Pikeland CUSD 10

Have a great weekend!

Pikeland #10 School Community, Today, Pikeland CUSD #10 announces the Illinois State Board of Education release of the 2024 Illinois Report Card (IRC), a detailed look at student performance data from the 2023-24 school year. You can find Pikeland #10’s annual Report Card at www.illinois report card.com. I would like to commend Pikeland #10 educators and families for their extraordinary efforts to support student growth during the 2024 school year. The 2024 Annual Summative Designation found all three of Pikeland CUSD #10’s schools (Pittsfield South Elementary School, Pikeland Community School, and Pittsfield High School) have achieved the Commendable Designation. A tremendous amount of information and data regarding school districts are found in the IRC. It is one aspect of an array of information that districts utilize in an effort to analyze and enhance student performance. An example of this data is where CUSD #10 saw advancement in graduation rates, reduction in chronic absenteeism, and a decrease in student discipline incidents over the previous school year. In the area of Early Learning, our percent of kindergarteners rated on their readiness continued above state levels. We hope these examples are indicators that students are continuing to achieve, thanks to the dedication and commitment of Pikeland #10’s outstanding teachers, families, and community partners. The annual summative designation is one component of the IRC. Illinois is required by federal accountability law to assign each school a descriptor of how well it is meeting the needs of its students. This designation is based on several indicators of academic performance. One such indicator, in Academic Progress, is the Cohort Growth Percentile/Baseline Growth Percentile in English Language Arts and Mathematics. These Growth Percentiles are taken from the Illinois Assessment for Readiness and indicate student progress when compared to their peers, those who had similar scores in the preceding year. In addition to its achievements in the past year, Pikeland #10 is committed to continuous school improvement. In the upcoming school year, our educators and administrators look forward to focusing on the 2024 Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Program. Pikeland #10 will continue to engage parents, families, and community partners in its ongoing efforts to improve student outcomes across the district. The IRC provides the school community with an opportunity to reflect on last year’s strengths and discuss areas for continuous improvement. CUSD #10 believes every single student can meet high expectations and that parents/caregivers and community members are a critical partner in each child’s education. Please contact us or reach out to your school administrator with any questions you may have. Jo R. Campbell, Ph.D. - Interim Superintendent jcampbell@pikeland.org (217)285-2147

Dear South School Families, Keeping our Little Braves safe is of utmost importance at South School. Because of this a caution sign has been put up by the south end of the bus lane. The purpose is to pause families from crossing the bus lane before the buses have left each afternoon. It is difficult for the bus drivers to see people on the left hand side of the buses and this new policy could help ensure safety for all. Thank you for working in collaboration with the South School staff to create the safest environment possible for all of our Little Braves. Sincerely, Mrs. Allen

Pikeland Safety Information

"PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION WEEK, OCTOBER 21-25" "Your leadership inspires us every day" Thank you for making decisions with our students as your top priority. Your hard work is the foundation for their achievement. You handle your jobs with grace and enthusiasm. We can't wait to see what else you have in store for our school, thanks again!” #ThankAPrincipal/Administrator

Yesterday we celebrated boss's day at the Pikeland Board Office. Thank you Dr. Campbell and Mrs. Ruebush for all you do!

This past week was yet another busy one at Pikeland CUSD #10. Along with the usual extracurricular activities, Parent-Teacher Conferences were held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for our three schools. The Conferences appeared to be well attended and provided a good opportunity for parents to discuss the progress of their children with teachers as the first quarter of School Year 2024-2025 comes to a close. Between these two dates, on Wednesday, October 9, Principals Ryan Benz and Angie Greger along with SRO Clint Weir, conducted School Safety Presentations at their respective schools. A good amount of valuable information was provided by them to our school family and community members, at both the 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm sessions. Thank you to all who were in attendance and for the questions, comments, and concerns that were provided to the discussions regarding school safety. A third School Safety Presentation is scheduled at South School on Monday, October 21, 2024, in the gymnasium at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing all who are able to attend. Another date to take note of as we move into the second quarter is the Regular School Board Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Office. Have a great week as school resumes on Tuesday, following the October 14, Columbus Day Holiday. Jo R. Campbell - Interim Superintendent

Please share this information. Thank you!

Pikeland CUSD #10 Safety Newsletter

Happy Friday! Mr. Benz greets the students at PCS every morning. It is a great way to start the day!

