Mountain Lion Memo

Each year, Mackeben Elementary honors September 11 by coming together to recognize and celebrate the first responders who serve our community. On Friday, September 11, we will gather for a special Patriots Day assembly where students and staff will honor visiting first responders and family members for their service, participate in the Pledge of Allegiance, and sing patriotic songs. We are grateful for the opportunity to teach our students about service, courage, and the importance of recognizing those who help keep our communities safe.

Families who have a first responder in their family are invited to complete the Patriots Day visitor form to attend and be recognized during the assembly. If a first responder is unable to attend, families may submit a photo and brief description so they can be included in our recognition slideshow.

Patriot's Day Assembly - Visitor Form *link*

Star Staff Member

Mrs. Annette Boster

For more than 15 years, Mrs. Annette Boster has shared her incredible gift of music with the Mackeben community, creating memories and traditions that will be cherished for years to come. From winter caroling and our beloved 2nd grade concerts to coordinating our annual staff sing, Mrs. Boster brings joy, energy, and a little extra sparkle to every celebration. Her positivity and encouragement can brighten any room she enters, and her passion for music is truly contagious.

Mrs. Boster is a musical legend and a leader throughout our district, generously sharing her talents, expertise, and classroom management skills with school and district teams. Her influence reaches far beyond the music classroom—she has touched the lives of countless students and contributed immensely to the culture and traditions that make Mackeben so special. We are incredibly thankful for Mrs. Boster and the beautiful gift of song, joy, and tradition she continues to bring to our school community.

We are so fortunate to celebrate Mrs. Boster as our Star Staff Member!

Personal Electronic Devices

Below is a list of items that may not be visible or accessed during the school day. Students choosing to bring these items to school must store them in backpacks in the “off” position.

• Toys (electronic or other)

• Games (electronic or other)

• Cell phones, Smartwatches

Smartphones, smartwatches, e-readers and other educational electronic devices may be used for instructional purposes when the teacher deems appropriate.

Any item that may be considered a disruption to the learning environment or a potential safety concern is prohibited. The District is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.

Elementary Handbook

The safety of our students, families, and staff must always come before convenience. Due to several occasions when safety has been compromised during morning arrival, we are making an important change to our walk-up procedure. Families will no longer be able to walk students to the front door while cars are in the car rider/fire lane area. In addition, the crosswalk may not be used while cars are in the car rider/fire lane area. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to keep everyone safe and ensure a smooth and secure arrival for all.

Vehicle Procedures for the Morning Arrival

• Enter the parking lot off of Dr. John Burkey Drive (Please do not block the bus entrance)

• We will have 2 lines of traffic. This will be marked with cones. Please choose a line and stay within the cones. We will have people directing these lines once we begin unloading cars.

• Pull all the way up behind the vehicle in front of you. The very first car should pull all the way to the very last cone.

• Be sure to stay in line and in your vehicle

• Students are required to exit the car by themselves CURB SIDE - PASSENGER SIDE only.

-Staff members will be on duty to escort the students into the building and will help guide them to their class once inside.

• If you feel like your child needs your support walking up to the building then please do not use the car line. You can park in the lot and walk across using the crosswalk.

• After the first two weeks of school, ALL families will use the car rider or bus services. The crosswalk can get congested and delay student drop off and arrival.

Vehicle Procedures for the Afternoon Dismissal

• Enter the parking lot off of Dr. John Burkey Drive (Please do not block the bus entrance).

• We will have 2 lines of traffic once you enter the lot. This will be marked with cones. Please choose a line and stay within the cones. We will have people directing these lines once we begin loading cars.

• Pull all the way up behind the vehicle in front of you. The very first car should pull all the way to the very last cone. We will load the cars in groups of 10-12.

• Be sure to have visible the hang tag with your child’s number on your rear view mirror. This tells the staff on duty who you are authorized to pick up and helps our staff member quickly call the numbers in the walkie in order to get students outside and loaded and keep the line moving.

