MacArthur Elementary School

Dear MacArthur Families,

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Spell Bowl Team!
A special thank you to our dedicated coaches, Mrs. Ehens and Mr. DeYoung, for their commitment and willingness to lead this year’s team.

We also want to highlight an important opportunity to support our school community:

The PTO's Charleston Wrap fundraiser is starting soon-October 1st -15th!
We encourage everyone to participate. If this fundraiser is successful, we may not need to hold additional fundraisers throughout the year.

Our PTO does an amazing job supporting our students and school in so many ways. Here are just a few examples:

• If you have a Kindergarten student who came home with a MacArthur Mustang stuffed animal — thank the PTO.
• If your child received a “Letter” shirt for knowing all their letters — thank the PTO.
• If your 4th or 5th grader participates in our after-school basketball program — thank the PTO.
• If your child has been part of the Spell Bowl or Math Bowl teams — thank the PTO for sponsoring t-shirts and pizza before competitions.
• And let’s not forget the many fun family events the PTO organizes, like Trunk or Treat, Field Day, Fun Fair, Santa’s Secret Shop, and more!

It truly takes a village, and we are grateful for the support of our families. By supporting the PTO, you are directly supporting our students, staff, and school community.

Thank you in advance for your continued support!

Not pictured: Charlie F., Mrs. Ehens & Mr. DeYoung

23rd: McTeacher Night @ McDonald's Cedar Lake

22-26th: College & Career Week

1st: Bully Prevention Month Begins

10th: Grandparents Day

13th-17th: Fall Break-No School

24th: PTO Trunk or Treat

27th-31st: Red Ribbon Week

On Thursday, September 11th, our 2nd Graders went on a field trip to County Line Orchard. They learned about the importance of bees, how apple cider is made (and even got to taste some!), the process that the apples go through after being picked, and everyone was able to pick their own bag of apples!

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! SAVE THE DATE for October 6-10, 2025.

Students will shop during Library Specials! Click on the link below to explore the Book Fair & set up your student's ewallet.

Next week, September 22nd–26th, is College and Career Week! Our students will enjoy a fun, engaging week exploring different career paths and thinking about their futures. Each day has a special theme:

• Monday: Dress for a job interview and explore careers.
• Tuesday: Celebrate STEM and creativity—did you know STEM jobs make up nearly 24% of the U.S. workforce?
• Wednesday: Community Helpers Day—dress as a nurse, police officer, or other helper (no toy weapons or masks).
• Thursday: Talk about your future goals with your family.
• Friday: Show your college spirit by wearing your favorite college shirt or colors.

In addition to at-home activities, students will participate in different hands-on activities in the classroom throughout the week to deepen their understanding and excitement about careers and college. Students who complete the optional at-home handout and turn it in to Ms. Bellamy by Thursday will have a chance to win a special College and Career Week prize!

We encourage families to join in the fun and support their children in thinking about their bright futures.

Ms. Bellamy

First graders created character puppets from the fables, folktales, and stories they’ve read. Using brown paper bags, markers, and crayons, they brought their favorite characters to life. This hands-on project served as a culminating activity for their unit and helped them review the story element of characters.

September 25th: Mum Sale Pickup

• President - Stephanie Heim
• Vice President - Amy Harvey
• Secretary - Lissette Martinez- Kadisak
• Treasurer - Katie Santostefano
• Volunteer Coordinator - Open Position
• Communications Coordinator: Hannah Noonan

Our food services team remains committed to providing healthy meals that meet all requirements of the federal school lunch guidelines. Mrs. Milner and the cafeteria crew look forward to serving you hot lunches this school year.

Ice cream treats will be sold every day for $1.00.

Student Breakfast: $1.60 Student Lunch: $2.55

Please visit our website at https://www.cps.k12.in.us/district-departments/food-services for:

• Online payments for My MealTime

• Nutritional information for all products

• Free and reduced applications

• Birthday Treat Order Forms

• Allergy information (call us to help plan a menu if your child has dietary restrictions)

Free & Reduced Applications can be completed online at www.mymealtime.com.

Stock up on your spirit wear! You’ll find gear and accessories with dozens of official designs on over three hundred items. Brands include companies like Under Armour, Nike, NorthFace, Ogio, and more. Visit www.cps.k12.in.us/spiritshop to find your school’s store.

Marian Buchko, Principal ext. 16001

Laura Florek, Assistant Principal ext. 16003

Carla Gard, Treasurer ext. 16000

Kim Wasserott, Secretary ext. 16002

Jodi Kvachkoff, Nurse ext. 16081

Email: mbuchko@cps.k12.in.us
Website: https://mac.cps.k12.in.us/
Location: 12900 Fairbanks Street, Cedar Lake, IN, USA
Phone: 219-662-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maccpcsc