Connection

Thank you for reading our latest newsletter! Connection is meant to inform our entire Minooka 201 Community on what's happening around the district. You can expect a newsletter every quarter keeping you up to date on everything Minooka 201.

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CONTENT

With the end of the 2025-2026 school year quickly approaching, here are some important reminders to ensure a successful finish, and to get a head start on 2026-2027!

Tomorrow (Friday, May 15), is the final day to save $30 per student when you register them for next school year!

Don't forget: Registration is required for all new and returning students!

Make sure to complete your 2026-2027 registration as soon as possible! Not only is it one more thing off your to-do list, but early registration is the key to a smoother start next fall. Critical logistical planning for things like class placements, bus routes, and more take place over the summer months. By registering now, you help us avoid a "logjam" of late applications and ensure the district is set up for success for your student on day one!

Register today in PowerSchool!

Need a hand? Min201.org/for-families/register

Sending your child to Kindergarten for the first time can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Join us for our district-wide Kindergarten Roundup, a one-stop event where you can take care of important tasks, gather valuable resources, and meet your school's principals all at once.

⚠️PLEASE NOTE: Your child must be registered for the 2026-2027 school year to attend Kindergarten Roundup!

• Date: Wednesday, May 27th

• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

• Location: Your child’s home elementary school

What to expect at Roundup:

• Required Screenings: Every incoming Kindergartener will complete their mandatory screening which helps determine class placement.

• School Tours: Explore the building so there are no surprises on the first day!

• Meet the Leadership: Get to know your school’s principals and staff.

We highly encourage all families to make time for this important milestone. We can't wait to meet our newest learners!

Since we're talking about next year, let's talk school supplies! The updated 2026-2027 school supply lists are available for each grade level in English, Spanish and Polish on our website! Too early? Maybe, but at least you know exactly where to find it when you're ready!

Kindergarten | First Grade | Second Grade | Third Grade | Fourth Grade | Fifth Grade | Sixth Grade | Seventh and Eighth Grade

Spanish | Polish

The end of another school year always means a group of dedicated educational professionals have decided to retire. We are filled with gratefulness for their years of service and excitement as they start their new chapters.

Congratulations to:
Arlene Eichelkraut (MJHS), Michelle Hanley (Walnut Trails), Karen Hinds (Walnut Trails), Pat Leal (MJHS), Mary Beth Lind (MES), Officer Kiedra Meece (MJHS), Angie Pryor (MIS), Lynne Raczykowski (MIS), Dawn Richardson (MES), and Tammy Walsh (MJHS).

Thank you for your dedication to our students and the impact you've made!

Here are a few local organizations that offer robust programming for families who want to unplug!

Channahon Park District | Minooka Parks, Trails and Playgrounds | Three Rivers Public Library District |

The IAR is a computer-based assessment divided into two primary areas:

• English Language Arts (ELA): Students will read passages (both fiction and non-fiction) and answer questions that require them to cite evidence from the text. They will also complete writing tasks based on what they have read.

• Mathematics: Students will solve problems that require multi-step reasoning, modeling, and a strong understanding of grade-level math concepts.

The best preparation is the great work they are already doing in class every day! However, you can help your child feel confident and ready by following these simple steps:

1. Rest and Nutrition: Ensure your child gets a full night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast on testing days. Breakfast is also available at school.

2. Attendance and Punctuality: Try to avoid appointments that would require your child to miss school. Arriving on time helps them start the day with a calm, focused mindset.

3. Encourage Effort, Not Perfection: Remind your child that this test is simply a chance to show what they have learned. A positive, "do your best" attitude goes a long way in reducing anxiety.

4. Device Readiness: Please ensure your child’s school-issued device is fully charged each morning and that they bring their headphones to school.

Results from the IAR will be shared with families in the fall. These scores provide one "snapshot" of your child's academic journey and are used alongside classroom grades and local assessments to help us tailor our support for your student.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. If you have any questions regarding the testing schedule or accommodations, please reach out to your child's teacher or the front office.

In this edition of Connection, we are excited to highlight the co-teaching model used by our Multilingual Specialists. We are now in our second year of bringing this teamwork to classrooms across the entire district, including the Minooka Primary Center!

What is co-teaching? Simply put, it means your child gets the benefit of two teachers in the classroom at the same time. This partnership is a win-win for everyone:

• For Students: They receive more individual attention, clearer instructions, and more opportunities to participate.

• For Teachers: Our classroom teachers learn specialized support strategies, while our multilingual specialists get a deeper look at the daily curriculum and how students interact with their peers.

By working together, we ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed!

Staying connected with your child’s school shouldn’t feel like a full-time job managing your email inbox. While we love sending updates, we know that important school news can sometimes get buried between grocery coupons and work memos.

That’s why we are encouraging all Minooka CCSD 201 families to download the ParentSquare App.

• Instant Clarity: Receive "push" notifications for urgent alerts so you never miss a weather delay or a bus update.

• Two-Way Talk: Securely message teachers and staff instantly—it feels just like texting, but keeps your private number safe.

• One-Tap Actions: Sign permission slips, RSVP for classroom parties, and sign up for volunteer slots with a single tap. No more hunting for old emails or lost paper forms.

• Everything in One Place: View the school calendar, photos from the classroom, and district-wide announcements in one organized feed.

Join the 60% of our families already using the app! Help us reach our goal of 100% app-adoption to ensure every parent has the best possible connection to their student's success and school information.

