “Back to School at Brandon Court” event tonight from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. They will have school supplies and a backpack giveaway, hot dog meals, games and more!!

🎉 We love to support our community and families to help get our students ready for a fantastic 2024-2025 school year!!

🎉 The countdown is on! ⏰

Teachers all across the district are getting ready to welcome back students! Heres a peek at the staff at Jefferson Middle School working hard to get their classrooms and the entire school ready for an amazing start to the new school year on Monday! 📝

Principal Chelsey Ziebler and the dedicated staff are thrilled to welcome all the Jaguars back into a community where caring, growth, and incredible experiences are the norm. 🐾 This year, we're leveling up in every way!🐾

A warm and welcoming environment doesn't just uplift our students—it energizes our entire staff too. Let's make sure everyone feels the love as we kick off the year strong. 💪💙💛

Remember, Jaguars, be on time Monday morning! We can’t wait to see you! 🕗✨

🎉Welcome Back, District 186 Teachers and Staff! 🎉

We were so excited to see everyone back in our buildings today! The positive energy was contagious—you could really feel the good vibes in the air. Our teachers and staff are truly the glue that holds our District together, and we’re thrilled to get back into the swing of things.

This year, we’re especially excited to welcome over 70 new teachers to our team for the 2024-2025 school year! It’s been wonderful to see our staff reconnect and extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues. The District, in collaboration with families and the community, is committed to developing in all students the knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes to empower them to be responsible life-long learners and citizens in an ever-changing world.

The real magic happens on Monday, August 19th, when we welcome back our students! Parents, if you haven’t already, please register your student and make sure they arrive on time Monday morning.

We can’t wait to see their smiling faces and start the year off strong!⬆️💛❤️💜💙💚

🌟 Welcome, Mrs. Geneka Gully, to Matheny-Withrow Elementary School! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Geneka Gully is stepping into the role of Principal at Matheny-Withrow Elementary! With 18 years of experience in education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service. She choose a career in education because she was drawn to the field as a result of her positive educational experiences.

👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻Join us in welcoming Mrs.Gully in her new role by leaving a comment below! Let’s show her the warm, supportive spirit of our community.👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻

At District 186, we believe in the power of community. While each school within our district has its unique spirit, we are united in our mission to support and empower our students to achieve academic excellence. Our larger city comes together to welcome our leaders and create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s continue to support and lift up Mrs.Gully as she embarks on this exciting journey with us!!

Phones Down, Level Up!⬆️ 🎉

To better prepare and focus our students, and to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of both students and staff, District 186 has proudly made the decision to operate under a "restrictive cell phone policy."

✅ The goal is to limit the distractions and disruptions that cell phones can cause while at school and allow students to focus on their school work. ✏️📖📒

Expectations Overview :

Elementary School : During school hours, all cell phones and personal electronic devices including AirPods will be turned off and stored in their book bag.

Middle School : During school hours, all cell phones and personal electronic devices including AirPods will be turned off and stored in lockers.

High School : During school hours, all cell phones and personal electronic devices will be turned off and stored in lockers, pockets, binders or personal bags or kept out of sight. Use of cell phones and electronic devices in the hallways and classrooms is strictly prohibited. Students will be allowed to appropriately use there device during their lunch period once they have reached their designated lunch zone.

Accommodations will be provided for students who require a personal electronic device in accordance with a medical assistance plan, as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or as a part of a 504 Plan.

Read More Here: https://www.sps186.org/article/1711539

Phones Down, Level Up | Cell Phone Policy To better prepare and focus our students, and to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of bo...

