8th Grade Students Explore Cybersecurity Careers and Online Safety
Our 8th grade students recently had the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity and online safety from Ms. Courtney Fuerstenau, a cybersecurity engineer. Mrs. Reindl arranged for Ms. Fuerstenau to create an engaging video for students that focused on staying safe online, what a cybersecurity engineer does, the wide range of careers available in cybersecurity, and the steps students can take to pursue a future in the field.
The video was shared with all 8th grade science classes, where students viewed and discussed the content. Following the video, students developed thoughtful questions for Ms. Fuerstenau. These questions were then used during a live-streamed question and answer session that included all 8th grade students.
Ms. Fuerstenau did an excellent job explaining the importance of online safety and encouraging students to consider careers in cybersecurity and computer science. The experience gave students valuable real-world insight into a growing career field and practical strategies for staying safe in the digital world.
Our 8th grade students recently had the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity and online safety from Ms. Courtney Fuerstenau, a cybersecurity engineer. Mrs. Reindl arranged for Ms. Fuerstenau to create an engaging video for students that focused on staying safe online, what a cybersecurity engineer does, the wide range of careers available in cybersecurity, and the steps students can take to pursue a future in the field.
The video was shared with all 8th grade science classes, where students viewed and discussed the content. Following the video, students developed thoughtful questions for Ms. Fuerstenau. These questions were then used during a live-streamed question and answer session that included all 8th grade students.
Ms. Fuerstenau did an excellent job explaining the importance of online safety and encouraging students to consider careers in cybersecurity and computer science. The experience gave students valuable real-world insight into a growing career field and practical strategies for staying safe in the digital world.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 THS Senior Bowlers.
Miles Haines
Zach Dye
Kierstyn Diehl
Abby Parry
Selena Johnson
Hannah Mumbower
Miles Haines
Zach Dye
Kierstyn Diehl
Abby Parry
Selena Johnson
Hannah Mumbower
Class of 2030, we cannot wait to meet you!
8th graders, SAVE THE DATE for your Freshman Orientationat Taylorville High School in the caferteria! This is your chance to get to know the high school, extracurricular offerings, and turn in your course selection pick sheet. Please plan to atten with at least one parent or guardian!
8th graders, SAVE THE DATE for your Freshman Orientationat Taylorville High School in the caferteria! This is your chance to get to know the high school, extracurricular offerings, and turn in your course selection pick sheet. Please plan to atten with at least one parent or guardian!
University of Illinois Illinette, Sophie Marsaglia, visited Memorial Elementary today to talk with some of the dance girls and present us with a poster. Thank you so much for your visit, and good luck with the rest of your season.
Thank you to Pepsi Refreshment Services for their donation to Taylorville High School. Representatives from Pepsi attended a THS Football game this past fall to promote Pepsi's partnership and support of the Taylorville Tornadoes! (Pictured are Mr. Matthew Hutchison, Principal at THS and Mr. Kevin Flynn, Pepsi Sales Manager).
Memorial Elementary December Students of the Month
Front row: Harley Smith, Jasper Chronister, Kelby Martin, Madalyn Siempelkamp, Zadie Muncy, and Ryley Jones
Back row: Bentley Randall, Quincy Pelichoff, Maycee Walsh, Tesley Neville, Leah Navarrete Cabrera, Leigha Mollet
Thank you to First National Bank for your continued sponsorship
Just before Christmas break, North School had a very special visitor! 🎄💚 The Grinch stopped by to surprise students and staff and make the last days before break extra memorable. Better late than never. These photos were worth the wait.
Looks like someone’s heart grew three sizes at North School! 💚🎄 The Grinch made a surprise visit just before Christmas break, spreading laughs, smiles, and a little mischief. We are finally getting these photos shared, and they were too fun not to post.
On Oct. 29, 2025 Taylorville High School hosted a Career Fair where about 40 professionals came and spoke to our students about their careers. We were so thankful to the following people for taking time out of their day to come and speak with our students.
