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6th Grade Math

Physical Education

Spelling Bee

Erin's Law

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Students in 6th grade are starting their third unit of the year, ratio concepts and equivalent ratios. We have started looking at how to use ratio language to compare quantities that we are seeing. Students have been exploring how to write ratios and the importance of order when reading and writing ratios. As we move forward, students will be looking at how ratios can present two parts or can compare a part to a whole.

MacArthur PE classes have started the volleyball unit. Students have been passing, setting, and serving while communicating to each other. The Volleyball unit reinforces teamwork and cooperation. Next week, students will be organizing teams and learning the rules of the game to start tournaments within the PE classes. Students are also working out in the Fitness Room and focusing on Fitnessgram goals. Great way to start the New Year!

All of the students have been competing in the spelling bee this week, in their Language Arts classes. Next Thursday, 1/25, we will have our schoolwide Spelling Bee in the Theater. We will have a livestream of the event on MacArthur YouTube page if you would like to follow along. We plan to start around 8:10am.

There are many things synonymous with the winter months, including cold weather, winter sports, and warm drinks. Well, here at school the winter and spring months are synonymous with state testing. Beginning in January, the State of Illinois assesses all Multilingual Learners (MLs)(formerly known as English Learners or ELs) using the ACCESS Test (Accessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State), which measures the language proficiency of multilingual learners over time in states across the country in four areas: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The ACCESS window in the State of Illinois runs from January 17 through March 5. An alternate version of this assessment is also available for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. 

This year, our Erin’s Law mandate is being fulfilled by Childhood Victories, Inc.  The Erin’s Law mandate requires schools to implement an annual age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades pre-K through 12.  It also expects all school staff members to be mandated reporters and report any suspicion of child sexual assault or abuse.

Childhood Victories, Inc. will be presenting the Be Seen and Heard© curriculum that fulfills the  Erin’s Law mandate on the following dates:

Eisenhower School - February 15, 2024

Betsy Ross School - February 13, 2024

Anne Sullivan School - February 9, 2024

MacArthur Middle School - February 5, 2024

This sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum delicately delivers the information needed to fulfill this mandate and more importantly, educates the children.  Childhood Victories, Inc. covers many aspects of life, and each curriculum is delivered in a fun and entertaining way.  For more on the Be Seen and Heard© Curriculum and an explanation of Erin’s Law please visit

www.victorpacini.com/erins-law-programs.  If after your child hears their school presentation you have additional questions, please reach out to your building principal, school psychologist, or school social worker.  They would be happy to answer any questions about the program or address any questions that your child may have.  If at this time you do not want your child to participate in the presentation, please click this link and fill out the form to excuse your child from the presentation.  This form must be completed by Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

End of Year Dates:

8th Grade Parade: 5/22/24

8th Grade Dance: 5/23/24

Promotion: 5/24/24 @JHHS

Updates to 2023-24 Calendar

At the November Board of Education Meeting, the following necessary changes to the current 2023-24 School Year calendar were made:

Tuesday, March 19 will now be a Day of Non-attendance for Teacher Institute Day.

Tuesday, April 2 will now be a day of attendance.

CLICK HERE to view the revised "At-A-Glance" Calendar

-Institute Days: 3/19

-School Improvement Days: 5/10

-Holidays: No School

-Presidents' Day: 2/19

-Spring Break: 3/25-3/29

-Memorial Day: 5/27

-Additional Non-Attendance Days: 2/16, 4/1

-8th Grade Promotion (tentative): 5/24

-Last Day of Student Attendance (if no emergency days used): 5