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Riddle Elementary Art Students have been busy this month incorporating math and estimation with some pumpkinology! The students were given the opportunity to guess the weight and number of pumpkin seeds inside a massive pumpkin. Sophia is pictured collecting seeds from the giant pumpkin, and Aubrey is pictured beside the giant pumpkin. Aubrey was the winner by guessing that the pumpkin had 707 seeds, which was the closest guess to the actual count of 738 seeds. Not pictured is Mackenzie, who guessed that the pumpkin weighed 75 pounds, which turned out to be exactly right! On average, a pumpkin has about 400-500 seeds. π
![pumpkinology](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6157104/large_IMG_7668.jpg)
![pumpkinology](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6157105/large_IMG_7676.jpg)
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View photos from all the Veterans Day Events held on November 9th and 10th throughout the district with the link below.πΊπΈπ«‘
mcusd2.org/VeteransDay2023
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206206/large_53358617205_10881fab31_k.jpg)
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206207/large_53357304797_a90e94fbde_k.jpg)
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206208/large_53358158866_a614178e3d_k.jpg)
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206209/large_53358159966_641c6ae059_k.jpg)
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206210/large_53358564614_2262225ec2_k.jpg)
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206211/large_53358402303_cc1c7d20bf_k.jpg)
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206212/large_53358381023_7ec8b25349_k.jpg)
![Veterans Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6206213/large_53358679520_2586d35e0a_k.jpg)
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In October, kindergarten students at Riddle Elementary listened to the story 'I Need My Monster' by Amanda Noll. Afterward, students designed their own monster! Their designs were then sent to Jennie's Wearables. Jennifer Mayhew, the owner, then used sublimation to transfer their designs to fabrics and sewed the small pillows for each student! The reveal day for the pillows was held on Friday, November 17th. Every student was able to take their pillow home to enjoy their very own monster! πΎπ§ββοΈ
![monster pillow](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6179412/large_monster2.jpeg)
![monster pillow](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6179419/large_monster1.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/profile/avatar/142805/circled_9ca9f074-1af0-4539-a76a-966a0bacda9b.png)
Elementary basketball registration for 4th and 5th-grade opens January 5th. The season will run from January 22nd to February 15th. Get your sports physicals now to be able to participate! Find additional information at mcusd2.org/athletics.
![Elementary Basketball. Registration opens January 5th. Get your sports physicals now to participate. mcusd2.org/athletics](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6176200/large_Youth_Basketball_Physicals___Registration_Graphics.png)
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The Winter Wavette Dance Camp will be held for grades K-5 on Saturday, December 2nd from 1:00-2:15 p.m. This camp will enable your child to become a part of the tradition that is Mattoon Dance. Each camper will be taught by a group of high school dancers led by one or more veteran dancers of our team. π―ββοΈ
All attending will be invited back to perform with the Wavettes during half-time of the JV Girls Basketball Game on Monday, December 4. π
Checks can be made payable to the MHS Dance Team.
mcusd2.org/HalfTimeExperience
![Dec 2MHS 1-2:15 pm. Grades k-5.Wavette Dance Camp. $20 per participant.Register here:mcusd2.org/HalfTimeExperience](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6170593/large_Wavette_Dance_Camp_-_Half_Time_Experience.png)
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Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Just a reminder, we will not have school November 22nd-24th. School will resume on Monday, November 27th. π¦π
![give thanks and take a break. November 22-24 No school. November 27: School Resumes](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6176209/large_MCUSD_Holiday_Graphics__1080___1080_px_.png)
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The Riddle Art 1st quarter of School Leadership Award winner was
Trinity V. Students caught demonstrating positive leadership qualities, incorporating the seven habits, are given raffle tickets, for a chance to be the grand prize winner. Throughout the first quarter thousands of students earned raffle tickets, and the winner was finally drawn. Congrats Trinity!
