McKinley Monthly
March 2017
A Word from Mrs. Hoffmann
March is upon us, in all of its wonderful Wisconsin springtime unpredictability! One day we have temperatures in the 50s and the next we have snow. One day, dark skies and negative temperatures, and the next glorious warmth and sunshine. Please keep an eye on the weather forecasts so that your children are dressed appropriately for whatever we face. We chose to keep students in during the last snow because so many did not have mittens, hats, or boots.
This month our word is GRIT! Students are looking at Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity, passion, perseverance, and stamina. Take a look at the research by Angela Duckworth in this short TedTalk to hear her talk about her research about who is successful and why: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance
This month, also, teachers are looking at academic discourse and how we get students engaging in meaningful academic conversations. We are interested in the research that supports emphasizing talk: developing depth of understanding, clarifying thoughts before writing, building vocabulary, communication and critical thinking skills—the list goes on and on. Some of us discussed family discourse, as well. Many years ago there was an article that claimed parents spend less than 15 minutes a day in meaningful conversation with their children. We agreed that it is often hard to find the time to talk to our children outside of logistical and homework-based conversations. We talked about where we do find time: in the car, at the dinner table, at bedtime, dog walking, and while doing dishes. Quite often the side by side time is most precious, sidling up, as Mrs. Duchac reminded us. Those minutes add up and are important. In our busy worlds of work, school, and activities, sometimes we have to make them intentional. Children also benefit from reminders that conversation is two-way. Opportunities to practice listening to what others have to say, paraphrasing, and responding with a follow up question before interjecting, or learning when it is time to stop talking and let another person have a voice are skills that do not come naturally for many. Learning how to be in a two-way dialogue is a wonder and a joy—thinking, pondering, exploring ideas, trying out opinions, comparing, reasoning! Soon enough we become amazed when we see our children independently taking on the art of true conversation!
Coming up this month: Monday, March 6th is the end of trimester 2. Report cards come home Friday, March 17th. Hoops for Heart is March 7th for grades 3-5; students have received information already. That Tuesday will also be student voting day for the logo/mascot. March 9th we have a PTO meeting. The 6:30 Mechanics of McKinley focus is “Bits and Pieces”—for instance, GE Community Day, staffing predictions, principal survey. The PTO meeting is at 7p.m. Everyone is welcome. The 24th is the dance, Under the Sea as the theme. Plenty to keep us busy as we make our way toward spring break!
Have a wonderful month, McKinley!
Mrs. Hoffmann
Dates to Remember
Mar 6 End Second Trimester
Mar 7 Hoops for Heart - grades 3-5
Mar 9 Mechanics of McKinley (6:30 p.m.) and PTO Meeting (7 p.m.)
Mar 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Day (presentations for 2nd grade on the 24th)
............. also Crazy Sock Day in honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Mar 24 Under the Sea Sock Hop
Team Claire Wristbands
WISN School Shout Outs!
McKinley's first grade classes will be 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.
Mrs. Petitt's class will be on Monday, March 13; Mrs. Setzke's class will be on Friday, March 24; and Ms. Pawasarat's class will be on Tuesday, April 4.
A Note from the District Nurse
Here is a link from Auvi-Q that explains how families can get free epi auto injectors:
Cake Walk
Cake Walk Success
This year's Cake Walk raised $475 for No Kid Hungry and Life Navigators Giving Tree 2017. It wouldn't have been possible without the AMAZING amount of donations and McKinley Messenger student and parent volunteers.
This year's best in show cake winners with their awesome creations were:
Deutsch Family with their Hamburger Cake
Janowski Family with their Doggy Cupcakes
Lane Family with their Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
Thanks to everyone that made the Cake Walk a success!
Ms. Kumferman’s Korner—news from the School Social Worker
Resources of Interest:
If you are in need of emergency shelter, food programs, healthcare or clothing and live in Milwaukee County, you can contact Impact Community Information Line by dialing 2-1-1 or (866)-211-3380. This info line is available Monday- Friday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. They will take your information and provide you with available resources.
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Blue Lotus Farm & Retreat Center provides recreational and therapeutic opportunities for individuals living with profound life challenges on our 64-acre rural retreat.
