Dear Parent,
Beginning February 3, 2026, students and teachers across Illinois will 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 will allow 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 will be 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.
Beginning February 3, 2026, students and teachers across Illinois will 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 will allow 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 will be 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.
📸✨ HES Families – The link to purchase this year’s Herrin Elementary School Yearbook is LIVE! Don’t miss the chance to capture all the amazing memories from this school year.
👉 Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
👉 Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
🦫🌤 Happy Groundhog Day 2026! 🌤🦫
Today, we’re celebrating Groundhog Day at Herrin Elementary School! Will the groundhog see his shadow, or will an early spring be on the way? Either way, it’s a fun day for learning, predicting, and exploring traditions with our students.
Our Tigers enjoy talking about weather, seasons, and this classic winter tradition—because every day is a great day to learn something new! 🐯
#GroundhogDay2026 #HerrinElementary #LearningIsFun #TigerPride
Today, we’re celebrating Groundhog Day at Herrin Elementary School! Will the groundhog see his shadow, or will an early spring be on the way? Either way, it’s a fun day for learning, predicting, and exploring traditions with our students.
Our Tigers enjoy talking about weather, seasons, and this classic winter tradition—because every day is a great day to learn something new! 🐯
#GroundhogDay2026 #HerrinElementary #LearningIsFun #TigerPride
🖤💛 Celebrating Black History Month at Herrin Elementary School 💛🖤
This February, Herrin Elementary School is proud to celebrate Black History Month by honoring the rich history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans—past and present. Throughout the month, students will engage in meaningful lessons, activities, and discussions that promote learning, respect, and appreciation for diversity.
We are excited to see our students grow as they explore powerful stories, influential leaders, and the lasting impact Black Americans have made on our world. Together, we celebrate history, inspire understanding, and build a stronger community. 🐯
#BlackHistoryMonth #HerrinElementary #LearningTogether #CelebratingDiversity
This February, Herrin Elementary School is proud to celebrate Black History Month by honoring the rich history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans—past and present. Throughout the month, students will engage in meaningful lessons, activities, and discussions that promote learning, respect, and appreciation for diversity.
We are excited to see our students grow as they explore powerful stories, influential leaders, and the lasting impact Black Americans have made on our world. Together, we celebrate history, inspire understanding, and build a stronger community. 🐯
#BlackHistoryMonth #HerrinElementary #LearningTogether #CelebratingDiversity
Herrin Elementary's Spring Sing is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th! Additional information regarding performance times will be sent home at a later date. Stay tuned for more details.
📸 Save the Date! 🌸
Spring Pictures at Herrin Elementary School
🗓 Tuesday, February 10th
Get those spring smiles ready! 😊
Spring Pictures at Herrin Elementary School
🗓 Tuesday, February 10th
Get those spring smiles ready! 😊
🌟 January Character Strong – Perseverance Award Winners 🌟
We are proud to recognize our January Character Strong Award winners for demonstrating Perseverance! These students showed determination, grit, and a positive attitude - even when learning felt challenging. They didn’t give up and continued to try their best, and that is something to celebrate!
2nd Grade: Brady Parola, Madison Ragland, Tinleigh Drew, Maverick Thompson, Gabriel Rombaut, Abel Young, Meadow Williams, Darius Brown, Zoey Coley, Anthony Sacapanio
3rd Grade: Lydell Bradley, Lucas Breault, Hunter Kuha, Evie Hobson, Owen Harper, Kemonii Morris, Tritonn Charlett, Grace Shaulis, Dawson Wehrmeier
4th Grade: Walton Ridgway, Isabella Reyling, Isaac Peters, Somer Cullum, Zaiden Ruiz, Alyssa Hill, Alayna Apple, Jackson Walters
5th Grade: Mia Minor, Olivia Coley, Nathaniel Gottberg, Randi Rodriguez-Radake, Henry Melvin, Haven Cole, Izzy Maynor, Russell Brumley, Rico Love
Thank you for being great role models and showing us what perseverance looks like every day. Keep up the amazing work! 💪🐯
School will be back in session tomorrow, Thursday, January 29, 2026 and students can enter their classrooms at 8:00 a.m.
Remember to bring your Chromebook (fully charged) and charger if you have it at home.
Dress appropriately for the weather, and please travel safely. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back to school! 😊🧡🖤🤍🐅
Christa McAuliffe Day – January 28th 🌟🚀
On January 28th, we remember and honor Christa McAuliffe, the teacher and astronaut who tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986.
Her dedication to education and inspiring students to reach for the stars continues to be remembered and celebrated today.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28th, will be E-Learning Day #3.
Please be sure students check in with their classroom teacher and complete all assigned work. Students should also be prepared to return to school on Thursday.
Stay tuned for official communication with any additional details.
While today is an E-Learning Day, take-home meals will be available for families who need them. 🍽️
📍 HJHS New Cafeteria
⏰ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
🚪 Please use the cafeteria entrance on the west side of the school (14th Street)
TUESDAY, 01/27/2026 | E-LEARNING DAY #2
Crews are working hard to clear parking lots and roadways, but conditions remain less than ideal. Please stay safe and warm! 🥶
For real-time updates, school-related decisions, and helpful resources, visit our Weather Updates page:
👉 www.herrinschools.org/weather
MONDAY, 01/26/2026 | E-LEARNING DAY
For real-time updates, school-related decisions, and helpful resources, visit our Weather Updates page:
👉 www.herrinschools.org/weather
Take care and stay safe, Tigers!
