McKinley Monthly
May 2019
Welcome to May!
Monday kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week. I am truly grateful for our staff here at McKinley! They inspire me on a daily basis with their creativity, flexibility, expertise, and dedication. Thank you to the PTO for all that is planned to show teachers how much the McKinley community supports them and for the generous support from the adult social--teachers can look forward to having some extra classroom dollars to spend next year due to your generosity. It is nice to be treated so well!
I hope all of you received a School Perceptions Survey in your email and can take a few minutes to respond. I do read and take the information to heart. Comments are very helpful if you see a need for change or if you want to recognize someone for going above and beyond expectations.. A few people mentioned that they found their survey in their junk mail. Since this is sent out from School Perceptions and not the district, it might show up as junk. Each email has a distinct link. If you did not receive the email please let me know and I can have school perceptions re-send, or if you do not like to do surveys online, I can give you a hard copy that you can mail to the survey company. I would like your input: what are we doing well; what do we need to improve upon? The survey window closes May 13.
We had an amazing day last week Friday with High Interest Day! Despite a threat of rain it turned out to be a great day. The kids were happily engaged in a vast variety of activities. I want to reiterate Lindsay Stadler’s shout out to the High Interest Day Committee—Kristin Brewster, Paige Brown, and Bridgid Bedingfield, for all they did to organize the event and to Liz Russell and Kelly Rifelj for organizing food. A special thank you to Heidi Engbring for all of her years of heading up the event and for her help in transitioning this year! And a big thank you too, to all of the many, many, wonderful volunteers that day--we couldn’t do it without you!
At the end of this month we will begin creating class lists for the upcoming school year. If you did not fill out the class placement input form and you would like to, please use this link. The complex process of building next year’s rosters involves a team approach: classroom teachers, specialists, school social workers, specials teachers, parent input, and I all contribute to the process. Sometimes parents make specific requests that we are not able to honor. Trust that we have the best interest of all children in mind as we move into this process, and we are guided by the district’s Core Principles of Teaching and Learning for All.
So far in staffing changes, we will add a playground/lunch supervisor to replace Mrs. Morales, who has taken on a different job, and Juan has resigned as the building lead of McKinley but will still be with us as a supervisor of Dan Plautz Cleaning. Our new custodian is Greg Hausinger (See photo below!). Please welcome him. Our second grade teachers will be Ms. Loechler and Mrs. Danmeier, and Mrs. Paige Brown will join first grade. Mrs. Botelho in 4th grade will not return next year, as she has decided to stay home with her young children, and Ms. Oschwald, third grade, will be moving to Sheboygan and has resigned as well. I have started interviews already and will look for the best possible replacements for these two wonderful teachers who we will miss very much.
Exciting events not to miss this month: Saturday’s EFW walk-run—I hope to see you there. Look for Mountie the Mascot. Will he make an appearance? Wednesday May 8th is Bike to School day—You can get a new helmet (kids and adults!) or have your bike checked for proper inflation in the tires and smooth mechanical operating. You can even register your bicycle and get a license from Wauwatosa Police Officers. The last PTO meeting of the school year is Thursday, May 9th, and Kids Trivia is Friday May 10th. Please see the PTO Newsletter for details on those events. Our next Community Engagement Meeting about the new school construction will be May 15th from 6-8, and be sure to remember the Spring Buy One Get One Book Sale on Thursday, May 16th and 17th. On Tuesday, May 21st at 7 p.m., our Spring Concert will feature the band, chorus, and orchestra. Last but not least, remember because of the snow days we have school on May 24th, but are off for Memorial Day on May 27th. Wow! We will be so busy in May--it is sure to fly by!
Have a great month everyone, and as always, thank you for entrusting us with your children! Enough of the showers; let’s bring on the flowers!
Mrs. Hoffmann
*** Important EFW Info ***
This year you need to pick up your packets at Bowlero, 11737 W Burleigh St
May 2 from 3 - 6 p.m.
There will be no packet deliveries to schools this year. Please make arrangements to pick up your packet during one of the days and times noted.
! * ! * ! * ! * ! * ! * McK Attendance Line 773-1502 * ! * ! * ! * ! * ! * !
