Zuri Diaz, Justin Garza, Rory Drake, Ella Bigs. Not pictured Tony De La Garza.
📣 We're looking for a PARAPROFESSIONAL to join our team!
Do you have a passion for working with children and making a difference in their lives? Arcola Elementary is looking for a dedicated, caring, and enthusiastic individual to join our school family!
💜 Be part of a supportive school community!
💜 Make a positive impact on students every day!
💜 Help our Purple Riders learn, grow, and succeed!
📩 Interested or want to learn more? Please reach out to:
Callie Jackson
📧 cjackson@arcolaschools.com
Marissa Brewer
📧 mbrewer@arcolaschools.com
✨ PLEASE SHARE! Help us spread the word and find a great addition to our Arcola Elementary family!
💜 GO RIDERS! 🐎
Thanks to our fantastic administrators, Arcola High School Principal Nick Lindsey, Arcola Elementary Principal Marissa Brewer and PreK-12 Arcola Assistant Principal Callie Jackson.
Parents and students are invited to attend our upcoming Herff Jones Parent Order Event to order graduation and school keepsakes, including caps and gowns, letter jackets, class rings, and more!
📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026
⏰ 3:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 High School Foyer
Sophomore, junior, and senior students received order packets during class meetings on September 29.
You can also browse available products online at herffjones.com.
We encourage families to stop by and explore the available options!
As we get ready to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country, please don’t forget to RSVP for our Veterans Day luncheon on November 11th!
Luncheon: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Veterans Day Assembly: 1:00 PM
No invitation required to attend
We look forward to coming together to show our appreciation for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
Please RSVP by calling the High School Office at 217-268-4962 opt 2
Picture Day is almost here! Julie Scheuler Photography will be photographing students on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22!
PICTURE DAY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 21
9th Grade – 8:30 AM
8th Grade – 9:30 AM
7th Grade – 10:30 AM
Thursday, October 22
10th Grade – 8:30 AM
11th Grade – 9:30 AM
12th Grade – 10:30 AM
NEW THIS YEAR – PARENT REGISTRATION!
We’re excited to offer an easy new way for parents to stay connected to their student’s school pictures!
Please register your student before Picture Day! Simply enter your student’s name and grade, along with your contact information. This allows you to receive Picture Day updates and be notified when your student’s photos are ready to view and order.
REGISTER YOUR STUDENT HERE:
https://my.photoday.com/gallery/arcola-jr-sr-high-26-27
IMPORTANT: Please enter your student’s full first and last name exactly as it appears in the school’s records (no nicknames or shortened names). This helps ensure your student’s information is matched correctly.
Registration is FREE, and there is no obligation to purchase! We encourage all families to register, even if they don’t plan to purchase pictures.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Picture Day!
Thank you!
Julie Scheuler Photography
The 1st quarter of school is officially in the books! It's been a great start to the 26-27 school year. October is busy so make sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming events.
Have a great long weekend!
📱 iPad Insurance Deadline Reminder
The deadline to purchase iPad Insurance for the 2026–2027 school year is September 15th.
This iPad insurance is optional.
The cost of iPad insurance is $15 and covers accidental breakage of the iPad only.
⚠️ Please remember, insurance does NOT cover:
iPad cases
Logitech pencils
Lost iPads
Payment may be sent to the school and given to Mrs. Hohlbauch. If paying with cash, please send exact change.
If you have any questions, please contact jhohlbauch@arcolaschools.com.
Thank you!
Good Afternoon Rider Families!
It's been an amazing start to the 26-27 school year.
This weeks heat advisory has put a damper on outdoor activities & recess but our teachers, staff and coaches have been amazing and flexible. I want to personally thank all of our faculty and staff for the work they do each day, keeping our buildings looking great, students fed and educated! I also want to thank all of our amazing families and community members. You set the example for our young people. The culture of community pride and respect has clearly been passed from generation to generation.
I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend.
¡Buenos días, familias Rider!
Ha sido un comienzo increíble para el año escolar 2026-2027.
