This is to inform CESD #317 families that tomorrow, Friday, April 24, 2026, there will be an early dismissal for Kindergarten through 8th grade due to school improvement.
Dismissal times:
Shuttle Bus: 12:20 pm
Primary School: 12:30 pm
Middle School: 12:35 pm
Preschool classes will not be in session.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, April 27th.
Dismissal times:
Shuttle Bus: 12:20 pm
Primary School: 12:30 pm
Middle School: 12:35 pm
Preschool classes will not be in session.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, April 27th.
Today we celebrate our incredible bus drivers! 🚌
Thank you to Mr. Edis, Mr. Castlebury, Mr. Ufkes, and Mr. Hartweg for safely transporting our students each day with care, patience, and dedication. You are often the first smile our students see in the morning and the last one they see in the afternoon.
We appreciate all that you do to keep our school community moving! 💛
CESD Families,
Please review the attached pest control treatment notices for Carthage Elementary School District #317.
In accordance with the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act, we are providing advance notice that pest control treatment is scheduled for April 25, 2026, at both of our school locations. The treatment will address general pests and will be completed by Pointe Pest Solutions using an approved product (OneGuard Multi MoA, EPA Reg. #1021-2807)
If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding this treatment, please contact our school representative, Kody Horn, at 217-491-1737.
At CESD, we follow an Integrated Pest Management approach, which prioritizes prevention and the use of the least hazardous methods to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff.
Thank you for your attention to this notice.
Please review the attached pest control treatment notices for Carthage Elementary School District #317.
In accordance with the Illinois Structural Pest Control Act, we are providing advance notice that pest control treatment is scheduled for April 25, 2026, at both of our school locations. The treatment will address general pests and will be completed by Pointe Pest Solutions using an approved product (OneGuard Multi MoA, EPA Reg. #1021-2807)
If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding this treatment, please contact our school representative, Kody Horn, at 217-491-1737.
At CESD, we follow an Integrated Pest Management approach, which prioritizes prevention and the use of the least hazardous methods to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff.
Thank you for your attention to this notice.
Happy Secretary’s Day to the one who keeps everything running smoothly at Carthage Primary School! 💙
Mrs. Jennie, we truly could not do it without you. Thank you for your kindness, organization, and the care you show to our students, staff, and families each and every day. You are the heart of our front office, and we are so lucky to have you.
We appreciate you more than words can say!
Mrs. Jennie, we truly could not do it without you. Thank you for your kindness, organization, and the care you show to our students, staff, and families each and every day. You are the heart of our front office, and we are so lucky to have you.
We appreciate you more than words can say!
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and at Carthage Primary School we are proud to help raise awareness and support our students in understanding how to stay safe and speak up.
Our K through 2nd grade students participated in a coloring contest, and our 3rd and 4th grade students created pinwheels as a symbol of hope and prevention. Today, we had the opportunity to recognize our winners with the help of some special guests who joined us to announce winners and present prizes.
Congratulations to Kalita Bliss (Kindergarten), Olivia Orris (1st Grade), Emme McAndrew (2nd Grade), Liam Haley (3rd Grade), and KallieAnn Kelly (4th Grade).
We are so proud of all of our students for their participation and thoughtful work. The most important message we want every child to remember is simple and powerful: if you see something, say something.
Thank you to our Mrs. Briggs our school social worker and our special guests who represent several organizations of Hancock County for helping make this a meaningful experience for our students. 💙
Our K through 2nd grade students participated in a coloring contest, and our 3rd and 4th grade students created pinwheels as a symbol of hope and prevention. Today, we had the opportunity to recognize our winners with the help of some special guests who joined us to announce winners and present prizes.
Congratulations to Kalita Bliss (Kindergarten), Olivia Orris (1st Grade), Emme McAndrew (2nd Grade), Liam Haley (3rd Grade), and KallieAnn Kelly (4th Grade).
We are so proud of all of our students for their participation and thoughtful work. The most important message we want every child to remember is simple and powerful: if you see something, say something.
Thank you to our Mrs. Briggs our school social worker and our special guests who represent several organizations of Hancock County for helping make this a meaningful experience for our students. 💙
Dear CPS Families,
This is a reminder to please have your student check the lost and found, which is currently displayed in the windows of the entry hallway.
I have attached photos of the items we currently have. If you see something that belongs to your child, please stop in or have your student pick it up.
Any unclaimed items will be donated this Friday, April 24.
Thank you for your help with this!
This is a reminder to please have your student check the lost and found, which is currently displayed in the windows of the entry hallway.