Download Today: Search for "ParentSquare" in the App Store or Google Play Store.

Once downloaded, simply log in with the email or phone number you have on file with the school!

Looking for a career that fits your lifestyle? Minooka 201 is hiring! We are seeking community-minded individuals to join our supportive, collaborative team. Whether you’re looking for a full-time career or a flexible part-time role, we have a place for you.

Why work with us?

• True Flexibility: With openings for Substitutes, Support Staff, and Transportation, you can find a schedule that works for your family.

• Positive Culture: Join a professional environment where every team member is valued and supported.

• Local Impact: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of students right here in your own community.

Current Openings Include: Teaching (Elementary & Middle), Special Education, Food Service, Custodial, Bus Drivers, and Substitutes.

No matter your situation, there's a position waiting for you here at Minooka 201!

Apply today via our Online Employment Application.

Make a difference in our town on Saturday, April 25, 2026! We’re looking for volunteers to help refresh our local green spaces—it’s a great way for students to earn volunteer hours while giving back to the community.

• Kick-off: 9:30 a.m. at the Village Hall Community Room.

• The Reward: We’ll celebrate your hard work with a free pizza lunch at noon!

• Sign Up: Visit minooka.com/earthday2026 or scan the QR code on the event flyer to join us.

Let’s work together to keep Minooka beautiful!

The Minooka 201 Athletic Department is thrilled to announce a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Minooka Junior High soccer players! Through a special collaboration with Chicago Fire FC, our athletes will have the incredible chance to play on the legendary Soldier Field!

Special ticket price of $25 per ticket will allow you to save on tickets through this promotion, enjoy Minooka soccer play on the Soldier Field pitch, and stay and watch the Chicago Fire take on Kansas City!

Tickets to the game allow you to not only watch Minooka play before the Fire match, but also stay to watch the Chicago Fire host Kansas City!

Please fill out this form, include payment (cash or check), and return it to the front office of your home school by April 16th.

TICKET REGISTRATION FORM: ENGLISH | SPANISH

EVENT DETAILS

Event Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Arrival Time: Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Minooka Plays: 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Chicago Fire Kickoff: 6:30 p.m.
Ticket Price: $25 per person

We are excited to announce a new student-driven art project in the heart of our community! Minooka CCSD 201 is partnering with the Village of Minooka to transform the downtown pumphouse at 202 E. Mondamin Street (next to Veterans Park) into a vibrant, patriotic tribute to our nation’s heroes.

Project Highlights:

• Student-Led Design: The mural features an original patriotic design by Ava Ruiz, an 8th grader at Minooka Junior High.

• A Group Effort: While our students are leading the way, we will soon invite community groups and staff to help pick up a brush and bring the vision to life.

• The Grand Reveal: We aim to unveil the completed mural during the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, serving as a lasting contribution to our downtown beautification.

Click here for much more information, and stay tuned to find out ways you can get involved in the project!

Friday, March 13th

End of Third Quarter

Monday, March 16th

Board of Education Meeting

Tuesday, March 17th

St. Patrick's Day

Wednesday, March 18th

Strategic Planning External Stakeholder Feedback Session 1

Saturday, March 21st

Strategic Planning External Stakeholder Feedback Session 2

Monday, March 30th - Monday April 6th

Spring Break (classes resume Tuesday, April 7th)

Monday, April 13th

Board of Education Meeting

Wednesday, April 29th

Early Dismissal

In this episode of Minooka Moments, we take a look inside Jonesie's Junior Council! 🏫✨

Every week, these dedicated student leaders at Jones Elementary come together to discuss how they can make their school an even better place to learn and grow. From identifying areas for school improvement to brainstorming creative solutions, these kids are proving that you’re never too young to make a big impact.

At Minooka 201, we are always looking inspire learners to be responsible, confident, and successful leaders. Join us in celebrating the hard work of these amazing students!

The creativity and dedication to the 100th day celebration is always so fun to see! Kids around the district dressed up for the 100th day celebration (and a few for the 101st today!), but what we really love to see are the communities that are being built in these classrooms.

When they are this engaged, they do more than learn, they flourish! These fun breaks in the routine can also serve as a "reset" during the long winter months and re-energize our kids (and our staff too!) to push through winter fatigue that may set in around this time of year.

Join us for a wild adventure as we highlight Minooka Elementary School 1st-grade students' hard work on their latest Wit & Wisdom module "Creature Features." In this project, students researched specific animals and their unique "creature features."

They wrote informative paragraphs explaining how these traits help animals survive, and presented their findings as "living statues" in a "Wax Museum" where families came in to see their students' hard work in action.

Thank you to our very own creature hunter Mrs. K for helping us celebrate our students' ability to be effective communicators and collaborators. Don't forget to like and subscribe to see more from our classrooms!

The staff at Minooka Primary Center turned the gym into our very own Olympic stadium where the kids participated in hockey, paper plate ice skating, pool noodle skiing and, of course, bobsled!

Besides being fun and adorable, these kids improved their gross motor skills, collaboration skills, teamwork and emotional regulation. Activities like this also improve their social awareness, confidence and resilience!

Bring home the gold!

Today, we pass the mic to three Minooka Intermediate School students and a dedicated teacher to hear their perspectives on Black History Month.

They reflect on the leaders who inspired them to dream bigger and the importance of representation in the classroom and beyond.

Minooka 201 celebrates Black History Month by hearing from students at Minooka Junior High School have to say about the pioneers and leaders who came before.

Thank you to these young men and women, and the staff that lead the way.