Welcome to this week's edition of:

Graduation Day 2026

Dear Morton 709 Families, Staff, and Community,

As we bring this extraordinary school year to a close, our hearts overflow with gratitude and celebration for what we have accomplished together—and for who we've become in the process.

This has been an extraordinary year of growth—one that extends far beyond test scores and grades. Our students have flourished in character, resilience, and community, demonstrating curiosity, creativity, and genuine kindness both within our buildings and far beyond our walls. Our staff has truly gone above and beyond, bringing passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication to every classroom, hallway, and interaction.

From the roar of the crowd at athletic competitions to the standing ovations for our artists and musicians, from the infectious energy of Field Day to the quiet magic of watching our youngest learners light up with discovery—we have built something truly special together.

Parents, thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being invested in their success. Staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and to each other.

As we head into summer, take time to rest, recharge, and reflect on the wonderful moments we've shared.

Quote of the Week:

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning. -J. B. Priestley

Wishing you and your families a restful, joyful summer.

Go, Potters.

Dr. Joe Sander

Superintendent

Enjoy this collection of images from the 2025-26 School Year.

Thanks to Paul F Photo and Sue's Sports Posts and Pictures for sharing amazing photos!

Thank you, Andrea White and Meghan Rapp, for the weekly slideshow. It is a fan favorite!

On Wednesday, the Morton 709 family honored years of service, retirees, and the annual "Potter Awards." It is a day of celebration and affirmation with the people who pour their days into the students of Morton CUSD 709. Every building and role is represented when the thank yous are said.

From left to right:

Master Potter - Kristy Boecker (Lettie Brown Elementary School) awarded to a teacher/certified staff member for being a master teacher.

Dana Ashby Memorial Service Award - Cassie Little (Jefferson School) awarded to any staff member who makes a positive impact on students and families served by Student Support Services.

Potter's Hand - Holli Pfeifer (Morton Junior High School) is awarded to a non-certified staff member for outstanding service in their role.

Nominated by their peers, supported by parents and sometimes students, it is a reminder that we are better together. We can encourage and lift each other up. We learn from each other.

The year in review. We had a great time!

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The sixth grade recently visited the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, thanks to the generous support of the Lettie Brown PTO. Students gained hands-on experience with science and industry concepts in an interactive museum setting.

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Turn summer chore time into reading opportunities with Playaways. No phone needed.

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The Decimal Diner is real math for the real world.

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"Little…But Lots” is a community service project that gathers old school supplies (crayons, markers, pens, pencils, glue, paper, paints, rulers, etc.) from students in our elementary schools at the end of the year. These items are cleaned up and given to local organizations that could benefit from them.

This year, donated supplies will benefit the Children’s Home Association of Illinois, the Dream Center Peoria, and the Center for the Prevention of Abuse. All items will be cleaned, tested, sorted, and prepared for distribution at Lettie Brown Elementary School. We warmly welcome parents and children of all ages to join us for this fun-filled, open-house volunteer opportunity on Wednesday, May 27th, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Stay as long as you’d like. It’s a great way to give back and make a difference together!

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The 6th Graders enjoyed documenting that they rule the school (with kindness).

So many have been great ambassadors of good character, service, and compassion.

MJHS... here they come!

It was a great day for getting outside for the fun and games.

These Patriots are making the most of the time together before summer begins.

Jefferson's green space looked amazing, covered with students running, laughing, and relaxing with classmates and friends.

Only 117 days until Pumpkin Festival!

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What an exciting prize! Two Jefferson Patriots, Abram and Silas, won a thrilling auction item at this year's school carnival: a ride to school with Officer Dryden, our School Resource Officer.

The students loved the experience, especially spotting the iconic Patriot logo on the police car. It was a fantastic way to build positive community connections and celebrate our partnership with local law enforcement.

Congratulations to the winners on a memorable morning ride to school!

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Last week, our talented librarian, Mrs. Fisher, introduced students to flower-arranging techniques at one of our library activity stations. With limited book checkouts available, we've been offering hands-on activities—including Lego building, flower arranging, bookmark coloring, and word search puzzles.

