Saddle Up for Success 2024-2025

MacArthur Families,

Our first week back to start the 2nd semester was a great one! Students did an excellent job in the classroom even after the unexpected weather days. I am continually in awe of the resiliency our students demonstrate in so many ways, as well as in various situations.

As January continues, students in grades 3-5 are set to take their Kansas State Interim Assessments. The purpose of these assessments allows for students to build their stamina, become familiar with the format/tools of the platform and the rigor of the questions being asked. This is a part of setting students up for success when the actual state assessments are facilitated later in the semester. In addition, appropriate data helps drive future instruction and pacing. We are looking forward to honoring our nominees who have demonstrated perseverance, hearing our 1st grade students sing their little hearts, and helping Kansas celebrate its164th birthday!

Soon February will be here and with that, I am hoping for some warmer temperatures.

Stay warm!

Mrs. Johnson

January 20: No School-MLK, Jr. Day

January 22: Interims begin for grades 3-5

January 24: Early Release

• K-5 out @ 1:30
• AM Pre-K out @ 10:00am
• PM Pre-K out @ 2:20pm

January 24: Character Strong Assembly @ 8:20am in the MacArthur Gym

• Families of those being recognized have been invited!

January 29: Kansas Day

January 30: 1st Grade Music Program @ 6pm
January 31: No School-Parent/Teacher Conferences

Due to continued concerns regarding traffic flow and procedures, a few updates have been made to increase safety, as well as efficiency. Here is a summary of those changes to begin on January 21st:

• The lower (eastern most) portion of the parking will continue to be reserved for our Pre-K families, as well as a few other students who have special needs. Our Pre-K families must adhere to hand-to-hand drop off procedures which is why I ask for those spaces to be reserved.
• The black barricades previously located in the Pre-K areas have been removed. THE LOWER 5 ROWS will begin ONE WAY traffic flow (see visuals below).
• Supervision will be located in what will be a painted crosswalk (see visual below). It's essential that families use this cross walk area as we implement a one way traffic flow in the lower half of the lot.
• Although previously requested, I continue to ask that any child who is NOT in Pre-K and being brought to school in a car, be dropped off using the car rider line. I assure you that the process is smooth.
• Although they haven't been ordered yet, we will have car tags designated for families to display as to communicate their need to be in the lower 5 rows to gain quick access to drop off their child at the Pre-K doors.

We are celebrating Kansas Day on Wednesday, January 29th at Patton Junior High! The flow will be similar to International Day, with a smaller audience. Elementary students in grades 3-5 and Patton PE students will rotate through Patton’s large gym to experience a snippet of Kansas history from our fabulous demonstrators!

Here are the demonstrations that students will take part in:

1. Alexander Madison Chapter Buffalo Soldiers

2. Frontier Army Museum

3. Fred Harvey Museum

4. Hillside Honey & Beekeeping

5. Pioneer Laundress

6. Pioneer Greeter

7. Btry B, 3rd KS - Light Artillery Union Civil War Reenactment Unit

8. Wyandotte County Conservation

9. Pioneer Quilting

10. DPW Natural Resources

11. Kansas Geological Survey

12. First City Museum

13. Traveling Resource Trunk - KS Settlers

14. Traveling Resource Trunk - Uses of the Buffalo

15. Native American Culture (Pending)

To volunteer for this event, click below!

Please note that Skyward will be down for maintenance from 6:00pm on Friday, February 14 until 6:00pm Saturday, February 15. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

January 20: No School-Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 21: B

January 22: C

January 23: D

January 24: A

January 27: B

January 28: C

January 29: D

January 30: A

January 31: No School-Parent/Teacher Conferences

Fort Leavenworth Unified School District 207 offers a wonderful program we refer to as "Hearts Apart." Hearts Apart is designed to help students cope with the deployment of a parent. Your permission is required for your child and your family to participate.

Hearts Apart provides students and families with a sense of community and belonging district wide. This is a great opportunity for spouses and their children to enjoy good food, relax, and enjoy the conversation and company of others. These events help children and their families understand that they are not alone in their experiences.

Sign up for Hearts Apart - Here

Our February event will be at the Dome Theatre at Bradley Elementary on Thursday, February 20th at 3:45pm. Please RSVP to your School Counselor by Friday 2/14/2025 through email: knjoku@usd207.org.

If you have any questions regarding Hearts Apart, please reach out to Kayla Njoku, MacArthur School Counselor at knjoku@usd207.org or by calling MacArthur Elementary at 913-651-6517.

K-2 classes receive weekly 15 minute lessons with Mrs. Njoku. The focus is the Little Spot of Feelings by Diane Alber. If you're curious about this, here is a Parent Guide that will provide an overview of what we are learning.

3rd-5th classes receive a monthly 30 minute lesson with Mrs. Njoku. Our focus through September and October was Growing Friendships and Learning about bullying and peer pressure. In November, we focused on Growth Mindset and the Power of Yet. In December, we learned about Empathy. January we will focus on goal setting.

Mark your calendars for a Spirit Week February 10-14th to celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week. This week is promoting a kind and inclusive learning environment for all. In addition to dress up days, all students are encouraged to do acts of kindness each day. I can't wait to see Kindness Spread at MacArthur!