Community News
School administrators reveal school report cards to School Board
Board chooses color scheme for BenGil Elementary
Desiree, Tom Hyde’s assistant, shows off one board of colors to the school board. The board approved the color scheme with one change.
The annual report on how well the students are learning and improving has been released from 2012. The report includes student test scores, student diversity, truancy rates, attendance rates, mobility rates, graduation and drop rates for the high school, and student to staff ratios.
The school report card, which is required to be released to the public each year by both state and federal laws, also provides teacher information and district finances. All documents were introduced to the school board on Monday, October 22.
Starting from the top and working our way down, the district’s report card included valuable information on where our salaries compare to other districts and overall academic performance from all students. Full time teacher and administrator salary equivalents are substantially lower compared to the rest of the state. The average teacher salary is nearly $14,000 lower than the state average: $52,437 (CUSD #7), $66,614 (State). Administrator salaries also weighed in over the $10,000 mark: $99,795 (CUSD #7), $110, 870 (State).
As a district, CUSD #7 met adequate yearly progress in mathematics with 83.8% students meeting or exceeding. All students, including economically disadvantaged, met which contributed to the highest percentage since 2002. The district failed to meet in reading after a 73.5 percentage. According to Tieman, the district is “moving forward.”
BES Report Card
Angela Turcol answers questions from the audience. She explains how guided reading has help improve reading scores dramatically.
School administrators then reported to the school board how each school did on their individual school report card. Angela Turcol, principal of BenGil Elementary, explained to the school board “students are increasing their scores.” According to the Illinois School Report Card, BES has improved. So much so that the school, grades 3-5 only, have improved their scores 5.5% over 6 years in reading and 1.6% over 6 years in math. Compared to the state, BES is approximately 0.2% higher than the state average in reading and 0.2% lower in mathematics.
When comparing grades 3-5 scores in reading and math to state averages, nearly a quarter of students at times are below average. 24% of the third grade was below meeting on the 2011 ISAT testing in reading leaving the other 76% above the cut-off line. Below the the cutoff line are students who were “Below” average or are ranked in “Warning” for such poor scores. The rest of results from last years testing were: 10% of third grade math was under average, 33% of fourth grade reading were below average, 19% below in fourth grade math, 22% below in fifth grade reading, and 14% below in fifth grade math.
Turcol plans to employ strategies such as literature circles and the “Daily 5” to improve student achievement. “Teachers will complete a detailed lesson plan that outlines the skills students focus on in center activities,” Turcol explained of the literature circles. The circle is planned to help teachers focus and help small groups of students instead of the entire classroom at once. She even has hopes to group students by the same reading level so every group can catch on at the same pace.
GMS Report Card
Lori Emmons, principal of the middle school, started off her discussion with the school board by stating GMS met the state benchmark in math by which the school increased their percentage by 12.9% compared to 2011. The school failed to meet in reading, but did improve from their 2011 score by 1.0%.
Emmons broke down the ISAT test scores by grade level. In the sixth grade (current 7th graders), 54% of students raised their reading score and 60% of students raised their math score while 28% still wound down below the state average in reading and 20% below in mathematics. In the seventh grade (current 8th graders), 19% of students failed to meet average in reading and 11% of the students failed to meet average in math. On the positive side, 77% of students raised their reading score and 86% of students raised their math scores.
Last years’ eighth grade class turned out to have the greatest gain though after 92% of students raised in the math score compared to the previous year, 69% of students raised their reading score. 25% of students failed to meet average though in reading and 13% of students failed to meet average in math. Emmons plans to personalize the student schedules by grouping students together from their test scores versus randomly choosing. “From doing this, teachers will be able to plan lessons for maximum personal student growth,” Emmons closed.
GHS Report Card
Second year principal Dennis Tiburzi took care of the high school report. The high school report differs from other schools in the district because only one grade level is reported on in the high school, grade 11. The year when juniors take the PSAE test. According to the school report card, GHS failed to meet adequate yearly progress in both math and reading. Even though students were able to raise the math percentage by 12 percentage points (56.4% in 2011 to 68.4% in 2012), scores bottomed out in reading and science. For the first year in three years, the class of 2012 dropped their reading score. The overall percentage dropped by 6.2% in reading and 9.6% in science.
