As a reminder, parents must call in students who will not be attending school (either in-person or remote) regardless of the schedule. A valid reason for the absence must be given, per the Illinois State Code. Most commonly, this includes illness or doctor appointments. Students who are choosing the in-person option cannot simply choose not to attend on their... READ MORE >
MCHS families are invited to register students for the 2021-2022 school year through Skyward Family Access. Please use the link below to visit the online registration site for detailed registration instructions. Online Registration 2021-2022 READ MORE >
MCHS Summer School kicks off Monday, June 7 at the Upper Campus. With ongoing summer construction work, Summer School Principal Sean Sterner is sharing important traffic and safety information. Please click on this link to read the update information, and here for Spanish translation. READ MORE >
When Marsha Potthoff was just starting out as a teacher, her father allowed her to teach at Sycamore High School only after seeing cows grazing in a pasture nearby. Thank goodness for the cows. Now, 35 years later, Potthoff, who started out as an English teacher and ended up as a high school principal, is ready to write her next chapter. As Potthoff prepares to... READ MORE >
As the district starts planning for Fall 2021, families can let us know whether their students will need bus transportation. Please click the following link https://forms.gle/CdkK78wLa1KQN16d7 if you are eligible for bus service and would like to request district bus transportation next school year. This will help the district and transportation officials plan... READ MORE >
The newly formed McHenry Community High School District 156 Alumni Association is embarking on an ambitious campaign to bring Warriors home -- virtually -- through the new online alumni association platform. Named the 5,000 Warriors Project, the program has a goal to reach at least 5,000 alumni this year and have them join the association and create a profile on... READ MORE >
With the graduation of the Class of 2021, the inaugural year for the McHenry High School Alumni Association is ready to take flight. McHenry High School District 156 officials are launching the new alumni program to coincide with graduation, and to help build a bridge between current graduates and the thousands of graduates in McHenry High School... READ MORE >
Three McHenry High School alumni told Distinguished Warriors from the Class of 2021 to be proud of such a distinction that shows they not only survived a pandemic but thrived. The taped comments from alumni were shared during the May 16 ceremonies for the 183 students who earned the Distinguished Warrior honor for excellence in academics, school involvement and... READ MORE >
As you may have heard, Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine now has emergency use authorization from the FDA and the CDC for children 12 to 15 years of age. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly expressed its support for approved COVID-19 vaccines for children age 12 and up. The McHenry County Department of Health is offering Pfiizer vaccines at their... READ MORE >
Watch the Class of 2021 live during the small group graduation ceremonies at East Campus and West Campus. There will be a livestream of each ceremony, starting at 4 p.m. May 20 at West Campus and 5 p.m. May 20 at East Campus. Several group ceremonies are being planned to handle the annual event safely. See below for the links to see the full schedule of... READ MORE >
When McHenry High School teacher Sara Cossiboon was in school, her favorite day was near the end of the year when her teacher handed out leftover supplies. Cossiboon enjoyed having the school supplies so she could practice being a teacher at home. Now her dream job as a teacher earned her the East Campus Staff Member of the Month for March. Though she’s been at... READ MORE >
For McHenry High School math Instructor Robert Johnson, teaching through a pandemic is just another new thing in a lifetime of new things. He’s struggled a bit with the necessary technology for digital learning during the COVID-19 lockdown, and now with juggling remote students along with in-person students. He’s also getting used to his new math classroom in the... READ MORE >
ABOUT OUR PROGRAM: Our preschool program is designed to meet a three-fold purpose as follows: Provide the high school students the opportunity to create, develop and implement lessons and activities for our preschool program.Teach the high school students the skills, responsibilities, challenges and rewards of running a preschool program.Provide preschoolers in... READ MORE >
Where are they going? Take a look at the interactive map of postsecondary destinations for our Class of 2021. This map is being continuously updated. Seniors should be sure to let counselors know of their plans as soon as possible. Congratulations, Class of 2021! READ MORE >
Forty-four McHenry High School seniors were named to the 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars listing by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. These students rank in the top 10 percent of Illinois high school seniors. Criteria for the designation includes having a SAT or ACT score in the top 95th percentile.Here are the Illinois State Scholars:McHenry High School... READ MORE >
On an early spring day in Robert Niemic’s U.S. History class, the topic is discrimination. The McHenry High School West Campus social science teacher gives students a preview of topics to come, including Jim Crow laws, Rosa Parks and Brown v. Board of Education. Niemic invites students for their thoughts on discrimination before sharing his own. “It’s when you’re... READ MORE >
