Oregon Community Unit School District 220

We are looking for a high school cheer coach! Please reach out to Adam Albrecht, athletic director, for any questions.

Outside accomplishments typically go under the radar, but our youth have been excelling at a very high level recently.

First, at the USATF Lewis University Invite Kollins Anaya smashed her PR running an indoor 1600 m of 5:29 missing the New Balance Nationals qualify time by just 4 seconds. She also PR in her 800 beating multiple Illinois state champs and proving she is a force this year as a 7th grader.

Additionally, NJ Anaya crushed his PR with an indoor mile of 5:45 running against 6th through 8th graders. One being Bentlee Lawrence who is the state champ in cross country and ranked 5th nationally. NJ placed 41st as a 6th grader. He is coming out and showing up. He too ran a PR in his 800m at the Lewis University indoor track meet.

Next, the 5th grade Oregon J-Hawks team went 3-0 at their Princeton Shootout last Sunday. This tournament win came after their win at the Rochelle League Tournament. Additionally, Callum Groenhagen won the tournament's free throw contest with an impressive 14/15 made shots.
To top it all off, most of the team went to cheer on the high school boys at the Rock Falls Regional.

Lastly, The Hawk Wrestling Club had 14 outstanding youth wrestlers who placed at the IKWF Regional and are moving on to Sectionals. The names are listed on the graphic of who placed.

We are very proud of the future to come for Oregon sports. Thank you to all of the youth players and coaches for putting in the hard work day in and day out.

Post originated by OCUSD Communication Intern Nole Campos.

We’re thrilled to celebrate our own Ryan Huels, principal of Oregon Elementary School, for being featured in a national education blog and for speaking on behalf of the Oregon School District at the Illinois ASCD Pump Up Primary Conference on Friday March 6.

In Education Week’s nationally respected Opinion section, Mr. Huels shared practical ways school leaders can support teachers and prevent staff burnout. He highlighted approaches he uses here in Oregon like reducing and shortening meetings to respect teachers’ time and prioritizing daily visibility in classrooms to better understand student learning and connect with staff.

When asked how it feels to represent our district, Mr. Huels said he’s always glad to take any opportunity to highlight the great work happening here. But he quickly credits the entire Oregon staff for making those stories possible and emphasizes it's not a one man show.

He also explains that "teaching has never been harder and that supporting teachers often means taking things off their plates," even if that means canceling a meeting or replacing it with an email. That kind of intentional support has helped strengthen relationships and make Oregon a place where teachers want to continue their careers.

Mr. Huels also makes it a priority of his to be present in every aspect to students and staff. He attends classes, lunches, recess, and is always in the halls handing out high fives. He notes, " you can't support teachers and kids if you're just hanging out in your office all day." By doing this, staff has given very positive feedback to his ways and enjoy the environment they work in every day.

Thank you once again Mr. Huels!

Here is the link to the EdWeek Blog: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-12-strategies-administrators-can-use-to-prevent-staff-burnout-and-their-own/2026/02.

Post created by OCUSD Communciation Intern Nole Campos.

In the Headlights: Barb Holaday

Barb Holaday has been a familiar and friendly presence on the “Penguin Bus” for eight years, transporting students—including some of the district’s special needs students—safely to and from school. She started her journey in transportation as an aide for the Penguin route, quickly stepping into the driver’s seat the following year. Since then, she has become an essential part of the team, known for her dedication, humor, and care for students.

Communication is a value Barb holds in the highest regard. She believes strong communication is essential for a safe, smooth, and positive experience for students, aides, and parents alike.

Outside of her transportation role, Barb has an impressive background. She holds two degrees from WyoTec, studying collision and refinishing, trim and upholstery, street rod work, and applied service management. She also spent about five years in Atlanta, working at various body shops and dealerships, including Cadillac and Subaru. Today, she channels that same love of learning and teaching into her family life, enjoying taking her kids sightseeing, teaching them new skills, and encouraging them to try new experiences.

While Barb doesn’t have a favorite movie, musician, or book, her life is full of hands-on creativity, family adventure, and a dedication to her students’ safety and well-being. She does have a favorite baseball team though; she loves the Milwaukee Brewers, although if she wants  to irritate her husband when the Atlanta Braves play the Dodgers she’ll do the Braves chant since they are next in line behind the Brewers.  Her sense of humor, expertise, and commitment make her a treasured member of the district’s transportation team, ensuring every bus ride is safe, smooth, and sometimes a little adventurous.

Holidays: Curling Is Cool Day / Diesel Engine Day / National Banana Bread Day / National Tootsie Roll Day
Fact: There’s only one letter that doesn’t appear in any American state name. (Which letter is it?)