1. education
2. school

McDonell Area Catholic Schools
are committed to the formation of community,
academic excellence and the spiritual and physical
well-being of each student in the
Spirit of Jesus Christ.
St. Charles Childcare
St. Charles Borromeo Primary
Holy Ghost Elementary
Notre Dame Middle School
McDonell Central Catholic High School
March 2015 School Newsletter
MACS Central Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7 am to 4 pm  School Offices open 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
715.723.0538  www.macs.k12.wi.us Look for MACS on Facebook & Twitter
Project Lead the Way expands for next year
This year we introduced Project Lead the Way, based on a
National initiative entitled STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/
Math). As a nation we have fallen behind other countries in these
areas.
At Notre Dame, we have Design and Modeling for seventh and
eighth grade students. In the high school we have started a BioMedical Science class and Introduction to Engineering Design. We
have added state of the art technology with a new computer lab in
half of the existing library. This space will be converted to a tiered lab
this summer. The money for these new initiatives has been raised
through the help of generous donors and grants. Thank you to our
supporters. We will need to raise additional money to continue this
important project.
Next year, we will be adding Automation and Robotics at the
middle school level and Principles of Biomedical Science and Human
Body Systems at McDonell. By our third year in the program, it is our
goal to have three classes available at Notre Dame Middle School
along with three Bio-Medical and three Engineering courses at
McDonell High School. This will lead to McDonell and Notre Dame
being certified as a Project Lead the Way school.
Academics are important and as a Catholic school we also provide
and encourage our students to participate in and support: the Right
to Life March, Agnes Table, Stuff-A-Truck, Salvation Army, Casa
Hogar, Steubenville in the summer and donations to the UnBound
program, where we support two Latin American orphan students
providing them with essential life needs.
All of these activities challenge our students to come out of their
comfort zones and into the practice of faith. Please encourage your
sons and daughters to join us in these important causes and to live
their faith daily. These are exciting and positive changes in our
school system. I am convinced that our students will be better
prepared for their future in the world and more active and committed
Catholics. — Principal Brother Roger
Happiness held is the seed, happiness
shared is the flower
Do you have 30 minutes to spend with a student that could use
some extra attention to get through their day? One day a week is all it
takes to put some happiness and fun into a child’s day. Help a child
“blossom” by offering support and encouragement and sharing what
you know about life. To learn more about becoming a mentor, log on
to http://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/cvMentors.cfm or call Ashley at
715.726.2400 ext. 2516.
www.facebook.com/ChippewaMentorProgram
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
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723.2161
723.5827
723.6478
723.4777
723.9126
Enrollment for 2015-2016
Why do we enroll starting in January?
MACS uses the enrollment to plan for
staffing and class offering for the following
school year. We tentative plan all will return.
In the guide we have a deadline set for
Friday, February 27th. After Friday, March
6th the enrollment fee will increase to $150.
Please help us plan fiscally for next year by
enrolling now. Visit the Parent-Student
webpage for all the details, and NEW this
year, you may pay the $100 enrollment fee
by credit card.
MARCH EVENTS
For full listing, check on website for school’s
monthly event calendars.
Mar. 2-3
BB4C Parent-Teacher Conferences
Mar. 4
GIFT and Parent Drop Off Day
Mar. 9
McD Parent-Teacher Conference 3:30-6:00 p.m.
MACS Music Boosters meeting @ McD –6:30 p.m.
NDMS Parent-Teacher by request
Mar. 11
NDAA Meeting @ McD 6:00 p.m.
MABC Meeting @ McD 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 16-20 McDonell Central Catholic High School celebrating
50 years of graduates “Golden Week”
Mar. 17
NDAA 2015-2016 Registration & Banquet
Mar. 18
Parent Drop Off Day
Teen Life Night for middle and high school
students in the area @ McD 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Live band and speaker Alice Heinzen
Mar. 19
MACS Education Commission @ McD 5:30 p.m.
Mar. 20
U.S. Army Band and Choir Free Concert @
McD 7:00 p.m.