Pikeland #10 School Safety Update One of the most recent incidents regarding a reported threat to school safety at Pikeland Community School involved two separate incidents of writing threatening statements on a bathroom wall. Pittsfield Police Department has thoroughly investigated these incidents, along with Pikeland #10 administration. The results of this investigation are found in a press release provided by the Pittsfield Police Department. Also, appropriate disciplinary actions have been implemented by Pikeland #10, addressing the seriousness of these actions. This press release is found at: https://www.facebook.com/p/Pittsfield-Illinois-Police-Department-100064680731653/ A second incident this week involved comments made between PCS students while riding on their bus. The comments containing threatening language were reported to school administration and a thorough investigation was initiated by school administration and the Pittsfield Police Department. Appropriate disciplinary action has been implemented by Pikeland #10 for the individuals involved in this incident. At this time I do not have information to release regarding possible legal action by the Pittsfield Police Department regarding this incident. And, names of individuals and disciplinary measures cannot be released. All reported threats of violence involving Pikeland #10 have been investigated and consequences as provided by Illinois School Code, School District Policy, and Student Handbooks are being implemented. The seriousness of this and other verbal or written comments that have been made over the past few weeks are reflected in the Pittsfield Police Department press release. Below is the legal reference provided in that release. Disorderly conduct under the Illinois Compiled Statute 720 ILCS 5/26-1(a) (3.5) reads: A person commits disorderly conduct when he or she knowingly: Does any act in such unreasonable manner as to alarm or disturb another and to provoke a breach of the peace. (3.5) Transmits or causes to be transmitted in any manner a threat of destruction of a school building or school property, or a threat of violence, death, or bodily harm directed against person at a school, school function, or school event, whether or not school is in session: Measures such as enhanced monitoring of building security, such as exterior doors, windows, school grounds, and student activity throughout the school buildings will continue. These, and other, unfortunate events that have had a significant impact on our school community cannot, and will not be tolerated. Efforts to improve school safety will continue to be explored, and changes implemented where possible. Our hope is that we are now able to move forward and continue with what began as a great school year for Pikeland #10. Jo R. Campbell - Interim Superintendent

Teachers in the afternoon mentoring program engaged in parent teacher conference strategies. We are excited to meet with our parents to share students' progress.

The Pikeland New Teacher Mentoring Program offers monthly sessions. Today's topic was preparing for parent teacher conferences. Mentors met with mentees to help them organize their conferences and learn strategies to build partnerships with parents. Conferences are October 8th and 10th.

Pikeland School District has released several informational communications over the past couple of weeks regarding alleged threats within the school district. These releases accurately explain the situations we have been dealing with. In summary, these incidents have been alleged this school year and have been fully investigated in collaboration with the Pikeland Police Department. - Several reports were received of alleged threats that originated on social media involving a “list of targeted schools”. This was investigated and determined to be a rumor and exaggeration in another jurisdiction that posed no risk to Pikeland students. - A high school student was alleged to have made a comment to a fellow student that alleged violence toward another student/students. The school district is following its rules regarding student conduct and the Illinois School Code regarding this incident. The matter was referred to the State’s Attorney’s Office for review of criminal charges. - A Junior High Student was alleged to have made a writing that hinted at violence toward a student/students. The school district is following its rules regarding student conduct and the Illinois School Code regarding this incident. The matter was referred to the State’s Attorney’s office for review of criminal charges. All of these incidents have been able to be fully investigated and appropriate action has been taken. Regarding a threat written on a wall in the boys' bathroom, school district administration and the Pittsfield Police Department immediately started an investigation. We established a timeline throughout the investigation identifying a time range that we believe the threats were written. Unfortunately, the boy’s restroom is a popular spot during the school day, making it tougher to narrow down exactly who wrote it. However, we obtained a search warrant for handwriting samples of each of the subjects that appear to be the most likely suspects based on the investigation. The search warrant was served to the school district and those samples were seized. Those samples and photographs of the writings on the wall were sent to a handwriting comparison expert for review. The Pittsfield Police Department have conducted interviews with dozens of students, reviewed hours of camera footage, served search warrants and continue to actively work the investigation. Officers continued to work the investigation over this past weekend and it will continue into the week. We appreciate and thank the Pittsfield Police Department for all its efforts in the past weeks. Officers have put in dozens of hours of overtime on this case and will continue to do whatever it takes to make sure this case is solved and our students are safe. We are grateful that they continue to conduct the criminal investigation, educate the school district on safety techniques, and provide additional security. We certainly understand the anxiousness surrounding the October 1st date. The Pikeland Police Department will have an increased law enforcement presence and are taking additional steps to do our best to ensure the safety of Pikeland students. Regarding students not attending school on October 1, 2024, parents may report a student’s absence as they would for other school days.

