Next week, March 16-20, grades PreK-8 will hold a Penny War to help raise funds for Special Olympics! Students may bring in change and add it to their class container. All coins or bills are accepted. One student from the class that collects the most at each grade level will have a chance to throw a pie in a staff member's face! Join in the fun and help Special Olympics!
5 days ago, Amy Carr
An action-packed, pirate-themed flyer for the "Cumberland CUSD 77 Raiders Penny War Fundraiser." At the top, the Raiders' skull-and-crossbones logo sits next to bold text reading "PENNY WAR FUNDRAISER!" with a call to "Bring in your coins to battle for your class!" The center of the flyer features four glass jars filled with coins and bills, labeled for different grade levels: K-2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade The main prize is highlighted in large, energetic yellow script: "...PIE A TEACHER IN THE FACE!" Below this, a cartoon illustration shows a cheering student smashing a whipped-cream pie into a teacher's face, surrounded by an explosion of gold coins and laughing children. The bottom of the flyer reads "Save your change & join the fun!" and lists the event dates as March 16-20.
It’s opening night! Break a leg to everyone involved in Descendants the Musical! You have worked so hard, and we know you'll do great!

Show times:
Friday, 3/13, 7 PM
Saturday,3/14, 7 PM
Sunday, 3/15, 2 PM

📷Toledo Democrat
5 days ago, Amy Carr
The cast and crew of Descendants the Musical are sitting or standing in one of four rows. They are in costume in front of a castle background.
Our kindergarteners had a blast at their carnival today. The students were busy managing their tickets, navigating the games, showing off their new looks from the face painting and hair stations, and earning a bag full of prizes. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly!🎡🎟️
5 days ago, Amy Carr
A student is dropping a tile down the plinko board.
A student is fishing for a prize at the fish pond.
An adult is spraying a students hair blue.
An adult is applying a temporary tattoo to a students hand.
An adult is painting a students face.
A student is throwing peanuts in buckets.
Three students are shooting baskets.
A student picked up a fish from the pond.
Two students are throwing footballs at a green hole.
A student it throwing a beanbag at a clown.
It’s been a big week for Mrs. High's 4th grade! The students explored anatomy with a worm dissection thanks to Ag in the Classroom, then shifted gears to March Madness by coloring their own custom basketball jerseys! 🔬🏀
5 days ago, Amy Carr
Two students are sitting with their worm they are dissecting. The worm is pinned down.
Two students are sitting with their worm they are dissecting. The worm is pinned down.
Two students are sitting with their worm they are dissecting. One is covering her nose with her shirt. The worm is pinned down.
The class is standing or kneeling in two rows. They are holding up their jerseys.
A student is holding up her jersey coloring.
The 3rd grade students in Mrs. Nichols’ music class used Orff instruments to learn a new song this week! 🎶
8 days ago, Amy Carr
Three students are sitting on the ground and playing an instrument.
Four students are sitting on the ground and playing an instrument. A teacher is helping a student.
Seven students are sitting on the ground and playing an instrument.
Three students are sitting on the ground and playing an instrument.
Two students are sitting on the ground and playing an instrument.
Two students are sitting on the ground and playing an instrument. A teacher is helping one student.
Two students are sitting on the ground and playing the triangle.

This is a reminder that we will have a 12:01 PM dismissal on Friday, March 13, for a teacher in-service.

