A Little Sunshine and Warmth
Greetings Memorial Parents, Families, and Friends.
We have officially entered Spring time. There has been a little sunshine and warmth to get us excited about the Spring season. As we say goodbye to Winter we will continue to move forward with our school business and activities. There are approximately two months left in the school year, with Spring Break later this month. This month has plenty of activities in store including the upcoming state science fair, Memorial Talent Show, the Mighty Mustangs Domino's fundraiser, as well as the start of track and soccer. You will find details about these activities and more in this month's edition ofThe Mighty Mustangs Messenger.
Dr. Keli N. Ross, Principal
Proof or Residency
Greetings District 158 Families,
Registration for returning students to Lansing School District 158 will take place during the month of April 2025. Remember that the initial registration process must be completed online first using your PowerSchool account. Once you have completed the online registration process through PowerSchool, you will need to provide documents to prove residency if you are renting or registering with an affidavit. If you have a child who is currently enrolled in 5th grade at one of our district's elementary schools (Coolidge, Oak Glen, or Reavis) or currently enrolled as a 6th or 7th grade student at Memorial and will be returning to District 158 for the 2025-2026 school year as a Memorial student, proof of residency documents can be brought to the main office at Memorial during the following days and times.
- Days: Tuesdays through Thursdays
- Times: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
- There will be no registration hours at Memorial on Mondays and Fridays
You will need to bring your proof of residence items to complete registration. This includes:
Renters:
- Current Lease (with the student(s) listed as an occupant)
- If the lease expires between April and July, you must bring you new lease in August (your registration will not be complete until the new lease is received in August)
- A State ID or driver's license with a Lansing current address
- You will also need one of the following:
- Vehicle registration card
- Vehicle or renters’ insurance policy
- Current gas bill, water bill, cable bill, or electric (light) bill
Affidavit:
- The person you are living with must be present with the following documents:
- Current Lease or Current mortgage statement/deed
- If the lease expires between April and July, you must bring you new lease in August (your registration will not be complete until the new lease is received in August)
- A State ID or driver's license with a Lansing current address
- You will also need one of the following:
- Vehicle registration card
- Vehicle or renters’ insurance policy
- Current gas bill, water bill, cable bill, or electric (light) bill
- The guardian who is living with the person on the affidavit must have the following:
- A State ID or driver's license with a Lansing current address
- You will also need one of the following:
- Vehicle registration card
- Vehicle or renters’ insurance policy
- Current gas bill, water bill, cable bill, or electric (light) bill
- Illinois medical card or proof of Illinois assistance under the address on the affidavit
If you have any questions or need assistance accessing your PowerSchool account to begin the registration process, please feel free to contact the school Memorial main office at (708)474-2383.
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Information
This month our students will complete the IAR Math test. The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Math test will take place on the following dates at Memorial for each grade level:
Mathematics IAR Testing
- Math – April 2nd - April 4th and April 7th - April 9th
- Make-up Dates: April 3rd – April 17th
If you have any questions regarding the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), please feel free to contact the main office at Memorial (708-474-2383).
Brilliant Young Scientists
Our Mighty Mustangs were outstanding at this year's Regional Science Fair. Congratulations to all of our Mighty Mustangs Young Scientist that participate in this year's contest. They represented our school and district well. We have 11 students and two alternates) that qualified for the State Science Fair. Thank you to Ms. Bishop and our Science Department for working with our students and getting them motivated to share their scientific knowledge. A special thank you goes out to Ms. Albrecht for organizing our students' participation in the regional science fair. We send high fives and cheers to our fearless Mighty Mustangs staff who chaperoned and supported our students at the Regional Science Fair. They are: Ms. Angus, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Feldman, Mrs. Maddox, Ms. Maurer, Ms. McKinney, Mrs. Ozark-Rutishauser, Ms. Schonele, and Mrs. Yanke. We also appreciate Dr. Kostopoulos and Mrs. Tsamis for their support during the regional science fair.
Listed below are our brilliant young scientists:
8th Grade Qualifiers:
Kenzee Stahl
Aalayah McClain & Essay Okoh
Fernando Hernandez & Alain Rodriguez
Samantha Avila &Fabiola Perez
7th Grade Qualifiers:
Jubilee Williams
Gabriel Moore
Ali Leal
Victoria Apata
Alternate Projects (potential to move forward):
Gabriela Mondragon-Cruz
Brynn Taylor & Danielle Celmer
Congratulations to our Mighty Mustangs moving on to state competition!
Hello Norman!
Memorial recently welcomed Norman, our Mighty Mustangs support dog, as apart of our team. Norman is a registered therapy dog through a certified program, in which he passed extensive testing. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people, offering emotional and mental well being benefits. Only students whose parents have completed Memorial's permission slip are allowed to interact with Norman. If you did not receive a permission slip and would like your child to have the opportunity to spend time with Norman or if you have questions about our therapy dog program, please contact the main office at Memorial (708-474-2383).