🧑🏿‍⚕️👩🏻‍⚕️👨🏿‍⚕️Your Path to Medicine Begins Here!🧑🏿‍⚕️👩🏻‍⚕️👨🏿‍⚕️

Are you a Freshman dreaming of a career in medicine? 🌟🩺

The Physician Pipeline Preparatory Program (P4) is your ticket to an early start in the medical field! Gain hands-on experience, connect with mentors in the Springfield medical community, and get a head start on your future. 🩺

Join us after school in this exciting program sponsored by SIU School of Medicine, in partnership with Springfield Public Schools District 186 and the Sangamon County Medical Society. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

Apply today : https://tinyurl.com/ms4rzkeu

Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 28, 2024, by 4:00 PM

Learn More: https://www.sps186.org/page/secondary-schools-and-programs

🌟 Welcome, Simon Wilson, to Harvard Park Elementary School! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Wilson is stepping into the role of Principal at Harvard Park Elementary! Mr. Wilson is a familiar face for the students and staff as he most recently served as assistant principal of Harvard Park for several years!

With over 15 years of experience in education, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service. He wants the community to know that Harvard Park is a place where every student is given the opportunity to excel academically, socially, and emotionally and the staff is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where diversity is celebrated, and every student’s unique strengths are recognized and nurtured.

👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻Join us in welcoming Mr.Simon Wilson in his new role by leaving a comment below! Let’s show him the warm, supportive spirit of our community.👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻

At District 186, we believe in the power of community. While each school within our district has its unique spirit, we are united in our mission to support and empower our students to achieve academic excellence. Our larger city comes together to welcome our leaders and create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s continue to support and lift up Mr. Wilson as he embarks on this exciting journey with us!!

🌟 Welcome, Dr. James Hayes, to Sandburg Elementary School! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Hayes is stepping into the role of Principal at Sandburg Elementary! Dr. Hayes is a familiar face for District 186 as he most recently served as principal of Harvard Park for several years. With 20 years of experience in education, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service. He choose a career in education because of his love to help kids and those that need it most.

👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻Join us in welcoming Dr. Hayes in his new role by leaving a comment below! Let’s show him the warm, supportive spirit of our community.👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻

At District 186, we believe in the power of community. While each school within our district has its unique spirit, we are united in our mission to support and empower our students to achieve academic excellence. Our larger city comes together to welcome our leaders and create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s continue to support and lift up Dr. Hayes as he embarks on this exciting journey with us!!

🎷🥁🎶 Music was heard loud and clear from New Street Field this past week as Springfield High School band students were showing off their talents and skills working to prep for the upcoming marching band season!

❤🖤The SHS flag team were also out on the field last week working alongside the band to develop their halftime show!! ❤🖤

We can’t wait to see and hear all of our high school's band & flag halftime performances during the upcoming football season!!

🎶 Keep up the hard work! 🎶

Heading to the Illinois State Fair? ⭐️🎡

We have $5 parking at Ridgely School , 2040 N. 8th street!!

It is a close walk to the fair gates & you can support District 186!! ⭐️🎡💛💙🎡⭐️

🚗🚙 We appreciate you! 🚗🚙

📣📣Get Registered!! 📣📣

✅All District 186 students must register every year!! Please get your registration complete as soon as possible!

It is a quick process where you update or validate the information from the previous year within minutes. This allows the schools to know that your student is returning to District 186 so class lists and schedules can be created.

Online registration is available here https://186.springfield.k12.il.us/IS3/Registration/Main.php

🌟 Welcome, Mrs. Jordan Joost, to Grant Middle School! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Jordan Joost is stepping into the role of Principal at Grant Middle School! Mrs. Joost is a familiar face for the Generals as she has previously served as Assistant Principal with GMS for the last few years. With 17 years of experience in education, Mrs. Joost brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service.

👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻Join us in welcoming Mrs. Joost in her new role by leaving a comment below! Let’s show her the warm, supportive spirit of our community.👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻

At District 186, we believe in the power of community. While each school within our district has its unique spirit, we are united in our mission to support and empower our students to achieve academic excellence. Our larger city comes together to welcome our leaders and create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s continue to support and lift up Mrs. Joost as she embarks on this exciting journey with us!!

🌟 Welcome, Mr. Jason Nikson, to Lee School! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Jason Nikson is stepping into the role of Principal at Lee School! With 22 years of experience in education, Mr. Nikson brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service. He was inspired to become a principal because he enjoys serving others and helping them achieve their goals.

👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻Join us in welcoming Mr. Nikson by leaving a comment below! Let’s show him the warm, supportive spirit of our community.👋🏾👋🏿👋🏼👋🏻

At District 186, we believe in the power of community. While each school within our district has its unique spirit, we are united in our mission to support and empower our students to achieve academic excellence. Our larger city comes together to welcome our leaders and create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s continue to support and lift up Mr. Nikson as he embarks on this exciting journey with us!!

🎒 Welcome to Your New Adventure! 🎒

🤩We had a fantastic time welcoming our incoming 6th-grade students for orientation and our 9th-grade students for Freshman Forward today!

It was a joy to see students and staff smiling as they toured the facilities, explored technology, mingled with fellow students, and learned about school procedures. These programs are a great kickstart for students entering middle and high school for the first time!

🙋🏽🙋🏿‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️🙋🏼‍♂️Programs like these are crucial in helping students get a feel for their new environment and adapt smoothly. Building school spirit and involvement is essential for a thriving school culture. We encourage students to engage with clubs, groups, and extracurricular activities to enrich their school experience. Our school culture thrives on the energy and enthusiasm of our students!

😍The involvement of parents and the community is equally important. We all need to come together to ensure a successful school year. Let's work hand in hand to make this year a memorable one for everyone.😍

We look forward to welcoming all of our students back on Monday, August 19th!

See you soon!!!❤

🎉🎉Calling all incoming 6th grade students & incoming 9th grade students!!🎉🎉

📌Incoming 6th grade students are invited to attend 6th grade orientation at their home school Tomorrow, August 8th, from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Students will engage in activities, tour the school and learn more about their upcoming middle school experience. This event is for students only.

Students need to report to the middle school that is in their boundary area.
Students can use our bus service or be dropped off.
https://www.sps186.org/page/transportation

📌All incoming 9th grade students join us for Freshman Forward tomorrow at August 8, 2024 from 8:24 a.m - 11:30 am.

This event is an opportunity for 9th grade students to meet students, teachers and administration at their home high school. Students will get to tour the facility and learn more about their high school experience!

Students need to report to the high school that is in their boundary area.
Students can use our bus service or be dropped off.
https://www.sps186.org/page/transportation

See you there!!

🏫 12 Days Until the School Year Begins! 🎉

Our amazing custodial, operations and maintenance team, along with various contractors, are hard at work around the city to get our buildings in top shape for the new school year.

😍 We truly appreciate their dedication and effort in creating a welcoming environment for our students and staff.

A positive and inviting atmosphere can make a big difference in how our schools feel, and we're committed to making sure everyone is excited and ready to learn.

Thank you to everyone involved in making our schools such a wonderful place to be!

🎒 Reminder for Families! It's time to get your child registered for the new school year! 📚 All students must register every year!!

In-Person registration for Middle School, High School & Early Learning Center continues today until 2:00 p.m.!!

Make sure your student is ready to go by completing the online registration at https://www.sps186.org/page/registration.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please don't hesitate to contact your child's school. We're here to help!

📍 Important: Please be aware that District 186 will never call you to ask for payment over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from the district, do not provide any information.

Let's make this school year a great one! 🌟

👨🏿‍⚕️🧑🏻‍⚕️Get your Back to School Physical & Immunizations!!🩺💉🩹

The Keep Kids in School Coalition will be offering physicals and immunizations for District 186 students :

✅ Wednesday, August 7, 2024
✅ 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
✅ Sangamon County Department of Public Health | 2833 S Grand Ave E, Springfield, IL 62703

🩺 No appointment needed.

The clinic will only serve District 186 students who are entering Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade and those who are new to Illinois who must provide a current physical exam and immunization record. All 12th grade students must provide proof of having received a dose of the meningococcal vaccine on or after their 16th birthday. The legal parent or guardian must accompany their child.

❌ Please note that no sports physicals will be offered.

📣 In-Person Registration is tomorrow!!! 📣

All District 186 students must register every year. This is a quick process where you update or validate the information from the previous year within minutes. This allows the schools to know that your student is returning to District 186 so class lists and schedules can be created.

