Welcome to the newest head coaches in Shoe Country: Kevin McKenna and Jon Lee!
Almost all of our Frequently Asked Questions can be answered in the Wooden Shoe HQ! https://view.gogipper.com/page/4248732
Use the link to find the answers to questions like, "How do I access schedules?" "How do I download ParentSquare?" "How do I register my child for sports?" "How did our teams do last season?" and many many more.
Use the link to find the answers to questions like, "How do I access schedules?" "How do I download ParentSquare?" "How do I register my child for sports?" "How did our teams do last season?" and many many more.
RESTORING A TRADITION | PART 4
A LEGACY STILL GROWING
Dennis Koester Court is home to one of the most successful girls basketball programs in Illinois history.
Coach Dennis Koester spent 24 seasons leading the Lady Shoes varsity program. His teams recorded 652 victories, made 13 state finals appearances, and earned 5 state championships. His accomplishments earned him induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame alongside fellow Teutopolis coaches Lawrence Carie and Ken Crawford.
Coach Koester consistently credited his players, assistant coaches, families, school leaders, and the Wooden Shoe community. He believed that winning involved more than the final score. It required shared effort, high expectations, strong relationships, and learning to find joy in hard work.
That foundation has been carried forward by generations of Lady Shoes players and coaches. Laurie Thompson experienced the program as a player, assistant coach under Coach Koester, and head coach for 20 seasons, helping preserve and strengthen the culture established by those who came before her.
At the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, the Lady Shoes stood at 1,231 all-time victories, tied for the most wins in Illinois girls basketball history. That milestone reflects the contributions of every player, coach, family, fan, and community member who has helped carry the program forward.
J.H. Griffin Gym provides the home. Dennis Koester Court carries the name of a coach who helped establish the standard. Together, they remain part of a Lady Shoes tradition that continues to grow.
A LEGACY STILL GROWING
Dennis Koester Court is home to one of the most successful girls basketball programs in Illinois history.
Coach Dennis Koester spent 24 seasons leading the Lady Shoes varsity program. His teams recorded 652 victories, made 13 state finals appearances, and earned 5 state championships. His accomplishments earned him induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame alongside fellow Teutopolis coaches Lawrence Carie and Ken Crawford.
Coach Koester consistently credited his players, assistant coaches, families, school leaders, and the Wooden Shoe community. He believed that winning involved more than the final score. It required shared effort, high expectations, strong relationships, and learning to find joy in hard work.
That foundation has been carried forward by generations of Lady Shoes players and coaches. Laurie Thompson experienced the program as a player, assistant coach under Coach Koester, and head coach for 20 seasons, helping preserve and strengthen the culture established by those who came before her.
At the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, the Lady Shoes stood at 1,231 all-time victories, tied for the most wins in Illinois girls basketball history. That milestone reflects the contributions of every player, coach, family, fan, and community member who has helped carry the program forward.
J.H. Griffin Gym provides the home. Dennis Koester Court carries the name of a coach who helped establish the standard. Together, they remain part of a Lady Shoes tradition that continues to grow.
Teutopolis Unit #50 invites community members to participate in our upcoming Clear View Community Conversations. These informal sessions provide an opportunity to meet with the Superintendent and a Board of Education member, ask questions, review publicly available information, and share feedback regarding Teutopolis Grade School facilities.
No RSVP is required. Residents are welcome to attend any session that fits their schedule.
No RSVP is required. Residents are welcome to attend any session that fits their schedule.
RESTORING A TRADITION | PART 3
A CENTURY OF WOODEN SHOE BASKETBALL
As work continues inside J.H. Griffin Gym, it is fitting to reflect on the remarkable basketball tradition built within these walls.
John Harold “J.H.” Griffin served Teutopolis as an educator, superintendent, and boys basketball coach. During his tenure, the Wooden Shoes nickname was adopted to honor the community’s German heritage and the craftsmanship of local shoemaker George Deymann. Griffin also helped establish the foundation of a program that would become one of the most successful in Illinois.
That tradition was carried forward by generations of players and coaches, including Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coaches Lawrence Carie and Ken Crawford. Crawford led the Wooden Shoes to the 1986 Class A State Championship, while both men helped build decades of sustained excellence.
In 2024, Teutopolis celebrated 100 years of Wooden Shoe basketball. Then, on February 1, 2025, the boys program earned its 2,000th victory, becoming only the sixth Illinois boys basketball program to reach that milestone and the fastest to do so.
