It's showtime! Midwest Central will present "Anything Goes" tonight at the Forman Center at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at the door!
Two MCHS seniors recently had an incredible opportunity to take their career interests beyond the classroom!
Aidan and Audrey spent the day job shadowing at the Illinois Biological Station in Havana. With both students interested in conservation and wildlife management, this was a perfect opportunity to experience those fields firsthand.
During their time on the Illinois River, they worked alongside the station’s crew and participated in electrofishing, measured river visibility, flow, and conductivity, and helped identify and weigh collected fish. They were able to see firsthand how aquatic research contributes to understanding and protecting our natural resources.
Even better? Both students walked away from the experience feeling even more confident about the paths they plan to pursue after high school.
Opportunities like this are exactly what College & Career Readiness is all about: helping students explore their interests, make meaningful connections, and gain real-world experiences before graduation.
With continued support from our Board of Education and administration, the MCHS Counseling Department is working to expand these opportunities and connect even more students with experiences that align with their goals beyond high school.
We’re excited to see where those goals take Aidan and Audrey!
Aidan and Audrey spent the day job shadowing at the Illinois Biological Station in Havana. With both students interested in conservation and wildlife management, this was a perfect opportunity to experience those fields firsthand.
During their time on the Illinois River, they worked alongside the station’s crew and participated in electrofishing, measured river visibility, flow, and conductivity, and helped identify and weigh collected fish. They were able to see firsthand how aquatic research contributes to understanding and protecting our natural resources.
Even better? Both students walked away from the experience feeling even more confident about the paths they plan to pursue after high school.
Opportunities like this are exactly what College & Career Readiness is all about: helping students explore their interests, make meaningful connections, and gain real-world experiences before graduation.
With continued support from our Board of Education and administration, the MCHS Counseling Department is working to expand these opportunities and connect even more students with experiences that align with their goals beyond high school.
We’re excited to see where those goals take Aidan and Audrey!
Please note two changes to the 2026-27 Midwest Central school calendar following the October Board meeting:
February 3 has been added as a half day.
The previously scheduled April half day has been moved to April 14 to accommodate ACT testing.
The updated calendar is available at www.MidwestCentral.org.
Please take a moment to update your calendars with these changes!
February 3 has been added as a half day.
The previously scheduled April half day has been moved to April 14 to accommodate ACT testing.
The updated calendar is available at www.MidwestCentral.org.
Please take a moment to update your calendars with these changes!
See a school bus approaching railroad tracks? Expect it to stop—even when no students are on board.
Bus drivers activate their hazard flashers, stop, and look and listen for trains before crossing.
If you’re behind the bus:
• Slow down and give it room to stop.
• Never cross the centerline to pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• Let the bus clear the tracks, and cross only when there’s enough space for your entire vehicle on the other side.
A few extra seconds are worth a safe arrival.
Learn more about school buses and railroad crossings: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Bus drivers activate their hazard flashers, stop, and look and listen for trains before crossing.
If you’re behind the bus:
• Slow down and give it room to stop.
• Never cross the centerline to pass within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• Let the bus clear the tracks, and cross only when there’s enough space for your entire vehicle on the other side.
A few extra seconds are worth a safe arrival.
Learn more about school buses and railroad crossings: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Reminder - Today is a 1/2 day for students due to evening Parent/Teacher Conferences! There are no PreK classes. Buildings will dismiss as follows: PS - 11:40, MS - 11:20, HS - 11:30
Our Raiders interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice had an incredible opportunity to visit Peoria Police Headquarters!
Students were introduced to several specialized departments, including Patrol, Detective Investigations, Child and Adult Investigations, the Gang Unit, Undercover Narcotics, and Criminal Investigations. They learned about the many different career paths within law enforcement and gained valuable insight into what it takes to pursue a future in criminal justice.
As an added bonus, students were invited to learn more about ride-alongs and the Police Cadet Program, giving them opportunities to explore the profession even further!
Students were introduced to several specialized departments, including Patrol, Detective Investigations, Child and Adult Investigations, the Gang Unit, Undercover Narcotics, and Criminal Investigations. They learned about the many different career paths within law enforcement and gained valuable insight into what it takes to pursue a future in criminal justice.
As an added bonus, students were invited to learn more about ride-alongs and the Police Cadet Program, giving them opportunities to explore the profession even further!
Our Community Chapter Little Free Library is officially open!