Mar. 21
Spring Craft Show @ McD 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 22-28 Senior Class to NYC and Washington DC
Mar. 27
End third quarter
Mar. 27-28 Alumni Basketball-Volleyball Tournament
April 3-6
NO SCHOOL - Easter
Apr. 15
MACS Looking Forward Address
Family Newsletter March 2015
MACS Central Office
www.macs.k12.wi.us
SCRIP GIFT CARD NEWS
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS & ACCREDITATION
Mary Huffcutt, Dean of Academic Affairs
and Acceditation 715.723.0538 ext.
3302 or [email protected].
Academic Excellence Over three years ago McDonell Area
Catholic Schools updated its mission,
vision, and core values. They are the
basis we refer to in reviewing or
Mrs. Mary Huffcutt adopting policies, procedures,
programs, practices and daily decision
making. MACS has a core value of academic excellence
which states:
Barb Gale, Administrative Assistant & Scrip
Fundraising Coordinator 715.723.0538 ext.
3301 or [email protected].
web link: www.macs.k12.wi.us/scrip.html
Mrs. Barb Gale
The MACS Scrip Gift Card Program now is
a fundraiser for the entire Catholic
community. It now includes parish credits.
You can now give your Scrip credit to:
1. A MACS family
2. A future MACS family
3. The MACS system as a whole
4. Your supporting Catholic parish
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if
there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.” (Philippians 3:8)
The potential of the Scrip gift card program is unlimited. It
is a win-win situation all around. It is an ideal fundraiser! You
do not need to buy anything extra; you are buying what you
already would be purchasing, just using gift cards instead of
check card, check or cash.
We are looking for volunteers in our Scrip Central Office,
during Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you feel you can
help for a few hours a week, please contact me at my
information above. Thank you for supporting Scrip!
 I give my best to the work I do for the glory of God.
 I give my best to others for the love of God.
 I set high goals and expectations.
 I choose excellence in learning.
 Seek the truth in all things
 Practice the virtue of fortitude in pursuing what is good
 Strive to surpass good and attain excellence
 Have high expectations and standards
 Make school work personal and meaningful
 Set vigorous goals and challenges and develop the
support to meet them
As parents, how can we use this value of academic
excellence in our homes?
Advancement News
Jenny Schafer, Director of Advancement
715.723.0538 ext. 3306 or
[email protected]
Mrs. Jenny Schafer
Education Technology & Media
Val Knobloch, Director of Technology
[email protected]
Your opinion is wanted and needed
Please fill out a
fundraising survey.
MACS on the move
As I prepared this newsletter, I took
a look back and discovered a few items
to revisit. Last year we had major
snowstorms and power outages. We
have not had any this year (knock on Mr. Val Knobloch
wood) but have set up some additional
safeguards in the event of future prolonged power
outages.
MACS wireless was further expanded during the
summer and fall and has adequately supported our
classrooms and the 1 to 1 initiative. Nonetheless, we
are looking at the eventual upgrade to the system in the
next 12-16 months. A year ago, we also mentioned
Windows XP end of support and security upgrades.
Windows 7 was completed over the summer, security
upgrades (key fobs) at Holy Ghost and an update
internet filter was installed that also filters school
devices off campus. The tech committee is also looking
at our 1:1 and Project Lead the Way initiatives after our
first year and going into year two. Watch for more on
this next month.
If you have not done so please go to the parent webpage
or HERE and fill out the SURVEY.
After seven years, it is time to take a step back and
assess what is working and what isn’t. And, as the saying
goes, if you don’t share your opinion and “vote”, then you
can’t complain.
At this time, I would also like to remind everyone of the 30
hours of servant leadership each family is asked to give to
MACS. Not only is servant leadership one of our six core
values for our students and our school system, it is also vital
to our success. Without volunteers, it would be very difficult
to run the top notch athletic programs that we have or the
fantastic fine arts programs. Without volunteers, there
would be no fun events for the younger students like the
Harvest Hoedown or Snowflake Dance.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our school system.
We are a community with the common goal of giving our kids
the best education and opportunities possible. We cannot do
it without you!
