The Potter Post 10-2-26 is ready to read. We hope you enjoy this issue.

Happy School Custodian Day!

School custodians are special. Yes, they keep our buildings safe and looking fabulous year-round, but they are so much more. They touch students' lives every day with small things that often go unnoticed. Thank you for your smiles, your helping hands, and your heart for the students, staff, and community you serve.

They help create the culture and set the tone for every staff member, student, and caregiver who comes through our door.

You Won't Know Unless You Go!

In this episode of Care U, Don & Stephanie discuss what to do when young people say, “I don’t want to go” or “I’m not going to miss anything,” and how caregivers should respond. They explore the value of encouraging children to show up even when they feel hesitant. They discuss the opportunities young people can discover when they step outside their comfort zone, from forming relationships and exploring future careers to learning that they can do hard things; sometimes, simply being in the room can make all the difference.


We hope you enjoy this episode.


Questions? Want to hear more about something? Did something really hit home? We love FEEDBACK at Care U. (Link in comments)

McLean County schools weigh in on the impact of the county school facilities tax 1.5 years later.

https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-09-22/mclean-county-superintendents-say-school-sales-tax-has-made-a-big-impact

Morton Early Voting Schedule

Temporary Voting Location: Morton Township, 300 West Jefferson St., Morton, IL 61550

Special Morton Location Hours:

October 16th - 9 am to 6 pm
October 17th - 9 am to 3 pm
October 18th - 9 am to 3 pm

October 23rd -9 am to 6 pm
October 24th - 9 am to 3 pm
October 25th - 9 am to 3 pm

Join a Town Hall community meeting to discuss the One-Cent Tax referendum.
Be a part of the conversation about how this could benefit students, staff, and our school community by attending a Town Hall Meeting:

Grundy School - September 29, 2026 (Tuesday) 6-7 pm
Morton Public Library - October 13, 2026 (Tuesday) 6-7 pm
Jefferson School - October 22, 2026 (Thursday) 6-7 pm

https://youtu.be/Xlg5AWA_vFY?si=XcoN8fx_zdqyHA1z

60% & Town Hall Meetings

Did you know? If the One-Cent Tax is approved, nearly 60% of that additional revenue would come from visitors and travelers, not Tazewell County residents.

Revenue from qualifying purchases would directly support our local schools by helping fund critical safety improvements and facility upgrades.

*This means non-residents contribute to our schools, easing the financial burden on Tazewell County property taxpayers while ensuring our students and community benefit from strong, modern schools.
*Those with multiple children in school will save more than they are estimated to spend.
*Groceries, medication, automobiles, and personal services are exempt items.

You’re invited to a Town Hall community meeting to discuss the One-Cent Tax referendum.

Be a part of the conversation about how this could benefit students, staff, and our school community by attending a Town Hall Meeting:

Grundy School - September 29, 2026 (Tuesday) 6-7 pm
Morton Public Library - October 13, 2026 (Tuesday) 6-7 pm
Jefferson School - October 22, 2026 (Thursday) 6-7 pm

Learn more by visiting Redefine 709, tazewellforstudents.com, or contacting Dr. Sander directly through this convenient "Got Questions?" form.

MHS senior Alexis Cook took first place in her class at the Morton Pumpkin Festival with a 359-pound pumpkin. We know the MHS Class of 2027 will do great things. It looks like they are off to a big start. Congratulations, Alexis!