![RES art winner](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6168798/large_IMG_7583.jpg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/profile/avatar/142805/circled_9ca9f074-1af0-4539-a76a-966a0bacda9b.png)
Riddle Elementary 4th and 5th grade students are invited to participate in the Illinois Readers Choice Program, the Bluestem Award. There are twenty nominated books, and in March students are invited to vote for the book they believe should win the award. For each Bluestem book read, students answer questions about the book and are entered into a monthly drawing for free books. π
Pictured are the drawing winners for the months of August/September and October.π
![Riddle Elementary August & September Bluestem Winners](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6157092/large_RES_Bluestem_Winners__5_.png)
![Riddle Elementary October Bluestem Winners](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/live_feed_image/image/6157093/large_RES_Bluestem_Winners__1_.png)
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November 15, 2023 marks School Board Members Day in Illinois. We are thankful to our board members for their commitment to education. Our board members spend multiple hours each month on district work, attending meetings, and other responsibilities most will never hear or read about. We want to thank all six members of the Mattoon CUSD #2 Board Education for their service to the district and our students.πβ¨
![Happy School Board Members Day: Dale Righter, Ashli Overton, Erika Weaver, John Hedges, Heidi Larson, Cheryl Armstrong](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6105482/large_board_member_23__2_.png)
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Picture retake days are happening this week for Franklin Preschool and Williams Elementary School. For additional details, please contact your child's school or visit www.WagnerPortraitGroup.com. πΈ
![Picture Retake Day Schedule. 11/15- Williams; Franklin: 11/16](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6079294/large_MHS__1_.png)
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Riddle Elementary School recently hosted a book fair. Customers were given the option to donate change from their purchases to help buy books for One Stop Community Christmas. Donations added up to nearly $100! We were able to buy thirty-one awesome books that will be wonderful Christmas gifts. Thank you to all of our shoppersβyour support is a win-win for everyone! π πππ
![One Stop Donations](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6010434/large_FiXR0mRcnmnJFqskPW4zIA.png)
![One Stop Donations](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6010435/large_KkfbWkU9efanK_okLAVnrw.jpeg)
![One Stop Donations](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6010438/large_PrAjTdNdPT2JnD9nDCYY9A.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/profile/avatar/142805/circled_9ca9f074-1af0-4539-a76a-966a0bacda9b.png)
Riddle Elementary School families are invited to Family Reading Night on Thursday, November 16th from 6:00-7:30 PM. ππ
Get ready for an exciting journey around the school, where reading is the key to success. Every student must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, so let's make it a fantastic family adventure! π¨βπ©βπ¦βπ¦
Upon arrival, you'll receive your very own Reading Passport. Visit 3 classrooms of your choice to earn 3 stamps, which will unlock a world of reading opportunities. βοΈ
Our classrooms will illuminate essential aspects of phonics and literacy, boosting your reading skills in the process. π
To reserve your spot, please RSVP by November 9th with the link below:
mcusd2.org/RESFamilyReadingNight.
![You're Invited to Family Reading Night! Passport to reading succces. Thursday, November 16th 6-7:30. We're taking Riddle families on an adventure around the school! A parent or guardian is required to accompany students through the tour, so make it a family adventure!Upon arriving, visitors will receive a special Reading Passport. Visitors will select 3 classrooms to visit to earn 3 stamps for their "Reading Passort". Classrooms will highlight important areas of phonics & literacy to boost reading skills. The entire family is encouraged to attend and show students that reading is a passport to success...AND FUN! Families must RSVP by November 9th by calling 217-238-3800 or by visiting mcusd2.org/RESFamilyReadingNight.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/6001298/large_GSey24NEz0Csyafg_LEOyA.png)
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5 Tips for IAR Testing November 7th and November 9thπ
πΉ Tip 1: Get a good night's sleep π΄
πΉ Tip 2: Stay organized π
πΉ Tip 3: Eat a nutritious breakfast π³
πΉ Tip 4: Read carefully π΅οΈββοΈ
πΉ Tip 5: Double-check your work β
We are wishing our students the best of luck this week! You've got this! πͺ
![5 Tips for IAR Testing. Get a Good Night's Sleep. Getting plenty of sleep improves a child's cognitive function, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities, ultimately leading to better test performance and academic success. Stay Organized: Prepare the night before by laying out your studentβs belongings. This starts the day with a sense of organization and reduced stress. It allows them to arrive at school early feeling calm. Eat a Nutritional Breakfast: Eating a nutritious breakfast before a test provides a child with the energy and focus needed to sustain their cognitive functions throughout the exam, improving their concentration and alertness. Read Carefully: Remind your student to read each question and answer choice carefully. Make sure they understand what is being asked before choosing an answer. Double-Check Work: If time permits, encourage your students to go back and review their answers. It's easy to make simple mistakes that can be corrected with a second look. IAR Testing for Grades 3-8 Takes Place on November 7th and November 9th.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5988404/large_Uy3OSdOhfGOhtSHOVSkBtQ.png)
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After working with the phone company, the issue has been resolved, and all phone lines throughout the district are working properly.
