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First graders from Riddle Elementary went caroling yesterday to spread holiday cheer. They visited Brookstone Estates North and South, Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home, Copper Creek Cottages, and our Board of Education & Administrative Office. They also sang to secretaries and Principal Kleiss! ππ
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Wishing our students a wonderful Winter Break! Teachers will return on January 3rd and students will be welcomed back on January 4th. See you then!βοΈβοΈ
![Happy Holidays December 21-January 2. January 3: Full day teacher institute. January 4:Classes resume as normal](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6517863/large_MCUSD_Holiday_Graphics__1080___1080_px___1_.png)
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The St. Louis Cardinals Caravan is coming to Lake Land College January 14, 2024! Get your tickets today at the LLC Field House Athletics Office or Washington Savings Bank. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, call 217-234-5333. βΎοΈπ
![Get your tickets today! St Louis Cardinals Caravan 24. LLC Field House Sunday, January 14, 20204 12:00 P.M. Drink + 2 hot dogs + bag of chips. Doors open at 11 AM no preferred seating. 217-234-5333. Advanced tickets may be purchased at LLC Field house athletics office or Washington savings bank. Tickets will also be available at the door. No preferred seating. Event sponsored by LLC Athletics and MHS Basketball](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6478547/large_Untitled_design.png)
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Mattoon High School hosted its first annual Academic Spotlight night on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. This event was partnered with Food for Thought, a subcommittee of MHS students and staff passionate about increasing family engagement at MHS. π₯§π
Families were able to engage in the many academic opportunities identified by students as outstanding, influential, or memorable. Featured were internship opportunities, Personalized Pace Math, American Sign Language activities, Computer Maintenance coding drones, Physics creating catapults, and rocket creation. ππ»
In addition, MHS senior Jo A. cooked food for all guests as her capstone project for her Culinary Arts pathway at LIFT, and Noah N. filmed and edited the footage for his capstone project for the Broadcasting pathway at LIFT. Families could also play board games with the Game Club during the evening. These students were incredible leaders throughout the entire event. π©βπ³ π½
We are so proud of all of our student leaders who are passionate about spotlighting the amazing opportunities MHS students have each day, serving our community, and engaging families. π€
![food for thought event](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6403118/large_IMG_4091.jpg)
![food for thought event](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6403117/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_4.00.22_PM.png)
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Pictured are the Riddle Elementary Art Contest winners from November. Students were given the opportunity to disguise a turkey. All entries were put on display and fifth grade, student leader Jaynah T. announced the contest winners over the school intercom. Pictured are the winners with Jaynah. From left to right KeAra B., Maddy P., Dominic F., Aleenah B., Cohenn P., Kyleigh J., Kale P., and Jaynah. ππ¦ π¨
We are looking forward to seeing who will win the challenge of decorating an evergreen tree this month! π²
![RES November art winners](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400991/large_IMG_7790.jpg)
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Students in Ms. McCoy's class at Williams Elementary School recently completed a 100 book drive for One Stop Community Christmas. ππ
Ms. McCoy stated, "I am so proud of my students. This all began with a student noticing the book box at the front of their building was empty. From there, the class discussed the importance of programs like One Stop and how much brighter it can make someone's holiday season. The students then took it upon themselves to share this information with their families and a challenge was born! I love their kind hearts and how they strive to make the world a better place." ππ
Great work to everyone involved in this project! π
![WES One Stop Donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6401403/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.25.20_PM.png)
![WES One Stop Donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6401404/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.25.34_PM.png)
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π’MCUSD2 Familiesπ’
Did you know that breakfasts and lunches are provided at no charge to our students throughout the entire 2023-24 school year? π₯π₯ͺππ½οΈ
Check out our monthly menus here: mcusd2.org/MonthlyFoodMenu
![School Meals - Breakfast and lunches are provided at no charge to our students for the 2023-24 school year](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6431376/large_Aramark_Meals-2.png)
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Congratulations to these Franklin Preschoolers who recently celebrated crushing their reading and math goals! Some of the students were even able to silly string a teacher! ππ
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400738/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_11.44.32_AM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400740/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_11.43.24_AM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400737/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_11.44.42_AM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400743/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_11.44.55_AM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400744/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.05.14_PM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400741/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.05.22_PM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400746/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.05.32_PM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400739/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.05.37_PM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400745/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.05.42_PM.png)
![Franklin WIG goals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6400742/large_Screen_Shot_2023-12-12_at_2.05.47_PM.png)
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Representatives from Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha recently visited Riddle Elementary School and picked up a collection of socks from the schoolβs student-led sock drive for One Stop Community Christmas. π§¦
Students from Mrs. Simpson's Kindness Cafe Group organized the drive that collected 852 pairs of socks! π
One Stop Community Christmas took place this past weekend at Lake Land College. π
![RES One Stop Donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6396927/large_20231106_120320.jpg)
![RES One Stop Donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6396926/large_20231106_120629.jpg)
