MacArthur Musings 3/17/23

MacArthur Musings

March 17, 2023

Principal's Welcome

Welcome to MacArthur Middle School, home of the Marauders!

The business of academics from ending the second trimester has shifted to the extracurricular opportunities. As our academic teams begin the third trimester, our volleyball and wrestling seasons ended. We also celebrated another round concerts for our Band, Orchestra, and Chorus groups in addition to the Solo & Ensemble night this past week. We have a lot going on as we head into Spring Break next week, including an assembly to celebrate reaching 800 PRIDE cards. Our Student Senate is planning that event for Friday afternoon so be sure to ask your Marauder about it!

This year, District 23 is completing a review and update of our Strategic Plan. Your voice and input are needed to help define the goals and action steps for our schools and community over the next 5 years.

This is a different survey, asking different questions that the 5Essentials you may have recently completed. We ask that you take a few minutes to complete this brief Strategic Plan Survey to share your thoughts and ideas.

CLICK HERE to complete the Strategic Plan Survey for Parents

Prepared Respect Integrity Determination Engaged

MacArthur empowers all learners to thrive!

Save the Date - Referendum Informational Meetings

The April 4 election, which will include a referendum for a D23 limiting rate tax increase is just over two weeks away, immediately after Spring Break.

You can request a mail ballot today, vote early beginning on March 20, or vote on Election Day, April 4. Learn more about voting and voter registration at https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections.

Proceeds from a successful referendum will be used to install security cameras and replace aging siding, windows, and doors at all four District schools. The exterior improvements would provide a more secure perimeter, enhance energy efficiency, extend the useful life of existing facilities, and reduce costly emergency repairs.

Eisenhower School will be renovated and expanded so all eligible in-district students can attend full-day Kindergarten. A more secure entrance will be added so visitors can be properly screened before they enter the building and traffic flow will be adjusted to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Information about the ballot measure, including a tax calculator can be found on the Building a Better 23 website.

Please join us for the final informational meeting at MacArthur School on Wednesday, Mar. 22, 2023 at 6:00pm.

6th Grade ELA/SS

The Silk Road was a vast network of trade routes that connected the ancient East and West. Now, imagine taking a journey along this historic route with a group of curious 6th graders. With the help of a simulation, they can experience the sights and sounds of the Silk Road firsthand. From the bustling markets of Xi'an to the windswept deserts of Central Asia, they will encounter diverse cultures, exotic goods, and unexpected challenges. Along the way, they will learn about the history, geography, and economics of this fascinating region. The Silk Road simulation is an immersive and interactive way to bring learning to life.

Thanks to Mr. Wright and the rest of the 6th grade team for the adventure!

Music in Schools Month

March is Music in Schools month and there was a lot of music in MacArthur this month! Band, Orchestra, and Chorus all had concerts in the last couple of weeks as well as our beginning musicians from Sullivan. While often, our students come together with performances in the large ensemble setting for these concerts, some members also choose to perform additional music as soloists or in small ensembles. This past Wednesday, nearly 50 students performed in over 60 events, in front of judges critiquing their performance. Great Job!

State Bound!

Last weekend, we sent 10 wrestlers to the state tournament at Northern Illinois University. The team competed well with two making it to the final rounds. Frankie Katz placed 3rd in the 80 lb weightclass and Eduardo Juarez placed 2nd in the 185 lb weightclass.

Young Artist Reception

As the Prospect Heights Public Library celebrates March as "Youth Art Month," many D23 artists had samples on display at the library for last night's reception.

Join us on May 24th as MacArthur hosts Art & Music Night! We will combine a student art show with live Marauder musicians!

Unified Basketball Tournament

We also hosted the Unified Basketball Tournament against Addams Middle School and Keller Middle School. All the teams played well and cooperation and sportsmanship was in abundance. Our poms team also performed their routines at the halftime of each game! Thank you to Coaches O'Connor, Grafman, Cisneros, and Kalaras for putting this together!

Volleyball

Our girls volleyball teams also finished their seasons this past week. The 7th grade team traveled to Cooper and battled back in 3 sets against River Trails to capture a 4th place finish. The 8th graders traveled to Lincoln and kept up their great team play and coming home as conference champions! Thanks for great seasons, Coach Mailloux and Coach Kutcher!

Is that Mr. Dudic?

Mr. Dudic was at UIC this past Friday with the rest of the Wildstang teams (111 & 112), competing in the regional event. Team 111 was the regional champion and will be heading to the World Championships in Houston next month! We were able to stream the competition during lunches so we could cheer on the teams! Many of our former Marauders are on this D214 team: Jack Costello, Hans Milaniak, Keaton Meier, Colin Meier, Rosen Gotsev, and Remy Regal are to name a few.