November 2026

Parent-Teacher (Student-Led) Conferences

Parent-Teacher (Student-Led) Conferences will be held on November 4th & 5th.  Please click here to sign up for a conference if you haven’t done so.  The link will close on Tuesday, November 3rd.   

Book Fair

Harter's annual Book Fair is here (October 28-November 6).  Students will attend the Book Fair during the school day and it will be open during Parent-Teacher (Student-Led) Conferences.  Don't forget to visit the Book Fair in the library while you are here for conferences.  #KanelandReads

Fall Fundraiser

The tentative pick-up date for all fundraising items from the fall fundraiser is November 4th starting at 3:00 p.m.  All frozen items, no matter if sold online or in person, will need to be picked up on that day unless the customer chose a ship to home product online.  Customers that purchased popcorn online had a choice between paying extra and having them shipped to their home or shipping them to school for free.  Those items sent to school will also be available for pickup at that time.  Please keep in mind that we do not have freezer space to store frozen product.  If you are unable to pick up the items on November 4th, please make arrangements for someone else to pick it up for you.

An effort will be made to get all physical prizes to students on pick-up night.  

Field trip prizes (Portillo's Limo Lunch & Main Event) will occur sometime in November or December.  Once we finalize the event dates, an email will be sent.  

Finally, we are sometimes asked what the money is used for from the fundraiser.  KHMS fundraising efforts directly support our students by helping provide meaningful experiences and opportunities, including field trips, school store items, guest speakers/assemblies, team celebrations, student activities, and many other special experiences throughout the school year.     

PE Skating Unit

PE's annual skating unit will run from November 30th through December 11th.  For more information, including the permission form, please click here.  Families now have the option of paying for the skating unit along with filling out the permission form in the Infinite Campus Store.  Payment and the permission form are due by November 5th.    

Veterans Day Assembly

The KHMS Veterans Day Assembly is being held on Wednesday, November 11th from 8:04-9:04 a.m.  Veterans are invited to attend our assembly and we ask that you RSVP with Ms. Rudo at: 84289@kaneland.org

Your RSVP should include the Veteran's name, branch of service, relation to Harter student(s), and any other special notes you would like us to have.  

As we did last year, we are working with True Patriots Care Flags to line our school roads and walkways with American Flags.  We are looking for extra help to put up the flags on Monday, November 9th.  Please email Mr. Faulkner (11666@kaneland.org) if you or your child would like to volunteer.     

PTO Happenings

Donations are still being accepted to help with the Parent-Teacher Conference Teacher Dinner.  Your monetary donation will help the PTO cover the cost of dinner and make this annual staff tradition possible.  You can donate using this link.  Thank you for your support!  

Students looking for volunteer hours can volunteer to help with the PTO Concession Stand.  Linked here are a list of dates they are looking for volunteers.  If you are able to help, please sign up.  

Our first No Cook Knight will be held on Monday, November 30th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Culver's in Sugar Grove.  When you order from Culver's on this night, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to our fabulous PTO. 

2026-2027 Yearbook

Yearbook orders are being accepted for this school year.  Below is the link to order a yearbook.

yearbookordercenter.com

Harter's school code: 14512

Please don't hesitate to purchase a yearbook if your child would like one.  The purchasing deadline is January 30th.  We typically have upset students at the end of the year when we tell them there aren't extra yearbooks available for purchase.   

Attendance

Please note that students are marked as tardy to school if they arrive after 7:25 a.m.  We want all students to start school on time.  Consistent attendance keeps students on track with their learning, develops important social skills, and builds habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.  Every day counts!      

Important November 2026 Dates

Nov 4 - Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:00-7:00 p.m.

Nov 5 - Parent-Teacher Conferences 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Nov 6 - No School

Nov 11 - Veterans Day Assembly

Nov 12 - 6th Grade Choir Concert (Harter Cafeteria) 6:30 p.m.

Nov 13 - 7th Grade Boys Basketball Harter Invitational 4:00 p.m.

Nov 14 - 8th Grade Boys Basketball Harter Invitational 9:00 a.m.