Application Notice: Our State of Illinois Certified Applicators will apply Esplanade EZ at West Campus softball field and McCracken Field, between Monday, April 26 and Friday, April 30, 2021. Our time frame is because of State of Illinois laws involving when we can spray. Weather and wind are a large factor. Look for “white flags” to know if an area has been... READ MORE >
Last weekend, MCHS journalism students from newspaper and yearbook competed at the IHSA Journalism Sectional. Despite the challenges of being entirely remote for much of the year, students did well. Below is a list of students who placed in their categories. Rachel Kaminski (2nd in editorial cartooning, 4th in advertising) Josie Cable (3rd in editorial... READ MORE >
In a year full of changes and adjustments, homecoming in April makes perfect sense. With safety in mind, McHenry High School is gearing up for a homecoming like no other as students try to bring back some of the things they have lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It all starts April 19, although decorating is already underway. Organizers are also hoping the... READ MORE >
Perhaps the past year hasn’t been all bad. In fact, for McHenry High School math Instructor Anthony Curlott, several positives have emerged. He’s noticed good changes in his students who have developed important life skills such as self-advocacy, resilience and flexibility -- things that will serve them well after high school “Those are the positives I want them... READ MORE >
Dear Warrior Family, I wanted to inform you that starting Monday, April 12, every Illinois resident age 16 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have not already been vaccinated, I strongly urge you to do so. There are multiple avenues for you to receive the vaccination. To register for the vaccine, you can use the Illinois... READ MORE >
Despite the challenges of adjusted seasons due to a global pandemic, McHenry High School's athletics programs continue to have successful competition events.Athletics Director Barry Burmeister said the cheer team finished third in virtual sectionals and qualified for the IHSA virtual state championships. The team ultimately placed 18th in the large school... READ MORE >
Like many across the country, Casey Honniball celebrated the recent landing of NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars. The excitement for space exploration was perhaps a bit more personal for the McHenry High School graduate who is now working as a postdoctoral fellow for NASA. Dr. Honniball’s work focuses on the Moon with the hope that her work plus what is being... READ MORE >
Take a listen to Dr. Prickett on WBBM Radio Chicago on March 16. Click here.Dr. Jeff Prickett, principal of McHenry High School-East Campus since 2017, is the Illinois High School Principal of the Year for 2021 in recognition of the positive impact he’s made on students, families and the community, particularly in light of a worldwide health pandemic. Officials... READ MORE >
Dear Warrior Family I’m pleased to announce, in conjunction with our feeder districts, we are planning to expand our in-person learning model when we return from spring break on Monday, April 5. The new learning model will follow a continuous instructional format and would eliminate asynchronous learning days as well as the orange and black schedules. All... READ MORE >
Two McHenry High School seniors were among 14 area students to earn the Good Citizen Award from the Kishwaukee Valley Region of the Daughters of the American Revolution for demonstrating the qualities of good citizenship. Isabella Aguilar and Elizabeth Hying were both chosen by McHenry High School teachers to receive the award. Aguilar is representing East Campus... READ MORE >
Officers with the West Campus Key Club attended the first-ever Key Club Digital District Convention and Leadership Conference, and came away with several awards including 1st place in the platinum division for the James Robert Hall Achievement Award. Also, the club received the RIOT Award, the Newsletter Award (Alyssa Abiol is in charge of the monthly newsletter),... READ MORE >
The McHenry High School Foundation Committee is accepting nominations for the McHenry High School Distinguished Graduate honor, which is a recognition of McHenry High School alumni who have gone above and beyond in their career fields, humanitarian work or community service. To be considered for the award, nominees must be graduates of McHenry High School District... READ MORE >
When you walk into McHenry High School school Counselor Curtis Menke’s office at East Campus, you might see a photo of Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton. Or you might notice a shield from Marvel’s Captain America. Or you may see an item of McHenry Warriors gear. Menke, meanwhile, is likely watching where your eyes go. Adorning his office with special items is... READ MORE >
As McHenry High School works to educate young people in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, the newly created Freshman Success team has been crucial in helping students new to high school get on a path to success. Team members reach out to struggling new students to work on homework, prepare for tests or just to check in. The team’s work has been particularly... READ MORE >
Last spring, Autumn Mercure was a little uneasy about the future. A member of McHenry High School’s Class of 2020, she was finishing school remotely and worried about the continuing impact of COVID-19. Then in June, while she was doing some summer work with the MCHS Print Shop (npw known as Warriors Ink), the full-service graphics department at McHenry High... READ MORE >
MCHS art teachers Barbara Drufke, Michele Zimmerman, Jessica Metropulos, and the National Art Honor Society members worked together to create a virtual art show in light of cancellation of in-person art events.They invited submissions from students in District 15 and District 36 to create the Tri-Conference Art Show.Click here to see an article about this new... READ MORE >
