Waterloo Community Unit School District #5
Home of the Bulldogs
Dear Waterloo CUSD #5 Parents and Guardians,Waterloo Community Unit School District #5 is dedicated to the success of every student, and we believe that strong collaboration between home and school...
October 9, 2026
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in this year’s Science Fair on February 27, 2027!Interested families can attend an informational meeting on Tuesday, October 2...
October 9, 2026
House of Neighborly Service is here to help make Thanksgiving a little easier. Registered families will receive everything needed to prepare a complete Thanksgiving meal at home.📅 Pick-Up: Wednesda...
October 5, 2026
The City of Waterloo’s annual PumpkinFest will be held Saturday, October 10, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at the Courthouse Square.Attached are the PumpkinFest Schedule of Events, coloring contest page...
September 25, 2026
WHS Drama Club Presents: Ghostchasers! Come see their performance Thursday, October 1st or Friday, October 2nd at 7pm. Adults are $10, students are $5, and children 5 and under are free.
September 21, 2026
Parents & Guardians, We’re excited to once again share that Miles of Smiles will be providing free dental exams for any Waterloo student who would like to participate. Paper copies of the requi...
September 18, 2026
Amanda Hill and Sarah Bartosik, Pre-K teachers; Alison Biffar, Speech Therapist; and Stephanie Toenjes from Morrison-Talbott Library were awarded a $1,000 INEA SCORE grant to support a “Make and Ta...
September 11, 2026
WCUSD #5 Home Event Safety & Sportsmanship ReminderWe are excited to welcome our students, families, and community members to our home athletic events! Our goal is to provide a safe, positive, ...
September 3, 2026
We have recently received several concerns regarding drivers speeding and becoming distracted in school zones, both around our schools and throughout town. Drivers, please slow down, stay focused, ...
September 2, 2026
If you are currently on the District's Approved Volunteer List, your approval will remain valid for the entire 2026–2027 school year. You do not need to complete a new background check this year be...
August 28, 2026
Make the most of school breaks by planning family vacations and appointments around the dates below. Scheduling travel during these times helps minimize missed instructional time and keeps students...
August 25, 2026
Parents/Guardians,Regular Bus RoutesRegular bus routes are now posted on the website at https://www.wcusd5.net/businfo or can be found here. Please know these times are approximate. Your student's ...
August 10, 2026
Parents/Guardians,Robinson Transport Inc. is our new bus transportation company. They are located at 108 Westview Plaza Dr. and their phone number remains (618) 939-8877. We are excited to partner ...
August 4, 2026
Skyward is once again syncing with RevTrak, allowing you to pay fees online! To do this, please login to Skyward and go to "Fee Management" on the left hand side, or login directly to RevTrak by fo...
July 29, 2026
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications are now available. If you registered prior to July 17th, these were unavailable during the registration process. Please complete the attached form to apply for free/...
July 27, 2026
Parents/Guardians,Skyward UpdatesSkyward recently performed upgrade maintenance, in which they found items that need further attention. It seems to be up and running now, however, you may find that...
July 20, 2026
Rogers Elementary is excited to welcome Nikki Asselmeier to our special education team! After teaching in Utah, Illinois, overseas, and spending the last 16 years in Wyoming, she and her family hav...
July 17, 2026
Waterloo Junior High School is thrilled to introduce our new Assistant Principal, Dr. Amber Smith! Bringing a wealth of diverse educational experience with her, she is eager to partner with our stu...
July 15, 2026
Join Mr. Mayer at Morrison Talbott Library on July 28th at 10am or 4pm for a reading of Knight Owl and Early Bird!
July 14, 2026
Rogers Elementary is thrilled to welcome home Waterloo High School alum Ellie Schwehr as another one of our newest 3rd grade teachers! In addition to teaching, she is also joining our high school v...
July 10, 2026
Click here to register on Skyward. Other helpful links are listed below.Supply Lists W.J. Zahnow Elementary Rogers Elementary Gardner Elementary Waterloo Junior High School Waterloo High School 202...
July 1, 2026
Let's extend a fantastic Bulldog welcome to Andi Hirsch as she steps into her new role as a 1st grade teacher at Zahnow Elementary! She is looking forward to making incredible memories with her inc...
June 25, 2026
Rogers Elementary is thrilled to welcome Camryn McNeill to the 3rd grade hallway! Bringing five years of elementary and special education experience from the Belleville area, she is excited to retu...
June 23, 2026
Waterloo High School is proud to introduce Jennifer Kretchmer as our newest special education teacher! After serving our district as a dedicated paraprofessional for 12 years, she is proving it’s n...