I have attached photos of the items we currently have. If you see something that belongs to your child, please stop in or have your student pick it up.
Any unclaimed items will be donated this Friday, April 24.
Thank you for your help with this!
It is time!!!! Our 2026 Fun Run and Field Day at Carthage Primary School will be on Wednesday, May 20th 2026! We can't wait to celebrate the end of another amazing school year!!!
If you would like to volunteer to help during this event, please use the Sign Up Genius link below! Reminder that we will be having our Fun Run in the morning, and Field Day will be in the afternoon with a break for lunch in between. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer at both events- we can't wait to see you there!! All students and staff will receive a t-shirt for this event free of charge thanks to our generous community sponsors! T-shirt orders for family members will go live next week!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4EAFAF22A0FF2-63575821-2026
Please email pto@cesd317.org with any questions!
Thank you!!
Carthage Primary PTO
If you would like to volunteer to help during this event, please use the Sign Up Genius link below! Reminder that we will be having our Fun Run in the morning, and Field Day will be in the afternoon with a break for lunch in between. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer at both events- we can't wait to see you there!! All students and staff will receive a t-shirt for this event free of charge thanks to our generous community sponsors! T-shirt orders for family members will go live next week!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0B4EAFAF22A0FF2-63575821-2026
Please email pto@cesd317.org with any questions!
Thank you!!
Carthage Primary PTO
I hope this message finds you all safe after the wild storms. We have another busy week coming up at CMS:
Tuesday, April 21st - Friday, April 24: Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) for 5th and 8th graders and STAR assessment for 6th and 7th graders. Students will need a fully charged Chromebook and headphones with a cord.
Wednesday, April 22: 8th Grade Tour and Orientation at IW; 8th graders will walk to and from IW for this event.
Friday, April 24: Half Day for School Improvement: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Friday, April 24: Spring Dance: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21st - Friday, April 24: Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) for 5th and 8th graders and STAR assessment for 6th and 7th graders. Students will need a fully charged Chromebook and headphones with a cord.
Wednesday, April 22: 8th Grade Tour and Orientation at IW; 8th graders will walk to and from IW for this event.
Friday, April 24: Half Day for School Improvement: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Friday, April 24: Spring Dance: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Dear CESD Families,
Due to incoming inclement weather, all after school activities for today are canceled. This includes the CPS after school program and all sports and extracurricular activities.
The safety of our students, families, and staff is always our top priority. We encourage everyone to get home safely and take necessary precautions this evening.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your understanding,
Carthage Elementary School District #317
Hello CMS Families,
Thank you for participating in the Color Run/Walk last night! It was a great event, and we loved seeing so many of our families there. If you didn’t get a chance to participate this year, we’re hoping it will become an annual event!
As the weather begins to warm up, we wanted to send a friendly reminder about our student dress code to help ensure a positive and appropriate learning environment for all students.
Our dress code is outlined in the student handbook (page 5 and referenced again on page 34) and is in place to support safety, respect, and a focus on learning. In general, students should wear clothing that:
Covers undergarments and the torso (midriffs and cut-off t-shirts that show the torso are not appropriate)
Does not display inappropriate content (such as alcohol, drugs, or weapons)
Includes bottoms that are an appropriate length
Is worn in a safe and appropriate way for school
We have recently seen an increase in dress code concerns as we transition into warmer weather. While we always approach these situations with care and understanding, we do address concerns when they arise to maintain consistency across the building. While we do not enjoy having to address dress code violations, it is part of our responsibility to ensure expectations are followed.
When needed, we will work with students to correct concerns in a supportive way. This may include asking a student to change clothing, reaching out to families for support, and continuing to guide students toward meeting expectations.
Our goal is always to handle these situations respectfully and with minimal disruption to the student’s day. We appreciate your support in helping your child come to school dressed in a way that aligns with these expectations.
If you have any questions or would like clarification, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support!
Thank you for participating in the Color Run/Walk last night! It was a great event, and we loved seeing so many of our families there. If you didn’t get a chance to participate this year, we’re hoping it will become an annual event!
As the weather begins to warm up, we wanted to send a friendly reminder about our student dress code to help ensure a positive and appropriate learning environment for all students.
Our dress code is outlined in the student handbook (page 5 and referenced again on page 34) and is in place to support safety, respect, and a focus on learning. In general, students should wear clothing that:
Covers undergarments and the torso (midriffs and cut-off t-shirts that show the torso are not appropriate)
Does not display inappropriate content (such as alcohol, drugs, or weapons)
Includes bottoms that are an appropriate length
Is worn in a safe and appropriate way for school
We have recently seen an increase in dress code concerns as we transition into warmer weather. While we always approach these situations with care and understanding, we do address concerns when they arise to maintain consistency across the building. While we do not enjoy having to address dress code violations, it is part of our responsibility to ensure expectations are followed.
