News Progress

•September 8, 2021•
The 2021 General Dacey Trail Hay Ride for People with Mobility Restrictions will be held on October 13th. This event features scenic hayride tours of the General Dacey Trail for all, young and old, who are physically unable to walk the trail on their own. The trailers used for the events are made to accommodate wheelchairs and sitting participants. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) staff will be on standby to assist any participants that may need assistance. Family or staff support are encouraged to ride along for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Tours arrive and depart from the Shelbyville Aquatic Center parking lot in Shelbyville’s Forest Park. This event is made possible by Lake Shelbyville USACE, General Dacey Trail, and Sloan Implement of Shelbyville. Departure times are 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. To reserve a seat and time slot, please contact the Lake Shelbyville Interpretive Services and Outreach Program Department at 217-774-3951 ext. 7047.

•September 8, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

As we enter a new school year, I would like to share another great article from Extension Educator Karla Belzer that addresses something that can happen in the school environment – bullying. Karla says: As children return to schools and classrooms this fall after a year of a variety of learning environments, many parents and caregivers may find themselves concerned about bullying. Recent research indicated, not surprisingly, that rates of school bullying dropped during the pandemic – likely as a result of many students participating in remote learning environments. And, as students spend more and more time in digital, on-line learning environments, the risk for cyberbullying can increase as well.
A concerned parent once approached me with a myriad of questions on bullying. Why was her child being excluded from the peer group? What about name calling – is that bullying? Why is her child being picked on? What can she do to help? As the questions went on, one in particular stood out to me: “Is this normal?” It became clear: this parent was having difficulty distinguishing between “normal” peer conflict and bullying. Read More

•September 8, 2021•
On the morning of September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes bound for California. The planes departed from airports in Boston; Newark, NJ; and Washington, D.C. September 11 would become an infamous date in American and world history, and the events of that day would forever change the world. As the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the following timeline, courtesy of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, can help people fully understand how events unfolded on that late-summer morning two decades ago.

• 5:45 a.m.: Two of the hijackers pass through security at Portland International Airport in Maine. The men will take a short flight to Boston Logan International Airport, where they will join three other hijackers and board American Airlines Flight 11.
• 6:00 a.m: Two of the hijacked planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, will eventually crash into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. The day was a significant one on the New York City political calendar, as polling stations opened at 6 a.m. for primary elections. Read More

•September 1, 2021•
Is your child ready for kindergarten?
• This early childhood group is for kids getting ready to enter Kindergarten. We will give you the materials you need in order to prepare them.
• Meets two times a month on Friday at 10:00am starting September 10, 2021 • Every student will receive a back pack and folder. • It’s a great opportunity to socialize with peers and learn how a classroom setting will work. Read More

•September 1, 2021•
“Learning should be fun! I strive to put emotion, passion and laughter into my classroom setting,” stated SHS Spanish teacher Patricia King, who recently received the Recognition of Excellence Award from the Regional Office of Education #11.
According to the ROE #11 website, the award recognizes teachers who have “modeled excellence in education” and who are “exceptionally skillful and dedicated individuals who have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and co-workers.”
Those selected “also play active and useful roles within their communities as well as schools; often distinguishing themselves as leaders. Their most important quality is their superior ability to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.”
King, who started teaching at Sullivan High School in 2001, was highly recommended for the honor. Read More