Happy Valentine's Day! If your child is joining us for the Valentine Day Dance, they should plan to arrive at 5:00. Doors close at 5:30, and students will be dismissed from door 7 at 7:30. Additional information is below. As always, if you have any questions, please call the main office (708-458-7590).

A few reminders:

• It's cold. Please remind your middle schoolers to dress appropriately for the cold 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.

Stay warm!

Mrs. Malone, Principal

Heritage Middle Schoo

• TODAY ~ Valentine Dance! (INFO BELOW)
• February 17 ~ NO SCHOOL-Presidents' Day
• February 27 ~ End of Trimester 2
• February 28 ~ NO SCHOOL-Institute Day
• March 3 ~ NO SCHOOL-Pulaski Day
• March 4-7 ~ District 104 RESPECT SPIRIT WEEK (info below)
• March 6 ~ Picture Day for 6th & 7th Grade Students
• March 7 ~ Report Cards Sent Home
• March 20 ~ 8th Grade Graduation Picture Retakes

Beginning February 18, 2025, 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 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.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey for students and teachers will be conducted starting February 18th. 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.

Sincerely,

Mrs. P. Malone, Principal

The health office had another busy week! On top of many sick visits, we have received several confirmed positive cases of Influenza A. Please see the attached guidance on Influenza and talk to your children about taking steps to prevent the spread of illness!

• Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs like Flu, Covid, RSV and many others!

• Please contact the school nurse if your student has any injuries or significant health updates (new medical diagnosis or upcoming surgeries). We can help assist you with what is needed for a safe return to school.

• Please remember per district 104 handbook: students are NOT allowed to carry ANY medication (this includes any over-the-counter medication such cough drops, Tylenol, and Motrin). If your student needs medication administered during the school day (including cough drops, Tylenol, or Motrin), medication must be kept in the Health Office and medication authorization forms must be signed by the parent/guardian AND a medical provider (Doctor, PA, APRN).

• Miles of Smiles will return to Graves/HMS for students who were unable to be seen for dental exams!

• Loyola Van will be returning to Graves/HMS on April 1st, 2025. Call the office for more information!

  
  

• February is American Heart Month (and Valentine’s Day!) so it’s a great time to focus on heart health. There are many simple ways to keep your heart healthy this month and all year long! Show your heart some love by trying out the ideas below with students, friends, or family.

  🥦 Eat a Balanced Diet – Encourage fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

  🍎 Limit Processed Foods – Reduce sugary snacks, fast food, and high-sodium foods.

  🥛 Choose Healthy Drinks – Water and milk are best; limit sugary drinks and sodas.

  🏃‍♂️ Keep Kids Moving – At least 60 minutes of daily activity like running, biking, or sports.

  🛑 Limit Screen Time – Reduce sedentary time (TV, video games) to encourage active play.

  🛏 Prioritize Sleep – Kids need 9-12 hours of sleep per night for heart health.

  🦷 Manage Stress – Encourage relaxation, mindfulness, and talking about emotions.

  🩺 Regular Checkups – Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and growth.

  Starting young with heart-healthy habits sets the foundation for lifelong well-being! ❤️

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