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!
1 day ago, Ryanne Jacoby
fundraiser for perfect pastries closes this weekend
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.
2 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
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!
2 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
early dismissal
As we planned for a pep assembly on a half day, several plans were discussed. 5th and 6th graders will eat at 11:03-11:30am. 7th and 8th graders will eat at 11:35-12:10pm. At 12:10pm, all students will move to the gym for a pep rally for the 7th grade volleyball team headed to State. Go Bluegirls!
3 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld

It’s not too late to complete your Treasure Map, earn your prizes, and help your child’s teacher earn a shopping spree to purchase books and supplies for the classroom! When 60% of the classroom students register and invite 10+ friends and family members, that teacher will earn a $100 shopping spree. If 90% of the classroom invites 10+ friends and family members, the teacher will earn a $200 shopping spree. Visit https://app.booksarefun.com/CarthageSchs62321 to participate!

​#booksarefun #bookblast #bookblastadventures #giveliteracy #kids #read

¡Aún estás a tiempo de completar tu Mapa del Tesoro, ganar premios y ayudar al maestro de tu hijo a ganarse un premio de compras para libros y útiles escolares! Cuando el 60% del alumnado se registre e invite a más de 10 amigos y familiares, el maestro ganará un premio de compras de $100. Si el 90% del alumnado invita a más de 10 amigos y familiares, el maestro ganará un premio de compras de $200. ¡Visita https://app.booksarefun.com/CarthageSchs62321 para participar!

4 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
**Alt Text (Accessible Description):** A themed promotional image for **Books Are Fun – Book Blast**. The background looks like a vintage mission folder or envelope partially opened. At the top corner is the **Books Are Fun** logo. Across the folder is a large stamped title that reads **“Mission Critical.”** The main message on the page reads: “**Agents, no time to lose! Register, and invites, earn prizes, get books! Get in on Operation Book Blast!**” The words **“BOOK BLAST!”** appear in bold red letters near the bottom of the text. In the lower left corner of the image is a small round analog clock showing roughly **10:10**, suggesting urgency and a countdown. The overall design resembles a **secret agent mission briefing**, encouraging students and families to participate in the Book Blast reading event.
👩‍🍳 Help Support Our Kids Who Cook Event! 👨‍🍳

The Kiwanis Club of Carthage Kids Who Cook event is coming up on Saturday, March 21, and we are looking for local businesses and community members to consider becoming sponsors!

This amazing event helps raise funds for the Kiwanis Back-to-School Project, which provides students in Carthage, Dallas City, and LaHarpe with essentials like new outfits, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies before the school year begins.

Kids Who Cook Sponsorship Form …

Students are paired with a Kiwanis member who serves as their personal shopper, helping them pick out everything they need to start the school year with confidence and pride. It truly makes a huge difference for families in our community.

Kids Who Cook Sponsorship Form …

💙 Why sponsor?
• Promote your business through event publicity and social media
• Recognition at the event through signage and announcements
• Support local children and families

Sponsorship options:
✔ $100 Full Sponsorship – includes 2 complimentary tickets
✔ $50 Half Sponsorship – includes 1 complimentary ticket

This is such a fun and meaningful event for our students at CPS, CMS, and IWHS, and we are so grateful for the community support that makes it possible.

📄 Interested in sponsoring?
Please complete the attached sponsorship form and return it to the Kiwanis Club of Carthage.

Thank you for helping make a difference for kids in our community! 💙
4 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
**Alt Text (Accessible Description):** Flyer for the **Kiwanis Club of Carthage “Kids Who Cook” sponsorship opportunity**. At the top of the flyer is a box with event details: * **Who:** Kiwanis Club of Carthage * **What:** Kids Who Cook * **When:** Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 PM * **Where:** Carthage Primary School * **Why:** To support the Kiwanis Club Back-to-School Project. Below, a section titled **“Why sponsor Kids Who Cook?”** explains that Kids Who Cook is a biennial fundraiser supporting the Kiwanis Back-to-School Project, which helps children from the Carthage, Dallas City, and LaHarpe elementary school districts start the school year with new outfits, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies. Children shop with a Kiwanis member acting as their “personal shopper.” Funds raised support the late-summer Back-to-School event that provides these essentials to students. The flyer invites businesses to become sponsors and lists benefits such as promotion in press releases, social media promotion, recognition at the event through signage and announcements, and support for area children. A sponsorship form section includes lines for **business name, business address, contact person, and phone number**. Sponsorship options include **$100 full sponsorship (includes two event tickets)** or **$50 half sponsorship (includes one ticket)**, with options for cash or check and space to list another partnering business. At the bottom, instructions say to **make checks payable to the Kiwanis Club of Carthage and mail to PO Box 94, Carthage, IL 62321**, and that contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Logos for the **Kiwanis Club of Carthage 100 Years**, a group of illustrated children cooking, and the **United Way** appear at the bottom of the flyer.
📸 CESD Families — Yearbook Order Reminder! 📸

