Student Council went to the Lutheran Care Center and created a craft with the residents.
"Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more."
Kindergarten students on Grinch/green day
To wrap up the semester, Mr. Walden's Horticulture class created floral arrangements! After weeks of learning about floral design principles and practicing with artificial flowers, the students were excited to work with real flowers. They all created great designs to take home!
Spreading cheer, one drink at a time! 🎄
The Sunshine Committee surprised our teachers and staff with holiday drinks to say THANK YOU for lighting up our classrooms everyday!
🎄🎬 Today our third and fourth grade students enjoyed a special Christmas treat—a trip to the movies to see Zootopia 2! ❤️🐰🦊
Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Miller spent the afternoon spreading Christmas cheer one classroom door at a time. AGS is VERY thankful to have you two and your big hearts! ❤️💚
Today, students in Mrs. Schafer's Foods classes had the opportunity to make Christmas Sweets to share with their family and friends. They made four different recipes and each got to take a generous plate home. Happy Holidays from the FCS Department!
Last Friday, French Club held its first annual Fête de Noel in Mrs. Schafer's room. Members enjoyed festive snacks and learned how they celebrate the holidays in France. Joyeuses Fêtes!
Four ACHS seniors who have enlisted with the National Guard presented and were recognized at the December BOE meeting.
Clayton Haarmann, Ben Osterholtz, Joel Bauer and Brayden Schnarre.
⚠️ Important PSA: Altamont Grade School Christmas Program Time Change ⚠️
Dear Altamont Grade School Parents,
Due to the inclement weather forecast, we are making an adjustment to the schedule for the Grades 2-3 Christmas Program.
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all our students, families, and staff. To ensure everyone can travel safely and still enjoy the program, we are moving the start time earlier.
🎄 New Program Schedule:
Doors Open / Art Show: 4:00 PM
Grades 2-3 Christmas Program Begins: 4:30 PM
We understand that schedule changes can be challenging, but this decision has been made with the goal of keeping everyone safe while still being able to hold the program.
Please make a note of this new time. We look forward to a wonderful, safe evening celebrating the season with our students!
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Dear Altamont Grade School Parents,
Due to the inclement weather forecast, we are making an adjustment to the schedule for the Grades 2-3 Christmas Program.
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all our students, families, and staff. To ensure everyone can travel safely and still enjoy the program, we are moving the start time earlier.
🎄 New Program Schedule:
Doors Open / Art Show: 4:00 PM
Grades 2-3 Christmas Program Begins: 4:30 PM
We understand that schedule changes can be challenging, but this decision has been made with the goal of keeping everyone safe while still being able to hold the program.
Please make a note of this new time. We look forward to a wonderful, safe evening celebrating the season with our students!
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Students in Mrs. Schafer's Foods and Nutrition classes had an opportunity to participate in the quick-bread lab this Thursday at ACHS. Students made banana muffins, garlic cheese biscuits, sweet cornbread and funnel cakes. They learned that quick-breads use fast acting leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder. They have had the chance to make a flatbread in a previous lab and will soon be working on the yeast bread lab to finish up the bread chapter.
We are so proud of Altamont Grade School Choir students, Landon and Bristin for their participation in the ILMEA District 5 Music Festival that took place on Saturday Nov 22, 2025 at Eastern Illinois University. In order to participate they had to complete a singing audition of assigned music judged by members of ILMEA. On festival day the Junior Choir consisted of 150 students from the surrounding 30 counties. After a full day of rehearsals they showcased what they had learned in an evening concert. The songs performed were "Sisi Ni Moja", "Nine Hundred Miles", Three Contemporary Latin Settings", Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel", and "The Chariot Spiritual".
7 & 8th Grade Boys Basketball / Cheer @ Windsor
Rescheduled TBD
8th Grade IESA Regionals @ Kinmundy
Rescheduled TBD
New Schedule
Tuesday 12/2/25
Game `1: 4:30 - SC vs North Clay
Game 2: 6:00 - Albion vs Brownstown
Game 3: 7:30 - CHBC vs Altamont *Bus Time 6:00*
Rescheduled TBD
8th Grade IESA Regionals @ Kinmundy
Rescheduled TBD
New Schedule
Tuesday 12/2/25
Game `1: 4:30 - SC vs North Clay
Game 2: 6:00 - Albion vs Brownstown
Game 3: 7:30 - CHBC vs Altamont *Bus Time 6:00*
Weather-related schedule changes may occur this winter. When decisions are made, we will promptly communicate them via social media, website, & app notifications for both school and extra-curricular activities. As long as your child's school has your current telephone number, you will also receive a call/text in regards to any schedule changes. Thank you so much for your understanding and helping us keep you informed.
