Dear Parent,
This is a reminder that beginning February 3, 2026, students and teachers across Illinois have an opportunity to participate in the eleventh annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent/guardian, this opportunity allows you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.
On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the 5Essentials Survey is being administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
· Effective Leaders
· Collaborative Teachers
· Involved Families
· Supportive Environments
· Ambitious Instruction
Prior research in more than 400 schools has shown that schools that were strong on at least three of these “5Essential” indicators were 10 times more likely to improve student learning gains in math and reading than those that were weak on three or more Essentials.
All teachers and fourth through 12th grade students will be responding to this survey. 5Essentials Reports will be generated for schools if their teachers and/or students meet the response rate threshold of 50 percent. These reports will be sent to schools and districts in May and will also be included in the State School Report Card.
Additionally, your district has chosen to provide the optional supplement parent survey. If at least 20 percent of Herrin Elementary School parents/guardians complete this survey, a parent report will also be generated. The parent data will not be included on the State Report Card.
Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted from February 3, 2026, to March 13, 2026. The Parent Survey Supplement will be conducted during that same period. To take the survey please visit https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/ and select the appropriate survey to begin.
For more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, or to view previous years’ Reports, please visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact UChicago Impact Survey Support at 1-866-440-1874 or impact-surveys@uchicago.edu.
🌸 Spring Break Announcement 🌸
Spring Break is coming! There will be no school from Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 13.
As we head into Spring Break, we want to take a moment to talk about the importance of attendance and avoiding truancy.
Regular school attendance plays a huge role in student success. Every day in class matters — instruction builds on itself, and when students miss school, it can be difficult to catch back up. We truly want every student here, learning, growing, and finishing the year strong!
Spring Break is the perfect time to reset. We encourage families to use this time to:
☀️ Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine
🌷 Rest and recharge
💛 Spend quality time together
🛌 Focus on healthy routines
Our hope is that everyone returns for 4th quarter healthy, refreshed, and ready to give their very best effort. Let’s work together to make attendance a priority and finish the school year strong!
If students are sick, please continue to turn in a doctor’s note stating that the child should be excused from school and for which days. If a student is currently in truancy, proper documentation is required for every absence.
School will resume on Monday, March 16.
We can’t wait to see all of our students back, smiling and ready to learn!
📢 **Mark Your Calendars, HES Families!** 🗓️
The **3rd Quarter ends on Friday, March 6th**. 🏁✨
**Report cards** will be sent home on **Wednesday, March 18, 2026**.
Be on the lookout for your child’s progress! 🧡🖤
Spring picture proofs have arrived and will be sent home with students this week!
Please be on the lookout in your child’s backpack so you don’t miss them. If you have any questions, feel free to email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org.
We can’t wait for you to see those smiling faces! 😊
Check out the February edition of Let’s Talk Tigers as Superintendent Nathaniel Wilson and Board President Kelly Green shout out the latest round of student and staff excellence. Our Tigers never slow down!
🎥 www.herrinschools.org/letstalktigers
March 2–6
This week, we proudly celebrate School Social Worker Week and recognize the incredible impact our HES social workers make every single day!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to:
💙 Ms. Coriasco
💙 Ms. King
💙 Mrs. McPhail
💙 Mrs. Hurt
💙 Mrs. Gross
💙 And our intern, Ms. Willis
Your compassion, dedication, and unwavering support help our students grow not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well. You are advocates, listeners, problem-solvers, encouragers, and champions for children.
HES is a stronger, kinder, and more supportive place because of each of you. We are so grateful for the care you provide to our students, staff, and families every day.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our amazing social workers this week! 💐✨
Today we recognize Casimir Pulaski Day, honoring the life and legacy of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman and military commander who became a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
Pulaski is known as the “Father of the American Cavalry” for his leadership and bravery while fighting for American independence. His courage and dedication to freedom continue to be remembered and celebrated, especially here in Illinois, where this day is officially recognized.
As we observe this day, we reflect on the contributions of those who have fought for liberty and the rich cultural heritage that strengthens our nation. 🇺🇸✨
Join us as we celebrate Read Across America, a nationwide effort to inspire a love of reading in children of all ages! This special celebration, launched by the National Education Association, encourages schools and communities to make reading fun and engaging for everyone.
