The Steamer Sentinel - Issue 07
Issue 07 of The Steamer Sentinel
Steamer Families,
As we move into November, I want to take a moment to thank all of the families who participated in Parent-Teacher Conferences last week. Strong partnerships between home and school are one of the most important factors in student success, and we appreciate the time you took to connect with our staff, celebrate accomplishments, and discuss goals for the remainder of the semester.
With Thanksgiving Break on the horizon, we are entering a critical stretch of the school year. Students have completed the first half of the semester, grades are becoming more established, and opportunities to improve academic standing are still within reach. This is a great time for students to reflect on their progress, seek support when needed, and finish the semester strong.
At FHS, we remain committed to Raising Our Standard through strong academics, meaningful student experiences, and a culture of accountability and support. In this issue, you'll find important updates, upcoming events, opportunities to support our students and staff, and information about our upcoming Wellness Day, which will help students recharge and prepare for a successful finish to the semester.
Thank you for your continued support of Steamer Nation. Together, we're creating a school community where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to be their very best.
Together, We Raise The Standard!
Parsons' Post
From the desk of Mr. Parsons
As we wrap up an outstanding fall season, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our student-athletes and coaches. This fall was filled with memorable moments and tremendous success across multiple programs.
Our Volleyball Team battled their way to the Sweet 16, our Football Team continues its impressive postseason run into the Elite 8 (quarter-finals), and we are proud to celebrate our Individual State Champion in Golf. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment our students demonstrate every day.
While we are proud of the wins, championships, and accolades, what excites me most is the culture we continue to build at FHS. Success on the field, court, and course begins with strong character, accountability, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Our students continue to represent Steamer Nation with pride, and their achievements reflect the standards we are working to establish throughout our school community.
As we continue cheering on our football team in postseason play, we are also excited to turn our attention toward our winter activities and athletic programs. We look forward to supporting our students as they compete, perform, and continue creating opportunities for success.
Goooo Steamers!
From the desk of Mrs. Bowers
Wellness Day 2026: Ending the Semester Strong
One of our goals at FHS is to continue Raising the Standard by supporting not only our students' academic growth but also their overall well-being. As we approach Winter Break, we recognize that the end of the semester can be a stressful time filled with projects, assessments, activities, and busy schedules. That's why we're excited to host our annual Wellness Day on Friday, December 18!
Wellness Day is designed to give students an opportunity to relax, recharge, connect with others, and finish the semester on a positive note. We want students to recognize the importance of balance, self-care, and positive connections while enjoying a well-deserved break from their regular academic routines.
Our teachers have planned a variety of activities, including:
Tae Kwon Do
Weightlifting & Fitness
Diamond Art & Perler Beads
Coloring & Holiday Crafts
Movies & Trivia
Chess & Card Games
Reading & Cozy Book Spaces
Mario Kart Tournament
Four Corner Kickball
Cookie Baking
And many more fun, student-centered activities!
Students have received their activity sign-up forms via email and should complete their selections by Friday, November 20. We will do our best to accommodate student preferences while considering activity capacities and scheduling.
Important Reminder: Attendance on Wellness Day is required and remains an important part of our final exam waiver criteria. This day is intentionally designed to support student growth and well-being, and we want every student to participate and benefit from the experience.
❤️ How Families Can Help
To make Wellness Day a success, we are once again asking for the support of our amazing Steamer community! Many of our activities require supplies, materials, and refreshments, and donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Families and community members can contribute by:
Amazon Wish List: Purchasing items from our Wellness Day Amazon Wish List (linked below).
Monetary Donations: Sending cash or check donations to FHS with "Wellness Day" noted.
Walmart Gift Cards: Donating gift cards to help purchase ingredients and supplies for our cookie-baking activity.
Egg Donations: Donating eggs for our baking activities. We are hoping to collect a total of 60 eggs!
Every contribution, big or small, helps us provide meaningful experiences for our students without placing additional financial burdens on families. Your generosity helps make Wellness Day possible and reinforces the caring, supportive culture we continue to build at FHS.
Thank you for helping us give our students an opportunity to finish the semester feeling relaxed, connected, and recharged!
