McFarland School District

Welcome to the March 2026 McFarland School Community Newsletter!

This time of year brings a steady, focused energy to our schools. The days are getting longer, classrooms are in full stride, winter activities are wrapping up, and spring events are on the horizon. I’m also happy to share that we’ve made it through the winter without a single cancellation day. This is a noteworthy accomplishment in Wisconsin. Even more importantly, we completed a strong first semester filled with academic growth, student leadership, and meaningful progress toward our mission of meeting the needs of every learner, every day.

You may have seen increased discussion about school funding at the state level. As always, we are monitoring developments closely and advocating for sustainable resources that allow us to continue delivering high-quality instruction and services, while also remaining fiscally responsible in these difficult financial times. If you have questions about how funding impacts our district, or if you would like to share your perspective , please don’t hesitate to reach out. Community voice matters, and thoughtful dialogue helps us move forward together.

🌟 In This Edition

• 🗳️ School Board Election Information
  Stay informed with important details related to the upcoming election.

• 🎭 Performing Arts & Community Events
  It’s an exciting season across the district. Join us for the high school production of Shrek the Musical, a special showing of the film An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands, adult education offerings, and additional events that bring our community together.

• 🙌 Volunteer Opportunities
  Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference? There are many ways to support students and staff across our schools. Your time and talents matter.

• ✨ Highlights from Around the District (school prairie learning, crossing guard appreciation, prosthetic arm design challenge)

🗓️ A Few Friendly Reminders

• 🍎 Be a Substitute!
  We’re always looking for substitute teachers and educational assistants to support our schools.
  👉 Click here for more information.

• 🏫 Take a Tour!
  We love welcoming alumni and community groups back into our buildings — especially for class reunions.
  📧 To schedule a tour, email me at tarnuta@mcfsd.org.

As always, if you have questions, ideas, or feedback, please use this form or contact me directly. We remain committed to open, transparent, and ongoing communication.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and staff. I’m continually grateful to serve a community that cares deeply about its schools and the young people we are privileged to support.

Stay classy, McFarland!

Aaron Tarnutzer (“Mr. T.”)
Superintendent

tarnuta@mcfsd.org

On April 7, 2026, residents of the McFarland School District will vote to elect one community member to serve on the five-member Board of Education.

Candidate:

• Yanni McRae
  
  

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters should report to their regular polling location.

Please note that an acceptable photo ID is required to vote. If you do not currently have a valid photo ID, you may obtain a free ID for voting purposes through the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles.

We encourage all eligible residents to participate in this important election.

MHS is looking for energetic volunteers to help our juniors build their financial literacy skills and gain real-world money smarts!

https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0C48ADAF2CA0FCCF8...

This is an incredible opportunity to make a direct impact—help students learn about budgeting, saving, credit, and smart financial decisions that will last a lifetime!

Your time = Their future success!

Please register today and be part of this meaningful experience! Let’s empower the next generation together!

Thursday, April 9, 2026

6:30 – 8:00 pm, doors open 6:15 pm

For audiences of all ages, as featured nationally on PBS, a showing of “An Invitation to

Wonder,” a film by local artist Ben Albert about the hidden natural gem of our own Waubesa

Wetlands, nestled right here on Lake Waubesa.

Guided by the wisdom of his grandfather, wetland scientist and Nelson Institute faculty emeritus

Calvin DeWitt, Ben spends a summer immersed in the mysterious world of Waubesa Wetlands.

Together, they uncover the life, secrets, and importance of wetlands, and in doing so reveal our

relationship to family and all living things.

Hosted by the McFarland School District in partnership with the McFarland Education

Foundation and Lake Waubesa Conservation Association.

Tickets are free, with donations welcome. Proceeds support the event and the work of the

McFarland Education Foundation and the Lake Waubesa Conservation Association.

Running time: 1 hour with optional Q&A to follow

Did you know that there any many opportunities for the community to use the amazing facilities that you've helped build here at McFarland Schools? Check out the below link for classes like adult woodworking and freezer meal workshops to getting active at adult open gym times, lap swim at the Angie O'Donnell Aquatic Center, and morning walks at MHS!

MRAP is offering four Sundays of Beginner Tennis Instruction for ages 4K–adult! These introductory lessons focus on fun, confidence-building, and developing transferable athletic skills like footwork and hand-eye coordination. Participants will learn age-appropriate fundamentals including forehands, backhands, serving (for older groups), and introductory point play.

Program Levels & Times:

• 🎾 Level 1 Parent & Tot Beginners (recommended 4K–K; beginner 1st–2nd also welcome) 9:00–9:50AM

• 🎾 Level 2 Beginners – Parent & Tot (recommended 1st–2nd grade; intermediate 4K–K also welcome): 10:00–10:50AM
• 🎾 3rd–5th Grade: 11:00AM–12:00PM
• 🎾 6th–12th Grade: 12:15–1:15PM
• 🎾 Adults (18+): 1:15–2:15PM

It’s a great opportunity to try something new and enjoy time on the courts this spring!

