Mountain Lion Memo

Family Newsletter - March 7th, 2025

Hello Mackeben Families,

Each month we review student absences and work on notification letters as well as set up parent meetings to assist students and families with having an increased and consistent school attendance. Chronic absence is when a student is missing 10% or more of the current school year. We have been in school for 127 days, so if your child has missed 12 or more days of school, for any reason - excused or unexcused, they are considered chronically absent.

When chronic absence is pervasive, it has a profound impact on the learning experience of all students. When teachers are constantly having to reteach kids that have been absent, that limits their ability to continue making progress with the kids that are there every day.

Recent studies show that when chronic absence reaches high levels, it has spillover effects dragging down the math and reading scores of even those classmates who aren’t missing too much school. It can also increase the likelihood that regularly attending peers will become chronically absent.

Lets finish the year strong!!!! Presence Is Your Power - Show Up & Shine!!!

5 Essentials Survey

What is the 5Essentials Survey?

The 5Essentials Survey identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including improved attendance and larger test score gains.

The five indicators that positively affect school success are:

Effective Leaders
Collaborative Teachers
Involved Families
Supportive Environments
Ambitious Instruction

Research derived from the Five Essentials for School Success has proven that schools strong on at least three of the 5Essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student outcomes.

Schools across Illinois participated in the Tenth annual 5Essentials Survey of Learning Conditions: Organizing Schools for Improvement this past academic year. This survey generates valuable data that districts can use to guide their ongoing efforts to improve schools and to offer students an excellent education. The survey is another improvement tool that allows districts and the state to share data as a means to inform parents and community members about the school’s learning environment. The Illinois 5Essentials Survey is administered online by Chicago Impact at the University of Chicago on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education. Data and indicators are a result from an anonymous administration of the survey instrument.

The survey window for school year 2024-2025 will be February 18, 2025 through March 28, 2025.

http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/ - Link to the 5 Essentials Survey

Star Staff Member

Mr. Zac Rietz

Mr. Rietz has made a significant impact on our students in our special education classrooms as well as with students in our general education classes as one of Mackeben's fabulous Social Workers!!!

Mr. Rietz is always there to bring in a calm presence, connect behavior to emotions and find fun ways to incorporate social emotional learning throughout the day. Mr. Rietz also brings his creativity, humor and willingness to collaborate with families and colleagues in a positive way.

Our school social workers play a vital role in ensuring that students have the emotional, social, and academic support they need to succeed. Whether providing counseling, crisis intervention, family outreach, or resources for students facing challenges, they are always there to lend a helping hand. Their work fosters a safe and supportive school environment where every student can thrive.

At Mackeben, we are grateful for our school social workers' unwavering commitment to student well-being. Their compassion, dedication, and expertise make a lasting impact on our school community.

Save the Date

PTA Skate Night

Sunday, March 9th 5:30-7:30pm

Xtreme Wheels Roller Skating Center - Crystal Lake

PTA Meeting

Tuesday, March 18th

6:00pm

Spring Break

March 24th-28th

Student Placement Survey

It is the time of year when the District 158 Elementary Schools begin to gather and organize information for classroom placements for the next school year. The following is the language in the student handbook that addresses student placement in District 158.

STUDENT PLACEMENT:

“Student placement is a function of building administration. Teachers work together with administration to place students in classrooms. Parents may provide written comments or information pertaining to their child’s learning needs by May 1st.” Friday, May 2nd will be the last day that we are accepting responses from this form.

Please do not submit specific teacher names. Any specific name requests may not be considered. We ask that learning characteristics of the child be the main focus of your request. Teachers do move grade levels, buildings, and districts so the characteristics are much more helpful. The final placement is at the discretion of building administration.

Student Placement Survey

Huntley 158 Virtual Bulletin Board

The Huntley 158 Virtual Bulletin Board (VBB) connects families with enrichment and educational events and programs in the community. Visit the district’s VBB webpage to learn about what’s happening for students and families in the community! To submit a program or event flyer for inclusion, organizations must be not-for-profit or a taxing body based in Huntley 158 boundaries or a surrounding community.