The Heritage Herald

Happy March! Thanks so much to all the parents who have already taken the 5 Essentials Survey. This survey is a great way to have your voice heard and to help us improve as a school community. HMS needs 20% of our parents to take the survey in order for us to get a report. Right now we have 14%. If you haven't already taken the survey, please click the link in this newsletter to take it. We can do it! As always, if you have any questions, please call the main office

(708-458-7590).

A few reminders:

• It's still cold. Please remind your middle schoolers to dress appropriately for the weather.
• Make sure your child charges his/her chromebook each night.
• Students should be in uniform each day. (Jeans can be worn on Fridays.)
• School starts at 7:50; 8:50 on Wednesdays.

Thanks,

Mrs. Malone, Principal

Heritage Middle School

• TODAY ~ Report Cards Sent Home
• March 11-13 ~ ISA Testing-8th Grade
• March 20 ~ 8th Grade Graduation Picture Retakes
• March 20 ~ 7th Grade Trip to Klairmont Kollections
• March 21 ~ Early Dismissal Day (1:50 dismissal)
• March 24-28 ~ NO SCHOOL-SPRING BREAK

Starting now, 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.

Additionally, your district has chosen to provide the optional supplement parent survey. If at least 20 percent of Heritage Middle 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.

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.

Sincerely,

Mrs. P. Malone, Principal

Hello Families,

March is here, bringing the first signs of spring, National Nutrition Month, and a little extra luck with St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner! Here are some important health updates and reminders to keep our students feeling their best.

🍏 National Nutrition Month: Eat the Green!

March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to encourage healthy eating habits! Why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by adding more green to your plate? Spinach, broccoli, cucumbers, green apples, and avocados are packed with nutrients that help keep young minds sharp and bodies strong. Try making a fun, healthy green smoothie or adding extra veggies to meals this month!

🤧 Spring Allergies: No Luck Needed—Just Preparation!

As flowers begin to bloom, pollen levels rise, and so do allergy symptoms. If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, talk to their doctor about prevention and treatment options. Please inform the school if your child needs allergy medication during the day so we can support them in staying comfortable and focused in class.

🧼 Handwashing: The Gold at the End of the Rainbow

Staying healthy isn’t about luck—it’s about good habits! Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent illness. Please remind your child to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after sneezing or coughing.

⏰ Spring Forward: Adjusting to the Time Change

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 10! Losing an hour of sleep can be tough, especially for children. Help them adjust by sticking to a consistent bedtime routine. A well-rested child is ready to learn and enjoy the day!

🏫 Health Office Updates & Reminders

• Dental Day was a success! Miles of Smiles serviced over 100 students at Graves/HMS!

• Health Documents 25'-26' It's time to schedule summer doctor appointments. Please note action plans and medication authorization forms are to be updated and submitted every school year! Health documents for the 25'-26' school year are due August 1st, 2025! See the flyer below the state mandated requirements for each grade level.

• PMHU Loyola pediatric mobile health unit returns to Graves/HMS on April 1st, call the office for more information.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy March full of good luck and good health! 🍀

Nurse Anita, Nurse Tina & Ms. Oli

March 11, 2025 - Wharton Elementary School

April 8, 2025 - Admin Center

May 13, 2025 - Graves Dual Language School

June 10, 2025 - Admin Center