RCHS

Reed-Custer students prepare for Box City of Hope

Published by admin on Tue, 10/13/2020 - 5:16pm

Reed-Custer High School students have spent the past several years promoting awareness of homelessness.

This year’s FCCLA members are getting set to once again bring the issue to the foreground while also raising funds for the Community Cares food pantry in Braidwood.

Box City of Hope will take place on Friday, Oct. 30.

During the overnight event, students set up their own tents or boxes and experience a night in the elements, to raise money and awareness for homelessness and hunger.

Administrators to graduates: Hold on to memories, find inspiration

Published by admin on Tue, 05/21/2019 - 6:43pm

This year’s high school seniors are students no more.

The 91st Annual Reed-Custer High School Commencement Ceremony was held on Sunday, May 19, as the 115 graduates of the Class of 2019 walked the halls as students for the last time.

Reed-Custer Superintendent Mark Mitchell told the graduates that he will always carry fond memories of the Class of 2019.

RCHS grads give thanks where thanks is due

Published by admin on Tue, 05/21/2019 - 6:41pm

The top students of the Reed-Custer High School Class of 2019 know that their success was a group effort.

On Sunday, May 19, those students got a chance to thank their families, teachers and friends for their help over the past four years, during this year’s graduation ceremony.

Valedictorian T.J. Sforza told his fellow graduates that they have much to be proud of after four years at RCHS.

“Each one of us had a different outlook on our high school experience. While we all completed high school in our own way, we have shared a common passion to succeed,” Sforza said.

New cafeteria project will wait until fall

Published by admin on Tue, 05/21/2019 - 6:38pm

Some rough drawings have been completed for a potential new cafeteria at Reed-Custer High School, but the district will wait until the fall before moving forward with any specific plans on the project.

On May 15, Superintendent Mark Mitchell gave members of the RC School Board an update on the project during their regular monthly meeting.

Students lauded for achievements

Published by admin on Tue, 01/22/2019 - 7:12pm

The Reed-Custer School Board took a moment this month to honor several Comet seniors who have gone above and beyond in academic and extracurricular achievement.

On Jan. 16, the board recognized RCHS senior Casey Cromp, who was selected to the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All State Conference, which meets this week in Peoria.

RCHS teacher charged with sexual contact with a minor

Published by admin on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 4:00pm

 

The Reed-Custer School District has accepted the resignation of a consumer sciences educator, who has now been arrested on charges of inapporpriate sexual contact with a minor resulting in a $1 million bond.

Dayna Chidester, 50, who has been with the consumer sciences program at RCHS since August 2017, was arrested this week and charged for alleged sexual contact with a minor in Manhattan, where she resides.

Prior to this week's development, Chidester was under investigaiton for alleged contact with a student at Reed-Custer on accusations of drug-related activity.

RCHS teacher arrested for sexual contact with a minor

Published by admin on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 1:42pm

A teacher from RCHS has been arrested and charged with four felony counts related to inappropriate sexual contract with a minor in Manhattan, Ill.

Dayna Chidester, 50, of Manhattan, has been arrested and charged with four felony counts including grooming and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Superintendent Mark Mitchell sent the following statement to parents this afternoon:

"I am incredibly disappointed to have to contact all of you after what was hopefully a wonderful holiday season with your families.

Thumbs up for new RCHS cafeteria

Published by admin on Tue, 12/18/2018 - 7:22pm

Future Comets at Reed-Custer High School will be able to spend their lunch hour in an upgraded cafeteria.

In November, school board president Greg Boyer said that the Building and Grounds Committee would recommend moving ahead with plans for an addition to the high school, to add a new kitchen and eating area, as well as access for a concession stand for football fields and other outdoor activities.

School district to survey staff on needs, wants

Published by admin on Tue, 10/23/2018 - 6:31pm

The Reed-Custer School Board will continue to look at options for a new high school cafeteria. But before the project moves forward, the district will do an informal analysis on district needs in an effort to prioritize its operational and educational needs.

On Oct. 17, the board held a brief discussion on the potential new space at the high school. Superintendent Mark Mitchell said that before things move ahead, the district would like input from staff.

RCHS students spend night in Box City

Published by admin on Tue, 10/09/2018 - 6:07pm

Reed-Custer’s FCCLA students have again made strides in bringing awareness, donations, and money to a problem that affects more locally than most folks know.

On Oct. 5, the RCHS Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America students turned the front of the high school into a makeshift campsite, part of this year’s “Box City” event.