Our teachers pour so much into our students each day, and one of the simplest ways we can show appreciation is by keeping our staff lounge stocked with small comforts that brighten their week. If you’re interested in supporting our staff this year, we’re accepting donations of snacks, drinks, and quick‑grab items that help keep energy high throughout the school day.
Popular items include:
Granola bars, crackers, trail mix
Single‑serve drinks like sparkling water, soda, or iced tea
Chocolate or candy for an afternoon pick‑me‑up
Coffee pods, water flavor add-ins or tea packets
Fresh fruit when available
For families who prefer to donate items online, we’ve also created an Amazon Wish List with staff‑favorite items and essentials. This makes it easy to support our teachers from home and ensures the lounge stays stocked throughout the semester.
Amazon Wish List - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3LJX5GC4LZ6NR?ref_=wl_share
Items can be dropped off in the main office or ordered directly through the wish list. Your support goes a long way in helping us maintain a positive, encouraging environment for the adults who care for our students every day.
Connor
Avery
Jasen
'Two Minute Newsletter' - From the desk of Mrs. Facio
- 12 FAFSA – THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID is now a required step for students to earn a diploma from an Illinois High School. For more information, go to the Financial Aid/FAFSA tab under FHS Counselor’s Corner on the district website. Students and parents can get started by creating an FSA ID by going to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch. If you do not intend to complete the FAFSA, please contact Mrs. Facio regarding the FAFSA Non-Participation Waiver. This year’s FAFSA application has OPENED EARLY and can now be completed.
- 12 GET COLLEGE APPLICATIONS COMPLETED NOW!! You can request electronic transcripts through Parchment! Use “Parchment” and/or “Common Application” for college applications if possible. All applications should be done by November. Need help completing an application? Schedule an appointment with Mrs. Facio & she will help you go through it step by step.
- 12 GET YOUR INOCULATION/SHOT RECORDS UP TO DATE- Check with your physician, health department and/or FHS to make sure you have all shot records in ONE location and ready to deliver to the college of your choice.
- 9-12 TUTORING is available to all FHS students after school. Start the semester strong! Please see Mr. Parsons or Mrs. Bowers to get signed up for this free service!
- 12 BRAG SHEET WORKSHOP Planning to apply for scholarships that require a recommendation letter? Get ahead of the game before applications open by attending our Brag Sheet Workshop on Monday, November 16th during RTI in the LRC Conference Room! We’ll help you compile a complete list of your high school activities, achievements, and future plans. Having a polished brag sheet makes it easy to request recommendation letters and gives your recommenders all the information they need to write you a personalized review.
- 9-12 IMPACT hours must be completed and submitted through Sauk’s online portal by May 31 in order to remain eligible for the IMPACT program. Do not miss out on Earned Tuition at Sauk! Start on your volunteer hours NOW.
- 12 SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES Are being made in Counselor’s Corner on the school website as applications open. Scholarships listed in GREEN have been updated for the 26-27 school year.
- *Pro Tip- While River Bend scholarship applications do not open until January, the application process & essay prompts tend to stay the same year to year. Consider getting a head start on your applications now!*
- 10 WACC FIELD TRIP for all sophomores will take place on Wednesday, December 9. We will depart FHS around 8:10 AM and return between 10:30 & 11:00, depending on the length of the tour. This will be a great opportunity for students to see WACC programs in action before registration and the release of the WACC application.
- 11-12 COLLEGE VISIT FORM Junior and senior students are allowed 2 college visit days each year. The form must be completed and turned in to the Student Services Office 2 days before the visit. Parents are still expected to call in the approved absence on the day of the visit. The form can be viewed in Counselor's Corner under the “Forms” tab or access it by visiting the following link: https://www.riverbendschools.org/vimages/shared/vnews/stories/5d519e495cba9/College%20Visit%20Form.pdf
- 9-12 ALL-SCHOOL TEST DAY will take place on Wednesday, April 14th, for students in grades 9-11. Seniors will have the opportunity to spend the day job shadowing. Mark your calendars now
- 11-12 ARE YOU AN 18- YEAR- OLD MALE? If you are, you are required by law to register with the Selective Service. You can register as early as 17 years and 3 months old. By doing so, you will be eligible for student loans and grants, job training, and government jobs. Failing to register can lead to a 5-year prison sentence and up to a $250,000 fine. Register at the post office, DMV, or online at https://www.sss.gov/.