Have a blessed Lenten season.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
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Family Newsletter March 2015
MACS Organizations
Home and School Association (HandS)
www.macs.k12.wi.us
Notre Dame Athletic Association (NDAA)
email: [email protected]
web link: www.macs.k12.wi.us/hns.html
email: [email protected]
web link: www.macs.k12.wi.us/ndaa.html
Teacher Conferences: Thank you to all the parents who
took time out of their busy schedules and sent food,
snacks and treats for the teachers conferences in
February. It is very much appreciated!!
NDAA Banquet and 2015-16
athletic registration (grades 4-7)
The NDAA would like to congratulate all
our grade 5 - 8 athletes for their hard work
and dedication this season!
We would also like to thank the parents Mrs. Michele Kressin
for their support of not only the athletes but NDAA President
coaches and assistants as well.
We will hold our annual awards banquet on Tuesday,
March 17th at 5:30 p.m. at McDonell. We welcome grade 4
and all new to NDAA to register from 5:00-5:30 p.m. for
next year. Current athletes register at 5:15 p.m.
There are only three more NDAA meetings this year,
please consider volunteering for this board by joining us at
the March or April meeting to see what we do and how you
can help. Elections for board members will be held at the
May meeting, and we are currently looking for replacements for all four spots (president, vice president, treasurer
and secretary). Ask your friends to join you!
Family Game Night: Family Game Night will be on
March 26th look for more information soon!
Yearbook news: Tis the time of year to start working on
the yearbook and currently I have VERY FEW pictures
for the yearbook. If parents would send your best photos
to the email address stated below it would be very much
appreciated. I found out last year that hundreds of
pictures were needed to create the best yearbook.
Yearbook email address is:
[email protected]. You can find all the
details on our Home and School website. Photos from
2014 spring events needed: MACS in Motion, Spring
Concert, First Communion and trips. This year Fall to
current: Trips to Ice Age Trail, Irvine Park, Orchard,
Music programs, athletics, Snowflake Dance, Kids Club
and Catholic Schools Week activities and any other
photos you may have. - Tina Ferguson, President
McDonell Athletic Boosters (MABC)
email: [email protected]
web link: www.macs.k12.wi.us/athboost.html
MACS Music Boosters
email: [email protected]
web link: www.macs.k12.wi.us/musboost.html
On February 21st, a few of the high school
jazz band students will be spending the day
with the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra
learning new techniques, with a special
performance Saturday night at the State
Theatre in Eau Claire at 7:30 pm. They will Mr. Robert Parkhurst
be performing with other area honors band Booster President
students and special guest musician, Louis
Bonilla, a famous New York trombonist.
Congratulations to Sam Zwickel and John Francis, who will
be traveling to Decorah, Iowa to participate in the Dorian Band
Festival. They return on the 24th, just in time to leave
on February 25th for the BIG TRIP TO NASHVILLE! Forty high
school students plus chaperones will be traveling to Nashville
as part of their special enrichment trip. They have been raising
money the last four years. Thank you for supporting this trip
with your purchase of MVP cards, etc.
The annual spring craft show is on Saturday, March 21st. We
need both parent and student volunteers. Please go
to VolunteerSpot and click on the music booster events link
to sign up. Due to the Army Band and Choir performing the
night before the craft show, we also need help AFTER the Army
performance. We can get our work done in an hour if we have
enough hands to help! Contact Jenny Schafer with questions.
Mark your calendars: Monday, April 13th is the McDonell and
Notre Dame spring concert. Join us at our next meeting,
March 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the McDonell library.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
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The MABC would like to thank all who attended and
supported the Annual Brunch on January 25th! We
especially want to recognize Gordy’s County Market,
Amanda Bohl, Kwik Trip, and Tina Ochs. We would also
like to thank our chairpersons who organized the event –
Regi Geissler and Jen Shakal! Without them it could not
have happened!
March 27th & 28th – Annual McDonell Alumni
Tournament.
A thank you goes out to the individuals who are assisting
in making this fun event occur: Jason Hiess, Charlie Wirtz
and Sarah Schultz, Michele Kressin, Jon Willi and Barry
Bremness. We are still looking for people to help during
the event. Please go to VolunteerSpot to sign up.
