Futures Unlimited- Decatur, Illinois

🎓 3rd Quarter Graduation Celebration! 🎓

We’re proud to share photos from our recent 3rd Quarter Graduation, and what an incredible milestone it was!

So far this school year, over 100 students have graduated from our program. That’s a number we typically don’t reach until 4th quarter, making this year especially exciting and a testament to the hard work and determination of our students.

Every graduate represents perseverance, growth, and a commitment to finishing what they started. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them and grateful to the families, staff, and partner schools who support these students along the way.

Congratulations to our graduates! 👏
Take a moment to check out some highlights from the ceremony below.

Thanks again for stopping by!

Dear Students,

This is a reminder that our school’s Spring Break will be March 30 through April 3. During this time, there will be no classes, and students are not expected to attend.

Please remember that we are an alternative program, and our calendar does not always match the schedule of your home school. If your home school happens to be out on certain days, you are still expected to attend here unless it is one of our scheduled days off.

To clarify:

Our Spring Break: March 30 – April 3

No school during those dates

All other days follow our regular schedule, even if your home school is closed

If you have any questions about whether you should be in attendance, please contact the office.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Futures

Huge thank you to Josh Norrad Music for coming to our school and sharing your music with us! 🎶
It was an amazing experience and everyone had such a great time. We really appreciate you taking the time to perform, talk with us, and make it such a memorable day. 🙌
Thanks again for bringing the energy and inspiring our students — we hope to have you back again sometime!

🖤✨ Celebrating Black History Month ✨🖤

In honor of Black History Month, Mrs. Hudson’s students recently completed special research projects highlighting influential African American leaders throughout history.

Students selected a historical figure and explored their life stories, including biographical information, major accomplishments, and the lasting impact they made on our world. Through their research, students learned about perseverance, leadership, courage, and the power of positive change.

We are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and thoughtfulness they put into their projects! ❤️ These displays serve as a wonderful reminder of the many individuals who have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations.

Reminder: Parent-Teacher Conferences are tomorrow, Feb 6th, from 8:00 am to 11:30 am. There will be no in-person learning for students. We look forward to seeing you!

This is an important message from Futures Unlimited, Milligan Academy, and Option 3. Due to inclement weather, tomorrow, Friday, January 23rd, will be an E-Learning Day. Students should check their email or Google Classroom for assignments and attendance instructions. Please stay safe and warm.

12-10-25 Futures Field Trip Summary: ADM Experience
Futures students from Mrs. Larrison’s Ag Science class, along with several December graduates, had an exciting and immersive learning experience during their recent field trip to Archer Daniels Midland. They began their day at ADM’s North American Headquarters, setting the stage for a behind-the-scenes look at ADM’s Decatur operations. While visiting the Trade Floor, students learned about negotiating procurements from local farmers and how the transportation division includes rail, water and trucking opportunities throughout the country.
Students then loaded ADM shuttle buses and participated in a Decatur Complex tour, which included gaining knowledge about processing corn and soybeans into products like ethanol, sweeteners, and supplements. Moving on to ADM Trucking operations, ADM employees provided insight into the logistics and transportation systems that support a global organization.
The Global Training Center in downtown Decatur was the final stop, where students engaged in practical, hands-on learning, reinforcing real-world applications of safety standards and procedures used in industrial environments. Students also received an ADM company overview and product showcase, helping them understand ADM’s global impact, diverse product portfolio, and career pathways.
A highlight of the day was a pizza lunch with ADM colleagues, where professionals rotated tables every 15 minutes. This allowed students to ask questions, hear career stories, and gain valuable networking experience in an informal and welcoming setting.
Students also learned about pathway options and next steps for employment at ADM, including internships, training programs, and entry-level opportunities designed to support future careers. The visit concluded with students receiving ADM swag bags, serving as a memorable takeaway from a day filled with learning, exploration, and inspiration.
Overall, the field trip provided Futures students with meaningful exposure to career possibilities, workplace culture, and hands-on experiences at one of the world’s leading companies.

Need Help with Homeless Resources?

For families and students in Macon and Piatt counties, information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is available on our website. Find guidance, resources, and support to ensure every student has access to education, no matter their housing situation.

🔗 Visit: https://www.roe39.org/page/homeless-mckinney-vento

📣 New Page Alert! 📣

We are excited to announce that another fantastic Regional Office of Education #39 program, Option 3, is now on Facebook!

Here at Futures Unlimited, we're proud to work alongside other programs dedicated to student success. Please join us in welcoming them to Facebook and give their new page a 'Like'!

Happy Halloween, everyone! 🎃 Our students and staff are getting into the spooky spirit, and we hope you are too! From our awesome students with Mr. Sanders to our staff's creative (and a little bit wild!) UNO card costumes, we're having a blast.

Wishing you all a safe and fun Halloween night filled with treats, not tricks! Stay safe out there! 👻

This Friday, we proudly celebrate our students as they graduate with their high school diplomas — a milestone built on hard work, perseverance, and heart.

To commemorate the journey, our students left their mark in a special way: painting bricks in the auditorium — a lasting symbol of their legacy, creativity, and the memories made along the way. We're so proud of each and every one of them. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎉💪🧱