The Spartan Update

• Buy your 2027 yearbook before the price increases! The price for the yearbook is set to increase on Saturday (10/17). Yearbooks can be ordered online from Jostens.
• Do you want to see your pictures in the yearbook? Upload pictures that you have taken at games, club meetings, events, or just around the school to the Photo Share website: https://photos.jostens.com/EKPJFB.
• Seniors: The Jostens rep will be here during both lunch hours on Tuesday to take orders and answer any questions about orders. She will be set up in the Commons. If you did not get a packet from Jostens to order graduation items, please pick up a packet in the office. The only required item to order is the Cap N Gown, so everyone needs to complete an order form.
• CONGRATULATIONS to Coach Josh Haley! Coach Haley earned the 25-26 IHSA Baseball Coach of the Year Award!

During the morning review session, sophomore Easton Ray is working on a Blooket for Mr. Kieffer’s Geography class. On test days, Mr. Kieffer held review sessions in his classroom at 7:30 for students to review together. Easton said, “The reason I make Blookets and share them with others is that I want everyone to have the same opportunity to do as well as I am able to, and I don’t want to seem as though I’m gatekeeping my study materials. I want to be a good person and share it with others, even if they don’t use it.”

On October 27, in Mr. Duval’s Accelerated Trigonometry Pre Calc class, senior Ava Smoot is working on her graded work assignment. Ava said, “The class is completing this in preparation for their test in a couple of weeks.”

This week in Intro to Ag the class works on a project for FFA where they are making a game using FFA questions. Freshman Emma Hammond said, “I really like this project because you get to play a game while learning.”

Mr. Brown's 2A Physics class sits quietly as they prepare for their new lesson. Students were ready to learn about their next topic.

Mr. Beccue's Ceramics class is researching their next project. Next, they would sketch out their plan.

Juniors Kira Aase and Emily Cross, played flag football in Mrs. Ideus-Ehler's PE class on October 27. Emily said, “I love flag football but after a while I got tired so I went to the track and started to walk.”

Mr. Skinner's Information Processing class is focused and hard at work. They were working on their typing skills and speed.

Freshmen Kylie Kerner, Katie Walker, and Tenley Damler are working on their Spanish Study guide for Ms. Harbaugh’s Spanish 1 class. They were focusing on nouns, definite articles, and indefinite articles.

Mr. Waterson's History of Rock class get ready to work. The class had just finished presentations that they had to show to the class.

Mrs. Smith’s Child Growth 2A class prepares to listen and learn on October 27. Students got ready for the day’s lesson as they settled into their seats.

Mr. Beckett’s Civics class is paying attention as he explains how each presidential party accepts laws on October 27. They had a quiz coming up and needed to fill out their study guide.

FFA Members Leigha Larson, Kellyn Irwin, Anna Hammond, and Greta Goldenstien attend The 99th National FFA Convention at Lucas Oil Stadium. Between going to the Opening Sessions, going to all the college booths, exploring the expo and so much more, the girls said they all had such a great time. Anna said, “This is definitely my favorite FFA event to go to.”

On October 24 and 25, the drama club performed their first play, “To Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion” in the auditorium.

What classes do you teach?

Chemistry, Forensics 1 and Forensics 2.

How long have you been teaching at SJO?

12 years.

What would you do if you weren't a teacher?

She would be either a mortician, which is what she wanted to do while she was in high school, or something in the forensics field.

What is your favorite food?

“Ohhh, definitely mashed potatoes.”

What Classes do you teach?

Geometry, Algebra II Prep, and Transitional Math.

How many years have you been teaching at SJO?

4 years.

If you could give any piece of advice to a new teacher hire what would it be?

“Don’t be afraid to reach out for questions even if they're not in your department.

What non-work related hobby do you enjoy doing?

Reading, crocheting, and spending time with family.

What classes do you teach?

American History, Geography, and RUSH.

How many years have you been teaching at SJO?

24 years.

What is your favorite thing about SJO?

The kids.

If you didn't teach here, where would you teach?

Wilmington, IL.

This Saturday at 2:00 pm SJO (9-0) will play Althoff Catholic (7-3). Students come out and cheer on the Spartans in the Maroon Platoon. The winner of this game will play the winner of the Unity and BCC game.

Libero Bella Frerichs gets an ace against the PBL panthers. The Spartans swept the Panthers in two sets with the scores of 25-20 and 25-21. The Spartans take on Westille tonight at 6:00 pm.

Sophomore Lucas Stevens smiles with his dad after getting the Regional win. The Spartans won 2-1 against Monticello. The Spartans play on October 30, against Rochester at 5:00 pm.

The SJO Cross Country Teams, boys and girls, won regionals this past weekend. The teams will race on October 31 at Mattoon. The girls will be running at 10 am, then the boys will run at 11:00 am.