Don’t forget to order your Carthage Primary School yearbook! This is a great way to capture all the memories from the school year.

🗓 Order Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Order Online:
🌐 inter-state.com/order
🔢 Order Code: 0279DS

You can also send cash or check with the completed form to school.
✔️ Please make checks payable to Carthage Primary School.

📱 You can also use the QR code on the flyer to quickly place your order online.

Be sure to place your order before the deadline so your student doesn’t miss out on this year’s memories! 💙
5 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
A school yearbook order reminder flyer for Carthage Primary School. The top section says “Order Online” with the website inter-state.com/order and Order Code: 0279DS. A large QR code is shown on the right for quick ordering. The flyer states that online orders are due by Sunday, March 15, 2026. Below, a section titled “Cash or Check Orders” explains that families should complete the form on the back and return it to the school by Sunday, March 15, 2026, and checks should be made payable to Carthage Primary School. Spanish instructions are also included at the bottom of the flyer.
Book Blast contributions help ensure all our students receive books. After your student earns all 10 books from the book list, additional contributions help provide more books for all our students, classrooms, and the library. Plus there’s still a chance to be entered into the Disney trip giveaway! #booksarefun #literacy #bookblastadventures #readingrules

Las contribuciones a Book Blast ayudan a garantizar que todos nuestros estudiantes reciban libros. Una vez que su estudiante consiga los 10 libros de la lista, las contribuciones adicionales ayudan a proporcionar más libros a todos nuestros estudiantes, aulas y la biblioteca. Además, aún existe la posibilidad de participar en el sorteo de viajes a Disney.
5 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
A promotional graphic styled like a travel file folder labeled “Destination: Disney.” At the top right is the Books Fun logo. In the center is a square photo of a pink-lit Disney castle at night with stars in the sky, attached with a paperclip. At the bottom, typewriter-style text reads: “There is still time to REGISTER for the Disney Trip Giveaway!”
Congratulations to the Carthage 7th Grade Volleyball Team on an incredible Sectional Championship victory! The Bluegirls are STATE BOUND!
5 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
volleyball seventh grade girls sectional champs team picture
Due to the forecasted storm expected to begin around 5:00 PM, all games and practices scheduled for tomorrow, March 10, 2026 are canceled. As of right now, school will dismiss at normal times. We will continue to monitor the weather and will communicate any additional updates if needed. Thank you and please stay safe.
6 days ago, Carthage ESD 317

Congratulations, Zeke Snodgrass, for being our 3rd Book Blast Treasure Chest winner! Way to go! There is still time to win a Treasure Chest by inviting 10+ family members or friends: https://app.booksarefun.com/CarthageSchs62321. Let’s keep up the momentum to help build our students’ home libraries!
#GiveLiteracy #BookBlast #bookblastadventures @go.booksarefun #goread #lovebooks
Felicidades, Zeke Snodgrass, por ser nuestro tercer ganador del Cofre del Tesoro de la Book Blast! ¡Excelente trabajo! Aún hay tiempo para ganar un Cofre del Tesoro invitando a 10+ familiares o amigos: https://booksarefun.com/standardsocialmediaguide#day-5-post. ¡Mantengamos el impulso para ayudar a construir las bibliotecas en casa de nuestros estudiantes!

