That's our D50 community at its best. 🖤💛
#HarvardRising
AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a program that helps students succeed in school today while preparing for college, careers and life after graduation. Harvard CUSD 50 is a proud AVID District, using instructional strategies from pre-K through 12th grade to build the systems and culture that support every student's success in all of our schools.
Thank you to our educators, students and families for making this success possible — happy AVID Day!
Harvard is home to a vibrant Hispanic and Latino community, and that heritage is part of the fabric of our schools. This month is an opportunity for all of us — students, families and staff — to learn more about the traditions, languages and stories that make our district community stronger.
Throughout the month, watch for ways our schools are recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in classrooms and school communities. We're proud to celebrate the diversity that makes Harvard CUSD 50 a richer place to learn and grow.
The Harvard CUSD 50 Board of Education will host its regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 16, beginning at 7 p.m. located in the Central Office Boardroom at 401 N Division St. Community members are encouraged to attend. Stream the meeting live on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@harvardD50
The Harvard Junior High School main gym has served Hornets since 1962, and it's about to get a whole new look. Last fall, an inspection by Buildings and Grounds staff found the flooring needed to be replaced, not repaired. The Board of Education approved the project, and crews got to work this summer replacing the floor, bleachers, doors, and paint. The new bleachers also bring the gym up to current ADA accessibility standards. This work will ensure the gym is ready for the next generation of Hornets. Take a look at the progress. The gym reopens for students by the end of October.
Harvard CUSD 50 will administer district-wide benchmark assessments from Monday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Sept. 11.
These assessments give teachers and families a clear picture of each student's academic growth throughout the year, helping educators tailor instruction to meet every child's needs.
Students will complete assessments on their Chromebooks based on their grade level:
Kindergarten - 1st Grade: MAP Reading Fluency and MAP Math Growth
2nd Grade - 5th Grade: MAP Reading Growth and MAP Math Growth
6th Grade - 8th Grade: NWEA MAP Reading Growth and i-Ready Inform Mathematics
Please note that students will not be testing every day during this time. Schools will schedule specific days and times for students to complete assessments within the Aug. 24-Sept. 11 window.
Families will receive letters with more details about each assessment and what results mean for their student's learning. Find those letters below:
K-5 NWEA MAP Parent Letter - https://aptg.co/gnRXPm
6-8 NWEA MAP/iReady Parent Letter - https://aptg.co/XRph9D
Questions about benchmark testing? Contact your child's school office.
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¡Bienvenidos de nuevo, Hornets! 🐝 ¡Esperamos ver lo que nuestros estudiantes logran en el 2026-27!
We will be live streaming Harvard High School graduation Sunday on YouTube.
Click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/@harvardd50/live
Join us at Richard D. Crosby Elementary School on April 9 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for our registration event. Our staff will be on hand to help you every step of the way, including technology and bilingual support.
Register online at cusd50.org/registration or visit your child's school starting April 9.
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 6
🕟 4:30-5:30 p.m.
📍 Central Office Boardroom, 401 N. Division St.
Coats available in sizes XS-XXL. One coat per child, first-come, first-served while supplies last.
Thank you, Subaru and United Way of McHenry County, for helping our community stay warm!
The Class of 2039 starts here! Join us for our Kindergarten Registration Carnival on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Crosby Elementary. While you complete registration, your future kindergartner can enjoy fun activities and get a sneak peek at what it means to be a Hornet. Please bring your child's birth certificate, physical and immunization records. We're excited to meet our future Hornets and their families!
Have questions about registration? Reach out to District Registrar Angelica Cadena at 815-943-4022 Ext. 11050 or acadena@cusd50.org.
Please also remember to send students to school with coats, snow pants, hats, and gloves. Students will go outside for recess unless the “feels like” temperature is 10°F or below, so proper winter gear is a must. If you need help accessing winter gear, please contact your child's school main office.
Our special education teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff create environments where all students can thrive. They adapt instruction, provide individualized support and partner with families to help students discover their strengths and build independence.
Thank you to Harvard CUSD 50's special education professionals for your commitment to our students. Your impact is immeasurable!
Watch his presentation and learn more about the district’s roadmap for the months ahead:
https://youtu.be/jEGRy57rMlk
