https://www.dist156.org/page/homecoming-2026
Our homecoming parade is THIS Sunday, October 4 at 12:30 p.m. from Veterans Park to Freshman Campus. Following the parade, we will Pack the Point at Miller Point with a rally and coronation. Distinguished Graduate Amy Druml will also be honored. McCracken gates will then open at 4:30 p.m. for a 5 p.m. Powder Puff game. Powder Puff tickets and more homecoming info can be found at the link above!

about 22 hours ago, Carly Byer
Pack the Point Homecoming Parade and Coronation Sunday, October 4 Schedule and Music: 12-2 Rocco Z at the Point 12:30 Parade 1:15 Rally and Coronation 2-3 Lara Bel 2026 Distinguished Graduate Amy Smulskhi Druml Class of 1996
Happy School Custodian Appreciation day! Thank you for all you do!
1 day ago, Carly Byer
School Custodian Appreciation Day photos of five custodians
Mr. Erbach and McHenry Messenger student newspaper staff members celebrated the news of a $1,500 grant from the Illinois Press Foundation on Thursday. Jeff Rogers, foundation executive director, encouraged students to continue studying journalism.
The grant money will go towards the cost of the printed magazine and a new camera.
1 day ago, Amy Maciaszek
Photo of McHenry Messenger staff receiving a $1,500 grant from the Illinois Press Foundation
Get your wardrobe ready for homecoming spirit week! 🎵
2 days ago, Carly Byer
McHenry Student Council Presents HOcochella Lollapalooza your favorite genre or your favorite city. Rep your favorite music genre or show some love for Chicago and Illinois, Jersey's artists hometown staples and mrore are all fair game. Tuesday, October 6 Bonaroo. Peace Love Groovy Vibes Break out your brightest colors funky patterns flowers, bell bottoms and best hippie-inspired looks. Wednesday October 7 Stagecoach Country Western Cowboy Saddle up with cowboy boots, denim, western wear and your best concert look. Thursday, October 8 Riot Fest Black Band tees and rock and roll Bring the rock festival energy with balck fits band tees and your favorite concert inspired look. Friday, October 9 Ultra Neon Rave Electric Light up the night in neon, bright colors, glow-inspired accessories an your boldest rave ready look
Happy National Principals Month to Mr. Eiserman and Mr. Sterner!
2 days ago, Carly Byer
Happy National Principals Month Photos of Greg Eiserman and Sean Stener
Mr. Vallianatos honored Mr. Foley after his presentation to the school board executive planning/curriculum and technology committee on Tuesday.
Mr. Foley took part in a paid summer machinist fellowship at Fabrik Molded Plastics as part of his role in D156 as a dual credit manufacturing teacher. Mr. Foley worked approximately 10 weeks learning more about the industry, CNC machines, and techniques of the field.
3 days ago, Amy Maciaszek
 Last night, Mr. Vallianatos honored Mr. Foley after his presentation to the school board executive planning/curriculum and technology committee. Mr. Foley engaged in a paid summer machinist fellowship at Fabrik Molded Plastics as part of his role in D156 as a dual credit manufacturing teacher. Mr. Foley worked approximately 10 weeks learning more about the industry, CNC machines, and techniques of the field.
 Last night, Mr. Vallianatos honored Mr. Foley after his presentation to the school board executive planning/curriculum and technology committee. Mr. Foley engaged in a paid summer machinist fellowship at Fabrik Molded Plastics as part of his role in D156 as a dual credit manufacturing teacher. Mr. Foley worked approximately 10 weeks learning more about the industry, CNC machines, and techniques of the field.
We are pleased to announce the Winter Season Greeting Card Contest for 2026, open to all MCHS students. The winner will have their greeting card printed and used as the district office official card that will be sent to community stakeholders. We will also be awarding a monetary prize for First $50, Second $25, Third $15 and an Honorable Mention $10. Entries must be submitted to art teachers by October 30 .☃️
3 days ago, Carly Byer
Winter Season Greeting Card Contest McHenry Community High School is pleased to announce the Winter Season Greeting Card Contest for 2026. The winner will have their greeting card printed and used as the District Office official card that will be sent to community stakeholders. We will also be awarding a monetary prize for First $50, Second $25, Third $15 and an Honorable Mention $10. This contest is open to All Freshman and Upper Campus students. The top 4 cards will be anonymously selected by the District Office and announced approximately the week of November 9th . Rules/Criteria: • Contest runs from October 1st to October 30th. All submissions must be turned in to the art teachers listed below or to the main office at either campus. • Only students of McHenry Freshman or Upper will be allowed to participate. • Only ONE entry per student. Contestants should follow the criteria listed below: • Must be secular. • Must celebrate the winter season without containing holiday subjects. • Must be a single fold design measuring 5.5” x 4.25”. • May be designed in color or black and white. • The student’s name and campus MUST BE PRINTED NEATLY on the back of the card. • Must write a greeting inside the card with focus on the community members who support our schools (i.e. poem or reflective note Happy New Year, Seasons’ Greetings, Celebrating the Season….) and must leave room at bottom for an administration signature. ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO: Mrs. Drufke Room 321/323 at the Upper Campus Mrs. Metropulos Room 124 at the Freshman Campus Room 321 at the Upper Campus NO LATER THAN Friday, October 30, 2026
Powder Puff competitors greeted freshmen Tuesday morning and invited them to Sunday's Powder Puff game. 🏈 Get your tickets and all other homecoming info at the link: https://www.dist156.org/page/homecoming-2026
4 days ago, Carly Byer
Four students standing in front of Freshman Campus one holding pom poms
Students handing out info
Students handing out info
PreACT testing for grades 9-11 is this Wednesday, September 30. Seniors will not attend school. Please check your emails from principals for more details.
4 days ago, Carly Byer
PreACT September 30 Grades 9-11 No School for seniors. Bring charged chromebook calculator writing utensil
Pre ACT 30 de septiembre Grados 9-11 Grado 12: no hay clases. Traer: Chromebook CARGADO calculadora utensilio para escribir
Homecoming 2026 kicks off with Sunday's parade and Pack the Point event that also recognizes Distinguished Graduate Amy Smulski Druml, Class of 1994. Read more about Druml on the district's website.
Later Sunday, Powder Puff football takes place at 5 p.m. at McCracken Field.
Visit the Homecoming 2026 page on the district's website to see all that's planned.
https://www.dist156.org/page/homecoming-2026
5 days ago, Amy Maciaszek
Flyer for Pack the Point event

