Elementary News
Mac El and Pipe Creek - March 13, 2026
From the Principal
This has certainly been a busy week—from adjusting to the time change to ending the week with some wild winds! We hope you all have a relaxing weekend to recharge and get ready for the week ahead. With only four days of school before Spring Break, students are naturally feeling extra excited. Please continue to help your child get plenty of rest each night. A good night’s sleep helps students stay regulated, focused, and ready to learn during the school day. We truly appreciate all you do at home to support your child’s learning and success.
Next week’s weather looks like it may bring everything from warm temperatures to the possibility of snow. Please keep an eye on the forecast and make sure your child comes to school with appropriate clothing for the day, including recess. Once the warmer weather arrives, students are eager to switch to shorts, but mornings can still be quite chilly. Helping them dress in layers can make a big difference in keeping them comfortable throughout the day.
Mark your Calendar
March 13 - End of Reporting Period
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
- Mac El PTO Cookie Fundraiser pick-up 3:15 - 6:30 pm at the cafeteria doors
March 20 - 27 - SPRING BREAK!
April 1 - 5th grade - Paige's Music Instrument Display & Rental Night -(see below) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
April 7 - Mac El Spring Pictures
April 8 - Pipe Creek Spring Pictures
April 9 - Maconaquah Roundup @ Pipe Creek (see below) 4:30 - 6:00 pm
4th Grade Indy 500 Visit
As our 4th grade students dive into STEM and Indiana History, the Indy 500 is an exciting and important part of what they learn. This week, we were fortunate to have the 500 Festival bring an in-school field trip experience directly to our 4th grade classrooms. Students enjoyed fun, hands-on learning through interactive stations led by 500 Festival staff and volunteers, explored real racing equipment, and even got to see an actual IndyCar up close. It was an engaging experience that brought history, engineering, and innovation to life for our students.
As an added surprise, one of our parents, Shawn Mayes, a member of the #90 Pitt Crew with Indy Prema Racing, spoke with our students about his career and what it takes to be part of the racing industry. Hearing firsthand about the skills, teamwork, and opportunities in this field made the experience even more meaningful. What a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn about a real-world career from someone working in the industry right here in our community!
Mac El Terrific Thursday Glow Party
5th grade celebrates Pi Day!
Pi Day is celebrated every year on March 14 (3/14) because the date matches the first three digits of π (pi), which is 3.14.
What is Pi? Pi (π) is a number used in math to help measure circles. It represents the relationship between the distance around a circle (circumference) and the distance across the circle (diameter). No matter how big or small the circle is, that relationship is always about 3.14.
IREAD Testing
Testing Results
Paige's Music Instrument Display & Rental Night (5th Gr)
Parents of students interested in joining the band in sixth grade will learn about the band program at Maconaquah and the music instrument rental program offered by Paige's Music.
Mac El PTO
Pipe Creek PTO
Mac El Yearbooks on Sale
Pipe Creek Yearbooks on Sale
Pipe Creek Elementary Yearbooks are on Sale!
Yearbook price $20.00
Click on the button below to place your order.
Make checks payable to: Pipe Creek Elementary School
Maconaquah Round Up - Mark your Calendar
IMPORTANT - Changes in Transportation
Contact Front Office at your child's building
If there is a change in your child's transportation, whether they will be picked up or riding a bus, it MUST be communicated with the front office. This can be done by sending a note to school or calling the office. If you call the office, please make sure you speak with a person. There is a central list at each elementary school, which allows us to check when students are unsure and the teacher may not be available. Do not just send a message to the teacher. The office MUST be notified. Thank you!
NOTE: Transportation changes should be in to the office by 2:00 pm.
Background Checks & Photo IDs
We love having you visit our schools! To ensure the safety of all our students, anyone who wishes to volunteer or have lunch with their student must first complete a volunteer background check. You can find the link under the Parent Resources tab on our website.
A friendly reminder: for the safety of our students, please remember to bring your photo ID whenever you visit the school for any reason, including student pickup, lunch, or meetings.
Community Opportunities
Pipe Creek Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Mac El Breakfast and Lunch Menus
BRAVES OF THE WEEK
Pre-K: Carson Dittfield
Carson joined our class about a month ago and has already made such a wonderful transition to our school. He comes to class ready to learn, works hard to complete his activities, and always tries his best. He is a kind friend who treats everyone with respect and enjoys helping others. We are so happy to have him in our class and are proud of the positive example he sets each day. Keep up the great work!
Kindergarten: Kinsley Warner
Kinsley is such a “smart cookie,” always doing her best work and showing a great attitude. She follows school rules, listens carefully, and is a kind, helpful friend to everyone in the class. We are so proud of the positive example she sets every day!
1st Grade: Novaleigh Roberts
Novaleigh comes to school ready to learn each day! She works hard and is a great example to others! She is helpful, kind, and has the biggest heart for others! We are blessed to have her in our class!
2nd Grade: Alivia Liehr
Alivia was chosen for Brave of the Week because she is a very hardworking second grader. Alivia tries her best every day. She is a great example to her fellow students on how to have Brave behavior. She comes to school every day with a smile on her face and is ready to make each day amazing. Keep up the hard work, Miss Alivia!
3rd Grade: Mia Gilbreath
Mia is such a kind kid. She may be quiet, but her heart is so big. These last few days, Mia has helped a friend through some tough times and was the rock the classmate needed! Mia isn’t afraid to ask questions when she doesn’t understand and works so hard to do her best! She showed perseverance and hard work during IREAD and the checkpoints these last two weeks! I’m so proud of her and her drive, not only in school but also to be a great friend!
4th Grade: Piper Farthing
Piper is a shining example of what it means to be a Brave! She brings kindness, positivity, and a bright smile to our classroom every single day. Piper works hard, gives her best effort, and faces challenges with determination and a great attitude. Throughout 4th grade, Piper has shown wonderful growth, and this year she is even stepping outside her comfort zone by trying drama! Her willingness to try new things and her positive spirit make our classroom a happier place. We are so lucky to have Piper in our class. Keep shining, Piper, we are proud of you!
5th Grade: Dexter Snow
Dexter was nominated for Brave of the Week for being dependable. We can depend on Dexter to help a friend, show integrity, and sometimes even start singing the National Anthem during a Social Studies lesson! He is a bright spot in our classroom, and I know he will continue to shine throughout his time as a Brave and beyond. Keep doing what you're doing, Dexter! I’m so proud of you!