Cameron Adam, Cams Luxury Detailing
Taylorville Fire Department
Joann Archibald, Occupational Therapist, Hillsboro Health
Tommy Barry, Neal Tire and Auto
Paris Bell, The Hair Lounge Salon & Spa
Becky Butler, Countryside Vet
Christian County Sheriff's Office
Nate Clason, Calvary Baptist Church
Blake Davis, Edward Jones
Taylor Durhan, Illinois Department of Corrections
Kathy Fergin, Taylorville Memorial Hospital
Elizabeth Fines-Workman, Lincoln Land Community College
Darcy Graham, HISF Healthcare
Beth Guhlstrof, Speech/Language Pathologist TJHS
Chris Harris, MTI
Kristen Harrison, Springfield Clinic
Kyra Havera, Taylorville Memorial Hospital
Mike Havera, Illinois Appellate Prosecutor's Office
Brett Jackson, Systemax
Mike Jameson, Simplex
Chris Kuntzman, Twotrees Tech
Derek Lahey, ADM
Jeff Large, CMT
Kara Lewis, St. John's Hospital
Daniel Nolen, Nolen Servies
Elyse O'Brien, Springfield Clinic
O'Shea Builders
Will Peabody, Ameren
Howard Purdue, Illinois State Police
Curt Robinson, Lincoln Land Community College
Cayde Schmulbach, Horace Mann
Tim Thome, Fehring Metalworks
Lauren Tyler, Taylorville Junior High School
Amy Winans, Dunn's
Eric Winans, Brandt
Elliot Hogge, Army National Guard
Blake Beckley, NASA Engineer
Thank you again to all of the presenters!
Cameron Adam, Cams Luxury Detailing
Taylorville Fire Department
Joann Archibald, Occupational Therapist, Hillsboro Health
Tommy Barry, Neal Tire and Auto
Paris Bell, The Hair Lounge Salon & Spa
Becky Butler, Countryside Vet
Christian County Sheriff's Office
Nate Clason, Calvary Baptist Church
Blake Davis, Edward Jones
Taylor Durhan, Illinois Department of Corrections
Kathy Fergin, Taylorville Memorial Hospital
Elizabeth Fines-Workman, Lincoln Land Community College
Darcy Graham, HISF Healthcare
Beth Guhlstrof, Speech/Language Pathologist TJHS
Chris Harris, MTI
Kristen Harrison, Springfield Clinic
Kyra Havera, Taylorville Memorial Hospital
Mike Havera, Illinois Appellate Prosecutor's Office
Brett Jackson, Systemax
Mike Jameson, Simplex
Chris Kuntzman, Twotrees Tech
Derek Lahey, ADM
Jeff Large, CMT
Kara Lewis, St. John's Hospital
Daniel Nolen, Nolen Servies
Elyse O'Brien, Springfield Clinic
O'Shea Builders
Will Peabody, Ameren
Howard Purdue, Illinois State Police
Curt Robinson, Lincoln Land Community College
Cayde Schmulbach, Horace Mann
Tim Thome, Fehring Metalworks
Lauren Tyler, Taylorville Junior High School
Amy Winans, Dunn's
Eric Winans, Brandt
Elliot Hogge, Army National Guard
Blake Beckley, NASA Engineer
Thank you again to all of the presenters!
⭐ December Star Students ⭐
Mr. Cunningham recognized our December Star Students with help from Melissa Nation of Country Financial. These students continue to lead by example through kindness, effort, and responsibility. Congratulations—we are so proud of you!
Paityn Fogle
Reed Casey
Lilly Minix
Faye Bland
Braden Ebert
Blakely Fisher
Jameson Zeitler
Catarina Biondolino
Natalie Abbott
Taylor Smith
Alison Turner
Kylan Warren
Mattie Motley
Aleana Ziros
Huxley Crowder
Addelyn Toberman
Lainie Skinner
Mr. Cunningham recognized our December Star Students with help from Melissa Nation of Country Financial. These students continue to lead by example through kindness, effort, and responsibility. Congratulations—we are so proud of you!
Paityn Fogle
Reed Casey
Lilly Minix
Faye Bland
Braden Ebert
Blakely Fisher
Jameson Zeitler
Catarina Biondolino
Natalie Abbott
Taylor Smith
Alison Turner
Kylan Warren
Mattie Motley
Aleana Ziros
Huxley Crowder
Addelyn Toberman
Lainie Skinner
💜 A Friendly Reminder from the School Nurses 💜
With all the icky bugs going around, we wanted to share a gentle weekend reminder. Washing coats, hats, gloves, and backpacks can really help keep germs from spreading and help keep our students feeling their best.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our school healthy and safe!💛🩺
— Your School Nurses
With all the icky bugs going around, we wanted to share a gentle weekend reminder. Washing coats, hats, gloves, and backpacks can really help keep germs from spreading and help keep our students feeling their best.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our school healthy and safe!💛🩺
— Your School Nurses
Mrs. Salazar's 4th grade class concludes their animal adaptations unit with owl pellet dissections.
