Good morning families of our 8th Grade Students. We are so excited to have the opportunity to celebrate our 8th-grade students at the end of the school year. They have done a wonderful job here during their three years at Harvard Junior High School!
As we look towards May, here are some dates and pieces of information I want to share with you.
First of all, on Monday, May 18th, we will have our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Harvard High School. Please see the attached invitation for specific details.
Additional end-of-the-school-year events for 8th grade students:
8th Grade Visit to Harvard High School (April 27th, Morning)
8th Grade Dance (May 15th, 6:00 - 8:00)
8th Grade Promotion (May 18th at 6:00, Harvard High School)
This event will be live-streamed as well
Thank you, and please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Patrick Podgorski
Principal,
Harvard Junior High School
As we look towards May, here are some dates and pieces of information I want to share with you.
First of all, on Monday, May 18th, we will have our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Harvard High School. Please see the attached invitation for specific details.
Additional end-of-the-school-year events for 8th grade students:
8th Grade Visit to Harvard High School (April 27th, Morning)
8th Grade Dance (May 15th, 6:00 - 8:00)
8th Grade Promotion (May 18th at 6:00, Harvard High School)
This event will be live-streamed as well
Thank you, and please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Patrick Podgorski
Principal,
Harvard Junior High School
April is Autism Awareness Month, and our Student Council took a meaningful step to show their support! 💙
Students spent time creating homemade bracelets to help raise awareness and celebrate inclusion within our school community. Each bracelet is a small reminder of the importance of understanding, acceptance, and kindness.
We’re proud of our students for using their voices and creativity to make a difference! #AutismAwareness #HarvardRising
Students spent time creating homemade bracelets to help raise awareness and celebrate inclusion within our school community. Each bracelet is a small reminder of the importance of understanding, acceptance, and kindness.
We’re proud of our students for using their voices and creativity to make a difference! #AutismAwareness #HarvardRising
Dear Harvard Junior High Families,
Harvard Junior High is making an important change next year. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the school will transition from block scheduling to a traditional daily period schedule.
This decision was not made lightly. My team and I conducted a thorough review of student performance data and gathered feedback from staff and families before moving forward. The research is clear: students benefit from seeing their teachers every day. That means more consistent instruction, more frequent feedback, and a predictable routine that helps students stay organized and on track.
"By moving to a straight period schedule, we are relying on stakeholder input, research about best practices with middle grade scheduling, prioritizing regular practice, stronger relationships with teachers, and a more predictable structure that supports academic growth for all students.”
Dr. Brandon C. White, Superintendent, Harvard CUSD 50
We have prepared a detailed FAQ to address your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to making this transition smooth and successful for every student. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the main office at 815-943-6466 or by contacting your child's teachers with any questions.
Thank you for your continued support of Harvard Junior High.
Sincerely,
Patrick Podgorski
Principal, Harvard Junior High School
Harvard Junior High is making an important change next year. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the school will transition from block scheduling to a traditional daily period schedule.
This decision was not made lightly. My team and I conducted a thorough review of student performance data and gathered feedback from staff and families before moving forward. The research is clear: students benefit from seeing their teachers every day. That means more consistent instruction, more frequent feedback, and a predictable routine that helps students stay organized and on track.
"By moving to a straight period schedule, we are relying on stakeholder input, research about best practices with middle grade scheduling, prioritizing regular practice, stronger relationships with teachers, and a more predictable structure that supports academic growth for all students.”
Dr. Brandon C. White, Superintendent, Harvard CUSD 50
We have prepared a detailed FAQ to address your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to making this transition smooth and successful for every student. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the main office at 815-943-6466 or by contacting your child's teachers with any questions.
Thank you for your continued support of Harvard Junior High.
Sincerely,
Patrick Podgorski
Principal, Harvard Junior High School
Our 8th grade ELA students have been hard at work researching colleges and putting their skills into action by writing formal letters to the schools they selected. After sending them off, the excitement is already building—some students have begun receiving responses!