La advertencia de calor de esta semana ha sido un obstáculo para las actividades al aire libre y el recreo, pero nuestros maestros, personal y entrenadores han sido increibles y han mostrado una gran flexibilidad. Quiero agradecer personalmente a todo nuestro personal docente y administrativo por la labor que realizan cada día, ¡manteniendo nuestras instalaciones impecables, y a nuestros estudiantes alimentados y educados! También quiero agradecer a todas nuestras increíbles familias y miembros de la comunidad. Ustedes son el ejemplo para nuestros jóvenes. Es evidente que la cultura de orgullo comunitario y respeto se ha transmitido de generación en generación.
Espero que todos tengan un excelente fin de semana del Día del Trabajo (Labor Day).
Parents and Guardians - Everyone should have received a message yesterday with information for setting up your account for our new communication tool, Rooms.
Here are some instructions to help you get your account set up and get started using Rooms.
Please take a few minutes to complete the setup when you have a chance.
Please see the attached letter about "Rooms" our new communication platform. You can connect with teachers, coaches and sponsors all in one location.
It was an amazing first week of school. Have a great weekend & GO PURPLE RIDERS!
https://aptg.co/jX_mGP
Have a great weekend!
Get your golf gear ordered now!
https://alaharcolagolf26.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Reminder - online registration will open Monday. You must have a parent log in to Teacher Ease to access online registration. See the full details in the post below.
📣 2026-2027 ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 6! 📣
Arcola Schools is excited to announce that online registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Monday, July 6, 2026.
💻 Returning Students
Registration must be completed through your Parent TeacherEase account.
🔑 Forgot your password?
Use the "Forgot Password" link in TeacherEase if you have an email address on file.
📧 Need to add an email address to your account?
Contact Jill Hohlbauch at jhohlbauch@arcolaschools.com.
📝 New Students
New students must schedule an appointment with the appropriate school office to complete registration.
🎒 Preschool Families
• The Elementary office will reach out to new PreK families to schedule a time for registration.
• Returning PreK students may complete online registration.
• All preschool students must complete a preschool screening before enrollment.
📱 Optional iPad Insurance and Athletic Passes
Arcola Schools will once again offer optional iPad insurance for students.
✔ Cost: $15 per student
✔ Covers iPad breakage only
✘ Does not cover chargers, cases, or Logitech pencils
A detailed description of the iPad insurance program can be found in the student handbook for each school.
🏈 Families will also have the opportunity to purchase athletic passes during the online registration process.
📋 Required Documents for New, Transfer, Preschool & Kindergarten Students
• Certified Birth Certificate
• School Physical
• Immunization Records
• Proof of Residency
• Guardianship Paperwork (if applicable)
Additional health documentation may be required based on grade level:
• Eye Exam Documentation (Kindergarten)
• Dental Exam Documentation (Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 6th Grade)
🏥 Health Requirements
✔ Physicals: PreK, Kindergarten, 6th Grade & 9th Grade
✔ Eye Exams: Kindergarten
✔ Dental Exams: Kindergarten, 2nd Grade & 6th Grade
If your child has asthma, food allergies, medication allergies, or other health concerns, please be sure to indicate this information in TeacherEase and complete any required health forms. Forms are available through the online registration process and on the school website.
🏫 Elementary Homeroom Assignments
Elementary homeroom assignments will be available through TeacherEase this year. Around August 1, 2026, families will be able to log in to TeacherEase to find out who their child's homeroom teacher will be for the upcoming school year.
We will share additional information and instructions as we get closer to August. Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new process.
💻 Need Help Completing Registration?
Families who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing the online registration process are welcome to attend our Registration Assistance Night on Tuesday, August 4, from 4:00–7:00 PM. Computers and staff will be available to help families complete registration.
We encourage families to complete registration as soon as possible after July 6 to ensure everything is ready for the start of the school year.
💜 We look forward to welcoming students back for another great year at Arcola Schools! 💜
Arcola Schools is excited to announce that online registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Monday, July 6, 2026.