Online registration is available now - https://186.springfield.k12.il.us/IS3/Registration/Main.php

In-Person Registration dates:

Elementary School
August 5, 2024, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Middle School / High School / Early Learning Center
August 5, 2024, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
August 6, 2024, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

✅ Register at your child’s home school

❤️🖤 Springfield High School Registration will be at 1900 W. Monroe due to construction!!🖤❤️

⭐️🎉⭐️ Come see us!! ⭐️🎉⭐️

Join us today, August 3rd at one of these three community locations where students can pick up school supplies and more!

Be sure to visit our District 186 tent and try your luck to win a free book, flashcards, or a "Make It" art kit! 📚🎨

Look for our Family and Community Engagement Team at one of these events:

ALPLM Back to School Bash -
Union Square Park, 500 E. Madison
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Back 2 School Community Day -
Northside Church of Christ, 2400 N. Grand Ave.
10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Bounce Tag’s Back to School School Supplies Drive - Bounce Tag - 3720 Hollis Drive
12:00 p.m. - 4 p.m.

See you there 186!!! 🫶🏿🫶🏼🫶🏾

🎒✨ Thank You to Our Amazing Community! ✨🎒

So many local organizations and places have been collecting and donating supplies for our students. We appreciate and recognize that it takes our whole community to help make our school year a success!

A special thank you to the Illinois Office of Comptroller for kicking off the school year with a generous school supply drive! They dropped off the first round of their donations today!

Join us tomorrow, August 3rd at one of these three community locations where students can pick up school supplies and more!

Be sure to visit our District 186 tent and try your luck to win a free book, flashcards, or a "Make It" art kit! 📚🎨

Look for our Family and Community Engagement Team at one of these events:

ALPLM Back to School Bash -
Union Square Park, 500 E. Madison
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Back 2 School Community Day -
Northside Church of Christ, 2400 N. Grand Ave.
10 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Bounce Tag’s Back to School School Supplies Drive - Bounce Tag - 3720 Hollis Drive
12:00 p.m. - 4 p.m.

See you there, Tomorrow!!! 🫶🏿🫶🏼🫶🏾

Every Student, Every Opportunity!!!👩🏽‍🏫📓✏️

As we prepare for the new school year, our commitment to an inclusive learning environment for all students remains strong! Our Student Support Services team, along with our dedicated staff, is participating in Hands in Autism training.

Our Pre-K instructional, K-2 autism, and K-2 life skills classrooms will be part of the STRIVE program, which uses structured teaching and visual aids to help students learn. The goal of STRIVE is to prepare students for independence and inclusive opportunities.

To ensure a smooth transition, our staff is undergoing intensive training on the new program and curriculum. We are also committed to providing ongoing classroom support for all our STRIVE classrooms.

Here's to a great year ahead! 🎓✨🧡🖤❤💜🩵💚🩷

As we recently welcomed back Graham Elementary and Southern View Elementary, our two balanced calendar schools, and look forward to upcoming registration and beginning of the school year for all of students and staff during the month of August, it is not lost on District 186 that our community has faced yet another horrific and preventable death that will forever shape all of our lives. At our last Board of Education meeting we began with a moment of silence for Sonya Massey and her family and we also paused to wish for the swift recovery and memory of District 186 students who have suffered at the hands of gun accidents and violence in our community. This is reprehensible and sadly becoming all too familiar. The District will participate in the upcoming healing circle conversations and will continue to advocate for social emotional learning and the well-being of our students, staff and families.

On behalf of District 186, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sonya Massey. As our community continues to process and heal from this senseless death of one of our parents, we are committed to standing with our community partners to provide support, restorative conversations and continue to create learning opportunities that provide hope and individual determination for each student that we serve during the school year, after school and throughout the summer months.

Without a doubt, fear, confusion, and anxiety exist among our students, staff and families when any loss of life occurs in such a horrific manner and even more so when it is at the hands of those that we should trust. It is crucial for us, as a community, to come together to provide reassurance and a sense of safety for every child in our care as well as staff and families.