When needed, we will work with students to correct concerns in a supportive way. This may include asking a student to change clothing, reaching out to families for support, and continuing to guide students toward meeting expectations.
Our goal is always to handle these situations respectfully and with minimal disruption to the student’s day. We appreciate your support in helping your child come to school dressed in a way that aligns with these expectations.
If you have any questions or would like clarification, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support!
Reminder, CESD families!
Our CESD 5K Color Run/Walk is this evening, April 15 from 5:00–7:00 PM here at CPS! 🎉
Please plan to park in the IWHS parking lot. Food trucks will be set up in the circle drive, so come hungry and ready for a fun evening!
We are keeping an eye on the weather. The event will take place as planned unless there are active thunderstorms. If we do need to cancel, we will do our best to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee an alternate date.
Fingers crossed for great weather so we can enjoy this fun event together! Thank you for your flexibility and support. We are looking forward to a great Spring Family Night with all of you!
Our CESD 5K Color Run/Walk is this evening, April 15 from 5:00–7:00 PM here at CPS! 🎉
Please plan to park in the IWHS parking lot. Food trucks will be set up in the circle drive, so come hungry and ready for a fun evening!
We are keeping an eye on the weather. The event will take place as planned unless there are active thunderstorms. If we do need to cancel, we will do our best to reschedule, but we cannot guarantee an alternate date.
Fingers crossed for great weather so we can enjoy this fun event together! Thank you for your flexibility and support. We are looking forward to a great Spring Family Night with all of you!
CPS Families-
Reminder: Perfect Pastries Fundraiser Pickup is tomorrow after school from 3:00-6:00 pm in the CPS gym! Please use the back entrance to come pick up your items. Thank you!
🌈🎉 Join Us for Family Night! 🎉🌈
Carthage PreK–8 families, we invite you to join us for a fun-filled evening at our 5K Color Run/Walk!
📅 April 15
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Carthage Primary School
👟 Walk or run at your own pace
🌮 Enjoy delicious food trucks in the circle drive
🎨 Get colorful along the route
💙 Spend time with our amazing school community
Parking will be available in the large Illini West High School east parking lot.
We are also looking for volunteers to help make this event a success! If you’re interested, please reach out to Mrs. Toubekis at mtoubekis@cesd317.org
.
We encourage all families to join us for a great night together!
Carthage PreK–8 families, we invite you to join us for a fun-filled evening at our 5K Color Run/Walk!
📅 April 15
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Carthage Primary School
👟 Walk or run at your own pace
🌮 Enjoy delicious food trucks in the circle drive
🎨 Get colorful along the route
💙 Spend time with our amazing school community
Parking will be available in the large Illini West High School east parking lot.
We are also looking for volunteers to help make this event a success! If you’re interested, please reach out to Mrs. Toubekis at mtoubekis@cesd317.org
.
We encourage all families to join us for a great night together!
Attention parents of incoming Kindergarten students for the 2026–2027 school year!
Kindergarten Round-Up is coming up soon! This is your chance to pick up important enrollment information and get your child on our roster for the fall.
📅 Friday, April 17
📍 Carthage Primary School
⏰ Stop by anytime during the school day
We are excited to welcome our future Blueboys and Bluegirls!
Kindergarten Round-Up is coming up soon! This is your chance to pick up important enrollment information and get your child on our roster for the fall.
📅 Friday, April 17
📍 Carthage Primary School
⏰ Stop by anytime during the school day
We are excited to welcome our future Blueboys and Bluegirls!
📸 Carthage Primary School – Spring Picture Day Reminder! 📸
Just a reminder that Spring Picture Day for Carthage Primary School is Tuesday, March 31!
Order forms were sent home, but families can also conveniently order online using the link below:
👉 https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry?code=0408WS&mrkt=26sper7&utm_campaign=31987507-2026%20Spring%20Parent%20Email%20Reminders&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9h9nOr4mA_BpFpYMUFwe-jEGt8x_Eb4wciuk-N45RD40s40NK8WjQ2eJXKYkJ8SVgY_x4z8b6jD8uWsv5qbpw_FVQdJg&_hsmi=396687303&utm_content=396687303&utm_source=hs_automation
Please note:
This is for Carthage Primary School students only
Photos will be taken using a green screen background
We look forward to seeing all of our students’ bright smiles on picture day! 😊
Just a reminder that Spring Picture Day for Carthage Primary School is Tuesday, March 31!
