🎶 Early Dismissal 🎶
Friday, February 13th will be an early dismissal at 11:30 AM for School Improvement.
Please make sure students know their dismissal plans, and call the school office and/or daycare for any transportation changes.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and smooth dismissal! 🐯
Visit jostens.com to place your order today. There will be no extra copies available for purchase later, so don’t miss out!
If you have questions or aren’t sure whether you’ve already ordered, please email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org.
Parents, please be on the lookout for your child’s midterm report coming home today. 📝
Remember, you can also check grades anytime by downloading PowerSchool for convenient, real-time access.
Stay informed and celebrate your child’s progress! 💛
#HESPride #Midterms #PowerSchool #StudentSuccess
🚀 STARS Afterschool Program WILL BE in session on Friday, February 13th!
Herrin Elementary School will hold Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, February 12th.
Please make sure you have contacted your child’s teacher to schedule an appointment if you have not already heard from them.
📌 Note: Not all students will need a conference at this time.
Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education! 🐯
Spring Pictures will be taken on Tuesday, February 10th at Herrin Elementary School!
📬 Picture proofs will be sent home approximately 3 weeks after pictures are taken.
If you have any questions, please email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org.
We can’t wait to see those spring smiles! 😊🌷
There will be a 2:00 PM dismissal on Monday, February 9th.
Please make sure students know their dismissal plan ahead of time. If there are any transportation changes, be sure to call the school office and/or daycare to notify them.
Thank you for your cooperation!
This will be a Class vs. Class fundraising challenge from February 9th–23rd .
🏆 Prizes:
The top fundraising class will win an Ice Cream Party 🍦 AND Extra Recess!
The winning teacher will receive an Amazon gift card
💙 How to Donate:
Send cash, change, or checks made payable to Special Olympics of Southern Illinois -OR-
Scan the QR code on the flyer to donate online.
This year marks Mrs. Bailie’s 15th Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics—let’s show our support and have fun raising money for our amazing athletes! ❄️💪
#FreezinForAReason
Spring Pictures will be taken on Tuesday, February 10th at Herrin Elementary School!
📬 Picture proofs will be sent home approximately 3 weeks after pictures are taken.
If you have any questions, please email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org.
We can’t wait to see those spring smiles! 😊🌷
Beginning February 3, 2026, students and teachers across Illinois will have an opportunity to participate in the eleventh annual statewide Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is designed to generate a detailed picture of the inner workings of your child’s school. As a parent/guardian, this opportunity will allow you to share your thoughts on the important elements of school effectiveness in a survey about your child’s school.
On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, the 5Essentials Survey will be administered online by UChicago Impact at the University of Chicago. The survey gathers data related to five indicators that can predict important student outcomes, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. These five indicators that affect and predict school success are:
· Effective Leaders
· Collaborative Teachers
· Involved Families
· Supportive Environments
· Ambitious Instruction
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.
All teachers and fourth through 12th grade students will be responding to this survey. 5Essentials Reports will be generated for schools if their teachers and/or students meet the response rate threshold of 50 percent. These reports will be sent to schools and districts in May and will also be included in the State School Report Card.
Additionally, your district has chosen to provide the optional supplement parent survey. If at least 20 percent of Herrin Elementary School parents/guardians complete this survey, a parent report will also be generated. The parent data will not be included on the State Report Card.
Your participation in the parent portion of the survey will help us understand the conditions at your child’s school and guide improvement. Your identity and survey responses will be kept completely confidential and will never be connected to you or your child.
The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted from February 3, 2026, to 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.
For more information about the Illinois 5Essentials Survey, or to view previous years’ Reports, please visit https://www.5-essentials.org/illinois. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact UChicago Impact Survey Support at 1-866-440-1874 or impact-surveys@uchicago.edu.
👉 Order here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1088172/Herrin-Elementary-School
Secure your copy today! 🎉🐯
Email brandi.karnes@herrinschools.org for questions!
Today, we’re celebrating Groundhog Day at Herrin Elementary School! Will the groundhog see his shadow, or will an early spring be on the way? Either way, it’s a fun day for learning, predicting, and exploring traditions with our students.
Our Tigers enjoy talking about weather, seasons, and this classic winter tradition—because every day is a great day to learn something new! 🐯
#GroundhogDay2026 #HerrinElementary #LearningIsFun #TigerPride
This February, Herrin Elementary School is proud to celebrate Black History Month by honoring the rich history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans—past and present. Throughout the month, students will engage in meaningful lessons, activities, and discussions that promote learning, respect, and appreciation for diversity.
We are excited to see our students grow as they explore powerful stories, influential leaders, and the lasting impact Black Americans have made on our world. Together, we celebrate history, inspire understanding, and build a stronger community. 🐯
#BlackHistoryMonth #HerrinElementary #LearningTogether #CelebratingDiversity
Spring Pictures at Herrin Elementary School
🗓 Tuesday, February 10th
Get those spring smiles ready! 😊
🌟 January Character Strong – Perseverance Award Winners 🌟
We are proud to recognize our January Character Strong Award winners for demonstrating Perseverance! These students showed determination, grit, and a positive attitude - even when learning felt challenging. They didn’t give up and continued to try their best, and that is something to celebrate!
2nd Grade: Brady Parola, Madison Ragland, Tinleigh Drew, Maverick Thompson, Gabriel Rombaut, Abel Young, Meadow Williams, Darius Brown, Zoey Coley, Anthony Sacapanio
3rd Grade: Lydell Bradley, Lucas Breault, Hunter Kuha, Evie Hobson, Owen Harper, Kemonii Morris, Tritonn Charlett, Grace Shaulis, Dawson Wehrmeier
4th Grade: Walton Ridgway, Isabella Reyling, Isaac Peters, Somer Cullum, Zaiden Ruiz, Alyssa Hill, Alayna Apple, Jackson Walters
5th Grade: Mia Minor, Olivia Coley, Nathaniel Gottberg, Randi Rodriguez-Radake, Henry Melvin, Haven Cole, Izzy Maynor, Russell Brumley, Rico Love
Thank you for being great role models and showing us what perseverance looks like every day. Keep up the amazing work! 💪🐯
Christa McAuliffe Day – January 28th 🌟🚀
On January 28th, we remember and honor Christa McAuliffe, the teacher and astronaut who tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion on January 28, 1986.
Her dedication to education and inspiring students to reach for the stars continues to be remembered and celebrated today.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 28th, will be E-Learning Day #3.
Please be sure students check in with their classroom teacher and complete all assigned work. Students should also be prepared to return to school on Thursday.
Stay tuned for official communication with any additional details.