Nov 23 - Institute Day - No School for Students

Nov 24 - School Improvement Day - No School for Students

Nov 25-27 - No School Thanksgiving Break

Nov 30 - No Cook Knight at Culvers in Sugar Grove  5:00-8:00 p.m.

 October 2026

8th Grade Career Day Volunteers Needed

Harter's 8th Grade Career Day is looking for speakers.  The event will be held on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026.  Please click here for more information.

More specifically, we are looking for volunteers in the following areas:

Career Pathway	Current # of Volunteers
Energy & Natural Resources	0
Financial Services	0
Hospitality, Events, & Tourism	0
Marketing & Sales	0
Public Service & Safety	0
Management & Entrepreneurship	0

If you or someone you know is interested, please fill out this form.  

Fall Fundraiser

The tentative pick-up date for all fundraising items from the fall fundraiser is November 4th starting at 3:00 p.m.  All frozen items, no matter if sold online or in person, will need to be picked up on that day unless the customer chose a ship to home product online.  Customers that purchased popcorn online had a choice between paying extra and having them shipped to their home or shipping them to school for free.  Those items sent to school will also be available for pickup at that time.  Please keep in mind that we do not have freezer space to store frozen product.  If you are unable to pick up the items on November 4th, please make arrangements for someone else to pick it up for you.

 An effort will be made to get all physical prizes to students on pick-up night.  

Field trip prizes (Portillo's Limo Lunch & Main Event) will occur sometime in November or December.  Once we finalize the event dates, an email will be sent.  

Finally, we are sometimes asked what the money is used for from the fundraiser.  KHMS fundraising efforts directly support our students by helping provide meaningful experiences and opportunities, including field trips, school store items, guest speakers/assemblies, team celebrations, student activities, and many other special experiences throughout the school year.     

7th & 8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts

Basketball registration for7th and 8th grade boys closes October 1st. Please go to the Registration link on the Harter Website to register for tryouts. Any athlete trying out must have a current physical on file to tryout. A current physical is one that has occurred within the last 13 months. Any athlete that makes the team must ensure that their physical is current through the end of the season. Tryouts for 7th grade are October 8 and 9 from 2:45-4:45 Tryouts for 8th grade are October 13 and 14 from 2:45-4:45 There is a $120 fee for athletes that make the roster.

Wrestling Team Information

Middle School Wrestling for any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student begins on October 15 after school in the North gym. Any student starting practice that day MUST have a current physical. A current physical is one that is dated within the past 13 months. 6th graders can use their 6th grade physical and 7th and 8th graders can use a sports physical. Students joining must register on the Harter Athletic website under Registration. There is a $120 activity fee for any student that chooses to join the team. This fee will be assessed on approximately October 26.

2026-2027 Yearbook

Yearbook orders are being accepted for this school year.  Below is the link to order a yearbook.

yearbookordercenter.com

Harter's school code: 14512

Please don't hesitate to purchase a yearbook if your child would like one.  The purchasing deadline is January 30th.  We typically have upset students at the end of the year when we tell them there aren't extra yearbooks available for purchase.   

End of 1st Term & Report Cards

The End of the 1st Term is October 9th.  Report Cards will be viewable in Infinite Campus on October 16th.  A separate email will be sent with instructions on how to view and print the report card.

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences 

Since Parent-Teacher Conferences take place right away in November, we wanted to send out information now.  P/T Conference will be held on Wednesday, November 4th (3:00-7:00 p.m.) and Thursday, November 5th (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.).  Students do attend school on November 4th, but do not have school on November 5th & 6th.  More information, including how to sign up for a conference, will be communicated from your child's team and teachers in the near future.    

We will follow the student-led conference format.  To learn more about this process, an informational doc has been created: Student-led conferences.  Please keep in mind that student-led conferences allow us to schedule all students/families for a conference rather than a select few.   

Knight Spotlight 

Continuing our tradition of highlighting students that exemplify our core values at Harter, students are nominated each month to win our prestigious Knight Spotlight of the Month Award.  Core Cards are reviewed each month to help determine the Knight Spotlight of the Month Award.  Students can earn a Core Card for displaying respect, responsibility, citizenship, integrity, and making a commitment to excellence.  Once a winner is chosen from each team, a Knight Spotlight yard sign is delivered to the student's house.  

