This week in STEAM, students have been working on the four Cs of STEAM: communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking through different team building activities. Grades 4-6 all participate in our paper change challenge which we do three iterations of each year. This challenge is meant to encourage reflection, innovation, persistence and teamwork as partners work to create the longest paper chain possible using one piece of 8x11 paper, one glue stick, and one pair of scissors. I am so impressed with the communication and collaboration I am seeing across all grades this year! Our longest chain so far this year is 223”, created by a couple of our amazing sixth graders!
Sixth grade has also been working on communication and teamwork through a cup stacking activity where they must work together to unstack cups and the build a pyramid with them by using string and a rubber band.
Fifth graders have also been dusting off their creative thinking skills as we worked on some design exercises this week, creating things like trampolines for sharks, water bottles for octopi, and seesaws for elephants! The creativity of our students is incredible.
Fourth graders listened to the book, Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty and learned about the importance of confidence and perseverance. We also learned a bit about history and how this book connects to Rosie the Riveter icon from World War II.
We are off to such a strong start this year! Excited to see all that we will accomplish in STEAM!
The UIS library is buzzing with readers.
Mark your calendars!
Mark your calendars!
UIS PTO wants you!
Join UIS Drama Club
We had a fantastic first week back. Out 5th graders spent a little time building Omnifix Cubes for their new math program.
We’re Looking for Volunteers!
UIS is looking for Junior Achievement volunteers and Art Presenters to share their time, talents, and experiences with our students!
If you enjoy working with kids and would love to make a positive impact, we’d love to have you join us. Your time can help inspire, educate, and encourage our students! Each homeroom class is seeking volunteers.
Interested in volunteering? Please reach out to Mrs. Cole (nicole.cole@u304.org) for more information. We appreciate our amazing community partners!
UIS is looking for Junior Achievement volunteers and Art Presenters to share their time, talents, and experiences with our students!
If you enjoy working with kids and would love to make a positive impact, we’d love to have you join us. Your time can help inspire, educate, and encourage our students! Each homeroom class is seeking volunteers.
Interested in volunteering? Please reach out to Mrs. Cole (nicole.cole@u304.org) for more information. We appreciate our amazing community partners!
Reminder that today is an early dismissal at 1:00 p.m.
Shuttles are dismissed at 12:40 p.m.
Pick ups are dismissed at 12:50 p.m.
West Campus buses are dismissed at 1:00 p.m.
Shuttles are dismissed at 12:40 p.m.
Pick ups are dismissed at 12:50 p.m.
West Campus buses are dismissed at 1:00 p.m.
We are seeking paraprofessionals. Contact Mrs. Cole (nicole.cole@u304.org) if you are interested in joining the UIS team.
Meet your UIS teachers on Backpack Night from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on August 10th.
Come meet your teachers on Backpack Night!
We are searching for paraprofessionals. If interested, reach out to Patrck Coate (patrick.coate@u304.org) or Nicole Cole (nicole.cole@u304.org).
Notice of a Rescheduled Public Meeting
United Community Unit School District No. 304
Warren County, Illinois
Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of United CUSD 304, that the regular scheduled meeting of:
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at United Junior Senior High School, 1905 100th Street, Monmouth, Illinois, 61462
Has been rescheduled to:
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at United Junior Senior High School, 1905 100th Street, Monmouth, Illinois, 61462
This notice has been given in accordance of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Dated this 27th Day of July, 2026.
Tom Hawkins, Superintendent of Schools
United Community Unit School District No. 304
Warren County, Illinois
Notice is hereby given by the Board of Education of United CUSD 304, that the regular scheduled meeting of:
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at United Junior Senior High School, 1905 100th Street, Monmouth, Illinois, 61462
Has been rescheduled to:
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at United Junior Senior High School, 1905 100th Street, Monmouth, Illinois, 61462
This notice has been given in accordance of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
Dated this 27th Day of July, 2026.
Tom Hawkins, Superintendent of Schools
All our incoming 6th Graders must meet Illinois Health Requirements. Check out what your student needs to begin the school year.
Update for JH Golf: Due to projected heat on Monday, July 27th - the first practice is being moved to Wednesday, July 29th. Please see the attached graphic for more information. Reminder - this is for 6th, 7th and 8th grade athletes.
We are hiring PARAPROFESSIONALS. If interested, please contact Mrs. Cole (nicole.cole@u304.org). To apply, send credentials to Mr. Hawkins (thomas.hawkins@u304.org).
United Intermediate School welcomes Miss Tippett!
"I am so excited to be back for another year! This will be my third year as a substitute at
United. I am also a United Graduate. Last year I got the chance to substitute long term at both
the West elementary and Intermediate through the school year. I loved the time I got to spend
with the 5th/6th grades last year and am beyond grateful to see what this school year brings!
A little about me outside of subbing is that I am a current graduate student at WIU. I am going
for my degree in counseling, mainly school track. I golf quite a bit through the summer, even
doing league with a friend. Beyond that you can normally find me reading, or traveling!"
Hello! My name is Amelia Bennett, and I’m so excited to officially join the team at United Intermediate School as a fifth grade teacher this fall!
I grew up in Alexis and recently graduated from Monmouth College in May with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. As a past graduate of United it’s incredibly special to return to the community that helped shape who I am today, and I couldn’t be more excited to start my first year of teaching at United, a place that has always felt like home. Throughout college I completed many field experiences in a variety of elementary classrooms, where I discovered my passion for teaching and helping upper elementary students learn and grow!
I’m thrilled to be joining the staff at UIS, and look forward to meeting the students and families, while making this a fun-filled and memorable year. I can’t wait to see what this school year has in store! Go Red Storm!
I grew up in Alexis and recently graduated from Monmouth College in May with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. As a past graduate of United it’s incredibly special to return to the community that helped shape who I am today, and I couldn’t be more excited to start my first year of teaching at United, a place that has always felt like home. Throughout college I completed many field experiences in a variety of elementary classrooms, where I discovered my passion for teaching and helping upper elementary students learn and grow!
I’m thrilled to be joining the staff at UIS, and look forward to meeting the students and families, while making this a fun-filled and memorable year. I can’t wait to see what this school year has in store! Go Red Storm!
United Intermediate School welcomes Ms. Rapp. She will join the staff this year as our math interventionist.
Hello! My name is Jessica Rapp, or you can call me Ms. Rapp. I am so excited to start working with students and staff at United Intermediate School! Go Red Storm!! I love going on coffee outings with my fiancé, mom, grandma, and friends. Over the summer, I have been hiking at local parks in our area. I love cooking, and my favorite dish is chicken or steak fajitas. My favorite color is purple. I'm a big reader, and enjoy learning new things. I can't wait to share my love of learning with my students. Let's have a fantastic start to the new school year! 🍎📚
Hello! My name is Jessica Rapp, or you can call me Ms. Rapp. I am so excited to start working with students and staff at United Intermediate School! Go Red Storm!! I love going on coffee outings with my fiancé, mom, grandma, and friends. Over the summer, I have been hiking at local parks in our area. I love cooking, and my favorite dish is chicken or steak fajitas. My favorite color is purple. I'm a big reader, and enjoy learning new things. I can't wait to share my love of learning with my students. Let's have a fantastic start to the new school year! 🍎📚
