K-12 Schools News on Coal City Courier

In the Unit 1 School District, five teachers have been recognized as Star Teachers for their contributions to education and the school community. The recognition comes from the Coal City Community Unit Education Association, which represents the district's certified staff. Each academic building selected one teacher through nominations submitted by their colleagues.

Students in Ms. Fincher and Mrs. Clark's English/Language Arts class at Coal City Middle School have been reading the novel "The Giver." After completing chapter 8, the students engaged in their own "Ceremony of 12." During this activity, they received an assignment representing a career path and were given the chance to either accept it or argue for a different path by writing a letter to the committee, represented by their teachers.

Enrollment at Coal City Early Childhood Center rose compared to the previous year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Mr. Kostbade's Environmental Science class recently conducted a field trip to the Coal City Area Club on October 2 as part of their study on aquatic ecosystems. During the visit, students measured various water quality parameters of the lake, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, water transparency, and nitrate levels. The class was accompanied by Georgette Vota, a member of the Area Club who has experience in testing these waters.

The online Coaler Store is now operational, offering a range of Coaler merchandise. Customers can choose from T-shirts, sweatshirts, and pullovers in various styles, colors, and sizes for both youth and adults.

Alec Waliczek, Zander Meents, William Johnke, and Landin Benson were among the senior football players honored on Senior Night at Coal City High School. Alec Waliczek, who has been a team captain for four years, also participates in wrestling and other extracurricular activities. He plans to study finance at a four-year university.

Enrollment at Coal City Middle School fell compared to the previous year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Calleigh VanderWerken, Ella Edwards, and Sydney Hughes were honored on Senior Night for their contributions to the cheerleading squad. Calleigh VanderWerken joined the team in her junior year and has been a positive influence. She is also involved in Coalers with Character and the National Honor Society. On Senior Night, she was accompanied by her parents Megan and Steve VandeWerken. After graduation, she plans to pursue a nursing major.

Kindergarten students are being introduced to characters designed to assist them in developing reading and writing skills. Cass, who has a passion for cooking, is helping students with words that start with the sound /k/ and the letter Cc. In celebration, students made cooking caps like Cass's and prepared their own snacks.

Coal City High School golfer Jerry Carlson secured a place in the Illinois High School Association's Sectional Golf Tournament after finishing among the top 15 golfers at the IHSA Boys Golf Regional. The event was hosted by Coal City at Cinder Ridge Golf Course, where Carlson completed his round with a score of 84.

Students at Coal City Intermediate School recently engaged in an educational exercise using a version of The Game of Life to review decimals. In Mrs. Hall and Ms. O’Donnell’s class, each student assumed a role with an occupation and salary, requiring them to make purchases such as a house, car, and vacation. This activity helped students practice adding and subtracting decimals while managing their budgets.

During September, Coal City Elementary School participated in activities to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Among these was a Penny Wars competition, where students raised $2,110 for childhood cancer research. The top fundraising class was Mrs. Bormet’s third grade with 11,508 points. Mrs. Skubic’s class followed with 5,372 points, and Ms. Hanley’s third graders earned 4,240 points.

The Lady Coaler Golf Team achieved a significant milestone by securing first place at the Illinois High School Association’s Regional Tournament held at Dwight Country Club on October 1. This victory marks a historic moment as they become the first girls' golf team from their school to win a Regional Championship.

Dakota Clubb, a senior and four-year member of the Lady Coaler golf team, was honored on Senior Night. Clubb, who was the 2023 Ladies Golf ICE Conference Champion, plans to study criminology at Joliet Junior College after graduation. Coach Tim Gabehart praised her contributions to the team since her freshman year, saying she will be missed. She was accompanied by her parents Brandon and Stephanie Clubb.

Illinois State Senator Tom Bennett convened a meeting of the Youth Advisory Council on October 2. Four students from Coal City High School participated in this event. The group was accompanied by social studies teacher Ben Baer, who noted that the students are actively engaged and learning about legislation and policy-making processes.

Senior members of the Marching Coaler Band and color guard were honored on Senior Night for their dedication to the music program. Kyliee Jones, accompanied by her mother Jen Weller, plans to enter the workforce after high school.

Ms. Ternes' fourth and fifth grade general music classes recently completed a study on their September Composer of the Month, John Williams. The students discovered that Williams composed music for well-known films such as "Home Alone," "Jurassic Park," "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," and "Harry Potter." They were surprised to learn that he is 92 years old and continues to compose music.

Enrollment at Coal City High School rose compared to the previous year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.