June 19, 2026
Let's give a warm Waterloo welcome to Collin Gilreath, our newest social studies teacher at Waterloo High School! Mr. Gilreath brings a year of teaching experience from Richland County High School ...
June 16, 2026
Please join us in giving a warm welcome back to Kaitlyn Polacek! As a 2016 Waterloo High School graduate, she is thrilled to return home as the newest social studies teacher at WJHS. 🐾🖤🧡
June 12, 2026
Please join us in welcoming Averi Clifton to Gardner Elementary. She is excited to begin her teaching journey as our newest 5th Grade Bulldog, and we are thrilled to have her! 🐾🖤🧡
June 10, 2026
As summer continues, we wanted to share a couple of opportunities available to Waterloo students and families through two of our community partners.Morrison-Talbott Library Summer Reading ProgramTh...
June 1, 2026
Virtual Backpack Round-up May 2026 Hello WCUSD5 Families, The Virtual Backpack is where WCUSD #5 shares information from non-profit organizations, intergovernmental agencies, and business partners....
May 18, 2026
Help us show our appreciation to these amazing ladies! From scraped knees to managing chronic conditions, our school nurses ensure that all students are healthy and ready to learn! We are so gratef...
May 6, 2026
All after school activities (including Kennel Klub) are cancelled for today due to the potential for severe weather.Brian Charron, Superintendent
April 27, 2026
WHS Drama Club presents This Murder was Staged on Thursday, April 30th and Friday, May 1st at 7pm in the WHS Auditorium. Adults are $10 and students are $5. We'd love to see you all there!
April 27, 2026
Let’s hear it for our April Standouts! We are so proud to announce this month's Staff Members of the Month. Amanda Hill - Early Childhood Teacher, Zahnow Elementary Kristen Schutt - Paraprofessiona...
April 27, 2026
Information on summer sports camps can be found on our high school athletic website under Inside Athletics > Forms or go to https://www.whsbulldogs.com/documents. The site will be updated as cam...
April 17, 2026
Provided no further emergency days are required, we look forward to dismissing students for the summer on May 22nd! 🐾📅
April 13, 2026
Please see the message below from House of Neighborly Service regarding their summer lunch program: Hello, friends!We are pleased to announce the launch of our HNS Summer Lunch Program! This except...
April 13, 2026
Virtual Backpack Round-up April 2026 Hello WCUSD5 Families, The Virtual Backpack is where WCUSD #5 shares information from non-profit organizations, intergovernmental agencies, and business partner...
April 9, 2026
Happy (Belated) National School Librarian Day to the amazing team members who bring our libraries to life! We are so grateful for the way Mr. Mayer supports our teachers in the classroom and helps ...
April 8, 2026
It’s National Assistant Principals Week, and we are shining a light on the leaders who provide constant support and guidance within our buildings! Their commitment to fostering a positive environme...
April 7, 2026
Parents,I apologize for the inconvenience, but all schools in Waterloo CUSD #5 will be closed tomorrow. We sustained vandalism to Waterloo Junior High School early Saturday morning. During this inc...
April 5, 2026
Today we celebrate the dedicated paraprofessionals of WCUSD#5, whose work in our classrooms provides the vital academic, behavioral, and physical support our students need to thrive. Whether they a...
April 1, 2026
It takes a dedicated team to ensure our students are successful, healthy, and supported. Whether it’s a teacher sparking a new idea, a social worker providing a listening ear, a nurse caring for a ...
March 27, 2026
In honor of Music In Our Schools Month, we celebrate the dedicated music educators across WCUSD#5 for the vital role they play in our students' lives. Music education does so much more than teach i...
March 16, 2026
Huge congratulations to our brilliant student scientists! This past Saturday, February 28th, WCUSD #5 hosted our annual District Science Fair, and we are so incredibly proud of the hard work, curio...
March 6, 2026
Today is National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day. Help us thank the men who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep WCUSD#5 safe and running smoothly!
March 6, 2026
March is Social Worker Appreciation Month, and at WCUSD #5, we are taking this time to recognize the incredible professionals who support the emotional, social, and academic well-being of our stude...
March 2, 2026
Whether they are sparking a love for learning, keeping our buildings clean, or supporting students in extra-curriculars, these educators and support staff make WCUSD #5 a better place to learn and ...
February 26, 2026
Celebrate Foreign Language Week with culture in our community. Experience the rich and flavorful traditions of Mexico paired with a stunning display of the powerful art of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.