Important Dates

October 5 - PTO Meeting (Main Office) 6:00 p.m.

October 9 - End of 1st Term

October 12 - No School

October 16 - Report Cards Available in Infinite Campus

October 16 - Fall Play (Cafeteria) 7:00 p.m.

October 17 - Fall Play (Cafeteria) 2:00 p.m.

Proud to be a Knight!!!

 September 2026

Beginning of the Year Team/Staff Presentations

Are you looking to meet your child's team and teachers?  Click here to access a document that houses all of the information you'll need to better understand your child's day at Harter.  Rather than receiving multiple emails, we put all links in one document.    

2026-2027 Yearbook

Yearbook orders are being accepted for this school year.  Below is the link to order a yearbook.

yearbookordercenter.com

Harter's school code: 14512

Please don't hesitate to purchase a yearbook if your child would like one.  The purchasing deadline is January 30th.  We typically have upset students at the end of the year when we tell them there aren't extra yearbooks available for purchase.   

KORT (Community Service) & MobileServe

Did you know that if your child completes 30 hours or more of documented community service in their time here at Harter Middle School, they earn a Knights of the Round Table (KORT) award? Students can earn these hours by doing things at community events, helping out the elementary and middle school parent-teacher organizations (PTO/PTA/PTN), Performing Arts Boosters, and Kaneland Arts Initiative, as well as doing things within the community and neighborhood like working at a food pantry, serving a meal at a place of worship or just helping an elderly or disabled neighbor with yard work or snow removal.

Even more exciting is the fact that KHMS has partnered with an online app called MobileServe to help make tracking these hours easier than ever before.  No more paper forms that can get lost or torn.  Instead, simply have your child log the hours on the app on their phone, include the supervisor’s email address and an email is sent to the organization for verification.  Once approved, the hours will appear on your child’s dashboard so that you know exactly how many hours they have completed.

Signing up is easy, but we do ask that you help your child to ensure that they sign up with the correct code.  Codes are based on a student’s anticipated Kaneland High School graduation year. KORT hours that your child may have logged via a paper form since beginning at KHMS will be uploaded to the platform so that you know how many they have logged, but please be patient as this will take some time to get done.

If you would like to create an account for you child, you may follow the directions below:

Step One: Open the app or go to app.mobileserve.com & select Sign Up. 

Step Two: Enter your name, birthday, and create a password. You can skip the Employer / School box.  Please use your Kaneland email address for your email. Select Next.

Step Three: Add an optional photo to your profile or skip. Select Next

Step Four: Enter the 6-digit code that applies to your child:

KHS Class of 2031 - A9E503 

KHS Class of 2032 - 439A0E

KHS Class of 2033 - 43A5F3

Select "Join".

Step 5: Select any activities that you are part of at HMS - Athletics, Student Council, Snowflake, Drama/Music

Step 6: Start logging your activities!

How to Log Hours (video)

How can my child find opportunities?

MobileServe partners with some local organizations to post opportunities. Those can be found on the Opportunities tab on the mobile app or the web app. Additionally, KHMS will send out invitations to students for community service opportunities that are happening at Kaneland district schools, events, etc.  Students will receive those invitations via email and through push notifications on their mobile device where their app is loaded.

Harter Middle School is currently working on getting these opportunities loaded into the MobileServe App

PTO Happenings

The first PTO meeting of the year will be held on September 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the Harter Main Office Conference Room.  We hope you can make the first meeting of the year.    

Knight Writers - School Newspaper

6th, 7th, & 8th grade students interested in expressing their ideas and keeping the Harter community informed by writing articles are invited to join Knight Writers.   This club starts on September 14th and meets Mondays after school until 4:00 p.m. in Miss Miller's room.  Sign up on the Sugar Grove Park District website.  Contact Miss Miller (90985@kaneland.org) with any questions.  

