2024/2025 School Calendar

August 15            Teachers’ Institute – No student attendance           

August 16             First Day CAM Students (dismiss @11:30/11:45)

September 2          Labor Day … No School

September 18        11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

October 10            11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal – School Impr. Planning

October 11            No student attendance - Teachers’ Institute Day

October 14            Columbus Day … No School

October 18            End of 1^st Quarter

October 30            11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

November 5          Election Day … No School

November 27-29   Thanksgiving Break … No student attendance

December 19         Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal

December 20         Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal   - End of 2^nd Quarter

Dec 23-Jan 3         Christmas Break

January 6              No student attendance - Teachers’ Institute Day

January 20            MLK Jr. Day … No School

February 14          11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

February 17          Presidents Day … No School

March 13              End of 3^rd Quarter

March 14-17         No student attendance

April 17-21           No student attendance    

May 11                 Baccalaureate

May 16                 Commencement 7:00 pm

**May 20             Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal

**May 21             Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal

**May 22              Teachers’ Institute Day - No student attendance

**End of school days are contingent on use of Emergency Days and are subject to change

SUMMER EBT         

What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT, or SUN Bucks, is a new permanent nutrition program authorized U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. SUN 
Bucks 2024 will provide a $120 annual benefit to eligible children via an Electronic Benefit 
Transfer (EBT) issuance by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) later this summer. More 
basic information on the new federal program is available on the USDA website at 
www.fns.usda.gov/sebt/household. Illinois is one of 36 states that have announced their intent to 
launch Summer EBT in summer 2024.

Is my child eligible?
Your child is eligible for SUN Bucks if:
• Your child is identified as direct certified due to participation in SNAP, TANF, income-eligible 
Medicaid (185% of the federal poverty guideline), or is identified as foster, homeless, or migrant.
• Your child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School 
Breakfast Program (SBP), and your household income meets the requirements for free or reduced- 
price school meals. (A household can complete a Household Eligibility Application (HEA) at schools 
participating in NSLP/SBP at any point during the school year. Contact your school for an HEA.)

How do I enroll my child in SUN Bucks?
If your household has already been notified of automatic eligibility, your child will be 
automatically enrolled in the SUN Bucks program. You do not need to fill out an application. You 
will get a card in the mail sent to the address your child’s school has on file. (Households are 
encouraged to ensure that the enrolling school has your current mailing address.) If you are not 
automatically enrolled and believe your children are eligible, you can apply to receive SUN Bucks 
by filling out a simple application. A statewide Summer EBT application will be made available 
after the school year has ended. More details will be shared once they are available.

Who should I contact if I have questions?
Your school can assist you with basic questions about Summer EBT. However, households should visit 
the DHS website (www.dhs.state.il.us/) for information about Illinois Summer EBT. IDHS will be 
setting up a customer help line at (833) 621-0737 to assist families. The agency will be able to assist 
with such things as the card distribution timeline, usage, allowable expenses, and lost or 
misplaced cards.

Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights 
regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, 
color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or 
reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with 
disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., 
Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or 
local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA 
through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online
at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by 
calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the 
complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged 
discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
(ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form 
or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:   U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:   Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

May 2024

BOND

GREGORY

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

Supply List

       2024-2025 Calendar     

CENTRAL A & M DISTRICT 21

    2023-2024 District Calendar

August 17            Teachers’ Institute – No student attendance           

August 18             First Day CAM Students (dismiss @11:30/11:45)

September 4          Labor Day … No School

September 13        11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

October 5              11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal – School Impr. Planning

October 6              No student attendance - Teachers’ Institute Day

October 9              Columbus Day … No School

October 20            End of 1^st Quarter

October 25            11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

November 22-24   Thanksgiving Break … No student attendance

December 18         Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal

December 19         Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal   - End of 2^nd Quarter

Dec 20-Jan 2         Christmas Break

January 3              No student attendance - Teachers’ Institute Day

January 15            MLK Jr. Day … No School

January 31            11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

February 9            11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

February 12          Lincoln’s Birthday … No School

March 8                 End of 3^rd Quarter

March 6                11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal - School Impr. Planning

