McKinley Monthly
April 2017
A Word from Mrs. Hoffmann
Hello McKinley Community!
Happy April! I hope you made it through April Fool’s Day without too many crazy antics! How fun it is to see what tricks kids will come up with! Since it fell on a weekend this year, I was not subject to as many jokes as usual. I love the creativity and joy that I see when kids explore this side of humor. It was also so much fun to see the creativity and joy at the Adult Social Saturday evening! Thank you to Allison Bardole, Erin Kell, Cara Schwantes, and Ellen Stabelfeldt for organizing the event, to all who contributed raffle items, all attendees, and to those who bid to raise funds. What an amazing turnout, a huge success! We look forward to the flexible seating options the fundraiser will bring (and perhaps some iPads for specials teachers as well!).
At our PBIS Assembly last week we unveiled the new mascot, Mounty the Mountain Lion. The mountain lion/cougar came in first place with 253 student votes. The moose or bear came in second with 77 votes; the muskie third with 48 votes. We were able to purchase a mountain lion costume at a reasonable price from some old donation money that no longer had a set purpose. The kids seemed to enjoy the new addition to our staff! I have not been satisfied with image designs so far, and have reached out to the art department at West to see if we might get something fresh and wonderful. I welcome any community suggestions as well.
March’s word of the month was Grit (see video here: March Grit PBIS Video)
April’s word: Mindful. We will talk about being mindful in regard to finding our own inner calm and focus so we can stay tuned to our academics, as well as being mindful and calm in our interactions with each other.
Did you know that April is World Autism Month? Students will view a PowerPoint presentation with information about autism, watch a video, and contribute to the autism rainbow at school. The McKinley Messengers will conduct a “Change for Autism” coin drive April 10th through the 13th. Given the discussions that will happen in classes, kids might come home with questions or curiosities. When talking to your children about Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Asperger’s, something to be mindful about is how we speak about people with neurological differences. A nice video for parents to ponder is this one from Judy Endow: The Power of Words. There are also many wonderful resources on the Autism Speaks website, found here: Autism Speaks. The more we understand learning differences and behavioral struggles, the easier it is to treat each other with kindness, to look for the amazing qualities inherent in all humans rather than focusing on the anomalies with fear or worry.
The May 4th Mechanics of McKinley will be on PBIS Tier Three Behavioral Interventions and Supports, at the request of parents wondering about discipline policies, processes, and procedures. I would love to address any questions that parents have. Please feel free to email me your questions at hoffmaje@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us, or drop them off in the office (I will have a box available). It would be helpful to have your name in case we need to have a conversation about something specific; however any questions are welcome even if anonymity is desired.
We are inching our way to spring break! I hope that everyone has the opportunity for rest, connection, and rejuvenation the 14th through the 23rd. I know that when we get back from break, the last six weeks of school will fly by!
Happy April to All!
Mrs. Hoffmann
Dates to Remember
April 6............Wrap Around Meeting at McKinley
April 13..........Change to a Friday schedule
April 14-21.....Spring Break; No Classes JK-12
April 28..........High Interest Day
Ms. Kumferman’s Korner- news from your School Social Worker
Model it. Talking to your child about the importance of embracing differences and treating others with respect is essential, but it's not enough. Your actions, both subtle and overt, are what your child will emulate.
Acknowledge difference. Rather than teaching children that we are all the same, acknowledge the many ways people are different, and emphasize some of the positive aspects of our differences — language diversity and various music and cooking styles, for example. Likewise, be honest about instances, historical and current, when people have been mistreated because of their differences.
Challenge intolerance. If your child says or does something indicating bias or prejudice, don't meet the action with silence. Silence indicates acceptance, and a simple command — "Don't say that" — is not enough. First try to find the root of the action or comment: "What made you say that about Sam?" Then, explain why the action or comment was unacceptable.
Seize teachable moments. Look for everyday activities that can serve as springboards for discussion. School-age children respond better to lessons that involve real-life examples. For example, if you're watching TV together, talk about why certain groups often are portrayed in stereotypical roles.
