We couldn't wait to share what fun things came to school today!
Who needs a backpack when you can carry your school supplies in just about ANYTHING?! 😂
Our Hornets got creative for Anything But a Backpack Day during Homecoming Week! From unexpected containers to some seriously creative ideas, our students definitely brought the fun! 🛒🧺🪣📦
Tomorrow: Decades Day!
#HarvardHornets #HOCO
😂🐝 HOMECOMING WEEK: MEME DAY! 🐝😂
Our Hornets brought their favorite memes to life today! 📱🤣 From iconic characters to hilarious internet moments, our students got creative with their Meme Day looks!
We’re loving the creativity our Hornets are bringing to Homecoming Week! 💛🖤🐝
Tomorrow: Anything but a backpack!
#HarvardRising #HOCO #MemeDay
We are using PTCFast.com to make signups as convenient as possible this year. Please enter the following web address into your browser window:
https://ptcfast.com/schools/Harvard_Junior_High
If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to reach out to our office (815) 943-6466.
We’re kicking off Homecoming Week in the coziest way possible! 🛌✨
Today, the halls of Harvard are filled with pajamas, slippers, robes, and plenty of sleepy smiles! ☕️💤 From comfy classics to totally creative sleepwear, our Hornets are bringing the cozy vibes! Perfect theme for a Monday! 💛🖤
Tomorrow: Meme Day! Dress up as your favorite meme
#HarvardHornets #HOCO
Each Friday during Hornet Happenings, we recognize students who are making a difference through their dedication, hard work, talent, and positive attitude!
🏆 Athletes of the Week are nominated by a head coach for their effort, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and contributions to their team.
🎨 Artists of the Week are nominated by an advisor for their creativity, dedication, growth, leadership, and contributions to their club or activity.
We love taking time each week to celebrate the many ways our Hornets shine—not just in the classroom, but on the court, field, stage, in the arts, and throughout our school community! 🐝💛🖤
Congratulations to all of our Athletes & Artists of the Week! Keep buzzing, Hornets! 🐝👏
#HarvardRising #HornetsoftheWeek
📚 Morphemes in Motion! 💃🕺
Our 7th grade ELA students in Mr. Nicky’s class are taking learning to a whole new level! Students connected morphemes with movement, using a TikTok-inspired dance style to help them remember key concepts as they prepare for their upcoming quiz.
Who says studying can’t be fun? Learning + movement = a winning combination! 🐝📖✨
#HarvardRising #StudentLearning
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!
It may still be a few weeks away, but it’s never too early to start planning! Our Homecoming themes are officially here! 🎊
Get your outfits ready, show off your Hornet spirit, and get ready for a week of fun! 🖤💛
Check out the themes below and start planning! 👇
Which day are you most excited for? 👀✨
#HarvardHornets #HarvardRising #Homecoming
This week, we’re celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking the arts bring to learning every day! 🐝🖤💛
Students are creating with clay and cardboard in Art, cracking encrypted messages in Tech Innovations, completing a piano-key Escape Room in Music, and building teamwork and musical skills during Wind Ensemble rehearsal in Band.
The arts give our students opportunities to create, explore, problem-solve, collaborate, and express themselves—skills that reach far beyond the classroom!
Happy National Arts in Education Week, Hornets! 🐝
#NationalArtsInEducationWeek #ArtsInEducation #HarvardHornets #HarvardRising
On September 16, 2026, Harvard Junior High School students and staff will participate in a lockdown drill to ensure our students and staff are prepared to respond to an emergency. The goal of the drill is to help students feel safe and as prepared as possible should an emergency arise. The Police Department will be on site to assist in this drill. Our safety department continues to work with police and fire across McHenry County to enhance the safety procedures, technology, response, communication, and training for our schools. Safety is a partnership between all involved – parents included.
