Just Be Jersey - Stories

What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased.
~Author Unknown
Thank YOU, TEACHERS, for all you do to enhance the lives of ALL students!
I’m grateful, indeed!
JCHS SHINES as Healthy Heroes!
Thanks to Mr. Burney for the opportunity to
showcase some of our talented writers!
A few weeks ago our sophomore health classes were
invited to participate in a My Healthy Hero essay
contest sponsored by BJC. From 100's of entries from
the bi- state area--JCHS had 4 winners: Emily
Weishaupt, Josh Yates- not pictured, Hali Shirley,
Caitlyn Hunter. These students and their Healthy
Heroes will be honored at an assembly May 22nd at
1pm in the main GYM. Congratulations to the
students and their heroes!
Pictured Left to Right: Mrs. Lisa Schuenke, Principal; Mr. Scott Burney, Health Educator; Caitlyn
Hunter, Emily Weishaupt, Hali Shirley, JCHS Health Students; Sara Evancho and Brittanie
McMullen, BJC.
Showing Her JUST BE JERSEY stuff!
A Just Be Jersey story brought to us by Illini special educator, Mrs. Christy Schilling…
I wanted to share with you a story about Just Being Jersey. My daughter takes dance at
Danceworks, when I showed up to pick her up, the little lobby area was full of parents and
other students waiting for their class. One student, our own Maura Eads was sitting in one of
the chairs and offered her seat to me. Then another lady walked in and she offered her seat to
her. I thought this was an excellent display of character outside of school.
We have such wonderful, thoughtful students! Way to go, Maura! Thank you so much for Just
Being Jersey!!
Retro Readers at East
Mrs. Judy Nurnberger thought it might be a fantastic idea to contact authors in the hopes that
they would donate something – anything – for the RETRO READER CLUB. Well she received
some wonderful responses and surprises!
 Signed Poster from JAN BRETT
 Signed small Caterpillar card from ERIC CARLE
 3 signed books from Julia Cook. All of her books teach a lesson......really cool......we need
her whole set in every school!
 A signed book from Debbie Dadey
 A signed book from Sarah Weeks
So I just wanted to let you know that a few things have come in.....and some of them have
shocked me.....JAN BRETT........ERIC CARLE ........ Debbie Dadey....... WHOOOO HOOOO!
The students know about Julia Cook and Debbie Dadey.... but saving the big names for later!
Way to go, Mrs. Nurnberger, for seeking out resources that will inspire and motivate our
students!
Looking for a Good Time?
Created by third grade educator, Mrs. Angie Noble, the video will make you smile if you are
looking for a GOOD TIME, featuring EAST ELEMENTARY! Take a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEUecYSnz4E
Talk about JUST BEING JERSEY!
This young lady decided to attend the Special Olympics to cheer on
one of her classmates. Standing with Special Olympian, Blake
Snider, Caroline Crawford, a sophomore at Jersey Community High
School, is celebrating his Special Olympic gold medal at the
competition in Edwardsville that was held on Saturday, April 26,
2014. As you can see, Blake was excited that Caroline had come to
cheer him on! 
Birth to Three
The Birth to Three Program holds all of our Parent
Cafés at the Jerseyville Burger King. We are continually
impressed with the consideration and service the staff
and management of Burger King show to us with each
visit. They are always willing to work with us, they
make sure we have quality service, and sometimes
even offer us a special treat. So a big THANK YOU for
JUST BEING JERSEY goes out to the Jerseyville Burger
King and their staff for being kind and courteous.
D.A.R.E. Graduation
Some exciting JUST BE JERSEY news brought to us by fifth grade
educator, Miss Megan Taake…
Friday, April 25th, the 6th grade students had their DARE
graduation and Picnic. As the celebration was well under way,
the teachers began to realize that we were going to have quite
a mess to pick up at the end of the day. I looked out and saw
two girls, Jill Pohlman and Madi Eardley, walking around with
trash bags picking up their peers' trash. If that doesn't say "Just
Be Jersey" I don't know what does.
