By Mrs. Sara Ryner
Welcome to West Central Middle School, home to approximately 180 of the best sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who represent the HEAT community in middle level academics, fine arts and athletics. Our dedicated staff of teachers and associates provide opportunities and expect excellence!
On top of the excellent academic instruction the dedicated staff will focus on promoting good behavior and social/emotional learning with PBIS, Positive Behavior Interventions and Support System along with the Second Step curriculum which is taught each Monday. The PBIS program is constantly rewarding those students who set high standards and model all expectations set forth by the faculty and staff. Good behavior is also encouraged with “HEAT bucks”. They can be earned in the classroom, hallway, lunchroom, extracurricular events or even on the bus. These bucks can be saved to “spend” on various things. Everything from book marks and gift cards to lunch with your favorite staff member can be earned. This year we hope our students will benefit not only from weekly lessons within the Second Step curriculum that addresses the Social/Emotional Standards but also by themes presented each month that will include fun celebrations aimed at social emotional learning and community service. We feel with continual application of the Second Step material throughout each day we can make a difference.We know our goal of promoting healthy mental, social, and emotional growth for all of our students cannot be met without parent and family support. Please take time to read the monthly newsletter from our school counselor, Mrs. Ruebush and check out her Google Classroom which has many valuable resources and ideas.
Education is not reserved for just the classroom. Students who are involved are more successful academically. There are many possibilities and opportunities for students to be involved and we hope to provide each student with all they need to be a confident member of the HEAT family! Our most recent activities and exploratory classes include the Heat Hut, an introduction to entrepreneurship and business, The Harry Potter Club, Art, Study Skills, Genius Hour, A School Play, Music in a Digital World, and strong Band and Choir programs.
This is an exciting time for WCMS as we build off past successes and continue to strive to make this a school that creates feelings of pride in our staff, students, and community. Last year the scholastic bowl team went 2-1 at regionals. Although the girls’ basketball teams lost in the 1st round of regionals, they improved steadily and hope to take it farther this year. The boys’ 7th grade basketball team started off 0-4 then went on a 7 game win streak. The 8th grade girls’ volleyball team won the conference by going 5-1. Cody Wade placed 4th in state in the 100m and 11th in the 200m. The baseball team played in the regional championship and won the Sand Valley Showcase. The softball team placed 3rd in state! And, the entire community was treated to an excellent performance at the Raritan Opera House where our middle school actors put on a fabulous performance of “Be Our Ghost”. And, our band and choir gave impressive performances at both the winter and spring concerts. There are many opportunities to grow and learn at WCMS.
Security is an ongoing concern everywhere. Here at West Central, we continue to work towards ensuring the safety of all students and staff members. We have installed a new key fob entry system for the main staff entrances. The doors will remain locked throughout the day and visitors will be monitored closely. Visitors will be allowed inside the building after proper clearance from the school staff. It is important that you continue to follow the procedure of signing in at the office where the office staff will be happy to assist you. Additionally, we have security cameras in the hallways and parking lots for monitoring purposes.
The middle level teachers participate in daily team meetings. During these sessions, they share curriculum ideas to assist one another in teaching our many different learners. We understand that all students learn at different rates and various needs have to be met. Here at WCMS, we provide a rigorous curriculum with a multi-tiered support program in place. At times students may be referred to a new system called MTSS, Multi-Tiered System of Support. MTSS is an avenue through which teachers and support staff can identify students who need additional support of any kind, behavioral, social, emotional or academic. The MTSS team works together with the student and family to help the student be successful.
West Central Middle School highlights exceptional students. “On Fire!” awards are given out monthly in each grade level. We encourage positive phone calls home to highlight the successes of our students and individuals. Students can work towards end of the year awards. Honor roll or high honor roll could be awarded depending on how many quarters honorable grades are earned.
Awards given by sponsors include scholastic bowl, science olympiad, student council, play, speech, chorus, band, athletics, physical fitness, IXL, MAP growth and Reflex. This year awards will be given out to athletes who participate in a sport for all three years. There are also two awards given to eighth grade students for citizenship.
Here at West Central Middle School, we understand how important families and parents are to student success. Communication is a key component. In addition to the online daily announcements, we plan to provide a social media weekly update with important dates and happenings on our recently created Facebook page along with pictures of happenings. The teachers will be making regular contact with parents who are able to keep informed of classroom activities through online platforms such as Google Classroom and Remind. Another great way to keep informed is to access the Skyward program. Parents are able to view their student’s grades, missing assignments, attendance, and lunch account balances. Furthermore, messages will be sent out via the Connect-Ed/Blackboard system. You can select various options such as phone calls, text messages, and email notifications. Be sure to join our newly created West Central Middle School Facebook page!! It is linked on our district website.
West Central Middle School aims for academic excellence and school community involvement for all. Every staff member is working hard to prepare for your child each day. I feel extremely fortunate to have the privilege of working in education with young people daily as principal at West Central Middle School. I look forward to working together with the HEAT community and families and you to create a school culture where all students feel comfortable and can reach their highest potential.
