Primary Press

• 9/26 CEPS & 4K Picture Retake Day @ CEPS (7:30am-12:00pm)

Short 'n Sweet

No big updates or announcements from our end. Enjoy the three-day weekend and make sure your child gets some reading time in!

PD DAY TODAY: I do think it is important to acknowledge the hard work many of our staff are putting in today. I understand that professional development days for the district means many of our families need to find alternative plans for children that day, but the time spent here at school is so worth it. Most of our teaching staff engaged in LETRS training this morning. LETRS stands for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. It is an intensive training that consists of reading, completing online learning modules, quizzes, and tests, along with live learning facilitated over Zoom by the LETRS organization. The purpose is to provide a deep understanding of how early learners learn to read, along with the skills necessary to form those connections in the brain. Our staff are in year 2 of this training, and it coincides very well with the implementation of our new literacy curriculum Wonders. In addition to this, staff engaged in lesson planning for our new curriculum, completed other online trainings, spent time collaborating with teammates, and got work done in their classrooms. All so necessary at this time of year!

FUN FACT: Did you know the human brain is hardwired from birth to learn how to listen and speak, but not to read and write? The fact of the matter is not only are our CEPS staff teaching a skill that our brains are not pre-set to learn, which is absolutely essential to the future success of our students, but we are also asking our students to engage in one of the hardest jobs they will learn how to do in their educational career...learning to read. We are excited to get to do this work!

Check out our Wonders (English-Language Arts curriculum) grade-level newsletters by clicking the buttons below, to keep up-to-date on what your child is learning, along with tips on how to support literacy at home!

There are three ways to report your student's absence:

1. Enter your request directly into IC. (Instructions)
2. Call the attendance line directly at 608-838-5603 and leave a message.
3. Email cepsattendance@mcfsd.org

Suicide Prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide can affect anyone of any age, gender, or background. It’s the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34.

Know the Signs

Suicide doesn’t usually happen out of the blue—most often, there are warning signs for others to see or hear. Get the FACTs (Feelings, Actions, Changes, Threats) and know the signs of suicidal thinking in your students, friends, and family members.

Feelings: Hopelessness, Rage, Uncontrolled anger, Seeking revenge, Feeling trapped, Having no sense of purpose in life

Actions: Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, Withdrawing from friends, family, society, and typical activities, Increased use of alcohol or drugs, Giving away prized possessions

Changes: Decline in quality of school work, Dramatic mood changes, Anxiety, Agitation, Change in eating/sleeping habits

Threats: Threatening/talking about hurting self

Resources

The District currently partners with CareSolace. Care Solace helps individuals find mental health care providers and substance use treatment centers. Students, staff, and families may access Care Solace services in three ways:

• Call (888)515-0595 at any time. Support is available in 200+ languages. A dedicated Care Companion will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments, and follow up to make sure it is a good fit.

• For anonymous search, answer a few questions to get matched with an extensive list of care providers at caresolace.com/mcfarland.

• Contact a Student Services Team member

If you are interested in learning more about suicide prevention the Department of Public Instruction has many resources including emergency resources on their website.

🎓McFarland School Board

Summary from the 9/18/23 School Board Meeting:

In addition to their regular duties of approving minutes, staffing, and expenses, here are some highlights from the meeting:

• McFarland Youth Center annual report on the great programming that the MYC provides for our middle school students.

• MHS Principal Brett Jacobson presented a recommendation that the MHS Connect Club continue to serve as student representatives to the Board of Education and later in the meeting the Board approved that recommendation. MHS Connect Club will be invited to present a report from the MHS student body during each regular meeting of the Board.

• Aaron Tarnutzer provided a regular Superintendent’s report and Jeff Mahoney presented an update on the 2023-24 budget and shared information on the upcoming Annual Meeting scheduled for October 23, 2023.

• Action items that were acted upon included:

• Approving the 2023-24 memorandum of understanding between the McFarland Youth Center and McFarland School District

• A request for early graduation for a student at McFarland High School,

• Approved the notice of annual meeting and budget summary that is necessary for providing appropriate notice to the public of the October 23, 2023 Annual Meeting and Budget Hearing.

• One of the McFarland School Board’s biggest responsibilities is to set policy for the District. The September 18th meeting included discussion regarding two policy packets.

Click HERE for a link to the McFarland School Board agendas and minutes.

Click HERE for a link to the McFarland School Board meeting recordings and upcoming YouTube live streams

📰McFarland School District is in the news!

• McFarland School District introduces new staff members

• Teachers speak out as Wisconsin educator turnover spikes (featuring Angie Bazan)

• 'Significantly taxing on teachers': Area schools race to find substitute teachers

October is...

Bullying Prevention Month

• Standing up and speaking out is one way for all of us to build a happier and safer community for all.

LGBTQIA+ History Month

• Let's celebrate and learn about the wonderful people and moments that have contributed and impacted our diverse society.

Physical Therapy Month

• This is a time to celebrate the physical therapy profession, spotlight the many benefits of physical therapy, and show how those in the profession can help anyone make changes to improve their quality of life.

September 15 - October 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month

October 1 - 7 WI School Board Week

• This week, we join the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) in celebrating Wisconsin School Board Week! Today we thank our board for their leadership and all they do for the students of McFarland! Thank you!

October 2 Custodial Workers Day

• We appreciate the hard work of all of our school custodians! Thank you for keeping our learning spaces ready each day!

October 4 National Walk To School Day

• Join the movement to promote healthy habits and safe routes to school!

October 6 Coaches Day

• We appreciate the hard work of our coaches and all they do to help students develop skills beyond the classroom. Thank You!
  

* Wisconsin Public School Observance Days

Bridging Brighter Smiles will be at CEPS on Wednesday, October 25th!

See flyer information for more details and how to enroll.

The following flyers are not necessarily school-sponsored activities, and the McFarland School District does not provide support or endorsement of the program/flyer. It has neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, or activities announced in the brochure/flyer. Permission to distribute this material must not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the School District.