Eagle's Post - 3/2/26

Hello Middle School South Families,

It has been a great few weeks here at MSS! On Saturday, February 21st, our band, orchestra, and choir students attended the Northern Illinois Music Conference’s Solo & Ensemble Contest at South Middle School in Arlington Heights. Our talented young musicians had an incredible showing, earning 12 “Perfect Score” ratings, 34 “Superior” Division 1 ratings, and 8 “Excellent” Division 2 ratings.

The success continued onto the court and the mat! Last Wednesday, our 8th-grade Girls' Volleyball team took second place in the conference championship. They played exceptionally well throughout the tournament, and we are so proud of their hard work. This past Saturday, we also hosted the IESA Regional Wrestling Tournament, and we are excited to announce that eight of our wrestlers are advancing to the sectional meet this weekend!

In this week's newsletter, we are sharing important details regarding IAR testing, which begins tomorrow with the first of two ELA tests. Additionally, you will find information about Summer Semester registration and course offerings, as well as the link for the 5Essentials parent survey. We are aiming for a 20% response rate; we are currently at 4% as of today, March 2nd.

Have a wonderful week!

Anthony Dengler

Please take a moment to send a note of appreciation to one of our incredible staff members here at MSS! Use the link above to access our form and we will present them with a physical note!

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 & Wednesday, March 4, 2026

IAR Reading Test (Grades 6-8)

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

7th/8th Grade BOC Showcase Concert (7:00 pm at MSS)

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and Thursday, March 12, 2026

IAR Math Test (Grades 6-8)

Friday, March 13, 2026

Spring Play (7:00 pm at MSS)

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Spring Play (2:00 pm at MSS)

Monday, March 16, 2026

6th Grade BOC Showcase Concert (7:00 pm at MSS)

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

March PTO Meeting (7:00 pm at MSS)

On February 17, 2026 you received communication from Aubrey Allen (director of data and assessment) regarding the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) tests. Please keep in mind Mrs. Allen’s previous letter which states all students in grades 3 – 8 are mandated to take the IAR, and there is no opt-out option. This state policy ensures that the school has comprehensive data to support all aspects of student learning and program effectiveness. We will be administering the IAR tests on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 3rd - ELA 1
• Wednesday, March 4th - ELA 2
• Tuesday, March 10th - Math 1
• Wednesday, March 11th - Math 2
• Thursday, March 12th - Math 3

Daily schedules for testing dates are below.

Some important reminders for the testing days:

• Students must have corded earbuds. Bluetooth headphones are not allowed for this test. Please know that we will have a limited number of extras, so it is encouraged that students come with their own.

• Discuss the importance of these tests with your student, emphasizing the value of their effort and the opportunity to show what they have learned.

• Remind them that the test is a snapshot in time of their learning and to focus on doing their best.

• Encourage them to take their time and not rush through the test, as the allotted session time is designed to be sufficient.

• Stress the importance of a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast on test days.

• Reinforce a positive mindset towards testing and remind them that their value is not defined by test scores.

Your voice matters! Families play an important role in helping us understand what we’re doing well and where we can continue to grow as a school community. We invite all parents and guardians to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey.

This short survey provides valuable feedback about school culture, communication, learning conditions, and family engagement. Your responses help guide our school improvement efforts and ensure we are meeting the needs of all students.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here:
https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/?target_name=parent&p=1

As summer approaches, District 95 will once again be offering a variety of Summer Semester programs for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, including Extended School Year (ESY).

Summer Semester Course Offerings

Please click the links below to access further information about the summer semester and the programs that will be offered. If you are having trouble viewing any of these resources or need translations, please contact Todd Jakowitsch at todd.jakowitsch@lz95.org or (847) 540-4929.

• K - 8 Summer Semester Course Guide

• LZHS Summer Semester Course Guide

Summer Semester Registration

Summer Semester 2026 registration will open on Monday, March 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and run through Friday, April 10, 2026 for in-district families. Families who are not residents of District 95 will be able to register for a limited number of courses at the high school level from April 27, 2026 - May 15, 2026.

Registration will be conducted exclusively through ParentVue, accessible via the district website (www.lz95.org) including for non-District 95 families.

New this semester, we will be sharing additional information about a variety of student wellness topics for parent/guardian information. Please read on for additional information!

Community-based Resources

In addition to building-level team members (social workers, school psychologists and counselors at the middle/high school levels) available at all buildings to support student social-emotional and mental health needs, the district additionally maintains a list of community-based resources for family consideration. Families interested in accessing our community referral list can do so by clicking the link HERE).

Additionally, District 95 (through a partnership with Joanie’s Closet) has funding set aside to support families who are unable to access mental health services due to limited financial means. Families can learn more about the process for accessing financial support by contacting a building-based team member (social worker, psychologist), or by contacting the Student Services Department (847.540.7060).

The Importance of Play

Play or group activities across the ages (early childhood, elementary, adolescence) is critical for development. Play (or group interactions such as being on a team or in a theatrical production) allows kids to learn and practice critical skills - such as understanding rules of engagement, understanding different ways to socialize with peers, and conflict resolution.

Understanding how to balance play/group interaction opportunities with competing screen time interests can be challenging for families. Parents/guardians can learn more about the benefits of play and ways to create opportunities for these critical learning experiences HERE.

Calling all creative MSS students! Do you love to create and want a safe and easy way to sell your products? Sign up to be a student vendor at our IF/SA/MSS Made by Me Market on April 1, 2026 at Middle School South.

All student vendors receive:

• Table space during the event
• Event publicity supported by the PTO
• A business class specifically designed to prepare students for a successful vendor experience
• All earnings made from your sales!

Register online by March 13, 2026 scanning the QR code in the attached flyer or by clicking here.

Our 2025-26 middle school yearbook is now available for purchase. Don’t miss out on capturing all the memories from this school year! The yearbook is a wonderful keepsake filled with photos, events, and special moments from the year. Please use the link below to order today!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

The MSS PTO has a night planned specifically for parents. Join the MSS PTO for Trivia Night on Saturday, March 14th from 6 pm - 10 pm. See the flyer attached for more information and to sign up!

Would you like to join a team and plan fun activity nights?

Maybe you would like to organize food and fun for the staff?

Most of our committees have notes and plans but need a few more people to make these events happen. Grab a friend, sign up for something amazing, and make this school year fabulous.

Looking for information on the clubs/activities available at MSS. You can find out seasons and contact information by clicking here.

Needed Forms Prior to First Day of Activity/Tryout:

For students interested in trying out and participating in a sport, students must have the following:

• Physical: All students participating in tryouts and a sport must have a current physical or sports physical on file. Physicals are good for one year and one month from the date the physical was conducted. Please check to make sure your physical is current prior to tryouts or the start of an athletic activity. The physical should be turned into the Nurse’s Office.

• Emergency Information Form: Students must have a completed and signed Emergency Information Form for each activity they are trying out for/participating in. They will need to turn this form in to the coach or sponsor at the time of tryouts. If try-outs are not required, then the form should be turned in at the first meeting of the sport or activity.

All registration for activities will be in ParentVUE and information about registration will be sent later this summer.