Mountain Lion Memo
Family Newsletter - September 11th, 2026
Read-A-Thon
Read-A-Thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.
Our Read-A-Thon starts Tuesday September 22, 2026.
About one week before our Read-A-Thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.
We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on and following the simple instructions.
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/rDDnUG/1?utm=email
We've chosen Read-A-Thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.
We hope EVERYONE participates.
Square Barn Shuffle
Friday, September 18th
During PE Classes
Early Release
Early Release
Tuesday, September 22nd
1:30pm
Lock Down Drill
Change of Clothes
Please bring an extra change of clothing for your child to keep at school.
Spills and accidents happen and we want to ensure that your child feels comfortable throughout the day.
Please bring in extra underwear, pants/shorts, shirt and socks.
If there is a spill or accident the soiled clothing will come home for you to wash.
Thank you - Nurse Maggie
Helping Children Learn to Keep Their Hands to Themselves
One of the important social skills we are teaching at school is keeping our hands to ourselves. This means using safe hands and safe bodies with classmates, siblings, friends, and adults. Children are still developing self-control and learning how to manage big feelings, so this is a skill that takes practice and consistent reminders.
At home, you can help reinforce this expectation by talking with your child about what they can do instead of hitting, pushing, grabbing, kicking, spitting or touching someone when they are upset. Encourage your child to:
- Use their words to express what they need or how they feel.
- Wait for a turn rather than grabbing or taking something.
- Walk away when a situation is becoming frustrating.
- Ask an adult for help when they are having difficulty solving a problem.
- Take a break to calm their body before responding.
- Respect personal space and remember that everyone has a right to feel safe and comfortable.
A simple phrase to practice at home is “Safe hands, safe body.” When children hear the same language at home and school, it helps make the expectation clear and predictable.
Most importantly, remember that learning self-control takes time. Praise your child when you notice them making a good choice, using their words, walking away, or asking for help. These small moments are opportunities to build the skills children need to handle frustration, solve problems, and develop positive relationships with others.
Our goal is not simply to tell children what NOT to do—it is to teach them what they CAN do instead. Together, we can help our children learn to manage their emotions, respect personal space, and keep themselves and others safe.
https://everydayspeech.com/blog-posts/general/keeping-hands-to-yourself-lesson-plan/
Mackeben Information
Address - 800 Dr. John Burkey Dr. Algonquin, IL 60102
Main Office Phone Number - 847-659-3400
Attendance Number - 847-659-3411
Marcie Marzullo - Principal
847-659-3401
Katie Aumann - Assistant Principal
847-659-3402
Jamie DeYoung - Special Services Coordinator
847-659-3573