Connected Chiefs
Parent Edition - October 30, 2026
Senior
Isaiah Juneman
Underclassman
Claire Schwarting
Congratulations to Mr. Jake Rutan! At the staff meeting on Wednesday October 7, Jake was selected by Mrs. Kristy McLemore as the Top Chief Award winner. Mr. Rutan teaches Chemistry and Environmental Science. We appreciate the positive energy he brings and the outstanding work he is doing with our students each day!
On Monday, November 2nd, a guest speaker from the Center for Prevention of Abuse will be giving a presentation to the high school students during the morning classes. Each class will attend a presentation that is appropriate for their grade level.
On January 24, 2013, former Governor Pat Quinn signed into law “Erin’s Law,” which requires all Illinois schools to provide age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention education for students K–12th, annually. The topic of sexual abuse and online safety will be discussed.
We understand the nature of this topic is sensitive and some parents may prefer their child NOT participate in the presentation. Please let me know if you would prefer your child NOT to participate in the presentation as soon as possible. Phone: 309-359-4421 or email mholmgre@deemack.org.
The start of winter sports is just around the corner. All students wanting to participate in a winter sport must be registered on SNAP. Click on the link below to register your child for their winter sport. If you have any questions regarding winter sports, contact Athletic Director Mr. Brandon Stokes.
Girls Basketball begins on November 2
Boys Basketball and Wrestling begin on November 9
The 2026-2027 school year was the first time Dee-Mack students had access to the courses and programs offered at the Bloomington Career Academy. It is time to begin the 2nd year of this partnership. Find below the important dates and information.
Students must be in good standing to be eligible to attend the BCA. Good standing includes grades, discipline and attendance.
Students will have access to the following courses:
Automotive Technology
Certified Nurse Assistant
CNA Leadership
Construction Trades
Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement
Culinary Arts
Cybersecurity
EMT—Basic
Health Careers & Med Term
Heavy Equipment Repair & Operation
Mechatronics
Welding
Students can attend an open house at BCA on the evening of November 4, 2026, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.
Course registration opens at 6 AM on November 6th.
BCA will be in attendance at the Dee-Mack Career Fair on November 12, 2026, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.
Students will be attending classes at BCA during the 1st session of classes 7:25 am - 9:09 am. They will be transported by bus each morning. The bus will leave the school at 6:25 am. Students will be back to attend classes at Dee-Mack 3rd - 8th hour. Students may be eligible for early release if their schedule allows.
BCA Expo
Sling Shot
To The Rescue
Our 5th annual College and Career Fair will be held in the high school Old Gym on November 12, 2026, 5:30 - 7 pm. More details are coming in the near future. You want to be sure to mark this awesome event on your calendars. Over 50 organizations will be here to provide many post high school options to the students.
Final Exams will take place on Wednesday, December 16, Thursday, December 17, and Friday, December 18. Please see the attachment below for more details. If you have any questions, contact the high school office (309) 359-4421.
Check out the amazing articles in "The Dee-Mack Daily" created by Ms. Trenkle's Journalism Class.
Dee-Mack High School is fortunate to have a fully staffed counseling department. Scan the QR code or click the link if you are wanting to connect with someone from that department.
Beyond the Ballpark: Baseball Reads for Teachers and Staff
With World Series season wrapping, it’s a great time to pick up a baseball book. From the Cubs’ unforgettable 2016 championship to the Big Red Machine, the Cardinals, and the White Sox, these reads explore teamwork, perseverance, memorable personalities, and the stories behind the game.
The Cubs Way — Tom Verducci
Go behind the scenes of the 2016 Chicago Cubs, following how Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon built a team that ended a 108-year championship drought. A compelling mix of baseball, leadership, and team culture.
The Machine — Joe Posnanski
Meet the 1975 Cincinnati Reds, the legendary Big Red Machine featuring Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Pete Rose. Posnanski follows their season through a dramatic seven-game World Series against the Boston Red Sox.
One Last Strike — Tony La Russa with Rick Hummel
The inside story of the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals, who overcame a late-season deficit to reach the playoffs and win the World Series. La Russa reflects on the decisions, relationships, and resilience behind the team and success.
Say It’s So: The Chicago White Sox’s Magical Season — Phil Rogers
Relive the 2005 White Sox championship, with an inside look at Ozzie Guillén and the team that brought a World Series title to the South Side for the first time since 1917.
Eight Men Out — Eliot Asinof
This classic account examines the 1919 Black Sox scandal, when White Sox players became entangled in a scheme to fix the World Series. A thought-provoking selection about money, power, and ethics in sports.
The Boys of Summer — Roger Kahn
Part memoir and part baseball history, this classic follows the Brooklyn Dodgers of the Jackie Robinson era and revisits the players later in life. Its reflections on change, friendship, and life beyond the game reach well beyond baseball.
One Shot at Forever — Chris Ballard
An unconventional teacher and coach leads a small-town Macon, Illinois, high-school baseball team on an unlikely championship run. Its connections to education, community, and believing in students make it especially appealing for school staff.
The Art of Fielding — Chad Harbach
In this literary novel, college baseball provides the backdrop for intertwined stories of ambition, friendship, love, and the fear of failure. A strong choice for readers who enjoy character-driven fiction.
Last Days of Summer — Steve Kluger
Told through letters, newspaper clippings, and other documents, this funny and poignant novel follows a boy’s friendship with a professional ballplayer in the 1940s. A warm selection for readers drawn to relationships and historical fiction.
Athletic Schedules and Information
You can find the most updated athletic schedules and other important athletic information at the SNAP - Athletic Website.
Check out the official Dee-Mack Apparel Store. You can pick out items for your favorite club or sport for any member of your family. The store is always open and will ship directly to your house.
All home games at every level will be broadcast on the NFHS Network. You can choose 1 of 2 subscription options: Annual Pass - $79.99 or Month Pass - $11.99. When you purchase a subscription you will have access to watch all games broadcast by NFHS Network schools across the nations. This includes all away games of other conference schools that also broadcast on the NFHS Network and all IHSA state series events. Be sure to select Deer Creek-Mackinaw as the school you are supporting. The school gets a share of the profits for each subscription.
November 2, 2026
Erin's Law Presentation (1 - 4 Period)
Bully Free Assembly - afternoon
November 3, 2026
Math Olympiad 10:35 - 12:55
November 5, 2026
Tornado Drill
November 11, 2026
Veterans Day Assembly 11 - 11:30 AM
November 12, 2026
College and Career Night - 5:30 - 7 PM
November 18, 2026
Scholarship Jeans Day
Board Meeting @ 6 PM
November 25 - 29, 2026
Thanksgiving Break
December 4, 2026
SIP Day - 11:30 Dismissal -
December 7 - 8, 2026
Raising Student Achievement Conference
December 9, 2026
Schlarship Jeans Day
December 16-18, 2026
Final Exam
Communication Plan
Our regular communication will take place through Connected Chiefs. I will do my very best to communicate everything here for you to reference as needed in an effort to cut down on too many emails.
Connect With Us
Email: mholmgre@deemack.org
Website: www.deemack.org
Location: 401 E. 5th Street
Phone: (309) 359-4421
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deer.Creek.Mackinaw
Twitter: @DCM_Chiefs