Inspired by Mrs. Fisher's lesson, a group of students took the initiative to create beautiful handmade flowers for our staff members. Working entirely on their own time and effort, these thoughtful students spent five hours crafting colorful arrangements as a heartfelt gift of appreciation.

What a wonderful reminder of our students' creativity, generosity, and teamwork!

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Grundy families, if you are interested in purchasing a 2026-2027 School Supply Kit for an upcoming student in Kindergarten through 6th grade, see the attached QR code. The kits will be available for pick up at In Person Registration on Tuesday, July 28th at the school. Please call the office with any questions (309) 253-1421. Thank you!

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Field Day is steeped in tradition, competition, and pure fun. From start to finish, there's never a dull moment!

The Tug-of-War is serious business—a spectator sport rivaling the Kentucky Derby (well, almost). With Mrs. Vastine commanding the festivities via her trusty megaphone, the energy is absolutely tangible!

The weather couldn't have been more perfect, and the day delivered everything we could have asked for.

Huge congratulations to Mrs. Estes' class for dominating the Tug of War! The only team they couldn't defeat? The staff. (Nice try, students!)

What a fantastic celebration of school spirit and camaraderie!

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4th Graders Take on the Ultimate Egg Drop Challenge!

Our 4th-grade scientists recently put their physics knowledge into action during an exciting Egg Drop Challenge!

Students applied what they've learned about stored (potential) energy, kinetic energy, gravity, and energy transfer to design creative protective containers for their eggs.

With the school roof as the testing ground, students showcased impressive teamwork and creativity as Mr. Smith and Mr. Bleich helped launch their designs. The energy was high, the cheers were loud, and the results were egg-cellent! 🥚

A fantastic hands-on learning experience that brought physics to life!

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The MA Huskies kept learning in the last week of school. Firetrucks are the coolest work trucks!

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It was a fun-filled week! A little rain did not stop the picnic fun. We moved the celebration to Morton Academy — and enjoyed the company of our friends, staff, and caregivers as we feasted on picnic classics.

Our MA Awards Ceremony ended the year with celebrations and smiles.

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The Morton Public Library Summer Reading Program starts on May 22nd!

Mrs. Ashley Valerio met with the students at the beginning of May to introduce the theme and get the kids excited to read. We're excited to partner with the library to encourage summer reading and foster a love of books!

Keep our Huskies reading this summer.

1:00- 6:00 PM Friday, May 22, 2026

Kick off Summer Reading by picking up your materials and celebrating with a bounce house, lawn games, bubbles, and food vendors in Hannah’s Reading Garden. Enjoy a photo booth provided by Taryn Knepp of T Photography.

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Registration is now open for MJHS 2026-2027 Fall Sports: 7th/8th boys baseball, 6th/7th/8th girls softball, 7th/8th boys and girls cross country, 7th/8th boys and girls golf.

All student-athletes must be registered each year for each sport they are interested in. All athletes must be registered and have a valid sports physical on file to participate in the first day of tryouts/practice.

Registration can be found on the Activities & Athletics homepage at schools.snap.app/mortonjhs

IESA physicals can be uploaded during registration or turned in to the school office.

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It was a great day to be a Junior Potter.

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It’s time for the IESA State track meet at East Side. Good luck to all of our Junior Potters who qualified for state on Friday and Saturday. Go Potters!!!

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The Final Episode of the 2025-26 Coaches is Here!

Get ready for an exciting conclusion to our Coaches series! This episode features an exclusive interview with track coach Zack Finney and an amazing showcase of Potter's Athletics highlights from this incredible year. Don't miss it!

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This spring, MHS French students participated in the National French Contest, also known as Le Grand Concours. Le Grand Concours is an annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. It assesses the interpretive (reading and listening) competency of students. Prizes are awarded based on percentile rankings.

Over 42,000 students participated this year, with 57 students participating from Morton. Of those 57, nine ranked nationally.

