MacArthur Notes
September 29, 2023
Principals' Update
Greetings MacArthur Families,
Happy Friday! We have reached the final school day of September. This month has been full of opportunities to build community, strengthen routines, and show our MacArthur values each day. The amazing work that happens here each day represents the collective work of our entire community. Thank you for your support to ensure that students are here each day and ready to learn. If we can ever assist your family in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our contact information is included below for you to access.
As the year continues, we will share additional opportunities for you to engage with your children about their MacArthur School experience. Thank you for taking time to discuss what your child is learning at school each day. We hope that last week's Back to School night served as a way to open the lines of communication about school each day. The conversations you are having about school with your children support our goal of developing students who take ownership of their learning. If you are looking for ideas / prompts, please reach out to your child's teacher or either of us.
This week's edition of the MacArthur Notes also includes information from Ms. Jurkiewicz, our School Adjustment Counselor, a Notes from the Nurse update from Ms. King, and so much more.
Finally, just a reminder that each first Friday of the month will be a MacArthur Spirit Day! All students and staff are encouraged to wear their spirit wear or blue and yellow. Next Friday, 10/6 is our next Spirit Day.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
In Partnership,
Mr. Kmiec - (781) 314-5721 kevinkmiec@walthampublicschools.org
Mr. Howes - (781) 314-5725 roberthowes@walthampublicschools.org
Lunch Menu
Healthy Waltham Food Pantry
Elementary Student Handbooks
Thank you for reviewing the updated Waltham Public Schools Student Handbooks linked below. This includes information regarding smart watches on Page 18, which is new for the 2023-2024 school year.
2023 - 2024 ES Handbook English
2023 - 2024 ES Handbook Spanish
Notes from the Nurse
Latest Covid Protocols
For those who test positive: isolate at home for 5 days, return to school on day 6 as long as they are feeling well and fever free for 24 hours AND wear a mask through day 10.
For those who are a close contact: come to school as long as they are feeling well and symptoms free, test on day 6, or at the first onset of symptoms AND wear a mask through day 10. Testing when they find out about being a close contact is a good idea also.
ForsythKids will be providing preventative dental services to those students enrolled in the program. Students without a dental home are able to enroll. Information on enrolling will be sent home with students soon. For those who have previously enrolled, ForsythKids will be at MacArthur on 10/31/23 to provide their dental service.
Danielle King, BSN, RN
781. 314.5723
danielleking@wathampublicschools.org
Dear Families,
My Name is Mrs. Jurkiewicz , or as the students call me, “Ms. J.” I am the School Adjustment Counselor for MacArthur Elementary! As a School Counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic and social/emotional development of all students. Throughout the day, I meet with students individually and in small groups, conduct classroom counseling lessons, meet with parents, collaborate with teachers, and consult with community organizations to benefit and meet the needs of all MacArthur students.
You may have noticed above that I put in bold and underlined the word, “all” students. Sometimes when the term “counselor” is heard, some may perceive that a counselor may only work with a select few students in a 1:1 counseling capacity, but that is not the case! School Counseling programs reach and meet the needs of all students in a school through many various ways, including those listed above.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email me at any time. I am so excited to work with your children and get to know you throughout the school year!
Sincerely,
Jen Jurkiewicz
School Adjustment Counselor
(781) 314-5720 Main Number
(781) 314-5724 Office
PTO Weekly Notes
-We are still looking for volunteers for our Trunk or Treat event! If you are interested in volunteering your time or hosting a trunk, please sign up via this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C48AFAB2CA6F58-trunk1#/ Families can also prepay for this event here on our
website: https://macarthurpto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/1121
-Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser is up and running! Please share with your family and friends - there are great gift options for the upcoming holidays! Order deadline is October 7, 2023
-Save the Date: Our Holiday Shop event will be on 11/30. Feel free to sign up to be a volunteer through our website - more info to come soon!
-Keep an eye out for information about our Thanksgiving Pie fundraiser coming soon! There will be a variety of options to order courtesy of Pizzi Farms!
5th Grade Committee - Help Wanted!
We are looking for parent/caregiver volunteers to run fundraising events to support our 5th Graders! These fundraising efforts go toward the cost of the 5th Grade Celebration, Yearbook, Class Gifts, etc. If you would like to get involved please email the 5th Grade Committee Co-Chairs, Jen Cronin (jencronin33@gmail.com) and Amy Neal (rangeramy306@aol.com).
Xfinity ACP
Xfinity is proud to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualified households with a credit of up to $30/mo towards internet and mobile services.
Wings for Autism
WINGS FOR AUTISM: Travel is stressful in general but can be particularly stressful for families who have a child with special needs. Here is an opportunity for a “test run”. Gain the familiarity and confidence necessary to take future trips. Children will experience:
Entering the airport The check-in process and checking bags Security screening Boarding the plane Preparing for take-off Exiting the plane When: November 4, 2023 @ 9:00 a.m. Where: Boston Logan Airport, Terminal E Cost: FREE!! Registration is required! ALL attendees must register - including parents, siblings, etc.) Adults 18 years and older must show valid identification at the airport, in order to participate in WIngs over Autism. Link for Event Registration
Support Waltham Children and Families: Be a Short Term Caregiver
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking to keep Waltham children in their
schools and communities. We want to ensure that when DCF assumes care and custody of
a child, that child is able to remain in their school, with their friends and the adults that
support them. In order to accomplish this, DCF is looking for Waltham parents who
would consider becoming a short-term caregiver for a student in need at their child’s
school. Please complete this brief survey if you are interested in participating or learning more.
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