Tiburzi went on to direct the school board past the report card and to his analysis he created. He explained that in English, 97% of students improved their scores by which the scores increased by an average of 4.65 points. In math, 86% of students showed an improvement by 4.22 points on average. In reading and science, 62% and 68% respectively increased their scores.
“There is work to be done,” Tiburzi concluded. Some of the strategies he plans to initiate are: practice ACT tests, timed tests similar format to the PSAE, and more after school assistance for students who need additional help. Most importantly, Tiburzi plans to have early interventions with parents. “When we see signs of distress, we are going to contact the parents. They need to be notified as soon as possible to do their part,” Tiburzi added.
Koniak Questions Scores
After hearing the administration explain the test scores, school board candidate for the 2013 April election posed questions to the administration and school board. Stephen Koniak questioned what made the district go into corrective action. “That is driven by our title 1 school in our district, the K-5 building,” Tieman explained. “But, as with any other district, it drives the district into corrective action although it only applies to the elementary school.”
Koniak questioned to the school board why did the state have to step in and say something about our scores before we realized they were that low. “Why did you guys not realize this four years ago,” Stephen directed to the board. “Our reading scores started going down in 2006. Then, I think you could have changed the curriculum. Now, we are way past 2007 and 2008.”
Turcol commented that it took 2 and one half years to implement guiding reading in the elementary school into the teachers’ schedules. “It was different from what they did in the past,” Turcol explained. “We have seen an increase in our scores after the implemented programs.”
“People complain about AYP, but we would have never fell below the benchmark if we would have approached this problem years ago,” Koniak added to the fire. “Granted the reading scores have increased dramatically the last two years, but our reading schools plummeted from 2006-2010. We could have been out of this a long time ago.”
Lori Emmons, GMS Principal, explains the middle school met AYP in math, but not in reading.
Griffel argued back saying the board has never been “happy” with the results CUSD #7 has had. “We are a board of education. Our job is not to dictate what the administration does. We do not have the degrees our administration has. As a board, we cannot wave a magic wand and scores increase. We would love that.”
“I never said that you had a magic wand,” Koniak answered.
BenGil Elementary
Tom Hyde, district architect, and his assistant introduced the color scheme of the BenGil Elementary school to the board after numerous meetings with administration and faculty. “One of the things that was requested was the yellow, blue, green, red colors to separate the wings and make it easier for students to navigate,” Hyde explained.
All board members approved of the colors with one change requested: change the main hall to blue instead of green. “That way the hall the public walks through will be in the school colors,” Superintendent Skeans explained. The board approved the scheme as presented with the one change.
Hyde went on to say Contegra is 46% complete and the project as a whole is 56% paid. In the next 30 days, masonry walls in the cafeteria/kitchen area will be completed, continuation on the metal roof installation, paint the interior, and plumbing/electrical/duct work on the inside.
New Business
In new business, the board was notified the Partnership for Educational Excellence awarded a round of mini-grants in September. Teachers in 51 classrooms in CUSD #7 have received classroom mini-grants from the Partnership. A total of $23,869.50 was awarded in September 2012. BES received $17,638 to help 37 classrooms, GMS received $3,600, and GHS received $2,600. “The Partnership is a non-profit organization developed solely to help the develop our communities most precious resource, our children. Donations can be directed to PO Box 125, Gillespie,” Skeans read from the letter. Skeans personally thanked the partnership. “Thank you to the Partnership and everyone who has donated to them, both from the board and me personally.”
The board went on to accept Indiana Insurance Co. for liability and workmen’s compensation insurance for FSY 2013 with a renewal premium of $166,019.
Hyde also added that the final drawings were submitted last week for demolition of the old BES School located in Benld. “They tell us there is a short turnaround,” Hyde added. When he receives approval, he will seek bids for the demolition. The board approved a resolution for emergency relocation grant funds to receive their funds to pay for the modular buildings located north of Maple Street. The board also approved the rising star school improvement plan process.
