If your son/daughter plans on participating in softball, baseball, or cross country, please make sure he/she has a current sports physical done before try-outs. Right now we are looking at try-outs to be anytime after July 22. We are still waiting on a decision from SIJHSAA to go forward with Fall Sports.
Please see attached for Snap benefit Info.
If you have not picked up your child’s belongings from school please come before 2:00 today. Thanks.
Raccoon Parade Pics.
Parade pics for Raccoon!
Reminder, there will be no school work for students on April 6th-10th. Teachers will be planning for upcoming weeks of remote learning. We will still deliver lunches as normal.
Check out Friday’s Parade Pics!
More Parade Pics from Tuesday
Pics from Tuesday’s Parade of Cars
Illinois has extended the stay at home order until at least April 30th. There are many “unknowns” for schools moving forward from that date. We will share information as we get it. What that means for us at Raccoon is this:
We will continue with remote learning through the end of the week (Friday, April 3rd). Students will have next week off. Teachers will be using next week as Remote Learning Planning Days. We will expect students to back to learning on Monday, April 13th. This a a day earlier than previously announced.
Students need to continue to check in with teachers regularly. If you have not been in contact with your child’s teacher you should do so very soon.
Work students have completed during Remote Learnkng Days will be credited to the students. It is important that all students attempt to complete work.
We will update parents weekly regarding change and new State guidance. We are now seeing COVID-19 move into our area so please take precautions over the next several months. If you avoid public contact it is better for everyone.
Mr. Renaud
Good morning! We will be leaving the school at 10:30 with the parade of cars. We will be following the bus routes and delivering lunches, some chrome books, and curriculum. If your child is in 1st, 3rd or 4th grade you will have multiple books delivered so please be watching. If you are not home we will leave work in mailboxes.
Please keep children from running up to the cars as we want to keep them as safe and healthy as possible. As a reminder, if you live on a dead end road or long driveway, you may choose to come up to the main road to wave to teachers and pick up packets. Hope to see lots of our little friends out!
Mr. Renaud
Good morning! The Raccoon staff wants to bring a little sunshine to the students tomorrow (Tuesday, March 31st) so be looking for the parade of cars passing by your house in the morning between 10:30 and 11:15. We hope to see many of our little faces we miss here at school.
Good morning. I have been waiting to give an update to you this week in hopes that we would have new guidance from the State Board of Education regarding additional closure days and how school work will look moving forward after spring break. Unfortunately, we do not have new information, but we are moving forward with a plan to serve our students with the best information available. Please understand, this is subject to change. Here’s what you need to know:
1. We will continue working on the original packets sent home by your child’s teacher through the end of the day on April 3rd. Remember, this work was designed to be review and will not hurt your child’s grades.
2. We will observe Spring Break from April 6-13. No work is expected, but you may be getting updates from your child’s teachers. We will continue to serve breakfast and lunch during the Spring Break.
3. We are planning for Governor Pritzker to close schools for additional weeks after Spring Break. The State Board has told us to begin to work with parents and students to introduce new curriculum. This is going to pose a challenge, but we will be working to get this done. In order to do this, students will need access to WiFi. Most homes have access. The Raccoon Board of Education is working to secure hot spots to provide WiFi for students who do not have access at home. A signed waiver will be required to obtain one from the school. Students without a device will be provided one by the school. Most students have a school email address. Please be checking this email address frequently for updates. You can also expect contact from your child’s teachers via other methods. You may be asked to learn how to use Google Classroom. We anticipate that the days following Spring Break will require students/parents to log into Teacher Ease to verify attendance. We also anticipate that school work will count toward a grade. More guidance on all of the above will be forthcoming. Any needed devices or curriculum will be delivered to homes on Tuesday’s or Friday’s using our regular bus routes.
4. We know that these weeks have been trying and stressful for parents. We are working to move more of the work load back to student-teacher interaction. If you will spend the necessary time helping your child get set up and organized it will pay off in the long term for you at home by making them less dependent on your help.
5. Finally, thank you for your continued efforts and patience. We appreciate our Raccoon Community and miss all of our kids.
