The Castle Connection
"Family Edition": News from Matt Arthur Elementary School
Hello families,
Here’s a look at what’s happening across our school. We’ll share key updates, upcoming dates, and resources to help you stay informed and support student success.
Digital Tip: This newsletter is interactive! If you are viewing this on a computer or mobile device, please utilize the Table of Contents links to the left to jump directly to the sections that interest you most.
🔗Click the link to visit the Matt Arthur Elementary website: https://maes.hcbe.net/
Stay in the Loop! > For the latest district news and real-time updates, be sure to keep an eye on our Live Feed and Events calendar via the HCSD App. It’s the easiest way to ensure you never miss a beat!
Show your MAES school spirit with official t-shirts, available now in youth and adult sizes for $16 each.
Available Styles
3rd Grade: Solid purple t-shirt featuring the knight mascot logo on the left chest.
4th Grade: Solid black t-shirt featuring the knight mascot logo on the left chest.
5th Grade: Purple and white tie-dye t-shirt featuring the knight mascot logo on the left chest.
How to Purchase
In Person: Pay with cash, check, or money order.
- If you need to purchase school shirts, please call the front office directly! Our staff will be happy to check our current in-stock inventory for the exact sizes and styles you need.
📞 Front Office: (478) 988-6170
Capture the Memories!
Attention Matt Arthur Elementary families! The 2026–2027 Yearbooks are officially on sale now! Don't miss out on preserving all the fun, friendships, and special moments from this school year for your student.
How to Order:
Scan: Simply point your phone camera at the QR code on the flyer!
Click: Visit http://yearbooks2.pixami.com/MattArth.../home3/Bookstore.jsp to order online.
Order yours today and hold onto these precious elementary school memories forever!
QUESTIONS? Call BPI at 478-217-5110 or 866-363-6936
Our Community Partnership Fundraiser is officially live! With over 5,000 vehicles passing our campus daily, this is the perfect way to grow your brand's local visibility while directly giving back to our school.
Choose your level of impact:
Golden Shield (Lifetime Partner): $1,000 Secure a permanent 4'x8' advertisement sign in a premium location. No renewals, no hassle—just a lifetime of support and exposure.
Silver Sword (3-Year Sponsor): $600 Get a 4'x8' advertisement sign in a premium location for three years. (Renewal available for $150/year after the initial term).
Don't miss out on this high-visibility opportunity to support our Knights!
📞 Call the Front Office for More Information! (478) 988-6170
Calling all Matt Arthur Elementary families! Did you know you can help our school earn cash just by doing your weekly grocery run? The Box Tops for Education program has gone digital, making it easier than ever to support our students. No more clipping or filing tiny cardboard squares—all you need is your phone!
Whether you’re buying Cheerios, Annie’s, or even Paper Mate pens, those purchases add up to real funding for MAES. These funds go directly toward the "extras" that make our school so special—like new playground equipment, classroom technology, and memorable field trips for our kids.
📥 How to Get Started
Download the App: Search for "Box Tops for Education" in the App Store or Google Play.
Find Our School: Select Matt Arthur Elementary School (Kathleen, GA) as your designated school.
Scan Your Receipts: Within 14 days of shopping, just snap a quick photo of your receipt in the app. It automatically identifies participating products and credits our school 10¢ each!
✨ Pro-Tip: Link Your Accounts!
If you shop at Walmart, you can link your account directly in the Box Tops app. This way, you earn for Matt Arthur automatically every time you buy eligible items—no scanning required! 🛒💨
Every dime stays right here at Matt Arthur to support our teachers and staff in providing "a school that works for all students." Let’s show our Knight pride and start scanning today! 💜
Want the latest updates on school events, volunteer opportunities, and PTO news? Head over to Facebook and follow the official Matt Arthur Elementary School PTO page! It is the quickest way to stay in the loop, see photos from recent activities, and connect with our wonderful school community.
Follow us here: MAES PTO Facebook Page
Don't forget to like and follow the page so our updates show up directly in your feed!