Register by April 6 at MRAPNews.com — spots are limited! 🎾

🗓️ Upcoming Schedule Highlights:

• March In-Person Classes: 9, 16, 23, 25, 30

• April In-Person Classes: 1, 6, 8, 20, 22, 27, 29

• May In-Person Classes: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 27

📍Location: Classes take place in the MHS Multipurpose Room. Please note that dates listed with an asterisk mean that class will be held in the PAC Mezzanine Hallway at the high school.

⏰Class Time & Registration Reminder:
RSVP by 3:00 PM on the day of class at MRAPNews.com. We need at least 3 participants to hold each session. If a class is canceled, we’ll notify registered pass holders and post an update on Facebook by 4:00 PM. (No post = class is ON!) Drop-ins are always welcome.

✨ Bonus: This continues to be one of the most affordable yoga options in the area ($10/Resident & $12/Non-Res)—so you can take care of both your mind and body without stretching your budget. Come join us for a welcoming, supportive, and energizing practice this season!

For more details and information on how to RSVP for a class, check out our Yoga Program Guide!

✨ Virtual Yoga Is Here!

When our in-person space is unavailable, we’re keeping the momentum going with Virtual Yoga led by Steph! These flexible, optional classes ensure you can continue your practice from wherever you are. Fees for virtual sessions go directly to Steph.

🧘 Virtual Yoga Dates:

• February: 23, 25

• March: 18

• April: 13

⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM

👉 Click HERE to register for virtual classes!

• School Board Meeting - March 2 - MHS District Office Board Room
• 1st grade Music & Art Program - March 3 - McFarland Primary School
• 4K Orientation - March 4 - McFarland Primary School
• No School - March 6 - Staff Development Day
• 2nd grade Music & Art Program - March 3 - McFarland Primary School
• MHS District Solo & Ensemble - March 14 - McFarland High School
• MHS Reality Zone - March 17 - McFarland High School
• MHS Band Concert - March 18 - MHS Performing Arts Center
• No School March 23-27 - Spring Break
• School Board Meeting - April 6 - MHS District Office Board Room
• MHS Band-O-Rama - April 15 - MHS Gym A
• No School - April 17 - Staff Development Day
• School Board Meeting - April 20 - MHS District Office Board Room
• MHS Musical Performance - Shrek the Musical! - April 24-26
• Kindergarten Music & Art Program - April 29 - McFarland Primary School
• MHS Vocal Showcase - April 29 - MHS Performing Arts Center
• School Board Meeting - May 4 - MHS District Office Board Room
• MHS Band Concert - May 6 - MHS Performing Arts Center

From Volunteer Opportunities to Fundraisers and Individual Donations, we so appreciate the support of our amazing community members. If you are interested in volunteering your time in our schools, please fill out a volunteer form at the below link or give one of our schools a call directly.

• McFarland Primary School 838-3146
• Waubesa Intermediate School 838-7667
• Indian Mound Middle School 838-8980
• McFarland High School 838-3166
• District Office 838-3169

Click the link below to visit out website Volunteering page to complete a form.

Click the link below to visit our Classmunity page for information on fundraising campaigns you may be interest in supporting.

Fifth graders at Waubesa Intermediate School continue the proud tradition of caring for our school prairie. In the fall, students harvest seeds and remove invasive plants. During the winter, they prepare the seeds indoors, and in the spring, they return them to the prairie to help it thrive.

Students take great pride in watching their work grow throughout the summer. A special thank you to our community partners who help make this hands-on learning experience possible.

Families and members of the public are invited to visit the prairie behind WIS off Red Oak Trail!

#McFarlandStrong

We’re proud to partner with the Village of McFarland to recognize some everyday heroes in our community!

On Monday, February 16, representatives from the Village and McFarland School District met with our dedicated crossing guards to share tokens of appreciation for their invaluable work.

Rain, snow, or shine, they help keep our youngest pedestrians safe each and every school day. As we finish up Adult Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, please join us in again thanking the wonderful crossing guards who make a difference in the lives of our students and families!

Our IMMS 6th graders took on an exciting prosthetic arm design challenge alongside amazing mentors from University of Wisconsin–Madison Biomedical Engineering—including two of our very own McFarland Class of 2022 alumni!

Students explored what biomedical engineering is all about, then worked in teams to brainstorm, design, build, and test their own innovative prosthetic arm prototypes. The creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving on display were inspiring!

So proud of our future engineers and the alumni who came back to give back!

#McFarlandStrong

The McFarland School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.