East Update
2nd Quarter, 25-26 School Year
Our character education program is built around the “Rocket R’s,” which focus on being Respectful, Responsible, and Resilient. Each quarter, students learn and practice these important traits. This week, one student from each class was recognized for demonstrating outstanding character throughout the first quarter.
Congratulations to our 1st Quarter SOAR Award winners!
- K: Jade Lutz & Claire Gumbel
- 1st: Madilynn Wright & Savannah Ray
- 2nd: Elias Bolt & Olyvia Mahaffey
- 3rd: Lylah Mahaffey & Hallie Laurent
- 4th: Elyse Revell & Colton Hiser
- 5th: Emi Germano & Myla Cunningham
Our goal - every student, every day!
Throughout the school year, we'll be sharing quarterly attendance updates to highlight the importance of regular attendance and celebrate our students' success!
We're thrilled to share that over 92% of Unity East students achieved "Consistent Attendance" last school year, earning our school an Exemplary attendance rating on the upcoming 2026 Illinois School Report Card!
First Quarter Attendance Highlights
Here are some facts and figures from our first quarter:
95 students (47.5%) have perfect attendance, including no tardies or early dismissals!
180 students (90%) have missed two or fewer days and are on track for consistent attendance!
98.2% average daily attendance across Unity East during the first quarter!
Top Grade Levels for Attendance
A special shout-out to our top-performing grade levels for first-quarter attendance!
🥇 Kindergarten – 96%
🥈 1st & 3rd Grade (Tied) – 91%
🥉 2nd Grade – 90%
We know that when students attend school consistently, they stay connected to learning, build confidence, and are better prepared for long-term success. Thank you to our families for helping make attendance a priority and getting our school year off to a great start!
On Wednesday, October 21 - UNITY DAY! be sure to wear and share ORANGE to show your support for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion!
After school, join together from 3:30-5:00pm at the back of the Junior High/High School to participate in the 1-Mile Fun Run, enjoy games and a bounce house, get a drink from the Rocket Brew crew, and enjoy the company of our Unit Seven community!
More than a Day - While Unity Day is just one day, it serves as a catalyst for our entire commUNITY to come together with a statement that our words and actions matter. Today, and every day, we stand against bullying and are committed to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion of all.
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are on Thursday, October 22, from 3:00-9:30pm. We encourage every family to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with their child's teacher and discuss their progress so far this school year.
Conference sign-up links have been emailed to families and are also posted on the school website.
If you haven't already scheduled a conference, please take a moment to sign up. We hope to see every family on October 22!
The Unity East PTO is hosting its fourth annual Trunk or Treat at the school on Sunday, October 25, from 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Families can join the fun by decorating a trunk and handing out treats, volunteering to help with the event, or donating individually wrapped candy or funds to help purchase treats. Donations can be dropped off at the Unity East office.
Thank you for helping make this a fun and memorable Halloween event for our students and families! For more information or to sign up for a trunk, visit this link: Trunk-or-Treat 2026.
On Friday, November 6, Unity East will host our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon & Veterans Day Program.
We invite senior citizens and veterans from our community to join us for a Thanksgiving luncheon at 12:05pm, followed by our Veterans Day Program at 1:00pm.
Guests are encouraged to call the school to RSVP. We look forward to welcoming everyone as we celebrate Thanksgiving and honor those who have served our country!
To donate or volunteer, visit this link to sign up - Veterans Day & Thanksgiving Luncheon Signups
Save the date to join us for a fun-filled evening at Unity East's Family Night on Tuesday, November 17, from 5:30–7:30pm!
This year's event will feature special visits from a group of therapy dogs trained to read with children, as well as Aikman Wildlife Adventures, who will be bringing some amazing animal ambassadors like hedgehogs, rabbits, sugar gliders, geckos, and more! Families will also have the opportunity to shop at our annual Scholastic Book Fair and make crafts together.
More information, including the evening's schedule and a link to RSVP, will be sent home soon. We hope you can join us for a great night of family fun!
Unity East received several generous donations these past weeks that we would like to recognize.
A heartfelt thank you to Sidney Christian Church, Philo Presbyterian Church, Sidney United Church, Sidney Improvement Group, The Giving Place and the many families and community members who donated to the Rocket Pack program, school supplies, and our Student Care fund.
We are very grateful for the support from our community and will put the donations to good use!
- K & 1st Music Concert; Wednesday, December 9, 7:00pm
- 2nd & 3rd Music Concert; Monday, December 14, 7:00pm
- 4th & 5th Music Concert; Thursday, March 11, 7:00pm
- Band & Choir Concert; Thursday, May 20, 7:00pm
5th Grade Field Trip to Homer Lake
4th Grade Field Trip to the Courthouse
Fire Safety Visit
SOAR Prize Winners!
SOAR Award Winners!