9 days ago, Amy Carr
Blue Image with Reminder stamped in the background. The foreground says Reminder: 12:01 Dismissal on Friday, March 13!
Every year, six students are selected by their principals to be honored at the IPA dinner for demonstrating excellence in both academics and character. This year's honorees are Lila Light, Brooks Braden, Freddy Blade, Quinn Walker, Mitchell Blade, and Karen Willenborg. Congratulations students!
12 days ago, Amy Carr
Pictured are two students and their principal. The students are holding their certificates.
Pictured are two students holding their certificates.
Pictured are two students and their principal. The students are holding their certificates.
Green eggs for breakfast and pajamas all day? Yes, please! Miss Hemmen’s first grade class had so much fun celebrating Read Across America Week. Today, the class read Green Eggs and Ham, made predictions whether they'd like green eggs and ham, and then tried some! 9 students liked them and 4 did NOT! Check out the pictures for their reactions. 💚
12 days ago, Amy Carr
Two students are filling out their predictions.
Three students re trying Green Eggs and Ham.
A student is giving the thumbs up sign.
A student is giving the thumbs up sign.
A student is giving the thumbs down sign.
A student is giving the thumbs up sign.
A student is giving the thumbs down sign.
A student is giving the thumbs up sign.
A student is giving the thumbs up sign.
A student is giving the thumbs down sign.
This week, 7th and 8th graders partnered up with 1st grade and kindergarten students to read books in celebration of Read Across America! 📚
12 days ago, Amy Carr
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
Older students are reading books to younger students.
In like a lion! Ms. Williamson's first grade class is studying March weather patterns, and the lion has definitely made his presence known. They've logged four 'lion' days so far!🦁
14 days ago, Amy Carr
Four students are coloring their March in like a lion out like a lamb worksheets.
Two students are coloring their March in like a lion out like a lamb worksheets.
Two students are coloring their March in like a lion out like a lamb poster.
Two students are coloring their March in like a lion out like a lamb poster.
A student is selecting a crayon to color the paper that says March In like a lion...out like a lamb.
Join our team! Cumberland Elementary School is seeking an individual to fill a full-time Autism teaching position for the 2026-2027 school year. Please send a letter of interest, credentials, and letters of recommendation to DeDe McElravy at dmcelravy@cusd77.org. The application deadline is 3/20/2026. 
14 days ago, Amy Carr
Image shows pirate logo. It says Cumberland CUSD #77. We are hiring! Cumberland Elementary School id hiring fro the following position: Autism Teacher. 2026-2027 school year. $51.010-$90,316 per CEA contract. Application deadline: 3/20-2026. Send Credentials to DeDe McElravy, Elementary Principal. dmcelravy@cusd77.org. 217-923-3132.
We would like to share an upcoming workshop, Digital Discernment: Creating a Tech-Ready Home in the AI Age, presented by Protect Young Eyes and sponsored by Sarah Bush Lincoln Healthy Communities. This session will be valuable for parents, grandparents, educators, and other caring adults.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 14, from 6:00-7:30 PM at The Fields Church at Cross County Mall, 700 Broadway East, Mattoon.

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and have chances to win excellent tech-related raffle prizes.
14 days ago, Amy Carr
An event flyer for a free workshop titled "Digital Discernment: Creating a tech-ready home in the AI Age." The top of the flyer features a professional portrait of the presenter, Chris McKenna, and the logo for "Protect Young Eyes: creating safer digital spaces." Images below the header show an audience in a lecture hall and a young child using a tablet. Event Details Presenter: Chris McKenna Date: Tuesday, April 14 Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Location: The Fields Church | Mattoon (Cross County Mall location), 700 Broadway Ave. East, Mattoon. Parking: Located at the back of the mall. Notes: No registration required; light refreshments and raffle prizes provided. Sponsor: Sponsored by Linda K. Keeler. Workshop Content The text describes a "Tech-Ready Home Framework" focused on five key habits for digital success. Attendees will learn: How to use a router as a parenting tool. Strategies more effective than parental controls. Information on the "Toxic Trio" and how to protect kids from it. Insights into why 72% of teens use AI companions. Logos and Disclaimers The bottom of the flyer features the Sarah Bush Lincoln logo with the tagline "Trusted Compassionate Care." A small disclaimer notes that the information is a community resource provided by Sarah Bush Lincoln and is not sponsored or endorsed by the school district.
Congratulations to the March Raiders of the Month! These students are great examples of respectful, responsible, and reliable Raiders!
15 days ago, Amy Carr
Four students are standing in front of the "Crew of the Month" bulletin board. They are side by side.
Beginning today, Cumberland is accepting appointments for the free developmental screenings for two- to five-year-olds, including all incoming kindergarteners. The screenings are a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to learn how their child is developing in speech, language, concepts, and motor skills. Vision and hearing screenings will also be provided, free of charge! Parents may preregister incoming kindergarten students for the 2026-2027 school year on the day of screening.

The screenings will be held on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, at the Toledo Christian Church. On the day of the screening, you will need proof of residency, a certified copy of their birth certificate, and a current physical, if available. Contact the grade school at 217-923-3135 to make an appointment.
16 days ago, Amy Carr
An event flyer for the Project HELP Preschool Round Up, featuring a playful border of dashed lines and dots. At the bottom, four smiling children are lying on their stomachs, propped up on their elbows. Key Information: Event: Free Developmental Screenings for children aged two to five, and Kindergarten screenings. Purpose: To assess speech, language, concepts, motor skills, vision, and hearing. Screenings are required for potential enrollment in the Project HELP preschool classroom. When: Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th. Where: Toledo Christian Church, 501 South Maryland, Toledo, IL. Action: To schedule an appointment, call Cumberland Elementary School at 217-923-3135. Requirements: Parents must bring proof of residency, a certified birth certificate, and a current physical if available. Signed parent/guardian permission is required.

