Welcome to this week's edition of:

Happy Friday, Morton 709 Families, Staff, and Community,

This week's issue reminds me that we live in a community with a deep respect for the past, a commitment to learning together in the present, and an unwavering focus on building a brighter future.

When we work together through challenges and celebrate our successes—big and small—we strengthen the bonds that make Morton 709 special. Whether it's a student mastering a new skill, a team achieving a goal, or a family supporting their child through a difficult moment, each victory matters and deserves recognition.

As we enjoy the Labor Day holiday on Monday with no school, take time to rest and recharge with your families. Next Friday marks the 25th remembrance of September 11th, a solemn opportunity to reflect on resilience, unity, and the values that bring us together as a nation.

Quote of the Week:

"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Go, Potters.

Dr. Joe Sander

Superintendent

Another great week of learning, leading, laughing, and more!

Special thanks to Morton Potter Athletics, Paul F Photo and Sue's Sports Posts and Pictures!

Supporting Students • Strengthening Schools • Building Community

If approved, by law, a One-Cent Tax revenue can be used for:

• Erase Existing Bond Debt to reduce our reliance on property taxes moving forward.

• Eliminate Registration Fees, saving families, per student, each year:

  $110 for Grades K-4 • $140 for Grades 5-6 • $165 for Junior High • $230 for High School By eliminating registration fees, a Morton 709 family of four saves at least $220 per year, easily wiping out the estimated $175.72 cost of the new 1-cent tax.

• Safety Upgrades, including School Resource Officers and security technology at entrances and access points to provide students and staff with the safest learning environments.

• Support Growing Student Wellness Needs through additional mental health professionals and other resources.

• HVAC Replacement for units at end-of-life to protect our community’s investment in our buildings and prevent more costly emergency repairs in the future.

Each school district maintains local control over funds and decides how to use them to address the unique needs of its school community.

Learn more about how this request could benefit students, staff, and our school community by attending Town Hall Meetings at:

Grundy School - September 29, 2026 (Tuesday) 6-7 pm

Morton Public Library - October 13, 2026 (Tuesday) 6-7 pm

Jefferson School - October 22, 2026 (Thursday) 6-7 pm

Learn more by visiting tazewellforstudents.com, or contacting Dr. Sander directly through this convenient "Got Questions?" form.

🐻🐻🐻🐻Home of the Lettie Brown Bears🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻

Like the nation, Lettie Brown School has traditions—and the Rain Gutter Regatta is the stuff of legend. Lettie Brown Bears spend years dreaming of their moment to set sail in 5th grade, and this year Mr. Mike Finck and Mrs. Katy Gingerich are steering the ship once again to keep the festivities afloat.

The real magic? Students have charted a course through math and science to design their vessels, proving that the best adventures are built on a solid foundation. When race day arrives, fans create the wind that sends these pint-sized boats racing down the rain gutters—a thrilling test of engineering prowess and a reminder that sometimes the greatest competitions are powered by a little hot air and a lot of heart.

This year marks the 33rd running of this beloved event, proving that some traditions never get old—they just keep sailing on.

Be a part of something amazing!

Our playground equipment is on the way... oh, happy day! It's time to schedule our Community Build.

• We will need 4-5 volunteers on Friday, Sept 11th, who can carry 50 lb concrete bags to help set the footings.

• On Saturday, Sept 12th, we will need 15-20 volunteers to complete the build. We'll be installing a swing set, miracle machine, monkey bars, a spinner, and a multi-piece climbing unit.
• It's really fun coming together for our students.

Thank you for helping make our new playground a reality for our students!

Sign up to participate in the Community Build at Lettie Brown.

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"All About Me" projects help students get to know one another and build community. Writing by hand strengthens handwriting skills and creates shareable keepsakes.

These students invested considerable effort in sharing about themselves and genuinely enjoyed learning about their peers.

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The Jefferson 5th Grade Patriots are reaching new heights—literally! Mrs. Dirks' science class has brought their skills to a beloved challenge: tower building. And let's just say these students aren't afraid to raise the bar.

