We started off the day today with our first MAChasPRIDE assembly. Each of the teams addressed the crowd with different examples of PRIDE. In between the messages, grade level teams competed against each other in simple challenges like stacking dice on a spoon while balancing the spoon in your mouth. The 8th grade team won the challenges and brought home the first trophy of the year!

The 8th graders just wrapped up their first unit, Organism Interactions. In this unit, they explored five types of ecological relationships and studied the impact of population changes on an ecosystem’s health. They became biologists as they investigated the impact of invasive species and also monitored population sizes on specific populations like the moose/wolves on Isle Royale and the rabbits/foxes on Linworth farm. We are now moving into Dynamic Ecosystems and Biodiversity. In this unit, teams will create a website advertising a Eco Friendly resort that they design. This is an exciting project and will give the students the opportunity to present in front of the class.

What a great way to start off the 2023-24 Mac year in Physical Education! For the past month, the students have been working toward achieving a “Healthy Fitness Level” in the Fitnessgram assessments. The Fitnessgram consists of the mile, pacer, curl-ups, back saver sit-n-reach, push-ups and flex arm hang. After completing pre-test scores, students will create goals to improve scores in the Spring. PE classes have moved into our Football Unit and have been working on sportsmanship and team building skills to create offensive plays. In the past week, students have competed against other teams showcasing their throwing, catching, and kicking talents. Amazing job to all Mac students!

Earlier this week, we had a few of our Marauder alumni in the halls, stopping by to talk to our MAC PRIDE classes. This is an 8th grade only class that is part of the Exploratory rotation. In the class, Ms. O'Connor or Mr. Severino work with the students on leadership, community and connections. Four high school seniors met with the students about ways to get involved in high school and other ways you can get support. Each of them talked about their path and how connected they are to so many other people because of the sports, clubs, and activities. Jackie Baiker, Emily Reng, Chad Tramba, and Brandon Phlomm were part of the 6th grade class when I started at MacArthur so it was special to see them come back; we all started the MacArthur experience together!

Ms. O'Connor, Emily, Jackie, and Brandon (Chad had to go to golf practice)

Every year in October, our students take a Social Emotional screening assessment called mySAEBRS. mySAEBRS (my Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener) is a brief, norm-referenced tool for screening all students to identify those who are at risk for social-emotional behavior (SEB) problems. This twenty question screener is completed in five minute or less. We are planning to have students to take the assessment the weeks of October 16th and 23rd. For more information, visit the illuminate education webpage on mySAEBRS.

The Marauders have had a great start to their season. MacArthur has 80 runners working hard every day to get faster. The 8th grade teams are a combined 10-0 in league races and the 7th grade teams are 7-3 in league races.  Dylan Altmayer, Jojo Messer, Josie Petrelis and Dalia Gondek have been some of our top performers in 8th grade.  Graceleen Mabry, Connor Rugg, George Litsiogiannis, and Alex Sierzputowski have led the way in the 7th grade. Newcomers Ella Brace, Tyler Cohrs and Emily Rugg have stepped up to lead our 6th grade. Good luck to the Marauders in the conference meet, on October 3rd at Melas Park.

Everyone will learn the same cheer & and dance at the clinic on 10/4.

Everyone will perform those routines at tryouts on the 5th in front of a panel of judges.

The results will be posted Friday at 3:30.

You will soon be sent a Google form to fill out informing us of your preference between the two and other information. The options will be ONLY CHEER, ONLY POMS or BOTH. By selecting both, if you make it, you will be put on either team by the coaches.

For your reference, Both teams cheer at girls' and boys' basketball games. The cheer team includes a cheer, dance, stunting, and tumbling as the Poms team is dancing and using poms. 

Parents! It is not too late to become members of the PTO and gain access to their great District directory! Simply visit their sign-up website (LINK) to get started! It takes a village to raise healthy and engaged children, and the PTO continues to be such a great partner and asset for us here in D23! Together, we are #PROUD2BD23! Any questions? Contact membershipd23@gmail.com!

October 21st

Freshman Placement Exam

@ your home school

(JHHS or (WHS)

December 7th

Class of 2028 Elective Night

@ your home school

(JHHS or (WHS)

Mr. Kaper and Mrs. Cain Nelson met with 8th graders this week to talk about "Just Joking."

Words matter and the intent we have when we use them matters. The talk focused on the impact that some words can have on the recipient and to be aware of how our actions are perceived.

-Institute Days: 10/16, 1/8, 4/2

-School Improvement Days: 5/10

-Holidays: No School

-Thanksgiving Break: 11/20-11/24

-Winter Break:12/25-1/5

-Martin Luther King Day: 1/15

-Presidents' Day: 2/19

-Spring Break: 3/25-3/29

-Memorial Day: 5/27

-Additional Non-Attendance Days: 9/25, 2/16, 4/1

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

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