6 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
Treasure Chest Winner #3
The middle school dance is on April 24th and we would love your help. Please click this link to see what we need: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xpAOcmQ0UTw1-Loq7dFuuIeL7YujpbbQmYqzGLsLDmA/edit?usp=sharing

8 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
CMS Spring Dance invitation
Congratulations to the 7th grade volleyball team and good luck at sectionals on Monday!
8 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
7th grade Regional Champs!
Checkpoint achieved! The 2nd winner of the Book Blast Treasure Chest is Knoxen Kissinger. Congratulations! More treasure awaits ahead…. If you haven’t yet, register and enter contact info for 10+ people to support your agent’s home library and for the chance to unlock the next Treasure Chest: https://app.booksarefun.com/CarthageSchs62321

​#readingadventure #literacymatters #booksaretreasure #BooksAreFun

¡Punto de control alcanzado! El segundo ganador del Cofre del Tesoro de la Book Blast es Knoxen Kissinger. ¡Felicidades! Ahora, ¡más tesoros te esperan por delante! Si aún no lo has hecho, regístrate e ingresa la información de contacto de 10+ personas para apoyar la biblioteca en casa de tu agente y tener la oportunidad de desbloquear el próximo Cofre del Tesoro: https://app.booksarefun.com/CarthageSchs62321
9 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
book blast prize #2 winner
Wow - our Book Blast is off to a great start! Congratulations to Rowen Holst for winning our first drawing prize: the Book Blast Treasure Chest! Our quest to level up our readers has never been so much fun! We’re blasting through our mission to earn as many books as possible for our students. Register now and invite 10+ contacts to be entered into the drawings for our Treasure Chests! ​#booksarefun #bookraiser #bookblastadventures #epictreasurechest #treasure @go.booksarefun ¡Guau! ¡Nuestro Book Blast ha empezado genial! ¡Felicitaciones a Rowen Holst por ganar nuestro primer premio de sorteo: el Cofre del Tesoro del Book Blast! ¡Nuestra misión de mejorar a nuestros lectores nunca ha sido tan divertida! Estamos avanzando a toda velocidad en nuestra misión para ganar la mayor cantidad de libros posible para nuestros estudiantes. ¡Regístrate ahora e invita a 10+ contactos para participar en los sorteos de nuestros Cofres del Tesoro!
9 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
treasure chest winner #1
Book Blast begins today! All you have to do is invite 10+ friends and family members to earn some awesome prizes and a chance to win one of our Treasure Chests or an Epic Treasure Chest! It takes just 7 minutes TONIGHT. #BookBlast #UnlockTheTreasure.

​The first (Insert Starting Prize Number) to register and invite 10+ friends and family members will receive their treasure map prizes the very next day! Any student who qualifies after that will still receive their prizes with the book delivery. #bookblastadventures #booksarefun

¡Comienza la Book Blast hoy! Dedica 7 minutos esta noche a completar el Mapa del Tesoro para ganar increíbles recompensas, participar en sorteos de premios y comenzar a construir tu biblioteca en casa. ¡Invita a 10+ amigos y familiares para obtener tus recompensas y la oportunidad de ganar uno de los cuatro Cofres del Tesoro o Cofre del Tesora Epico!

Los primeros (Insert Starting Prize Number) en registrarse y 10+ amigos y familiares recibirán las recompensas al día siguiente. Los estudiantes que califiquen después recibirán sus premios junto con la entrega del libro.

¡y desbloquea tu tesoro!
12 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
**Alt Text:** A promotional graphic from “Books Are Fun” with the headline “Complete Your Treasure Map TONIGHT” in large red letters. The image shows a sample flyer titled “Operation Book Blast – Top Secret” encouraging families to finish a treasure map to build their own home library in just seven minutes. Steps include registering online or using a QR code and earning prizes by sending invitations. The flyer features colorful gift box illustrations at the bottom and includes a website link and QR code for registration.
Join us for a colorful night of fun at our Carthage Color Run Family Night! 🎨🏃‍♀️ Families are invited to Carthage Primary School for an evening filled with movement, food trucks, and community as we run (or walk!) our family-friendly Color Run. 📅 April 15, 2026 ⏰5:30 PM 📍 Carthage Primary School 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all Carthage #317 families Please RSVP using the link below so we can plan for the event: 👉 https://forms.gle/Ft9e8y8kV45DG4f66 See the attached flyer for full details. We can’t wait to see everyone there!
15 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
flyer for fun run
📚🎉 Dr. Seuss Spirit Week is almost here at Carthage Primary School! Be sure to check out the flyer for all the details about our daily dress up themes March 2–6. We can’t wait to see our students show their creativity, celebrate reading, and join the fun. Let’s make it a Seuss-tastic week 💙 #CarthagePrimary #ReadAcrossAmerica #BluegirlsBlueboys
18 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
colorful flyer for Carthage Primary School announces Dr. Seuss Spirit Week taking place March 2 through March 6, 2026. The flyer features bright Seuss inspired illustrations, including truffula trees, stars, and playful book themed graphics.