Dates to Remember
Please mark these dates on your calendar:
May 4 - EFW Walk/Run
May 8 - Bike to School Day
May 9 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
May 10 - Change to a Monday Schedule
May 10 - Kids' Trivia Night
May 15 - Community Engagement re: New Building at 6-7:30 p.m.
May 16 - Spring BOGO Bookfair
May 21 - Spring Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert at 7 p.m.
May 23 - Change to a Monday Schedule
May 24 - All Students Have School - Snow Makeup Day
May 27 - Memorial Day - No Classes
** May 21 - McKinley Spring Concert **
Spring Concert featuring the McKinley band, choir, and orchestra.
May 21st @ 7 pm
McKinley Gymnasium
Equity Listening Session Recap
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our second Equity Listening Session on April 23rd. It is great to be able to keep the conversation going, and for me to hear about ways that we can continue to make McKinley an even stronger community. The big theme this time centered on communication. A few concrete suggestions came forth that we have already begun to implement.
Some parents said they appreciate texts on occasion to give them reminders about important things to remember. In the past I have only used texts for urgent messages such as a no school day. This week I tried a text to remind parents about the School Perceptions survey. Let me know if you think this is helpful. Others thought that the video format used to promote Empty Bowls was effective, so I will try that more often (beginning with this today!) I heard the message that even though I send out much information in the newsletter, people still need to read it. Sometimes shorter is better. I will try!
Another area to improve upon was about communication from teachers about what conversations on equity themes are happening in school. Not all classrooms have started implementing an anti-bias curriculum, but those teachers who are including lessons will communicate more specifics to parents. Here is an example from a letter that went out to some 5th grade parents this week:
We are working on Units 4 & 5, which are:
Unit 4: Understanding Bias and Discrimination
Unit 5: Confronting/Challenging Bias and Bullying
We will be talking about stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. This will lead to discussions on teasing and identity-based bullying. The ultimate goal is to encourage our children to become allies. In this program, an ally is defined as “someone who helps or stands up for someone who is being bullied or the target of prejudice.” The culminating activity will be for the students to write and act out a skit that shows how to be an ally, which they will perform for their book buddies.
Hopefully this more specific information will empower parents and give them the opportunity to ask their children about the experience and have follow up conversations at home.
The overwhelming response at last Tuesday’s meeting is that we need to continue to have these conversations and to offer some sessions for parents in the future, so they, too, can experience some of the deep work around equity that our staff and our students are beginning. As we have started each session with, a quote from Lao Tzu: The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! We hope you will join us on this journey!
Congratulations to Katie Petitt!
A $6000 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation 2019 Teacher Fellowship was presented to SK teacher Katie Petitt at a recognition luncheon hosted by Herb Kohl, Wisconsin philanthropist and businessman. The school will receive a matching $6000 grant.
The Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship recognizes teachers who have demonstrated superior ability to inspire love of learning in their students, have motivated others, and have provided meritorious service both inside and outside the classroom.
The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has been recognizing educational excellence annually since 1990, awarding fellowships to 100 Wisconsin teachers and matching grants to each fellow's school.
Since it was established in 1990, the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has awarded $17.8 million to Wisconsin students, teachers, principals, and schools.
You're Invited! Neighborhood Meetings Regarding the New McKinley Elementary School
The Wauwatosa School District invites neighbors of McKinley Elementary School to participate in the design visioning of the new McKinley Elementary School that will be constructed as part of the voter-approved facilities referendum.
While construction of McKinley of won't begin until next summer (2020), the District and its architect are beginning the community engagement portion of the design process.
JOIN US as we create a vision for the new McKinley Elementary School.
Neighborhood Meeting #3 — Preliminary Design Presentation
Wednesday, May 15
6 - 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
Meetings will be held at McKinley. Please enter through the main doors on N. 89th St.
LEARN MORE:
You can learn more about the design process at www.wauwatosaschools.org/referendum
Celebrate 8 years of Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 8th!!
Bike, (or Walk or Scoot) to School Day is Wednesday, May 8th. We are so excited to see everyone out of their cars and enjoying some fresh air and exercise before school.
Do you live too far? Consider parking 2-3 blocks away and coming to school. Or you can join the McKinley Bike Train escorted by the Wauwatosa Police Department.
What is a bike train?