Norman's owner is our very own 6th grade Assistant Principal, Ms. Zentz. Norman has been working to provide support of our staff and students. Here are some great success stories from Ms. Zentz of how Norman has positively impacted our school environment.
Since incorporating Norman into the school once a week here are a few of the positive stories we have had in such a short amount of time:
One of our students was struggling to leave the building to get on the bus at dismissal. Norman and I went to the classroom, asked the student to show Norman the bus the student rides, and the student gathered their belongings, led Norman and I to the bus, and successfully went home.
Another one of our students was having a difficult time going to class and following teacher/para directions, Norman and I went to have a conversation with the student, to where the student sat on the floor, Norman climbed into the student's lap, and they had about 5 minutes together. The student then went on to complete the school days successfully and was able to have a visit with Norman at the end of the day as a reward.
A student was upset and crying, came to my office, and asked to sit with Norman. I offered for the student to talk about what was going on, and the student shared a little, but benefited from sitting with Norman and petting him. He snuggled up to the student. The student thanked us both and returned to their classroom.
Norman's birthday was this past week. I informed one of our students, worked with the student's paraprofessional, and we made a behavior plan to encourage the student to make the proper choices in school to earn a birthday party with Norman during advisory. The student was successful, made Norman birthday cards, and even brought Norman a few toys for presents.
Another student struggles in class to make appropriate choices and to do work. The days that Norman is in attendance the student will earn 5-minute breaks with Norman if they are on task and competing work. This has been successful.
A student was having a tough day overall, Norman was in the hallway, the student stopped to visit with him, and later on I heard from the parent that her child's quick visit with Norman turned the student's whole day around in a positive way.
Norman is part of one student's Behavioral Contract as a 10-mintue reward for making the goal.
Many staff members have utilized Norman when having struggles with students and/or even personal issues that sometimes make it difficult to remain mentally available throughout the school day.
We are so happy to have Norman as a member of our Mighty Mustangs Team!
Recycling Team on a Mission
Our Mighty Mustangs Recycling Club is conducting a drive to collect used prescription glasses for the Lansing Lions Club. They repair these glasses with new lenses and give them to less fortunate people. Each Home Base teacher will keep a running total of how many glasses have been donated. The Home Base with the largest number will receive a free period in the gym and snacks. There are labeled boxes in each grade level and in the Commons to put the counted glasses. Let's help those in need see a brighter future. Donations will be accepted through Friday, April 11th.
MJHS Spring Fundraiser with Domino's Pizza
MJHS' Spring Fundraiser is now live and will run until 4 PM on 4.11.25!
Fundraiser details:
Being sold: $20 Dominos Pizza cards. MJHS keeps 50% of profit from each card sold. Students, parents, and teachers can sell cards by registering here: https://register.dominos.cards/47559
If you would like to sell cards and share a link with your family & friends, you should also register at the above link as a seller and share the link out widely on social media.
Cards ordered online are delivered directly to the purchaser via USPS. If students use the paper order form, then and only then will they collect cash. Students can turn in their order forms and money to their HB teachers.
Welcome to the 6th Grade
Our 6th grade team is preparing three great programs in preparing our incoming 6th graders for next school year.
- Ms. Zentz (6th Grade Assistant Principal), Ms. Maricich (Team 6A Team Leader), and Mrs. Wegner (Team 6B Team Leader) will travel to the three elementary schools to conduct presentations to the 5th graders. These presentations will include information concerning classes they will take at Memorial as 6th graders, procedures and routines, a video presentation touring the school, as well as a video presentation from current 6th grade students with helpful advice on how to be a successful student. They will travel to the following schools on the dates listed: Monday, April 7th (Oak Glen), April 14th (Coolidge), and April 28th (Reavis)
- Next on the agenda is an informational meeting for 5th grade parents. This meeting will take place at Memorial on Wednesday, April 30th from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. This will be a chance for parents to learn about the classes and programs offered at Memorial, MJHS expectations, and get questions answered about the 6th grade community.
- The culminating event for our incoming 6th graders will be our annual Mighty Mustangs 6th Grade Orientation, which will take place on Friday, May 2nd during the school day. This event allows 5th graders to meet the teachers at Memorial which includes their Core Subject Teachers (Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies) as well as their PE and Encore Teachers (Art, Character Ed., Music, Technology, STEM, Spanish, and RTI). Students will also see the facilities at Memorial through building tours.
