October 31, 2025/
Building Blocks of Literacy: First Graders Master Reading and Writing
In Mrs. Davis’s first-grade classroom, students are busy building the foundational skills for a lifetime of learning. The young readers and writers have been focused on mastering phonics, specifically highlighting and sounding out words with the “-ck” sound. Working with partners, they practice reading aloud, building both confidence and fluency. The students are also channeling their creativity into a writing project about “Our Wonderful Town.” They began by brainstorming, drawing, and labeling their ideas, and are now transforming those concepts into written stories, taking their first exciting steps as authors.



Latest News Stories
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago committee approves infrastructure funding around soccer stadium
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council’s finance committee has approved $424.9 million for public access, road improvements, a river...
Casey Council Adopts $43.4 Million FY2027 Appropriations Ordinance
Casey City Council Meeting | July 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance #650, the city's fiscal year 2027 appropriations ordinance, setting a $43,383,379 legal spending...
Court: Parents can’t sue teachers unions over illegal strikes
By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square (Legal Newsline) - Parents do not have legal rights to sue teachers unions for calling illegal strikes, which allegedly lead to learning...
Environmental, tax issues weighed on $4M state-funded park
By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Plans for a state-developed park just blocks from the State Capitol and in front of the Governor’s...
Illinois Quick Hits: State rep files Bears/megaprojects bill
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, has filed the latest piece of legislation aimed at keeping the Chicago...
Report: Felon detained in Pritzker’s backyard
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report, a 10-time convicted felon on pretrial release was arrested in Gov. J.B....
Campaign finance analyst says indictment highlights gaps in oversight
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The federal indictment of Illinois state Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron...
Report: Block clubs save tax dollars despite government hurdles
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois policy analyst says Chicago block clubs have connected thousands of people to jobs, but city...
Illinois Quick Hits: Five dead, two hurt in East St. Louis shooting
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Police say two teens have been arrested in connection with a targeted mass shooting that...
Casey-Westfield Superintendent Urges Board to Study County School Sales Tax
Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education Meeting | June 22, 2026 Article Summary: Casey-Westfield Superintendent Shackelford told the board Monday, June 22, 2026, that a countywide 1% school facility sales...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for June 15, 2026
Casey City Council Meeting | June 15, 2026 CASEY — The Casey City Council on Monday, June 15, 2026, approved the first ordinance in its 17-ordinance annexation cleanup program, authorized...
Casey Declares Dilapidated 710 W. Main Property Dangerous and Unsafe
Casey City Council Meeting | June 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council approved Resolution #061526C declaring the property at 710 W. Main St. dangerous and unsafe, the first...
School reviews paraprofessional’s social media post about Trump
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Putnam County Community Unit School District #535 paraprofessional is facing criticism after a social media...