Harvard Junior High

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

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

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,

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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! 💪👟

5Essentials Parent Survey

As you may have seen in a letter from the district office, our annual 5Essentials Survey is beginning. Students will be taking this important survey later this month in their HIVE. The 5Essentials Survey is a great measurement tool. 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. Parents, students and staff members all give their valuable input during this time.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted February 3 - 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.

Period or Block Schedules?
After the 2021-2022 school year, Harvard Junior High surveyed parents, students and staff about a new schedule. As a result of that survey, we came up with our current Block scheduling system. Students attend on a "period schedule" on Monday and attend all classes, periods 1-8. Then on Tuesday and Thursdays, they attend periods 1-4 and periods 5-8 on Wednesday and Friday.

Five years later, the time has come to reflect and gather everyone's voices again. This week, students and staff will be giving their feedback. Please take the time as a parent or family member to answer the survey below.

Thank you,

Our 6th graders had an unforgettable day exploring the Burpee Museum of Natural History! 🦖✨

From towering dinosaur skeletons to fascinating exhibits about our planet’s history, students had the opportunity to bring their science learning to life. They asked thoughtful questions, engaged with hands-on displays, and even came face-to-face with “Jane,” the juvenile T. rex that calls the museum home!

Experiences like this help spark curiosity and make classroom lessons even more meaningful. Way to represent us so well, 6th grade! 👏

#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #6thGradeFieldTrip

📚✨ Learning Comes to Life in ELA! ✨📚

Mrs. Conway’s ELA classes held a mock Ceremony of Twelves to bring The Giver to life!

With Mrs. Robistow joining in, both teachers stepped into the role of community elders as students received their job assignments—just like in the novel. Thoughtful discussion followed, and students were actively engaged as they responded to the questions presented.

What a powerful way to deepen understanding through immersive learning! 👏📖

#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising

We celebrated Valentine’s Day with creativity and sweet skills! ❤️🐧

Students built their own penguin mailboxes and put their cooking talents to work making chocolate-covered strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows. A fun-filled day full of learning, teamwork, and treats! 🍓🍫

#HarvardRising #ValentinesDay

🎶🎧 8th Grade Music Spotlight! 🎧🎶

Our 8th grade musicians from trimester 1 and trimester 2 wrapped up their GarageBand projects in style! Students created original songs using Pop Form, then titled and designed a record cover to represent their very own “Best Selling Single.” 🎼💿

Creativity, collaboration, and some serious musical talent were on full display—way to go, 8th grade! 👏🎵

#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #Music

In 7th grade Social Studies with Mr. Rada, students have been diving into the structure of state government and how it works! Through engaging activities and thoughtful discussions, they explored the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches—and how each branch works together to keep balance in a democratic system. Building civic knowledge one lesson at a time!

#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising

The Olympic Winter Games Are Here!

🏂❄️🎿🏅🏆

Miss Wolf's class had so much fun celebrating the Winter Olympics at school—learning about teamwork, perseverance, and the excitement of athletes from around the world! A special highlight was hearing about Miss Wolf, who had the incredible honor of running with the Olympic torch in 2002. What an amazing real-life connection to Olympic history and inspiration for our students! 🔥✨

#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #Olympics2026

💌 NJHS Spreading the Love! 💌

Our National Junior Honor Society students met this morning with a special mission—to give back to our community by making Valentine’s cards for a local nursing home. 💗✂️

With creativity, kindness, and thoughtful messages, our students worked together to create cards that are sure to bring smiles and brighten someone’s day. We’re so proud of NJHS for leading with service and showing how small acts of kindness can make a big impact! 💕
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #NJHS

✨ WICOR Buddies in Action! ✨

WICOR Buddies is a partnership between our AVID Elective students and life skills students, pairing each student with a buddy to learn and grow together. Throughout the year, buddies focus on one WICOR skill at each meeting—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading.

At their first meeting, students focused on writing. This time, they explored inquiry by sharing their favorite winter activities and developing thoughtful questions like:
❄️ Where do you do this activity?
💰 How much does it cost?
🎒 What supplies do you need?

Students researched their topics, created engaging one-pagers to represent their learning, and proudly presented their work to the group. A great example of collaboration, curiosity, and community! 👏📚

#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #AVID

Our 7th graders hit the road and took learning on a field trip to the Volo Auto Museum! 🚍✨
From classic cars to pop-culture icons, students explored history, innovation, and design up close. A great day of hands-on learning, curiosity, and memories made outside the classroom! 🏎️📚

#HarvardRising #VoloAutoMuseum #FieldTrip

🐝 Hornet Happenings Highlight! 🐝

Friday mornings are always buzzing with excitement during Hornet Happenings! This week, Jacob Hernandez answered the weekly trivia question and won a prize!

Hornet Happenings is our whole-school check-in held through video conferencing each week. It’s a time for students and staff to come together to share important information, celebrate successes, and stay connected as one school community. From announcements to fun moments, Hornet Happenings helps keep everyone informed while building school spirit and strengthening our sense of belonging. 💛🖤

📚✨ Reading Together in the Classroom! ✨📚

The Rise classroom joined together in a reading circle to enjoy My Kingdom of Darkness: Pets Rule! Students were engaged, focused, and sharing in the joy of reading together—building connection, confidence, and a love for books along the way! 📖

#HarvardRising #ReadingIsCool

🧠✏️ AVID in Action in HIVE! ✏️🧠

Students in Mrs. Nicky's HIVE took on a fun and challenging AVID activity that put their communication skills to the test! Working with a partner, one student described an unknown picture using clear, detailed instructions while the other listened closely and drew the image based solely on those directions.

This hands-on activity emphasized effective communication, active listening, teamwork, and problem-solving—all essential AVID skills for success in and beyond the classroom. Great collaboration, HIVE students! 👏🎨