Dear District 156 Parent/Guardian, On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, McHenry Community High School District 156 will administer the ninth annual Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school, and it will help guide the school improvement process. The 5Essentials... READ MORE >
The show will go on for McHenry High School as students work to prepare for a spring show, “Musical Revue,” that features performances of 16 songs from 15 well-known Broadway shows. More than 36 students have been working since January to prepare for the production that will take the stage in mid-March in the West Campus auditorium. Most of the songs were selected... READ MORE >
Katherine Freiberger, a McHenry High School teacher for 31 years, often helps out in the book room distributing textbooks to East Campus students at the beginning of the school year. When she saw a senior student, she’d announce, “senior in the house,” to everyone within earshot. This year, she wasn’t able to do that, due to new safety procedures in place for... READ MORE >
Sarah Ray had her work cut out for her when she started with McHenry High School this year. Students were learning remotely as teachers and staff struggled to reach out to them during a global pandemic. Enter Ray, a new teacher and long-term building substitute at West Campus, with a purpose to connect with students and help them learn and grow. Her colleagues... READ MORE >
“¿Cómo está, señor?” asks Lorena Ortega, bilingual parent liaison for McHenry High School, on a recent morning while helping a parent work out student bus details. With the school system starting hybrid learning in January, each day is a busy one for Ortega. Not that she wasn’t busy before. COVID-19 added new layers of communication with families and students.... READ MORE >
Teaching during a pandemic may not be ideal, but social science Instructor Andrew Stegenga is trying to make the best of it. One thing he says he’s gotten better at doing is quickly shifting gears to focus on strengthening his connections with students. His students credit his efforts to make them smile in the midst of digital learning and mask mandates for... READ MORE >
Current 8th-graders and families are invited to get started planning for high school with livestream events on Feb. 3 and Feb. 11. The Feb. 3 virtual event is to assist current 8th-graders with registering for 2021-22 courses. The Feb. 11 virtual event focuses on all of the fantastic opportunities to get involved at McHenry High School. The direct link to the... READ MORE >
MCHS is offering virtual homework help in math and reading/writing for students who are working at home on their asynchronous days. During school hours of 7:25 p.m. - 1:25 p.m., students can log in to the links below to get help from MCHS teachers. Empezando el lunes, 25 de enero, tendremos apoyo virtual disponible para ayudar con las tareas de matemáticas y... READ MORE >
Members of the MCHS school counseling team hosted livestream presentations to assist students and families in selecting classes for the 2021-22 school year. Below are the links students and families can use to view the recorded sessions. Class of 2022 - Current Juniors - Wednesday Jan. 20, 2:30 p.m. https://youtu.be/PDDwMduTd2g Class of 2023 - Current... READ MORE >
MCHS students coming to the buildings for hybrid learning should bring self-certification forms every time they come to the buildings. Students will get pads of forms the first day they come to school.Also, students should have their IDs with them. READ MORE >
Bus schedules are now available for students returning to school next week in the Hybrid Learning Model. As a reminder, use the student's ID number as a username and password. You can find the ID number on your student's ID card or in Skyward under "Student Profile." Go to https://versatransweb06.tylertech.com/mchenrysd15/elinkrp/login.aspx Log in using your... READ MORE >
Events are planned for Jan. 13 and Jan. 14 for current freshmen and new students to look around both campuses in anticipation of starting the hybrid learning on Jan. 20. Please see details for each campus below. Building principals also sent emails to families. EAST: In anticipation of our Return to Hybrid Learning model on January 20th, we are putting the... READ MORE >
Julie Greene, instructional assistant for McHenry High School, is used to working in-person with students. But since COVID-19 and digital learning, she’s often had to make do with screenshots and email. Her ability to find creative ways to support students and help out wherever needed were noted when co-workers nominated her to be the October Staff Member of the... READ MORE >
JUNIORS!! Welcome Back and Happy New Year!! Please read. Next year the district is offering a new leadership course for the Class of 2022. Leadership in Action is open to all juniors who are interested in working with our incoming 9th-graders next year and developing leadership skills. There is no set requirement or experience needed for this course. Honors... READ MORE >
The 2019-20 school year was full of excitement for McHenry High School. From huge construction and renovation projects to record-setting Homecoming festivities to a global pandemic, the school year had it all. Read all about it in the newly released MCHS annual report, designed by MCHS senior Sydney Murrin with the help of her colleagues at MCHS Warriors Ink. READ MORE >
As MCHS senior Emily Gahgan enjoys being in the running for a $20,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Foundation, she wants other students to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to aim high and talk about their accomplishments. Emily is among 1,609 semifinalists nationwide for the $20,000 scholarships. Ultimately, 150 students will be awarded. She was selected from... READ MORE >