A bike train is a fun way to get to school as a group! Children bicycle under adult supervision along a recommended route to school. The bike train will start at the Koch house at 2510 N 86th St. Please arrive at 7:50am, the “train” will depart at 7:55 am for McKinley. We will plan on riding as a group in the street. Students may join the BACK of the bike train at any point along the route. Students must be comfortable biking in a group and MUST wear helmets. Parents are encouraged to ride along with the students, but this is not required.
Bike Helmets
Thanks to a former grant and ongoing efforts to sustain the program, the McKinley Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Committee is able to provide helmet safety checks/fittings for kids with existing helmets and NEW helmets to students and family members who need them. Bike helmets and helmet fitting checks before and after school (Suggested $10 donation for helmet to McKinley PTO).
City of Wauwatosa Bike Registration
The City of Wauwatosa does not require bikes to be registered BUT if I bike is lost or stolen it is easier to recover if registered. You must bring your bike to school for it to be registered.
Bike Safety Checks: Vince Hanoski from Ben’s Bike Shop will be providing bike safety checks again this year starting at 7:40 am. Vince has been at every Bike to School Day since 2012!! Please thank him for his commitment to safe bike riding at McKinley!
Bike to School Coloring Contest:
Thank you to Double- Boldt Realty Group who is once again sponsoring prizes for each grade level. Coloring sheets went home in Tuesday folders last week. Extras are available in the office. Sheets need to be turned in by Monday, May 6th for judging.
Help is needed before and after school with these activities. No experience necessary. Sign up at: https://signup.com/go/QJAfdXc
Resources:
Bookmark this page for some great kid related biking information: https://www.safekidswi.org/Coalitions-/Safe-Kids-Southeast-Wisconsin/Safe-Kids-Southeast-Wisconsin-V1/Bike-Helmet-Program
Spring Bake Sale - May 21st!
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING BAKED GOODS, AND WORKING THE SPRING BAKE SALE MAY 21st, 2019
**IDEAS** ** COOKIES ** CUPCAKES ** DIPPED PRETZLES ** FUDGE ** SMALL CAKES ** BROWNIES ** PURCHASED ITEMS ARE OK, TOO! These are just ideas. Use your imagination!
Please have baked goods ready for sale. They should be packaged in small quantities and labeled with allergenics (peanuts and dairy). Please place your goods at the table outside of the office on Tuesday May 21st.
All proceeds are donated to the help with the 5th Grade Celebration.
Bake sale hours: before and after the Spring Concert
Romeo & Juliet at Tosa East
Performance Dates/Times:
- Friday, May 3rd at 7:30PM
- Saturday, May 4th at 7:30PM
- Sunday, May 5th at 2PM
Art Room - End of the Year!
Dear McKinley Families,
It has been a productive year in the art room!
All that productivity has created some amazing pieces of art and it is almost time for your child’s own personal art show. Please send a bag, larger than grocery store size, for your daughter or son to take home their art.
Art will come home starting the week of 5/20.
Thank you for another wonderful year.
Ms. Leigh
Ms. Kumferman’s Korner-News from your School Social Worker
Here are some great summer resources!
Established in 1994, the mission of Camps for Kids is to provide life changing, first-time resident camp experiences for children in Milwaukee County.
Camps for Kids offers a unique opportunity to youth ages 8-15 to attend an overnight, residential camp in Wisconsin. Each camp provides exciting activities and a chance to meet new friends and learn in a safe environment.
To Participate
Camps for Kids provides a one-time scholarship to youth who qualify so that they may attend an overnight, residential camp in Wisconsin.
Students must be ages 8-15 and meet the following criteria:
· Reside in Milwaukee County
· Eligible for free or reduced school lunch
· Has not previously attended camp through the Camps for Kids Program
Check out the website for information about camps and scholarships
Check out these FREE Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in the Milwaukee Area that include:
· Home Depot Kids Workshops
· A.W.E. Mobile Art Studio schedule
· Kidz Days At the Center-First Stage
· Havenswood State Forest
· Urban Ecology Center
· Boerner Botanical Gardens
· Betty Brinn
· Mitchell Park Domes
· Milwaukee Art Museum
· Milwaukee Public Museum
https://milwaukee.citymomsblog.com/milwaukee/eight-free-kid-friendly-activities-milwaukee/
June 24 through August 23
Hosted at Washington
6:30am-6pm
$250/wk; $60/day
**Early Bird Registration - $225/week if signed up before 5/3**
Registration opens for Summer Camp 2019 on Friday March 22!
