McFarland School District
September 2027 Community Newsletter

Message from the Superintendent
Welcome to the November 2026 McFarland School Community Newsletter!
Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Inside, you’ll find highlights of important events, community activities, key projects, and the incredible achievements of our students and staff—as well as updates on how we’re addressing challenges and planning for the future.
🌟 In This Edition
💰 School Funding & Annual Meeting
Learn about the outcome of our October 26 Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing. We remain focused on fiscal responsibility—cutting costs, increasing revenues, and maintaining a balanced 2026–27 budget.
📈 Student Success
See the exciting results from recent standardized assessments, showing that McFarland students continue to improve and outperform most students in the county.
🎭 Performing Arts & Community Events
Check out what’s coming up at the McFarland Performing Arts Center, including the production of Puffs, adult education classes, and more!
🙌 Volunteer Opportunities
Find ways to get involved and make a difference in our schools and community.
As always, if you have questions, ideas, or feedback, please use this form or contact me directly. We remain committed to open, transparent, and ongoing communication.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of McFarland Schools. We are excited about the year ahead and grateful to serve a community that cares deeply about its schools and students.
Stay Classy, McFarland!
Aaron Tarnutzer (“Mr. T.”)
Superintendent
School Board Hosts First Community Engagement Session
On October 13, the McFarland School Board hosted its first Community Engagement Session, bringing community members together to learn more about the District, ask questions, and share perspectives. The evening featured updates on student achievements, District priorities, community partnerships, facilities, and school funding, along with an interactive trivia activity highlighting District accomplishments.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to our School Board members for their commitment to transparency, open communication, and community involvement. We look forward to building on this first session and creating additional opportunities to strengthen connections between our schools and community!
McFarland School Board - Vacant Position to Complete a Term & April Election
Announcement of Vacancy to Complete a Term - School Board Member
The School District of McFarland is seeking a fifth member to complete the term of a board member who has resigned. The term will run from the date of appointment to April of 2027. The board functions as a decision making body, providing policy and financial oversight to the district. The board seeks a collaborative individual, one who is able to represent and be open to diverse views, and interested in making a thoughtful and powerful contribution to the school district and the children it serves. Eligible candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, and a School District of McFarland resident for at least 28 consecutive days at the time of the appointment.
Declaration of Candidacy forms, including statement of interest and qualifications may be found at www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us or picked up at the McFarland High School main entrance - 5103 Farwell Street McFarland, WI and must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Candidates will appear during the 7:00 p.m. November 16, 2026 McFarland School Board meeting.
Budget Update
Forward Exam Results
In the summer of 2026, families of students in grades 3-8 and 10 received information about their children’s Forward Exam scores from last Spring. Recently, data about Forward Exam scores were released across the state.
We know that the Forward Exam is just one measure of what McFarland students know and are able to do, but we do look at the results carefully to find areas of celebration and growth as a District. Our District Strategic Plan puts literacy achievement front and center with a specific focus on closing gaps between students in various demographic groups (for example, between students with and without disabilities).
When looking at the Spring 2026 Forward Exam results, we noticed:
In all subjects and grades, McFarland students perform better than the State average.
When comparing our results to the rest of Dane County McFarland was fourth in the county in ELA and Math out of 19 districts.
67% of McFarland students scored proficient or advanced in ELA on the Forward Exam, and 70% of McFarland students scored proficient or advanced in Math on the Forward Exam.
We will continue our work to close achievement gaps between students at our school and focus on research-based instructional practices in all subjects to help us meet our strategic plan goals.
Upcoming Events at the McFarland Performing Arts Center
McFarland High School Drama Presents Puffs - November 5-8
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
This fall, MHS Theatre presents Puffs, a hilarious and heartfelt comedy that takes a familiar seven-year story about a certain famous wizarding school and tells it from the perspective of the students who were definitely not the heroes.
The play follows Wayne, a perfectly ordinary boy who discovers he is a wizard and heads off to magic school expecting adventure, friendship, and maybe even a chance to save the world. Instead, he finds himself sorted into the Puffs, a house full of kind, loyal, slightly chaotic students who always seem to be standing just outside the spotlight.
