
Mackay Newsletter
Malcolm S. Mackay Elementary School - May 2024

Principal's Message
Dear Mackay Families,
The month of May is here and it will be a busy one! Next week is teacher appreciation week and we pause to give thanks to our Mackay teachers who continue to do an AMAZING job each and every day. We have a fun-filled week for our teachers next week to treat them like the FIRST CLASS teachers they are! We could TRAVEL ALL OVER THE WORLD and we would not find a better staff than here at Mackay! Last week we celebrated Ms. Haines with a special baking-themed Administrative Assistant’s Day… our school could not run smoothly without her help, expertise and warm, friendly smile! We would be “DESSERTED” without her and she deserves “NOTHING BUNDT” the best!!!! Each class made her a -sweet-themed” slide and we surprised her in the gym with a short assembly!
Our International Week and journey to South Korea was a huge success. I cannot say enough thank yous to all of our amazing parent volunteers for your time, your expertise, and your kindness! We loved learning about the traditions, geography, food, culture and more! Thank you for sharing it with us.
The NJSLA testing is underway this week for our fourth and fifth graders. Next week our third graders will test from May 6-10. NJSLA Science Testing (5th Grade only) will be the following week on May 13 and 14.
I have started discussions with the faculty around teaching assignments, tiered instruction, student placement, and scheduling - all important components that define our next school year.
The goal of this entire process is to create class lists that are balanced and that will maximize opportunities for teaching and learning. Please note that we do not take requests for specific teachers. See the link below to share your thoughts.
It is hard to believe that May is here and we have just a little over 30 days left in this school year. We still have lots of work to do, memories to make and fun to have! Stay tuned for lots of information coming your way over the next few weeks! Again, please be mindful of playground rules and make sure to adhere to all school rules. Please be mindful and remember that dogs are not permitted on school property.
Lastly, I want to wish a very happy Mother’s Day to all of our Mackay moms. We are so lucky to have all of you in our community and wish you all a day as wonderful as you!
Have a wonderful May,
Heidi Chizzik
Principal
Class Placement 2024-2025
All placement information must be submitted by May 15th.
Upcoming Events
Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6th - 10th
Spring Flower Sale
Friday, May 10th
Spring Concert
Thursday, May 16th
7:00 PM @ Mackay Gym
Field Day
Thursday, May 23rd
(rain date - May 31st)
Memorial Day Break
NO SCHOOL
May 24th - 28th
School Field Trip
Norwalk Aquarium
Wednesday, May 29th
Counselor's Corner
In 1949, the month of May was declared Mental Health Awareness Month. Every year since, May has been designated to raise awareness of the importance of Mental Health. May 7th is declared “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.” Positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development. Check out the Child Mind Institute Anti-Stigma Campaign - #MyYoungerSelf. MyYoungerSelf Campaign “fights the stigma for the 1 in 5 children struggling with mental health and learning disorders.” “Actors, athletes, influencers and more send messages of hope that transform lives.” You will definitely recognize many faces and may be surprised by their personal stories. Love every part of yourself.
-Mrs. Angerson
Mackay Field Day 🏆
Thursday, May 23rd will be our annual Field Day! This year we will be having another inflatable obstacle course, as well as 7 other stations of fun activities.
Please note some reminders:
- Each student will be sent home with a blue or grey team t-shirt that was provided by the HSA. Please make sure they wear this shirt on field day.
- Dress accordingly in sneakers, wear sunscreen and don't forget your water bottle!
- It is a regular school lunch day. If you did not order through the HSA lunch program, please be sure to send your child in with a lunch and snack.
- Although this is an outdoor event, only approved volunteers will be allowed on school grounds during these hours.
Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to a fun-filled day!
Awesome Art 🎨
This month in the art room we are in full swing with our final projects and art show prep. We are so excited for everyone to see our creations for this year! We don’t want to spoil the fun of what you will see come the art show early June, but we guarantee you will enjoy works from all mediums including, digital work, animation, painting, oil pastel, drawing, water color painting, clay, collage, and more!
Until next time!
-Ms. Bracero
Music Sound-Off 🎶
Our Spring Concert is just around the corner! Please join us on May 16th, 7pm in the Mackay Gym for an evening of musical performances by our Band, Orchestra, and Chorus. We will also have our in-school performance at 2pm for Mackay students and faculty. We have a few reminders for our performances:
- Students will wear their normal school clothes for the in-school concert but are encouraged to wear Mackay School or Tenafly-related clothes for in-school performance
- For the evening concert, students should wear white tops, black bottoms, and all-black shoes (no sneakers)
- Call-time for students is 6:30. The doors to the gym will open no earlier than 6:45
- Please email Mr. Fugaban or Mrs. DeJoseph if you have any questions
There is a long-lasting Tenafly tradition at each elementary school; for the 5th grade Promotion Ceremony, the departing 5th grade class sings a song together. Our 5th grade students will be voting on their “Class Song” in May. We’ll be practicing this song and be ready to sing our hearts out one more time as Mackay students!
Musically,
Mr. Fugaban and Mrs. DeJoseph
Let's Get Social!
Follow Mackay's social media platforms to keep up-to-date with upcoming events and happenings in our school and community.
Instagram - @principalmackay
Twitter - @PrincipalMackay