Mac El Weekly News

It's hard to believe that it's already December 1st! The semester and winter break are fast approaching, but there's still a lot of work to be done in the next few weeks. Please continue to encourage your students to be kind, respectful, and focused on their studies. Our teachers are working hard to ensure that students are mastering the skills they need to meet their standards and benchmarks. We're using the IREADY benchmarks, which are closely aligned with the types of questions they'll see on the ILEARN test. These benchmarks have a higher depth of knowledge and help to challenge our students. By using the data provided, we're able to provide guided instruction to help our students learn better. We know that this time of year can be challenging, and we are thankful for the great staff we have that is more than capable of handling it all!

During the reading block this week, I had the opportunity to visit many classrooms. It was amazing to see the students take responsibility for their reading time and smoothly transition between activities while working with their peers and teacher.

In addition, I announced to the students and staff that I will be taking a pie in the face on December 20th during each grade level's lunch. This is because they have raised funds for The Miami County FOP Coin War.

Lastly, I would like to congratulate Julez Centeno, Elliott Leihr, Lucy Berryman, and Ellie Chilcutt for being selected as the Brave of the Week. Have a wonderful weekend and continue to show your Brave Pride!

• 12/1 - 12/20 - December Dress-Up Days (see calendar below)
• 12/13 - PTO Holiday Family Fun Night (5:00 - 6:30 pm)
• 12/19 - 5th grade Field Trip - Children's Museum
• 12/20 - End of 2nd 9 weeks
• 12/21 - 1/3/24 - Winter Break

• 1/4/24 - Classes begin - 2nd semester

Guidance classes are starting to discuss emotions and coping skills to handle them effectively. Second and third grades are identifying feelings and talking about "double dip feelings," or having two emotions during the same situation. Fourth and fifth grades are identifying feelings and talking about a strategy like "star breathing" to handle big emotions. Big emotions are when our emotions are so strong that we lose control over our behaviors or words.

With the colder weather settling in, students are spending more time indoors, which in turn leads to the spreading of germs. We have noticed a number of illnesses, such as the flu, stomach issues, respiratory illness, and so on. It is important that you encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze and to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds afterward. Consistent hand washing is extremely helpful in preventing the spread of germs.

Please note that if your child has a fever to keep them at home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.

• Empty Paper Towel Rolls
• Empty Toilet Paper Rolls
• Corks- all sizes and can be used/cleaned
• Cardboard- empty cereal box, amazon box, etc. (If you could please break down flat)
• Cardboard Shoe Boxes (not broken down)
• Plastic Bottles- empty and clean
• Plastic Bottle Lids
• Pop Tabs
• Unused Aluminum Foil Tins- all shapes/ sizes

Students may leave any donations on the table outside the STEM lab door.

Thank you!

Looking for ways to get involved with your child's school? Join the Mac El PTO to help plan events, volunteer, and support our school!

Mrs. Tidd

Principal

Maconaquah Elementary School

address: 7784 S. Strawtown Pike, Bunker Hill, IN 46914

Phone: (765) 689-9131 x. 3000

email: tidds@maconaquah.k12.in.us