February 25, 2026
The 2026-2027 Official School Calendar was approved by the Board of Education at the February 23, 2026 Regular Board Meeting. See the attached PDF for the full document, or view here.
February 24, 2026
Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share what FFA is and the impact it has on members every day. This year's celebration runs from February 22-28...
February 20, 2026
Support Gardner Elementary students while refreshing your Bulldog gear! Join us on Saturday, February 21st from 8am-12pm in the Gardner cafeteria.
February 18, 2026
Sunday was School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, and we are taking a moment to celebrate Officer Brandon Hartin.Officer Hartin is more than just a security presence; he is a vital member of our...
February 17, 2026
Career and Technical Education Month® is a public awareness campaign, hosted by ACTE and sponsored by National Association of Home Builders, that takes place each February to celebrate CTE, the acc...
February 9, 2026
Appointments for pre-k screening are now open! Children must turn 3 years of age by September 1, 2026. Those turning 5 years old before September 1, 2026 are recommended to attend Kindergarten scre...
February 5, 2026
The graduation date for the Class of 2026 has been set by the board of education and will be held on May 17th, 2026 at 1:00pm in the Waterloo High School gymnasium. Details will be shared with grad...
February 3, 2026
WCUSD #5 is thrilled to announce that a familiar face is returning to our leadership team in 2026-2027. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Mitch North as the next Principal of Waterloo Junior High Sch...
February 3, 2026
National School Counseling Week, presented by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.Thank you Mrs. Meyer...
February 2, 2026
Shining bright in 2026! 🌟✨We are thrilled to kick off the new year by celebrating our January Staff Members of the Month! These dedicated individuals have hit the ground running this semester, brin...
January 30, 2026
January 26, 2026
January 25, 2026
🐾 STAY COZY & SUPPORT THE CLASS OF 2029! 🐾Hey Bulldog Fans! 🧡🖤Are you tired of shivering in the stands? We have the perfect solution! The Freshman Class is selling these custom 60" x 70" Waterl...
January 14, 2026
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📢 READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT? We’ve simplified the path to becoming a bulldog! 🐾Have you ever thought about subbing but weren’t sure where to start? We are looking for passionate, dependable individua...
January 6, 2026
December Staff Spotlight! 🎄As the year draws to a close, we shine a spotlight on the exceptional commitment and dedication of our staff! We are thrilled to recognize our December Staff Members of t...
December 19, 2025
Gardner Elementary Spirit Wear Socks for Sale!Gardner Elementary is selling spirit wear socks, and they’re available now while supplies last! Socks are $15 per pair and are sold first come, first s...
December 17, 2025
What a wonderful day of festive fun we had today!The WHS Transitions Program hosted their annual Winter Games today, creating smiles and memories for students across our district. They welcomed fri...
December 4, 2025
Giving Thanks to Our November Difference-Makers! 🦃 In this season of gratitude, we are especially thankful for the dedicated team at Waterloo CUSD #5! Join us as we proudly announce our November St...
November 25, 2025
Waterloo CUSD #5 is incredibly proud to announce the Illinois State Scholars from Waterloo High School!This prestigious recognition is earned by demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, base...
November 21, 2025
It was such a pleasure hearing from the 5th grade SHOW Senators last night during our monthly board meeting. Take a look at their website to see their upcoming community service project! https://ga...
November 18, 2025
Community Support For Families Parents and Caregivers of the Waterloo Community Families in our community have been impacted by the government shutdown in a variety of ways. If you have been affect...
November 12, 2025
Waterloo Community, Parents, Faculty, and Staff:The Board of Education would like anyone who is interested to tour Waterloo Junior High School to see first hand some of the reasons behind the neces...
November 4, 2025
The WHS Math Team brought home the 1st place trophy for 3A last night in a dominating Southwest Math Conference season long performance, scoring 684.75 points for the season (2nd place was 516 poin...
November 4, 2025
It's time for our monthly shout-out to the incredible staff members who go above and beyond for Waterloo CUSD #5! We are delighted to announce and celebrate our October Staff Members of the Month f...
October 30, 2025
October 29, 2025 | Halloween Dress Up Day! What a fun day it was across Waterloo CUSD #5! 🎃 Our students and staff fully embraced the spirit of Halloween today!The day was full of great costumes, i...
October 29, 2025
Special congratulations to Head Coach Chad Holden on reaching an incredible milestone last night. The boys soccer regional semi-final victory was his 400th career win as boys soccer coach. This mov...