Only nine head coaches have led the Wooden Shoes throughout more than a century of basketball. Together, their teams have earned championships, trophies, and lasting memories, but the tradition has always belonged to the players, coaches, families, fans, and community members who have carried it forward.
J.H. Griffin Gym bears the name of the man who helped give Teutopolis its athletic identity. Those who play on its floor carry forward the standard of excellence built by generations of Wooden Shoes.
A CENTURY OF WOODEN SHOE BASKETBALL
As work continues inside J.H. Griffin Gym, it is fitting to reflect on the remarkable basketball tradition built within these walls.
John Harold “J.H.” Griffin served Teutopolis as an educator, superintendent, and boys basketball coach. During his tenure, the Wooden Shoes nickname was adopted to honor the community’s German heritage and the craftsmanship of local shoemaker George Deymann. Griffin also helped establish the foundation of a program that would become one of the most successful in Illinois.
That tradition was carried forward by generations of players and coaches, including Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coaches Lawrence Carie and Ken Crawford. Crawford led the Wooden Shoes to the 1986 Class A State Championship, while both men helped build decades of sustained excellence.
In 2024, Teutopolis celebrated 100 years of Wooden Shoe basketball. Then, on February 1, 2025, the boys program earned its 2,000th victory, becoming only the sixth Illinois boys basketball program to reach that milestone and the fastest to do so.
Only nine head coaches have led the Wooden Shoes throughout more than a century of basketball. Together, their teams have earned championships, trophies, and lasting memories, but the tradition has always belonged to the players, coaches, families, fans, and community members who have carried it forward.
J.H. Griffin Gym bears the name of the man who helped give Teutopolis its athletic identity. Those who play on its floor carry forward the standard of excellence built by generations of Wooden Shoes.
RESTORING A TRADITION | Part 2
Back to Bare Wood
The transformation of Dennis Koester Court inside is becoming easier to see as crews continue sanding the floor to bare maple.
A complete sanding removes the previous layers of finish and creates a clean, consistent surface for the new sealer, paint, game lines, logos, and protective finish coats. Multiple sanding stages are required, moving from coarse to finer grits to properly prepare the wood.
This careful work is about more than appearance. Proper preparation is essential to the safety, durability, and long-term performance and to the continued use of J.H. Griffin Gym for physical education, practices, competitions, school activities, and community events.
There is still considerable work ahead, but the renewed character of this historic gymnasium and court is already beginning to show.
RESTORING A TRADITION | Part 1
An Unexpected Discovery
Work is underway on Dennis Koester Court inside J.H. Griffin Gym.
The floor was originally scheduled for its annual summer maintenance, which typically includes cleaning, screening, and applying a new finish coat. During that process, widespread delamination of earlier finish layers was discovered across the playing surface.
After consulting with athletic flooring professionals, the District determined that simply applying another coat would not provide a safe or lasting solution. Instead, the floor is being sanded to bare wood, repainted, sealed, and completely refinished.
Although this was an unexpected project, taking proactive action now will help protect our students and preserve the quality of a surface used each day for physical education, practices, activities, and the competitive play Teutopolis has come to love.
We look forward to sharing the progress over the coming days. Go Shoes!
An Unexpected Discovery
Work is underway on Dennis Koester Court inside J.H. Griffin Gym.
The floor was originally scheduled for its annual summer maintenance, which typically includes cleaning, screening, and applying a new finish coat. During that process, widespread delamination of earlier finish layers was discovered across the playing surface.
After consulting with athletic flooring professionals, the District determined that simply applying another coat would not provide a safe or lasting solution. Instead, the floor is being sanded to bare wood, repainted, sealed, and completely refinished.
Although this was an unexpected project, taking proactive action now will help protect our students and preserve the quality of a surface used each day for physical education, practices, activities, and the competitive play Teutopolis has come to love.
We look forward to sharing the progress over the coming days. Go Shoes!
Join the Wooden Shoe Tradition, or share with someone that might be interested! Full details can be viewed at www.teutopolisschools.org/documents/unit-office/employment/8234
Important Dates for the beginning of TJHS athletics!
The Board of Education will have a regular meeting on July 20 at 6pm at the Unit Office. The agenda can be found here - https://aptg.co/msbRfH
We are excited to share another update on the TJHS expansion and renovation project as work continues this summer.
Since our last update, crews have completed the exterior and interior masonry work, structural steel, and roof framing. The roofing system is nearing completion, rough-in plumbing and electrical are nearly finished, and bathroom tile work is well underway as we prepare for fixture installation.