May 16, 2015 – The 25th Annual Golf Outing.
A thank you goes out to Dan Hunt and Kent Vandehaar
who have offered to help make this event happen. If you
would like to assist in anyway please contact them. They
are looking for someone who would like to take over as
chair (s). Please get a team together for a fun day of
golfing!
If you are interested in being on the board of the
booster club or would like to chair any of the events that
the booster club sponsors, PLEASE feel free to contact
any one of the board members: Jason Hiess, Jeff Zander,
Sarah Schultz or Melissa Bowe. WE THANK YOU FOR
YOUR PARTICIPATION!
Finally we would like to thank all the winter athletes
who are entering playoffs. GOOD LUCK MACKS!
Family Newsletter March 2015
Notre Dame Middle School | McDonell Central Catholic High School www.macs.k12.wi.us
GUIDANCE OFFICE NEWS
GLOBAL OUTREACH NEWS
Jerry Van Dyke, Guidance Counselor
[email protected]
715.723.9126 ext. 3317
Global Outreach Catholic Student Exchange Program is
looking for Host Families for the 2015-2016 school year:
Students from this program have been coming to McDonell for
many years. Have you ever wanted to make a difference in
SCHOLARSHIPS All seniors have
the life of another person, to do something really great for
someone whose life will never be the same because of
you? Global Outreach - a Catholic Foreign
Exchange Program is looking for families to host students
from East –Central Europe for the 2015-2016 school
year. We need loving families to provide room, board, and
transportation for the school year. By hosting a Global
Outreach student, you will be offering a young person the
chance of a lifetime. Your own family will also be greatly
impacted and enriched by generously opening yourselves
to a Global Outreach student.
Global Outreach is a unique program with a Catholic
mission, to prepare young servant leaders who will
make a contribution to the renewal of the Church and
society in their countries of origin. It's directors are
available throughout the year to support and assist
both students and host families whenever needed.
The son or daughter for your home is eagerly waiting to
hear that someone has opened their hearts.
Please contact current host families, Peggy and Ken
Nehring 715.723.7586, Richard or Lisa Neff, or Erin
Borofka. Please check globaloutreachprogram.com the
website to learn more about our mission to build civilization
of love.
You can also contact Barbara Tota-Boryczka, the
Executive Director of the program at 920.540.3085 or
[email protected] or
Father Larry Seidl, the Spiritual Director of the program
at 920.412.0320 or [email protected].
recently received another updated list of
available scholarships. The list is also
Mr. Jerry Van Dyke
posted on the MACS website. There are
more than 15 scholarships in this list that are available to
ALL students, regardless of GPA, major, college choice,
parent’s income, etc. Several of the applications simply
ask for students to write an essay about their career
goals. Students should contact Mr. Van Dyke to pick up
scholarship applications.
ACT REGISTRATION The two remaining ACT test
dates for this school year are April 18, 2015 (registration
due March 7th) and June 13, 2015 (registration due May
9th). Juniors should take the ACT at least one time this
school year. Register at actstudent.org
REMINDER TO PARENTS OF SENIORS The McDonell
Scholarship Awards Program is May 27th, 9:30 a.m. Plan
to attend this event which recognizes seniors for their
academic, athletic, and service accomplishments.
CAMPUS MINISTRY NEWS
Deacon Tom Kinnick, Campus Ministry
[email protected]
715.723.9126 ext. 2207
Teen Life Night On Wednesday,
March 18 beginning at 6:30 with our
praise and worship band. Speaker Alice
Heinzen will speak from 7:15 - 8:15 pm
with fellowship to follow in the
commons.
STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
Deacon Tom Kinnick
During the week of March 16-20 we will be working with
members of the Central Office to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of our present high school building. Special
recognition will be given to the class of 1965, the first
graduating class, and to the class of 2015, the 50th
graduating class. Displays of the members in both
graduating classes will be in the Commons. Other
festivities will include the following:
Freshman/Sophomore Retreat Thursday, March 19 is
the Freshman Sophomore Retreat to be led by Alice
Henizen at the Notre Dame Parish Family Life Center
from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Students should be dropped
off and picked up at Notre Dame. If you need a ride to
and from, please contact the office and Brother Roger will
drive the bus.
