It is with great joy and honor that I share with you the results of SPS’ 2026 Summative Designations. This is evidence that at Sterling Public Schools, our slogan holds true. This truly is a place “where students achieve!” Therefore, today’s edition of Superintendent’s Update is all about our students’ academic growth and success. I highlight our students’ 2026 state test scores, as well as Sterling High School’s latest honor of being recognized as one of the best high schools in the state of Illinois. To access, please click on the attached link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12AJv1YUpxjtz2nHmw5wYDnX9hUWEbVN_2IFmEFd8vaI/edit?usp=sharing
Need some desserts? So many to choose from!!!
Over 30 baskets to try to win!!
Come out and support our Pink Night to benefit the Dunlap family's battle with breast cancer! Do not miss it! See you Thursday!
🤒 TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL…OR OKAY TO GO?
We know mornings can be tricky. Your child says they don’t feel well, and you’re trying to decide: Do they need to stay home, or are they okay to go to school?
Here are a few helpful things to remember:
🏠 Stay home when your child has:
• A fever of 100.0 or higher
• Vomiting or diarrhea
🎒 School may still be okay when:
• They have a mild runny nose or cough that is improving
• They are a little tired but can participate normally
• They are fever-free and otherwise feeling well enough for a typical school day
When students are truly sick, staying home helps them recover and protects others. But when they are feeling well enough to participate, being at school matters!
When in doubt, reach out to your child’s school nurse for guidance. 💙 #attendancematters
📚 ON-TRACK OCTOBER
Staying on track is much easier when we take school one week at a time.
Take a few minutes each week to check:
• Missing assignments
• Grades
• Attendance
• Upcoming tests or projects
It’s much easier to tackle one week at a time than to dig out of a four-week hole.
A quick weekly check-in can help students stay organized, catch problems early, and build responsibility. Encourage your child to get help from their teacher. Students at CMS have advisory. Students at SHS have 8th hour. #parentschoolparternship #togetherkidssucceed
📢 SPS is Hiring!
Sterling Public Schools is seeking a Director of Human Resources, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.
Please share with anyone who may be interested!
🏐💗 October is almost here, and so is our Volleyball Pink Out Night! Order your T-shirt by this Wednesday, September 30, and get ready to pink out on October 15! Scan the QR code for details.
At dinner, in the car, or before bed, ask everyone to share one good thing and one hard thing from their day. Adults, you share too!
Sometimes the best way to get kids talking is to let them hear you first. Taking time to listen helps you understand your child’s school experience and how you can support their learning and growth. #partnership #webothwantwhatsbestforkids
Sterling Golden Warrior Girls Volleyball and Boys Basketball are teaming up during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support the Dunlaps—members of our own Sterling Schools coaching family.
Scan the QR code to sponsor our T-shirts, purchase a shirt, or donate a basket. Every contribution helps show this family some Warrior love!
Mark your calendars for our Pink Out game on October 15, and stay tuned for more details! 🏐🏀💗
Visible Learning in action! 🪚🔨
Woodworking students SHS took ownership of their learning while working together, solving problems, and supporting one another. Their amazing teacher coached them along the way and created a safe, organized shop with clear directions at every station. A great example of teamwork, independence, and students doing the work!
#VisibleLearning #StudentOwnership #Teamwork #SPS5 #bestteacherever #beststudentsever
Sterling Public Schools is partnering with families to reach our goal of 95% student attendance. What does that mean? In a typical 20-day school month, students should miss no more than 1 day. Over our 176-day school year, that means missing no more than 9 days. #AttendanceMatters #PartneringForSuccess
Families are an important part of our school team! 🤝
Each month, we will focus on a family strategy to partner with us in your child's success.
September: Consistent routines help students feel prepared and ready to learn.
Work together to establish regular times for:
🎒 Preparing backpacks and materials
🌙 Going to bed and waking up
📖 Reading or completing schoolwork
📱 Using technology
😊 Relaxing and spending time together
✅ Try this week: Create one designated place for backpacks, charging devices, and school materials.
#FamilyEngagement #PartneringForSuccess #HealthyRoutinesHelpKids
Last year, our district attendance rate reached 94.1%. This year, we’re working together to reach our goal of 95% attendance!
We know you as parents want the very best academically for your student, and getting them to school consistently is the first step. Every day at school is another opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Let’s make every day count! 💙💛
#EveryDayMatters #SPS5
