Notes From Your Principal
October 28, 2022 ~ Volume 10, 2022-23
. . . . . . . Monday Morning Meeting . . . . . . .
Link to last week's video (apologies...I linked the wrong presentation!)
Password: C0%eade@
and this week's...
Passcode: zAO0Vis#
Gold and Harvests and Trees, Oh My!
Both groups of students had incredible experiences. Thank you so much to the parents that accompanied our 4th graders, and of course to all the 4th and 5th grade teachers for making both trips possible. Visiting the 5th graders at camp Wednesday night was a highlight of my week!
And it goes without saying, that the award for greatest comeback event of the year...is the McKinley Annual Harvest Festival! I hope that you all had a chance to come and enjoy this incredible community event. Thank you to the chairs, and to all the committee members for your hard work and organization, and to the army of volunteers who helped organize, set up, run activities and clean up. Without you all, this wouldn't have been possible.
And as if that wasn't enough...Halloween is around the corner! (See below)
If you haven't had a chance to watch Superintendent Mount-Benites' weekly message, here is the link. (It was embedded in the email that came out yesterday.) He speaks about our upcoming BCE Gala, Proposition 28, winter concerts, and volunteer clearance (and the back up which many of you have asked about). In the email, there were many helpful links to upcoming community/county events, so please go back and take a look. We know there are volunteers who are waiting word on their clearance...please be patient. We promise to let you know when we have that information.
Briefly...we are seeing an uptick of sick students on our campus. Some come to school with sore throats, ear aches, stomach issues. Please--if your child isn't feeling well in the morning, it might be wise to keep them at home. Today alone we had at least three vomiting incidents. We know it can't be helped, and sometimes it just happens, but if your child is telling you they don't feel well--please listen. Between Covid, the flu and now RSV...we want to do everything we can to keep our community healthy.
Speaking of community--one thing our families value is telling their own stories (and privacy). Please refrain from speaking about other families and students, most especially if it's something you are witnessing on campus as a volunteer or visitor. If you have a concern, please speak to your child's teacher, or a staff member. We are all here to help.
Below you will find sections about School Site Council and Covid tests that will be sent home, so please keep reading!
Student writing and artwork from Maestra Tarango's room
Pastels pumpkin artwork
Student goals and artwork (Maestra Keil's class)
Halloween is Coming!
Here are our McKinley guidelines for 2022-23:
Costumes:
- Students are invited to wear their costumes to school in the morning and take part in a whole-school parade that will take place on the South Yard around 8:45am.
- No masks, weapons, or frightening/gory costumes please, we need to be considerate of all our students and make sure that everyone feels safe here at school.
- If students do not want to wear their costume all day they must be able to change out of their costume independently.
- For those students who are not participating, we will have alternate activities for them as well. Please have them let their teacher know.
Family Participation:
- We will live-stream the parade for parents and families to watch at home, and record the live-stream so it can be replayed later in the day.
- Parents are also able to join us on the yard to experience the parade in person.
Arrangements to Watch In-Person:
- Please drop off your student(s) as usual, find parking, and enter the yard through the South Yard entrance. (We will designate one gate.)
- There will be a clearly marked area for parents to stand and watch the parade.
- Students will dismiss to their rooms after the parade. (Please note: you will not be able to help your child with their costume before leaving).
- All parents must leave the yard through the gate. If you will be volunteering after, please enter through the front doors of the school, sign in, and grab your volunteer badge. (cleared volunteers only) Don't forget to put your badge back when you sign out!
Some classrooms will be having a Halloween-themed party later in the day. Look out for more information coming directly from your room parent or teacher.
Walk to School Day on November 1st
Join your fellow students for Walk to School Day on November 1st! The class with the most students that walk to school on November 1st will win a pizza party!
This year's walk to school will focus on how to walk safe!
Here are some tips on how to cross the street safely with your child before walking to school - Tips and information to walk safe!