Lastly, Superintendent Skeans informed the board that he has the resources for the school board to be paperless. He plans to implement the change in January of 2013. Everything will be emailed.
Administrator Updates
School administrators provided updates to the school board. Tiburzi explained that the faculty and staff are implementing the new student information system as the entire district is. He also added that parent access to student grades is now available and parents received access codes and passwords with mid-term grades.
Emmons explained parent teacher conferences are approaching and will be held November 1 and 2. She also said the GMS Student Council will be sponsoring an assembled for Anti-Bullying.
Angela Turcol, principal of BES, explained students celebrated red ribbon week this past week.
Payment of October Bills
Education Fund: $63,321.57
Transportation Fund: $29,037.90
Site & Construction Fund: $1,568,234.23
Building Fund: $26,239.97
Grand Total: $1,685,833,72
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Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show, which will be held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge in Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, of Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, tabletop decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 5; from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is five dollars for adults and one dollar for children ages five to 12, with four-year-olds and younger admitted free of charge.
The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers. Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6.
While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open. The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public, with the Print Shop offering its popular handmade Christmas cards and other items produced in the shop; kids can print their own blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds, with wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative pieces, available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events, and a free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.
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Members of the Community Unit School District 7 Board of Education on Monday night voted to approve a property tax levy request totaling $3,920,295 for 2025 property taxes payable in 2026. Because of tax caps and other factors, however, the district expects to collect only an estimated $3,786,607 of the requested amount.
In addition to acting on the tax levy, the board also held a lengthy discussion regarding annual district “report cards” issued by the Illinois State Board of Education to assess school performance from last year, approved a high school band/choir performance trip to Chicago in March, and agreed to apply for a school maintenance grant of up to $50,000 in matching funds.
The new proposed levy exceeds last year’s tax extension of $3,599,569 by more than $320,726—an increase of about nine percent if the levy were to be approved at the county level. The more realistic anticipation of $3,786,607 exceeds last year’s extension by $187,038, or an increase of about three percent. A Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), approved by Macoupin County voters in 1995, restricts increases in the levy to five percent or the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is less. This year’s CPI is estimated at 2.9 percent.
The approved levy seeks $1,650,000 for the Education Fund while expecting to realize $1,653,831; $450,229 for Operations & Maintenance, while anticipating $438,041; $200,000 for Transportation while expecting $180,434; $35,000 for Working Cash while expecting $42,602; $174,700 for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund while anticipating $117,788; $154,101 for Social Security while expecting $105, 248; $247,264 for Tort while anticipating $240,570; and $33,501 for Special Education while expecting $32,593. For Bond and Interest, which is not subject to PTELL, the district is levying $975,500 while anticipating the same amount.
Local property tax revenue accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s overall annual budget.
Because the levy request exceeds 105 percent of the previous year’s extension, a public hearing is required. That hearing is scheduled at the start of the board’s regular December meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15. In the meantime, the proposed levy is available for public inspection on the district’s website and in the district office.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Owsley emphasized the levy request is essentially a wish list for what the district would like to raise through property taxes.
“The levy is the ‘Christmas list’ I talk about every year,” Owsley said. “If you don’t put it on the list, you’re not going to get it.”
Projecting what the district can legally seek under tax caps can be challenging because the district’s total equalized assessed valuation will not be confirmed until after Jan. 1 while state law requires the district to file its levy request before the end of December. For that reason, local school districts routinely file requests that exceed what they actually expect to receive in property tax revenue, and rely on the County Clerk to adjust the request to the maximum amount the district can receive.
“Because of tax caps, we have one shot to capture increases in the EAV and new construction,” Owsley said. “If we don’t do that, we lose it in perpetuity.”
To calculate the new levy, Owsley projected a 15.12 percent increase in the EAV—nearly double the previous year’s rate of increase. By overestimating the EAV growth, the district expects to capture the entire increase in assessed valuation when that number is finally determined.
“Even though we know the EAV will likely be around the historical average, we base our levy on a much higher amount so as not to lose revenue from new growth,” Owsley told the board. “We can do this without running the risk of overtaxing taxpayers because the district will receive no more than what we are entitled to by law.”