Latin-American Student Organization (LASO) is hosting an event on 9/26 (TONIGHT) from 3-5 p.m.. Latin X-perience Sonidos y Sabores is an event to celebrate and honor culture. Come watch a folkloric dance, learn to dance, eat delicious food and participate in cultural games and activities.

7 days ago, Carly Byer
4th Annual Latin X-perience sonidos y sabores Join us in our dance workshop with Academia de danza aztlaw. Learn basic steps and history of Mexican Folkoric Dance. Partipate in a Variet of activities. Free event. Food truck on-site. Saturday. September 26 3-5 p.m. McHenry High School Upper Campus Cafeteria 4724 W. Crystal Lake rd McHenry, IL 60050
4th Annual Latin X-perience Sonidos y sabores Acompañanos en nuestro taller de danza con academia de danza con academia de danza aztlaw. Aprende pasos basicos y conoce la historia de la danza folclorica mexicana. Participa en una variedead de activades. Evento gratuito! Habra food trucks! Sabado el 26 de septeimbre 3-5 p.m. McHenry High School Upper Campus Cafeteria 4724 W. Crystal Lake Rd. McHenry, IL 60050
Today's Friday theme is Gold Out! The color gold was chosen in honor of September being Pediatric Cancer Awareness month. Gold beads were handed out to students Friday morning. The student section will plan on being a sea of gold at this evening's football game. 🎗💛
8 days ago, Carly Byer
Students and teacher holding gold beads
Students dressed in gold spirit outfits
Student and teacher in gold spirit outfits
Studnets with gold beads
Students with gold beads
Students with gold beads
Our Special Olympics athletes starting their basketball season were joined by other basketball players and some cheerleaders in the gym Thursday for an impromptu skills session and game.
Coach Beattie said the group worked on dribbling and shooting before a 4v4 game. Several cheerleaders preparing for their own practice performed on the sideline.
Great job, all!
🧡🖤🏀
8 days ago, Amy Maciaszek
Special Olympics athletes were joined by other basketball players to work on skills together
Cheerleaders providing pep for Special Olympics practice
Special Olympics athletes were joined by other basketball players to work on skills together
Special Olympics athletes were joined by other basketball players to work on skills together

