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,
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
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
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
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
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
Harvard Junior High Families!
Lost and Found will be in the lobby during Parent Teacher Conferences - Thursday February 11, 2026
Any items not picked up will be donated!
Familias de Harvard Junior High!
Los objetos perdidos estarán en el vestíbulo durante las reuniones de padres y maestros, el Jueves 11 de Febrero de 2026.
¡Los artículos que no se recojan serán donados!
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
#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
🏂❄️🎿🏅🏆
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
📚 Parent–Teacher Conferences
Parents and guardians are invited to attend conferences on
Thursday, February 12, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Please sign up using the link below:
🔗 https://ptcfast.com/schools/Harvard_Junior_High
📚 Conferencia de Padres y Maestros!
Se invita a los padres y tutores a asistir a las conferencias el
jueves 12 de febrero, 2026
🕛 12:00pm a 8:00pm
Por favor, utilice en enlace para agenda:
🔗 https://ptcfast.com/schools/Harvard_Junior_High
💌 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
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
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
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. 💛🖤
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
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! 👏🎨
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! 👏🎨
Welcome back, students! ❄️📚
We hope everyone enjoyed a restful winter break. This week, students jumped right back in by completing a January goal-setting sheet, taking time to reflect, set intentions, and plan for success in the new year. We’re excited to support them as they work toward their goals and start 2026 strong! 🌟✏️
#HarvardRising #JrHornetsRising #2026
8th graders and families, Your next stop is Harvard High School! 🎓 Don’t miss the HHS 8th Grade EXPO on January 15 from 6–8 pm—a great chance to explore classes, clubs, sports, and everything waiting for you as a freshman.
🎉🚪 Door Decorating Contest Winners! 🚪🎉
A big congratulations to our creative students and staff at Harvard Junior High! Our hallways were full of school spirit, creativity, and teamwork thanks to all the amazing door decorations. 🧡💚🧡
1st: Mr. Pablo "Grinch"
2nd: Mrs. Garcia "Winter Wonderland"
3rd: Mrs. Conway "Emotional Support Cocoa"
4th: Mr. Rada "Snoopy"
5th: Mrs. Robistow "Cozy Fireplace"
6th: Ms. Sande "Snoopy"
#HarvardRising #WinterWonderland
A big congratulations to our creative students and staff at Harvard Junior High! Our hallways were full of school spirit, creativity, and teamwork thanks to all the amazing door decorations. 🧡💚🧡
1st: Mr. Pablo "Grinch"
2nd: Mrs. Garcia "Winter Wonderland"
3rd: Mrs. Conway "Emotional Support Cocoa"
4th: Mr. Rada "Snoopy"
5th: Mrs. Robistow "Cozy Fireplace"
6th: Ms. Sande "Snoopy"
#HarvardRising #WinterWonderland
🖤💛 Coins for CASA Success! 🖤💛
Our school community truly showed up in a BIG way! Student council dropped off our Coins for CASA containers and they were absolutely shocked by the total.
As a school, we raised an incredible $1,178 to support CASA of McHenry County and the important work they do for children in our community🖤💛
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for every coin, dollar, and act of kindness. This is something to be incredibly proud of! 👏✨
#HarvardRising #HarvardHelps #JrHornetsRising
Our school community truly showed up in a BIG way! Student council dropped off our Coins for CASA containers and they were absolutely shocked by the total.
As a school, we raised an incredible $1,178 to support CASA of McHenry County and the important work they do for children in our community🖤💛
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for every coin, dollar, and act of kindness. This is something to be incredibly proud of! 👏✨
#HarvardRising #HarvardHelps #JrHornetsRising
📣 Girls Basketball Tryouts! 🏀
Tryouts are coming up, and we’re excited to see our student athletes hit the court!
To participate, all players must have a current sports physical on file and must be registered on 8 to18 before tryouts begin.
👉 Register here: https://schools.snap.app/harvard
Let’s get ready for a great season! 💪🏀
Tryouts are coming up, and we’re excited to see our student athletes hit the court!
To participate, all players must have a current sports physical on file and must be registered on 8 to18 before tryouts begin.
👉 Register here: https://schools.snap.app/harvard
Let’s get ready for a great season! 💪🏀