Right at School - Fall Registration
Fall registration is now open for all programs! What's exciting is families who register by June 14 will be entered to win a FREE YEAR of Right Club!
https://rightatschool-mckinley-elementary.jumbula.com/#/2019-20-before-after-school
Tosa Cares Thank You
"On behalf of the Board of Directors of TOSA CARES we would like to thank you for your support made through your generous donation of $1767.60, which was raised through Empty Bowls Night."
"At our last distribution... we supplied over 135 families with a box of nonperishable food items plus the protein item of pork roast. In addition selections of fresh carrots, pancake mix, syrup, canned goods, bread, baby food, paper products and clothing were provided."
Thank you to everyone who came to our Empty Bowls Night and helped us contribute to such a worthwhile cause.
Winter Make-Up Days
Due to the cancellation of school as a result of Winter Storm Warnings resulting in significant snow and near-record cold, we need to make some adjustments to our school calendar to ensure the District meets the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) required hours of instruction.
As such, please note the following ways we will be making up the time:
- All students will have school May 24 (scheduled as an inclement weather make-up day).
- Because there are different requirements for instructional minutes at the high school level, all high school students will also have a virtual learning day on April 22.
- Students will access teacher lessons and assignments via their Chromebooks from home. Further details are being developed and will be communicated once final.
- This will remain a no-class day for elementary and middle school students, as scheduled for Professional Learning.
- High school students will have semester exams pushed back one day second semester. Exams will be June 12,13, and 14, 2019. Specific exam information will be developed and shared with high school staff, students and parents.
- East High School -- lunch hours will be shortened by 5 minutes and the end of the school day extended by 5 minutes beginning Monday, Feb. 11 through the end of the semester. This is at East only to make up for an extended lunch period earlier in the year. This will allow for only juniors to be in the building when taking the state ACT on February 20 at both East and West.
- East and West will have all students in attendance during the ASPIRE testing sessions for freshmen and sophomores. Previously, this was a late start for juniors and seniors.
This plan is subject to change if we have additional days lost due to severe weather in the remaining 2-3 months of winter.
Graduation will remain on Sunday, June 9, 2019, for East and West High School.
Thank you for your patience as we worked out the details of what we feel is the least disruptive solution.
New Visitor/Sign-in System
Office Max / Office Depot Gives Back
Hoan Alone, Personal Stories from the Bridge
Hoan Alone, Personal Stories from the Bridge
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
3-5 pm
Wauwatosa Library- Firefly Room
Timeline
3-3:25 pm: Screening of the animated documentary Hoan Alone followed by discussion with filmmaker, Aaron Johnson.
https://filmfreeway.com/HoanAlonePersonalStoriesfromtheBridge
3:30-5:00 pm: QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention training
Learning Objectives for Film Screening:
· Explore the issues of the bridge and suicide through three intimate interviews.
· Learn how anybody can use their talents to help others.
· Discussion with Mr. Johnson about animated film making and presentation.
Learning Objectives for QPR:
· Describe the problem of suicide.
· Describe what we know about suicide.
· Describe how to prevent suicide with QPR.
· Share helpful advice and resources.
* * Tosa Cares * *
Tosa Cares is a local, non-profit organization located in Mount Zion Lutheran Church that helps families with food donations and so much more. Here are the dates for the monthly food distributions. You are encouraged to contact Linda Ertel before you come either by email Tosacares@gmail.com or phone 414-861-4725, or you can just show up on one of these dates.
2019 dates:
June 15th
August 10th
October 5th
November 23rd
Tosa Cares is also always looking for donations of food, or cash. There are three permanent donation sites/times which you can find on their website: tosacares.org
Here is a list of the most needed items:
- Cereal
- Nonperishable fruits, vegetables and juices
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Spaghetti sauces and noodles
- Pastas and rice
- Canned protein, such as chicken, tuna and beef stew
- Snacks such as granola bars, crackers, popcorn and cookies
- Packaged dinners, especially those with meat
- Hearty soups
- Toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels and tissues
- Personal care items such as shampoo, hand soap, lotion and toothbrushes and tooth paste
- Dish soap and laundry soap
McKinley contact info
Website: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/McKinley
Location: 2435 N 89th St, Wauwatosa, WI, United States
Phone: (414)773-1500