Morton had 1 student at the Gold Level (95th percentile and above):

Nathan Park in Second Year French

Morton had 4 students at the Silver level (85th-94th percentile):

Olivia Feilner in First Year French

Ruby Luker in Third Year French

Laura Lopez in Third Year French

Caela Myers in Fourth Year French

Morton had 4 students at the Bronze level (75th-84th percentile):

Timothy Hinch in Second Year French

Nathan Park in Third Year French

Grace Johnston in Fourth Year French

Ella Arthur in Fourth Year French

Morton had 7 students who earned a Mention d'honneur or Honorable Mention:

In First Year French: Katherine Ellison, Selah Davis, Nyla Ward

In Second Year French: Joe Harper

In Third Year French: Sophia Anderson, Nishi Patel

In Fourth Year French: Addison Kellington

The American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) recently announced that MHS Senior, Grace Johnston, has received a 2026 AATF Outstanding Senior in French Award.

This award is only given to one student per school annually. This award is presented to students who have demonstrated excellence in the study of French and an exceptional commitment to the French language and the many cultures where it is spoken.

Recipients must be non-native speakers of French and be in their senior year, have completed three years of formal French study, maintain an "A" average in French and "B" overall, and participate in extracurricular French activities. Grace Johnston has studied French for four years and is a student of Cassandra Bilyeu. She is a member of the French Club at Morton High School in Morton, IL.

Grace has participated in local National French Week activities, has traveled abroad, and participated in the Grand Concours. She was a Lauréat National, winning Bronze in 2025 and Argent in 2026.

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Did you know that the District Office houses student artists?

In this episode of Care U, we’re joined by Matt Thomann, creator of the Resilient Parents Playbook, to explore how the messages we send as caregivers shape our children more than we may realize.

Through the lens of sports, this conversation opens up something bigger. How often are we focusing on things kids cannot control, and what impact does that have on their confidence, anxiety, and motivation?

Matt introduces a simple but powerful idea. Shift the focus to what kids can control, like their attitude, communication, and effort. We reflect on how small changes in our conversations can create lasting impact, not just in sports, but in life. We hope you enjoy the episode.

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

Listen here!

Ms. Lindsay Franklin delighted in sharing the stories and the recognition for this year's Dana Ashby Memorial Service Award winner. Congratulations, Ms. Cassie Little, from the Student Support Services team.

The Student Support Services will hold a Developmental Screening

on July 31, 2026.

Call 309-284-8033 with questions or to schedule a screening.

The 2025-26 Early Childhood Education and Preschool for All calendar has been updated.

Screenings are by appointment only. Call 309-284-8033.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the District Office.

🌼🌞May 2026 Menus & May Newsletter with Picnic/Step-Up Information

This Week at MHS: 🌼🌞

District Website

Morton High School Homepage MHS Athletics & Activities Homepage

Morton Jr. High School Homepage MJHS Athletics & Activities Homepage

Lettie Brown Homepage

Grundy Homepage

Jefferson Homepage

Lincoln Homepage

Morton Academy Homepage

2025-26 School Year Public Calendar

2026-27 School Year Public Calendar

2027-28 School Year Public Calendar

Morton Community Unit School District 709 will be destroying special education records for students with a 1998 birthdate who were evaluated for or received services during their school career. If the student or parents want these records they should call 309-263-0522 to arrange to pick them up. Any records not collected by June 15, 2026, will be destroyed.

Our latest episode “Looking at Movement Infused Learning” is available now. We appreciate you listening when you get a chance and offering any feedback you have.

Join us as we discuss the idea of movement as a way to learn. In this episode, hear from District 709 students about their experience with instruction that integrates movement. This is the third episode in our three-part series on the topic of embedding movement in teaching. As always, and particularly with this topic, we would love to hear your feedback on the questions we pose or on the podcast in general.

If you haven't provided your thoughts yet, you can do so through this Google Form.

Thanks for listening.

Don and Courtney

Listen Here