Eagle's Post - 2/17/26

Hello Middle School South Families,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and were able to enjoy this stretch of warmer weather!

In this newsletter, you will find information regarding March IAR testing, including the schedule and other important details. We have also included information on the 5Essentials parent survey and how you can provide us with valuable feedback. Finally, don't miss the details for our upcoming community events, including the D95 Foundation Gala, the D95 Science Fair, and PTO Trivia Night.

This week, we’ve also included a link to share a "shout-out" to our amazing staff members here at MSS! If you have a moment, please consider sharing a note of appreciation for all they do each and every day.

Have a great week!

Anthony Dengler

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

February PTO Meeting (7:00 pm at MSS)

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)

Our staff work hard every day to support our students. As part of our ongoing efforts to recognize their dedication, we wanted to share the Middle School South South Out Form. Each shout out will be personally delivered to the staff member by our leadership team. Whether a teacher, paraprofessional, support staff, office staff, or custodian, please take a few moments to jot down a note to our staff so that they know their efforts are seen and appreciated!

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 should 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

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

SCIENCE FAIR

PRESENTED BY LZHS WOMEN IN STEAM CLUB

FEBRUARY 21ST/ 9 AM - 12 PM

Let’s have fun!

*Open to students in grades K-12+

*Held at Lake Zurich High School

*Includes a Science Show!

*Supported by the District 95 Educational Foundation

No cost to enter!

Click here to find out more and sign up!

Join the fun at the “Studio 95 Gala”!

• Saturday, February 28, 2026

• 6-11:00 p.m.

• Concorde Banquets

• Dinner! Auction! Entertainment!

Tickets are now available: https://e.givesmart.com/events/LYH/

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.