FFA will have their next chapter meeting on December 7th at 6:15 in the FFA room. We hope to see everyone there!
Good luck to Katlyn Temple, Mckenley Dykstra, Carter Stocker, and Jayden Agnew as they make there way to the dairy CDE this Wednesday.
FFA´s corn maze went well we were happy to see everyone there we hope everyone enjoyed it we will be doing it again next year!🌽
FFA will be going to a leadership conference at Illinois State University November 23-24th.
👟👞🥾 COMING SOON: SHOE DRIVE!
Have old shoes that still have some life left? Don’t throw them away or donate them just yet!
FHS will be collecting gently used shoes of all sizes and styles throughout December and January. The shoes will be donated for reuse in developing countries, and FHS will receive $0.40 per pound collected to support our Student Achievement Incentives and Activities. So start saving those shoes! 👟👞🥾
Stay tuned for more information about where and when to donate!
Slow Down Immediately: Most farm equipment travels at 15 to 20 mph. Reduce speed right away and maintain a larger following distance to improve your line of sight behind wide equipment.
Pass with Caution:
Only pass in legal passing zones—passing at intersections or in no-passing zones is illegal and dangerous.
Wait until oncoming traffic is clear, signal, pass, and return to your lane once the farm vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror.
Honk your horn before passing to alert the driver.
If the vehicle is extra-wide, wait until the driver pulls over and signals that it is safe to go around.
Yield to Oncoming Equipment: Give wide farm vehicles the right-of-way when driving in the opposite direction. Pull onto the shoulder or a turn-out if necessary, as farm vehicles cannot always pull over safely.
Watch for Wide Turns: Farmers may pull slightly to the right before making a wide left-hand turn. Check for driveways, field entrances, turn signals, or hand gestures before attempting to pass. Nearly half of all farm-vehicle accidents involve left-hand turns or rear-end collisions.
Double-Check Intersections: Always take a second look in all directions before entering an intersection or pulling out to pass.
Look for Warning Lights: Farm equipment is required to have flashing amber and red lights. Keep an eye out for these visual warnings.
Basic Driving Safety: Always wear your seat belt (required by Illinois law) and remain fully focused by avoiding distractions.
Student Code of Conduct
Supporting our teams with pride, safety, and respect.
While we are excited that our elementary and middle school students enjoy attending home events, it is important that everyone understands the expectations for student behavior. Our priority is to keep students safe and ensure all fans can enjoy Steamer events.
⚓Entry & Supervision
Enter Together: All K–8 students must enter the event with an adult, who is responsible for them the entire event.
No Re-entry: Once inside, students may not leave and return.
Elementary (K–5) Students: At home football games, may sit in the designated student section and must follow all expectations. All other games, they must stay with their parent/guardian.
Middle School (6–8) Students: May sit in the designated student section (when provided) and must follow all expectations.
High School (9-12) Students: May sit in the designated student section(s) and stand along the fence.
⚓Where to Be
Stay in the Stands: Students should remain in the bleachers watching the event – not roaming hallways, fields, or campus.
Designated Sections: Student sections, when available, will be clearly marked.
Building Access: Students may only be in approved areas (e.g., concessions, restrooms). All other areas are off‑limits.
⚓Game Day Behavior
Watch the Event: We are here to cheer on the Steamers! The focus should be on the field or court. Do not bring footballs, basketballs, or other sporting equipment.
No Side Games: Playing separate games or running around school grounds is prohibited to ensure everyone’s safety.
Show Respect: Treat staff, concession workers, officials, players, and fellow fans with kindness. Respect school property at all times, this includes picking up after themselves.
Follow directions: Students must follow all directives from school staff and event supervisors.
⚓Consequences
First Warning: Students who misbehave will be sent to sit with their supervising adult for the rest of the event.
Serious or repeated violations – including being in unauthorized areas or causing disruptions – may result in removal from the event and/or loss of privilege to attend future home events.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all Steamer fans. Together, we ensure our students enjoy events safely while cheering on the Steamers with pride.