💻 Returning Students
Registration must be completed through your Parent TeacherEase account.
🔑 Forgot your password?
Use the "Forgot Password" link in TeacherEase if you have an email address on file.
📧 Need to add an email address to your account?
Contact Jill Hohlbauch at jhohlbauch@arcolaschools.com.
📝 New Students
New students must schedule an appointment with the appropriate school office to complete registration.
🎒 Preschool Families
• The Elementary office will reach out to new PreK families to schedule a time for registration.
• Returning PreK students may complete online registration.
• All preschool students must complete a preschool screening before enrollment.
📱 Optional iPad Insurance and Athletic Passes
Arcola Schools will once again offer optional iPad insurance for students.
✔ Cost: $15 per student
✔ Covers iPad breakage only
✘ Does not cover chargers, cases, or Logitech pencils
A detailed description of the iPad insurance program can be found in the student handbook for each school.
🏈 Families will also have the opportunity to purchase athletic passes during the online registration process.
📋 Required Documents for New, Transfer, Preschool & Kindergarten Students
• Certified Birth Certificate
• School Physical
• Immunization Records
• Proof of Residency
• Guardianship Paperwork (if applicable)
Additional health documentation may be required based on grade level:
• Eye Exam Documentation (Kindergarten)
• Dental Exam Documentation (Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 6th Grade)
🏥 Health Requirements
✔ Physicals: PreK, Kindergarten, 6th Grade & 9th Grade
✔ Eye Exams: Kindergarten
✔ Dental Exams: Kindergarten, 2nd Grade & 6th Grade
If your child has asthma, food allergies, medication allergies, or other health concerns, please be sure to indicate this information in TeacherEase and complete any required health forms. Forms are available through the online registration process and on the school website.
🏫 Elementary Homeroom Assignments
Elementary homeroom assignments will be available through TeacherEase this year. Around August 1, 2026, families will be able to log in to TeacherEase to find out who their child's homeroom teacher will be for the upcoming school year.
We will share additional information and instructions as we get closer to August. Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new process.
💻 Need Help Completing Registration?
Families who do not have access to a computer or need assistance completing the online registration process are welcome to attend our Registration Assistance Night on Tuesday, August 4, from 4:00–7:00 PM. Computers and staff will be available to help families complete registration.
We encourage families to complete registration as soon as possible after July 6 to ensure everything is ready for the start of the school year.
💜 We look forward to welcoming students back for another great year at Arcola Schools! 💜
🚌 Gould-Wilson Transportation Registration Opens June 1st! 🚌
Registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open on June 1st and can be completed through our website https://gouldtransportationinc.com/registrationform
💻 A few things to know before registering:
• Online registration works best from a computer, although it can be completed on a mobile device.
• All students must register each year — previous bus spots are not guaranteed.
• Rural students must also register annually.
• Registration fees are due prior to the first day of school.
• Families on a pay route will receive an email with payment information within one week of completing registration.
• Annual registration helps ensure we have accurate contact and transportation information for routing and communication purposes.
📢 Please watch our Facebook page for important updates and transportation information throughout the summer.
⚠️ No early registrations will be accepted.
We appreciate your patience during the registration process. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@gouldtransportationinc.com or call (217) 253-2232 Monday-Friday 8 am-3:00 pm.
Thank you for choosing Gould-Wilson Transportation Services!
As a school community, we are deeply saddened to report the tragic passing of one of our junior high students on Wednesday evening, May 20. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and all who are impacted by this tragedy. This loss affects everyone in our school family and in the broader Arcola community.
Our district is committed to doing everything we can to help our students and staff with the grieving and healing process. Grief counselors are available until 4:00 pm today and then again tomorrow, Friday, May 22 from 8 am – 3 pm at Arcola High School to support students who need someone to talk to.
We appreciate the community’s compassion and understanding as we work to support those affected. At this time, we will not be providing further comment.
Sincerely,
Tom Mulligan, Superintendent