February 2026
Dear Charles Reed Families,
As we recognize Black History Month, we take time to honor and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and voices of Black Americans—past and present. Throughout the month, students will engage in age-appropriate learning that highlights perseverance, leadership, creativity, and the importance of understanding our shared history.
At Charles Reed, we are committed to fostering a community where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to build understanding, respect, and belonging for all.
We would also like to take a minute to thank the Charles Reed PTA. This past month the PTA has put together some amazing STEM opportunities for our students and community. The PTA continues to work hard to bring enriching experiences to our students. The PTA was also able to provide a STEM kit for each student by partnering with Home Depot. If your student did not come home with it on Friday, they should be bringing it home this week.
If you have not joined the Charles Reed PTA please consider joining so you can get involved (in any way big or small) with this group and bring even more amazing opportunities to the school. You can email them with questions or more details at charlesreedpta@gmail.com.
Thank you families for assisting and supporting our two days of e-learning. What an amazing community to have very - very few students absent! That is an incredible testament to the dedication and collaboration with families and teachers. While e-learning is not designed for new learning it does allow teachers to connect with students, provide review/ reinforcement work, and it does not extend the school year!
As we celebrate our 100th Day of School, we mark the hard work and growth of our students during the past 100 days. Moving forward we continue to increase our academic achievements, grow and develop into deeper thinkers and strive for excellence as both academics and social students.
Thank you for your partnership, support, and ongoing commitment to ensuring Charles Reed is an outstanding learning community.
With Positivity and Gratitude,
Mrs. Lustrup, Ms. Bank, and Ms. Turner.
Here are some upcoming events and reminders:
TESTING:
ACCESS Testing is currently underway. ACCESS testing an English Language proficiency state required test.
OLSAT Testing (2nd grade and new 3rd, 4th & 5th graders) will take place mid February.
ISA, Illinois Science Assessment (5th grade) and IAR, Illinois Assessment of Readiness (3rd-5th grades) will begin right before and after spring break.
Celebrations:
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month observed by many Muslims around the world. It is a time focused on reflection, kindness, generosity, and gratitude. During Ramadan, many adults and older students fast from dawn to sunset, spend time in prayer, and make an intentional effort to help others and strengthen their character.
Lent
Lent is a season observed by many Christians and begins in early spring, leading up to Easter. It is a time focused on reflection, gratitude, self-discipline, and helping others. Many people choose to give something up or take on acts of kindness and service during Lent as a way to grow personally and spiritually.
**In addition to the above mentioned, don't forget about the Winter Olympics (opening ceremonies Friday, February 6th) and the Superbowl on Sunday, February 8th!
Charles Reed Family Night
Charles Reed Goes for the Gold
February 26th 5:30-7:00
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone, parents and guardians need to remain with their children throughout the evening. Family Night is not a drop-off event, and children should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for all our families. We can’t wait to enjoy the evening together!
Class Parties - Reminder
*Our next Classroom party is our Spring Party on March 27th. We will not have a school wide Valentine’s Day party however classrooms will be celebrating throughout the day. Teachers will communicate about passing out valentine cards. Classes will enjoy Valentines and friendship activities throughout the day.
Spring Party is on March 27th.
5th Grade Student Leadership Club is spearheading a Cougar Cares initiative to give back to our community. You should have received a flyer with details about a food drive to support Bags of Hope and help feed our community.
Yearbook Club
Yearbook ordering forms will be coming home early March and orders will be due April 8th. You can order online now!
CAPE AWARDS:
Information will be coming soon to hear your voice to nominate a teacher, staff member, and/or volunteer for a district recognized award. Your words are beyond meaningful to our staff, once the nomination forms come out please consider taking a moment to share your sentiment.
5 Essentials Survey:
The 5 Essentials Survey is coming. I will provide a link and text reminders to complete a multiple choice survey that provides parents with feedback about your relationship with Charles Reed. Students in grades 4th and 5th will take the survey in school.
Upcoming Dates:
February
3rd: PTA Family Skate Night
11th: PTA 6:00PM
13th: Popcorn Friday
14th: Valentine’s Day
16th: President’s Day - No School
17th: Ramadan Begins
18th: Ash Wednesday
26th: Family Night 5:30-7:00pm
27th: SIP Day - No student attendance
March
6th: End of Quarter 3
11th: PTA 6:00PM
17th: Institute Day
17th: St. Patrick’s Day
23rd - 27th: Spring Book Fair
26th: Multicultural Night 5:30-7pm
26th: Blue House Math Bowl @ DPMS (time TBD)
27th: Spring Party
27: Popcorn Friday
30th-April 5th: Spring Break