Mon., March 16 - 60’s Day
Tues. March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day - drawing from pot of GOLD
Wed. March 18 - Mass, lunch, anniversary cake with class of 1965
Thurs. March 19 - Golden Day
Fri. March 20 - School Spirit/Retro Day
June 19-25 is the Steubenville trip. Cost for the trip is
$800.00. Spend 3 days at Steubenville, 3 days doing
mission work in Denver area and 1 day hiking in the
Rocky Mountains. Contact Ms. Thelen if interested. You
do not have to be a student at McDonell to attend these
trips.
The class of 1965 will also be honored guests at the
graduation ceremony and will be recognized on the senior
class T-shirt.
Pro Life Club Thursday, April 30 Pro Life Club is hosting
a blood drive. Details will be in the next newsletter.
Event will be from 9 a.m.—2 p.m. in the McDonell Gym.
Consent forms will be available in the office.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
Large Lenten “mite” containers will be in the Commons for
each class. The proceeds will go to the Casa Hogar
Mission. The winning class will receive a Sweats Day.
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Family Newsletter March 2015
Notre Dame Middle School | McDonell Central Catholic High School www.macs.k12.wi.us
MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS
MVP GOLD CARDS STILL AVAILABLE
Amy Vogt, Choral Director
[email protected]
715.723.9126 ext. 2216
This fundraiser benefits all MACS music students in the
system. You may purchase a card for $20 by calling the
school office at 715.723.9126 or ask a music student
and save hundreds of dollars at area businesses.
Sean Hanson, Band Director
[email protected]
715.723.9126 ext. 1114
Mrs. Amy Vogt
LARGE GROUP MUSIC FESTIVAL—OPEN TO
THE PUBLIC EVENT
Mr. Sean Hanson
McDonell will be hosting the Large Group Musical
Festival on Thursday, April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. Eight different bands and five choirs will be
competing. Students from both Notre Dame Middle
School and McDonell High School will be representing
our system. Please feel free to come and support our
students!
Did you know McDonell-Notre Dame is a member
school of the Wisconsin State Music Association
(WSMA)? We pay yearly dues to offer our students the
same phenomenal opportunities presented to students in
large and small, public and private schools throughout
the state. Many small, private schools opt out of this
experience, but we at McDonell-Notre Dame believe in
giving our students the opportunity to perform in Solo
and Ensemble competitions, State Honor band and choir
experiences and Large Group Festivals.
WSMA lends an air of credibility to our activities as a
strong music department. They make it possible for us to
work with experienced clinicians and judges Students
reap the benefits through medals, trophies, and best of
all, valuable learning experiences. Thank you for
supporting our students in their musical endeavors and
helping our music department blossom into a beautiful
thing.
Congratulations to Ben Prissel, Samantha Wirtz,
Deedra Baughman, Max Hauser, Kristin Swoboda, Kelly
Coushman, Anthony Roach, Charlie Bleskachek, Keri
Leenhouts, Laura McChesney, Jakeb Smiskey and
Belinda Neff! They were selected to participate in the
Shell Lake Honor Choir on April 10th. This is an honor
limited to hard-working, talented choral middle
school students from the Northern part of Wisconsin.
UPCOMING MUSIC DEPARTMENT DATES:
March 21 Spring Craft Fair at McDonell (Music Boosters)
April 11 Solo and Ensemble Festival (Chi Hi)
April 13 Notre Dame and McDonell Spring Concert 7 pm
MACS SPIRIT WEAR AVAILABLE ONLINE
McDonell High School students involved in the
Entrepreneurship Class are working to provide our
families with MACS logo wear and learn about business
at the same time. Any orders
placed from the website will
benefit the Entrepreneurship
class. You may access the
website from the McDonell
website home page at
www.macs.k12.wi.us. Click
on the yellow “MACS Spirit
Wear” block on the upper
right side of the screen.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY HONORS JAZZ FESTIVAL
John Francis and Gordy Schafer will be representing
McDonell at this years Chippewa Valley Honors Jazz
Festival in Eau Claire this Saturday, February 21st. Their
concert will begin at 7:30 at the State Theater and will
feature this years honors jazz ensemble and combo in
addition to the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra and
guest soloist Lois Bonilla on trombone.