Operation Snowflake

Attention 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students at KHMS!  Are you looking for a way to get involved and make a difference here at Harter?  Join Operation Snowflake today!  You can find a registration form in the main office.  Forms are due Friday, September 11th.  Email Ms. Richardson (40675@kaneland.org) or Mrs. Ortegel (11351@kaneland.org) for more information.  

School Picture Retakes

If your child missed School Picture Day or would like to retake their school picture, we will hold retakes on September 25th.  

Important September Dates

September 1 - 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip Informational Night 6:30 p.m. (cafeteria)

September 7 - No School Labor Day

September 14 - PTO Meeting 6:00 p.m. - Harter Main Office

September 25 - School Picture Retake Day

Proud to be a Knight!!!

August (Back to School) 2026-2027 

From the Desk of the Principal

As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, I am filled with excitement for all of the learning, growth, and memorable moments that lie ahead.  There is something special about the start of a new school year and I am looking forward to another outstanding year at Harter Middle School.

Our talented and dedicated staff is eager to welcome students back into our classrooms and create engaging, meaningful, and fun learning experiences that inspire curiosity and help every student reach their full potential.  

As a parent, your partnership is one of the most important factors in your child's success.  Thank you for the trust you place in us each day.  By working together, students, staff, and families can ensure every student at Harter has an exceptional middle school experience.

This newsletter contains important information to help your child and family prepare for the first day of school and make the transition as smooth as possible.  Please take a few moments to review the information carefully.  

On behalf of the entire Harter Middle School staff, welcome back!  We can't wait to see our returning students and meet those who are joining our Harter family for the first time.  Here's to an incredible 2026-2027 school year!  

Proud to be a Knight!

Brian Faulkner, Principal 

Important Dates & Information to Start the School Year

***Schedules, locker assignments, and bus route information will be available in Infinite Campus on July 31st.  

***Please note that schedule requests or schedule changes cannot be accommodated.  The scheduling process takes time and involves numerous variables and our team has worked hard to provide each student an individualized schedule based on student need and data.

Jump Start to Middle School for 6th Graders (August 3rd - 7th - 8:00-10:00 a.m.)

• Due to the requirements for staffing Jump Start, we are not taking walk-ins and a 6th grade student must be registered to attend.    
• Jump Start is a full week program that prepares 6th grade students for their middle school transition.  Our students will get to know the building, learn their daily schedule, practice opening their locker, make new friends, and better understand a typical day as an KHMS student.
• Students should be dropped off and picked up at door 20 (student entrance).    
• More specific information will be sent to the parents that have registered their child for Jump Start.   

Jump Start for New 7th & 8th Grade Students (Thursday, August 6th - 10:30-11:30 a.m.)

• All new 7th and 8th grade students are invited to our New Student Jump Start that starts at 10:30 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m.  
• Students should enter door 20 and head to the cafeteria.  Students can be picked up at door 20 at 11:30 a.m.  

Open House (Thursday, August 6th - 9:00-11:00 a.m. & 4:00-7:00 p.m.)

• Open House provides our students an opportunity to self-tour the building, locate their classes, find and practice opening their locker, and put away school materials in their locker.  
• Please have Infinite Campus available on your phone or print your child's schedule and locker information before coming in.  We will not have a table with schedules or locker information.    
• There are no formal presentations as this is simply an opportunity for students/parents to come into the building before the school year starts and be prepared for the first day of school.  This is not a drop your child off event and we expect parents to be with their child.     
• Our Health Office staff will be here for Open House.  Please feel free to use this time to drop off physicals, immunization paperwork, medications, and other health related items.  

   

First Day of School 

• Our first day of school is Wednesday, August 12th.  Our school day is 7:25 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.  You can view our daily schedule here.  

Picture Day (Thursday, August 20th)

• More information regarding pictures will be emailed soon.  For now, please mark your calendars.   

Finding Your Child's Schedule & Other Information

Schedule - Bus Information - PE Uniform & Lock - Food Service

• Linked here is the Campus Parent Portal informational doc.  It contains all the information you would ever need when navigating Infinite Campus
• On Friday, July 31st, you should see your child's schedule when you login to Infinite Campus

• Linked here is specific information on purchasing PE items, which will then be handed out the first few days of school during PE class 

• Linked here is specific information on the Food Service feature in Infinite Campus (view food account, add money, etc.)  