Order forms were sent home, but families can also conveniently order online using the link below:
👉 https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry?code=0408WS&mrkt=26sper7&utm_campaign=31987507-2026%20Spring%20Parent%20Email%20Reminders&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9h9nOr4mA_BpFpYMUFwe-jEGt8x_Eb4wciuk-N45RD40s40NK8WjQ2eJXKYkJ8SVgY_x4z8b6jD8uWsv5qbpw_FVQdJg&_hsmi=396687303&utm_content=396687303&utm_source=hs_automation
Please note:
This is for Carthage Primary School students only
Photos will be taken using a green screen background
We look forward to seeing all of our students’ bright smiles on picture day! 😊
All CMS students will be taking the IAR assessments at school this week with their first hour teacher. Students will review procedures on Monday and begin testing on Tuesday. They will need headphones and a pencil for some sections of the assessments.
Please encourage your student to try their best, get plenty of sleep, and eat breakfast. I also recommend having some tissue in their pocket.
Snacks will be provided by the PTO during the scheduled break between tests.
After testing, students will follow a schedule to eat lunch and meet with each of their teachers for a variety of activities. At the end of each testing day, 5 lucky students will win prizes ranging from chips, bottle of soda, or $50! On Friday, the winners of the PTO "Students Rule the School" raffle will be announced.
Thank you for your support of our students and staff while we administer this assessment used in part for our school report card and future curriculum planning and professional development.
Please encourage your student to try their best, get plenty of sleep, and eat breakfast. I also recommend having some tissue in their pocket.
Snacks will be provided by the PTO during the scheduled break between tests.
After testing, students will follow a schedule to eat lunch and meet with each of their teachers for a variety of activities. At the end of each testing day, 5 lucky students will win prizes ranging from chips, bottle of soda, or $50! On Friday, the winners of the PTO "Students Rule the School" raffle will be announced.
Thank you for your support of our students and staff while we administer this assessment used in part for our school report card and future curriculum planning and professional development.
Winter and Spring Activities pictures will be taken for the yearbook at school tomorrow.
Sports/Activities Included:
5/6th boys basketball
7/8th boys basketball
5/6th girls volleyball
7/8th girls volleyball
Dance Team
Track and Field Team
Scholastic Bowl Team
Science Olympiad Team
If your athlete has returned their uniform, we will have them available to wear. Please have the appropriate accessories, undergarments, and shoes to complete the uniform.
If your student's team has a team shirt to wear instead of a uniform, please be prepared. Questions should be directed to the coach or sponsor.
Sports/Activities Included:
5/6th boys basketball
7/8th boys basketball
5/6th girls volleyball
7/8th girls volleyball
Dance Team
Track and Field Team
Scholastic Bowl Team
Science Olympiad Team
If your athlete has returned their uniform, we will have them available to wear. Please have the appropriate accessories, undergarments, and shoes to complete the uniform.
If your student's team has a team shirt to wear instead of a uniform, please be prepared. Questions should be directed to the coach or sponsor.
Tonight's game will be on Hudl and not on our YouTube channel.
Click the following link to access: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/liberty/organization/132676/liberty-high-school/watch?b=QnJvYWRjYXN0Mzg0MzI1Mg%3D%3D&shared=true
Go Bluegirls!
🌊🐠 Welcome to IAR Testing… Under the Sea! 🐚🐙
Our CPS 3rd & 4th grade staff had a fin-tastic time welcoming students to their first day of IAR testing! 💙
Can you tell our theme this year is Under the Sea? 🌊✨ From ocean décor to smiling faces, we’re ready to make testing days feel fun, calm, and encouraging for our students!
We reminded our students today:
“TAKE A DEEP BREATH, GO WITH THE FLOW, JUST DO YOUR BEST AND SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW!” 💫
💡 Family Tips for Testing Success:
✔️ Get a good night’s sleep
✔️ Eat a healthy breakfast
✔️ Arrive to school on time
✔️ Encourage a positive mindset
✔️ Remind your child that effort matters most!
We are so proud of our students and all the hard work they’ve put in this year. Let’s cheer them on as they show what they know! 🐬📚💙
#CPSPride #UnderTheSea #IARTesting #JustDoYourBest
Friendly reminder: Due to recent snow days, Perfect Pastries order forms and payment are now due back to school on the next day we are in session.