ALUMNI TOURNAMENT NEWS
30th Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament
March 27 & 28, 2015
You don’t want to miss being a part of this tournament
weekend. Check us out on FACEBOOK - McDonell
Alumni Group. If interested, contact Nick Martell at
715.271.2248 or email [email protected]
DORIAN BAND FESTIVAL Dorian Band festival at
Luther College will be on Sunday, February 22nd and
Monday February 23rd. This year's festival will feature
McDonell's John Francis and Samuel
Zwickel. Congratulations to John and Sam on this
accomplishment.
Deb Roesler Memorial Alumni
Volleyball Tournament
March 28, 2015
Come watch the teams play at the
Chippewa Falls Middle School.
TRIP TO NASHVILLE The band and choir will be
heading to Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday,
February 25th for our big trip. We will be performing at
the Grand Ol' Opry and visiting many sites in Music City.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
Alumni Tournament registration forms are available online
at www.macs.k12.wi.us in the Alumni area.
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Family Newsletter March 2015
Notre Dame Middle School | McDonell Central Catholic High School www.macs.k12.wi.us
STUDENT AMBASSADOR NEWS
SENIOR CLASS NEWS
Mary Jacobson
Ambassador Program Advisor
715.723.9126
Carolyn Peloquin, Senior Trip Coordinator
[email protected]
715.723.9126 ext. 1102
"...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I
was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a
stranger and you welcomed me" Matthew 25:35
SENIOR TRIP UPDATE Students and
chaperones will depart on Saturday, March
21st and return on Sunday, March 29th for
this year’s senior trip. We will spend three
Mrs. Carolyn Peloquin
nights in New York City and then three
nights in Washington D.C. While in New York students will
take in a Broadway play, will go to the Statue of Liberty and
Ellis Islands and to the top of the Empire State Building, as
well as tour St. Pat's Cathedral and the 911 Memorial and
the newly opened 911 Museum. We will also
see Rockefeller Center and Central Park. We will take a
battlefield tour in Gettysburg on the way to Washington D.C.
Then as we move on to see Washington, we will have a
Capitol tour, see the Smithsonian Museums and the
Holocaust Museum as well as tour the monuments at
night. We will also go to see the Washington Capitals at the
Verizon Center and take a dinner and dancing riverboat
cruise on the Potomac River. We will stop at the Pentagon
Memorial and the Immaculate Conception Basilica on the
way home.
What an appropriate message for the
service project the student ambassadors
Mrs. Mary Jacobson
embraced for the beginning of Lent. On
February 18th, Ash Wednesday, seven student
ambassadors travelled to the Feed My People Food Bank
in Eau Claire with Mrs. Jacobson to serve the hungry in
an indirect way. On the day we went, they needed help
packaging granola that will be distributed to local food
pantries and used for the Weekend Kids’ Meals. Students
worked together bagging granola into single serving sizes.
The group learned that the food bank discovered that
many students go without substantial food over the
weekends, coming back to school on Mondays physically
undernourished and ill-prepared for learning. So, they
began the Weekend Kids’ Meal Program, where
volunteers pack bags weekly containing easy-to-prepare
meals for two breakfasts and two lunches. These
prepared bags are distributed at 35 sites in Eau Claire
and Chippewa Falls to 1800 preschool, elementary and
middle school students.
FINAL TRIP PAYMENT Your final trip payment is
due March 10th. See Mrs. Peloquin for your balance or
check the office window for your final amount due after the
basketball season is over.
JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM– The JuniorSenior Prom will be held May 2nd at
Horizons in Tilden. Dinner is at 6:15 p.m.
and music and dancing from 7:00-11:00
p.m. Parents and family may, if they
wish, take pictures between 10:00 10:30 p.m. Parents are to be aware of the
possible use of alcohol before and after
prom. This is a potential problem that only parents can
deal with effectively. We ask that parents not drink in the
presence of students and refrain from consuming alcohol
while at Horizons, although we have no policy and
ultimately it is a matter of parental discretion.