Schedules

Schedules will be available through Infinite Campus beginning July 31st.  We often receive requests for certain teams or teachers.  While we would love to honor requests, we simply can't.  Scheduling is a complicated process with numerous variables.  Changing one schedule will create other changes to other schedules and there is a large trickle effect with any changes.  We carefully plan and create schedules and a lot of work goes into the scheduling process.  Students can sometimes feel anxiety over their schedule (not knowing anyone, not having a certain friend on their team, etc.), but the beauty of middle school is making new friends and learning how to navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.  We also have times for students to be together when they are not on the same team (i.e., lunch, PE, exploratory classes, music).  Our staff does a fabulous job of helping students get to know one-another through team building activities.

School Supply Lists

Grades 6-8 lists can be found by clicking here.

KHMS is using www.schooltoolbox.com for a one-stop shopping experience for school supplies.  You can order your child's school supplies and they will be shipped directly to your house.  Please note that there is not an option to purchase the KIPLA school supplies through School Tool Box.   

• Go to www.schooltoolbox.com
• Enter school name: Kaneland Harter Middle School
• Select your student's grade level

6th Grade Health Requirements

In order to begin their middle school career, all 6th grade students will need to have their health requirements submitted to our Nurse's office, which requires a physical and dental examination.  Below are links to the forms.  

Physical 

Dental

To view more detailed information regarding health services, please use this link.

PE Uniforms 

PE uniforms can be bought online through Infinite Campus (use this doc for assistance).  Students/parents will need to purchase a shirt and a lock (school issued lock).  Uniforms and locks will be distributed the first few days of school in your child's PE class.  If your child already has both items, there is no need to purchase new ones.   

Lunch Guidelines - Bringing in Lunch For Your Child

Parents are permitted to bring outside lunches for their child ONLY, not for other students.  This rule is strictly enforced due to food allergies and the potential disruption it will cause in our cafeteria.  Even if you know the other students (even with parent permission), we will still prohibit anyone bringing in lunch for any child other than their own.  

We also do not allow students to bring in treats for other students to be shared for the same reasons as above.  Your cooperation is appreciated.  

Lunch Account

Students can purchase a lunch or bring in their own lunch each day.  If your child plans on purchasing lunch, please see the below information.

• We have hot lunch and ala carte items available for purchase.  The student hot lunch costs $3.60 and ala carte items range in price depending on what is being purchased.   
• Money can be put on your child's lunch account.  Money or checks can be taken at the register, but no change will be given back.  Change will be applied to your child's account.  Credit cards/debit cards will not be taken at the register.  
• Deposits through Infinite Campus are credited to a student's account immediately, which means no student should have a negative balance.  If a student has a negative balance, they will be provided the hot lunch of the day.  No child will be denied a lunch, but please note that their account will be charged for the meal.   
• Each transaction of purchased food will show up almost immediately on your account.  We will deny a student ala carte items if funds are not available or if they have hit their daily/weekly limit.  If you would like to set a limit on what your student can charge, please contact Gigi Statler.  Once these limits are set, they will not be removed without notification from parent or guardian.    
• Contact Gigi Statler (10629@kaneland.org) with any questions.   

How to Add Money to Your Child's Account

PTO

Our PTO is always looking for volunteers.  Information on how you can support our PTO will be housed at tables during our Open House.  Make sure you stop by and check out all the wonderful things the PTO does for the students and staff at Harter.  You can also find more information on their website (khmspto.org)  

Extra-Curricular Offerings at Harter

At Harter, we offer numerous extra-curricular offerings and they are listed below.  Other offerings may be added during the school year based on interest.  Please note that some athletic teams and after-school offerings require a student to tryout or audition to make the team/activity.  All athletics/activities that require a tryout or audition have an asterisk next to it.  