As high school students across Illinois start preparing for the SAT college admission testing, McHenry High School’s science Instructor Tim Beagle is hoping his work helps students see better skills and scores. Beagle, division chair for science at McHenry Community High School District 156, teamed up with a small group of Illinois educators during the summer to... READ MORE >
Dr. Ryan McTague, Dr. Jeff Prickett and Carl Vallianatos gave a broad update to the community on the massive construction and renovation project for District 156 along with plans to transition to a one school, two-campus model during an hour-long virtual livestream presentation Dec. 8. The program includes an update on progress to renovate both East Campus and... READ MORE >
Students, if you need support with your Chromebook, or are having problems logging in, please see the following link:Technology Support for students READ MORE >
For Otto Corzo, his lightbulb moment came in high school when his chemistry teacher suggested that he consider a career as an educator. Now he looks to bring about those lightbulb moments in his students. Teaching during a global pandemic makes it a little more challenging to see those moments since teachers and students are connecting mostly over the internet.... READ MORE >
Four MCHS students earned the Rural and Small Town Scholar recognition from the College Board for meeting several academic requirements, including having a score in the top 2.5 percent of PSAT/NMSQT test takers. West Campus Associate Principal Terry Fitzgibbons delivered the awards to the four students. They are Jacob Borland, Zachary Martin, Alexander Saery and... READ MORE >
MCHS students have submitted Artwork for the second annual McHenry County 4 x 6 Mini Show. This is a show created to celebrate the creativity of our students at the beginning of the year. This year there were 130 submissions. Students submitted work in the following categories: Traditional Arts, Digital Art, Digital Photography, Triptych and Future Artists... READ MORE >
Sarah Doherty, a MCHS junior, was accepted into the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program, a two-year curriculum to give young people a closer look at careers in health care. While much of the program is virtual because of the pandemic, Doherty said she’s looking forward to learning more about health care from guest speakers, group discussions and activities. It... READ MORE >
McHenry High School Instructor Stefanie Lukas knew in high school that she wanted to be a teacher. The only tough decision was figuring out which subject to teach. Her students are likely glad she chose mathematics since many of them nominated her to be the first 2020-21 Staff Member of the Month for West Campus. In nominating Lukas for the award, students said... READ MORE >
McHenry High School English Instructor Leah Nolan has had quite a start to her teaching career. First, she started teaching during a global pandemic. Then, she became the first Staff Member of the Month award winner for East Campus in the 2020-21 school year. Nolan, who is teaching Honors English I, English II and English IV, said this has been a challenging start... READ MORE >
McHenry High School has announced the ZAPS SAT preparation program for this year. Please see the program flyer below - which includes a link to the registration form at the bottom: READ MORE >
When Madison Loewe of McHenry was a freshman in high school, one of the elective classes she wanted was full. So she ended up in Metals 1. “I walked in and I was the only female. This didn’t change until my senior year,” said Loewe, who graduated from McHenry High School in 2020. Her second choice in high school quickly became her first choice for a career. Now... READ MORE >
Parents, students, teachers, and administrators are all working very hard to be successful with digital learning. When technical issues occur it can be very frustrating. Here are some frequently asked questions with answers and suggestions.Technical Issues FAQ - What to do when technology issues occurLos padres, estudiantes, maestros y administradores están... READ MORE >
Please see our new Hybrid Learning Plan 2.0 homepage for all information regarding the MCHS return to school. The Hybrid Learning Plan 2.0 page can be found here. READ MORE >
McHenry High School started the 2020-21 school year digitally so the hallways at both East Campus and West Campus are pretty quiet these days. Like many educators, East Campus Principal Jeff Prickett is trying to adjust. So he decided this would be a good time to focus on professional development for himself and fellow educators. And, he’s taking to the airwaves... READ MORE >
McHenry High School District 156 2020-2021 Assessment Schedule READ MORE >
To make sure that all students have the means to access learning materials when away from school, MCHS has provided the following resources. We are committed to making sure that all students have access to low-cost or free WIFI either in the home or throughout the community.Visit the Access to WiFi Outside of School Resources page READ MORE >
Please be sure to check our Covid-19 Updates and Resources page often as we will be updating it frequently READ MORE >
Online registration for the 2020-2021 school year is now open. Please click on the link below to access instructions for the online registration process.Online Registration 2020-2021 READ MORE >
Attention students! Students - for technology support with your Chromebook, Schoology or Skyward, please see the following information: Email Support or phone at (815) 759-5137 Chromebook Instructions READ MORE >