On behalf of the Board of Education, administration, staff, and students, we would like to welcome you to Central Community Unit School District # 4. We believe that Central Unit # 4 is "a great place for a child to grow" and we hope that you also feel the same. Our students' test scores, graduation, and attendance rates continue to be above the state averages. We are proud of our students' accomplishments.

New staff members have been hired for each of the buildings within the district. Please take the opportunity to meet the new staff that your children will be working with. We are pleased to continue the use of the student management program that gives parents the opportunity to be more informed of their student's academic progress. If you do not have access to the Internet at home, please visit the library and use the library's computers where you will be able to be connected to this program.

Technology is a key component of the instructional program and is integrated into the curriculum through a wide-area network that connects the four separate attendance centers. With over 300 computers, students have access to computers and technology throughout the district. The district currently offers Illinois Virtual High School courses to allow for additional classes available to students that are not offered within the district.

The fine arts curriculum offers numerous student opportunities in grades 5 - 12 which include a high school marching band and an advanced high school choir that hosts an annual madrigal dinner. Elementary students are provided music, physical education, and library instruction to help them receive a complete educational curriculum. A comprehensive chapter of the Future Farmers of America exists for students in grades 9 - 12. This program offers students the opportunity to develop both leadership and business skills through the Feed For All Grain Store operated by the Central FFA and agriculture students.

Students in grades 6-12 are given the opportunity to participate in many extra-curricular activities designed to teach sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal development. Central is a member of the Sangamon Valley Athletic Conference.

The district is committed to working with parents, students, and community members to provide the best possible learning environment for all of our students. The staff together with the support of our active parent groups will continue to collaborate to bring special programs and activities to our students and families.

The Board of Education, administration, and teachers plan to continue our motto in the years ahead: "District # 4 - A Great Place for a Child To Grow".

If you haven't already had the opportunity, I encourage you to take a look at our schools, programs, and activities found here on the District # 4 website. We also encourage you to visit your child's school. We appreciate your active involvement in your child's education!

Central Community Unit District No. 4 serves approximately 1250 children in grades pre-kindergarten through senior high school. The school district is located in Iroquois and Kankakee counties in east central Illinois and includes an area of 174 square miles. The villages of Ashkum, Clifton and Chebanse are the main population centers of the district with additional attendance from the communities of L'Erable and Otto. Ashkum and Chebanse have an attendance center at the elementary school and the new Central/Nash Complex, which houses a single high school and middle school located mid-way between Clifton and Chebanse. Ashkum houses the Pre-K population, Chebanse houses grades K-4, and Nash Middle School houses grades 5-8.

A joint building project with the Central Community Citizens Library District has resulted in a beautiful and efficient library system for the schools and the community. It is located between the Nash Middle School and the Central Senior High School.

Half-day pre-school programs for three and four year-old children are operated during the school term. The district music and physical education programs begin in kindergarten. Instrumental music begins in grade 5. A full range of speech, social work, and guidance services are available. Emphasis in the early grades is upon basic academic skills, especially reading and mathematics.

A range of extracurricular activities are offered beginning in the middle grades and continuing through high school. The activities include performing and competitive music groups, speech teams, academic teams, athletic teams, drama, and various clubs and special interest activities such as yearbook, student government, and FFA.

The Central District emphasizes academic learning and performance but does not neglect the social, physical and emotional development of young people.