Classroom Interruptions and Forgotten Items
ELAC and School Site Council
First, we are so grateful to our parents that stepped up to join our Council. We have two positions, and three interested parents. Their bios and a ballot can be found here. It is so important that you take part in this election. Elections will be open through Thursday, November 3rd.
We have two meetings this Wednesday:
*First at 8:45am, we have our bi-monthly ELAC meeting. (click for Zoom link) Parents of English Learners are invited to join us, share your thoughts on how to support your children and your family, and hear about the things going on here at McKinley.
*Later that afternoon, we have our monthly School Site Council Meeting. (Zoom Link) Here is the agenda. All parents are welcome to attend.
Covid Tests are Coming Home
Important Upcoming Dates/Events
- Monday, Oct. 31 - Halloween parade and festivities (In-person and livestream...link will be sent Monday morning)
- Tuesday, Nov. 1 - Walk to School Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 2 - ELAC Meeting, 8:45am, Zoom
- .....(same)...............Site Council Meeting, 3:30pm, Zoom
- Friday, Nov. 4 - Bulldog Recognition Assembly (In-person and livestream, link will be sent Friday morning)
- Saturday, Nov. 5 - BCE Gala (see below)
- Sunday, Nov. 6 - Daylight Savings END (2am...turn BACK your clocks)
- Tuesday, Nov. 8 - Election Day (locally and across the country)
- .......(same)...... - BSD Board Meeting
- Friday, Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day Holiday, No school
- Tuesday, Nov. 15 - PTA General Meeting (in person and on Zoom)
- Friday, Nov. 18 - Turkey Trot (during the day)
- Monday-Friday, Nov. 21-25 - Thanksgiving Break. No School!
- Tuesday, Nov. 29 - 4/5 Winter Concerts...@ BIS, details to come!
For other important dates, please see our school calendar.
Thank you for all your support. ~ Joy Shmueli
BCE Needs Our Support
BCE's Annual Fundraising Gala and Live Auction - November 5
Follow the yellow brick road and join BCE on Saturday, November 5th for an amazing night out at Domenico Winery in San Carlos. Enjoy a wine reception, fun food stations, a live auction (check out the packages!), a special performance and dancing into the evening. Tickets are limited and can be purchased HERE through this Sunday, the 30th. The gala will be a special evening to benefit the children of Burlingame and a great way to spend time with friends across all schools We hope you will join us.
BCE Fall Drive in Underway!
Please join fellow parents and give during the BCE Fall Drive to support our school! Your investment helps fund teacher salaries and critical programs to ensure your student has every opportunity for a bright future.
San Mateo County Office of Education Offerings
San Mateo County Reads (Readers of All Ages) - October and November, San Mateo County Reads 2022, an annual initiative by the "SMCOE", Peninsula Library System, and libraries across the county, fosters community and discussion through literacy. The 2022 theme is Native Authors–Native Lives with selected titles for students in grades TK-12. More information about SMC Reads events and author visits is coming soon. Learn more.
Impact of Cannabis on Youth: What Should You Know? Various dates, 3:30–5:30 p.m. - Next session Is November 1, “Health Impacts of Cannabis Use”
Join SMCOE’s Tobacco Use and Prevention Program (TUPE) team and community partners for a series of virtual training sessions covering the impacts of cannabis on young people, including health, legalities, brain development, and more. In the spring there will be a youth panel and a summative event. Learn more.
Cannabis Use: The Role of Parents and Community in Prevention (November 2, 5:30–6:30 p.m.) What role do parents and the community play in preventing cannabis use in youth? Jason R. Kilmer, PhD, a national expert in cannabis prevention and intervention, will address your questions and look at the recent science related to cannabis use. Learn more (English | Spanish).
Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics - Updated Schedules and Information, Daily Schedules Vary by SMC Location, The October Vaccine Clinic Calendar is available on the San Mateo County Health website. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provide their guidance on when to get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in their Vaccine Timing Guide (English |Spanish).