This hands-on project is no small feat. Students are measuring twice (okay, probably more than twice), calculating angles, and applying math and science principles to construct towers that would make any engineer proud. But the real structure holding this project together? Teamwork.

These Patriots have discovered that the strongest foundations are built on collaboration, communication, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.

From blueprints to the final block, students are learning that success isn't built in a day—it takes planning, precision, and the kind of teamwork that turns individual effort into something truly towering.

The Jefferson 5th Grade Patriots are proving that when you combine math, science, and a crew that's got your back, the sky's the limit.

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The Jefferson Newsletter is one of the best ways to stay "in the know" about all of the great things happening "Under the Big Top" at Jefferson School. Read it HERE.

It's a Date!

• 7: Labor Day - No School
• 11: 1st Quarter Midterm
• 14: PTO Meeting at 6:30 at Jefferson
• 16-19: Pumpkin Festival
• 18: Early Dismissal at 11:55 am
• 24: Kindergarten Library Field Trip
• 25: Popcorn Friday

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🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊"Home of the Grundy Gators"🐊🐊🐊🐊🐊

Grundy's 5th Grade Gators are making headlines—literally. Using Studies Weekly, these students are diving deep into social studies by reading authentic-looking newspapers, honing their ability to extract information from real-world sources.

But it's not just about staying informed; these budding citizens are flexing their critical thinking muscles, questioning what they read and weighing the evidence like true journalists.

The cherry on top? Students are practicing their civic duty by casting votes on the issues they encounter. It's a hands-on civics lesson that proves democracy is best learned when you're actually in the driver's seat. These Gators are discovering that reading the news isn't just about staying current—it's about becoming thoughtful, engaged members of their community.

They are Gator great!

These Kindergarten Gators are working on name recognition and fine motor skills.

We think they are excellent artists, too.

You know it is going to be a great day for reading when your bookmark matches your t-shirt.

Get your Grundy Gator Gear ordered HERE before it closes on Sunday, September 6, 2026. If you are new to Grundy School or just need a refresh on your spirit wear, do not miss the opportunity to place an order. Gator Gear is a reason to cheer.

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🦁🦁🦁🦁"Home of the Lincoln Lions" 🦁🦁🦁🦁

The littlest Lions at Lincoln are making some serious music—and all they need is a clap, a tap, and a spin! Mr. Rocke has been helping this Kindergarten class discover the magic of rhythm, teaching them to find the beat and move to it with joy and enthusiasm.

What started as a simple song has become a full-body symphony. These pint-sized performers are clapping their hands, tapping their toes, and turning around right on the beat—proving that music education isn't just about listening, it's about moving, grooving, and feeling the rhythm in your bones. Mr. Rocke is orchestrating more than just a lesson; he's conducting a joyful introduction to one of life's greatest pleasures: the power of a good beat.

These Littlest Lions are learning that when you've got rhythm, you've got everything. And honestly, their infectious enthusiasm just might have the whole school humming along.

It might seem like a small choice, but the ripple effects are anything but minor. When students pick up that trumpet, violin, clarinet, or drum, they're not just selecting an instrument—they're unlocking a lifelong love of music. These decisions lead to late-night practice sessions, standing ovations, and friendships forged in the fire of a thousand rehearsals.

Kindergarten lunch is always a three-ring circus—especially on a waffle/pancake and syrup day when the cafeteria turns into sticky business! But one clever Lincoln Lion decided to march to the beat of a different drum, bringing lunch from home and stealing the spotlight with some seriously impressive chopstick skills.

While her classmates were syrup-slinging their way through lunch, this little foodie was demonstrating the art of precision dining—using chopsticks to expertly navigate a piece of cheese. Talk about raising the bar—or should we say, raising the sticks! Her fine motor skills were on full display, proving that you don't need a fork to be a dining pro. This Lion is showing everyone that when it comes to mealtime, an elegant solution can come from halfway around the world.