Earlier this school year, we shared that Midwest Central received a grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation to bring this project to our community. Since then, our Advanced Ag Mechanics class assembled and installed the library, and it is now stocked with its first collection of books for readers of all ages, from Pre-K through adult.
The idea is simple: take a book or share a book. Books are free for anyone to enjoy, and book donations are welcome to help keep the library stocked. Our Work Skills class will help keep The Community Chapter stocked and maintained on a regular basis.
The Community Chapter has also been added to the Little Free Library map and can be found through the Little Free Library app.
This project came together thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Teresa Hill, Mrs. Abbie Schneider, and Mr. Steve Snider, along with the students who helped turn the idea into a finished project for our community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project happen.
The Community Chapter is located on school property, with the surrounding area included in the district’s normal security camera coverage.
We’re excited to see The Community Chapter put to use!
Earlier this school year, we shared that Midwest Central received a grant from the Forman Valley Community Foundation to bring this project to our community. Since then, our Advanced Ag Mechanics class assembled and installed the library, and it is now stocked with its first collection of books for readers of all ages, from Pre-K through adult.
The idea is simple: take a book or share a book. Books are free for anyone to enjoy, and book donations are welcome to help keep the library stocked. Our Work Skills class will help keep The Community Chapter stocked and maintained on a regular basis.
The Community Chapter has also been added to the Little Free Library map and can be found through the Little Free Library app.
This project came together thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Teresa Hill, Mrs. Abbie Schneider, and Mr. Steve Snider, along with the students who helped turn the idea into a finished project for our community. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project happen.
The Community Chapter is located on school property, with the surrounding area included in the district’s normal security camera coverage.
We’re excited to see The Community Chapter put to use!
Bus stop safety starts before the bus arrives.
When approaching a school bus stop, watch for these four types of hazards:
• Roadside obstacles: Trees, intersections, construction, and other obstructions can hide children from view.
• Weather and visibility: Leaves, snowbanks, ice, rain, fog, darkness, and bright sunlight can create hazards.
• Moving or changing conditions: Traffic, parked cars, pedestrians, pets, and trash bins can affect visibility and movement.
• Distractions and unexpected activity: Watch for children running late, horseplay, and activity around the stop.
Slow down, stay focused, and expect the unexpected. Our Raiders are counting on you.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
When approaching a school bus stop, watch for these four types of hazards:
• Roadside obstacles: Trees, intersections, construction, and other obstructions can hide children from view.
• Weather and visibility: Leaves, snowbanks, ice, rain, fog, darkness, and bright sunlight can create hazards.
• Moving or changing conditions: Traffic, parked cars, pedestrians, pets, and trash bins can affect visibility and movement.
• Distractions and unexpected activity: Watch for children running late, horseplay, and activity around the stop.
Slow down, stay focused, and expect the unexpected. Our Raiders are counting on you.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Girls Basketball
30 Days until the girls basketball season opener! Practices start November 2nd, hope to see you there!
30 Days until the girls basketball season opener! Practices start November 2nd, hope to see you there!
Picture retakes are next Tuesday, 10/27. Order forms are available in the office.
Raider Volleyball vs. Lewistown 10/20
On the road for their last regular season game and the Raiders took home a win over Lewistown. They dropped the first set 17–25 but came out on fire winning the next 2 sets 25-10, 25-19. Amelia Meeker and Ava Warner had 10 kills a piece while Eliza Kerley added 9 kills and Kayleigh Herrman tallied 7 kills. Addison Friedrich had 6 digs, 3 aces and 8 service points, Kayleigh Herrman and Amelia Meeker both had 5 digs each. Mia Warner finished with 40 assists, 3 digs and a block. Amazing season finishing 21-8!! Next up is Regionals on 10/27 against Lexington (at Heyworth 7pm)
We are incredibly proud to share some very exciting news for Midwest Central!
Midwest Central Primary School has been named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!
MCPS received this prestigious recognition as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, an honor that reflects the tremendous work taking place within our classrooms each and every day.
Only 24 schools across Illinois were recognized as Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools this year. To see Midwest Central Primary School among them is an incredible honor and one that belongs to our entire school community.
This recognition is a testament to our students who show up ready to learn, our teachers and staff who pour so much into helping every child succeed, and our families who support that work along the way.
We couldn't be prouder of what is happening at MCPS. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, and everyone who has played a part in this outstanding achievement.