Over seven increasingly ridiculous years, the Puffs face monsters, magical disasters, school rivalries, and one extremely inconvenient dark wizard while trying to prove that you don't have to be “the chosen one” to matter.
Fast-paced, wildly funny, and surprisingly full of heart, Puffs is a celebration of friendship, loyalty, and all the people who never get to be the main character.
Performances:
November 5, 6, and 7 at 6:30 PM
November 8 at 2:00 PM
McFarland Performing Arts Center's Black Box Theatre
Tickets on sale now at https://www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us/community/PAC.cfm
MHS Choirs Presents Once Upon a Cabaret - November 11
Get Connected
McFarland School District on Facebook
@mcfarlandwisd on Instagram
Tarnutzer's Travels Video Updates
Use of School Facilities
Did you know that there any many opportunities for the community to use the amazing facilities that you've helped build here at McFarland Schools? Check out the below link for classes like adult woodworking and freezer meal workshops to getting active at adult open gym times, lap swim at the Angie O'Donnell Aquatic Center, and morning walks at MHS!
Fall Wreath Workshop
New! First-Ever Seasonal Fall Wreath Workshop
Celebrate autumn with MRAP and Art for the Mind & Soul at our first-ever Fall Wreath Making Workshop! Gather with friends, family, or enjoy a solo self-care afternoon creating a custom, handmade wreath with natural materials to spruce up your home for the season.
This laid-back, beginner-friendly session requires no prior experience—all materials are provided! Working as a pair? Up to two people can craft together on a single wreath registration, making it a fantastic duo activity!
🗓️ Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: McFarland High School - Cafeteria
💵 Fee: $98.00 per wreath kit (all instruction & supplies included)
👥 Ages: 12+ welcome (Ages 12–14 require an accompanying adult; 15+ may attend independently)
⏳ Registration Deadline: November 9th, 2026
Spots are limited to 25 registrants—reserve your wreath kit today!
📲 Register at MRAPNews.com or call 608-838-4666
Line Dancing
MRAP Line Dancing is returning this fall! Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned dancer who just loves to move, our classes are designed for everyone. Join us in the McFarland High School Multipurpose Room for easy steps, great music, and incredibly good vibes. Choose the session that works for you, or sign up for all three to keep the momentum going!
🗓️ Upcoming Fall Sessions:
All classes take place on Tuesdays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM:
September Session (Sept. 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th)
Fee: $40.00 Resident | $52.00 Non-Resident
October Session (Oct. 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th)
Fee: $40.00 Resident | $52.00 Non-Resident
November Session (Nov. 10th, 17th, and 24th)
Fee: $30.00 Resident | $39.00 Non-Resident
💻 How to Register for a Full Session:
Securing your spot is easy! You can sign up online or give us a call:
Online: Visit MRAPNews.com
Phone: Call us at 608-838-4666
Looking to just try it out? Single-class drop-in options are always available!
- Drop-in Fee: $10.00 Resident | $13.00 Non-Resident
- Just show up 5 minutes before class starts and we'll take care of the rest!
- Footwear with leather or composite soles are recommended (bowling shoes work great!)
Round up your friends and mosey on over to MRAPNews.com to sign up today! 🌵🎵
2026 Water Exercise
Looking for a low-impact workout to kickstart your fitness routine? Join us at the pool for a 1-hour Water Exercise class! Whether you are looking to build strength, boost endurance, or simply enjoy a fun workout, we have a spot in the pool for you.
No Pre-Registration Required: Just drop in whenever it fits your schedule!
Ages 13 & Up Welcome: Great for teens, working adults, and older adults
Flexible Workouts:
Monday & Wednesday Evenings: Shallow end workouts
Saturday Mornings: Deep water workouts
Ready to Jump In?
Punch cards can be purchased in advance online or right on the pool deck with a Lifeguard/Manager. Daily fees and guest passes are available for purchase at the pool as well!
Fun & Fitness
Looking for a refreshing way to stay active, build strength, and meet great people? Join us for Fun & Fitness, a water exercise program tailored specifically for adults ages 55 and over! It is the perfect blend of low-impact movement, guided exercise, and social time.
No Pre-Registration Required: Drop in whenever it fits your morning routine!
Flexible Class Format:
First 30 Minutes: Unstructured swim and water exercise—go at your own pace or catch up with friends!