Owsley said relatively stable increases in EAV have resulted in a steadily declining tax rate. Since 2014 when the rate was $4.24 per $100 in EAV, the rate has fallen to $3.20 for 2024. In other words, the county can use a lower rate to generate the extension to which the district is entitled because the value of taxable property has increased.
“As long as the EAV goes up by more than the Consumer Price Index, our tax rates are going to go down,” Owsley noted.
SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT CARDS
The board spent several minutes discussing recently released school report cards issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Interested persons can view local report cards by visiting https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
All three attendance centers received a “Commendable” designation, meaning there are no student groups that are underperforming academically, and the high school graduation rate exceeds 67 percent. Last year, BenGil Elementary School achieved an “Exemplary” designation—the top designation a school can achieve.
Elementary Principal Angela Sandretto said administrators knew the school would not earn an Exemplary rating, even though students are state average in English/language arts, math and science. The Report Card designations are based on growth rather than academic performance. With students already exceeding state standards last year, the opportunity for growth was limited.
Assistant Principal Tara Cooper agreed, noting BenGil Elementary’s student performance is in the upper half of schools statewide that are meeting academic standards. “So, while we are not ‘Exemplary,’ we’re very happy with where we are.”
Supt. Owsley told the board the State Board of Education is working on revamping the assessment system because of the growth vs. performance issue. “That’s why they’re redoing all of this because they are penalizing schools for meeting goals,” he said.
For Gillespie Middle School, the report card shows students meeting or exceeding state averages in math and science but significantly lagging in English/language arts.
“ELA is our most concerning area,” Principal Patrick McGinthy told the board, “along with absenteeism.” The report card shows a chronic absenteeism rate of 25 percent, but Owsley and other administrators said the rate is exacerbated by the State Board of Education including nearly all absences whether or not they are excused.
Rosentreter noted the State Board will allow a student to be absent five days for illness without a doctor’s excuse. On the sixth day, however, the absence is unexcused unless the parent or guardian provides a doctor’s slip. Many parents, however, are reluctant to pay for a doctor’s visit for a child that is suffering from a minor illness.
McGinthy said Middle School teachers are attempting to address the deficiency in English/language arts by increasing writing exercises and requiring students to write in conjunction with other curriculum areas.
Rosentreter noted that the assessment standards for high schools differ from the standards for elementary and middle schools in that the State Board emphasizes graduation rates. For Gillespie, the graduation rate is an impressive 86 percent, though chronic absenteeism checks in at 31 percent.
“Math is definitely our shining star,” Rosentreter said, noting the school scored 17.8 points compared with the state average of 18. The school performed less well in the areas of English/language arts and science, scoring 16 points on ELA compared with the state score of 18 and 17.2 points compared with the state average of 19.
The report cards are based on results for the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) test for elementary and middle school students, and ACT scores for high school students.
Administrators said it’s difficult to motivate students to do well on state-mandated tests since the tests do not affect the student’s grade point average. To incentivize testing, Rosentreter said the high school is offering to let students skip final exams if they hit state standards on the mandated tests.
Owsley noted that the district report card documents the continuing decline in school enrollment—dropping from 1,325 seven years ago to 1,082 for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We don’t see that turning around anytime soon,” Owsley said. “It’s not just a Gillespie thing; it’s a trend for schools throughout Macoupin County.
BAND/CHOIR TRIP TO CHICAGO
Following a presentation by band/choir instructor Brad Taulbee, the board approved a high school band and choir performance tour to Chicago set for March 19-21. Taulbee said the tour company retained for the trip places emphasis on security and safety for traveling students. The company supplements hotel security with its own security personnel to monitor student rooms during the trip.
The tour includes workshop sessions at Vandercook College in downtown Chicago, and performances by the choir at the John Hancock Center and by the band at one of the city’s museums.
Taulbee said he is attempting to keep the cost affordable for participating students. Depending upon the number of students who ultimately go on the trip, he said he expects the cost to be about $739 per person. Additionally, he is lining up sponsors who can help with expenses for students who could not otherwise afford to participate.
