Saratoga CCSD 60C

 

History:

In 1958, residents of Saratoga Township voted to consolidate nine “one room” schools. In 1959, Saratoga Community Consolidated School District 60C opened the doors of Saratoga School to 192 students that resided in 45 square miles of farmland, residential and commercial property north of Morris. The original cost of the building including land was purchased for $238,978.65. Mr. Paul Foss wore multiple hats as principal and 8th grade teacher. Mr. Foss led his staff of 9 members (including himself), which included one teacher at every grade level and a music teacher.

Subsequent Additions:

• 1964: Primary Wing

• 1969: Library and Junior High Wing

• 1979: New Gymnasium (current Middle Gym)

• 1987: Special Education Classrooms

• 1995: 10 classrooms, 2 Kindergartens, Office space, and Multi-Purpose Room

• 2008: 9 classrooms, Farmer Gymnasium, Band/Choir Room, Remodel/Improvements

• 2020: Classrooms, Office space, Science Labs, Library, Cafetorium, Remodel/Improvements (current construction)

* Source: Sereno, Ken, & Steffes, Deborah (2007). Morris: A Nostalgic Portrait. G. Bradley Publishing, Inc.

Traditions:

• School Mascot: Hawks

• School Colors: Cardinal, Gold, and White

• Athletic Conference: Illinois Valley Conference (IVC); former Saratoga Superintendent, Robert Chord, founded the IVC

• School Song: “The Victors” - same as Michigan Fight Song (see lyrics on back)

• Saratoga Yearbook (annual tradition): 1st Yearbook was in 1974 entitled “The Hawkeye” (see Hawk under “Tradition” below)

• Farmer Gynasium: named after former Saratoga teacher and principal, William R. Farmer.

• Student/Faculty Game: Saratoga faculty and staff competes against the 8th grade volleyball team and 8th grade boys basketball team. The game takes place traditionally in April.

• Yellow Day: The official day of kindness in Morris and many other communities around the nation and world takes place on May 9. Mrs. Honor Trotter, a former Saratoga teacher, lost her battle with cancer in 2013. Honor’s infectious laugh and kindness is still felt in the halls of Saratoga. Honor’s favorite color was yellow and her birthday was on May 9.