Ticket order forms came home on Friday - if you didn't receive one, please call the office or just send the $20 for a family ticket into the office with a note! We will get you on the list! All proceeds will go to our Beautify Amo projects this spring!

Visitors - PLEASE READ!

Our new school visitor system is finally up and running! Please make sure you bring your ID anytime you come into the school building. You will need to scan your ID and then it will print a visitor badge. This is for lunch with your kiddo, helping in a classroom, class parties - anything you will be in the building for.

MCW Sunflower Awards

These awards are small monthly awards we give to recognize staff at Mill Creek West for going above and beyond! Fill out this form and nominate someone today!

SUNFLOWER AWARDS

Birthday Treats & Party Invites

TREATS - Please check with your child's teacher or the office before sending in birthday treats for your child. We have several severe allergies & we need to make sure we are keeping everyone safe while we celebrate. Here is a list of SAFE items you can bring in if your child is in a class with one of these allergies. Thank you for helping us make sure everyone is included!

INVITES - The only way these can be passed out at school is if EVERYONE in the class (or all boys in the class or all girls) are receiving one. If everyone is not being invited, please make plans to pass them out before or after school hours.

Reminder for transportation changes

Please call the office for any changes that need to be made - dojo or email isn't always reliable as we aren't sure who is always in the office. All calls to the office for daily transportation changes need to be made by 2:00. Please plan accordingly and call before this time. Folders and notes are run at 2:45 each day.

Have you heard of Executive Functioning?

Behavior Specialist Ashley Hainzinger explains that executive functioning refers to brain skills that organize thoughts, manage emotions, and guide trainstions, developing slowly from the front of the brain so children build these abilities over time. As caregivers, you can help your child feel capable and reduce frustration by providing structure, breaking tasks into steps, keeping routines predtibale, co-regulating during big emotions, and offering extra support under stress. While we shouldn't lower expectations, it is important to match our expectations to the child's developmental stage.

Ages 0-5

Executive functioning is just beginning. Children rely heavily on adults for structure.

Ages 5-10

Skills are taking shape, but children still need reminders, visual supports, and help breaking down tasks.

Ages 10-18

Executive functioning is more developed but still inconsistent, especially during stressful times or big emotions. (Remember, the prefrontal cortex isn't fully developed until the mid-20s!)

Mrs. Gullion (School Counselor)

jgullion@mccsc.k12.in.us

317-539-9255 ext. 502

Free & Reduced Lunch Link - fill it out on your phone!

My School Bucks

January Menu

Elementary Guide to Nutrition

2025-26 Cost

Breakfast - $1.65 (Reduced: $0.30)

Lunch - $2.85 (Reduced: $0.40)

If you were on Free or Reduced lunch last school year, the roll over period ends very soon after school starts - IT DOES NOT BACK DATE - Please fill out a new form as soon as possible - it is all online and very easy. This is confidential information. The link to apply is above. This is a wonderful resource and there is no reason why anyone who needs it should not be using it.

Home Lunch - Please make sure if your child brings a lunch from home that they can open most of the items independently - we are always willing to help, but please try to limit those items that require adult assistance daily. Also - no sodas are allowed for lunch.

The link to School Bucks is below as well so you can add funds, create your account, and download the app to pay for breakfast & lunch.

Box Tops!

Did you know they still do box tops? We are signed up & would love for anyone who buys groceries to sig up for those to come to our school. You can add our school to your Kroger card (on the Kroger app or at the counter) and you can download the Box Top app and connect your Walmart app. Please join us in earning cash for our school by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference. All you have to do is buy Box Tops participating products (like Cheerios!) and scan your grocery receipt. Box Tops are worth $.10 each and they add up fast! Twice a year, our school receives a check to help pay for whatever we need - equipment, supplies or experiences the kids love!

Use this referral code TFIG6LOQ when you sign up and you’ll get 20 Bonus Box Tops when you scan your first receipt now through 05/31/2024, while supplies last! Download the Box Tops for Education app here: https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=TFIG6LOQ

From the Nurse

SchoolCare - We are excited to share we are partnering with SchoolCare this year to manage our student health information. SchoolCare, our new digital health platform, allows you to access and update your child's heath information and is both HIPAA and FERPA compliant. This school year we are requiring electronically in SchoolCare so that our school nurses receive valuable information about your child’s health.

Please follow these steps to create your SchoolCare account and complete student health registration:

Check your inbox! Use the email invite that’s sent to you from activation@schoolcare.com and click on the link to begin.
Create a password and log into your SchoolCare account.
Once you have logged in, you will see “My Family.” Click on the orange sign-up button to begin registration for your child.

If you need further assistance with your account, please contact support@schoolcare.com.

Missing School - If your child will be missing school for any reason, please call the office by 9:00 am to report the absence. If your child is seeing a Dr, please obtain a Dr note.

Important Dates for 2025-26

Student/Parent Handbook 2025-26

Happy New Year, Wildcats!

As we enter this special season, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy for the incredible partnership we share at Mill Creek West. Watching our Wildcats grow, learn, and support one another continues to be one of the greatest joys of my role.

This time of year reminds us of the importance of kindness, giving, and togetherness. I’m so thankful for the trust you place in us and for the way our school community works hand-in-hand to create a safe, joyful, and meaningful experience for every child.

If you ever have questions, ideas, or concerns, please know my door is always open. Your child’s happiness, safety, and love of learning remain at the heart of everything we do. Wishing you and your family a season filled with peace, joy, and time together. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Warmly,

Mrs. Sonna Schafer
Principal, Mill Creek West Elementary

Email: sschafer@mccsc.k12.in.us

Website: https://mccsc.k12.in.us/
Phone: (317)539-9255
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MillCreekWestElementarySchool
Twitter: @MillCreekwest

Wildcat Weekly

Jan 11, 2026

Visitors - PLEASE READ!

MCW Sunflower Awards

Birthday Treats & Party Invites

Reminder for transportation changes

Box Tops!

From the Nurse

Happy New Year, Wildcats!

Visitors - PLEASE READ!

Want to nominate a staff member at West for going above & beyond? Click here! Want to nominate a staff member at West for going above & beyond? Click here!

MCW Sunflower Awards

Birthday Treats & Party Invites

Reminder for transportation changes

Counselor's Corner Counselor's Corner

Lunch Reminders Lunch Reminders

Box Tops!

From the Nurse

Quick attendance reference sheet Quick attendance reference sheet

Quick reference for getting ahold of us Quick reference for getting ahold of us

From the Principal's Desk From the Principal's Desk

Happy New Year, Wildcats!