Our music department is excited to host a fine arts fright night once again this year! Our students will perform on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 PM in the Upper Grade Center gym. Following the concert, families may visit the book fair, take pictures at our photo area, and enjoy other spooky festivities! Nothing Bundt Cakes will be available for purchase in the MPR. We
will hold a costume contest again this year, with prizes awarded to the top 3 costumes in each age group (11 & under, 12 & up and Group)! This is a district -wide event, and we are especially encouraging students in lower grades to come and hear our 7th/8th grade Band, Orchestra, and Choir students perform.
will hold a costume contest again this year, with prizes awarded to the top 3 costumes in each age group (11 & under, 12 & up and Group)! This is a district -wide event, and we are especially encouraging students in lower grades to come and hear our 7th/8th grade Band, Orchestra, and Choir students perform.
BUGC October Breakfast/Lunch menus. Ala Carte and Meal Prices.
BUGC Best Buddies enjoyed their first event with a donut party! Huge shout out to Sweet Darren's for the amazing donuts! They were delicious.
Good Morning Upper Grade Center Families! As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the whole child, our district uses a tool called SAEBRS (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener). SAEBRS is a short, research-based screener that helps us understand how students are doing beyond their academics. A permission form will go home with your child today, so please look for it after school. Please complete the form and send it back with your child by Friday, September 25th. Thank you for all that you do!
Parents, Check here to find tools that can help you to best support your student.
Tiger Toolkit - Parent Power Up (Downloading the Skyward App Refresher)
This video will help you to get real-time updates on your student's progress in school.
Download the Skyward App
https://www.skyward.com/support/parents-and-students/qmlativ-toolkit/parents/power-up-downloading-the-app
Tiger Toolkit - Parent Power Up (Setting Notification Preferences)
This video will give you a good start by helping you to download the Skyward App.
Skyward Notification Preferences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=tWqLHJ67GyquQ67t&v=sVq7z3oG1aE&feature=youtu.be
Tiger Toolkit - Parent Power Up (Downloading the Skyward App Refresher)
This video will help you to get real-time updates on your student's progress in school.
Download the Skyward App
https://www.skyward.com/support/parents-and-students/qmlativ-toolkit/parents/power-up-downloading-the-app
Tiger Toolkit - Parent Power Up (Setting Notification Preferences)
This video will give you a good start by helping you to download the Skyward App.
Skyward Notification Preferences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=tWqLHJ67GyquQ67t&v=sVq7z3oG1aE&feature=youtu.be
Good Morning Upper Grade Center Families!
On Wednesday, September 16th, BUGC students will have a half day and be released at 11:10. On that day during school hours, we will educate students about the value of school safety in the event of an intruder. It is a state mandate that schools conduct a law enforcement drill and our district has decided on ALICE as an effective means for fulfilling that mandate. Students will learn about the role they can play in maintaining safety while at school.
Thank you for all that you do and please reach out if you have any questions!
On Wednesday, September 16th, BUGC students will have a half day and be released at 11:10. On that day during school hours, we will educate students about the value of school safety in the event of an intruder. It is a state mandate that schools conduct a law enforcement drill and our district has decided on ALICE as an effective means for fulfilling that mandate. Students will learn about the role they can play in maintaining safety while at school.
Thank you for all that you do and please reach out if you have any questions!
Parents, Check here to find tools that can help you to best support your student.
Tiger Toolkit - Parent Power Up (Downloading the Skyward App Refresher)
This video will help you to get real-time updates on your student's progress in school.
Download the Skyward App
https://www.skyward.com/support/parents-and-students/qmlativ-toolkit/parents/power-up-downloading-the-app
Tiger Toolkit - Parent Power Up (Setting Notification Preferences)
This video will give you a good start by helping you to download the Skyward App.
Skyward Notification Preferences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVq7z3oG1aE
BUGC Chess Club is back! Students will need a permission slip signed. They are available through Mr. Pope or in the office. The interest link is in Tiger Talk.
Isaac Lazaro of Mrs. Flowers’ 7th Period Graphic Design class at BUGC designed and produced a t-shirt. It is based on BUGC’s character development program where students learn to practice the principles of Respect, Inspire Others, Self-Control and Equip Ourselves for Success.
BUGC Nurse Newsletter Fall 2026
Support our PTA and make amazing things happen at our school! 🎈
Hello Upper Grade Center Families!
After a few weeks into the school year, the excitement of the first day has settled into the routines and relationships that will define our year together. This is when the real work begins. Our goal at BUGC is not simply to get through another school year, but to make this a year in which our students are challenged, supported, and given every opportunity to grow. The year has been off the a great start, and we are excited for what lies ahead! We also wanted to take this moment to pass along a few things for you:
BUGC Picture Day
BUGC Picture Day set for Thursday, September 10th. Please see the attached flyer for information. All ordering is done online.
Fall STAR Reports
Fall STAR testing reports for ELA and Math were sent home with your child on Friday. If you did not receive your reports, please contact your child's ELA and Math teacher.
