The Paw Print - October 2026
Message from the Principal💬
Dear Junior High Families,
As we officially close the books on the first quarter and begin the second, it is hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving along, even with a late start! The first several months have been filled with learning, growth, and accomplishments, and I am proud of the effort and dedication our students and staff have demonstrated. The start of a new quarter provides a great opportunity for students to reflect on their progress, celebrate their successes, and identify areas for continued improvement. I encourage our students to approach the second quarter with a renewed sense of determination and a commitment to making each day count.
As we turn the calendar to November, we have several important events on the horizon. Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place on November 12 and 13, providing a valuable opportunity for families and teachers to connect, discuss student progress, and work collaboratively to support student success. I strongly encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity, as open communication and a strong partnership between home and school are essential to helping our students reach their full potential.
November also brings Thanksgiving Break, offering a well-deserved opportunity to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the many things for which we are thankful. I am especially grateful for the dedicated staff, hardworking students, and supportive families who make Staunton Junior High such a special place. Our school's success is truly a collective effort, and I appreciate the continued support and commitment of our entire school community.
As we move further into the second quarter, I look forward to building on the positive momentum we've established and continuing to challenge our students to grow academically, socially, and personally. Thank you for your continued partnership, and I wish all of our Terrier families a wonderful November and a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday and Break!
Mr. Ryan Pirok
Principal
IL Report Card for SJHS: Exemplary Summative Designation
We are thrilled and incredibly proud to share some fantastic news with our school community: Staunton Junior High has officially been awarded an Exemplary designation on the 2025-2026 Illinois Report Card! You can access our IL Report Card's profile by clicking HERE.
This achievement places our school among the top-performing schools state-wide, and it is the highest summative designation that a school can receive. The Exemplary designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate outstanding academic performance, strong student growth, and high marks across key indicators of student success and school quality. The most notable areas that factor into the overall rating include: proficiency on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness taken each spring, the growth on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness taken each spring, consistent attendance, and climate survey participation.
What This Means for Our Community
Receiving this status is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire school ecosystem:
Our Students: For showing up every day ready to learn, persevere, and support one another.
Our Educators & Staff: For their tireless commitment to instructional excellence, innovation, and fostering a nurturing environment.
Our Families: For your continuous partnership, encouragement at home, and unwavering involvement in our school community.
Thank you for your ongoing trust, support, and partnership in making Staunton Junior High such an extraordinary place to learn and grow. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence together!
Go Terriers!