The Lincoln School monthly newsletter is now available. Do you want to view it online with live links? Go to the Lincoln homepage>Menu>Documents>Parent>Parent resources. Happy Reading!! Or…you can click this link!

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🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺 Home of the Huskies 🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺

Morton Academy had a fantastic week!

They zoned in on learning new things and sharpened other skills.

This young lady used her observation skills to find the flowers in the weeds in the grassy space outside of Morton Academy. Way to go!

Question of the Week: Do you know the difference beween a flower and a weed?

Answer: An opinion

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MJHS students are busy building math skills, exploring coding, and sharpening their written skills. These students are too busy to be bored.

Students sharpened their problem-solving skills this week by diving into error analysis with integer operations. By identifying and correcting mistakes, they deepened their understanding of how positive and negative numbers work together

Our aspiring engineers got hands-on this week, learning how to program a micro-controller. Students explored the fundamentals of coding as they brought their designs to life.

Creative writing took center stage as students used story dice to practice dialogue rules.

This interactive approach helped them master the mechanics of realistic conversation while having fun with storytelling.

Happy National Trail Mix Day! Junior Potter staff members enjoyed some salty and sweet treats this afternoon with a visit from the sunshine cart…because coffee can’t do it all.

Leadership Academy provides important learning on half days. The MJHS team works hard to present important topics and materials in impactful ways. MJHS students figure out quickly that they do not want to miss Leadership Academy days. It is full of the good stuff.

His powerful message about the impact of bullying and the real hurt that words can cause resonated deeply with our audience. Our Junior Potters proved to be an engaged and enthusiastic group, making it a memorable start to the program!

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For aspiring musicians, the stakes feel high: Band or orchestra? What about choir? The good news is that students can participate in both band and choir, but selecting between band and orchestra requires a definitive choice—and it's one worth making thoughtfully.

When recruitment season rolls around, there's a special energy in the halls. Students and staff light up as they see familiar faces return year after year, ready to pass the torch and welcome the next generation of musicians into their musical families.

Our 6th-grade musicians across the district will learn lessons that extend far beyond the concert stage. They're overcoming performance fears, discovering that a wrong note doesn't mean failure, and becoming true team players who understand that an orchestra is only as strong as its weakest link—and that every instrument matters.

These young musicians are composing not just melodies, but character, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Now that's a symphony worth conducting.

💫💫💫💫"Home of the Potters!"💫💫💫💫

Principal Kirk Edwards sent out his September Newsletter. In the email, he stated, "My favorite part is having students back in the building. Their energy, humor, and desire to learn is contagious!"

His observation can be seen when you walk through the halls. From the freshman navigating new hallways to the Class of 2027 starting their graduation countdown, every day at MHS there is laughing, learning, and leading.

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The "No Cellphone Policy" is having an impact, and it isn't in the Dean's office. Mr. Edwards shares his observations on page 1, which the MHS Food Services team echoes. Things are different this year, in a good way.

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FOOTBALL JUMBOTRON MESSAGES ARE BACK!! Want to wish someone a happy birthday, recognize an accomplishment, give a senior a shout out, or somthing else fun?!? Display a message and photo at a home football game of your choice for a $20 donation to support MHS Activities & Clubs.

Send an email with your message, photo, and the date of the home game you'd like your message displayed to todd.herrmann@mcusd709.org. Payment due to the MHS main office before it will be displayed

Our community shows up for their students and our schools. The crowds, the cheers, the community, and the concessions are all a part of the bigger picture.

This week on MPTV Coaches, we're bringing you the best moments from last week's thrilling football victory, plus exciting updates on standout MHS football alumni making waves in their careers. We'll also dive into what's happening in sports across both our junior high and high school programs. Don't miss it!

In this impactful episode, Don & Stephanie explore how trying to keep the peace in the moment can sometimes prevent children from building essential life skills. From rescuing children from discomfort to over-explaining during meltdowns, we reflect on how caregivers can create age-appropriate opportunities to develop patience, resilience, and healthy coping strategies.

As always, the conversation invites caregivers to reflect on our practices and focus on the long game. As always, in a "non-blaming, non-shaming way."