Around 1:00 that same afternoon, all of the students at Illini
started pouring out of the building to cheer on the Special
Olympic athletes on their way to compete at SIUE. The cheers
and the support were so exciting for everyone, especially the
athletes and their families.
Even later that day, I was with the Boys and Girls track
teams at the Chatham Invite. This is always a great meet
and athletes normally run their best times, jump their
best jumps, or throw their best throws. To say the least,
there was excitement in the air. Anne Snyders, Ellen
Snyders, Kiara Chapman, and Caroline Crawford ran the
4x200 race, placing 2nd overall with a time of 1:50.66.
The current school record was set in 1985 at 1:50.5.
With the new timing system (FAT) there is a 0.24
conversion time to add to the old hand times. With this
change, the school record is really 1:50.74. With that
said, the 4x200 team that competed Friday night, set a
new school record by 0.08 second. This is such an
accomplishment and I know the girls and I are very
proud.
So much exciting news that is taking place at IMS and with the varsity track team! Way to go,
ALL!
Student of the Month for Jersey State Bank!
In conjunction with Jersey State Bank, JCHS selected Brittney
Blackorby as their Student of the Month for April. Brittney is
pictured here with JSB’s Mark Schaefer. The selection of a
“Student of the Month” is based upon the number of
F.O.C.U.S. nominations a student receives in a month.
F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) is a program
that was developed by the J.C.H.S. Student Council last year.
Each week teachers recognize students who have performed
well in their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students
for that particular week.
Our Spelling Bees!
Eighth graders, Noah Kuehnel and Brittney Kimbrel, competed in the Tri-County Spelling Bee
recently where both participants represented JCHS very well. Noah Kuehnel won 2nd place!
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS goes out to Grafton Elementary’s Josie LePlant for capturing the top
spot in the Tri-County Spelling Bee! Way to go, Josie! 
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
This is one fabulous JUST BE JERSEY story that was shared with me by Coach Perdun. It
absolutely made my entire day. I know it will make yours too!
After our game at Busch Stadium we were leaving and the head usher came up to me as we
were exiting the field and thanked us for coming. We thanked him for the opportunity to play
at Busch. He then said to me that he had been working the amateur games for years, going
back to the old Busch stadium when they had turf (mid 90's), and he complimented our team
and said they were probably the best behaved and most respectful kids he had ever had at one
of these events. After thanking him for the compliment he said, "I'm serious! Your players are
the best." I again thanked him. He then said our fans were probably the best as well. He told us
that frequently he deals with lots of fans and players who are at the stadium for amateur
games who do not do what is asked and are sometimes rude. I could tell by the way he was
talking he really meant what he said about our students and fans and was not just trying to be
nice -- almost to the point that he was trying to let us know just how lucky we are. Well we are
lucky! Jersey took over three fan buses and 33 players to the stadium and everyone
represented Jersey beautifully. WOW!!! Just goes to show we have it made around here and
we truly do have good kids.
I couldn't agree with Coach Perdun more. I, too, am so thankful to be part of a school district
that has awesome students, awesome parents, and an awesome staff! Woo Hoo!
Thank you, Coach Perdun, for taking time out to write this down and send it my way! And
thank you to those who represented Jersey 100 at Busch Stadium for JUST BEING JERSEY! YOU
ROCK!!!
Another word about Jersey’s students from Jersey’s media specialist, Mrs. Debra Weiler…
I just have to say, I agree with this assessment of the students at Jersey. As a new teacher in
this district, I am constantly surprised and pleased by the manners, the friendliness and the
respect these students show. From the first day, when a high school student held a door for
me, smiled and said "Have a great day!", to the emails I have gotten telling me I'm
"Wonderful" for getting them what they asked for, to just having students say please and
thank you, I am impressed every time. I know we have our problems, just like every other
district, but Jersey students just seem to be very pleasant people and it's a joy to work with
them.