Athletics

• Cross Country (grades 6-8) - August (Registration Information)
• * Girls Volleyball  (grades 7 & 8) - August (Tryout Information)
• Boys & Girls Golf (grades 6-8) - Fall
• * Boys Basketball  (grades 7 & 8) - October
• Wrestling (grades 6-8) - October
• * Girls Basketball  (grades 7 & 8) - January
• Bowling (grades 6-8) - Winter
• Track & Field (grades 6-8) - March 

* Tryout Required  

More information regarding sports at Harter can be found on our athletic website.  For all athletic teams, students are required to have a current physical on file to tryout or be a part of a team.  Physicals are considered valid for 13 months.  Physician's offices fill up quick and it is encouraged to get your child's physical done well before the first day of tryouts or practice.    

Activities 

• * School Play (grades 6-8) - Fall
• * School Musical (grades 6-8) - Spring
• * Jazz Band (grades 7 & 8) - All Year
• * Jazz Lab Band (6th grade) - All Year
• * KnightShift Acapella Choir (grades 6-8) - All Year
• Art Club (grades 6-8) - All Year
• Snowflake (grades 6-8)  All Year
• Knight Writers School Newspaper (grades 6-8) - All Year
• Student Council (grades 6-8) - All Year
• Yearbook (grades 6-8) - All Year

*Audition Required 

With any after school athletic team or activity, announcements will be made during the school day and we will also post the information online.  

Parent Drop-off/Pick-up Procedures 

If you are a returning parent, drop-off and pick-up procedures have not changed.  Morning drop-off occurs in the front circle (door 1) and the afternoon pickup will occur in the south lot by door 20.  

Please make sure you read our procedures (click here) to familiarize yourself with our process.  

 

School Expectations 

Attendance - Start of the School Day

Please note that students are marked as tardy to school if they arrive after 7:25 a.m.  We want all students to start school on time.  Consequences may be issued for excessive tardiness.        

Cell Phone Expectations 

Harter Middle School is implementing new expectations regarding cell phones/wireless devices.  Students will not be allowed to use their cell phones/wireless devices from 7:25 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.  To read more about Harter's new cell phone expectations, please click here.    

Dress Code

The Kaneland dress code has been updated for the 26-27 school year to outline expectations for student dress during the school day.  These updates include specific examples and visual guides to help families and students understand the standard across all buildings.  The student handbook has been updated and all families are encouraged to review it prior to the start of the school year.  Click here for a summary of the updates.    

Behavior Expectations

Our staff and students will extensively review our school expectations in all areas of Harter at the beginning of the year and throughout the year.  We want to prepare our students for success and teaching our expectations explicitly will help our students.  We know the more structure we provide, the more our students will thrive.     

Chromebook Expectations

Students are given new chromebooks every 4 years.  During these 4 years, we are hopeful that students treat their chromebooks with care.  We highly encourage parents to purchase insurance for their child's chromebook.  Please note the following regarding insurance requirements:

• A student must have a protective cover for their chromebook (provided by Kaneland 302) in order to be covered by insurance.  If a student breaks their chromebook and they do not have a cover on it, insurance will not cover the damages.
• A student is allowed a maximum of 2 screen replacements per year.  Any additional screen repairs will not be covered by insurance.
• Keyboard or key replacement will not be covered by insurance if the keyboard frame has been removed (tampered with the device).
• A student must explain how the incident/damage occurred.
• Damage must be accidental in nature in order to be covered by insurance
• Examples of damage that will not be covered may be, but not limited to:
• "I'm not sure how it happened"
• "It was fine last hour but then I opened it and the screen was cracked"
• "My friend borrowed it and broke it"
• Slamming the cover shut
• Inserting foreign objects into ports

Our staff will review how to care for chromebooks at the beginning of the year.  

8th Grade Career Day Volunteers Needed

Harter's 8th Grade Career Day is looking for speakers.  The event will be held on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026.  Please click here for more information.

 

New Staff

Please help us welcome our new staff to Harter Middle School.  We are excited for our new staff to contribute to and enhance our tradition of excellence.

