News and Announcements

 

From the Principal.....

As our school year draws to a close, I want to thank each parent for his/her dedication and commitment to Macdonald as we continue to strive toward academic excellence grounded in the gift of love and knowledge.

The month of May is a great time to reflect over the growth of your child. Please take a few minutes to share with your child(ren) how you have seen growth and maturity emerge in his/her life. I encourage everyone to take time to reflect over the accomplishments made throughout the year and strive to keep your child(ren) engaged in life-long learning opportunities.

Our Terra Nova results arrived a couple of weeks ago. The scores are very promising as we continue to engage our students in understanding assessments and the value of demonstrating their knowledge and skill on assessments. We have reminded them that the Terra Nova is only one measure used to determine growth and as we review the data with them, we are providing additional tools and strategies to support their academic growth.

May 10, 2012 has been set aside to provide parents with the Terra Nova’s Student’s Home Report (their assessment results). There are three one-hour session available: 10:00 am., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Each session can be used as a question and answer time, review of your child’s scores, or if you just want to pick up the results. If you are unable to make a session, the results will be mailed home with your child’s last report card. On May 18, 2012, a complete report of the school’s scores will be emailed to every home.

Once again, thank you for being an outstanding group of parents. You support has made a great difference in the success of your child and the school.

Junior Red Cross Drive

Macdonald’s Junior Red Cross seeks your help.  We know of a wounded soldier who was wounded in Afghanistan and currently is in Walter Reed Medical Hospital.  This soldier and his family wants to help the other soldiers and their families to be comfortable while they are there. Boredom is a large problem during the recuperation period.  Macdonald’s Junior Red Cross is collecting  the items listed below.

Used /New Items:
Movies
Wii games
X-box games
Children/adult books
Children/adult magazines
Puzzles (cross word, sudoku, word search, etc.)

Would you all help us collect items to send to them? We will collect items until May 18th. 

Your support is so greatly appreciated.  Thank you!!!

End of Year Activities

May 21 Recognition Day:
9:00-10:00-4th Grade
10:30-11:30-5th Grade
1:00-1:30- 6th Grade Social
1:45-3:00-6th Grade

May 22 Field Day:
8:45-Opening Activity
8:45-11:00-Field Day
11:00-2:30-BBQ and Games
2:30-3:15-End of Year Activities

Families are invited to both events. More information will be sent home. Please reserve these dates and times to spend with your child.

Transitioning to a New School?

Many of our students will attend a different school next school year. Below are helpful hints for a smooth transition:
1. Contact Army Community Service, Relocation Program (SITES) for information
on your gaining installation and community.
2. Visit the web page for both the State Department of Education, local
County/District system, and local schools.
3. If going overseas, visit the DoDEA homepage (www.dodea.edu).
4. Check the new school calendar for starting and ending dates.
5. Be familiar with the process of transferring records, school eligibility requirements and subsequent placement of the students.
6. Give the losing school adequate notice of withdrawal.
7. Contact the installation School Liaison Officer and school counselor for assistance.

Need a Sweet Treat to Serve for Derby Day or Mother's Day?

Why not order a Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake or other sweet treats from the Barnes & Noble Cafe. Click on the link for more information from our Booster Club.

Immunization Certificates

Revised 9 March 2012

As of July 2010, DoDEA recognized the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity of Military Children. The compact language reads that, "Compacting states shall give thirty (30) calendar days from the date of enrollment for required immunizations. For a series of immunizations, initial immunizations must be obtained within thirty (30) calendar days." Parents must present proof of immunizations upon registration in any DoDEA school. Should the immunization documentation reveal missing imunization data, the necessary immunizations must be obtained and proof of immunization compliance presented to school officials, within thiry (30) days of enrollment, for continued enrollment in DoDEA.

For an immunization that trequires a series of vaccinations to complete immunity, the next in the series is due NLT 10 days after the due date as determined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) series spacing requirements.

These forms are now included in the DoDEA online registration packet. A PDF fillable version of all forms is located at http://www.dodea.edu/pps/guide_home.cfm

 

Nurse Note:

Reminder...No medication or over the counter med can be administered without a prescription from your health care provider. Please see the nurse to complete these forms. Students may NOT carry meds to school.

New Three Year Calendar

Click on this link to get the new three year calendar that was just approved. This will be for the school year starting 2012 up to 2015.

 

GradeSpeed

Want to check to see how your student is doing in class? Want to find out if they are missing any assignments? GradeSpeed is the program teachers use to keep track of students grades. Parents can set up an account on GradeSpeed and check to see how their student is doing. Follow the link to get started. If you need instructions, please click here for a PDF file.

Agenda Book

Please read the Student Handbook in front of the Agenda Book with your student. Remember to go over the Agenda Book daily and sign where designated. This is a great communication tool between home and school.

IMPORTANT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Schools need volunteers. 
Parents and guardians as volunteers enrich the school experience for both themselves and students.  Opportunities vary at different grade levels.  Under command memorandum, service members may have up to two half-days to volunteer in the Fort Knox Community Schools.  For details on how to volunteer at any school, click here [PDF files].

Answering Machine:

Macdonald has an answering machine, 502-624-3580. Parents can use this number if your child is going to be absent, has an appointment, on leave, etc. You can also leave a message for the classroom teacher. You may call anytime of day to leave a message.

Moved into Quarters?

If you have moved into quarters, please bring your lease to school so we can make a copy to complete your child's records. If it is more convenient, you may scan it to the school office.