Reading opens doors to imagination, knowledge, and lifelong learning. Whether it’s enjoying a favorite story, discovering a new author, or sharing a book with a friend, every page turned is an adventure!
Let’s work together to build a strong culture of reading in our school. Grab a book, find a cozy spot, and celebrate the joy of reading! 📖💙✨
THANK YOU KRISTI WEBER for organizing activities here at school and a HUGE thank you to all of the volunteers!!
The IAR and ISA testing window is now open!
Over the next several weeks, students will be participating in the Illinois state assessments. The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) measures student progress in English Language Arts and Mathematics, while the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) measures student understanding of science standards.
These assessments give us valuable information about student growth and help guide instruction to best support learning.
Please help your child be prepared by:
✔️ Getting a good night’s sleep
✔️ Eating a healthy breakfast
✔️ Arriving at school on time
✔️ Bringing a charged Chromebook (if applicable)
We are confident our students will do their very best! Thank you for your continued support. 💙
March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the countless contributions women have made to our history, culture, and communities.
Throughout history, women have led movements, broken barriers, inspired change, and paved the way for future generations. From leaders and innovators to educators and everyday heroes, women continue to shape our world in powerful ways.
This month, we encourage our students to learn about influential women, reflect on their achievements, and recognize the importance of equality, perseverance, and leadership.
Let’s celebrate the strength, courage, and accomplishments of women — past, present, and future! 💜✨
March is Music In Our Schools Month, and we are excited to celebrate the incredible impact music has on our students each and every day!
Music education helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Through singing, playing instruments, and performing together, students build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and discipline. Music truly brings our school community together!
We are so proud of our talented students and thankful for our dedicated music teachers who inspire a love of music in every child. Be sure to take time this month to support and celebrate the power of music in our schools!
Don't miss what's cooking this March!
👉 www.herrinschools.org/dining
Herrin Elementary is proud to announce this month’s Character Education winners for Honesty!
These students have demonstrated what it truly means to be truthful, trustworthy, and responsible - even when no one is watching. Their integrity and commitment to doing the right thing set a wonderful example for our entire school community.
👏 Congratulations to all of our Honesty winners! We are so proud of you for showing strong character each and every day. Keep up the great work!
#CharacterStrong #Honesty #HESProud
👉 Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
📚✨ Book Fair Is Coming! ✨📚
Get ready — our Book Fair is coming soon! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to discover new books, explore exciting stories, and grow their love of reading.
There will be books for all ages and interests, and every purchase helps support our school and classroom libraries. We encourage families to talk with their children about books they’re excited to read!
We can’t wait to see everyone at the Book Fair — happy reading! 📖💙
Please note this change!!!!
Don’t miss the chance to capture all the amazing memories from this school year!!
👉 DEADLINE TO ORDER IS FEBRUARY 25th!
Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today!! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
Herrin Elementary School will have a 2:00 PM dismissal on Monday, February 23rd.
Please make sure students know their dismissal plans, and call the school office and/or daycare for any transportation changes.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and smooth dismissal! 🐯
📸✨ HES Families – THIS IS THE LAST WEEK TO ORDER A YEARBOOK! I will not be ordering extras as ordering opportunities have been posted every month since September.
Don’t miss the chance to capture all the amazing memories from this school year!!
👉 DEADLINE TO ORDER IS FEBRUARY 25th!
Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today!! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
HES has currently raised $244.08. Last year at this time, we were over $700, and the year before, over $1000.
The fundraiser will end this Friday, which means there is still time to donate!!
💙 How to Donate:
Send cash, change, or checks made payable to Special Olympics of Southern Illinois -OR-
Scan the QR code on the flyer to donate online. You can also use the direct link to donate: https://support.soill.org/fundraiser/6891937
🏆 Prizes:
The top fundraising class will win an Ice Cream Party 🍦 AND Extra Recess!
The winning teacher will receive an Amazon gift card
This year marks Mrs. Bailie’s 15th Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics—let’s show our support and have fun raising money for our amazing athletes! ❄️💪
#FreezinForAReason