8th Grade Cap and Gown Photos
It's time for 8th grade cap and gown pictures Photo sessions will be conducted on Tuesday, April 29th and Wednesday, April 30th during the school day. This years photos will be taken by Tome Killoran Photography. Photo session information is as follows:
Team 8A
Date: Tuesday, April 29th
Location: Memorial Junior High School, Room 803, 2721 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL 60438
Time: 1st - 3rd Periods (8:30 am - 10:45 am)
Team 8B
Date: Wednesday, April 30th
Location: Memorial Junior High School, Room 803, 2721 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL 60438
Time: 1st - 3rd Periods (8:30 am - 10:45 am)
Students must take pictures with their grade level team (Team 8A or Team 8B). They should arrive at school on time (by 8:10 am) and photo ready. Information regarding pricing for picture packages will be provided on the day of your child's photo session. Students will bring home an informational sheet with the website where you can view their cap and gown picture, then select your desired picture package. You can contact the main office of Memorial should you have questions (708-474-2383).
This school year’s promotion ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd at the Fox Pointe outdoor venue of the Village of Lansing. If we have inclement weather, the Memorial staff will plan to move the ceremony inside at Memorial Junior High School. Parents will receive communication if the ceremony needs to be moved to Memorial Junior High School due to inclement weather. Each student will receive 3 tickets (possibly 4) for their 3 promotion ceremony guests (parents/guardians will be notified in May if 4 tickets will be available). All guests need a ticket for entry including newborns, babies, and small children. The time for the promotion ceremony will be based on the students' grade level team.
Promotion Ceremony Times:
o Team A: Promotion Ceremony Start Time 1:30 pm
o Team B: Promotion Ceremony Start Time 3:45 pm
Contact Us
If you would like to speak with your child's teachers concerning grades or any end of the school year events, please contact the team leader on your child's team.
- Ms. Maricich - 6A Team Leader - bmaricich@d158.net
- Mrs. Wegner - 6B Team Leader - mwegner@d158.net
- Ms. Miller - 7A Team Leader - amiller@d158.net
- Mr. Winter - 7B Team Leader - rwinter@d158.net
- Mr. White - 8A Team Leader - jwhite@d158.net
- Mrs. Maddox - 8B Team Leader - tmaddox@d158.net
You can also contact the following teacher leaders for Encore and PE/Health questions:
- Mrs. Newton - Encore Team Leader - lnewton@d158.net
- Mr. Miller - PE/Health Department Chair - mmiller@d158.net
Arrivals to School
Parents and Guardians, please remember that school supervision from staff does not start until 7:50 am. Students should not be dropped off or allowed to walk to school before this time. Some students are being dropped off to school as early as 7:00 am. To ensure your child's safety, please make arrangements for them to arrive at school when staff supervision time begins at 7:50 am. Thank you.
Student Attendance
It is very important that students are in school ready to learn and work with their teachers. When students are absent, they miss valuable learning experiences and growth. Please be mindful that the state board of education reviews district attendance records for students with excessive absences (both excused and unexcused absences) to determine if intervention is needed to address a student’s attendance to prevent chronic absenteeism. Interventions can include phone calls home, home visits, notifications from the state board of education, and even court citations. Please monitor your child's attendance (both excused and unexcused absences) and support their consistent attendance in school.
Important Dates
- MJHS Spring Fundraiser with Domino's Pizza - until April 11th
- IAR Testing - Math – April 2nd through April 9th
- Lansing Police Department Lunch Buddies Program - April 3rd, April 15th, April 16th, and April 17th, and April 29th
- Memorial Drama Department Talent Show - Monday, April 7th at 5:30 pm
- IAR Testing - ELA Pilot - April 10th and April 11th
- ISA Testing - 8th Graders - April 13th through April 17th
- SSJHSA Music Fair - MJHS Host - Tuesday, April 15th, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
- NJHS Induction – Tuesday, April 15th at 5:30 pm
- 2 pm Dismissal – Thursday, April 17th
- Spring Break - No School - April 18th through April 25th
- Village of Lansing Cleanup Day – Saturday, April 19th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Memorial Dance Team Recital - Monday, April 28th at 5:30 pm
- 8th Grade Cap & Gown Promotion Pictures - Team 8A - April 29th and Team 8B - April 30th
- 5th Grade Parent Meeting (6th Grade Community) – Wednesday, April 30th from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- SSJHSA Art Fair - Wednesday, April 30th at 3:00 pm (at Chicago Heights Middle School)
- IPA Student Recognition Breakfast – Thursday, May 1st @ Odyssey Country Club (8th graders Class Speakers)
- State Science Fair Pep Rally – Friday, May 2nd (Band and Cheerleaders) @ 10:30 am (Big Gym)
- 12 noon Dismissal (Memorial Students Only) – Friday, May 2nd
- 6th Grade Orientation – Friday, May 2nd at 12:45 pm (Big Gym & 6th Grade Community)
- State Science Fair – Saturday, May 3rd @ University of Illinois
- Good Neighbor Day Parade – Saturday, May 3rd