Bourbonnais PTA Spirit Wear Store
The Bourbonnais PTA online spirit wear store is open until September 21st. See the attached flyer for purchasing information.
Illinois E-Bike & Micromobility Law (SB 3484)
Effective January 1st, 2027, Illinois has new laws regarding E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and other micromobility devices. Please visit the following link from the Illinois Secretary of States Office for more information:
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/traffic-safety/micromobility-in-illinois/know-the-rules.html
BUGC Replacement Planners and IDs
If your child loses their planner or school ID, the replacement cost is $5. All students were provided with an ID and planner at the start of the school year. IDs are required for entry into any after school event such as athletic events and dances. Please have your child report to the office if they need a replacement of either one of these items.
As always, thank you for all that you do! We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend! Please call our office at 815.929.5200 with any questions.
Mr. Outsen - Principal
Mrs. Longtin - Associate Principal
Mr. Chorak - Dean of Students
After a few weeks into the school year, the excitement of the first day has settled into the routines and relationships that will define our year together. This is when the real work begins. Our goal at BUGC is not simply to get through another school year, but to make this a year in which our students are challenged, supported, and given every opportunity to grow. The year has been off the a great start, and we are excited for what lies ahead! We also wanted to take this moment to pass along a few things for you:
BUGC Picture Day
BUGC Picture Day set for Thursday, September 10th. Please see the attached flyer for information. All ordering is done online.
Fall STAR Reports
Fall STAR testing reports for ELA and Math were sent home with your child on Friday. If you did not receive your reports, please contact your child's ELA and Math teacher.
Bourbonnais PTA Spirit Wear Store
The Bourbonnais PTA online spirit wear store is open until September 21st. See the attached flyer for purchasing information.
Illinois E-Bike & Micromobility Law (SB 3484)
Effective January 1st, 2027, Illinois has new laws regarding E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and other micromobility devices. Please visit the following link from the Illinois Secretary of States Office for more information:
https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/drivers/traffic-safety/micromobility-in-illinois/know-the-rules.html
BUGC Replacement Planners and IDs
If your child loses their planner or school ID, the replacement cost is $5. All students were provided with an ID and planner at the start of the school year. IDs are required for entry into any after school event such as athletic events and dances. Please have your child report to the office if they need a replacement of either one of these items.
As always, thank you for all that you do! We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend! Please call our office at 815.929.5200 with any questions.
Mr. Outsen - Principal
Mrs. Longtin - Associate Principal
Mr. Chorak - Dean of Students
This year, Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center turns 50!
During the 1970s, Bourbonnais experienced tremendous population growth. From 1961 until 1975, Alan Shepard School served all of the district's 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. As enrollment continued to climb, it became clear that a new school was needed. On November 1, 1974, ground was broken for what would become the Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center, and BUGC officially opened its doors in the fall of 1976.
Mr. Outsen was approached in January of 2025 by a former BUGC teacher, Earl Kelly. He wanted to work with him to help create a get together for his former colleagues who were here during the opening days. On Tuesday, August 18, we welcomed many of the original BUGC teachers back to the building for an informal reunion. Many of them began their careers here in 1976 after moving from Alan Shepard, where they had previously taught together. They spent decades serving the students of Bourbonnais, built lifelong friendships, and continue to gather regularly even in retirement.
They were able reconnect, reminisce, and walk the halls of the building they helped establish. They had the opportunity to visit former classrooms, see how BUGC has evolved over the past 50 years, and relive some wonderful memories.
During the 1970s, Bourbonnais experienced tremendous population growth. From 1961 until 1975, Alan Shepard School served all of the district's 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. As enrollment continued to climb, it became clear that a new school was needed. On November 1, 1974, ground was broken for what would become the Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center, and BUGC officially opened its doors in the fall of 1976.
Mr. Outsen was approached in January of 2025 by a former BUGC teacher, Earl Kelly. He wanted to work with him to help create a get together for his former colleagues who were here during the opening days. On Tuesday, August 18, we welcomed many of the original BUGC teachers back to the building for an informal reunion. Many of them began their careers here in 1976 after moving from Alan Shepard, where they had previously taught together. They spent decades serving the students of Bourbonnais, built lifelong friendships, and continue to gather regularly even in retirement.
They were able reconnect, reminisce, and walk the halls of the building they helped establish. They had the opportunity to visit former classrooms, see how BUGC has evolved over the past 50 years, and relive some wonderful memories.
BUGC Picture Day is September 10.
Clubs available at BUGC.
Support the Bourbonnais PTA! Samples are available in the office.
Girls Basketball Tryout Information
Tiger Toolkit - Parent Power Up (Downloading the Skyward App)
Parents, Check in here to find tools that can help you to best support your student. This video will give you a good start by helping you to download the Skyward App.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWJUISSL0FM
Parents, Check in here to find tools that can help you to best support your student. This video will give you a good start by helping you to download the Skyward App.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWJUISSL0FM
August and September Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Check out our BUGC 50th Anniversary Shirts available for purchase!