![RES One Stop Donation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6396925/large_20231106_120637.jpg)
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Don't miss the MHS Winter Concert tonight! We hope you join us to hear the sounds of the season. π€π·πΌ
![MHS Winter Concert December 11, 2023. Choir concert 6pm cafeteria, band concert 7pm main gym](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6363973/large_concert.png)
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...And all through Riddle Elementary School not a student was stirring, not even Mrs. Kleiss! The gifts were displayed on the table with care in hopes that the students soon would be there! π
This is the week the kids have been waiting for! Students will have the chance to purchase gifts for family and friends this week during their assigned shopping time at the Penguin Patch Holiday Shop Experience. π§
!['twas the night before the holiday shop... december 11-15, 2023 riddle elementary school](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206850/large_Save_the_Date___2_.png)
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Friday fun was recently taken to the next step... SURGERY! π₯π©ββοΈ
Students in 3rd-grade classes at Williams Elementary were recently able to put on surgeon gear and get their hands dirty in some hands-on pretend surgery. Sarah Bush generously donated surgeon items to help the students take on their roles! Future doctors, nurses, and dentists in the making! π¦·π·π
![WES surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354656/large_large_PXL_20231120_182914302.jpeg)
![WES Surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354659/large_large_PXL_20231120_182920082.MP.jpg)
![WES Surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354661/large_large_PXL_20231120_182927417.jpeg)
![WES surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354662/large_large_PXL_20231120_182943241.jpeg)
![WES Surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354657/large_large_PXL_20231120_183728075.MP.jpg)
![WES surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354654/large_large_PXL_20231120_185832677.jpeg)
![WES surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354660/large_large_PXL_20231120_185837985.jpeg)
![WES surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354655/large_large_PXL_20231120_185843877.jpeg)
![WES surgery](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6354658/large_large_PXL_20231120_185849237.MP.jpg)
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βJoin MHS for Holiday Dress-Up Days next week! Students will also be participating in door decorating and other fun activities throughout the month!π
![Join MHS for Holiday Dress-up Days: Monday, December 11: Wear red and green Tuesday, December 12: Christmas characters/movie dress up Wednesday, December 13: Ugly Holiday Sweater Thursday, December 14: Crazy Christmas socks or go all out Friday, December 15: School-appropriate Holiday pajamas All throughout the month of December, MHS will also be participating in door decorating and other fun activities!](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6293498/large_MHS_Holiday_Dress-up_days__Instagram_Post___2_.png)
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We are now hiring custodians and sub-custodians! π€
β
Retirement Benefits
β
Paid Time Off
β
Regionally Competitive Pay
β
Rich Culture
Apply online:π
bit.ly/mcusd2-apply
![We are now hiring custodians and sub custodians! π€ β
Retirement Benefits β
Paid Time Off β
Regionally Competitive Pay β
Rich Culture Apply online:π bit.ly/mcusd2-apply](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6312683/large_Recruitment_Graphic_-_Custodians___Subcustodians__1_.png)
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Don't forget the shopping at Riddle Elementary School starts next week! Make sure your child has written their lists and checked it twice for the Penguin Patch Holiday Shop Experience! π§ππ
![penguin patch holiday shop experience. December 11-15, 2023 RiddleElementary School](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206846/large_Save_the_Date___1_.png)
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Franklin Preschool is having their Winter Family Night on Thursday, December 7th from 6:00-7:00 PM. Activities include:βοΈ
ππ€Ά Read-a-loud session with Mrs. Claus
πΈπ
Photo shoot with Santa
πβοΈ Christmas tree craft
π₯π¦ Reindeer food
πͺπ¨ Sugar cookie decorating
πβ¨ Ornament making
![Have yourself a merry little winter family night. Come enjoy an open hosue style event full of family fun with Franklin Preschool! Families will have the opportunity to enjoy a read-a-loud with Mrs. Clause, photo shoot with Santa, Christmas tree craft, reinder food, and sugar cookie and ornament decorating. December 7 from 6-7 PM. 1201 S. 6th street, mattoon, Il](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6278505/large_Franklin_Family_Night_2023__Instagram_Post___1_.png)
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On Saturday, November 18th, multiple Mattoon students from the middle school and high school participated in the ILMEA District 5 Honors Festival at EIU. It was a great day of music with students from all over Central Illinois. We are so proud of our students! πΌπ€
![ILME](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206797/large_IMG_7893.jpg)
![ILME](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206798/large_20231118_152649.jpg)
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![ILME](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206796/large_IMG_1501.jpg)
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![ILME](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206795/large_IMG_7891.jpg)
![ILME](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206801/large_20231118_150119.jpg)
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Mark your calendars for the Birth to 3 Program's December events! For more information on the program visit the Birth to 3 page.π
mcusd2.org/BirthTo3
![december events 2023. Birth to 3 program. both events this month will be held at the LIFT building. Playgroup dec. 5 9:30-10:30 a.m. gingerbread theme. Dec. 14 family night from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Stories, activities, and pictures with santa. Visit our website for other upcoming events.mcusd2.org/BirthTo3](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206643/large_Open_Mic_Night__3_.png)
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Make sure to save the Franklin Preschool December to Remember Calendar in your phones!βοΈ π
Join us in counting down to the holiday season with fun dress up days and holiday activities. We look forward to seeing your school and holiday spirit in December! π¦
![December to Remember Franklin Preschool](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6241861/large_2023_December_to_Remember__2_.png)
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It's about to be a December to Remember at Williams and Riddle Elementary Schools! βοΈ π
Please join us in counting down to the holiday season with fun dress up days and holiday activities. We look forward to seeing your school and holiday spirit in December! π¦
![December to Remember at Williams at Riddle Elementary Schools](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6239459/large_2023_December_to_Remember__1_.png)