We hope you enjoy the episode.

Questions? Want to hear more about something? Did something really hit home? We love FEEDBACK at Care U.

Please tell us what you think about any episode using the feedback form. We hope you enjoy the show.

Listen here!

Forty-three students in Morton CUSD 709 are Multi-Language Learners. Three teachers lead these special classrooms at Jefferson School, MJHS, and MHS. Some learners receive support from Resource Teachers and paraprofessionals, adding more teaching expertise to the MLL classroom.

The Red Wings are signed up to participate in the Pumpkin Festival Parade.

Miss Carley Baer, a Lincoln RISE teacher, is accepting candy donations for the parade. The Red Wings are always enthusiastic when throwing out candy on the parade route.

The 2026-27 Early Childhood Education and Preschool for All calendar is available. There are times when these young learners will have a unique schedule due to their half-day schedule. Please review this schedule and share it with family and other caregivers.

• The next Developmental Screening is on October 14, 2026
• Screenings are by appointment only.
• Call 309-284-8033.

Board Highlights Included:

The Board held the FY27 Budget Hearing. Ms. Lisa Kowalski, CFO, presented the final budget numbers with one adjustment. She presented a balanced budget.

Gratitude: Dr. Sander commended the Custodial, Maintenance, Teachers, Administrators, and Teaching Staff for their swift and coordinated response to a water emergency at MHS. The team's decisive action and collaborative effort effectively mitigated the situation. At MJHS, the custodial and maintenance team demonstrated exceptional dedication in preparing new facilities for student use.

Administrative Reports included:

Finance: Dr. Sander reflected on the Budget Hearing and Adoption of the Budget. He noted that the District's revenue sources are 87-88% local. The State of IL only provides about 8-9% of the budget. Federal resources account for about 4-5%. The budget has to fit within the money available to us each year.

CSFST Town Hall Meetings: Dr. Sander will hold Town Hall Meetings to answer questions about the question on the November 3rd Ballot regarding the potential tax to benefit Tazewell County Schools.

• September 29 at Grundy (6-7 PM)
• October 22 at Jefferson (6-7 PM)

Mrs. Kate Wyman, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Technology, & Safety, reported:

6th Day Enrollment Report, 2026-2027

The 6th Day Enrollment Report looks at the number of students enrolled on the 6th day of school each year. The 6th Day was August 19, 2026. Enrollment was 3,118 students. She shared actual data from specific grade levels within the District. She gathered numbers from private schools operating within the MCUSD 709 boundaries. Mrs. Wyman compared actual numbers to the "Cropper Report," which was used to predict future enrollment numbers. It was noted that we did not have Preschool when the Cropper Report was completed. Enrollment is down, but not significantly. She answered questions from the Board of Education.

K-2 Technology Update

Mrs. Wyman, Building Principals, and K-2 Teachers responded swiftly to the Board's request at the 8/4/26 BOE Meeting for a K-2 Technology Update. The survey of K-2 Teachers found that most are using 1:1 devices for less than 30 minutes daily. Familiarity with the technology helps prepare students for the future. Technology provides ways to measure student progress, but it is not the main learning tool.

K-2 teachers are intentional about technology use while prioritizing play-based learning, hands-on experiences, and learning with classmates through group activities. Mrs. Wyman answered questions and shared findings. She noted that many of the recommended best practices are things we already do. Mrs. Wyman noted that Mr. Don Sturm manages the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA or SOPA) compliance. SOPPA regulates that student data is used strictly for educational purposes. Looking ahead, best practices and data collection will continue to guide the work and the conversations.

Curricular Textbook & Materials List

Mrs. Wyman provided the Board with the current Curricular Textbook and Materials list.

Facilities

Dr. Sander shared updates and pictures from MJHS and MHS Phase 2 work.

Board Report

President Rudd and the Board recognized contributions from healthcare personnel, the police department, and the Raptor system for emergency preparedness; maintenance teams for post-construction preparation and weather response; the finance team for budget stewardship; school principals and the Potter Post for transparent communication; and teachers for a strong start to the academic year and community engagement through "Meet the Teacher" events, affirming confidence in the dedicated professionals of the District.