March 28-29         Spring Break - No student attendance

April 1-2               Spring Break - No student attendance

April 17                11:30/11:45 Early Dismissal -School Impr. Planning

May 12                 Baccalaureate

May 17                 Commencement 7:00 pm

**TBA                 Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal

**TBA                  Exams … 1:45/2:00 Early Dismissal

**TBA                  Teachers’ Institute Day - No student attendance

**End of school days are contingent on use of Emergency Days and are subject to change

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION IF YOUR STUDENT/S RECEIVE FOOD BENEFITS WHICH WE RECEIVE NOTIFICATION THROUGH THE DIRECT CERTIFICATION LISTING FROM THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.  THOSE INCLUDED ARE SNAP, TANF, INCOME ELIGIBLE MEDICAID OR FOSTER CHILD STATUS.  THESE STUDENTS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY APPROVED FOR FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.  THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE EXTRA MEAL ITEMS, SNACKS OR DRINKS.

The approval process for a fee waiver is based on whether the student receives Free lunch.  If your student is approved for Free lunch you MUST complete the Fee waiver for processing in the District office for the applicable fees to be waived.  A Fee Waiver needs to be completed every school year.

Consideration of other factors may be taken into account by the building principal when determining approval.

Questions regarding either Free/Reduced Lunch application or Fee waiver, please feel free to contact the District office at 217-226-4042.

SCHOOL FEES FOR

2023-2024

Grades:    

Kindergarten – 5^th Grade

$40.00 Elementary Books fees

$50.00 Technology Fees       TOTAL: $90.00

Middle School 6^th – 8^th Grades

$45.00 Middle School Book Fees

$50.00 Technology fees       TOTAL: $95.00

$15.00 PE Uniform (may use from prior years)

HIGH SCHOOL – Grades 9-12

$65.00 HS Book Fee

$50.00 Technology Fee         TOTAL: $115.00

The following classes have additional fees:

Foods $30.00 per semester

Crafts $20.00 per year

Art $20.00 per semester

3D Concepts $50.00 per year

Heartland $200.00 per semester

Ag Mechanics $20.00 per year

Horticulture $20.00 per year

Drivers Ed $150.00 per year

These class fees do not qualify to be waived.

Lunch and Breakfast Costs

**Changes for 2023-2024

Breakfast

                All Grades $1.50 (.10 increase)

                Adults $2.50 (.10 increase)

Lunch

                Elementary $2.75 (.25 increase)

                MS & HS $3.00 (.20 increase)

                Adult $3.75 (.25 increase)

Snack Milk for K – 1st grade students only - .75 per day (increase of .25)

The District does not withhold a student’s grades, transcripts, or diploma because of an unpaid balance on the student’s school account.

• SNOW DAY                                 

  HOW IS THE DECISION MADE FOR A SNOW DAY? SAFETY IS THE PRIORITY! 

• The winter season is upon us. Our district administration, faculty, and staff understand that our decision to open or close school during inclement weather often disrupts family schedules and means the school year may have to be extended. We also understand that our students are better served -academically and socially -by being in school. But, as always, our top priority is the safety of our students. So the decision to close school is not an easy one. The process is complex and involves several people.

• HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION? Please understand that we make the decision to open or close school in bad weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as: 

  • Information on road conditions from our transportation personnel, from local law enforcement, and area road crews.

  • Amount of snow and ice accumulation.

  • Whether precipitation will continue throughout the day.

  • Temperature and wind chill.

  • Weather predictions (including those from the weather alert service).

  • Storm Timing

  • Building conditions (such as whether we have electricity and heat).

  • Parking lot conditions

  WHO MAKES THE DECISION? The Superintendent is ultimately responsible for the final decision based on the above factors and recommendations from those mentioned above. Area superintendents consult with each other to discuss our situations regarding busing and students walking. Still, each district has its own unique circumstances.

  WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE? We do our best to make the decision by 6:00 a.m., or earlier so we can notify you via ParentSquare and various websites. Keep in mind that unusual weather conditions may force us to make the decision after this time. Please stay tuned to the media and communication outlets. However, it is very important for parents to have plans in place in case the decision needs to be made later. It is quite possible that bus or building issues could come up and not be discovered until after 6:00 a.m. In those cases, decisions on school attendance could be made at a later time.

  WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS WORSEN?  If conditions get worse during the school day, we may need to have an early dismissal, but we will give as much notice as possible through ParentSquare. Although we do our absolute best in the process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel that it is safe for your child to get to school, use your best judgment on whether or not he or she should attend. During very extreme weather conditions, if you choose to keep your child at home, his/her absence will be counted as an excused absence.

  Regarding extra-curricular events, practices, and other school-related activities outside of the normal day, we prefer to exercise flexibility in these situations as opposed to an inflexible policy. Occasionally events scheduled in the evening could be held as conditions improve. Some schools do not have that policy, and we will respect the wishes of the individual districts involved. Again, we will support those decisions made in good faith out of the personal beliefs regarding your child's safety.

  HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

  • ParentSquare phone call and email

  • CAM district website www.camraiders.com

  • Channel 20 News TV and their website at wandtv.com, Channel 3 at wcia.com and WTIM taylorvilledailynews.com

  These alerts occur in mass release and will be posted and received in a random fashion, but will be released as soon as decisions are made. It is very important that your phone number and email is up to date in Skyward and on ParentSquare so you can receive calls, texts, and emails. Call your child's school(s) to update your phone number.

  HOW MANY DAYS CAN WE TAKE? School districts typically build five emergency days per school year into their calendars. If emergency days are used, they must be made up at the end of the school year. If we use more than the allotted 5 emergency days, we can apply to the State Board of Education for "Act of God" days and hope it is approved. Otherwise, the emergency days beyond the scheduled 5 will also need to be made up. 

• It is challenging to become completely acclimated to cold weather, but we are hopeful that students, parents, and staff are preparing their vehicles with emergency gear, making sure phones stay charged, and everyone dresses appropriately when going out in the elements.

   

Hello. We would like to introduce ourselves. I am MeLinda Hilligoss the Central A & M 3-5 years old and their families Family Consultant and Sara Marley is the Central A & M 0-3 years old BabyTalk Family Consultant. The Central A & M 0-3 and 3-5 years old programs are called Growing Together. The Growing Together 0-3 program is funded and implemented through BabyTalk while the Growing Together 3-5 program is funded through an Illinois State Board of Education Early Childhood grant. Growing Together strives to support parents by providing opportunities for parent and child to strengthen their relationship. There are many different activities available for parents and children 0-5. Growing Together Playgroups allow children to work on social skills, developmental skills, and enrichment through interacting with other children and adults. And it is just a lot of fun! Not only can children have the opportunity to interact with peers but parents can also network with other parents during Playgroup. We also conduct home visits with families. Home visits are another way to strengthen the bond between parent and child and to receive one-on-one opportunities with the Family Consultant to address any concerns the parent may have. During a home visit, a Family Consultant will work with the parent and child on enhancing the child’s developmental skills and provide age appropriate activities for the parent and child to work on together. Family Consultants can also find resources to meet a family’s needs, if requested by the family. Do you need a family night out? Family Fun Nights are fun for everyone! Various activities and/or presentations are planned for the Central A & M communities during Family Fun Nights.

Family Consultants can also screen children to determine where they are in their development and provide activities to enhance the skills that need strengthened.

All activities are Free.

Our office is located in the Middle School in the Prekindergarten room. The address is 404 Colegrove Suite B Assumption, IL 62510     217-226-4022  ext:221

You can also reach us via email at:

smarley@camraiders.com 

mhilligoss@camraiders.com

Or Facebook at:

GrowingTogether Cam

We hope to work with you and your family soon!

MeLinda Hilligoss Family Consultant 3-5 years old and their families

Sara Marley Family Consultant 0-3 years old and their families