Current work includes exterior air barrier application, preparation for brick installation, and upcoming work on gutters, fascia, and other exterior metal components.
This project remains an important step in preparing for the transition of sixth grade to TJHS in 2026-27 and creating future opportunities for improvements at TGS.
We are grateful for the continued work of the contractors and for the support of our Wooden Shoe community as this project continues to take shape.
Since our last update, crews have completed the exterior and interior masonry work, structural steel, and roof framing. The roofing system is nearing completion, rough-in plumbing and electrical are nearly finished, and bathroom tile work is well underway as we prepare for fixture installation.
Current work includes exterior air barrier application, preparation for brick installation, and upcoming work on gutters, fascia, and other exterior metal components.
This project remains an important step in preparing for the transition of sixth grade to TJHS in 2026-27 and creating future opportunities for improvements at TGS.
We are grateful for the continued work of the contractors and for the support of our Wooden Shoe community as this project continues to take shape.
Don't forget to complete online registration! Log into your TeacheEase parent portal to get started.
Teutopolis Grade School has served generations of Wooden Shoes for more than 70 years. As facility planning discussions continue, we invite you to take a closer look at current building conditions being reviewed by the Board of Education.
This virtual walk-through highlights areas related to accessibility, aging infrastructure, instructional space, and long-term building functionality.
Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/3M5R067lt1g
For additional updates and information, visit our Clear View website: www.journeytwelve.com/clearview
This virtual walk-through highlights areas related to accessibility, aging infrastructure, instructional space, and long-term building functionality.
Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/3M5R067lt1g
For additional updates and information, visit our Clear View website: www.journeytwelve.com/clearview
Wooden Shoes, online registration for the 2026-27 is July 13-17th!
Congratulations to Alyssa Tipton, Malea Helmink, and Chloe Hoene on their ICA All-State Team selections!
The Board of Education will have a regular meeting on May 11 at 6pm at the Unit Office. The agenda can be found here - https://aptg.co/ZvJJft
Join the Wooden Shoe Tradition, or share with someone that might be interested! Full details can be viewed at www.teutopolisschools.org/documents/unit-office/employment/8234
Last week, we had the privilege of celebrating our 2026 retirees during our End-of-Year Staff Retirement Luncheon.
We are proud to recognize Junior High teachers Shela Yagow and Amy Oseland (pictured), whose dedication, care, and commitment to students have made a lasting impact on generations of Wooden Shoes. Their years of service have helped shape our schools and strengthen our community.
We also extend our appreciation and congratulations to Greg Beck, who retired earlier this school year.
Retirement marks the culmination of a career devoted to making a difference in the lives of others. On behalf of Teutopolis CUSD #50, thank you to all of our 2026 retirees for your service, leadership, and contributions to our Wooden Shoe community!
Please join us in wishing them all the very best in retirement!
We are proud to recognize Junior High teachers Shela Yagow and Amy Oseland (pictured), whose dedication, care, and commitment to students have made a lasting impact on generations of Wooden Shoes. Their years of service have helped shape our schools and strengthen our community.
We also extend our appreciation and congratulations to Greg Beck, who retired earlier this school year.
Retirement marks the culmination of a career devoted to making a difference in the lives of others. On behalf of Teutopolis CUSD #50, thank you to all of our 2026 retirees for your service, leadership, and contributions to our Wooden Shoe community!
Please join us in wishing them all the very best in retirement!
Progress continues on the TJHS expansion project, and we are excited to share another round of photos showing the work underway.
Since our last update, the block walls have been completed, rafters were set into place, and roof decking has begun. In addition, since students left two weeks ago, crews have completed demolition of the existing restrooms, making way for their renovation as part of the project.
This expansion will help prepare for the transition of sixth grade to TJHS in 2026-27, support the needs of our growing student population, and create opportunities for future improvements at TGS.
We are grateful for the continued support as we invest in strong learning spaces for our Wooden Shoes.
Since our last update, the block walls have been completed, rafters were set into place, and roof decking has begun. In addition, since students left two weeks ago, crews have completed demolition of the existing restrooms, making way for their renovation as part of the project.
This expansion will help prepare for the transition of sixth grade to TJHS in 2026-27, support the needs of our growing student population, and create opportunities for future improvements at TGS.
We are grateful for the continued support as we invest in strong learning spaces for our Wooden Shoes.
Congratulations to our Teutopolis 8th Graders on their promotion!
Your hard work, leadership, and heart have shaped this outstanding school year. You’ve shown what it means to be a Wooden Shoe — determined, kind, and ready for the next step.
High School, here they come!
