MacArthur Notes
January 5, 2024
Principals' Update
Greetings MacArthur Families,
Happy New Year! These first days back after our holiday vacation were a wonderful chance to reset and restart after our time away. The energy and excitement to be back with classmates and friends was noted throughout the week. We travelled around to classrooms on Thursday and Friday to review expectations and support a positive transition back for the new calendar year. This review was a great way to reset and think about all that we will learn and grow in 2024. We had wonderful conversations about how we can show kindness and respect to others. We also discussed how we can be positive community members to help MacArthur School continue to be the best place to learn!
Many students reported new devices that they received as holiday gifts during their conversations with students and staff this week. Ms. Jurkiewicz, our School Adjustment Counselor, shared the resources below to help families navigate the world of social media with their elementary students. With the increase of online usage, you may consider Parental Controls to monitor a child’s cell phone and limit their screen time. I recognize it is a lot to navigate and important to consider these things to support their mental health. As a reminder, all students who have smart watches and cell phones are expected to have them in their backpacks and turned off throughout the school day, per the school committee approved student handbook.
Navigating Social Media Advice by Age
Navigating Parental Controls Guide
Join us on Tuesday, 1/9, at 7pm for our first PTO meeting of 2024. The virtual link is listed below on the calendar.
With the winter weather approaching, it is a good time to remind everyone of how we determine whether we have indoor or outdoor recess on days that are dry. We work to go outside as often as possible. We utilize the Child Care Weather Watch to determine whether the temperature and wind chill are safe to go outside. If the chart is in the green or yellow, we go outside. If the conditions are in the red, this is considered in the "danger" zone and we will utilize indoor recess. Thank you for dressing your children in layers to ensure they are warm enough to play outside.
Our spring picture day is March 21st! Save the Date!
Finally, speaking of dates, Waltham Public Schools has released the new 2024-2025 school calendar. Click on the link to view next year's school calendar.
Have a wonderful weekend!
In Partnership,
Mr. Kmiec - (781) 314-5721 kevinkmiec@walthampublicschools.org
Mr. Howes - (781) 314-5725 roberthowes@walthampublicschools.org
Lunch Menu
Waltham Recreation
Winter flier below. Scroll down for more info.
Healthy Waltham Food Pantry
PTO Weekly Update
Rafflemania - Friday, March 22nd - Keep a look out for more details for our biggest fundraiser coming next week!
MacArthur 5K & Fun Run - Saturday, April 27th
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping to plan this new and exciting event! Please email Gretchen at gretchen@pineo.net if you are interested in volunteering. More information to come soon!
Restaurant Night at Bertucci's - Wednesday, January 17th
This fundraiser is good for ANY Bertucci's with this nine digit code: 789-181-780
Spread the word to friends and family members who live outside of Waltham!
Join us for our next virtual PTO meeting on Tuesday, January 9th at 7:00pm! Link: meet.google.com/gnj-ppsq-uuj
MacArthur Elementary School
Absence Line - (781) 314-5722
Email: kevinkmiec@walthampublicschools.org
Website: walthampublicschools.org/macarthur
Location: 494 Lincoln Street, Waltham, MA, USA
Phone: 781-314-5721