Pikeland is taking bids on a three piece VINTAGE SCOREBOARD from the Pittsfield High School . If interested, please bring sealed bids to the Pikeland Board office at 512 South Madison St., Pittsfield. Sealed bids have been extended to 3:30p.m October 15th, 2024. To view the scoreboard call 217-285-2147 and set up a time.

Pikeland #10 School Community, I wanted to take the time to inform you that this afternoon another student has made a bad decision to write on a bathroom wall, making a reference to Oct. 1. The incident is under aggressive investigation by the administration and the Pittsfield Police Department. We are sending this out to inform and avoid the spreading of rumors via social media. Please talk to your children about how serious the consequences will be if they write or say anything that gives the appearance of a threat.

Since the school year started, there have been numerous rumors of school violence threats sweeping through the hallways of our schools. I wanted to take a few minutes to ease your minds and clear the air. First of all, there have been ZERO credible threats made toward our schools. There have been instances involving students making statements that other students took as threatening. These situations have been investigated and dealt with within the school system. These students must go through a rigorous process to be allowed back into the school system. As to the rumor that a student had a “hit list” of students, I can assure you that no hit list has been found in any of these situations. One student had a list of other students that allegedly bully that student. There’s is absolutely no reason to believe that this student intended any harm. In situations like this, students are required to undergo assessments before they can return to school. There was an incident that involved a student writing a threatening message on a bathroom wall that alleged violence on October 1st. Law enforcement was able to determine a timeline for when the message was written. We gave law enforcement access to our camera footage and law enforcement was able to identify students that were in the bathroom during the timeframe of when the writing was believed to have occurred from a hallway camera. Although this is an active investigation, and certain information cannot be released at this time, I have been insured by law enforcement that there is no threat to our schools on October 1st. At no point has any student been in any danger and there is no student currently in danger. I have total confidence in our law enforcement and school staff. We hear you, and we will provide updates when they are available. We will provide communication involving future safety situations in a timelier manner when we can. Please talk to your student about the seriousness of these threats and rumors. Please report all information regarding threats to school administrators or law enforcement. Explain that spreading rumors, especially through social media, only makes things worse. Explain that reporting things to an adult is the fastest and most efficient way to get help or make the right people aware of the situation.

Pikeland is Taking Bids! We have a three piece VINTAGE SCOREBOARD from the Pittsfield High School up for sealed bids. If interested, please bring sealed bids to the Pikeland Board office at 512 South Madison St., Pittsfield. Sealed bids are due by 3:30p.m. September 25th, 2024. To view the scoreboard call 217-285-2147 and set up a time.

Dear Pikeland #10 School Community, The safety and security of our students and staff will always be our top priority at Pikeland CUSD #10. Over the past several days, our district has partnered with law enforcement to investigate reports of threats regarding violence made by students in the district, and rumors of state and national threats circulating on social media that have, unfortunately, become a viral trend. Law enforcement have assured us that the investigations have shown that the reported incidents were not credible threats to our students. Appropriate disciplinary and legal protocols have been implemented for those involved in these reports. Many of you are also aware the district conducted specialized training last week for all staff focused on an active shooter scenario. While we hope never to put this training into practice, we believe our staff and local law enforcement are uniquely prepared and ready to respond. We understand that even non-credible threats can cause stress and anxiety. I want to reassure you we are working diligently to maintain a secure environment where learning can continue uninterrupted. I encourage parents to speak with their children about the seriousness of making threats, even if intended as jokes. Such actions can have severe consequences and cause unnecessary fear in our community. If you or your child have any concerns or notice any suspicious activity, please don't hesitate to contact school administration or local law enforcement immediately. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to promote a safe and positive educational experience for all. School district administration and law enforcement will be providing presentations to students regarding school safety in the coming weeks, beginning with the Junior High tomorrow morning, Thursday, September 19, 2024. We believe that these sessions will provide needed and valuable information to our students. However, if parents want their student to not participate in these sessions, please contact their building principal. Sincerely, Jo R. Campbell Interim Superintendent Pikeland CUSD #10

The Pikeland Mentoring Program met early this morning with Special Education Directors Mrs. Lisa Jockisch and Dr. Kimberly Dorsey. Participants were engaged in the topic of all things special education. New teachers and their mentors participate in monthly mentoring sessions.