Weather’s on the way, and we’re actively monitoring forecasted conditions. ❄️
For real-time updates, school-related weather decisions, and helpful resources, our Weather Updates page will be your go-to source:
👉 www.herrinschools.org/weather
Bundle up and stay safe, Tigers!
BIG BRAINS! 🧠
Herrin students recently competed at the ROE21 Brain Games, with four teams placing and advancing to the Regional Competition in April!
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school on Monday, January 19th.
Enjoy the day of reflection and honor Dr. King’s legacy!
School will resume Tuesday, January 20th.
Enjoy the day of reflection and honor Dr. King’s legacy!
School will resume Tuesday, January 20th.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We appreciate your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning and success at school. One important way we can work together is by ensuring accurate attendance records.
If your child is absent from school, please remember to call the school office at 618-942-2744 on the day of the absence. This helps us stay informed and provide the best possible support for your child.
Additionally, when a student has missed more than five (5) days of school, proper documentation is required for each absence. If a student is currently involved in the truancy process, documentation is required for every absence, regardless of the total number of days missed.
These procedures help us follow best practices for student learning and ensure students receive the instructional time they need to be successful. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to your child’s education.
We appreciate your continued partnership in supporting your child’s learning and success at school. One important way we can work together is by ensuring accurate attendance records.
If your child is absent from school, please remember to call the school office at 618-942-2744 on the day of the absence. This helps us stay informed and provide the best possible support for your child.
Additionally, when a student has missed more than five (5) days of school, proper documentation is required for each absence. If a student is currently involved in the truancy process, documentation is required for every absence, regardless of the total number of days missed.
These procedures help us follow best practices for student learning and ensure students receive the instructional time they need to be successful. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to your child’s education.
🌟 Character Strong – Empathy Winners (December) 🌟
Herrin Elementary School is proud to recognize our December Character Strong “Empathy” winners! These students were chosen for consistently showing kindness, understanding, and compassion toward others. They demonstrate empathy by caring for classmates, helping others, and treating everyone with respect.
🎉 Congratulations to our Empathy winners:
*2nd Grade
Sawyer Mocaby, Tru Johnson-Wagley, Izabella Rumsey, Aurora Oliver, Carleigh Siefert, Lakota Vorhes, Scarlett Wanka
*3rd Grade
Haven Bloodworth, Everly Skovgaard, Dylann Huber, Everly Anderson, Alba Baskin, Hannah Crider, Dallas Williams, Rowan Zagar, Emma Ray, Chevy Rose
*4th Grade
Lyric Miller, Addison Morris, David Storms, Victoria Lagang Parker, Rosie Brown, Bentley Lesley-Roberts, Blakely Fortner, Dirk Valco, Jackson Walters
*5th Grade
Abbey Joliff, India Porter, Lillian Galiher, Ny-Sia Stevenson-White, Freyja Waddell, Lillie Lingle, DeVaeh Taylor, Ely Johnson
We are so proud of you for making Herrin Elementary a caring and supportive place to learn. Keep showing empathy every day! 💙
Herrin Elementary School is proud to recognize our December Character Strong “Empathy” winners! These students were chosen for consistently showing kindness, understanding, and compassion toward others. They demonstrate empathy by caring for classmates, helping others, and treating everyone with respect.
🎉 Congratulations to our Empathy winners:
*2nd Grade
Sawyer Mocaby, Tru Johnson-Wagley, Izabella Rumsey, Aurora Oliver, Carleigh Siefert, Lakota Vorhes, Scarlett Wanka
*3rd Grade
Haven Bloodworth, Everly Skovgaard, Dylann Huber, Everly Anderson, Alba Baskin, Hannah Crider, Dallas Williams, Rowan Zagar, Emma Ray, Chevy Rose
*4th Grade
Lyric Miller, Addison Morris, David Storms, Victoria Lagang Parker, Rosie Brown, Bentley Lesley-Roberts, Blakely Fortner, Dirk Valco, Jackson Walters
*5th Grade
Abbey Joliff, India Porter, Lillian Galiher, Ny-Sia Stevenson-White, Freyja Waddell, Lillie Lingle, DeVaeh Taylor, Ely Johnson
We are so proud of you for making Herrin Elementary a caring and supportive place to learn. Keep showing empathy every day! 💙
📸✨ HES Families – The link to purchase this year’s Herrin Elementary School Yearbook is LIVE! Don’t miss the chance to capture all the amazing memories from this school year.
👉 Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
👉 Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
Dear HES Tiger Families, 🐯
We are excited to begin the new semester with Tiger Training for our students! Tiger Training is a refresher on our school rules and expectations, helping students remember behaviors that keep our school safe and positive.
We encourage you to discuss appropriate school behaviors at home with your child and reinforce these expectations. Your support at home is a vital part of helping our Tigers succeed both socially and academically.
Tiger Training Schedule:
Tuesday, January 6 – 2nd Grade
Wednesday, January 7 – 3rd Grade
Thursday, January 8 – 4th Grade
Friday, January 9 – 5th Grade
Thank you for partnering with us to make this semester a great one!
We are excited to begin the new semester with Tiger Training for our students! Tiger Training is a refresher on our school rules and expectations, helping students remember behaviors that keep our school safe and positive.
We encourage you to discuss appropriate school behaviors at home with your child and reinforce these expectations. Your support at home is a vital part of helping our Tigers succeed both socially and academically.
Tiger Training Schedule:
Tuesday, January 6 – 2nd Grade
Wednesday, January 7 – 3rd Grade
Thursday, January 8 – 4th Grade
Friday, January 9 – 5th Grade
Thank you for partnering with us to make this semester a great one!