What an amazing day to be a Raider!
#MCRaiderNationProud
Midwest Central Primary School has been named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School!
MCPS received this prestigious recognition as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, an honor that reflects the tremendous work taking place within our classrooms each and every day.
Only 24 schools across Illinois were recognized as Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools this year. To see Midwest Central Primary School among them is an incredible honor and one that belongs to our entire school community.
This recognition is a testament to our students who show up ready to learn, our teachers and staff who pour so much into helping every child succeed, and our families who support that work along the way.
We couldn't be prouder of what is happening at MCPS. Congratulations to our students, staff, families, and everyone who has played a part in this outstanding achievement.
What an amazing day to be a Raider!
#MCRaiderNationProud
School bus lights send an important message. Do you know what each one means?
🟡 Flashing yellow: Slow down, watch for children, and prepare to stop.
🔴 Flashing red + extended stop arm: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
• On two-lane roads, BOTH directions must stop.
• On roads with four or more lanes and at least two lanes traveling in the opposite direction, traffic traveling WITH the bus must stop. Opposing traffic should proceed cautiously.
• On one-way roads, all traffic must stop.
Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Check for children before proceeding.
White rooftop strobe: Helps make the bus more visible, including in poor weather.
Hazard flashers near railroad tracks: Expect the bus to stop. Never cross the centerline to pass a bus within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
A few moments of patience help protect our Raiders.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
🟡 Flashing yellow: Slow down, watch for children, and prepare to stop.
🔴 Flashing red + extended stop arm: Stop at least 20 feet from the bus.
• On two-lane roads, BOTH directions must stop.
• On roads with four or more lanes and at least two lanes traveling in the opposite direction, traffic traveling WITH the bus must stop. Opposing traffic should proceed cautiously.
• On one-way roads, all traffic must stop.
Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Check for children before proceeding.
White rooftop strobe: Helps make the bus more visible, including in poor weather.
Hazard flashers near railroad tracks: Expect the bus to stop. Never cross the centerline to pass a bus within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
A few moments of patience help protect our Raiders.
Learn more about bus stop safety: https://www.midwestcentral.org/page/transportation
Game Recap from Senior Night vs. Elmwood
Varsity - The Raiders took their last home game win on Senior Night defeating Elmwood in two straight sets 26-24 & 25-15. Seniors Amelia Meeker and Eliza Kerley led in kills with 10 and 6 a piece. Ava Warner and Hayden Hasty each added 4. Seniors Addison Friedrich & Amelia Meeker led the defense with 5 and 7 digs a piece. Mia Warner tallied another 5 digs. Behind the service line, seniors Emma Junkin, Rhiannon Sigmon and Kayleigh Herrman all added 2 service points each. Congrats to the Seniors on their last home match!
JV - A TOUGH BATTLE, BUT THE LADY RAIDERS GET THE WIN!
The JV Lady Raiders defended their home court in an exciting three-game battle! After splitting the first two games, the Raiders came out strong in the deciding set to secure victory!
Final Scores: Game 1: 25-18 Game 2: 22-25 Game 3 : 15-9
Offense: Nevaeh Cunningham powered the Raiders offense with an impressive 12 kills! Alyssa Gauwitz added 7 kills and contributed 9 service points, including 2 ace serves. Mckenzie Gale and Izzy Friedrich also came through with 7 service points!
Defense: Kenzie Doty led the defensive effort with 7 digs, while Emma Markle and Khloe Patterson each added 5 digs to help keep the Raiders in the fight!
It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, but the Lady Raiders showed their determination when it mattered most to take the win!
Freshmen - Congrats to the freshman volleyball girls on winning their last game of the season against the Elmwood Trojans! With Timber scoring 7 points on serve and Nora with 5 kills. Congrats to a great season girls!
Varsity - The Raiders took their last home game win on Senior Night defeating Elmwood in two straight sets 26-24 & 25-15. Seniors Amelia Meeker and Eliza Kerley led in kills with 10 and 6 a piece. Ava Warner and Hayden Hasty each added 4. Seniors Addison Friedrich & Amelia Meeker led the defense with 5 and 7 digs a piece. Mia Warner tallied another 5 digs. Behind the service line, seniors Emma Junkin, Rhiannon Sigmon and Kayleigh Herrman all added 2 service points each. Congrats to the Seniors on their last home match!