Cumberland Drama will present Descendants the Musical on Friday, 3/13, at 7 PM, Saturday, 3/14, at 7 PM, and Sunday, 3/15, at 2 PM at the Toledo Christian Church. Tickets are $10 and are on sale at both school offices, the Greenup and Toledo First Neighbor Bank, and the Toledo Democrat office. Don't miss this great show!

19 days ago, Amy Carr
Logo for "Disney Descendants: The Musical." On the left is a bitten red apple entwined with a golden, thorny vine that forms a stylized letter "D." To the right, the word "DESCENDANTS" is written in large yellow block letters, with the Disney logo sitting small above it. Below this, the words "THE MUSICAL" appear in green slanted text inside a white rectangular box, which is overlaid on a vibrant green spray-paint splatter effect.
Next week, the elementary and middle schools will celebrate Read Across America Week. There will be school-wide reading challenges and other activities. Each day will have a special dress-up day. These are optional and must follow the school handbook.
Monday: Reading lifts your Spirits. Show your school spirit by wearing blue and gold.
Tuesday: Reading makes us thinkers. Wear your favorite hat.
Wednesday: Reading makes us creative. Wear your most creative or goofy socks.
Thursday: Reading jogs your mind. Wear workout or sports-themed clothes.
Friday: Reading makes us dream big. Come in your cozy pajamas.
21 days ago, Amy Carr
An announcement flyer for "Read Across America 2026 Celebration Week" featuring a black-and-white border of line-drawn books, leaves, and stars. The schedule is as follows: Monday, 3/2: Reading lifts our spirits. Wear blue & gold. Tuesday, 3/3: Reading makes us thinkers. Bring your favorite hat. Wednesday, 5/4: Reading makes us creative. Wear creative or goofy socks. Thursday, 5/5: Reading jogs our minds. Wear workout or sports-themed clothes. Friday, 5/6: Reading makes us dream big. The flyer notes that dress-up days are optional, must follow the school handbook, and mentions a schoolwide reading challenge and library activities.
This week. Miss White's pre-K class is learning the difference between domesticated and wild pets! 🐯😺
22 days ago, Amy Carr
The class is sitting on the carpet and watching the teacher. The teacher is drawing animals on the paper on the easel.

The School Board officially approved the calendar for the 2026-2027year at last week’s meeting. Check out the full calendar in the image below, or download the printable PDF here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UzgTu8KgBFFZyCnsm1VBd3FQeyD2pLdg/view?usp=sharing

23 days ago, Amy Carr
A one-page document outlining the 2026-2027 school year schedule. The year begins with a Teacher Institute Day on August 13 and the first student attendance day on August 14 with a 2:20 PM dismissal. Key milestones include: Quarter Start Dates: 1st Quarter (Aug 14), 2nd Quarter (Oct 19), 3rd Quarter (Jan 5), and 4th Quarter (Mar 15). Major Holidays (No School): Labor Day (Sept 7), Columbus Day (Oct 12), Election Day (Nov 3), MLK Day (Jan 18), and Presidents' Day (Feb 15). Extended Breaks: Thanksgiving (Nov 25–29), Christmas (Dec 19–Jan 4), and Easter (Mar 24–29). Conferences & Exams: Parent/Teacher conferences are held the evenings of October 20 and 22. Semester exams are scheduled for December 17–18 and May 25–26, all featuring 2:20 PM dismissals. Emergency Days: Five "Built In" emergency days are scheduled for Fridays between April 23 and May 21. The calendar concludes with a final Teacher Institute Day on May 27. The document summarizes the year as having 175 student attendance days, 4 teacher institute days, 1 parent/teacher conference day, and 5 emergency days for a total of 185 days.
Are you ready to make a difference in the classroom? Cumberland Elementary School has an opening for an elementary teacher for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Join a supportive team dedicated to student success.

Application Deadline: March 6, 2026
Send credentials to DeDe McElravy, Elementary Principal, at dmcelravy@cusd77.org.
26 days ago, Amy Carr
The image says Cumberland CUSD #77 and has the pirate logo , We are hiring! Cumberland Elementary School is hiring for the following postition: ElementaryTeacher. 2026-2027 School Year. Salary $51,010-$90,316 per CEA Contract. Application Deadline: March 6. Send your credentials to DeDe McElravy, Elementary Principal, dmcelravy@cusd77.org, 217-923-3132.
Mrs. Flessner's speech students are working on articulation and language goals using games, crafts, and sensory activities. Each student has their own individualized goals targeted through drill and modeling in order to have the most success.
28 days ago, Amy Carr
Two students are creating a bracelet as a speech activity.
A student is holding up a playdoh star that he made as a speech activity.
A student is using an ipad for words. The student is playing with toy cars and trucks.
A student is playing Connect 4 as a speech activity.