M. Renaud
AR -
After talking with many parents and Mr. Renaud, I have lifted the time restrictions for taking an AR test. RGS students will be able to test whenever it is convenient for their families. Thanks for all you are doing to help keep learning happening! Mrs. Register
Starting tomorrow Monday, March 23rd—please post your picture on the Raccoon PTO Facebook page. Let’s stay connected 💙
Parents: I have learned of some feee internet opportunities from AT&T, Spectrum, and Comcast. You can learn more by visiting: www.isbe.net/keeplearning
Help from AT&T
Accelerated Reading - Beginning today students will be able to take AR tests from home between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. They will need to use the following link to access Renaissance. (Home Connect will not work.) Open M-F only. https://hosted227.renlearn.com/187568
Miles of Smiles was supposed to be back March 25th for restorative care (x-rays, fillings, extractions, etc.). Due to the circumstances, we had to reschedule. They will now be back April 22. If your child received a yellow packet and you would like for them to have their dental work done at school, please return the packet to me when we resume school. Thanks, Nurse Inlow
If your student takes medication at school and you will need some of the school's inventory to get through the next two weeks at home, please pick up their medication today. Thanks - Nurse Inlow
Raccoon School will dismiss at 11:30 on Monday, March 16th.
Raccoon Students will be bringing home a VERY IMPORTANT letter today that all parents need to read in regards to the Coronavirus.
Please read the attached preventative information provided by the CDC regarding the Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Evan sporting his “Spelling Bee Legend” shirt, as he is our three-time reigning Spelling Bee Champ! 🐝
So proud of our very own Kathara Williams for being chosen for volleyball OBC All Conference and Lauryn Phillips for honorable mention. Congratulations girls! Well deserved!
Congratulations to our Lady Devil volleyball team on winning 3rd place in the OBC tournament.
More 3-5 reward party
3-5 grades enjoyed skating reward party
Information from the CDC about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Food Drive coming soon! March 12-19. Help us to help others and watch our “Giving Tree” grow! Flyer coming home in Monday folders.
Fifth Annual RGS Spelling Bee Winners:
Evan Crawford, First Place
Payton Nix, Second Place
Great Job, Boys!!!
We have 2 confirmed cases of chickenpox, one in 4th grade and one in Pre-K. Please do not panic!
Frequently Asked Questions:
If my child has been vaccinated can they still get chickenpox? Yes, but less likely and usually a more mild case.
What are the signs and symptoms? Itchy rash of blisters, fever, headache, feeling tired.
Can chickenpox be serious? Not usually, but can be for babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
How does chickenpox spread? The virus is spread by the infected person breathing, coughing, sneezing or touching another individual who is susceptible to the infection.
What should I do if I suspect my child has chickenpox? KEEP THEM HOME and call your pediatrician.
Please call me at the school with any questions or concerns. Thanks, Nurse Inlow
Experimenting with solids and liquids by making Oobleck in 6th grade Science
Voter Information
With permission from the parent, I want to let everyone know that we have a suspected case of chicken pox in the 4th grade. Please take care to monitor your child. If you suspect that your child could have chickenpox, keep them home and notify your pediatrician. I have attached a newsletter with additional information. Please contact me at school with any questions. Again, this is just a POSSIBLE case. I just wanted to keep everyone in the loop. Thanks! Nurse Inlow
Come out and support your Lady Devils tonight for 8th grade night in their volleyball match up vs Trinity. C team starts at 4pm.
Great day of volleyball! 1st annual 7th grade Raccoon Tournament was a success. Thanks to all the teams who came out and participated! Selmaville came away with 1st place, Casey Middle School 2nd place and 3rd place went to Irvington/ North Walmac. Congrats Ladies. Also congrats to our All Tournament team and our MVP from Raccoon Averie Taylor.
Please Read
Board Member Vacancy Notice
Going above and beyond with cereal commercials!!
We are getting ready for the spelling bee!
Valentine's Dance 2020 Royal Court!
For students who participated - Wednesday and Thursday Miles of Smile came and all students saw the dentist, but due to time constraints there were some who didn't get to have their teeth cleaned and/or sealants done. Miles of Smiles will be back Tuesday February 25th to finish those students. If your child received a yellow packet, please fill it out and return to me ASAP. Miles of Smiles will be back Wednesday March 25th to do fillings, x-rays, etc. If your child received a red sheet, that means they need to be seen by a Dentist ASAP to have work completed that is too extensive to be done at the school. If you need help finding a dentist, please contact me. Thanks! Have a GREAT weekend!
National wear red day for heart disease prevention! Everyone wore red, discused heart health and prevention, along with trying a few heart healthy foods! Yogurt, blueberries, hummus, green peppers, and roasted chickpeas were on the menu. What a great day! We will be continuing heart health through February.
