Dear Parent/Guardian,
Beginning February 3, 2026, students and teachers across Illinois will have an opportunity to participate in the eleventh annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent/guardian, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.
On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
• Effective Leaders
• Collaborative Teachers
• Involved Families
• Supportive Environments
• Ambitious Instruction
Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more Essentials.
All teachers and fourth through 12th-grade students will be responding to this survey. 5Essentials Reports will be generated for schools if their teachers and/or students meet the response rate threshold of 50 percent. These reports will be sent to schools and districts in May and will also be included in the State School Report Card.
Additionally, your district has chosen to provide the optional supplement parent survey. If at least 20 percent of Clay City CUSD #10 parents/guardians complete this survey, a parent report will also be generated. The parent data will not be included on the State Report Card.
Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted from February 3, 2026, to March 13, 2026. The Parent Survey Supplement will be conducted during that same period. To take the survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
For more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, or to view previous years’ Reports, please visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact UChicago Impact Survey Support at 1-866-440-1874 or impact-surveys@uchicago.edu.
Sincerely,
John Neubaum
Beginning February 3, 2026, students and teachers across Illinois will have an opportunity to participate in the eleventh annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent/guardian, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.
On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
• Effective Leaders
• Collaborative Teachers
• Involved Families
• Supportive Environments
• Ambitious Instruction
Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more Essentials.
All teachers and fourth through 12th-grade students will be responding to this survey. 5Essentials Reports will be generated for schools if their teachers and/or students meet the response rate threshold of 50 percent. These reports will be sent to schools and districts in May and will also be included in the State School Report Card.
Additionally, your district has chosen to provide the optional supplement parent survey. If at least 20 percent of Clay City CUSD #10 parents/guardians complete this survey, a parent report will also be generated. The parent data will not be included on the State Report Card.
Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted from February 3, 2026, to March 13, 2026. The Parent Survey Supplement will be conducted during that same period. To take the survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
For more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, or to view previous years’ Reports, please visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact UChicago Impact Survey Support at 1-866-440-1874 or impact-surveys@uchicago.edu.
Sincerely,
John Neubaum
Weekly Announcements • February 9-14
Meyer Art will be at Clay City Schools on Wednesday, February 24. Please see attached flyers for more information or contact the school at 618.676.1431 for more information.
Guidance counselor Miss Hall accompanied 20 juniors and seniors to the OCC College and Career Fair held on Wednesday, February 18. Students were able to visit different booths, "connect with 50+ employers and universities, explore career opportunities and transfer options and make real connections — all in one place", (OCC). Afterwards, students stopped at Starbucks to grab a treat on their way back to CCHS.
Forgot to order a yearbook when you were school? Perhaps we can help! Clay City Yearbook is selling surplus yearbooks at a low cost. All proceeds will be put back into the yearbook fund to ensure we can continue to put out a quality book year after year. Yearbooks listed from 1973-2019 will be $10 each while 2020-2024 will be $20, and 2025 is still available for $40. Please contact Mrs. Goodrum at bgoodrum@claycityschools.org or at 618.676.1431 to reserve a copy today.
REMINDER: The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted from February 3, 2026, to March 13, 2026. The Parent Survey Supplement will be conducted during that same period. To take the survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
Our elementary students are steadily gaining AR points this semester! Keep up the good work!
In observance of Presidents' Day, Clay City CUSD #10 will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 17.
Weekly Announcements • February 16-21
CCHS junior Alyssa G. competed in a poetry recitation competition for Poetry Out Loud on Thursday in Champaign at the Champaign Public Library. While she didn’t move on to the state competition, English teacher Hailey Martin stated she did really well! She recited “It Was Not Fate” by William H. A. Moore and “Mountain Storm” by Younghill Kang. Congratulations Alyssa, we at CCHS are proud of you! Here, Alyssa (second from left) stands with other contestants as they are recognized.
Clay City Junior High students had an interesting Valentine’s Day celebration on Friday. The junior high teachers, led by Ms. Phegley, put on a War of the Roses (knights and castle games) themed Valentine’s party. Every sixth through eighth grade student participated in the activities. Before the games, students were treated to punch and cookies in the commons. Family consumer science students under the direction of Ms. Harris provided cookies for the affair. Additionally, parents donated snacks and drinks for the festivities. The CCJH teachers and staff would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the afternoon fun and special for these students.
Mrs. Klein’s second graders spent part of their week watching and learning about the Olympics. Some students were able to use their stem bags to create their favorite piece of Olympic equipment! 🏒⛷️⛸️
Miss Fender's first graders had fun celebrating Valentine's Day! They played games, made cards, and had treats.
Sunday, February 15 is National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. Clay City CUSD #10 is thankful for SRO Ray Phillips of the Clay County Sheriff's Office. SRO Phillips has a great relationship with students and staff, making connections with everyone he comes in contact with. Clay City CUSD #10 appreciates the time and energy SRO Phillips dedicates to our school culture.
REMINDER: CCHS Class of 2026 invite you to a porkburger sale this Sunday, February 15. The sale will take place in the Clay City Christian Church parking lot from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
All home junior high volleyball games will be played at 4:30pm for the remainder of the season, unless specified otherwise.
Mrs. Ahlfield's third graders had a science experiment this week. Taking a trek to the JH/HS science lab, students were able to see what it's like to use a science lab for a science experiment. Gloved and equipped with tools, students were placed into groups and began dissect owl pellets. They looked for bone, fur, and other prey matter. Students then used worksheets to try to identify what was found in the pellet. It was a great experience getting out of the classroom and using the space to complete such an interesting science lab!
Ms. Harris' junior high FCS class held a Valentine tea party on Thursday. They had snacks and drinks, along with treat bags and table decor!
Some of Miss Fender's first graders had a great time making Valentine puppets with Mrs. Neubaum. What a fun way to celebrate the holiday!
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted from February 3, 2026, to March 13, 2026. The Parent Survey Supplement will be conducted during that same period. To take the survey, please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