Culinary Arts Masterpiece!
A big THANK YOU goes out to Miss Smith and her Culinary Arts students. They made delicious
desserts for all members of the Strategic Planning Committee who met on Monday, April 28.
Thank you to Mrs. Julie Pohlman and Mrs. Sherry Droste who brought delicious selections as
well! Thank you so much to ALL for your time and talents!
West Elementary Family Reading Night!
The following are emails sent out to various staff who played a part in making West Family
Reading Night a huge success. The communication that follows is from Mrs. Gwen Brunaugh
(Jaxon and Makenna, too)…
Wow! That is what I have to say after attending family reading
night at West
Elementary! There are
certain times as a
parent where I have
found myself getting
chills. Why? Because I know my kids are taking in the
good stuff, and it is an awesome thing to get to
witness. Tonight I had the opportunity to see the
school district that I love show off all of their bells and
whistles. I saw teachers genuinely happy and excited
to see me and my kids (after hours...in April). They had
fun activities planned and they were having fun right along with the kids.
I saw my second kids, the high school students I teach who are members of the Panther
football team that my family and I cheer for and performers of the drama department who
entertain us demonstrate such good character as role models. I witnessed them read to young
kids, my kids, in a caring way. I watched them perform funny skits and encourage young kids
to take a chance and put themselves out there. I saw them look at children's art work and say,
"Wow, that's beautiful!" I even saw manly young men football players make rubber band
bracelets to make kids happy.
The most important thing that happened tonight though took place in my vehicle after leaving
family reading night. My children said, "Well that sure was fun, Mom!" As a parent and as a
teacher I know we are doing something right when kids leave school and think that the school
building is a place where fun happens. I think that sometimes teachers, parents, and kids need
to be reminded of the fact that school is a really fun place! I want to thank you Mr.
Baumberger for hosting such a wonderful evening! This high school teacher needed a little
April pick-me-up and I received it tonight! Thank you and your faculty and staff for that.
From Mrs. Julie Pohlman…
I would like to thank you and the members of your staff that did such a wonderful job of
welcoming the families and students into your building last night!
I had such a great time seeing the activities and
interactions between teachers, students,
parents and even the high school students that
came to help. It was a pleasure to participate in
such a family friendly event.
I was present as a member of the Character
Education committee and had the opportunity
to hand out "Just Be Jersey" cards to parents,
staff and students for showing good character
in so many different ways.
(Presented to the left is a Just Be Jersey visual created
by Mrs. Buettel’s students!)
Thank you for allowing me to be a guest in your building, I truly loved seeing all the happy
faces and the wonderful examples of what "being Jersey" really means!
* More West Elementary Panthers – JUST BE JERSEY Family Reading Night pics on final page!
From Mrs. Mary Siemer…
I would like to extend a HUGE Thank You to you and all your students that you sent for our
Family Reading Night. The theme was PANTHERS - Just Be Jersey and your students
demonstrated it perfectly!!! We can only hope that all of our little students will grow up to be
such great role models as the high school students that were here for Family Reading Night!
These students read, made bracelets and Panther paw shakers, gave out snacks, played
improv games, and dressed in the Panther costume. After a long night, they offered to stay
and help us clean up.
All in all --- we couldn't have asked for a better group! Thanks to the administration, coaches,
and students for coordinating with us and working to make West Elementary Family Reading
Night stand out in the hearts of our students!
From Mr. Jon Baumberger…
I definitely want to add my appreciation as well. I could not have been happier with the entire
evening’s events. In speaking with many of the parents who attended the evening, everyone
had wonderful things to say about the high school students. They were courteous, eager to
participate, and wonderful role models to our younger students. I was fortunate enough to
have had the chance to speak with a few of the young men and women who came over and
am likewise very impressed. I think it is very evident that in one way or another they have
been touched by Just Be Jersey by a parent, a teacher, and/or community leader.
