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.
about 10 hours ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
Friendly reminder
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.
3 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
Variety of athletic equipment
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!
4 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
🌊🐠 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
5 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
iar testing
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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.
6 days ago, Ryanne Jacoby
perfect pastries order forms flyer
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.
6 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
The sectional game has been rescheduled to Wednesday at 5:00pm at Liberty. Come cheer for the Bluegirls at Liberty's gym on Wednesday!
6 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
Regional winners!
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!
6 days ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
🎉 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! 💙🖤
7 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
flyer for CMS students rule the school
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.
7 days ago, Carthage ESD 317
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!
9 days 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.
10 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!
10 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!
10 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!

12 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! 💙
12 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! 💙
12 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.
13 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!
13 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.
13 days ago, Carthage ESD 317