Arthur CUSD #305

Couldn't be more proud of the Administrative team today. Gathered early and put so much time, energy and thought into some tough decisions. Certainly uncharted waters for all, but so proud of them and their leadership. Feel lucky to work with such a great group! #GoKnights

Dear Arthur CUSD #305 Students, Staff and Families, The CDC and the Governor of the State of Illinois have provided school districts recommendations encouraging school administrators to make responsible decisions that are in the best interest of the health and safety of their students, staff, and community. Based on these recommendations, Arthur CUSD 305 is cancelling all extracurricular events as well as all other school related events from today, March 13 through Sunday, April 5, 2020. At this time school will remain open and any decision related to potential school closures will immediately be communicated. Practices for athletic teams, fine art programs and other school sponsored organizations will continue as school remains in session. These decisions are and will continue to be made to minimize risk and follow the guidelines and suggestions provided. We will continue to collaborate, keep informed by all sources available, and communicate with information that is received. Sincerely, Mr. Shannon Cheek Superintendent

Congratulations to Mrs. Crother's, Arthur Grade School's Speech and Language Pathologist "Teacher of the Week" in The News-Gazette. Click on the following link: https://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/education/teacher-of-the-week-amber-crothers/article_e35b9bfb-ea07-5b37-97c0-5d8db62794c1.html

Thank you students and Mrs. Huffman for inviting me to observe the presentations in English II today. Such great work and I was so happy to be able to see our students showcase their talents. #Goknights

Dear Arthur CUSD #305 Students, Staff and Families, As information continues to become available and updated related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) we continue to monitor the situation keeping the safety of students, staff and community at the forefront. As this is a very unusual situation that all communities are trying to navigate and manage, many stakeholders are trying to come together to help determine the next steps. The collaboration with area Superintendents, Regional Offices of Education, Illinois State Board of Education, Regional Departments of Health as well as the Illinois Department of Health will continue as we are monitoring and gathering as much information as possible in order to make the most informed decisions moving forward. On Monday evening of this week the Illinois State Board of Education sent an email to all Superintendents expressing that it is “imperative” that districts work on an e-learning plan in the event that schools need to close for the Coronavirus. E-learning opportunities and developing that plan create many challenges for many districts in the state including available technology, as well as a multi layered approval process that extends beyond our local board of education. In light of the Coronavirus situation, the Illinois State Board of Education is working to waive those approvals requirements and expedite the process, however there isn’t a timeline for doing that. We will continue to monitor, encourage staff, and students to wash hands more frequently and utilize best practices for assisting in maintaining a clean and sanitized learning environment. We will also continue to implement best practices with our custodial staff to maintain and provide the safest environment possible for our staff and students. Also, please know that any decision moving ahead regarding school and or school closure will be made in coordination and guidance of many experts within the public health departments. As previously stated this is a very unusual and challenging situation that we are trying to navigate and we appreciate your understanding and patience during the process. I am also including the link for the Illinois Department of Public Health for your reference http://www.dph.illinois.gov/ Please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself at 217-543-2511 with any questions or clarity that is needed. Sincerely, Mr. Shannon Cheek Superintendent

Our very own Mrs. Checkley presenting at Rotary this afternoon! Thanks for your time and wealth of knowledge on Restorative Practices! We’re lucky to have you and appreciate what you do for our kids every single day! #GoKnights #allaboutkids

Congrats Mrs. Frye on being awarded the Empowering Education Grant by the Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative.....so deserving. #GoKnights #goingaboveandbeyond

We are celebrating Reading Across America Week at AGS!

Fundraiser for the District #305 Education Foundation. All proceeds benefit the foundation which then goes to our schools, faculty, staff and students. Tickets for reverse raffle are $50 each and include one pork chop dinner. Additional dinners can be purchased for $10 each at the door. Last ticket drawn wins the grand prize of $1500. Serving for meal begins at 5; raffle follows. Raffle tickets also available for 1/4 side of beef for $10 each. Beef has been donated by J.W. Day Farms. Contact a foundation board member for tickets: Rod Randall, Carol Smith, Shannon Cheek, Shelley Martina, Stan Harris, Kristie Mechling, Ryan Nettles, Danny Powell, Marty Yeakel. Need not be present to win!

100 People Who Care is a fundraising initiative of the District #305 Education Foundation. Knightly Reading is made possible from a grant received from the Foundation. We had a wonderful evening last Thursday, Feb. 20 at La Cascada. Renee Brown, district librarian and her team Jann Harris, Lindsey Herring, Amy Tighe and Carla Poorman, gave a fantastic and informative presentation on Knightly Reading "The Chocolate Touch." Watch this page and the local newspapers for updates and more about this. Next meeting will be Thursday, April 16 (tentative) for our first annual dinner when we will share our new grant recipients and their projects. Dinner will be provided by the District #305 Education Foundation at 6:30 at LaCascada for those who are members of 100 People Who Care and have made and fulfilled their pledge.

Click on the link below for information for schools and the Coronavirus. https://www.cusd305.org/article/198717?org=arthurcusd

*Change in School Calendar* Arthur CUSD #305 has added Monday, March 30, 2020 to its Spring Break schedule. Spring Break will now run from Wednesday, March 25 through Monday, March 30. Students will be back in attendance on Tuesday, March 31. We apologize for this late edit to the school calendar. There was a discrepancy found between the official school calendar and the calendar provided to parents and students via the website. To correct this discrepancy, a non-attendance day had to be added. Again, we apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may cause.

Congrats @lucasotto1170 and family for your commitment to further your athletic career @LLCAthletics to play baseball for the Lakers.....thanks for your dedication and passion and all that you’ve given us here at ALAH HS. Once a Knight always a Knight! #GoKnights

8th Grade Night!

Wondering about the truth about vaping & marijuana? Join us tonight for a presentation by the CEO of Steered Straight, Michael DeLeon. He will teach us about vaping, marijuana & so much more. Tonight at 6:30 in the high school cafeteria. Everyone is welcome. #GoKnights

Student of the month Ashley Seegmiller with Mom (Steffanie), Dad (Scott) and Ag Teacher, Mrs. Beckmier! Congrats we are proud of you! #GoKnights

Class of 2024 orientation has begun. Cant wait to see what these students bring to our school. # GoKnights

Thanks again Knights Youth Sports Association for our new basketball hoops! Our students love it!

Just another reminder that we have a board meeting scheduled for tomorrow, at LGS. We will have a tour of the facility starting at 5:30pm with the board meeting to start at 6pm. We'd love to see you there! Have a great week.

Area Administrators: Join us for an Administrator Academy on Using Data to Drive Immediate and Lasting Improvements at Yoders Restaurant in Arthur on March 2. See attached flyer to sign up.