We strongly urge parents to not allow their
sophomore and freshmen children to attend the prom
with older students.
Typically, this ambassador activity ends with a trip to
Pizza Hut for an hour of food and socializing. This day the
pizzas were forgotten while we remembered those who
rely on the food pantries. According to the Feed My
People website, every day, people in Wisconsin go
hungry. The Food Bank services fourteen counties in west
central Wisconsin. They distribute over 125,000 pounds of
food every week.
On Sunday, March 1st, several
ambassadors will be baking brownies for
Feed My People’s major fundraiser “Empty
Bowls.” If you are available, we
recommend that you take in this fundraiser
that supports the hungry in our community.
It is Thursday, March 5th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the
Florian Gardens in Eau Claire. “This benefit meal of
soup, bread and dessert, features hand-crafted bowls
donated by local artists.” See the website for more
information about the food bank, the people they serve
and the Empty Bowls benefit.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
SPRING CRAFT SHOW NEWS
2015 SPRING ARTS & CRAFT SALE will be held on
Saturday, March 21st from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer your
services, Look on the MACS Music Booster’s website and
click on “VolunteerSpot” and go to Music Booster calendar
March 20th & 21st.
6
Family Newsletter March 2015
St. Charles Borromeo Primary School | Holy Ghost Elementary School
www.macs.k12.wi.us
Memories of Catholic Schools Week live on daily in our schools
One of the activities
at the Catholic Schools
Week country western
rally at McDonell High
School involved groups
of children coloring
puzzle pieces and later
fitting these pieces
together into a whole
design. These finished
puzzles now hang on
the walls of each of the
participating schools,
reminding the students
of the importance of
Catholic schools.
Three St. Charles boys (above left) work diligently on their puzzle piece, guided by a McDonell student. A pair of
St. Charles students proudly show off the completed puzzle hanging near the entry of their school (above right).
The way to a beautiful smile
During Dental Health Month, the first graders had a
guest speaker from Kristo Orthodontics come to review
what was taught in Miss Nowak’s social studies unit. Using
eggs to simulate teeth, the students were able to see what
might happen to their teeth when they drink sugary liquids
and do not brush afterwards. X-rays and other visual aids
were used to further explain about good oral hygiene. The
children also received goody bags full of things to help them
develop good habits in the care of their teeth. It turned out
to be a perfect day to talk about teeth since one of the first
grade students lost a tooth during Mass that very morning!
The bake sales (above) are popular with the students.
Baking the way to Madison
As part of their social studies curriculum, the fourth
and fifth grade students travel to Madison every other
year. The boys and girls have the chance to tour the
State Capitol, the Historical Museum and the Veteran’s
Museum. Their next trip is scheduled for April 28, 2015.
This is an expensive trip, primarily because of the
cost of the coach buses, so the students are earning
money to help make this experience possible. Raising
the funds themselves also provides them with a great
economics lesson! Each homeroom is holding two
different bake sales during lunch recesses. The students
and their families donate the bake goods and sell them
for 50 cents each. Hopefully, these young entrepreneurs
will raise enough money to make this terrific excursion to
Madison trip much less costly.
Two first graders (above) examine a close up picture
of teeth during a presentation for Dental Health Month.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
7
Family Newsletter March 2015
St. Charles Borromeo Primary School | Holy Ghost Elementary School
www.macs.k12.wi.us
First grade students celebrate their annual “Books on Parade”
This young lady (left) explains her favorite book project
to her classmates, while two first grade boys (above
right) hungrily eye a tray of chocolate chip cookies.
At the beginning of February, the first grade students and their families were given an assignment to make a project at
home that would illustrate the child’s favorite book. When the project was finished and brought to school, the students told
their classmates about their book and project. In appreciation for sending their child to the MACS system, parents and other
family members were invited to attend Mass on February 11th. After Mass they were invited to come over to school to see
the wonderful projects and enjoy one of Mrs. Cindy Yohnk’s “famous chocolate chip cookies”. Before taking their projects
home, the boys and girls also had the opportunity to share them with students from the other first grade homeroom.
