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Counseling Connection, Feb. 20, 2026

  Each week the counseling department will send out an article, podcast, or video designed to connect you with insights about technology, emotional health, or career pathways related to your teen. Click here to  learn more about the MJHS counseling team . High School is Too Late to Start the Career Conversation Why Middle School: Challenging an Outdated Paradigm with a New Approach The model has remained steady for decades: wait until kids are juniors or seniors in high school to get them thinking seriously about what education-to-career pathways they may want to pursue after graduation. But let’s put ourselves in the shoes of a high school upperclassman for a moment. You have one or two years to make a decision that will alter the course of the rest of your life. You have only a vague idea of the number and variety of career paths that exist. You’re likely being told that a four-year college degree is the only means to a successful and fulfilling career after graduation. And ...
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Counseling Connection, Feb. 13

  Each week the counseling department will send out an article, podcast, or video designed to connect you with insights about technology, emotional health, or career pathways related to your teen. Click here to  learn more about the MJHS counseling team .   Volunteer Opportunities for Teens: Building Life Skills and Making a Difference Teen volunteer programs offer real-world experiences that help teens step outside their comfort zones, engage meaningfully with others, and discover their potential. Here’s how volunteering positively shapes a teen’s future. Click to  learn more about the value teens gain from volunteering .  Want to get started? Service Squad is slated to volunteer at Midwest Foodbank on February 24th and any student is welcome to sign up! Here is a  link to the permission slip , also students can pick up a printed version in the main office.
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Heidi White Memorial Scholarship Application

Parents and Guardians,  The form included in this email is the application for the annual Heidi White scholarship.  Every year, we offer multiple partial scholarships to students to attend summer fine arts activities, camps, or workshops.  The deadline to submit an application is March 6. This concert and scholarship are in memory of Mrs. Heidi White, who passed away suddenly at the age of 27 in 2004 after complications from childbirth.  Mrs. White was the music teacher at Jefferson School and the choir director here at MJHS.   The Heidi White Memorial Concert is Monday, March 16, at Grace Church beginning at 6:00.  Admission is $5 and begins at 5:15.  Seating opens at 5:30. Proceeds from the concert support the Heidi White Memorial Music Endowment at the Morton Community Foundation .    Scholarship winners will be announced at the concert. Heidi White Scholarship Application Form Please see your student’s director (Mrs. ...
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5Essentials Survey Parent Email

Parents and Guardians -  Attached is a letter detailing the 5Essentials Survey. This may sound familiar as we ask parents and students to complete it annually.  You may see it mentioned in a future Potter Post from Dr. Sander or from another building.   This is a survey created by the Illinois State Board of Education, and schools are required to make it available to their communities.  If a large enough percentage of parents (20%), students (50%), and faculty (50%) complete the survey, we will be provided the summary of what is collected.  Please take a few minutes to complete.  We appreciate the feedback you provide.   Survey link :  http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/ Privacy Policy :  https://survey.5-essentials.org/privacy/   ISBE In fo : https://www.isbe.net/Pages/5Essentials-Survey.aspx   Thanks! Chris Carter Principal
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Counseling Connection, Feb. 6, 2026

Each week, the counseling department will send out an article, podcast, or video designed to connect you with insights about technology, emotional health, or career pathways related to your teen.  Click here to  learn more about the MJHS counseling team .   A “major” decision: Guiding your teen’s career exploration before college As a parent, you can help guide your teen toward a career marked by purpose and fulfillment. This is especially crucial as your child gets closer to college. By engaging in thoughtful conversations and activities, you can empower your teen to make an informed decision about how to choose a major and take the first step in pursuing a career. Here are some tips to help you as your teen navigates career exploration.  Click here to  learn more about helping your teen explore careers.
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Parent Email, 2/3/26 - Future Focused Fridays

Parents & Guardians,  We wanted to share with everyone information about something new this school year, called “Future Focused Fridays”. The counseling department has created this program for all students to be exposed to a variety of career opportunities, in person.  During each Friday in February, all students will participate in a field trip to a different local business.  Students will be out of the building for 90 minutes (from 8:40-10:10), and we ask parents if possible to avoid scheduling appointments during this time. Students will still attend their full schedule of classes. Our goals include:  promoting career exploration within our community, making connections between academics and real-world applications, and helping prepare students for a future of purpose and impact. Most of the locations require students to wear long pants and closed-toe/heel shoes.  In order to make this simple for everyone, we are telling ALL students to wear long pants (n...
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Vision and Hearing Screening Parent Email, 2/2/26

Parents and Guardians,  Attached is information regarding our annual vision and hearing screening.  Chris Carter Principal 
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