Mac El Weekly News
Week of April 19, 2024
From the Principal
Shining Stars at the Art Show!
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the fantastic Art Show and Family Night at the Carnival! We especially appreciate the dedication of our art teacher, Mr. Wilhelm, all the volunteers, and the PTO for making this event a resounding success.
Heads Up! ILEARN Testing This Week
This week marked the beginning of ILEARN testing! Students tackled the math portion this week, followed by language arts next week. A friendly reminder: arriving on time for testing is crucial. Testing with their classmates will help minimize stress for students.
Fasten Your Seatbelts! Time Flies
Time seems to accelerate after testing, with so much to learn and experience! Don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming exciting events!
Mac El Art Show & Family Fun at the Carnival Pictures
Click on the link below for more pictures
🗓 Mark your calendar
April 16 - 30 - ILEARN Testing (Grades 3 -5) - see schedule below
April 25 - Military Morning High Five
May 2 - Spring Program (Grades 4 & 5)
May 6 - 10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 14 - Talent Show
May 20 - Field Day
May 21 - Last Student Day
May 28 - May 31 - Summer IREAD remediation and retake
ILEARN Testing (Gr. 3 - 5) Next Week
Supporting Your Child Before State Testing: Home Strategies for Success
State testing can be a stressful time for both children and families. Here are some strategies you can use at home to help your child feel prepared and confident on testing day:
Creating a Supportive Environment:
- Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude towards the test. Convey confidence in your child's abilities and avoid placing undue pressure on them.
- Sleep and Nutrition: Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before the test and eats a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test. Both are essential for optimal cognitive function.
- Minimize Stress: Create a calm and organized environment in the days leading up to the test. Limit distractions like screen time and prioritize relaxation activities like reading or spending time outdoors.
Test Day Logistics:
- Plan Ahead: Lay out clothes, supplies (pencils, eraser, calculator), and any necessary paperwork the night before. This avoids last-minute scrambling and reduces morning stress.
- Be on Time: Allow ample time for travel and getting settled in at the testing location. Arriving early helps ease anxiety and ensures your child doesn't miss any critical instructions.
Remember:
- The goal is to support your child's well-being and encourage their natural ability to succeed.
- Focus on the process of learning and development, not just the test score.
- Open communication and positive reinforcement are key to helping your child feel confident and prepared on testing day.
ILEARN Testing Schedule
If you are making appoinments for your child, please be sure they do not conflict with their ILEARN testing time. Students will not be permitted to enter or leave once a testing session has started.
STEM in our School
Plant Needs and Pollination
- First we checked on our plants we planted before spring break.
- Then we explored pollination with bees and how they can pick up and move pollen from one plant to the next.
- We used sweet potato flour as our pollen (stamen). The bee was made of a clothespin with black pipe cleaners for the bee's feet.
- Next they were able to observe the pollen transfer from the stamen to the bee and then from the bee to the sticky part of flower (stigma).
Parent Requests
If you would like to submit a request for your child for the next school year, please complete the following:
- Write a letter/email to Mrs. Tidd (tidds@maconaquah.k12.in.us) including your child's name, grade, and reason for a request.
- Do NOT include a specific teacher as letters requesting specific teachers will not be accepted.
- Do describe the needs of your child and the best learning environment for them to be successful.
Letters must be received by May 10th. Classroom placement will be available when fall registration for the 2024-25 school year is completed.
From the Nurse
Attention 5th grade Parents
Fifth grade students will need to have Tdap & meningitis immunizations going into 6th grade, if they have not already done so. Please start scheduling appointments now. If you have questions, please contact your child's doctor or the school nurse.
Attendance (765) 689-9131
Parents or guardians must call the school attendance line when their child is absent. Call 765-689-9131 and wait to hear Maconaquah Elementary School and then attendance. Contacting the teacher is not the same as reporting it to the attendance line in the front office. When you call the attendance line to report a student's absence, please include why the child is absent, or it will be marked as unexcused. If a child is absent for a medical appointment, it is necessary to bring a doctor's note for the absence to be excused.
PBIS Spirit Fundraiser
Spring Program
Mac El PTO
🍕 Weekly Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Braves of the Week
2nd Grade: Riley Pitner
Riley is a fun student to have in class. She starts every day with a huge smile, ready to see her friends and teachers. I am very proud of how hard Riley has worked so far this year. She is excited to learn new things, and being part of group work is her absolute favorite. Riley is a great helper and always wants to help others when she can. Great job, Miss Riley. Keep up the hard work.
3rd Grade: Bentlee Fogle
Bentlee has been working hard to show responsibility and perseverance in class! This season of testing is hard, but Bentlee has demonstrated he can settle in, take his time, and do his best...without complaining! Some days, he has to work harder to focus, but he uses his strategies when it's time to get busy in the classroom. I am proud of him for his progress. He shows he owns his learning journey and can handle the challenges. He will do awesome things in 4th grade...I can't wait to see!
4th Grade: Connor Shaffer
Connor is Brave of the Week because he has been working very hard to make sure that all of his assignments are completed on time and correctly. When he has questions about something he is never afraid to ask. He also always has a joke to tell. He has grown so much this year. Keep up the good work Connor and the sky is the limit for what you can do.
5th Grade: Yimi Alejandro Figueroa
Yimi "Alejandro" has grown by leaps and bounds this year and has worked very hard to get there. He is a great addition to our class because he comes each day with a smile on his face and ready to learn. I will miss him next year but wish him all the best in Middle School.
Mrs. Tidd
Email: tidds@maconaquah.k12.in.us
Website: https://mes.maconaquah.k12.in.us
Text/phone: 765-689-9131 x. 3000