![MCUSD#2 News](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5933763/large_EPaCXgpzIaSNfMJxr_yowA.jpeg)
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We are aware of phone outages affecting several buildings throughout the district. We are currently working closely with the phone company to resolve this as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
![MCUSD2 News](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5922090/large_19OpJJdPdkGKEZ5fSGdTcg.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/profile/avatar/142805/circled_9ca9f074-1af0-4539-a76a-966a0bacda9b.png)
The Riddle Bulletin Board crew has been supplying some building beautification to our cafeteria.π¨
Ella, Kamiaha, and Serenity brought their creative minds together to brainstorm some Fall ideas, and the result is a picture-perfect bulletin board that's adding a touch of magic to our Riddle cafeteria! ποΈπ
Big shoutout to this talented trio for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for making a difference! ππ
![Riddle Bulletin Board](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5772303/large_bsxzF8NokBUJptxVhzBEWw.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/profile/avatar/142805/circled_9ca9f074-1af0-4539-a76a-966a0bacda9b.png)
Riddle Elementary School has updated the meal menu for next week (October 30-November 3). Please click the link below to view the new menu. ππ
mcusd2.org/RESMenu
![Updated Menu! View the updated Riddle meal menu. mcusd2.org/RESMenu](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5807171/large__Qact5RJItPfhb8bpPBauw.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mattoon_community_unit_school_district_2_ar/profile/avatar/142805/circled_9ca9f074-1af0-4539-a76a-966a0bacda9b.png)
πβ¨ What a fun week at the Riddle Elementary Literati Book Fair! πβ¨
We also want to give a big shoutout to our wonderful shoppers last week who generously donated money for books to go towards One Stop Community Christmas. πβ€οΈ
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773575/large_bmBTDSJVh3aC_v76g4vBnA.jpeg)
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773578/large_MEFFlRkgmaTWayOZvRNn9Q.jpeg)
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773579/large_fiLFdJzTk5pAv7RSHrbpBg.jpeg)
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773581/large_rHT0SpeQ4oOShnWKbyjzDQ.jpeg)
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773583/large_UbrjB_kqvJ1OPFSd0-uE-Q.jpeg)
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773585/large_AyRneB5o3koQ9FnmLsYZWA.jpeg)
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773586/large_Dv6AOg7moGzxce6lYJZevw.jpeg)
![Riddle Book Fair 2023](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5773588/large_L303CZZ__p3KQ4Wbc2qcvA.jpeg)
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ππ©βπ« Today, we celebrate Principal Appreciation Day! π«π
Our Principals, Assistant Principals, and Deans lead with passion, dedication, and a vision for excellence. They inspire our students, guide our educators, and foster an environment where learning thrives. We are grateful to have these amazing leaders in our district.π±π
![Principal Appreciation Day October 20, 2023. Thank you for all you do. Mattoon High School. Mr. Duckett, Mrs. Schumacher, Mr. Stuart, and Mr. Kimbro](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5730742/large_d1OrrIxiyRKXyhHNuUzqtA.png)
![Principal Appreciation Day October 20, 2023. Thank you for all you do. Mattoon Middle School. Mr. Endebrock, Mr. Arnold,Mrs. Stewart.](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5730745/large_lbARXGq1MIr6VyeixvKeag.png)
![Principal Appreciation Day October 20, 2023. Thank you for all you do. Arland D. Williams Elementary School. Mr. Shaffer, Mrs. Trussell](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5730746/large_4SuZb7AH2v0y_zt0VYF-jg.png)
![Principal Appreciation Day October 20, 2023. Thank you for all you do. Riddle Elementary School. Mrs. Kleiss and Mr. Rahar](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5730747/large_tgHlDL7OJ-uud4bH6jYLww.png)
![Principal Appreciation Day October 20, 2023. Thank you for all you do. Franklin Preschool. Mrs. Holt](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5730748/large_BwWHGkSK8ANTWAHLvCU_iA.png)
![Principal Appreciation Day October 20, 2023. Thank you for all you do. LIFT Central Illinois. Mr. Schaefer](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5730749/large_zgU8Q_HDCqDImsUKfhyRsQ.png)
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Just a reminder, Student-Led Conferences are taking place throughout the district this evening and tomorrow. There will be no school tomorrow (Friday, October 20th). For more information on the conferences, please visit the link below:π
mcusd2.org/StudentLedConferences
![Student-Led Conferences October 19th & 20th. No School on friday,October 20th. mcusd2.org/StudentLedConferences](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5722586/large_ADJKG5fPsPD8CKYJZe8P7A.jpeg)