🎄✨ Angel Tree Ornaments Are Here! ✨🎄
Stop by Joe’s Pizza & Pasta in Altamont to pick up an Angel Tree ornament and help make a child’s Christmas a little brighter this year! 🎁❤️
Once you’ve selected an ornament and purchased the gift, please drop it off at either Altamont Community High School or Altamont Grade School as specified by the tag by December 15th. This deadline ensures every gift is delivered in time for Christmas. 🎅🎄
Thank you for helping spread holiday cheer and supporting families in our community! ❄️💙
This Spring ACHS drama club presents 12 incompetent Jurors by Ian McWath.
As a part of Mr. Long's Photojournalism class, students complete a short interview with different staff members of the district. Over the next few weeks ,we will highlight some of the staff that help make a difference in our student’s lives.
Megan Burrus, ACHS Physical Education Teacher and Softball Coach (Interviewed by Avery Fleeharty)
“Why did you choose Altamont to coach and teach at?”
Well, I started in Indiana for a year, and then I was at St. Elmo. An opportunity came up here and I took it because it's home. I live here, went to school here, and now I’m a teacher.
“If you were to coach or teach anywhere else, would you and why?
No, I would not leave. This is where I want to be.
“What do you find most enjoyable about working at ACHS?”
I work with really good people. The other teachers are nice and friendly. I think they do a great job and for the most part I think the kids are all good. I like to come to work and that's a good sign.
“What do you find most unenjoyable?”
Sometimes kids are turds and that makes for a hard day because you want them to do good. They know right and wrong and then they make bad choices.
“If you weren't teaching and coaching, what do you think you would be doing?”
Before I decided to be a teacher, I wanted to be an architectural engineer but I don’t want to be stuck inside all day.
“What made you want to coach softball?”
I played in high school. I played in college. I didn't really realize I was good at softball until high school and it was just a way to keep going.
“What is your favorite part about coaching?”
The players. Teaching something that I enjoy and hoping that they learn to also enjoy it.
“If you were to coach any other sport, what would it be?”
Probably basketball because I previously did. I coached 5th and 6th grade for a while and it's just a lot of teaching and fun.
“What does your day usually consist of at ACHS?”
I start everyday with three P.E. classes, so depending on what unit we’re on, my days are very similar. And then at noon, I go to lunch. Afterwards, I have prep and then AP.
“Where did you attend college and why did you want to go there?”
Lakeland and Eastern Illinois University. I went to Lakeland because it was close. Also, I played softball there so I went there for free. I followed that by going to Eastern. If you want to be a teacher, that's the next place to go.
“What has been your biggest accomplishment when coaching at ACHS?”
Trophy wise, we won a regional but the best is when you see your kids outside. Grace [Lemke] moved on to play so I get to continue seeing her move forward. We have other girls that come back, like Tinley, who just got married a couple of weeks ago. That's really nice to see your kids later in life being good people.
“Who has inspired you the most to become a teacher and a coach?
I have lots of family that are teachers. Mrs. Bueker, my aunt, was my teacher and my coach. She coached 6th grade through high school basketball. I kind of have her job now. Teaching just worked for me. I like what they did and I like what I do now.
“If you were to give advice to someone who is wanting to become a coach, what would you tell that person?”
Do it. Be willing to learn and listen. Coaching gives back so much because you're working with kids and it's not just the sport, but helping them be better people. That's the most rewarding part.
Megan Burrus, ACHS Physical Education Teacher and Softball Coach (Interviewed by Avery Fleeharty)
“Why did you choose Altamont to coach and teach at?”
Well, I started in Indiana for a year, and then I was at St. Elmo. An opportunity came up here and I took it because it's home. I live here, went to school here, and now I’m a teacher.
“If you were to coach or teach anywhere else, would you and why?
No, I would not leave. This is where I want to be.
“What do you find most enjoyable about working at ACHS?”
I work with really good people. The other teachers are nice and friendly. I think they do a great job and for the most part I think the kids are all good. I like to come to work and that's a good sign.
“What do you find most unenjoyable?”
Sometimes kids are turds and that makes for a hard day because you want them to do good. They know right and wrong and then they make bad choices.
“If you weren't teaching and coaching, what do you think you would be doing?”
Before I decided to be a teacher, I wanted to be an architectural engineer but I don’t want to be stuck inside all day.
