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 Request for Transportation Services 

East St. Louis School District 189 is seeking proposals from Illinois qualified and reliable third-party transportation vendors to support safe, timely, and consistent student transportation across the district.

This partnership will supplement our existing services and ensure every student arrives at school ready to learn.

 See the flyer for full details.
 Interested vendors should contact Lori Chalmers at lori.chalmers or 618-646-3340 for submission information.

Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center and Dr. Katie Harper Wright Preschool early learning programs have once again earned the Gold Circle of Quality – the highest distinction awarded by ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development.

This recognition is not new to our schools; both Vivian Adams and Dr. Katie Harper Wright have maintained the Gold Circle of Quality designation across multiple years, demonstrating an enduring commitment to excellence in early learning.  Achieving this honor requires meeting rigorous statewide standards and successfully completing a comprehensive review and monitoring process.

To be recognized at this level reflects the high quality of teaching, supportive learning environments, strong family and community partnerships, staff expertise, and program leadership that define our early childhood programs.

Let's celebrate the outstanding staff and leaders of Vivian Adams and Dr. Katie Harper Wright, who continue to set the standard for early childhood education in our region.  Their work embodies our district’s theme: Anchored in Excellence.

Students who choose to use backpacks must have a clear backpack. Alternatively, students may use binders. Clear backpacks are available for purchase from a number of retailers, including Personal Touch Boutique in East St. Louis, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and others. The backpack must be completely transparent, but the straps to carry them do not have to meet this requirement. Secondary students are allowed to carry a non-clear pouch or purse no larger than 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches to hold personal items, such as hygiene products.

Elementary Supply List

Middle School Supply List

High School Supply List

These devices are intended for educational use at home, giving students access to digital resources, assignments, and tools that enhance their academic success.

Chromebooks will be available for pickup M-F from 9am-3pm at the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, located at 401 Katherine Dunham Place. 

Extended hours of 9am-7pm at the FACE Center:

- November 17-21 

Weekend availability from 10am-2pm at the FACE Center:

- September 20 

- October 18

- November 15 

This remarkable victory marks the first state wrestling title for East St. Louis School District 189 in over 80 years—a feat last accomplished in 1943.

Pierre’s dedication, relentless work ethic, and outstanding sportsmanship have set him apart both on and off the mat. He entered the season with a clear goal and pursued it with unwavering determination, proving that discipline and perseverance yield incredible results.

His championship win is more than just a personal triumph—it’s an inspiration for his teammates, school, and the entire East St. Louis community. Congratulations, Pierre, on this historic achievement!

Notable areas highlighted on this year’s School Report Card include:

• James Avant Elementary – The highest-scoring school within the district, Avant came close to achieving Exemplary status, a distinction awarded to only the top 10 percent of schools statewide in Illinois.        
• Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary – Wright experienced the greatest summative score increase from the previous year, showing considerable overall improvement.    
• Lincoln Middle School – Advanced two designations in one year. 
• Mason/Clark Middle School  – Advanced one designation in one year.  
• East St. Louis Senior High School (includes Gordon Bush Alternative Center)  – Advanced two designations in one year.   
• The district’s 9^th grade on track is 83 percent, its highest in the last six years, and above the state averages for both Black (80 percent) and Low-Income (82 percent) groups.  East St. Louis Senior High School and Gordon Bush Alternative Center's contribution to this 9th grade on track data was even higher at 85 percent.    
• East St. Louis School District 189 is outperforming all comparative districts and nearing the state average on Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) math growth.   
• East St. Louis School District 189 is outperforming all comparative districts on IAR reading and math performance.    
• East St. Louis School District 189 has been closing gaps in the areas of student learning, learning conditions, and elevating educators. These represent the measurement of equity in students' access to opportunities and programming.    

Read full message here: https://www.estl189.com/news