“Security is my main concern,” said Board President Mark Hayes. “We just came back from there and seven people were shot in the area we were in.”
Taulbee said he expects to recruit seven to 10 chaperones and will ensure that the ratio of students to chaperones does not exceed 1:10.
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE GRANT
The board concurred with Supt. Owsley’s recommendation to again apply for a state School Maintenance grant of up to $50,000. The grant is a “matching” grant requiring the district to match grant funds dollar for dollar. The district has successfully applied for the grant for the past several years.
If the application is successful, Owsley said the funds will likely be used to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles in the choir room and elsewhere in the Middle School.
PERSONNEL
Following an executive session of about 40 minutes to discuss personnel and other issues, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Tim Wargo as an assistant high school baseball coach and post the position as vacant, and voted to appoint Wargo as the head high school baseball coach for the coming season.
In separate actions, the board approved maternity leaves for Alexis Lupkey, district paraprofessional, and Gear-Up Coordinator Jordan Bartok. Lupkey’s leave is tentatively scheduled from Dec. 8 through March 18. Bartok’s leave is expected from Dec. 12 through Jan.6.
Board members voted unanimously to hire Christopher Whaley as a substitute bus driver, pending a routine background check and documentation of certification.
The board also voted unanimously to terminate Makayla Huff as a three-hour cook and post the position as vacant.
On a motion by Bill Carter, seconded by Weye Schmidt, the board voted unanimously to rehire fall coaches as follows: Jordan Bartok as head high school girls volleyball coach with Shelsie Price, as an assistant coach; Cory Bonstead as head football coach with Nate Henrichs, Jarrod Herron, Korben Clark, Alex Jasper, J.O. Kelly, Billy Gill and Florian Seferi as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches; Jay Weber as head coach for the parent-funded high school cross-country program with Jack Burns as a volunteer assistant coach; Jake Kellebrew as head coach for the parent-funded high school golf program, with Michael Otten as a volunteer assistant coach; Tim Wargo as head middle school baseball coach with Trae Wargo as assistant coach; Michelle Smith as head middle school softball coach with Jim Matesa, Joe Kelly and Melissa Heigert as assistant coaches; and Liz Thackery as head coach for the parent-funded middle school cross-country program with Laura Peterson as a volunteer assistant coach.
DISTRICT FOCUS
During a District Focus segment, Supt. Owsley introduced newly hired School Resource Officer Jacob Linhart, and High School Principal provided a report with photos of a recent school-wide Veterans Day observance.
Linhart, who has served five years as a police officer on the Gillespie Police Department, replaces Wade Hendricks, who recently retired after serving three years as the CUSD 7 School Resource Officer.
Linhart said it is a “great privilege” to serve as a Resource Officer, protecting students and staff. “I’m honored that you guys are allowing me to do it,” he said.
High School Principal Rosentreter said the school served breakfast to about 200 veterans and their families Tuesday morning, Nov. 11. Later, the veterans were joined by nearly 700 high school and middle school students for a recognition ceremony in the high school gymnasium.
Since the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of CUSD 7’s Wall of Honor program, the annual event did double duty as an induction ceremony for five are individuals, all of whom happened to be U.S. Military veterans.
The inductees included the late Sergeant Major John Marion Malnar, Command Sergeant Major John “Jack” Burns, Colonel Mark Daley, Lieutenant Colonel William P. Falke and Captain Robert Leone. Rosentreter said Daley and Leone traveled with their families from Colorado and Texas, respectively, to attend the ceremonies.
Burns, a retired CUSD 7 teacher, later visited BenGil Elementary School to present a program and teach students how to properly fold an American flag.
Rosentreter recognized the City of Gillespie for a donation of $1,000 to help purchase food for the veterans.
Born in Benld and a resident of Sawyerville, “Big John” Malnar earned a Silver Star during the Korean Conflict and a Gold Star, awarded posthumously after he was killed in action in 1968 in Vietnam. A Marine training center at Camp Geiger in North Carolina is named in his honor.