With a long weekend ahead this is a perfect time to help prevent the spread of germs!
Miles of Smiles tomorrow and Thursday!!
Letter from Superintendent
Wear Red Day was a success. We had 188 students wear red in support of Heart Disease Awareness. Centralia Sentinel came and took pictures for the paper tomorrow. Thanks for everyone’s participation!
3 Actions to Fight the Flu!!
STATE Bound Tshirts will be an Online order only!! No paper order forms are available. Here is the link to order,
https://raccoonreg2020.itemorder.com/sale.
Wednesday is the deadline in order for them to be ready for Saturday!
Regional Champs 2020
Jr. High took their 2nd quarter reward trip today to Hidden Valley for skiing. We had so much fun! Congrats on earning it!
Kindergarten celebrated the 100th Day of School with many fun activities! We are 100 days smarter!
Influenza A and B are still making its way around the community. If your student is running a fever, has any respiratory symptoms or is not feeling well, please keep them home. If symptoms continue, please take them to the clinic. If they test positive for influenza please call the school and alert the me as they will need to be out of school for a while - even after symptoms have stopped. Please call the school and ask for me if you have any questions. Thanks - Nurse Inlow
Tomorrow is the last day for CRUSH orders! Send your RGS valentine a CRUSH!
Wear Red Day - Next Friday, February 7th for American Heart Awareness!
3 & 4 Team Quest
Students had a blast at Team Quest on Thursday. One team will be competing again in April.
Kindergarten is making our own SNOW this week!
4th grade Cornhole
We have had many students with vomiting, fevers, sore throats, etc. If your student has been running a fever, thrown up, or does not feel well enough to attend school, please keep your student home. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you! - Nurse Inlow
PTO meeting tonight at 6pm!
So proud of the Pee Wee cheerleaders! They placed third in this weekend’s competition at Kell!!
Raccoon will be dismissing at noon today due to the increment weather that is in the forecast for our area today.
Jr. High Valentine's Dance is coming up fast! Tickets go on sale Feb 3-7 for $5. Tickets will be $6 at the door the night of the dance.
Kindergarten-3rd working on volleying and striking! Everyone loves balloons!!
Cornhole & Volleyball Units in full swing!
5th Grade team won the Selmaville Tournament today. Good job boys and Coach!
If you want your child to participate in Miles of Smiles, please have the form turned into me by Friday, as I will have to mail everything off to them soon. Please call the school if you need another form sent home or want to double check that your child is on my list. Thanks!
Winners of the Safety Calendar Contest!
Doors will open at 6:00 this evening for the annual Christmas Program. Students should go to their classrooms no sooner than 6:15. Please be careful in the school parking lot, as there are still patches of ice. We hope to see you all here tonight!
Reminder: UGLY SWEATER CONTEST is tomorrow, Friday, December 20th! Wear your ugly sweaters to win a prize! This is for ALL grade levels.
Reminder for any 5th-8th grade girl who would like to play volleyball:
Open Gyms: Saturday 12/21 10am-noon
Friday 12/27 4-6pm
Saturday 12/28 10am-noon
Tryouts: Monday 1/6 4:30-6pm
Tuesday 1/7 3-4:30pm
Check out the 5th Grade Champs!!
Updates:
Annual Christmas program will now be held on Thursday, December 19th at 6:30.
December board meeting will be held on Thursday, December 19th at 5:00
Raccoon will not be in session tomorrow, December 17th due to inclement weather. The Christmas program will be rescheduled for later in the week. We will send another update regarding the date/time. Mr. Renaud
All BETA CLUB bell ringing for the Salvation Army is cancelled for this week.
There will be no school on Monday, December 16th due to hazardous road conditions.
Cardinal Calendars are in!! Your student should have them today! Thanks so much for selling...every calendar helps PTO so much!!
RGS students have a chance to win a prize by wearing the ugliest sweater!!
Raccoon is an exciting place with Christmas just around the corner. Look at some of the doors around the building!
Raccoon is an exciting place with Christmas just around the corner. Look at some of the doors around the building!
Raccoon is an exciting place with Christmas just around the corner. Look at some of the doors around the building!
Raccoon is an exciting place with Christmas just around the corner. Look at some of the doors around the building!
Santa’s Cottage is next week!! Your student will be shopping on Tuesday, December 10th. Please send in his/her money and the list of 5 people they are shopping for. All students will also get a picture with Santa on Tuesday!
Here is the OBC bracket for the Tournament next week. I will send paper copies home with the boys today.
