Morton Junior High School News and Notes

 Parent & Guardians,  We are still looking for a few more volunteers for Tuesday’s evacuation and reunification drill.  The evacuation is scheduled to begin at approximately 8:15-8:30.  The reunification drill will commence at approximately 9:15 once all students have been evacuated to Grace Church. We are in need of five or six more parents to participate in the process in order for the reunification team to adequately train and prepare.  If you are interested in participating, please contact me ASAP at either chris.carter@mcusd709.org or 309-284-5010.  Participants can plan to arrive at Grace Church between 9:15-9:30. The process should only take a few minutes, but this is a critical aspect of our crisis preparation.   We expect our drill to be completed by 10:00 with all students back in class. Chris Carter Principal   Original Email from last week: Dear Morton Junior High School Families, Illinois School Code (School Safety Drill Act)...

Paretns and Guardians, Since we’ve already inundated you with emails today (report cards, Panorama results, Career Spark info-8th Grade, and Counseling Connections) I am hoping you won’t mind one more! Next Wednesday, October 28 is picture re-take day during lunch.  We will also take club and music yearbook pictures throughout the day.    Additionally, the password for the Panorama results is the same as the report cards, your student’s DOB: MM/DD/YYYY.    I hope you have a relaxing weekend!  Good luck to the boys cross country team at the IESA state meet tomorrow in Normal. Chris Carter Principal

Paretns and Guardians, We recently surveyed students, using Panorama, to learn more about our learning environment and encourage self-reflection regarding their social-emotional well being.  Morton Junior High School values input from our community, and students are important partners as we work to improve our communication, programming, and overall experience.  Enclosed are your student’s results and we hope this data will provide you with more information to support his/her growth and development. Engaging families in learning is critically important for successful student outcomes. Also, we know parents are eager to learn more about how they can support their children's learning. ( The password is his/her birthdate in this format:    MM/DD/YYYY). As a school, we utilize the survey’s aggregate data to help us identify and reflect on our strengths and areas for growth. This will assist in informing programs, making plans, and adjusting practices.  This data ...

Parents and Guardians,  First quarter always seems to just fly by, and we are off to a great year!     I wanted to share how impressed I continue to be with our students.  They continue to handle situations so well.  Students “rolled with the punches” when we flip-flopped help-a-thon and leadership academy. I am continually amazed when we bring 480+ students back from the help-a-thon for an ice cream treat and our students proceed to calmly and maturely hang out outside patiently enjoying their treats and waiting to be dismissed.  I can’t help thinking this wouldn’t be possible in many schools.  I am routinely reminded to not take our students for granted. Thank you for sending us your students.     Attached is your student’s report card.  The password is his/her birthdate in this format:   MM/DD/YYYY (This report card PDF will be accessible for one year.)    Chris Carter Principal

  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 . Tips for Communicating With Your Teen The teenage years have a lot in common with the terrible twos. During both stages our kids are doing exciting new things, but they’re also pushing boundaries (and buttons) and throwing tantrums. The major developmental task facing both age groups is also the same: kids must pull away from parents and begin to assert their own independence. No wonder they sometimes act as if they think they’re the center of the universe. Click the link to learn more about tips that help you communicate with your teen.

8th Grade Parent / Guardians,  Later on this month, on Thursday, October 29, all 8th Graders will attend the annual Career Spark Expo at the Peoria Civic Center. This interactive, hands-on experience will provide our students with opportunities to learn about dozens of careers in a variety of fields. This event is sponsored by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Junior Achievement of Central Illinois.  Students will be bused from MJHS to the Civic Center and will be gone from the building from 11:00am-2:00pm.  Students will be eating their lunches (hot or cold) before leaving the junior high for the event.   If for some reason you prefer your student not attend, please contact me. We are looking forward to once again attending this event! Chris Carter Principal