From personalized letters to informational materials and even a few fun surprises, it’s been incredible to see their efforts pay off. This authentic experience not only strengthens their writing skills but also gives them a glimpse into the opportunities that lie ahead. 📬✨
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #CollegeLetters
From personalized letters to informational materials and even a few fun surprises, it’s been incredible to see their efforts pay off. This authentic experience not only strengthens their writing skills but also gives them a glimpse into the opportunities that lie ahead. 📬✨
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #CollegeLetters
In 7th grade Social Studies with Mr. Rada, students are building strong collaborative, academic, and communication skills in both English and Spanish—all through the lens of history! 🌎📚
This week, the focus is on the expansion of the United States during the 19th century. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, students are sharpening their critical thinking while working together as a team.
It’s exciting to see students making connections, sharing ideas, and growing as learners every day! 💬✨
#HarvardRising #HJH
This week, the focus is on the expansion of the United States during the 19th century. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, students are sharpening their critical thinking while working together as a team.
It’s exciting to see students making connections, sharing ideas, and growing as learners every day! 💬✨
#HarvardRising #HJH
Our 8th graders recently stepped into the real world during our Reality Store experience—and let’s just say, adulthood came fast! 💼💰
Each student was assigned a career and monthly salary, then challenged to budget their way through life by visiting stations like housing, transportation, childcare, food, and more. As they paid their “bills,” they quickly realized how far (or not so far!) their income could stretch.
This hands-on activity gave students a powerful look at financial responsibility, decision-making, and the true cost of living. From tough choices to eye-opening moments, our students walked away with a deeper appreciation for planning ahead and managing money wisely.
Great job to our 8th graders for taking on the challenge and gaining real-life skills that will last a lifetime! 👏
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #RealityStore
Each student was assigned a career and monthly salary, then challenged to budget their way through life by visiting stations like housing, transportation, childcare, food, and more. As they paid their “bills,” they quickly realized how far (or not so far!) their income could stretch.
This hands-on activity gave students a powerful look at financial responsibility, decision-making, and the true cost of living. From tough choices to eye-opening moments, our students walked away with a deeper appreciation for planning ahead and managing money wisely.
Great job to our 8th graders for taking on the challenge and gaining real-life skills that will last a lifetime! 👏
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #RealityStore
Good Morning 8th Grade Parents & Guardians,
It has been brought to my attention that the 8th grade dance has historically been a parent run and organized event. As a new building principal, I would love to continue the tradition of having parents be involved and help with the planning and set-up for the event.
Tha dance is planned for May 15th, 6-8pm. The commitment would be just to attend one or two meetings between then and some set up commitment from 3-6pm on the 15th of May.
If you are interested in helping out, please reach out and send me an email. My contact information is:
Email: ppodgorski@cusd50.org
Phone: 815-943-6466
It has been brought to my attention that the 8th grade dance has historically been a parent run and organized event. As a new building principal, I would love to continue the tradition of having parents be involved and help with the planning and set-up for the event.
Tha dance is planned for May 15th, 6-8pm. The commitment would be just to attend one or two meetings between then and some set up commitment from 3-6pm on the 15th of May.
If you are interested in helping out, please reach out and send me an email. My contact information is:
Email: ppodgorski@cusd50.org
Phone: 815-943-6466
Good afternoon,
Please see the weekly newsletter update from Mr. Podgorski. We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend and we will see everyone on Monday.
Thank you,
April 2nd Smore Newsletter
https://app.smore.com/n/7bfum
Please see the weekly newsletter update from Mr. Podgorski. We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend and we will see everyone on Monday.
Thank you,
April 2nd Smore Newsletter
https://app.smore.com/n/7bfum
MINECRAFT CANCELATION!!
"Due to the forecasted severe weather this afternoon, I have decided to cancel Minecraft Club today April 2nd, 2026. Minecraft club will meet again next week on WEDNESDAY April 8th, 2026 and FRIDAY April 10, 2026 . I apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding!
Mr. D"
¡¡CANCELACIÓN DE MINECRAFT!!
«Debido a las condiciones climaticas con pronosticadas para esta tarde, he decidido cancelar el Club de Minecraft hoy, 2 de abril de 2026. El Club de Minecraft se reunirá nuevamente la próxima semana: el MIÉRCOLES 8 de abril de 2026 y el VIERNES 10 de abril de 2026. ¡Pido disculpas por cualquier inconveniente y agradezco su comprensión!
