As we notice increasing absences due to illness, we want to share these guidelines to help keep you and our schools healthy.

about 2 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
Help keep our schools healthy
8th-grade families, save the following dates:
February 11th - Illini West Orientation at The Legacy Theater 6:00 p.m.
May 14th - 8th Grade Promotion 6:00 p.m.
May 20th - 8th Grade Trip to Chicago - 5:45 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
about 2 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
Save the date for 8th grade promotion
🎉 CPS 100th Day of School Celebration 🎉
At CPS we will be celebrating the 100th day of school on Wednesday, February 4th! Students can participate by dressing up. Fun ideas include wearing a 100th Day shirt or dressing like a 100 year old. Participation is optional, but all students are welcome to join in the fun.

Teachers may also have special activities planned in their individual classrooms as we celebrate 100 days of learning and growth together!
about 2 months ago, Ryanne Jacoby
100th day of school graphic
All CESD #317 students have an exciting opportunity to experience a planetarium on Monday, February 2nd! Please talk with your student(s) about it before and afterwards. Middle school students will be walking to CPS; please dress for the weather.
about 2 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
1
CMS Families, we’re excited about our Scholastic Bowl program! If your student is interested in participating, please see the attached letter from our Scholastic Bowl Coach, Mrs. Calvin.
about 2 months ago, Carthage ESD 317
Scholastic Bowl Letter Jan 2026
CPS Yearbooks are on sale now!
Order yours here: https://inter-state.com/YearbookEntry/0279DS
about 2 months ago, Carthage ESD 317
25-26 Yearbook Sale Ad
Good afternoon, Due to inclement weather, road conditions, and predicted morning temperatures, there will be no school on Monday, January 26, 2026. All evening activities will continue as scheduled.
about 2 months ago, Dustin Day
At approximately 1:48 pm the middle school was placed on a soft lockdown as a precautionary measure. At approximately 2:42 pm, the soft lockdown was released and students resumed normal activities. Student safety is our most important priority. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the superintendent of schools, Dr. Dustin Day, at 217-357-3922.
2 months ago, Carthage ESD 317
Calling all CESD families! Our CPS & CMS Student Councils have some super fun Valentine’s Day fundraisers planned, including roses for sale and a custom candy table. Be sure to check out the attached flyers for all the details! 💙
2 months ago, Ryanne Jacoby
Student Council Vday fundraiser
Student Council Vday fundraiser
Hello 8th-grade parents,

It is 2nd semester of 8th grade year and we are preparing for graduation and the transition to freshman year at Illini West. The following is from our Josten's representative:

Jostens met with your students today to discuss topics that should help them prepare and get ready for high school next year. They should be bringing a packet home that has information that was covered, along with an order form that they can use to order their class t-shirts and other high school apparel if they choose to. Order forms are due back to the school office no later than next Friday, January 16th. You may also use the link below to place your order online. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Jostens representative Brock Danko at brock.danko@jostens.com.



Click Here to Order Online: https://form.typeform.com/to/V2pVeuUu



Thanks,



Brock Danko

Jostens

1229 Peoria St.

Washington, Illinois 61571

Office: (309) 691-9081
2 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
This is to inform CESD #317 families that today, December 19, 2025, 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. Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
3 months ago, Ryanne Jacoby
early dismissal graphic
Butterbraid and Cookbooks are in and will be sent home with the sellers today. If your student had a large order, it will be available for pick up after school in the cafeteria.
3 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
See picture regarding our dress up days for next week.
3 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
December dress up days
Come cheer on the Blueboys at 6:00pm tonight in our rescheduled game against LaHarpe
3 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
I apologize for the early message. Due to the weather, there will be no school on Friday, December 12, 2025. All activities, games, and practices will be decided later today. Thank you and have a safe weekend.
3 months ago, Dustin Day
Boys basketball game canceled due to weather. Please drive safe and I apologize for the late notice!
3 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
This line dancing unit at CMS has been so fun! Today we had a visiting dance teacher to share new moves.
3 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
line dancing
line dancing
line dancing
Carthage Primary & Middle Families: We are still in need of volunteers for our Hot Cocoa Run coming up next week. If you’re able to help, we would love to have you join us and make this fun tradition a success for our students. Please use the link below to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12xko6H7lEMsX2v-NcmBGT2ffkCNdpUXaarFtobcRacM/edit Thank you for supporting our Blueboys & Bluegirls!
3 months ago, Ryanne Jacoby
Congratulations to Elliotte for receiving the Sportsmanship Award and to our 8th-grade Regional Champions!
4 months ago, Mindy Bockenfeld
8th-grade 2-A Champs!
Elliotte won the Sportsmanship Award
📣 Carthage Primary School Winter Concert Join us Wednesday, December 10th at 6 PM in the Illini West High School gym (600 Miller St). 🎶 All PreK–4th grade students will perform, youngest to oldest. Please have students dress nicely—festive holiday accessories are welcome! Doors open at 5:40 PM. Please supervise your child until they meet their teacher. For the best experience, avoid entering or exiting while students are singing. The concert lasts about one hour, with time afterward for group photos. Please silence devices and help us keep the gym quiet and respectful. We can’t wait to see you there! ❄️🎄
4 months ago, Ryanne Jacoby
Christmas concert graphic