Though not a Wall of Honor inductee, Jacob Miller, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts, was recognized with a standing ovation.
The annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony provides students with an opportunity to meet and recognize local veterans as potential role models for their own futures.
Owsley said the event is a major event on the district’s calendar which grew out of a simple flagpole ceremony initiated 25 years ago.
CEJA GRANT FUNDS
Board members briefly discussed plans for about $74,000 in anticipated Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant funds. The federal program is intended to compensate communities that have experienced revenue loss as a result of coal mine closures.
Owsley said the district committed about $86,000 in last year’s CEJA grant funds to the City of Gillespie to help pay for improvements to Plum Street, which is heavily used by district school buses. He has not transferred those funds, however, pending the start of the project.
Owsley said he was seeking the board’s input on how the money should be used.
“We could continue to partner with the city on Plum Street,” he said. “But there are plenty of project areas within the school.” The money could be used, for example, for continuing asbestos abatement. He identified other upcoming needs, including a new roof for the high school/middle school and an HVAC project.
President Hayes pointed out the school district paid for improvements to Kelly Street when BenGil Elementary was built and subsidized a project to reconfigure drainage on Broadway Street, in addition to the dollars committed for Plum Street.
“The school district is not in the business of building roads,” he said. “I think we’ve been more than generous with the city.”
Board member Peyton Bernot agreed the money should be committed for use by the school district.
TRIPLE I CONFERENCE
Several board members who attended a conference for board members and administrators Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-23, in Chicago, commented briefly about their take-aways from conference sessions. Popularly known as the Triple I Conference, the convention is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Owsley said more than 700 Illinois school districts were represented, making the Triple I the largest gathering of education professionals in North America.
Bernot briefly reported on a session he attended regarding upcoming legislation and financial outlooks for school districts. He described the session as “much less optimistic” than sessions he’s attended in the past.
Owsley was among the convention presenters, discussing social-emotional learning. He commented that several districts attending reported efforts to involve students in school administrators. Some districts, he said, appointed a non-voting student representative to the school board to take part in discussions directly affecting students.
“When you think about it, we hear from faculty members and we hear from parents,” Hayes commented. “The people we don’t hear from are the most important part of what we do.”
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The Holiday Sparkle Committee of Gillespie is preparing for the 4th Annual Holiday Sparkle Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting, set for Sunday, November 30, at 6:00 p.m. in downtown Gillespie. This beloved community tradition invites residents and visitors to kick off the holiday season with lights, music, and festive cheer.
Food trucks will line the parade route starting at 4:00 p.m., offering a variety of tasty options for families to enjoy before and during the celebration. The event will culminate in the illuminated parade and the ceremonial lighting of the community tree, signaling the official start of the season’s celebrations.
A highlight of this year’s festivities will be a special performance by Gillespie area students in grades 3 through 5. The group will join together to sing Christmas carols, lending their voices to the town’s joyous welcome to the holidays.
Parade participants are invited to bring extra sparkle to the evening—whether by entering a parade float, walking in the parade, or simply attending to enjoy the atmosphere. Participation helps make the event truly magical for the entire community. The only requirement for the parade is all entries have to incorporate holiday lighting.
To join the parade lineup, interested participants can sign up at https://forms.gle/L7Q4tEkgjj8Lt5E47. The Holiday Sparkle Committee expresses gratitude for the ongoing support of residents, businesses, and volunteers who help bring this festive occasion to life each year.
The second part of the holiday festivities will take place on Saturday, December 13 when the Sparkle will sponsor the vendor fair and food trucks in downtown Gillespie including a visit from Santa. Vendors will be located in the Gillespie Civic Center, Zion Lutheran Church, and Emma G’s Upscale Boutique while local businesses and eateries will also be open. An egg nog jog benefitting Gillespie Cross Country will also be held on December 13 and interested participants can join here.
The Holiday Sparkle Committee invites everyone to mark their calendars and join in the celebration. For more information, please contact the committee by email at gillespieholidaysparkle@gmail.com or visit Gillespie Holiday Sparkle on Facebook.
