Mountain Lion Memo

From the Principal

It's time for the Mackeben Elementary School Read-A-Thon!

Our school Read-A-Thon begins on Monday, September 21st, 2026 and is sure to be a fun and exciting event.

We understand that your time is valuable. We also know that providing the best education for your child is important. That's why we are encouraging everyone to activate their student's Read-A-Thon account as soon as possible. The instructions are straightforward, making it quick and hassle-free, and it should take less than 5 minutes of your time.

Watch a short video to see how to signup your reader:
https://youtu.be/12tmuXH8zCg

This account will serve as a hub for recording and monitoring your child's progress as a Reader in the event, and for you to share their Read-A-Thon message with friends and family. Use the link below to activate your student's Reader account:
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/rDDnUG/1?utm=email

Thank you so much for your participation and support. Together, we can make this Read-A-Thon an amazing experience for our young readers! Thank you,

Homecoming Spirit Week

Celebrations 🙌

Congratulations to Mr. Jake Wagner, PE Teacher!

We are so fortunate to share Mr. Wagner with Chesak Elementary School! Mr. Wagner primarily works with our kindergarten students in the afternoon, bringing positivity, enthusiasm, and joy into every PE lesson.

He promotes inclusion, fun, teamwork, and a genuine love of the game while creating an environment where every student feels encouraged to participate and give their best. Mr. Wagner also holds high expectations for student behavior while balancing those expectations with patience, support, and plenty of opportunities to reteach and practice.

Thank you, Mr. Wagner, for encouraging our students, creating joyful experiences in PE, and sharing your positive energy with all of us at Mackeben. We appreciate the enthusiasm and heart you bring to our school each day!

Week At A Glance 📅

Early Release

Tuesday, September 22nd

1:30pm

Early Release

Lock Down Drill

Thursday, September 24th 9:00am

Lock Down Drill - Family Letter

Picture Day

Thursday, October 1st

Announcements & Reminders 📣

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

Help supply our Prize Cart

Students use their PAWS to "purr-chase" items

Thank you for your support

Home / School Connection 🏡

Promoting & Supporting - Self Control

Self Control is noticing a strong feeling and staying calm instead of letting it take over. You take a breath or ask for help so the feeling does not run the moment.

Self-regulation requires a student to respond to dynamic situations with controlled emotions and language that matches the situation. They also need to be flexible to accept change and learn to transition in a positive, calm way. The ability to use language to express emotions and elicit assistance when needed are the basis for success with self-control.

Calming Strategy

Something you do to shrink a big feeling, like taking slow breaths, walking to a calm spot, or tensing then relaxing your muscles. You use it when you notice a strong feeling starting so it doesn't get too big.

The Self Control Premium Packet focuses on three areas: maintaining a calm body, keeping self-control and being flexible when transitioning through changes.

12 Games to practice Self Control

PTA News 👪

The Square Barn PTA is searching for a new Vice President of Conley Elementary! Duties would include:

1) Working closely with the board to plan events.

2) Working with the Mackeben VP to set up Dine & Shares.

3) Volunteering time to set up/assist in running of PTA events.

If you are interested in joining the PTA Board as the Conley VP, please contact us at squarebarnpta@gmail.com! A new VP will be appointed at our first meeting (9/17/26)

CONTACT US: squarebarnpta@gmail.com Square Barn PTA Website

MEMBERSHIP: We invite you to become a member of the SBPTA!

No volunteer requirement or obligation to attend meetings!
NEW THIS YEAR!! Each student in a family with a paid membership will be entered into a drawing for a chance to PIE THE PRINCIPAL! Join by September 18!

Please use the link or the QR code to become a member! We look forward to welcoming you! Givebacks Membership Link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jRdChUdqLbRCKppZ-eD4RKuZIUFJR6tA/view?usp=drive_link

QR Code to membership website

WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE FILL OUT OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM EVEN IF YOU USE OUR ONLINE PORTAL. THIS WILL HELP US ENSURE YOUR CHILD IS ENTERED INTO THE DRAWING!

SBPTA Membership Form 2026-27

MEETINGS: Join us for our first community meeting THIS THURSDAY!