The Houston County School District believes that keeping families in the loop is the best way to support our students. Whether it’s a quick reminder or a major announcement, we use a variety of tools to ensure you never miss a beat. Click the link to access the Parent Information Center and more details regarding the apps available for parents.
🔗Click the link to visit the HCSD Parent Information Page: https://houstoncountys.schoolinsites.com/parentinfocenter
HCSD is now using NutriSlice for menu, nutrition, and allergy information. Please click the link and then click the logo for the school of your choice.
- All breakfasts are served with a selection of fruit and a choice of milk and/or water.
- All lunches are served with a selection of fruit, fresh veggie bars, and a choice of milk and/or water.
- Nutrition and allergy information be automatically generated but may not represent the most accurate information for current products. Please use the meal modification request linked below for any medical needs or contact the School Nutrition Dietitian at lauren.koff@hcbe.net.
🔗Click the link to visit the HCSD Lunch Menu webpage: HCSD Lunch Menu
The Lindsey Support Center is standing by to champion our Matt Arthur families and students!
💜 It’s an incredible resource dedicated to providing extra care and support for our entire community.
✨ Check out how they can help:
👕 Clothing Closet – Essential gear for our growing Knights
🥫 Food Pantry – Nutritious support for the whole family
💻 Computer Lab – Staying connected and ready to learn
📚 Classes & Programs – Tools to help our community thrive
We are so grateful for this amazing partnership! Together, we’re making sure every family has exactly what they need to succeed. 💜🏰
🔗Click the link to visit the Lindsey Student Support Center webpage: https://www.hcbe.net/lindseycenter
Your Library: Free Resources for Everyone!
Libraries offer so much more than books—and it’s all free! Enjoy access to:
- 📚 Books, eBooks & Audiobooks
- 💻 Free Wi-Fi & Computers
- 🎓 Classes, Storytimes & Workshops
- 🎬 Movies, Music & Games
- 🧠 Help with jobs, school & more
- 🌟 Events, Clubs & Creative Spaces
Whether you're learning, relaxing, or connecting—your library is here for you!
🔗Click the link to visit the Houston County Public Library webpage: https://houpl.org/
It’s that time of year! As we approach the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS), we want to ensure our families feel confident and prepared. This year brings some exciting updates, particularly with the full implementation of the new K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) Standards, designed to boost literacy and communication skills.
🎯 Our Goal: 100% Attendance
We are aiming for 100% attendance during the testing period! Having every student present helps us avoid the need for make-up assessments and ensures a smooth, focused experience for everyone. Your cooperation and support in achieving this goal are greatly appreciated—let's work together to make this a successful testing season!
🔍 Understanding the Achievement Levels
When you receive your child’s results, their performance will be categorized into one of four levels. Think of these as a roadmap of their current academic journey:
What does each level mean?
Beginning Learner: Needs substantial academic support for the next grade.
Developing Learner: Demonstrates partial proficiency; needs some support.
Proficient Learner: The Goal! Well-prepared for the next grade level.
Distinguished Learner: Demonstrates advanced proficiency and understanding.
💡 Pro-Tips for Parent Prep
You don't need to be a math genius or a literature expert to help your child succeed! Here are the best ways to support them:
Experience Online Testing: Use the link Experience Online Testing Georgia to help your child practice using the digital tools (like the highlighter and calculator) so the tech feels like second nature.
Focus on the "New" ELA: The standards now shift toward the "Science of Reading." Encourage your child to explain why they chose an answer when reading together, as the test emphasizes evidence-based writing.
The "Big Four" Home Routine:
Charge Up: Ensure Chromebooks are plugged in and fully charged every night. A dead battery is the last thing they should worry about!
Rest: Aim for 8–9 hours of sleep. A rested brain processes information faster.
Fuel: A protein-rich breakfast prevents the "mid-test slump."
Calm: Keep mornings low-stress. Remind them that the Milestones are just a chance to "show what they know."
Imagination...
Innovation...
and Chapters.
Sora
Destiny Discover