6th Grade Candy Cane Science Experiment
We have had many student sent home with illness. Please make sure you keep your child home if they are sick. I have attached our school policy on illness. Please read!
Volleyball open gym dates: December 21st 10am-noon, December 27th 4-6pm, December 28th 10am-noon. Tryouts: January 6th 4:30-6pm, January 7th 3-4:30pm.
7th Grade dissecting earthworms in Mrs. Mayer’s science class
Kindergarten has been learning to use our new Clear Touch board! Pretty cool stuff!
Starting a Badminton unit! Little underhand serving today!
Showing some love for our second grade teacher, Mrs. Adams. We all love you! Please join us tonight as Selmaville and Raccoon come together to support a good cause in our PINK OUT game!!
Picture retakes and sports/activity pictures are tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 19th. Please have students bring all uniforms, sports equipment, instruments, and order forms.
Raccoon School cares—thinking and praying for the families, Vandalia school system, and community ❤️
Snowball!!! What a perfect game to play after all of the snow this week and a snow day!!! ❄️ ⛄️ ❄️
Attention 7th & 8th graders! Tomorrow is the day we travel to the Salem Theater for the SCHS play! Don’t forget your permission slips and dress warm! We will be out of the building from 8:20 until 11:30ish.
Wednesday is World Kindness Day. Let’s show our support by wearing our favorite cardigans and tennis shoes, just like Mr. Rogers would do!
Raccoon will not be in session on Tuesday, November 12th due to hazardous road conditions.
Karaoke fun!!
Karaoke fun!!!
Cardinal calendar forms and money are due on Friday, November 8th!! Please send them in!!
Girls Basketball fan wear is availble for online ordering only. Please see the link below. The deadline is Nov. 7th.
https://raccoon-lady-devils-fan-wear-2019.itemorder.com/
Please call the school office at 532-7329 if you have not scheduled your teacher/parent conference yet. On Monday 11/4 school will dismiss at 2:00 and conferences will begin at 3:00 - 8:00 There will be no school for students on Tuesday 11/5 conferences will be 8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
RGS Bookfair is next week, November 4th through 8th. The Bookfair will be open during Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday night and on Tuesday morning. On Wed.,Thurs, & Fri., the kids will be able to shop during school hours with their class.It will be located in the library.
Important memo for parents regarding student drop off and pick up procedures, student attendance, and making transportation changes.
RGS PTO wants to give a huge thanks to Modern Woodmen and Carrie Huggins, mom of current student Carson Huggins and former students Julian, Presten, and Taylor Huggins for their very generous donations to our upcoming Fall Fest!! They donated chips, tea, cheese, paper products, and hamburger. This donation will help cut our costs and allow us to have more money for our students!! We appreciate it so!! ❤️
Red Ribbon Week Dress-Up Days
Bounce house FUN for meeting Accelerated Reading & Math goals!
Raccoon teachers and students wore red on Monday to kick off Red Ribbon Week. All students were treated to Dum Dum suckers.
PTO NEWS...note coming home today!!
Join Us on November 19th to show our support for Mrs Adams! Order forms are going home today!
No School tomorrow Friday- October 25th Teacher Institute
On Monday, November 4th we will have a 2:00 dismissal and Teacher/Parent Conferences will begin at 3:00 and end at 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5th No School for students. Teacher/Parent conf. 8:00 am - Noon
Please call the school office to make your appointment.
#teamAshlee
Please show your support for Mrs. Adams in her battle with breast cancer.
T-shirt order forms are coming home today. They are due on November 18.
The t-shirt will also rock the logo #teamAshlee on the sleeve.
The 8th Grade has adopted a dairy cow! Meet Sha-Tae-Tae!
Don’t forget tonight is our annual trunk or treat at 5:00. This event is for our students and their siblings. Admission is one bag of candy per child.
A lot of fun adding math into PE today! We played War with cards and Yahtzee Relay that integrated number recognition, adding, least/greatest, counting, along with cardiovascular exercise and teamwork!
There will be a second order for Raccoon Spirit Wear online only. Here is the online link to order.
https://raccoon-grade-school-spirit-wear-2019.itemorder.com/sale
Feeder School Shootout!
2019 STATE Cross Country All STATE finishers. 24th and 49th place finishers!
Fourth grade designed and tested solar ovens this week.
Check out some ways to help improve your families health!
Trunk or Treat is coming up soon! There will be fun for the whole family. We hope to see you all on Tuesday, October 22nd at 5:00.