In Partnership,
Mrs. Sara Ryner
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The Family Outreach Community Center (FOCC) in Stronghurst will once again be offering weekend food assistance. Through their backpack program, they will send home a bag of food to supplement your groceries for the weekend. . . .
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Our annual Back to School Nights will be held on Tuesday, August 15th.
The Elementary and High School events will be from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.
The Middle School event will be from 6:00 – 7:30 pm (part of that time is for Club . . .
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Join us for West Central CUSD #235's Spring concerts!
Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade = Monday, April 17th @ 6:30 PM
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade = Tuesday, April 18th @ 6:30 PM
Middle School, High School = . . .
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December 1, 2022
Join us for West Central CUSD #235's winter concerts!
Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade = Tuesday, December 6th @ 6:30 PM
3rd, 4th, 5th Grade = Wednesday, December 7th @ 6:30 PM
Middle School, High School = . . .
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Cold and flu season has arrived! We are seeing an increase in illnesses such as: strep throat, influenza, and RSV.
Below is West Central’s policy regarding exclusion periods for sick students as well as some preventative tips. . . .
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September 26, 2022
West Central Middle School participated in a Stronghurst Fall Hay Bale Decorating Contest. Each homeroom was in charge of decorating a hay bale for the contest.
Votes were made by placing non-perishable food items in boxes . . .
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Thank you to all who participated and especially thank you to all of our Veterans!
Photos provided by Amanda Wood.
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The West Central Middle School Veterans Day program will be Wednesday, November 10 at 9:30 a.m. Due to an increase in Covid-19 cases at the middle school this past week, attendance at this year's Veterans Day program will be open . . .
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Arr mateys!! Captain Lox is at it again! She is ready to set sail on the vast sea of knowledge but, before this can happen, she has to make sure her smarty crew has what it takes! How does she make sure her crew is full of the . . .
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On Friday, April 30 the West Central Middle School Student Council went out into the Stronghurst community and delivered May Day door hangers. The students made the hangers by themselves and have been working on them the past several . . .
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Congratulations on all your hard work!
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By Ryba, Christina
WCMS Art Classes have been pretty busy. Please click on the links to see some of their work.
Snowman Gallery
Notan Art Wall
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Welcome to 2021 second semester. Please watch the video for some information about second semester.
Have a great semester!
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November 11, 2020
Note: Please be patient with the loading of the video. After Mr. Peter's introduction, the video will pause briefly; however, it should continue without the need to click on anything. Thank you for your patience.
Unfortunately, due . . .
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Welcome Back To School!! #WCHeatPride
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Welcome to West Central Middle School! Class of 2027!
WCMS Jumpstart 2020
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West Central Middle School students are recognized for their academic achievement during the 2019-2020 school year.
#WCHeatPride
https://youtu.be/saTqbSjoxZk
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April 1, 2020
WCMS staff and students took part in a virtual run/walk on March 30th, 2020. Participants walked/ran at least 1 mile. Check out their adventures!
Wakelet - Virtual Run/Walk
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On February 22, 2020, the Illinois Beef Expo held a Beef Skillathon contest and Dayne won 1st place in the competition. Dayne had to Identify Beef Cattle Parts, Animal Feedstuffs, Cattle Livestock Equipment, and Beef Cattle . . .
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By Olson, Amy
On November 5th, the streets of Stronghurst had a little extra glow to them. West Central Middle School hosted their 5th Annual Glow Run. With a record setting attendance, people of all ages took on the 2 mile course. New . . .
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WCMS honored our local Veterans with the annual Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 8, 2019. Thank you to Mr. Joseph Bratcher for being our guest speaker and thank you for your service.
The . . .
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By Rankin, Tammy | September 6, 2019
Dumbledore's Academy welcomes many new students this term. Here they can be seen heading for the Hogwarts Express on Thursday September 5!
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Thursday, August 15, 2019
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Meet your teachers.
Bring your supplies and organize your lockers.
Pick up your school provided padlock . . .
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Photos provided by: Amanda Liggett
WCMS Awards Program was held during the afternoon of May 23, 2019. Students were honored for their accomplishments throughout the past school year.The American Legion Good Citizenship Awards were presented by Mr. Jim Blender . . .
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May 13, 2019
6-7:30 PM
West Central Middle School
Stronghurst, IL
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By Rankin, Tammy
Seventh graders participated in the Annual Science Fair took on Monday, April 15 at the middle school.
Thirty-nine students worked on their projects for many weeks completing them on time for the Fair.
This . . .
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Lisa Lox
West Central Middle School will be performing “Curse of the Werewolf” by Tim Kelly (produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, IL) on Thursday, May 2, Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4. . . .
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Photos provided by: Amanda Liggett
The Monmouth College HP Class took on the WCMS HP Club on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Looks like it was a great match!
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By Ensminger, Natalie | March 29, 2019
West Central 8th graders recently had the privilege of listening to the story of a Holocaust survivor via Skype. Simone Arnold LIebster was born in France in 1930. When she was 11, she refused to give the Hitler salute or sing Nazi . . .
