Celebrate Central

Staff Playground
State of the Art Playground

Central has a new, state-of-the-art playground for all students to enjoy. This project was made possible by a generous $70,000 donation from PTO.

Staff Members holding up prizes from fundraising gala
Grants

Since 2017, the Washington Community Foundation, through its Central 51 Fund, has issued grants to Central District 51 totaling $109,596.

Officer Taylor
WPD

We work closely with the Washington Police Department (WPD) to update our safety protocols. We have incorporated the CrisisGo app for greater communication during a crisis.

students knitting
Central Activities

Central activities feature Cookie Coders, CIS Knitters, E-Sports, and Central Care Club which hosts community days with acts of service both on and off campus.

STEM
STEM

STEM program for K-8 that is helping us meet the science standards in more depth at the younger grade levels. We look for ways to offer more to our students and expand the program

ART
Art

Central District 51 has committed to have Art K-8 and our students are now receiving a full Art experience in our flourishing Art Program.

Girls basketball team
Sports

We offer multiple opportunities for students to compete in sports throughout the year. We continue to expand the programs to allow for more ways for kids to participate.

Ceiling
Renovations

The application for a $50,000 ROE-approved grant has been accepted by the ISBE to provide ceiling tile throughout CIS – the last areas not tiled in the district.

trojan trot
PTO

Central 51 PTO's Trojan Trot earned an amazing $90,581 for School Year 24/25! Thank you to our Central families and our community for supporting this year's Trojan Trot!

Trojan Talk

Quezada, Alondra
My favorite part of being an art teacher is seeing students have a blast being expressive and creative through art-making. The art class is filled with color all around because of the discovering of new methods of making art and sharing ideas.
Ms. Alondra Quezada - CPS Art Education
Goede, Nick
My favorite moments at Central are when I can make a connection between the science I teach and something that a student is already passionate about.
Mr. Nick Goede - 8th Grade Physical Science
Graham, Tonja
I have the opportunity to teach two subjects that don't get enough time in traditional curriculum. I love the idea of being able to dive deeper into the topics and skills both contents cover while also preparing students for life beyond middle school.
Mrs. Tonja Graham - 7th/8th Financial Lit. & Current Events
McCoy, Megan
Central feels like an extended family. We celebrate our wins together and support one another through the struggles. The saying, "It takes a village" comes to mind when I think of how we work as a team for our students.
Ms. Megan McCoy - 4th Grade Paraprofessional
Lang, Kate
As the 5th - 8th grade PE teacher, I get to work with every single CIS student every single day. I also get to work with each student for 4 years in a row. It is such a pleasure to watch them grow and mature over their middle school career.
Mrs. Kate Lang - 5th - 8th Grade PE
Malcom, Allison
Central is a fantastic place to work! Our special education team works as a family and administration is very supportive. We are blessed to work in such a great community!
Mrs. Allison Malcom - K-2 Special Education
Melody, Carissa
I love being able to help as many students as possible see their full potential and learn to solve problems on their own.
Mrs. Carissa Melody - K-4 Counselor
Wagner, April
I love to see the smiles on students faces, hearing all the funny things they say, letting them know I care and helping them be the best version of themselves!
Mrs. April Wagner - Lunchroom Monitor