The Superintendent's Policy Committee met to review the PRESS (Policy Reference Education Subscription Service) 122 Updates. The committee presented two policies to the Board for discussion. One was completely rewritten, so the committee wanted the whole board to read the rewritten policy.

The other addressed the amount of time allotted for speakers and offered clearer wording for proxy speakers. PRESS suggested 3 minutes for speakers. The Board will likely leave it at 5 minutes to allow the community a chance to speak. When appropriate, the policy allows the President to adjust speaker time.

The Board will accept the clearer language for proxy speakers in the update. Most of the PRESS Issue 122 policy updates were legal references and for continuing improvement. The Board approved them on the Consent Agenda.

Action Items:

• The Board approved the FY27 Budget.
• The Board approved the revised Intergovernmental Agreement with Morton Park District.
• The Board approved the bid for Grundy Addition.

The Consent Agenda was approved, which included:

• Approve Personnel Report
• Approve Treasurers Reports - July 2026
• Approve Overnight Trip Request per Board Policy 6:240 - MHS Varsity Wrestling - Naperville, IL
• Approve Overnight Trip Request per Board Policy 6:240 - MHS Varsity Wrestling - Moscoutah, IL
• Approve Out-of-State/Overnight Trip Request per Board Policy 6:240 - MHS Varsity Wrestling - Wisconsin Whitewater
• Approve Overnight Trip Request per Board Policy 6:240 - MHS Varsity Wrestling - Geneseo, IL
• Approve Overnight/Out-of-State Trip Request per Board Policy 6:240 - Boys Soccer - Bettandorf, IA
• Approve Overnight/Out-of-State Trip Request per Board Policy 6:240 - Girls Soccer - Quad Cities, IL/IA
• Approve PRESS ( Policy Reference Education Subscription Service) Issue 122 Updates
• Approve Curricular Textbook & Instructional Materials List 2026-27
• Approve Minutes: August 4, 2026, Regular Meeting; August 4, 2026, Regular Meeting Closed Session
• Approve Bills & Payroll

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the District Office.

September 2026 Dining Menus and September Newsletter

Click here for: 🎃 September 2026 Breakfast Menu

Breakfast Prices: Grades K-12: $1.85

Student Extra Entrée: $1.10; Extra Milk: $0.70

Adults/Visitors: $2.75

Click here for: September 2026 Elementary LUNCH Menu

Click here for: 🌞September 2026 Morton Academy LUNCH Menu

🎃Grundy Preschool Snacks: September 2026

Click here for: September 2026 MJHS Lunch Menu

MJHS Extras cost extra: MJHS A La Carte Menu

🌮This Week at MHS:

MHS Lunch Menu -

🍔September 7th - 11th (Burger Bar)

🍝September 14th - 18th (Pasta Bar)

🥗September 21st - 25th (Salad Bar)

🍕September 28th - Oct 2nd (Pizza Bar)

Extras cost extra: MHS A La Carte Menu

⚾👟🏐 MHS Athletics & Activities Homepage 🏀🥎⚽🏌🏻‍♀️

⚾👟🏐 MJHS Athletics & Activities Homepage 🏀🥎⚽🏌🏻‍♀️

2026-27 Early Childhood Education and Preschool for All calendar

2026-27 School Year Public Calendar

2027-28 School Year Public Calendar

How do I pay for it?

Safety Letter

Please request these records before the June 15, 2027, deadline.

Local Education Agencies are required to maintain logs documenting the delivery of related services provided under your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). These records detail the specific type of service provided and the total minutes administered.

Parent/Guardian(s) have the right to request and inspect these logs at any time.

Related services subject to logging include:

• Speech and language services

• Occupational therapy services

• Physical therapy services

• School social work services

• School counseling services

• School psychology services

• School nursing services

To request a copy of your child's service logs, please contact the Student Support Services Department. 309-263-0522