Dear CMS Parents and Guardians,


We would like to share a list of upcoming events and important dates at Carthage Middle School. Please review the information below and mark your calendars.


This Week (February 23–27)
Wednesday, February 25: 8th-grade meeting during Pods with Ryan Bliss from I.W.
Thursday, February 26: IW Showcase at CMS 10:15 a.m.
Friday, February 27: We will run a half-day schedule for classes, then all students go on a walking trip to The Legacy Theatre to see ScienceSplosion! at 1:00 p.m.

March Highlights
Tuesday, March 3: Friday, March 13: Book Blast
Saturday, March 7, Tuesday, March 10, Thursday, March 12: Host 8th-grade volleyball regional games
Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13: Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, March 13: Half Day: Students dismiss at 12:30 p.m. School Improvement: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Friday, March 13: End of 3rd Quarter
Monday, March 16 - Monday, March 23: Tickets on sale for Students Rule the School Drawing; more information to follow.
Wednesday, March 18: Board of Education Meeting: 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 20: Winter Sport Team and individual athlete pictures.
Saturday, March 21: Kids Who Cook @ CPS for registered students; registration is available in the office and ends this Friday.
March 24–28: IAR Testing (5th - 8th grades ELA & Math)  

April Highlights
Wednesday, April 1: Students Rule the School Day
Thursday, April 2: Half Day student attendance 
Friday, April 3: No School (Good Friday)
Monday, April 6: No School (Easter Break)
Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 17: Roller Skating in P.E.
Wednesday, April 15: CESD Family Night and Color Run
Saturday, April 18: Science Olympiad State Finals in Champaign
Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24: Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) for 5th and 8th graders and STAR assessment for 6th and 7th graders
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.
Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 1: STAR Assessment (5th and 8th graders)  


May Highlights
Friday, May 1: Safety Fair at Adams County Fairgrounds (6th grade only)
Wednesday, May 13: 5th Grade Field Trip (Mark Twain Cave)
TBD: 6th Grade Field Trip (St. Louis)
TBD: 7th Grade Field Trip (Springfield)

Monday, May 18: 8th Grade Promotion: 6:00–7:30 p.m. (Please note: this is a day earlier due to a conflict with State Track on May 14th)

Wednesday, May 20: 8th Grade Field Trip (Chicago)
Monday, May 25 – No School (Memorial Day)
Wednesday, May 27 – Last Day of Student Attendance; 1/2 day, students dismissed at 12:30 p.m.; SIP Day for staff: 12:30–3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 28 – No School (Teacher Institute)

Thank you for your continued support of Carthage Middle School. If you have any questions, please contact the CMS office.
Sincerely,
--
Mindy Bockenfeld
Carthage Middle School Principal & Athletic Director
640 Buchanan Street
Carthage IL 62321
(217) 357-1523
mbockenfeld@cesd317.org

19 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
Save the Dates: testing, school dance, field trips, graduation and more! CMS is busy.
Attention, Agents! Our Book Blast event starts next week. We will set off on a mission to build our students' home libraries. Follow the steps on the Treasure Map coming home next week to embark on this operation to earn exciting prizes and books. 🗺️🌟
@go.booksarefun #bookblastadventures #bookblast #booksarefun #literacy

¡Atención, agentes! Nuestro evento "Libros Explosivos" comienza la semana que viene. Nos embarcaremos en una misión para construir las bibliotecas en casa de nuestros estudiantes. Sigan los pasos del Mapa del Tesoro que llegará a casa la semana que viene para embarcarse en esta operación y ganar emocionantes premios y libros.
19 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
A colorful school poster with a “Top Secret” theme titled “Your Book Blast Mission Starts Next Week!” from Books Are Fun. The poster shows a grid of popular children’s books with bright covers, including titles about survival, code breaking, spy school, mysteries, animals, and adventure. The books are arranged on a tan background with playful graphics like paper clips and push pins, giving the look of a secret mission board. At the bottom, text encourages students to “Get these books and other amazing books!”