Final 15 Minutes: An optional, instructor-led workout to finish strong.
Schedule: Most Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays.
How to Join:
Memberships and punch cards are available for purchase online, or you can buy them directly on the pool deck with a Lifeguard or Manager.
Indoor Pickleball
Don't let the cooler weather stop your game! Join us at McFarland High School on Wednesday evenings for our upcoming 2026–2027 Indoor Pickleball Learn & Play sessions:
Level 1 (Beginner Players): Wednesdays, Nov. 4th – Dec. 16th | 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM
Level 2 (Intermediate Players): Wednesdays, Jan. 6th – Feb. 10th | 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM
Level 1 & 2 "Combo Class" (Beginner & Intermediate Players): Wednesdays, Feb. 17th – Mar. 24th | 7:15 PM – 8:45 PM
📍 Location: McFarland High School
🔗 Register today at MRAPNews.com or call 608-838-4666!
Beat the Winter Cold: Join Our Free Indoor Morning Walk Program!
Looking for a comfortable place to stay active this fall and winter? MRAP's Indoor Morning Walk program returns November 3rd through March 12th at McFarland High School – Back Entrance (6204 Exchange Street)! Walkers are welcome Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:45 AM – 7:45 AM on days school is in session (no walking on PD Days, Conference Release Days, Winter Break, Holidays, etc...)
Park in the back lot, enter through Door P, and check in at the Angie O'Donnell Aquatic Center before heading to the B-gym hallway loop (10 laps ≈ 1 mile!).
For questions, email mrap@mcfsd.org or call 608-838-4666
Get ready to hit the court!
MRAP Adult Co-Ed Drop-In Volleyball returns on Wednesday nights from 6:45–8:45 PM at Waubesa Intermediate School, running December through May. Daily admission is $5.00 for Residents ($7.00 Non-Resident). For maximum convenience, grab a 10-Entry Electronic Punch Pass online before you go—no need to carry cash or cards to the gym, and you'll enjoy a faster, hassle-free check-in at the door!
Ages 18+. Please note that off-site childcare arrangements must be made, as children are not permitted in the gym or hallways during drop-in play.
Upcoming Events
- School Board Meeting - November 2 - MHS District Office Board Room
- MHS Fall Play - November 5-8 - MHS Black Box Theatre
- MHS Choir Cabaret - November 14 - MHS PAC
- Prospective School Board Member Informational Session - November 16 - MHS District Office Board Room
- School Board Meeting - November 16 - MHS District Office Board Room
- MHS Orchestra Concert - November 17 - MHS PAC
- No School - November 25-27 - Fall Break
- School Board Meeting - December 7 - MHS District Office Board Room
- MHS Band Concert - December 9 - MHS PAC
- MHS Choir Concert - December 16 - MHS PAC
- No School - December 21- January 1
- School Board Meeting - January 11 - MHS District Office Board Room
Get Involved - Volunteering and Fundraising
- McFarland Primary School 838-3146
- Waubesa Intermediate School 838-7667
- Indian Mound Middle School 838-8980
- McFarland High School 838-3166
- District Office 838-3169
Click the link below to visit out website Volunteering page to complete a form.
Click the link below to visit our Classmunity page for information on fundraising campaigns you may be interest in supporting.
District Highlights
Highlight from Mrs. Punzel's class!
Mrs. Punzel's class at MPS put their listening and communication skills to the test by drawing a picture without being able to see what they were drawing! They had to listen carefully, follow directions, and trust the process. There was a lot of laughter as they checked out their finished drawings!
Safety Patrol Highlight!
Meet our group of 5th-grade Safety Patrol leaders! These dedicated students are working hard every day to keep our school community safe, positive, and running smoothly. Thank you for your leadership and hard work, and for the families who support them in this role.
#McFarlandStrong
IMMS 7th Grade Science Highlight!
Our IMMS 7th Grade scientists took science outside! Students explored and compared leaves while investigating their connection to photosynthesis, then collected river water samples to search for tiny living organisms as part of their cell unit.
Hands-on science, outdoor exploration, and plenty of tiny discoveries!
#McFarlandStrong
Have a Question?
The McFarland School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.