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

about 14 hours ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
CMS Spring Dance invitation
Congratulations to the 7th grade volleyball team and good luck at sectionals on Monday!
about 14 hours 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
1 day 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!
2 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
treasure chest winner #1
ATTENTION: We are giving away our 1st drawing prize for a Book Blast Treasure Chest tomorrow! Act now! Simply invite 10+ friends and family members TONIGHT to support our Book Blast and your student will have a chance to win. Entries to win the Treasure Chest have already begun. Don't miss this epic opportunity! If you haven’t already, register here: https://app.booksarefun.com/CarthageSchs62321/parents/sign_up

​#bookblastadventures #literacymatters #booksarefun #bookblast @go.booksarefun


ATENCIÓN: ¡Mañana regalaremos nuestro primer premio del sorteo: un cofre del tesoro Book Blast! ¡Actúa ahora! Simplemente invita a 10+ amigos y familiares ESTA NOCHE para apoyar nuestro Book Blast y tu estudiante tendrá la oportunidad de ganar. ¡No te pierdas esta valiosa oportunidad! Si aún no lo has hecho, regístrate aquí: https://app.booksarefun.com/CarthageSchs62321/parents/sign_up
4 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
**Alt Text:** A “Books Are Fun” promotional image showing an open wooden treasure chest filled with candy, colorful bead necklaces, and U.S. dollar bills sticking out of the top. The chest sits on a white background with bold red text that reads, “Treasure Chest Drawings Have Begun!” A red banner at the bottom says, “There’s Still Time to Register!”
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!
5 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.

We Need Your Voice! 5Essentials Parent Survey

Dear CESD Families,

This is a friendly reminder to please complete the 2026 Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey.

This survey is something all Illinois schools are required to administer, but more importantly, we truly value your input. Your feedback helps guide our school improvement efforts, strengthen communication, and ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families.

🕒 The survey only takes a few minutes to complete.
📅 Open now through March 13, 2026.

You can access it here:
👉 http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/

Your voice matters, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

Thank you so much for your support!

5 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
Alt Text: A colorful promotional graphic encouraging families to complete the 2026 Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey. Large bold text at the top reads “Your Voice Matters!” followed by “2026 Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey.” The design includes a megaphone icon, stars, and bright blue and orange school-themed colors. A green checkmark with the words “Open Now!” appears on the left. In the center, a clipboard graphic reads “Required by the State” and “We Value Your Input!” A calendar icon on the right shows the deadline “Ends March 13.” At the bottom, bold text says “Click to Begin Survey!” with the website survey.5-essentials.org, and a reminder that it “Only Takes a Few Minutes!” A smiling parent and child illustration appears in the lower corner.
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!
8 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
11 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

11 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.
12 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!”
🏅 CPS Staff Medals Reminder 🏅

Carthage Primary School students recently brought home Staff Medal forms to recognize a staff member who has made a difference in their life. If your child needs an extra copy, we’ve attached it here for you to print at home.

Please return completed medals to Mrs. Toubekis by Friday, February 27. We can’t wait to see the kind words our CPS students share about our amazing staff. 💙
12 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
A printable worksheet titled “Staff Medals” with instructions asking students to fill out a medal for a staff member who has made a difference in their life and to return it to Mrs. Toubekis by Friday, February 27. The page shows a large outline drawing of a medal hanging from a ribbon, designed for students to write or draw their message inside.
We had to make a change to our February PTO meeting! Please join us on Wednesday, February 25th in the CPS Teacher’s Lounge at 6:00 pm! We will meet at the back door entrance  of the Primary! Please join us- we would love to have you! Thank you! Carthage Primary PTO
16 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
PTO meeting flyer
🍳 Kids Who Cook — Registration Extended! 🍳 Hello, everyone! The Kids Who Cook Planning Committee has extended the registration deadline to Friday, February 27 so more students can join the fun. This exciting event is open to students in grades 2–8 (and high school students), and will take place on Saturday, March 21. We currently have 8 teams registered and are working toward our goal of 20 teams. Recruitment has expanded at the primary school, and with support from Kiwanis members and our teachers, we are excited to welcome even more young chefs. If your child enjoys cooking, teamwork, and trying something new, this is a great opportunity! 👉 Register by February 27 to secure your spot. Contact your child's classroom teacher or student council sponsor for more information. Thank you for helping us spread the word and support our student chefs!
16 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
kids who cook flyer
We see you being Blue. Congratulations to the 8th grade boys basketball team on their 3rd place win at state!
17 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
3rd in State!
Blueboys honored in the community
This is to inform CESD #317 families that Monday, February 16, 2026, there will be no school in observance of Presidents' Day.
20 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
no school Feb 16 2026 in observance of Presidents' Day
This is to inform CESD #317 families that Friday, February 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 and Early Childhood Special Education classes will be cancelled. Have a wonderful weekend!
23 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
a green classroom chalkboard with the words “early dismissal” written in large black letters. surrounding the board are school supplies, including colored pencils in a cup, scissors, paint brushes, a calculator, books, and paint palette.
We are updating course titles for certain elective classes to ensure accurate alignment between course names, content, and grading practices.