Christmas in the Park fun for Memorial Elementary Staff! Thanks to everyone who came out and all the cute pups we got to see!
📣 Save the Date!
Join us for our annual Scholarship Awareness Day with the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce! 💛💜
🗓 January 30th
⏰ During lunch hours
📍 THS Cafeteria
Come learn about local scholarships and opportunities for your future! 🎓✨
Join us for our annual Scholarship Awareness Day with the Taylorville Chamber of Commerce! 💛💜
🗓 January 30th
⏰ During lunch hours
📍 THS Cafeteria
Come learn about local scholarships and opportunities for your future! 🎓✨
THS's Mrs Maroon and Mrs Tanner spent the day in Champaign at the ACT Regional Summit learning about the new enhanced ACT test! 📚✏️
🎅 North Elementary's Holiday Spirit Week is Here! 🦌
Get ready for a fun-filled week as we celebrate Holiday Spirit Week at North Elementary from December 15th - 19th! Please join us in celebrating with the themed dress-up days listed below.
📅 Spirit Week Daily Themes
Check out the festive themes and plan your outfits for next week!
Monday, December 15th: GRINCH DAY!
Wear green or red to celebrate the Grinch!
Tuesday, December 16th: CHRISTMAS SOCK DAY!
Show off your holiday spirit by wearing your favorite festive socks.
Wednesday, December 17th: CHRISTMAS HAIR ACCESSORY DAY!
Wear a festive hat, clip, headband, bow, etc..
Thursday, December 18th: POLAR EXPRESS DAY!
Wear your pajamas to school!
Friday, December 19th: HOLIDAY SWEATER DAY!
Wear your most festive attire for our holiday sweater day!
Get ready for a fun-filled week as we celebrate Holiday Spirit Week at North Elementary from December 15th - 19th! Please join us in celebrating with the themed dress-up days listed below.
📅 Spirit Week Daily Themes
Check out the festive themes and plan your outfits for next week!
Monday, December 15th: GRINCH DAY!
Wear green or red to celebrate the Grinch!
Tuesday, December 16th: CHRISTMAS SOCK DAY!
Show off your holiday spirit by wearing your favorite festive socks.
Wednesday, December 17th: CHRISTMAS HAIR ACCESSORY DAY!
Wear a festive hat, clip, headband, bow, etc..
Thursday, December 18th: POLAR EXPRESS DAY!
Wear your pajamas to school!
Friday, December 19th: HOLIDAY SWEATER DAY!
Wear your most festive attire for our holiday sweater day!
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Lady Tornadoes, your 2025 Regional Champions! The TJHS girls defeated Mt. Zion tonight 30-25 to claim the regional crown. Congratulations, girls! We also want to give special recognition to Adelyn Durbin, who was recognized with the IESA Sportsmanship award.
November Students of the Month for Memorial Elementary School. Keep up the good work!
Picture 1: Reid Donaldson
Picture 2 : Front row: Natalie Van Hoveln, Luc Depue, Jackson Perkins, Rosalia Stephens, Maci Salisbury Back row:Mason Ushman, Charlee Savoie, Stella Miller, Samus Rogers, Chelsea Romero, and Clara Carver.
Thank you to First National Bank of Taylorville for your continued sponsorship!
Picture 1: Reid Donaldson
Picture 2 : Front row: Natalie Van Hoveln, Luc Depue, Jackson Perkins, Rosalia Stephens, Maci Salisbury Back row:Mason Ushman, Charlee Savoie, Stella Miller, Samus Rogers, Chelsea Romero, and Clara Carver.
Thank you to First National Bank of Taylorville for your continued sponsorship!
💙💛 THS Unified Tornadoes Spread Holiday Cheer! 🎄
Our wonderful Unified Tornadoes club/group from THS recently visited the REACH Rooms at North School for a fun December activity!
They spent time decorating festive cookies and making crafts alongside the North School students. Laughter, smiles, and creativity were everywhere!
It was a fantastic way to celebrate the season and build community connections!
Our wonderful Unified Tornadoes club/group from THS recently visited the REACH Rooms at North School for a fun December activity!
They spent time decorating festive cookies and making crafts alongside the North School students. Laughter, smiles, and creativity were everywhere!
It was a fantastic way to celebrate the season and build community connections!
Ugly Sweater Writing in Mrs. Dorn’s classroom at Memorial School! The students designed an ugly Christmas sweater and then wrote a description of the sweater. Mrs.Repscher and Mrs. Reiss came in and tried to “recreate “ the sweaters based on what the students wrote. They did such a GREAT JOB!