“What made you want to coach softball?”
I played in high school. I played in college. I didn't really realize I was good at softball until high school and it was just a way to keep going.
“What is your favorite part about coaching?”
The players. Teaching something that I enjoy and hoping that they learn to also enjoy it.
“If you were to coach any other sport, what would it be?”
Probably basketball because I previously did. I coached 5th and 6th grade for a while and it's just a lot of teaching and fun.
“What does your day usually consist of at ACHS?”
I start everyday with three P.E. classes, so depending on what unit we’re on, my days are very similar. And then at noon, I go to lunch. Afterwards, I have prep and then AP.
“Where did you attend college and why did you want to go there?”
Lakeland and Eastern Illinois University. I went to Lakeland because it was close. Also, I played softball there so I went there for free. I followed that by going to Eastern. If you want to be a teacher, that's the next place to go.
“What has been your biggest accomplishment when coaching at ACHS?”
Trophy wise, we won a regional but the best is when you see your kids outside. Grace [Lemke] moved on to play so I get to continue seeing her move forward. We have other girls that come back, like Tinley, who just got married a couple of weeks ago. That's really nice to see your kids later in life being good people.
“Who has inspired you the most to become a teacher and a coach?
I have lots of family that are teachers. Mrs. Bueker, my aunt, was my teacher and my coach. She coached 6th grade through high school basketball. I kind of have her job now. Teaching just worked for me. I like what they did and I like what I do now.
“If you were to give advice to someone who is wanting to become a coach, what would you tell that person?”
Do it. Be willing to learn and listen. Coaching gives back so much because you're working with kids and it's not just the sport, but helping them be better people. That's the most rewarding part.
Order your ACHS Yearbook before the price increases!
Price is $70 per book and the price will increase on December 1st.
Use the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer to order online. All other orders should be brought to Mr. Long.
https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/dbnrbFVR5523fTdwFLsAypKT
Price is $70 per book and the price will increase on December 1st.
Use the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer to order online. All other orders should be brought to Mr. Long.
https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/dbnrbFVR5523fTdwFLsAypKT
As part of Mr.Long’s Photojournalism class, students completed a short interview with different staff members of the district. Over the next few weeks we will highlight some of the staff who help make a difference in our student’s lives.
Nikki Tedrick, ACHS Secretary (Interviewed by Cecilia Pearcy)
“Where did you grow up?”
I grew up 7 miles west of Effingham, and I went to Effingham Community Schools.
“Did you like growing up in that area?”
I did. It was out in the country and it was free. You basically got to do whatever you wanted. You could just play outside all day long.
“What are 3 words that would have described you in high school?”
I was very shy, quiet, and organized.
“What are 3 words you would use to describe highschoolers today?”
You have a wide range, but I would say confident in their decisions, they’re smart with technology, and there’s quite a few that are very organized as well.
“ What is the first job you had and did you enjoy it?”
My first job was cleaning hotel rooms in Effingham at the age of 15. I did not enjoy that job. It was awful.
“Would you recommend that to kids now?”
I would recommend that everybody works in fast food or clean hotel rooms because it will make you appreciate the better things in life and work harder to achieve those things.
“ What does a rundown of your day look like?”
A rundown of my day, it's funny. It is a wide array of things between answering the phone, filing, being a problem solver, creator of odd things that somebody may need, finding a needle in a haystack, the runner to DG if something needs to be purchased. Just a lot of things.
“What would you say your favorite part of your day would be?”
My favorite part of my day is getting to see kids when they come in, when they’re happy, or excited about something they have done/achieved. That is the best part of my day.
“What do you think your least favorite part of your day would be?”
Sometimes I get nervous answering the phone, just because I never know what's on the other side.
“ Would you change your school schedule in any way if you could?”
I think we could go to four days of school, four days a week and be here an hour longer each day, and have Fridays off.
“What do you think would be 3 words students would use to describe you? What is something you would tell them to help get to know you better?”
Some freshmen might say I’m scary, some might say I’m carefree, it just depends on how you’ve seen me. Some think I know everything and I’m the boss, and that's really not how it is. I would say have a conversation with me outside of school.
“Throughout your day, if you could play any music, what would you choose?
Bon Jovi, I would be much happier.
“What is some advice you would give to Altamont students?”
Explore every option you have and take every opportunity you can get. Be involved in anything you can get in during high school because you only get those 4 years. Just make the most of everything.