Sr. D»
Good evening,
Please disregard any information you have heard about an incoming 6th grade orientation for next year happening tonight. This event was placed on the building calendar and website by the previous administration.
Mr. Podgorski and Mrs. Bigler have already been working to do an elective fair at Jefferson and an orientation at the Junior High on the same day/night later this year.
More communication will be coming out soon about that.
Thank you and apologies for any confusion
Buenas Tardes:
Por favor, descarten la información que hayan recibido sobre una sesión de orientación para los alumnos que ingresarán a 6.º grado el próximo año, la cual supuestamente tendría lugar esta noche. Este evento fue incluido en el calendario del edificio y en el sitio web por la administración anterior.
El Sr. Podgorski y la Sra. Bigler ya están trabajando en la organización de una feria de asignaturas optativas en Jefferson y una sesión de orientación en la escuela secundaria (Junior High), las cuales se llevarán a cabo el mismo día —o la misma noche— más adelante este año.
Próximamente enviaremos más información al respecto.
Gracias y disculpen cualquier confusión.
Dear Hornet Families,
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year will open on April 9.
To get started, please visit our registration page: www.cusd50.org/registration Registration links will be updated and available on April 9.
If you need assistance with the registration process, we invite you to attend our Registration Event on April 9 from 5:00–7:30 PM at Crosby Elementary. Staff will be available to support families, including Spanish translation services and tech help. A postcard will be going home with your student tomorrow regarding this event.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to District Registrar, Angelica Cadena, at acadena@cusd50.org or at 815-943-4022.
Thank you
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year will open on April 9.
To get started, please visit our registration page: www.cusd50.org/registration Registration links will be updated and available on April 9.
If you need assistance with the registration process, we invite you to attend our Registration Event on April 9 from 5:00–7:30 PM at Crosby Elementary. Staff will be available to support families, including Spanish translation services and tech help. A postcard will be going home with your student tomorrow regarding this event.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to District Registrar, Angelica Cadena, at acadena@cusd50.org or at 815-943-4022.
Thank you
Quarter 3 Assembly was one to remember! 🎉
We kicked things off by celebrating our Winter Sports athletes, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and teamwork throughout the season. ❄️🏀 🤼♂️
Students also brought the energy with two fun, fast-paced games that had the crowd cheering and laughing along! 🙌
To wrap it up, we proudly honored our 3rd Quarter Portrait of a Graduate Award winners—students who continue to demonstrate excellence in character, leadership, and growth. 🌟
So proud of all our students for making this quarter such a success!
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising
We kicked things off by celebrating our Winter Sports athletes, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and teamwork throughout the season. ❄️🏀 🤼♂️
Students also brought the energy with two fun, fast-paced games that had the crowd cheering and laughing along! 🙌
To wrap it up, we proudly honored our 3rd Quarter Portrait of a Graduate Award winners—students who continue to demonstrate excellence in character, leadership, and growth. 🌟
So proud of all our students for making this quarter such a success!
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising
PARENTS:
Here's your invitation to participate you or your students.
Please complete and return the form to the Milk Days Office by May 29th .
P.O. Box 325, Harvard, IL 60033 or email to info@milkdays.com
If interested in participating in the following:
- Doll Buggies
- Tricycle
- Big Wheels
- Decorated Bikes
- Wagons
-Floats
- Cats & Small Pets
- Dogs
- Miscellaneous Dressed Pets
- Horses & Large Animals
-Costumes
- Battery Operated Vehicles
- Miscellaneous
Here's your invitation to participate you or your students.
Please complete and return the form to the Milk Days Office by May 29th .
P.O. Box 325, Harvard, IL 60033 or email to info@milkdays.com
If interested in participating in the following:
- Doll Buggies
- Tricycle
- Big Wheels
- Decorated Bikes
- Wagons
-Floats
- Cats & Small Pets
- Dogs
- Miscellaneous Dressed Pets
- Horses & Large Animals
-Costumes
- Battery Operated Vehicles
- Miscellaneous
Today our students had the opportunity to explore their futures during an exciting Career Event! Students connected with professionals from the McHenry County community who own and operate a variety of local businesses . Through these conversations, they were able to learn firsthand about different career journeys, ask questions, and gain insight into what it takes to succeed in different fields.