October 22, 2025
Don’t forget! The Science Fair informational meeting is tonight at 7 PM in the Gardner Elementary Library.Come learn how your student can get involved in this year’s fair!Can’t attend? Email scienc...
October 21, 2025
Check out the latest from the WHS Drama Club! 🎭They're presenting SQUAD ROOM!—a show where YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE SQUAD ROOM! Join us for a night of Comedy, Crime, and Chaos! DATES &a...
October 10, 2025
Let's Go Blues! Waterloo CUSD #5 was rocking the blue and gold today as our students showed off their St. Louis Blues spirit for opening night! But the fun didn't stop there! Our Bulldogs received ...
October 9, 2025
We are absolutely thrilled to announce something truly spectacular!Waterloo Community Unit School District #5 and the Morrison-Talbott Library have finalized an Intergovernmental Agreement! What do...
October 9, 2025
Dear Waterloo CUSD #5 Parents and Guardians,Waterloo Community Unit School District #5 is dedicated to the success of every student, and we believe that strong collaboration between home and school...
October 8, 2025
It's time to celebrate some incredible members of the Waterloo CUSD #5 team! 🎉 We want to recognize our September Staff Members of the Month for their hard work, dedication, and everything they do ...
October 7, 2025
Dear Waterloo CUSD#5 Parents, Guardians & Students,We're so glad to have you on our new communication platform, ParentSquare! As you've started to receive messages, we wanted to provide you wit...
September 8, 2025
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Just a friendly reminder that all students in Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 9th grade are required to have a dental exam, per the State of Illinois.Miles of Smiles, LTD will be hosting a student dent...
August 29, 2025
We're excited to introduce Matt Espenschied, our new Physical Education Teacher at Waterloo Junior High School! Matt brings over 20 years of experience, a passion for coaching, and a love for the W...
August 8, 2025
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Mandy Gantner, our new Speech-Language Pathologist at Rogers Elementary School! Mandy recently earned her Master's in Communication Disorders from Southea...
August 6, 2025
We are thrilled to introduce Morgan Riggs, our newest 3rd Grade Teacher at Rogers Elementary School! A recent University of Missouri graduate with a degree in Elementary Education, Morgan is also a...
August 5, 2025
Waterloo Junior High and High School are thrilled to welcome Laura Hollingsworth to the Bulldog Family as our new Chorus Teacher! Laura brings 5 years of experience teaching music and choir, and sh...
August 4, 2025
Please join us in giving a warm Waterloo welcome to Rebecca Boyce, our new Social Studies Teacher at Waterloo High School! Rebecca brings a Master's in Teaching from McKendree University and a pass...
August 1, 2025
Parents/Guardians & Students,Now that WCUSD#5 is using ParentSquare, we will no longer be utilizing the WCUSD#5 app (The Waterloo Athletics app is still active!). If you have this app currently...
August 1, 2025
Join us in celebrating Emeline Brockland, who is enthusiastically joining Waterloo Junior High School as a Physical Education Teacher! A recent graduate of McKendree University, Emeline is passiona...
July 31, 2025
Join us in giving a warm Waterloo welcome to Jennifer McBroom, our newest Language Teacher at Waterloo Junior High School! We're especially excited to welcome Jennifer, as she's a hometown native s...
July 30, 2025
We're absolutely thrilled to welcome Chelsey Johnson, our new 7th Grade Literature & Language Teacher at Waterloo Junior High School! With 13 years of experience, we're so excited to have her b...
July 28, 2025
Please join us in extending a sincere welcome to Callen Reitz, our new 4th Grade Teacher at Gardner Elementary School! We are delighted she has chosen to begin her teaching career in Waterloo and j...
July 25, 2025
We're thrilled to have Logan joining Rogers Elementary as a 2nd Grade Teacher for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year! Many of you might recognize him, as he's been a sub for our district.When he's ...
July 23, 2025
Please join us in extending a warm Waterloo welcome to Dr. Ryan Sherp, a new Special Education Teacher at Gardner Elementary School! Dr. Sherp brings a unique and diverse background to our district...
July 21, 2025
Please give a warm Waterloo welcome to Danielle Sellers, joining Gardner Elementary as a 5th Grade Teacher for the 2025-2026 school year! Danielle brings valuable experience, having taught 5th and ...
July 18, 2025
We're excited to introduce Bill Pawlak, who will be joining Gardner Elementary as a 5th Grade Teacher for 2025-2026! He's new to the area and can't wait to get to know our students and families.Ple...
July 16, 2025
Dear Families,We are excited to announce that WCUSD#5 has adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called ParentSquare. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents, g...
July 14, 2025