Once again, I thank you for your willingness to encourage these students to participate and to
the students, I thank you for participating. I wish all of you the best for the remainder of the
school year and beyond.
Student of the Month – Elks!
In conjunction with Elks Lodge #954, J.C.H.S. has selected
their “Student of the Month”. The recipient for the month of
April is Kristianna Scheffel.
The selection of a “Student of the Month” is based upon the
number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations, which a student receives
for a given month. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique
Student) is a program, which was developed by the J.C.H.S.
Student Council last year. Each week teachers may recognize students who have performed
well in their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students for that particular week.
During April, Kristianna received the most F.O.C.U.S. nominations. Receiving the most
nominations, she was named “Student of the Month” at J.C.H.S. She is being congratulated by
Sherry Cooper, Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #954.
Student of the Month – Jerseyville Banking Center!
In conjunction with Jerseyville Banking Center, J.C.H.S.
has selected their “Students of the Month”. The
recipients for the month of April are Madison Bowen
(8th) & Jeremiah Balz (9th). The selection of a “Student
of the Month” is based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S.
nominations, which a student receives for a given
month. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique
Student) is a program, which was developed by the
J.C.H.S. Student Council last year. Each week teachers
may recognize students who have performed well in
their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students
for that particular week.
During April, these students received the most F.O.C.U.S. nominations. Because they received
the most nominations, they were named “Students of the Month” at J.C.H.S. They are being
congratulated by Chris Collins, Vice President of Jerseyville Banking Center.
Renaissance Parking Recipients
Congratulations to Robyn Johnson (11th) and Ashton Ragsdale
(12th) who are JCHS’s Renaissance Winners – earning front row
parking for the month of May. All winners are determined by
F.O.C.U.S. nominations for the previous month that are submitted
by staff.
I met a little bitty student last week who said “I like
being kind, Mrs. Hopkins, because that’s Just Be Jersey!
They get it! 
Strategic Planning Committee
The 2014-2015 Strategic Planning Meeting occurred on
Monday, April 28 with various district stakeholders to
discuss finance and facilities; transportation and
operations; curriculum, instruction, and assessment; staff
recruitment and human resources; and communication
and family involvement for the purpose of building
partnerships in action. It was a wonderful meeting and
many different insights were shared. Jersey CUSD No.
100 Five-Year Strategic Plan will be forthcoming.
An Unexpected Visitor
I would like to share a Just Be Jersey moment as communicated to me by Mrs. Jo Test. Mr.
Test who is currently recovering at Jersey Community Hospital (Prayers welcomed!) received a
visitor, a friend from his past who stopped in to visit. A physician from Peoria, Illinois, Dr. Al
Maurer is Mr. & Mrs. Test’s former next door neighbor, team doctor from Mr. Test’s former
high school, and great family friend. Mrs. Test shared many notable moments that occurred
during his visit. First, Dr. Maurer was given a tour of Jersey Community Hospital. Ms. Patty
Mossman, ER Director, gave him a tour of the ER facility. Dr. Palcheff took time from his day
off to discuss Mr. Test’s care with the doctor. Dr. Maurer was not only very impressed with our
small town hospital, the resources, and services, but was also extremely impressed with the
excellent care his friend was receiving.
Thank you, Jersey Community Hospital, for being such a wonderful care facility for us! We are
grateful for everything the entire hospital staff does for our community!
The ROE Movin’ In – Thanks to JCHS Students JUST BEING JERSEY!
Panthers – JUST BE JERSEY Family Reading Night at West Elementary!
Dates to Remember
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Jersey 100 Foundation Luncheon – 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 7th.
Jersey Community High School Prom – Saturday, May 10th.
Board of Education meeting – Thursday, May 15th.
Jersey Community High School Graduation – 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18th.
Thought for the Week