Reminder we have a 2:00 dismissal today.
STATE Cross Country information
Come to meet our Boys and Girls basketball teams and the cheerleaders. It will be a fun night for everyone
Rock, Paper, Scissors Hoop Hop
Rock, Paper, Scissors Hoop Hop
I love that they took a game from the gym and used the new equipment to play rock, paper, scissors hop outside!
Mr. Adam Purcell visited the Kindergarten and Early Childhood classes on Tuesday. Thanks to Mr. Adam for helping us learn all about fire safety!
The kindergarten class watched caterpillars grow and turn into butterflies last month. On Tuesday we released our butterflies after the kids each got a butterfly kiss!
The kindergarten class had a wonderful time at Marlow's Pumpkin Patch last Friday. Thanks to the P.T.O. for a wonderful day!
Cross Country STATE shirts.
Below you will find the link for the State shirts and sweatshirts.The date for pre-orders is October 13.
https://sijhsaasclassxc19.itemorder.com/sale
Eek! Boo! You better run! Third grade is SPOOKY fun!!
Get caught up in a good book!
Congratulations to September Students of the month
There will be a mandatory parent meeting tomorrow October 4th at 5:45 for girls and boys basketball. We will meet in the cafeteria. Please make sure there is a parent/guardian present for this meeting.
Fitnessgram Testing
Small parachute teamwork! Learning how to listen to our team to shoot the ball out of the chute and then catch it!
Parachute! Best Days Ever!
First grade adopted reading buddies today!
Raccoon Boys Basketball try-outs are on Thursday, September 26th and Friday, September 27th from 6-8. Must be present both days and have a current sports physical.
Raccoon Girls Basketball try-outs are on Friday, September 27th and Monday, September 30th from 4:30-6:00. Must be present both days and have a current sports physical.
More of the fifth grade car competition in science.
Fifth grade participated in the annual car competition in science. The kids enjoyed this fun learning experience.
Fun with chalk!
Fall Fest CHANGES date from 10-4-19 to 11-1-19; 6:00-8:00pm.
2019-2020 RGS Student Council members. Congrats to all who made it.
Sports Booster Meeting will be at 6pm tomorrow night, September 17th. Everyone is welcome to come that wants to be involved.
Boys Basketball open gym will be on Monday, September 16th and Friday, September 20th from 6-7:30. This is for all boys who are interested in trying out for Jr. High Basketball. Your child must have a current sports physical in order to participate.
More pics of Grandparents’ Day 2019.
Grandparents Day 2019. What a great turn out! We have the best grandparents!
Reminder: today is an 11:30 dismissal day at Raccoon School. Have a great weekend!
2019-2020 Raccoon Cheer
Thursday, September 12th is the first practice for 5th-8th grade students who are interested in cheering. A mandatory parent meeting will be at 4:45. Practice will be from 4:45-6pm.
Proud of all the kids today!
XC tshirt orders due Monday, September 9th.
https://raccoon-grade-school-spirit-wear-2019.itemorder.com/
Spirit Wear is on sale now through Friday, September 13, 2019. Order online or using the order form being sent home with your student. Show your school P.R.I.D.E.
2nd, 3rd, 4th grades first book give away!
RGS students come together once again to raise money during Shrine Week!!!
Raccoon Baseball T-shirt/Hoodie/Long-sleeve/Hats order form is due August 25th. For more information visit:
https://raccoonbaseball.itemorder.com or pick up an order form at the main office. Please make checks to Raccoon School.
More first day fun!
First Day Of School! Everyone is excited to be back!
RGS Open House is tonight from 6:00-6:45. Parents should go straight to classrooms. Early Childhood, K, 1st, and 2nd graders should bring their school supplies tonight. Welcome Back RGS!
Raccoon Cross Country practice will start on Monday, August 19th from 3:00 to 4:30. All 4th-8th grade students who are interested must have a current sports physical on file at school before Monday.
Congratulations to our February Students of the Month! May all of our students to aspire to show the qualities that will award them the recognition of "Student of the Month!"
Congratulations to our January Students of the Month. Your ambition, perseverance and hard work has been noticed by your teachers and staff at RGS. We are proud of you!
We are proud of our Raccoon Blue Devils basketball team as they had a great season, but were defeated Saturday at Rend Lake. Great sportsmanship was displayed even as we ended our season. They fought until the end and everyone was cheering them on. Great season RGS!