We greatly appreciate the response of our community, the numerous events in which the District and Board of Education members have and will continue to participate in, and the outpouring of support that we have witnessed across our city this summer as we address the needs of our families. We encourage our community to continue showing compassion and offer helping hands and hearts to our fellow neighbors in their time of need. It is through our collective strength and unity that we will navigate this challenging time and create lasting change.

Our High School Band teachers hosted a week long summer band institute to get our band students engaged and ready for the upcoming school year 🎶🎼🎵!!

This is such a great way to connect our students from across the District with their passion for music!

🧡🖤❤️🖤💛💙Shoutout to our band instructors that made this experience for our students a success!

Make sure to support the arts and our school bands through out the upcoming school year!

🩺🏫 Back-to-School Alert! 🏫🩺

Have you scheduled your child's physical and immunizations yet?

Ensure your child is ready for the upcoming school year. 📅✨ Call your primary care provider today to book an appointment!

Don't have a primary care provider for your child?

The Keep Kids in School Coalition and SIU Center for Family Medicine are offering back-to-school physicals to children at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health who do not have a primary care provider on August 7th, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

For a full list of health requirements visit here - https://www.sps186.org/page/health-services

Get Registered!! 📣

All District 186 students must register every year. This is a quick process where you update or validate the information from the previous year within minutes. This allows the schools to know that your student is returning to District 186 so class lists and schedules can be created.

Online registration is available now - https://186.springfield.k12.il.us/IS3/Registration/Main.php

In-Person Registration dates:

Elementary School
August 5, 2024, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Middle School / High School / Early Learning Center
August 5, 2024, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
August 6, 2024, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Register at your child’s home school
*SHS Registration will be at 1900 W. Monroe due to construction

Superintendent Jennifer Gill kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with a visit to our balanced calendar schools. The energy and excitement from staff members and students were truly inspiring as they embark on another incredible educational journey!

Our schools' success is made possible through the unwavering support of our community, parents, guardians, and community partners. Together, we create a nurturing and empowering environment where our students can thrive.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead!! 🏫💙📚🚌

📢Calling all incoming 6th graders!! 📢

Incoming 6th grade students are invited to attend a 6th grade orientation at their home school on Thursday, August 8th, from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

🫶🫶🏿🫶🏽Students will engage in activities, tour the school and learn more about their upcoming middle school experience. This event is for students only.

🚌Please note that bus routes will be running that day as well. All routes will be posted here by end of day August 2: https://www.sps186.org/page/transportation

🏈🏀⚽🏐🎉 Attention Sports Fans!

Get ready for an exciting year of athletic events at District 186! Our all-year and season passes are now available for purchase. Don’t miss out on the action – buy your pass today and save!

Whether you're a fan of football 🏈, basketball 🏀, soccer ⚽, volleyball 🏐, or any of our amazing sports, there's something for everyone. Support our teams and enjoy the thrill of the game all year long!

👉 Purchase your pass now and be part of the excitement:

All Sports Pass: https://gofan.co/event/1559018?schoolId=IL67893

Fall Season Pass: https://gofan.co/event/1559023?schoolId=IL67893
Winter Season Pass: https://gofan.co/event/1559207?schoolId=IL67893
Spring Season Pass: https://gofan.co/event/1559215?schoolId=IL67893

Individual Game Passes:
Lanphier: https://gofan.co/app/school/IL15298
Springfield Southeast: https://gofan.co/app/school/IL15335
Springfield: https://gofan.co/app/school/IL15334

📣 Let's show our community spirit and wish our students & staff a fantastic school year!!! 📣

🎉 Welcome back Graham Elementary and Southern View Elementary! 🎉

⭐️We are thrilled to welcome our students and staff back at our balanced calendar schools. This morning, our staff greeted students with open arms, and it was heartwarming to see so many smiles from families and students at drop-off today!

❤✏️🖍📗Community support is crucial, and we deeply appreciate the parents and guardians who play a vital role in their student's success. Together, we can make a difference in our students' lives.

Our staff is recharged and ready to LEVEL UP this year, helping our students achieve their highest potential! The entire district wishes Southern View and Graham Elementary a fantastic start to their learning journey.❤✏️🖍📗

We are 186! 💙📚✨