Hardin County CUSD #1

March 26, 2025 Dear Parents/Guardians, I hope this message finds you well. As we approach the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), which will be given April 1-4 for grades 3-8, I wanted to take a moment to share some important information with you regarding the significance of this assessment and how your child’s participation and effort can have a lasting impact on their educational journey. The IAR provides valuable insights into your child’s academic progress and helps us assess their skills in key areas such as English Language Arts and Mathematics. These assessments allow us to better understand individual strengths and areas for growth, ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible learning opportunities for each student. While the IAR is an important tool for gauging academic development, it is essential to emphasize that the most important aspect is your child’s personal effort. Encouraging your child to approach the assessment with a positive attitude and determination will help them perform to the best of their abilities. By giving their best effort, students will not only help their teachers and school improve but also gain a clearer picture of their own learning. Here are a few ways you can support your child as we approach the testing period: Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep: Well-rested students are more likely to focus and perform better. Encourage a Positive Mindset: Let your child know that this is an opportunity to show what they know and that trying their best is what truly matters. Healthy Breakfast: A nutritious meal in the morning will give them the energy needed to focus throughout the test. Remind Them It’s Just One Measure of Their Learning: While important, the IAR is just one piece of the puzzle in assessing a student’s overall growth. We understand that testing can sometimes cause stress for students, but we encourage everyone to take it in stride and remember that this is a tool to help support their academic journey. Together, with your encouragement and support, we can ensure that each student has the confidence and mindset to approach the IAR with their best foot forward. Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing all of our students shine! Susan Armstrong Principal Hardin County CUSD #1

Team Illinois Youth Police Camp

Free training for anyone 18 years and older

Ferrell Hospital's Scholarship is due March 21st. Legence Bank FFA Scholarship is due March 28th. Renee Tinsley Memorial Scholarship is due March 29th. SIU Credit Union Scholarship is due March 31st. Be sure to check out the spreadsheet and scholarship wall for scholarships: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qcoovwQ85AAbma0od7tvL6M9tWA95960diPS33DzQR0/edit?usp=sharing

Due to the threat of inclement weather this evening, the Junior High volleyball game has been changed to a Varsity Game Only with a starting time of 5pm. 8th grade night will follow immediately after.

Due to the threat of inclement weather this evening, the Junior High volleyball game has been changed to a Varsity Game Only with a starting time of 5pm. 8th grade night will follow immediately after.

Illinois Sheriff Association Scholarship is due tomorrow March 14, 2025. https://dochub.com/m/shared-document/klove-uukvu9/gDqeQZ6VzZDMlyzV0jLO4Y/2025-2026-isa-college-scholarship-application-pdf?dt=jzzh89qZ5WvgVaugnuZY

The high school girls' softball game scheduled for today has been canceled.

Due to new uniforms not arriving in time, High School Baseball and Softball, and Junior High and High School Archery teams will have their sports pictures on April 3rd. The following will still have sports pictures on March 12th: High School Cheer, Junior High Volleyball, Junior High Golf, High School Bass Fishing, and all class officers. If there are any questions please contact Erica Dial.

Wednesday, March 12th will be Sports Pictures Thursday , March 13th will be Spring Pictures

Dear Parents, We kindly ask that you complete the 5 Essentials Survey. Your feedback is important to us, and we greatly value your input. Our school improvement team will review the anonymous responses to help enhance the learning environment. Thank you for your time and support! https://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/provisional/

There is an early student dismissal tomorrow March 7th at 11:15 AM,

Spring and Sport Pictures

SIC Scholarship Applications are due Friday, February 28th. Applications need to be turned into Mrs. Love.

2/22/25- The Hardin County Cougars High School Boys Basketball Team will be playing in the first round of Regionals Monday night, 2/24/25 , in the Oxford Gymnasium at 6pm against the Pope County Pirates. Let's Go Cougars!!!

There will be no school tomorrow, February 21st. 5th & 6th grade girls' basketball practice will be in the main gym from 10 to noon on Friday in preparation for the tournament in Harrisburg. More information can be found on Team Reach. The high school boys' game tomorrow night will take place at 5:30. The cheer clinic will perform and all participants need to arrive by 5:30 pm.

-The high school girls regional game is taking place tonight at Pope County against Shawnee at 6pm. -The JH volleyball game for tonight at Gallatin County has been cancelled. -The high school boys game tomorrow night against Crab Orchard is taking place at 5:30pm. The Cheer Clinic will perform at this game and all participants need to be at the school by 5:30pm. -The high school boys basketball regional will take place Monday 2/24/25 at home at 6pm against Pope County.

Briley McDowell is officially a recipient of the prestigious Hagan Scholarship, worth up to $60,000! This incredible scholarship is not awarded easily—it takes hard work, dedication, and persistence to earn. Briley, your effort has truly paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud! 🌟 Congratulations on this amazing achievement! 🎓🎉 Keep shining, Briley! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish next! 👏

There will be no school tomorrow, February 20th due to hazardous road conditions. High school girls regional basketball game will still be played at Pope County tomorrow night at 6pm.

Friendly Reminder: State law requires all Illinois public high school seniors to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. Both students and parents will need a login to complete the 2025-26 application. If you need assistance, please email Mrs. Love, klove@hardink12.net Apply here: https://studentaid.gov/ Waiver form: https://studentportal.isac.org/web/guest/student/?p_p_id=Student_WAR_Studentportlet&_Student_WAR_Studentportlet__facesViewIdRender=%2Fviews%2FisacPrograms.xhtml