JV - A TOUGH BATTLE, BUT THE LADY RAIDERS GET THE WIN!
The JV Lady Raiders defended their home court in an exciting three-game battle! After splitting the first two games, the Raiders came out strong in the deciding set to secure victory!
Final Scores: Game 1: 25-18 Game 2: 22-25 Game 3 : 15-9
Offense: Nevaeh Cunningham powered the Raiders offense with an impressive 12 kills! Alyssa Gauwitz added 7 kills and contributed 9 service points, including 2 ace serves. Mckenzie Gale and Izzy Friedrich also came through with 7 service points!
Defense: Kenzie Doty led the defensive effort with 7 digs, while Emma Markle and Khloe Patterson each added 5 digs to help keep the Raiders in the fight!
It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, but the Lady Raiders showed their determination when it mattered most to take the win!
Freshmen - Congrats to the freshman volleyball girls on winning their last game of the season against the Elmwood Trojans! With Timber scoring 7 points on serve and Nora with 5 kills. Congrats to a great season girls!
Game Day! Good luck to the JV & Varsity volleyball teams as they travel to Lewistown for their final regular season game. The JV game will start at 6:00 PM and the Varsity game will start approximately 7:00 PM. Good Luck Raiders!
Congratulations to Midwest Central High School tuba player Ashe Miles on being selected for the ILMEA District 4 Senior Band!
Ashe earned his place through an audition that included students from many schools across the region. On Saturday, November 7, 2026, he’ll join other selected high school musicians at Western Illinois University in Macomb to rehearse and perform together in a festival concert.
Congratulations, Ashe! We’re excited to hear you perform!
Ashe earned his place through an audition that included students from many schools across the region. On Saturday, November 7, 2026, he’ll join other selected high school musicians at Western Illinois University in Macomb to rehearse and perform together in a festival concert.
Congratulations, Ashe! We’re excited to hear you perform!
Parent/Teacher Conferences are this week.
✅ Thursday, October 22: Early dismissal with students attending a half day (morning only) - There are no PreK classes. Buildings will dismiss as follows: PS - 11:40, MS - 11:20, HS - 11:30
✅ Friday, October 23: No School
We look forward to connecting with families during conferences!
Transportation Spotlight: Jarrod Cunningham
Meet Jarrod, driver of Bus #9! Jarrod has been part of our Midwest Central transportation family for three years, and if you’ve ever tried to catch him between trips, you know he’s always on the go!
In addition to his daily route, Jarrod keeps our Raiders moving to sporting events and other activities. Over the past three years, he has logged more than 300 activity trips alongside his regular route—quite a few miles supporting our students!
Jarrod has become a huge asset to our transportation team, and we appreciate his dedication to safely getting our Raiders to school, to their activities, and back home.
Thank you, Jarrod, for your hard work, commitment to safety, and the many miles you travel for our students and families!
Today also marks the start of School Bus Safety Week. Throughout the week, we’ll share reminders about bus lights, bus stops, railroad crossings, and danger zones. Help support Jarrod and all our drivers by slowing down, staying alert, and doing your part to keep every ride safe!
Meet Jarrod, driver of Bus #9! Jarrod has been part of our Midwest Central transportation family for three years, and if you’ve ever tried to catch him between trips, you know he’s always on the go!
In addition to his daily route, Jarrod keeps our Raiders moving to sporting events and other activities. Over the past three years, he has logged more than 300 activity trips alongside his regular route—quite a few miles supporting our students!
Jarrod has become a huge asset to our transportation team, and we appreciate his dedication to safely getting our Raiders to school, to their activities, and back home.
Thank you, Jarrod, for your hard work, commitment to safety, and the many miles you travel for our students and families!
Today also marks the start of School Bus Safety Week. Throughout the week, we’ll share reminders about bus lights, bus stops, railroad crossings, and danger zones. Help support Jarrod and all our drivers by slowing down, staying alert, and doing your part to keep every ride safe!
On Sunday, the Midwest Central coaches hosted a kids basketball clinic for the Washington Tournament of Champions. All proceeds from the clinic benefit the KBStrong Foundation. Over 40 kids from the community participated and worked on improving their basketball skills. Thank you to all who helped with this event as it was a great day for an even better cause!
Senior Day
Monday, October 19th, is final home volleyball game of the year. We will recognize the seniors between the JV & Varsity games. Good Luck RAiDERS!
