November Newsletter

Wishing everyone a happy month of November. Thank you for your partnership with us here at GHS. We appreciate the support in helping us not only educate your children, but also to help mold them to be responsible young adults!

The Illinois State Board of Education has released the annual
Illinois Report Card at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/ This
report card contains school performance data from the 2025-2026
school year.

We are proud to announce that Geneseo High School has earned
the summative designation of "Exemplary" which is the highest
rating that can be given out.

Again- thank you for your partnership with our school. The success of our students is a two way
street between parents/guardians and the school!

One of the most important ways we can help our students be successful—both in school and beyond—is by encouraging consistent on-time arrival each morning. When students arrive late, they miss valuable instructional time, disrupt the flow of the class, and often start their day feeling rushed or behind. Arriving on time sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and helps students build important life habits like responsibility and time management.

We know mornings can be hectic, and we truly appreciate the effort families make to get students here ready to learn. Every minute in class matters—especially at the start of the day when teachers review goals, share announcements, and launch into instruction.

We’re asking for your continued support in making punctuality a priority. Please help your student plan ahead by setting alarms a few minutes earlier, organizing materials the night before, and planning for any weather. Together, we can make sure every student starts their day ready to learn and succeed.

Geneseo High School will again open its doors on Veterans Day to honor the brave men and women who have served our country.

On Wednesday, November 11, students and teachers will gather in the Concert Hall for the school's annual Veterans Day assembly, a heartfelt tradition that celebrates the sacrifices and dedication of local veterans and active-duty military members.

GHS invites all veterans and active service members to attend as honored guests. The morning will begin with refreshments at 9:30, offering guests a chance to connect before the ceremony starts at 10:10.

The assembly will feature performances by the choir and band, a guest speaker and more, in an effort to express gratitude to those who have defended our freedoms.

Thank you to all of those that have served and are currently serving! We are proud of you! Please pass the word on!

As we gear up for the holiday season, we will have Thanksgiving Break from November 23rd through November 27th. This well-deserved break is an excellent opportunity for our students and staff to spend quality time with their families, reflect on the things they are thankful for, and recharge! May this holiday be filled with love, joy, and cherished moments with your families. Happy Thanksgiving!

Graduation will be held on Sunday, May 23 at 3:00 p.m. at the GHS Stadium. We will provide additional information to students and families as we get closer to the date!

A Google Form was emailed to parents in October that gathered information for the diplomas. Many parents have already submitted the online form, thank you. If you haven't already done so, please complete and submit the form by Friday, November 6. The Google Form is titled 2027 GHS Seniors Diploma Name Form. If you need the link to the form emailed to you again or if you are unsure whether or not you submitted the information, please contact Jill Harrington in the GHS Front Office 309-945-0399. If we do not receive your Senior's information by November 6 we will print their name on their diploma exactly as it is listed in Skyward.

This is a reminder that cap, gown, and tassel orders need to be submitted online to Herff Jones by January 8, 2027. A link to order is listed below.

https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/school/IL/Geneseo%20High%20School/12001005000/5009/buildpackage/1

Sunday, November 1

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Tuesday, November 3

No School - Election Day

Monday, November 9

Senior Group Picture during WIN - Main Gym

Wednesday, November 11

Veterans Day - School Is In Session

Veterans Day Assembly, 10:10-11:00 a.m. in the Concert Hall

Thank You Veterans - Honoring All Who Served

Wednesday, November 18

Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27

No School - Thanksgiving Break

Leaving School During the Day

1. In the case of illness:

If a student is not feeling well, they need to go see the school nurse. The school nurse will contact a parent/guardian and will get approval from the parent/guardian before the student leaves school. Failure to check out with the school nurse could result in disciplinary action.

2. In the case of professional appointments:

Students having a medical/dental or other professional appointment must present a signed note from a parent/guardian to the GHS Front Office before school on the day of the appointment. The note needs to state the date, reason for leaving, and the time they need to be dismissed from class. When the note is given to the GHS Front Office, the student will receive a permit to show their teacher so they can be excused from class at the stated time.

In the case of last-minute appointments, the parent may notify the school by phone about the appointment. The student then must pick up a permit from the GHS Front Office to be excused from class.

Appointment Confirmation Slips

When a student receives their permit to leave for an appointment they will also be given a blue appointment confirmation slip that needs to be signed by the doctor, dentist, or professional involved. The signed blue confirmation slip must be given to the GHS Front Office when the student returns from the appointment in order for the absence to be recorded as excused.

When a student has a medical appointment before school starts for the day, a confirmation slip from the professional office must be presented to the GHS Front Office upon check-in for the absence to be recorded as excused.

If a signed confirmation slip is not returned the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

A confirmation slip is needed if a student has an extra-curricular activity, practice, game, etc. in order for the student to participate.

Attendance and Extra-Curricular Participation

On days when school is in session, students involved in extra-curricular activities must be checked in at the Front Office by 10:30 a.m. (with Early Bird - Period 6 schedule) and 11:30 a.m. (with a Period 1-7 schedule), unless prior arrangements have been made for medical appointments, funerals, etc.