Meet Yanjun Song or "Song" as her friends call her. Song is an interpreter and support aide for two Chinese speaking students in our school district. A teacher for 21st years, Song recently received her Illinois teaching license as a World Language teacher of Mandarin. Song loves the working in the school because of all the friendly people and pleasant town. She can be found this summer teaching "Ride the Dragon" classes for all student ages and adults focused on learning Chinese culture, language and Kung Fu! In her free time, she loves to read noting her favorite book is Lord of the Rings and at karaoke night, she's singing Blackbird. Welcome to Du Quoin CUSD 300 Song, we're glad to have you as part of the community and looking forward to learning with you.

Teaching, coaching, leading . . . are filled with profound responsibilities, carrying both a sacred privilege and duty. Recently I read about Geno Auriemma, nearly 40-year head coach of UConn Women’s Basketball. Not only has he accumulated game victories and championships over his famous career, but he’s also profoundly transformed lives. So I offer the following lessons learned from this famous coach as a way to celebrate all that has been accomplished in 2023-2024:

We are more that titles! Our roles extend far beyond mere titles. We are catalysts for inspiration and transformation in each life we touch. Thank you for building a culture of trust, respect, and commitment so that grit, vulnerability, and greatness can flourish.

Imposter syndrome is real! Even the most accomplished and highly skilled individuals have challenges and doubts. Thank you for supporting and uplifting others, including students and adults. We can never assume someone is good and has it all together. Each day is a unique opportunity for each of us to instill "I believe in you" for those within our circle of influence.

Every day is filled with reasons for gratitude! Finding ways to acknowledge the impact of those in your influence, and expressing appreciation for their help in shaping and positively influencing lives is never more clear then when we reach the end of a journey. As we begin to send-off the Class of 2024, thank you for being an inspiration and model, empowering them to evolve and thrive, ensuring they leave our guidance better equipped for their journey ahead! Every student has been touched by you and are the reason for you to feel appreciated!

Adapted from the Daily Coach newletter 2024.

Looking forward, in 2024-2025 we will be involved in a new grant is called Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) grant. The FSCS grant model is designed to support the whole child with wrap-around services which include out-of-school services, such as before, after and summer school opportunities. The grant has four pillars to which the program will develop goals: 1) integrated student supports; 2) expanded and enriched learning time and opportunities; 3) active family and community engagement; and 4) collaborative leadership and practices.

We will have two FSCS programs at two schools through this grant, but will begin the program at the high school. This means what was previously being provided at the high school through 21st Century will continue, such as morning tutoring, afterschool clubs, credit recovery and much more! There is still a lot to finalize and we're very much looking forward to sharing information throughout the summer as we prepare for this new opportunity to expand and grow our afterschool services and support for the Du Quoin community.

~ Diana Rea, Director of Instructional Services

Summer EBT Benefit -Offering Grocery-buying benefits

Also, we are excited to announce that the Illinois State Board of Education is offering a new Summer EBT, which is a federally funded program that provides grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children when schools are closed for the summer. The Summer EBT benefit is $120 per eligible student for summer 2024. The Illinois Department of Human Services administers Summer EBT with assistance from the Illinois State Board of Education. For more information and to see if you qualify, please see the following information sheet Summer EBT Fact Sheet Summer EBT Fact Sheet. Click Link: . Last, our Food Service Team will once again be operating the Summer Food Service Program this year providing free breakfast and lunch to anyone age 0-18. The dates, times and locations are as follow: Summer EBT Fact Sheet

Hot meal site

Du Quoin High School

300 E. South Street

Breakfast: 8-9 a.m.

Lunch: 11-1 p.m.

Grab & go sites

Keyes park

104 N. Washington Street

Breakfast/Lunch: 10:30a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Du Quoin Municipal Pool

640 W. Park Street 

Breakfast/Lunch  11:15a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

***Beginning Date:  June 3, 2024***

***Ending Date:  July 26, 2024***

Meals are free for children age 0-18

Ages 19 and up:  Breakfast - $2.00  Lunch - $3.00

Transportation and Facilities

As a reminder, several projects will take place this summer in an effort to continually improve our school buildings and outdoor facilities. We will be performing the following projects with the goal of having them all completed before next school year:

Playground renovation at the Elementary and Middle School

Landscaping at Elementary and Middle School entrances

Central clock and bell system installation at the Elementary and Middle School

Replacement of turf at High School Baseball field

Concrete and asphalt repairs at Elementary, Middle and High Schools

Upgrade of sound systems at football field, Anders Gym and Middle School Gym

Voice amplification systems in 36 Elementary classrooms

In relation to our District Transpiration Program, Mr. Steve Adams, local manager for our bus contractor First Student, is accepting applications for Bus Drivers and Substitute Bus Drivers. For more information, Click Link First Student Application.