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March 29, 2019
WCMS has a new 8th grade exploratory class that focuses on media in the modern world. Part of the coursework includes reading the newspaper weekly. Long term goals for the course include creating our own media publications that highlight . . .
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Thank you Two Rivers Arts Council
Lisa Lox
Recently, Yvonne Knapp wrote a grant to the Two Rivers Arts Council and the West Central Middle School Drama Club received a check for $950.00 for our support of the arts.
Mrs. Miller, Ms Cory, Mrs. Eckley and I decided to use . . .
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Amy Olson | March 19, 2019
WCMS students spend a day of their skating unit dancing to different songs. "The Locomotion," "Cha Cha Slide" and "The Chicken Dance" are highlighted here in the pictures. Even Coach Kelley hopped on a pair! Fun . . .
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By Rankin, Tammy | March 8, 2019
Just when things look dark and winter will never end- a ray of sunshine-
This morning the MS staff arrived to find this student shoveling our walks for us- he did the teacher entrances first. No one asked- a total act of good will. . . .
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By Rankin, Tammy
The 7th graders in Mrs. Rankin's class are blogging as Tulip the Tree Frog.
They have to type for him because he has such tiny toes. read our first installment here!
Tulip the Tree Frog Blog . . .
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By Rankin, Tammy
Tulip the Traveling Tree Frog has been officially identified by Scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago.
Eleutherodactylus Planirostris is Tulip's scientific name. He belongs to a group of Cuban and South American tree . . .
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By Rankin, Tammy
The owner of the Cooks and Company Gift and Flower Shop in Galesburg was surprised when she opened a recent shipment of live tulips from Holland and discovered a tiny stow-away: a spotted- 1.5 cm frog was hiding in the . . .
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By Ensminger, Natalie
Each year, the Monmouth VFW sponsors the Patriot’s Pen writing contest. The topic this year was “Why I Honor the American Flag.” Two West Central eighth graders were honored for their entries at a . . .
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Elaina Fisher | November 13, 2018
On Friday, September 9, West Central Middle School held our annual Veterans Day program. Our local boy scout troop led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and eighth graders Allie Strack and Bindi Bailey sang the National Anthem. The middle . . .
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Please join us for our 13 th Annual
Veteran’s Day Program
West Central Middle School Gymnasium
9:30 am on Friday, November 9, 2018
Matthew Moeller, Speaker . . .
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May 16, 2018
The WCMS State Track Team members were recognized during the Good News Assembly on Monday, May 14, 2018.
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By Rankin, Tammy | May 9, 2018
Alicen is the 2018 West Central Middle School Science Fair Champion.
Alicen, a Seventh Grade student at West Central Middle School won the competition with her project on preservatives in fast food sandwiches. . . .
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On the afternoon of April 23, 2018 a memorial was held at the West Central Middle School in honor of Jace Garner. Jace attended West Central Schools during most of his education. During his seconday education he moved . . .
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April 21, 2018
The WCMS PE Club decided to have a kickball tournament for the PARCC celebration this year. The tournament was held on Friday, April 20. Looks like a good time was had by all and they did survive the PARCC. Thanks PE . . .
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April 20, 2018
At WCMS, a very talented 7th grade student has been providing planes to decorate Coach Kelley's office. As you can see, these are not your average paper airplanes. There is a lot of hard work and design put into . . .
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WCMS Play 2018
April 12, 2018
West Central Middle School will be presenting “Who Poisoned His Meatball” by Craig Sodaro and produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver Colorado on Thursday, April 26, Friday, April 27 and . . .
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March 16, 2018
The WCHS FFA officers came to the middle school on Wednesday, March 7 and met with the 8th graders. They discussed the program benefits like making new friends, learning new things, competing with other schools, getting to travel to new . . .
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By Olson, Amy | January 31, 2018
Students at the middle school recently played Fitness Monopoly in PE. The gym was set up as a life-size board of the game Monopoly. Students chose their teams and got started.
When they landed on a property, they either paid rent or . . .
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Julia Burns | December 7, 2017
The students and teachers at the middle school participated in a door decorating contest. The winners were :
1st Place - 7B (Mrs. Rankin's class) - Hogwarts Christmas
2nd Place - 6B (Mrs. Miller's class) - Big Snowman . . .
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WCMS
Students in Mr. Helt's Science Class at WCMS recently took advantage of the new equipment in the room to collaborate on a project.
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by Jackson Kane WMOI/WRAM
November 3, 2017
West Central Middle School is the subject of our School Spotlight for November. Natalie Ensminger has been teaching in the district for 26 years, and she is the recipient of this month’s Teacher Spotlight. Julia Burns, principal at West . . .
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By Ensminger, Natalie | November 1, 2017
Middle school student council representatives have been busy this past week.
They organized Red Ribbon activities, including having a “Paws Off Drugs” theme day. Many donations for the local animal shelter were . . .
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Thursday, November 2, 2017
WCMS Glow Run is a noncompetitive fun run/walk around
Stronghurst. All money raised at this event will be used for
our PBIS (positive behavior/reward) program. . . .
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