Students also discovered the many career pathways available through McHenry County College, helping them see how their interests today can lead to opportunities tomorrow.
#HarvardRising #8thgraders #JrHornetsRising
Students also discovered the many career pathways available through McHenry County College, helping them see how their interests today can lead to opportunities tomorrow.
#HarvardRising #8thgraders #JrHornetsRising
At Harvard Junior High, collaboration is at the heart of learning! 🤝
Our WICOR Buddies recently focused on the “C” in WICOR – Collaboration by working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another as they tackled activities and discussions. Students practiced listening, problem-solving, and encouraging their peers, showing that learning is even stronger when we work as a team.
These moments help build communication skills, confidence, and connections that extend beyond the classroom. Great job to our students for showing what collaboration looks like in action! 👏📚
Our WICOR Buddies recently focused on the “C” in WICOR – Collaboration by working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another as they tackled activities and discussions. Students practiced listening, problem-solving, and encouraging their peers, showing that learning is even stronger when we work as a team.
These moments help build communication skills, confidence, and connections that extend beyond the classroom. Great job to our students for showing what collaboration looks like in action! 👏📚
The eighth-grade students from Mrs. García’s Spanish Language Arts class gave oral presentations about the book they read as part of their independent project.
They also had the opportunity to share their presentations with the sixth- and seventh-grade classes—an enriching experience that allowed them to practice public speaking, share their reading, and learn from one another.
#HarvardRising #JrHornetRising
They also had the opportunity to share their presentations with the sixth- and seventh-grade classes—an enriching experience that allowed them to practice public speaking, share their reading, and learn from one another.
#HarvardRising #JrHornetRising
Cupid definitely hit the mark at last week’s school dance! 💘
Our school was filled with hearts, laughter, and lots of great moves on the dance floor as students celebrated our Cupid-themed dance. From festive outfits to singing along with friends, it was a night full of fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success — we love seeing our students building memories and school spirit together! 💃🕺
#HJHdance #StudentCouncil
Our school was filled with hearts, laughter, and lots of great moves on the dance floor as students celebrated our Cupid-themed dance. From festive outfits to singing along with friends, it was a night full of fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success — we love seeing our students building memories and school spirit together! 💃🕺
#HJHdance #StudentCouncil
Last night we proudly welcomed 26 new inductees into our National Junior Honor Society and celebrated our returning 2nd year members! 🎉
Membership in National Junior Honor Society is earned by students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher and are recommended by teachers for demonstrating excellence in character, scholarship, leadership, service, and citizenship.
We are so proud of these students for their dedication both inside and outside the classroom. Congratulations to all of our inductees and returning members — your future is bright! ✨👏
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #NJHS
Membership in National Junior Honor Society is earned by students who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher and are recommended by teachers for demonstrating excellence in character, scholarship, leadership, service, and citizenship.
We are so proud of these students for their dedication both inside and outside the classroom. Congratulations to all of our inductees and returning members — your future is bright! ✨👏
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #NJHS
Good Morning,
Please see the linked Smore newsletter from Mr. Podgorski. It contains important information about this afternoon's dance, our survey about our bell schedule and the upcoming BPAC meeting.
Most importantly, it has the reminder link that we need your help to get our parent participation with the 5Essential Survey. We are currently at 8% completion and need your help to get our results up to 20% or better.
https://app.smore.com/n/9jwxn-hornet-happenings
Thank you,
Please see the linked Smore newsletter from Mr. Podgorski. It contains important information about this afternoon's dance, our survey about our bell schedule and the upcoming BPAC meeting.
Most importantly, it has the reminder link that we need your help to get our parent participation with the 5Essential Survey. We are currently at 8% completion and need your help to get our results up to 20% or better.
https://app.smore.com/n/9jwxn-hornet-happenings
Thank you,
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Track Registration is NOW OPEN! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
It’s time to lace up those running shoes! Track season is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see our athletes back on the track.
Be sure to head over to 8to18 to complete your registration and secure your spot. Don’t wait — get signed up today and get ready for a great season!
Let’s go! 💪👟
It’s time to lace up those running shoes! Track season is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see our athletes back on the track.
Be sure to head over to 8to18 to complete your registration and secure your spot. Don’t wait — get signed up today and get ready for a great season!
Let’s go! 💪👟