• Matthew Davis - Paraprofessional 
• Gloria Gonzalez - Social Worker 
• Rachel Jones - Paraprofessional
• Lindsey Montgomery - Paraprofessional 
• Kala Nauman - 7 Silver ELA/Science
• Ray Nielsen - English Learner Teacher
• Lauren Reed Betkis - STEAM 
• Amy Romero - 6 Silver Special Education 

Proud to be a Knight!!!

 May 2026

Teacher Appreciation Week - May 4-8

May 4-8 is Teacher Appreciation Week.  Please take a minute to send a positive note to your child's teachers.  We are lucky to have an awesome staff at Harter and they make our building an amazing place to learn and grow.  #ThankATeacher #TeacherAppreciationWeek2026

Student Chromebook Exchanges

KHMS students will receive a new chromebook and rather than waiting until next school year, we are exchanging students' old chromebooks for a new one May 11 through 13.  What you need to know:

• The chromebook must be in working condition
• The chromebook must be the original chromebook assigned to your child
• The power adapter (charger) needs to be turned in
• The protective case needs to be turned in 
• A new device cannot be issued unless the old chromebook and charger are returned
• If a student has lost their charger, please contact the school's tech office prior to the scheduled exchange dates 

WordMasters Celebration

In the most recent WordMasters Challenge, the 8th grade team of students, taught by Kerri Jass & Marisa Nichols, placed 10th in the nation.  Wow!!!!  A 7th grade student taught by Kari Pitstick, achieved outstanding results in the Blue Division.  Congratulations to our students and staff (Miss Nichols, Mrs. Jass, Miss Pitstick, Miss Miller) for being so amazing.  #kanelandpride  

KORT Hours

For students completing KORT hours, if you are using a paper form, please submit the hours by May 11th.  If you are using the app, we will use the hours that have been submitted.     

Lunch Accounts

Please check your child's lunch account as the school year wraps up to ensure they are not in the negative.  If the account is in the negative, please bring the account back to a zero balance.  Unused funds will transfer and can be used next year in Kaneland schools.        

Last Day of School & 4th Term Report Cards

The last day of school is Thursday, May 21st.  Please note that Wednesday, May 20th and Thursday, May 21st are early release days.  School ends an hour earlier on these days (1:40 p.m.).    

4th Term Report Cards will be available for viewing on Friday, May 22nd.   

Important May Dates

May 4-8 - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week

May 5 - 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Choir Concert (KHS Auditorium) 6:30 p.m.

May 11-13 - Student Chromebook Exchange During Lunches

May 12 - 6th Grade Band Concert (Harter Cafeteria) 6:30 p.m.

May 13 - Spring Jazz Showcase (Harter Cafeteria) 6:30 p.m.

May 18 - 8th Grade Promotion & Dance (Harter Gymnasium) 6:30 p.m.

May 20 - Early Release Day - Students Released at 1:40 p.m.

May 21 - Last Day of School/End of 4th Term (Early Release Day) 1:40 p.m.

May 22 - 4th Term Report Cards Available in Infinite Campus

Proud to be a Knight!!!

 April 2026

PTO Happenings

The next No Cook Knight will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at Open Range in Sugar Grove (www.openrangegrill.com) from 5:00-9:00 p.m.  For the first time ever, No Cook Knight will also include a trivia night at Open Range.  It's family fun for everyone!    

The next PTO meeting is Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30 p.m.  It is a virtual meeting and you can join by using this link.

The Harter PTO needs your help to make our upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) a success.  We are searching for sponsors and donations to help us spoil our staff.  

Sign up to donate items by using this link.   

Promotion & 8th Grade Dance Information

8th Grade Promotion and the 8th Grade Dance will be held on Monday, May 18th.  Promotion will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.  The 8th Grade Dance will follow the ceremony and be held in the cafeteria from 7:30-9:00 p.m.  More information will be shared with 8th grade families through email.

The PTO is in need of donations to cover pizza costs and decorations for the 8th Grade Dance.  To donate or volunteer, please click here.  

i-Ready Testing

All students will take the i-Ready math and reading assessments the week of April 27th.  We have a special schedule that we will follow, but our students will still attend all of their classes each day.  Please take note of the important information below.