Where: In Person: Conley Elementary Library (B103) Childcare Provided! (ages 3 and up). Children are welcome at our meetings too!

Online : https://meet.google.com/hvw-wehs-miw

Time: 6:00PM

When: Thursday September 17th

UPCOMING EVENTS

MOD PIZZA DINE & SHARE

fundraiser-flyer social media.png

Our First Dine and Share will be at MOD PIZZA on October 1st!

MACKEBEN SPIRIT WEAR COMING HOME NEXT WEEK!

Your orders have been processed and shipped! Look for your spirit wear to be sent home on Monday, September 21st with your child!!

SQUARE BARN SHUFFLE!!!

Shuffle Flyer

CONLEY - September 11th MACKEBEN - September 18th

Our biggest fundraiser asks students to pledge from family, friends and neighbors to raise money for field trips, PTA school events, and sunshades for both schools!

ALL PLEDGE PACKETS/ONLINE ORDERS DUE 9/18

Need another copy of our pledge sheet?

Shuffle Pledge Sheet

Set up an online page for your child to share with family and friends!

Use the link to our online fundraising platform (99 Pledges) https://app.99pledges.com/fund/squarebarn3
Scroll down to the bottom and choose “add a participant”
Follow the prompts and you can create a shareable link for family and friends to your child!

District News 🪧

Huntley 158 Family Learning Series (virtual)
Topic: School Anxiety, Avoidance & Refusal: Symptoms and Interventions

When: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 6PM - 7PM

Presenter: Jacqueline Rhew, LCPC

Open to all Huntley 158 families

Join via Google Meet

September is Attendance Awareness Month and Huntley 158’s motto is “Your Presence is Your Power.” Every day a student is in school is an opportunity for them to build relationships, learn and access support.

The district is kicking off its first virtual Family Learning Series this year with a presentation by Jacqueline Rhew, a licensed clinical professional counselor, who specializes in school refusal and anxiety in children. The virtual event is free and open to all Huntley 158 families.

Rhew’s presentation will provide parents and caregivers with practical strategies to support their child who may be struggling with school anxiety, avoidance, and school refusal.

She will explore factors that contribute to school avoidance and help parents learn how to recognize early warning signs and unhelpful coping patterns, and better understand how anxiety and avoidance can reinforce one another.

In addition, Rhew will outline specific interventions to help children manage anxiety, increase motivation, set realistic goals, and gradually re-engage in school. Parents will also learn strategies for responding to anxiety without unintentionally reinforcing avoidance, promoting healthy coping and problem-solving, and using communication that builds self-advocacy, confidence, and independence.

Thriving Futures Parent-led Support Group

The Thriving Parent Support Group is a parent-led support group for Huntley District 158 parents/guardians of students with IEPs. The goal is simple: to help parents build connections with one another so they can strengthen the supports that are vital for their child’s success.

Families are invited to connect, share experiences, and support one another through casual conversations, roundtable discussions, and occasional learning opportunities. Parents of IEP learners of all ages are welcome, and attendance is flexible—come when you can. Please share with other parents that may benefit!

When: Thursday October 1, 2026

Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Where: Morkes Chocolate, 11801 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142

If you’d like to stay informed about future meetings, please take a moment to complete this form

Join Us on 10/13 for NEW Huntley 158 Movie Night
Grab a blanket and get comfy for Huntley 158’s first sensory-friendly movie night! Join us on Tuesday, October 13, at Heineman Middle School for a fun and inclusive evening open to all ages.

The featured movie, Out of My Mind (rated PG), is an inspiring story about a young girl with cerebral palsy who finds her voice and challenges others to see what she is capable of. With powerful themes of friendship, inclusion and perseverance, it’s the perfect film to bring our community together.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movie begins at 6:15 p.m. Come dressed for comfort and bring a blanket for floor seating; an accessible seating area will also be available. We’ll provide snacks and water, or feel free to bring your own. Stop by our “selfie station” and enter for a chance to win a prize!

The evening will wrap up at approximately 8 p.m. Students under age 13 must attend with a parent or guardian.

Questions? Contact Ina Hall, Huntley 158 Family Engagement Liaison, at ihall@district158.org.