https://tinyurl.com/chicago1971mchenryrotary
McHenry Area Rotary Club supports the dual credit program here at MCHS. They donate over $20,000 per year to eliminate dual credit costs .They're holding a club fundraiser 3 p.m. at Sideouts Sports Tavern THIS SUNDAY, September 27! Come see Chicago 1971 and Savory James Project with John Todd!

9 days ago, Carly Byer
Chicago 1971 the story the night songwriter Steve Goodman introduced John Prine to Krris Kristofferson As told by Chicago area musicians John Ballantyne and His band in music story, pictures and video. Opening Act Savory James Project with John Todd at 3 p.m. Chicago 1971 to follow 3 p.m. September 27 Sideouts Sports Tavern 4018 W. Roberts Rd. Island, Lake, IL 60042 Tickets $25 VIP Stage area 4 person table $400 (includes 2 drinks each) Sponsor package $500 includes VIP packaging media and stage banner recognition. Help support local youth and alleviate suffering worldwide. Thank you! Fundraiser for Rotary McHenry Area

Paying for what's next after high school is often the most stressful part of the Next Step process for students and families. Join us for a Financial Aid & Scholarships Presentation to learn about actions aimed at reducing postsecondary expenses. We offer an in-person session TODAY 9/23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Upper Campus Warrior Room and a livestream session on 9/24 at 1 p.m. at the link below. For those unable to attend either session, the livestream will record and remain at the same link.
https://www.youtube.com/live/ue1HBD63dsQ

10 days ago, Carly Byer
Financial AID/FAFSA and Scholarships Presentation Topics Include: Financial Aid FAFSA Details and Completion, Scholarship Search and Application Tips Earning College Credit at MCHS 9/23 5:30 p.m. UC Warrior Room 9/24 1 p.m. Livestream
Freshman Campus has new benches thanks to MCHS student Julian and his Eagle Scout project!
11 days ago, Carly Byer
Two students on a bench
Student on bench
Bench in walkway roundabout
McHenry County Regional Office of Education Superintendent Diana Hartmann appeared at our board meeting Monday night to thank D156 for partnering with the ROE to host the county Excellence in Education professional development conference the last two summers. Each year, hundreds of educators congregated to enjoy professional learning on a variety of topics from local and national speakers.
11 days ago, Carly Byer
Dr. McTague and Carl Vallianatos with Diana Hartman holding plaque
Make plans now to join us for our annual Manufacturing, Trades and Industry (MTI) Career Expo on Oct. 14 at Upper Campus.
Local organizations, businesses and educational institutions will show students and families the variety of career opportunities available in manufacturing, trades, industry and healthcare.

14 days ago, Amy Maciaszek
Flyers for the Oct. 14 MTI Career Expo at MCHS
Freshmen AIM classes have continued the Warrior Pride Camp tradition this week! Freshmen participated in team-building activities led by our senior leaders. They also learned what it means to be a Warrior, by learning about the Distinguished Warrior program, learning the fight song and more.
15 days ago, Carly Byer
Student AIM group posing at camp and holding a sign
Student AIM group posing at camp and holding a sign
Student AIM group posing at camp and holding a sign
Student AIM group posing at camp and holding a sign
As National Art in Education week closes we want to celebrate the creative talents of our students! We are also thankful for all of our faculty and staff involved in the arts both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities!
15 days ago, Carly Byer
Arts in Education collage of students looking at art, singing in choir, artwork pictured. musical and band