What's changing:
5th Grade: Keyboarding → Keyboarding and Math Foundations
6th Grade: Computer Science → Computer Science and Math Foundations
7th Grade: Life Skills → Life Skills and Math Foundations
Why this change:
These courses have included both the elective content and math facts practice. The updated titles accurately reflect all components that contribute to the course grade. Students are graded on their participation and accuracy in math facts (most are multiplying numbers 0-12) not new math content.
What stays the same:
Course content and instruction, Student grades, Class schedules
This change is effective immediately and will appear on report cards beginning this quarter.
If you have questions, please contact your student's teacher or Mrs. Bockenfeld.
25 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
Students working on multiplication facts

Dear Families,

At last month’s Board of Education meeting, the Carthage ESD #317 Board of Education approved a 2-hour delayed start schedule to be used when needed. We wanted to share what a delayed start day will look like for families.

On a 2-hour delayed start day:

PreK will be canceled

School doors will open at 9:40 a.m.

Classes will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Lunch times will remain the same

Dismissal times will remain the same:

2:45 p.m. – Shuttle Bus

3:00 p.m. – Primary

3:10 p.m. – Middle School

This schedule allows us to keep the school day as consistent as possible while ensuring lunch remains at an appropriate time for students.

Please continue to watch for district communication any time a delayed start is announced.

Thank you for your continued support.
Carthage ESD #317

25 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
A blue and white informational school flyer for Carthage ESD #317 announces a “2-Hour Delayed Start Schedule,” approved by the Board of Education. The flyer features a large alarm clock graphic and a checklist explaining the delayed start procedures. It states that PreK is canceled, school doors open at 9:40 a.m., and classes begin at 10:00 a.m. Lunch and dismissal times remain the same, with dismissal at 2:45 p.m. for the shuttle bus, 3:00 p.m. for the primary school, and 3:10 p.m. for the middle school. A reminder at the bottom encourages families to watch for district announcements when a delay is called.
🌟 Preschool Screenings Are Coming Up! 🌟

Do you have a child who is 3, 4, or 5 years old? Carthage Elementary School District #317 will be offering Developmental Preschool Screenings on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Screenings will look at speech and language, learning skills, motor development, and vision and hearing. Appointments are required, and no walk-ins will be accepted.

📞 Call 217-357-9202 to schedule an appointment.
📄 Please see the attached flyer for full details.
26 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
A colorful flyer announces Developmental Preschool Screenings for Carthage Elementary School District #317 on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The design features a soft pastel background with a rainbow, smiling star, butterflies, and small flowers. At the bottom, cartoon children are playing with toys such as blocks, a train, and stuffed animals, creating a welcoming early childhood theme. The flyer states that free screenings are available for children ages 3, 4, and 5 and will evaluate speech and language, cognition, fine and gross motor skills, and vision and hearing. Screenings will be held at the Catholic Church Fellowship Hall, and appointments are required by calling 217-357-9202. It also notes that children already enrolled in Carthage Pre-K do not need to be screened again and that translation services are available if needed.
A colorful flyer announces Developmental Preschool Screenings for Carthage Elementary School District #317 on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The design features a soft pastel background with a rainbow, smiling star, butterflies, and small flowers. At the bottom, cartoon children are playing with toys such as blocks, a train, and stuffed animals, creating a welcoming early childhood theme. The flyer states that free screenings are available for children ages 3, 4, and 5 and will evaluate speech and language, cognition, fine and gross motor skills, and vision and hearing. Screenings will be held at the Catholic Church Fellowship Hall, and appointments are required by calling 217-357-9202. It also notes that children already enrolled in Carthage Pre-K do not need to be screened again and that translation services are available if needed.