• Students will be loaded CURB SIDE - PASSENGER SIDE only

• Students are required to enter the car by themselves CURB SIDE - PASSENGER SIDE only. Staff members will be on duty to support students as needed.

• NOTE: If your child requires assistance with buckling a seat belt, please allow your child to enter the car and then pull into a parking spot to assist them.

All changes in transportation arrangements should be submitted in writing by the parent to the main office. You can do this in an email but please do so before 2:00pm that day as teachers are not checking their email while they are teaching. You can also call our main phone number at 847-659-3400. Please make every attempt to notify us of any changes prior to 2:00pm that day so that we can ensure that communication occurs and we can keep children safe.

As our kindergarten students begin to learn their colors, we also encourage our 1st & 2nd grade students to participate in our color weeks. Please see the dates and designated colors for you to choose to wear throughout the first full two weeks of school.

Understanding Sensory Overload

Sometimes what looks like a tantrum, withdrawal, or challenging behavior may actually be a child feeling overwhelmed by too much sensory input. Sensory overload occurs when the brain receives more information than it can comfortably process. Loud noises, bright lights, crowded spaces, unexpected changes, or uncomfortable textures can all contribute.

Children may respond by covering their ears, avoiding activities, becoming unusually quiet or withdrawn, struggling with transitions, or having an emotional outburst. When we recognize these behaviors as possible signs of overwhelm, we can respond with understanding rather than simply focusing on the behavior.

Families can help by providing a quiet space to decompress, maintaining predictable routines, practicing calming strategies such as deep breathing, and planning ahead for environments that may be overstimulating. Most importantly, our goal is not to “fix” a child, but to understand what they are communicating and provide the support they need to feel safe, regulated, and successful. By learning our children’s triggers and helping them develop strategies to manage sensory challenges, we empower them to build confidence and resilience.

How to Spot Signs of Sensory Overload - Center for Therapeutic Interventions

What is Sensory Overload? - Social Workers Toolbox

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!

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!

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

Time: 6:00PM

When: Thursday September 17th

WEBSITE: Our website is currently being updated for the 2026–2027 school year. Please check back often, as additional information and resources will be added throughout the year as plans are finalized. Square Barn PTA Website

UPCOMING EVENTS

SQUARE BARN SHUFFLE!!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17d0zACoi3GzIZJ3jURkYiGLATsIbn0nS/view?usp=sharing

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!

LOOK FOR PLEDGE PACKETS COMING HOME MONDAY 8/31!!

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AT THE SHUFFLE!

The Square Barn PTA needs your help! We need volunteers to help us run our Square Barn Shuffles! Click the QR code below to sign up!

WHAT: Square Barn Shuffles! The shuffle experience is twofold: Students are invited to make their way through a fun obstacle course, but also have the opportunity to participate in some fun games and challenges! In order to make this a successful day, we need the help of volunteers to help run games and challenges. We appreciate you!!

WHERE: Conley - September 11

Mackeben - September 18

WHEN: Sign up for a time slot (or 2!) that will work with your schedule! If none of the time slots work for you, please reach out to us and we will sign you up for what fits into your day! THANK YOU!!

Our email: squarebarnpta@gmail.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qKm1lBGzGYGFzXedE886rDOO1cTSfGWn/view?usp=sharing

Administration/Office Staff

Attendance

Calendar

Menus

Newsletters (archived)

Staff Directory

Student Handbooks

Address - 800 Dr. John Burkey Dr. Algonquin, IL 60102

Main Office Phone Number - 847-659-3400

Attendance Number - 847-659-3411

Marcie Marzullo - Principal

mmarzullo@district158.org

847-659-3401

Katie Aumann - Assistant Principal

kaharris@district158.org

847-659-3402

Jamie DeYoung - Special Services Coordinator

jdeyoung@district158.org

847-659-3573