• Testing will take place from 8:04-9:04 a.m. each day April 27-May 1.  
• Students should make sure their chromebook is charged the night before each day of testing.
• Students should eat a good breakfast before coming to school. 
• Students need earbuds for the assessments.
• These assessments, along with other criteria, help us place students into appropriate classes (i.e., Accelerated Math, Challenge ELA, etc.).  These tests should be taken seriously. 

Important April 2026 Dates

Monday, April 6 - School Improvement Day - No School for Students

Tuesday, April 7 - School Resumes

Wednesday, April 8 - Friday, April 10 - IAR Math Testing

Tuesday, April 14 - No Cook Knight @ Open Range (Sugar Grove) 5:00-9:00 p.m. 

Friday, April 17- Sunday, April 19 - 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip

Thursday, April 23 - PTO Meeting 6:30 p.m. (virtual link)

Friday, April 24 - Spring Musical (cafeteria) 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 25 - Spring Musical (cafeteria) 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 26 - Spring Musical (cafeteria) 2:00 p.m.

Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 1 - i-Ready Testing 

Thursday, April 30 - 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert (KHS Auditorium) 7:00 p.m.

Proud to be a Knight!!!

March 2026

Student Showcase

Our Student Showcase is set for Wednesday, March 18th from 6:00-7:45 p.m.  Our students and staff are ready to show off all of the amazing learning that has taken place this school year.  You will be able to enjoy the following:

• Core Team Activities 
• PE/Exploratory Activities
• The Student Art Show

We hope to see you on March 18th!

PTO Happenings

St. Patty's Game Day

The annual St. Patrick's Day PTO Gameday will be held on Friday, March 13th after school from 2:45-4:15 p.m.  It is $5 to enter or $3 if a student is wearing green.  Snacks and concessions will be available for purchase.    

The PTO is looking for parent volunteers to help at game stations and at the concession stand.  If you are able to help, you can sign-up using this link. 

No Cook Knight

The next No Cook Knight will be held at Culver's in Sugar Grove on Tuesday, March 24th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  When you order from Culver's, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to our fabulous PTO.  Volunteers are needed and you can use this link to help on March 24th.      

End of 3rd Term and Report Cards

The last day of 3rd Term is March 13th.  Report cards will be ready and available to review in Infinite Campus after 4:00 p.m. on March 20th.  Directions on how to view your child's report card will be sent via email on March 20th.  

5Essentials Survey

All students and staff have taken the 5Essentials Survey.  

Parents are also encouraged to take the 5Essentials Survey.  Click here to learn more about the 5Essentials Survey.  

Link to parent survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/  

IAR/ISA Testing

All 8th grade students will take the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) on March 17th, 18th, and 19th.  8th grade students will take one test a day.  For more information regarding the Illinois Science Assessment, please click here.    

All students grades 6-8 will complete IAR testing on April 8th, 9th, and 10th.  

We've been working and will continue working with our students on how to navigate the assessments, along with reviewing some of the practice items provided to us.  We want our students to do their best on the IAR assessments and preparing them ahead of time will help.  Please encourage your child to do their best!  

To access important information from Kaneland 302 regarding IAR testing, please click on the following links:

• IAR Parent Video (Spring 2026)
• IAR Parent Night Key Information

  Once we get closer to our testing dates, more information will be shared.       

Student Appreciation Week

Our annual Student Appreciation Week is scheduled for the week of March 23rd.  We have fun activities planned each day to help celebrate and highlight our awesome students.  This annual tradition has become one of our favorite weeks of the school year.    

March Important Dates

March 3 - 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Chorus Concert (KHS Auditorium) 6:30 p.m.

March 13 - End of 3rd Term

March 13 - PTO Game Day (Harter gymnasium) 2:45-4:15 p.m.

March 17-19 - 8th Grade Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)

March 18 - Student Showcase 6:00-7:45 p.m.

March 20 - 3rd Term Report Cards Available in Infinite Campus

March 23-27 - Student Appreciation Week

March 24 - PTO No Cook Knight at Culver's (Sugar Grove) 5:00-8:00 p.m.

March 30 - April 3 - No School Spring Break

Proud to be a Knight!!!