Mountain Lion Memo
Family Newsletter - October 16th, 2026
From the Principal
Building Kindness and Preventing Bullying at Home
Families play an important role in helping children learn to be kind, build healthy friendships, and navigate conflicts. The Together Against Bullying website offers fun, meaningful activities for parents and children to explore emotions, consider different perspectives, practice problem-solving, and discuss choices and consequences related to bullying. Simple activities, such as family conversations, journaling, and scenario-based discussions, can help children develop empathy and feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Taking time to talk openly with your child reinforces the importance of kindness, respect, and caring for others. Explore these activities together to continue building a positive, inclusive community at home and at school!
Celebrations ๐
Mackeben Elementary School extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to our school community! We're incredibly proud of our readers and grateful for your support, which made our fundraiser a success. Our students had a wonderful time reading. We can't wait to host another Read-A-Thon next year!
We logged 39,561 minutes *exceeding our goal of 10,000 minutes* and raised $14,498 toward our goal of $15,000.
Our TOP CLASSES are:
Mrs. Wilkinson - $1,445.00
Mrs. Holterhaus - 4,265 - Minutes Read
Prizes will be distributed to students the week of October 19th.
Thank you for all your support!!!!
Save the Date ๐
Picture Retakes
Thursday, October 22nd
*Must complete form if retakes are being requested*
Early Release
Early Release
Friday, October 23rd
1:30pm
Trunk or Treat
PTA Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 23rd
5-7pm
Sunday, November 1st
4:00pm
Mackeben Family Night @ Rockford IceHogs
Announcements & Reminders ๐ฃ
Picture Retake - Request Form
Picture Retakes - Thursday, October 22nd
Hard copies can be found in your child's backpack
Art to Remember
orders are due Monday, October 26th
Fall Party Reminders
Fall Party Reminders
October 30th Mackeben will be having our Fall Classroom Parties. Students are allowed to dress up, but please be aware of our party expectations.
Costume Expectations:
- Costumes should be worn over clothes so that students can pull them on/off independently.
- Costumes should be appropriate, not be violent in nature and should not include weapons, fake or plastic, or masks that cover entire face.
- Hair dye and minimal face paint should be applied at home (i.e. whiskers and a nose).
Volunteer Reminders:
- Siblings that do not attend Mackeben are not allowed to attend the parties or volunteer.
- Volunteers that have signed up for one class, are not allowed to go into another classroom, even if you child is in that classroom. You must only stay in your assigned area.
- Food brought in for parties, must be store bought. No homemade items may be distributed to students. Nutrition label must be visible due to student allergies.
- We are encouraging non-food items be distributed. Please check with the classroom teacher for classroom restrictions.
Message from PE
Please make sure that students have sneakers for PE. Flip flops & Crocks are not allowed for safety purposes during PE. Please check the sizes of your child's shoes due to their little feet growing quickly. If you family needs assistance with purchasing shoes, please reach out to Mrs. Marzullo - mmarzullo@district158.org or 847-659-3401
Early Student Pick-Up Reminders
Please remember to call the office in advance if you plan to pick up your child early from school. We understand that unexpected emergencies may arise; however, providing the office with advance notice whenever possible helps us ensure your child is ready for pick-up in an efficient and timely manner.
Whenever possible, we recommend scheduling early pick-ups before 3:00 p.m. to help minimize disruptions to our end-of-day routines.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep dismissal running smoothly and safely!
Help supply our Prize Cart
Students use their PAWS to "purr-chase" items
Thank you for your support
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3K18HUBFPZ9AM?ref_=wl_share
PTA News ๐ช
TRUNK OR TREAT!!!
Our Trunk or Treat will take place on Friday, October 23 from 5-7PM in the Mackeben/Conley Bus Lot. Follow the link below to reserve your spot as a trunk host!!
Trunk or Treat Trunk Host Sign Up
RAISING CANES DINE AND SHARE
Our Raising Caneโs Dine and Share will take place on November 4th at the 1701 S. Randall Road location from 4-10PM Mention the fundraiser or apply the code RCFUND96 to online or app orders
MEETINGS: Join us for our next community meeting!
Where: In Person: Conley Elementary Library (B103) Childcare Provided! (ages 3 and up). Children are welcome at our meetings too!
Online : https://meet.google.com/hvw-wehs-miw
Time: 6:00PM
When: Thursday November TBA
CONTACT US: squarebarnpta@gmail.com Square Barn PTA Website
District News ๐ชง
MPAC Meeting & Family Reading Night
Join us on Monday, November 2 at Martin Elementary for an evening of learning, connection, and family fun! From 6:00โ6:30 p.m., our MPAC (Multilingual Parent Advisory Committee) meeting will focus on an overview and discussion of District data. Pizza will be served, and childcare will be provided during the meeting.
Following MPAC, stay for our MPAC-sponsored Family Reading Night from 6:30โ7:30 p.m. Families will have an opportunity to enjoy reading activities, explore resources, and learn strategies to support literacy at home.
๐ Martin Elementary, 10920 Reed Road
We hope to see you there!
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting
We invite you to join us for our Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting on October 21, 2026 6:00PM-7:00PM. We look forward to sharing information about the many supports and services available to our families and gathering your feedback.
We hope you can join us!
Virtual Google Meet:https://meet.google.com/uzi-ifsx-ibb
The purpose of SEAC is to create a platform for families to come together, collaborate, learn, and build connections as a dedicated community focused on special education. If your child(ren) has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or if you're simply interested in learning more about the special education services provided within Huntley School District 158, we encourage you to attend these quarterly meetings.
October is ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD affects millions of children and youth, impacting executive function, emotional regulation, and daily learning. Behind every challenge, however, is a student with unique strengths, creativity, and potential.
Need Support? Weโre Here to Help. Our district is partnered with Care Solace to provide complimentary, confidential mental health care coordination for our students, staff, and their families. Together, we can ensure every student receives the understanding, care, and guidance they need to thrive.
Care Solace offers 24/7/365 support to connect you with verified local providers who accept your insurance (including Medicaid) or offer sliding scale rates, specializing in ADHD and youth mental health.
Call: 888-515-0595 (Multilingual support available 24/7/365)
Visit: caresolace.com/huntley
Help Us Recycle for Sight!
Huntley School District 158 is excited to once again partner with the Huntley Area Lions Club for the 4th Annual Recycle for Sight Used Eyeglass Collection Drive, taking place at all District 158 schools during the week of October 19-23!
How can you help? Take a few minutes to look through your dresser drawers, closets, and other places where old eyeglasses may be collecting dust. Weโre collecting:
Prescription eyeglasses
Prescription sunglasses
Reading eyeglasses
Empty plastic and metal eyeglass frames
Donโt wear them anymore? Donate them and give them a second chance to help someone else see clearly! And donโt forget to ask your friends, neighbors, and family members to join in, too!
Collection Dates: Monday, October 19 โ Friday, October 23
Drop-Off Locations: All District 158 schools and the Administration Office
Letโs come together as a community and surpass our record of 282 pairs of eyeglasses collected!
Every pair makes a difference. Thank you for helping us make a difference, one pair at a time!
Mackeben Quick Links ๐
Questions / Feedbackโ
Virtual Bulletin Board ๐ฏ
Mackeben Information
Address - 800 Dr. John Burkey Dr. Algonquin, IL 60102
Main Office Phone Number - 847-659-3400
Attendance Number - 847-659-3411
Marcie Marzullo - Principal
847-659-3401
Katie Aumann - Assistant Principal
847-659-3402
Jamie DeYoung - Special Services Coordinator
847-659-3573