Unit # 9 Offers New Service to Alert Parents

of Closings and Other School-Related Emergencies

Now Unit # 9 parents can be alerted to school closings and other school-related emergencies via text message and e-mail through School Alert – a new service made possible by the I-KAN Regional Office of Education’s Emergency Response and Crisis Management Project.

Examples of emergency uses for School Alert include severe weather warnings and weather-related school closings, emergency and crisis situations and reunification procedures for parents and students.  Only emergency warnings are sent as text messages.

School Alert is part of Sheriff Alert – the Kankakee County Sheriff Department’s Mass Notification System.  Funding from a federal Emergency Response and Crisis Management grant made it possible for the I-KAN Regional Office of Education to purchase licenses for Unit #9 participants in the School Alert Program.

Registering for School Alert is easy and free.  From the website at schools.sheriffalert.com users register their e-mail address and cell phones and choose which types of messages and safety alerts they want to receive.  They also have the ability to update and change their preferences at the same website.

There is no cost to use either School Alert or Sheriff Alert – except for the per text message fee that may be charged by individual cell phone providers.  There is no charge to receive e-mails.

Superintendent Steve Bianchetta stated, “School Alert is a means for parents to be notified of crisis and emergency situations in a quick and convenient manner.  We are grateful to the I-KAN ROE and Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department for providing this service and we hope as many parents as possible participate.”

For more information, Click on the button below to sign up.

Unit 9/WCHS Inspiration Award

The Iroquois County CUSD #9 Board of Education, Academic Foundation and Athletic Boosters’ Club have established an Inspiration Award to honor graduates of Watseka High School, community members and employees of the Unit #9 School District. The Award is based upon athletic success, academic accomplishments and contributions to the School District.  There will be two categories for the award. An “Athletic Inspiration Award” will honor athletes, coaches and community athletic supporters and the “Academic Inspiration Award” will honor graduates, teachers and community members who have had inspirational careers or who have made significant contributions to the school, community or to society in general.  

The Unit #9 Inspiration Award selection committees are currently seeking additional nominations for the Spring selection period.  Watseka High School graduates, community members and individuals associated with the Unit #9 School District are encouraged to submit nominations for 2009 which are currently being accepted. Deadline for submitting a candidate is May 15, 2009. Specific information concerning the Inspiration Award and nomination forms are available on the Iroquois County CUSD #9 website (www.watseka-u9.k12.il.us/Inspiration_Award), by contacting the Unit #9 Office (815-432-4931)  or the Watseka High School Office (815-432-2486).