Each student should understand the importance of drills and the intentions of the alerting devices sound and visuals. Please talk to your student ahead of time about the safety protocols. You can view the attached parent guide with information to our 5 safety protocols - Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
We understand lockdown drills can be a scary experience for some of our students; we also understand the necessity of using advanced safety protocols and practicing unforeseen situations. Our staff works diligently to prepare our students and make it very clear before conducting the drill that the lockdown is a drill only. As a parent or guardian, you can choose to opt-out your student from the lockdown drill. If you wish to excuse your student, please fill out the attached D50 Lockdown Opt-Out form attached and return it to your school no later than 1 day prior to conducting the drill.
Lockdown Drill:
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026)
_____________________________________
If you have any questions, please contact your school’s principal or the Office of Safety and Security.
Parents and Guardians of Harvard Junior High:
This message is just to inform you all, that Chess Club has been cancelled today Monday September 14, 2026
Sorry for the incontinences. have a nice day!
🐝 Our Students Are Leaders of Today! 🐝
We are proud to celebrate 8th grader, Giovanni, for stepping up as a student voice at The Community Connections Summit at McHenry County College! 🎤✨
Simply asking young people for their opinions isn’t always enough. Students develop a stronger sense of belonging when they know their ideas, experiences, and contributions can help influence meaningful decisions.
Also representing today was class of 2020 Harvard graduate Edith Sanchez, Director of Education and Engagement for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). We are proud to see one of our former Hornets continuing to make a difference in our community!
We are so proud of Giovanni for sharing his voice and representing our school, and grateful to Edith for representing Harvard and continuing to lead beyond her time as a Hornet. Student voices matter and our Hornets are making a difference! 🐝👏
#HornetPride #StudentVoice #LeadersOfToday #HarvardRising
Our Hornet boys and girls cross country teams hit the course at the Cambridge Lakes Coyote Classic and gave it their all! 💪
🏆 BOYS TAKE 1ST PLACE! 🥇🎉
What an incredible team effort from our boys, bringing home the top spot! Our girls also put in a great race and showed plenty of Hornet Pride from start to finish! 🐝💛🖤
Way to compete, support one another, and represent Harvard Junior High! We are so proud of all our runners! 👏
#HarvardPride #Hornets
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.
After lunch, students can enjoy some downtime with friends by playing board games, cards, and other activities. And sometimes, we get a little creative… like last week's Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament! ✊📄✂️
A little friendly competition, lots of laughs, and plenty of fun—even when Mother Nature says, “No recess outside today!” 😄
Who knew Rock, Paper, Scissors could get so competitive?! 🏆
#HarvardRising #HarvardJrHigh #IndoorRecess
Dear Harvard Junior High School Families,
During the week of 9/07/2026, Harvard Junior High School students and staff will participate in a Fire Evacuation Drill to ensure our students and staff are prepared to respond to an emergency. The goal of the drill is to help students feel safe and as prepared as possible should an emergency arise. The Harvard Fire Department will be on site to assist in this drill. Our safety department continues to work with police and fire across McHenry County to enhance the safety procedures, technology, response, communication, and training for our schools. Safety is a partnership between all involved – parents included.
Each student should understand the importance of drills and the intentions of the alerting devices sound and visuals, please talk to your student ahead of time about the safety protocols. You can view the attached parent guide with information to our 5 safety protocols - Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.
Calling all chess players—whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just learning the moves! 🎯
Harvard Jr. High Chess Club starts September 14th and meets at 3:00 PM in the Library.
✨ Drop-ins are welcome! Come play a game, learn new strategies, challenge a friend, and have some fun!
📅 Every Monday
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Location: HJH Library
♟️ Think ahead. Make your move. Checkmate! 🐝
#HarvardRising #GetInvolved #HJHClubs
Mr. Olivares’ 8th grade Social Studies classes are diving into their first unit on Geography! Students are learning about latitude and longitude and putting their coordinate skills to the test with a fun game of Battleship against their classmates.
Who knew geography could be this competitive?! 😄 Students are practicing their skills, thinking strategically, and having a little fun along the way.
Latitude? Longitude? FIRE! 🎯🚢 Ships down!
#HarvardRising #Geographyisfun #HJH
