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.
Hello CESD Families,
Due to inclement weather, there will be no school tomorrow, March 17, 2026. While much of the snow has melted, it has refrozen and created icy, unsafe conditions on many backroads.
As of now, all after-school activities and practices are still scheduled as planned. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if anything changes.
Thank you, and please stay safe.
The sectional game has been rescheduled to Wednesday at 5:00pm at Liberty. Come cheer for the Bluegirls at Liberty's gym on Wednesday!
Due to safety concerns of traveling to Liberty for the 8th grade Sectional Volleyball game tonight, it has been postponed until tomorrow at 6:00pm. The bus will leave CMS tomorrow at 4:30p.m. Stay warm and be safe!
🎉 CMS Students Rule the School! 🎉
The CMS PTO is giving students a chance to take over the school for a day! See attached flyer for more details.
Buy raffle tickets for a chance to become Principal, Teacher, or Staff Member for the Day on April 1st.
🎟 Ticket Prices
• $2 – 1 ticket
• $10 – 6 tickets
• $20 – 13 tickets
Students can choose who they want to take over for the day:
👩🏫 Mrs. Bockenfeld
👨🏫 Mr. Klein
👨🏫 Mr. Kody Horn / Mrs. Kim Barr
If your ticket is drawn, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Excused from class for the day
🥤 Morning drink of your choice
📜 Create one agreed upon rule for the day with the principal
🍕 Sponsored lunch of your choice with a friend
🎉 And more surprises!
💙 Help CMS PTO reach their $1,000 goal and support the school dance and an end of the year fun day!
🎟 Tickets are on sale now through March 27 in the CMS office!
Interested in helping even more?
You can sponsor a class for $25 so every student in that class gets a chance to win!
Let’s make this a fun event for our CMS students! 💙🖤
Hello CESD Families,
Due to the incoming inclement weather, school will be canceled on Monday, March 16, 2026.
At this time, after-school activities and practices are still scheduled as planned. If anything changes, we will communicate updates as soon as possible.
Thank you and stay safe.
CPS Families:
This is the last weekend for our PTO Perfect Pastries Fundraiser! Let’s finish strong!!! Please return all packets and money on Monday to school! Thank you so much!
Dear CESD Families,
Today is the last day to complete the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, and we truly need your help. Currently, only 15% of our parents have responded, and we must reach at least 20% participation for our results to count.
Please take just a few minutes today to complete the survey. Your voice and opinion truly matter, and the feedback you provide helps us better understand how we can continue improving our schools for our students and families.
You can complete the survey here:
http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and support our school community.
Today is the last day to complete the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey, and we truly need your help. Currently, only 15% of our parents have responded, and we must reach at least 20% participation for our results to count.
Please take just a few minutes today to complete the survey. Your voice and opinion truly matter, and the feedback you provide helps us better understand how we can continue improving our schools for our students and families.
You can complete the survey here:
http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and support our school community.
This is to inform CESD #317 families that today, Friday, March 13, 2026, there will be an early dismissal for Kindergarten through 8th grade due to school improvement. Dismissal times:
Shuttle Bus 12:20, Primary 12:30, Middle School 12:35. Preschool classes are cancelled. Have a wonderful weekend!