Emphasize the positive. Just as you should challenge your child's actions if they indicate bias or prejudice, it's important to praise him for behavior that shows respect and empathy for others. Catch your child treating people kindly, let him or her know you noticed, and discuss why it's a desirable behavior.
Embrace curiosity. Be careful not to ignore or discourage your youngster's questions about differences among people, even if the questions make you uncomfortable. Not being open to such questions sends the message that difference is negative.
Foster pride. Talk to your child about your family heritage to encourage self-knowledge and a positive self-concept.
Lead by example. Widen your circle of friends and acquaintances to include people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences.
Wecome Our New Student Teacher
My name is Lauren MacLeod, and I will be student teaching alongside Jenny Leigh at Mckinley starting April 3rd! I am very excited to switch gears from my current middle/high school placement and end the year with you all. I am finishing my final year at UW-Milwaukee and will graduate with a Bachelor's in Art Education (certified K-12). I'm 24 years old, and reside on Milwaukee's east side and am a huge animal, yoga, and family lover. My favorite art making activities include photography, graphic design, drawing, and painting.
Dear McKinley...
Students, Parents, and Staff,
Thank you all so very much for your amazing generosity toward Claire in celebrating her 9th birthday!
What a wonderful way for all of us to celebrate with the people (kids and grown-ups) that Claire loves most.
I think Claire received birthday cards from every student at McKinley. We have spent a lot of time re-reading them and remembering. She took a trip with her cousin to Chicago and chose some fun gifts at the American Girl Store from all of you. Thank you again for all the love and support you have shown to Claire and our family.
Warmly,
Katie & Steve Denson
and Claire
Art News
Recycle Your Old Keys!
Do you have old keys at home that no longer open anything?
Please donate them to the KEY DRIVE sponsored by McKinley’s Green Team! In honor of Earth Day, Green Team Members will take all donated keys to recycle at their upcoming field trip to Alter Metal Recycling Center. We are looking forward to seeing recycling in action! 16 keys = 1 pound of metal (diverted from the landfill).
· Please place your orphaned/obsolete keys in this plastic bag
· Bring all bags of keys to the collection bucket in the school office.
· Starts Monday, March 27 - Ends Monday, April 10
WISN School Shout Outs!
McKinley's first grade classes have been featured on Channel 12's School Shout Out. The 'News This Morning' is on from 4:30 to 7 a.m. Shout Outs typically air between 5:20 and 6:20 a.m., but occasionally the segments are moved.
Ms. Pawasarat's class will be on Tuesday, April 4.
Autism Coin Drive
A Note from the District Nurse
Here is a link from Auvi-Q that explains how families can get free epi auto injectors:
E F W Bowling at Bowlero
Bowl every Wednesday from 2:30-5 pm for $5.
Price includes shoe rental and unlimited bowling during that time frame.
Bowlero will donate $3 from each participant to the EFW. Money raised goes directly to grants awarded next school year.
AMF Bowlero is located at 11737 W Burleigh Street - 414-258-9000.
Be sure to check them out!
Office Max / Office Depot Gives Back
* * Tosa Cares * *
TosaCares is a nonprofit agency located inside Mt. Zion Lutheran Church on North Ave in Wauwatosa. TosaCares assists families in Milwaukee County with food and other services. Please contact Linda Ertel for more information at 414-258-0456 ext 410 or tosacares.gmail.com
Distribution dates:
Apr 29, 2017
June 17, 2017
Aug 12. 2017
Sept 30, 2017
Nov 18, 2017
Services available on those dates:
Light Breakfast
Food Pack
Clothes Closet (free, no limit)
Health Dept,
Vision, Chiropractic
Opportunity for Fellowship
Sometimes household appliances
_____________________________________________________
Hours: Monday, 1-3 p.m.; Saturday 9 - 11 a.m.; closed on legal holidays.
Clients select their desired food and pack the food in bags distributed according to family size.
Food available: non-perishable canned goods, eggs, protein.
Registration requirements: can register on site.
McKinley contact info
Website: http://www.edlinesites.net/pages/McKinley_Elementary_School
Location: 2435 N 89th St, Wauwatosa, WI, United States
Phone: (414)773-1500