Kindergarten boys and girls share the warmth this winter
“Do
small
things
with
great
love.”
Mother
Teresa
After reading The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen, the two St. Charles Kindergarten classes (above) collected
and donated mittens, hats and scarves to the Chippewa Falls Boys and Girls Club during Catholic Schools Week.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
8
Family Newsletter March 2015
St. Charles Borromeo Primary School | Holy Ghost Elementary School
www.macs.k12.wi.us
Valentine’s Day . . . Valentine’s Day . . . Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day was all excitement and fun at Holy Ghost
School. Fourth graders enjoy opening valentines from
their classmates (above left). A pair of friends sport
special valentine glasses (above right) while a fifth grade
boy (left) shows off a balloon bouquet he received. Two
third graders (below) take a closer look at the homemade
hearts adorning the tree outside of Mrs. Eckwright’s room.
St. Valentine’s Day Trivia
 One billion Valentine cards are sent each year (second only to Christmas cards).
 Pope Gelasius declared the first St. Valentine’s Day on February 14, 498 A.D.
 Teachers receive more Valentine cards than people in any other profession.
McDonell Area Catholic Schools
9
Family Newsletter March 2015
2015 – 16 Income Limits
Wisconsin Parental Choice Program
For the 2015-16 school year, the family income of a student applying to the Wisconsin
Parental Choice Program (WPCP) must be at or below the amount listed in the table
below. If a student is continuing in the program or was on the Department of Public
Instruction’s choice waiting list in the prior year, he or she is no longer required to meet
the income limits. Family income includes the income of the student’s parent(s) or legal
guardian(s) that reside in the same household as the student applicant. If the student’s
parents/legal guardians are married their income is reduced by $7,000 when
determining income eligibility for the program. Family size includes parents/legal
guardians and their children by birth, marriage or adoption that resides in the same
household as the student applicant.
185% of the Federal Poverty Level for 2015-2016
Single Family
Family Size
Maximum Yearly
Income*
2
$29,566
3
$37,197
4
$44,828
5
$52,459
6
$60,090
Married Family
Family Size
Maximum Yearly
Income*
3
4
5
6
$44,197
$51,828
$59,459
$67,090
For each additional member add $7,631
*As determined by Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on the federal income tax return
for the prior calendar year (2014 for the 2015-16 school year).
McDonell Area Catholic Schools (MACS) invites all qualifying families to participate in
the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. To complete an application go to the
Department of Public Instruction website at: http://sms.dpi.wi.gov/wpcp-statewide and
choose the DPI Method. Application deadline is April 20, 2015. Contact MACS by
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 715.723.0538. If you have any questions, please contact
Teresa Dachel at 715.723.0538 ext. 3323.
THANK
YOU!
I would like to thank ALL of you who participated in our 7th Annual
Mid-Winter Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 7th. It was a great success,
with approximately 300 people enjoying great food, having fun and
dancing to Troppo Big Band Jazz Orchestra. It was our second largest
turnout! We could not have done this without all of our volunteers – it
takes over 100 volunteers on Saturday to make the evening run smoothly.
Thank you!
The evening featured three new games that guests could play: horse
racing, Plinko and a wine toss. They were a fun addition to the
evening, especially for those who don’t care to play blackjack or
poker.
We raised over $42,000 in support of Catholic education.
Above: Parents Krista
and Kevin Alberts,
Queen and King 2015
Right: Jenny Schafer
congratulates Betty Bohl
for winning the $1000
grand prize raffle
drawing!
Great job everyone!
The grand prize winners of the large cash raffle were: $1000
Betty Bohl, $500 Tim and Lori Lorentz, and $500 Buck and Lori
Rawhouser. Congratulations!
God Bless you and your family!
Jenny Schafer, Director of Advancement
Above: McDonell Jazz Band sounded fantastic as they started out the
evening festivities and led the parade to dinner. Below: Father Felix
looks on as the dice is rolled and a horse runs past Father’s to win.
Above: Thank you to all the parent and staff volunteers!
Below: Parent Sheri Bromisel and her mom show off the purses
they won in the $500 Scrip game.