“What accomplishment are you most proud of? Why did that make you so proud? Do you think anything would ever be better than that accomplishment?”
My kids. Because they are a better version of me and my husband. They have achieved so much at their age and they have set goals. Maybe, but you never know what the future holds.
“What is a setback you have had to overcome?”
Getting over my own stubbornness and ego sometimes and trying to be the bigger person.
“Does that affect your life?”
It has affected my life but more on a personal level than a school/work level.
“Would you go back and try to change anything that happened as a result of that setback?”
No, I wouldn't change anything. I think everything happens for a reason.
“Learning from those experiences, has it made you a better person?”
It's taught me to grow as a person, forgive people, and learn that not everybody is equal and everyone does their own thing for a reason.
“Do you have a favorite thing about Altamont?”
I feel like the town of Altamont, when need be, can come together and be a strong force to help out in any way that is necessary. So I feel they are pretty good about that.
Nikki Tedrick, ACHS Secretary (Interviewed by Cecilia Pearcy)
“Where did you grow up?”
I grew up 7 miles west of Effingham, and I went to Effingham Community Schools.
“Did you like growing up in that area?”
I did. It was out in the country and it was free. You basically got to do whatever you wanted. You could just play outside all day long.
“What are 3 words that would have described you in high school?”
I was very shy, quiet, and organized.
“What are 3 words you would use to describe highschoolers today?”
You have a wide range, but I would say confident in their decisions, they’re smart with technology, and there’s quite a few that are very organized as well.
“ What is the first job you had and did you enjoy it?”
My first job was cleaning hotel rooms in Effingham at the age of 15. I did not enjoy that job. It was awful.
“Would you recommend that to kids now?”
I would recommend that everybody works in fast food or clean hotel rooms because it will make you appreciate the better things in life and work harder to achieve those things.
“ What does a rundown of your day look like?”
A rundown of my day, it's funny. It is a wide array of things between answering the phone, filing, being a problem solver, creator of odd things that somebody may need, finding a needle in a haystack, the runner to DG if something needs to be purchased. Just a lot of things.
“What would you say your favorite part of your day would be?”
My favorite part of my day is getting to see kids when they come in, when they’re happy, or excited about something they have done/achieved. That is the best part of my day.
“What do you think your least favorite part of your day would be?”
Sometimes I get nervous answering the phone, just because I never know what's on the other side.
“ Would you change your school schedule in any way if you could?”
I think we could go to four days of school, four days a week and be here an hour longer each day, and have Fridays off.
“What do you think would be 3 words students would use to describe you? What is something you would tell them to help get to know you better?”
Some freshmen might say I’m scary, some might say I’m carefree, it just depends on how you’ve seen me. Some think I know everything and I’m the boss, and that's really not how it is. I would say have a conversation with me outside of school.
“Throughout your day, if you could play any music, what would you choose?
Bon Jovi, I would be much happier.
“What is some advice you would give to Altamont students?”
Explore every option you have and take every opportunity you can get. Be involved in anything you can get in during high school because you only get those 4 years. Just make the most of everything.
“What accomplishment are you most proud of? Why did that make you so proud? Do you think anything would ever be better than that accomplishment?”
My kids. Because they are a better version of me and my husband. They have achieved so much at their age and they have set goals. Maybe, but you never know what the future holds.
“What is a setback you have had to overcome?”
Getting over my own stubbornness and ego sometimes and trying to be the bigger person.
“Does that affect your life?”
It has affected my life but more on a personal level than a school/work level.
“Would you go back and try to change anything that happened as a result of that setback?”
No, I wouldn't change anything. I think everything happens for a reason.
“Learning from those experiences, has it made you a better person?”
It's taught me to grow as a person, forgive people, and learn that not everybody is equal and everyone does their own thing for a reason.
“Do you have a favorite thing about Altamont?”
I feel like the town of Altamont, when need be, can come together and be a strong force to help out in any way that is necessary. So I feel they are pretty good about that.
Last Friday, students in Mrs. Schafer's Foods and Nutrition classes had a field trip to the local Feed the Crave food truck. We started with a mindfulness stretching activity to calm the mind and warm up our bodies, while engaging both sides of the brain. We had a pleasant walk to the food truck, where students ordered refreshing beverages and had the opportunity to try an Açaí bowl. We had just enough time to burn off some calories and energy at the park before heading back to ACHS. It was a great SEL activity and we were able to take advantage of the beautiful, unseasonably warm day. A special thanks to Shaun Splechter at Feed the Crave for taking such good care of us!