Our guests include children, adults, and seniors:
- living with physical, developmental, cognitive, emotional, or mental health challenges.
- who are at-risk due to abuse, neglect, low income, or trauma.
- coping with a terminal illness, a chronic disease, or dealing with memory loss.
Please check out their website for more information and to make reservations! www.bluelotusfarm.org
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Wisconsin First Step is designed to help parents find resources for their children with physical, cognitive, and mental health special needs. There are 3 ways parents can get help:
Call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week at (800) 642-7837
Chat with a Parent Specialist about the child’s needs (Monday through Friday 8 am - 4 pm)
Search the on-line database to find needed resources
It includes a new section on Behavioral Health Resources that are organized by county. You just click on a county in a map of Wisconsin and the contact information for available behavioral health resources pop up for you divided into categories of crisis, information and support, and mental health services. Very use friendly.
Check it out at http://www.mch-hotlines.org/wisconsin-first-step.
Road Construction!
This is an alert of an upcoming lane closure and sidewalk closure on the south side of North Avenue while construction is completed to repair the two bridges over and near the Menomonee River (west of Menomonee River Parkway). Here are some quick points showing the extent of the project area. On McKinley's website, under flyers, you will find a traffic control plan (3 sheets) as well as a project map to show the location of the bridge work. Below is a list of highlighted project notes:
· Timeline for construction of both bridges: They aim to begin with traffic controls on March 2nd and to complete all work in 8-12 weeks (finishing by Memorial Day).
· Work will be completed on the south side of these bridges only, and therefore only one eastbound lane on North Avenue (as well as the sidewalk) will be closed.
· This is a repair project for the failing bridge façade and parapet walls/sidewalks on the south side for both of these bridges.
· The sidewalk on the south side of North Avenue will be closed from N 100th Street to Menomonee River Parkway. There will be signage at the existing cross walks at N 100th Street and Menomonee River Parkway directing pedestrians safely to the sidewalk on the north side of North avenue as shown on the traffic control plans.
· As shown in the traffic control plan, the southern lane and sidewalk closure will extend the full length between the 2 bridges even though construction will only be at the bridge locations. This will allow for staging areas for equipment and materials needed for this project.
Click on this link for a webpage that outlines this project and the closures.
Makerspaces in our Libraries
The elementary libraries kicked off our grant with a Book Face competition where students used a book and their own body together in a unique, thought-provoking way. It was a fun way to use technology to promote a wide variety of books.
This winter we moved on to our Tallest Tower Challenge, providing students with the opportunity to manipulate different materials and experiment with strategies to build a structure that would reach impressive heights.
Right now we are using books and web sites to offer an origami center in all of our libraries, explaining the history of this art, and challenging students to try new techniques.
We are still teaching all of the library skills we have in the past: knowledge of books and authors, book-finding skills, databases, online searches, and much more, and have added the Makerspace on in the hopes that it will grow into a seamless part of our time together. Students who have an interest or an idea will gravitate to the center after they find their books or complete their tasks. It has been a tremendous help that teachers are in the room with us as we offer these experiences to help us manage the multiple activities happening simultaneously. In fact, as teachers become more comfortable with some of the projects, they are very welcome to bring in their classes and continue a challenge even when we are not there.
Let us know if you have any questions or ideas for our library program!
Winter Recess Reminder
Just a gentle reminder, we still have a few months of cold weather ahead of us. Snow pants are not just for the snow - they also protect kids from the cold. Please keep sending your children to school with the proper gear to have fun outside.
- Snow pants
- Boots
- Waterproof gloves
- Hats
- Scarves
- And of course a warm, winter jacket!
Thank you!
PBIS
On Tuesday, March 7, the PBIS team will be meeting to once again discuss cafeteria behavior. The cafeteria is a place where we encourage socializing; however, some students are still struggling with meeting the McKinley expectations despite re-teaching cafeteria rules. We will be brainstorming to try to come up with a system that will prove to be more effective without imposing heavy restrictions on students, since many parents objected to assigned seating. If you have suggestions, please email Mrs. Hoffmann with your ideas before 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Thank you.
PBIS Team
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:
Mar 11, 2017
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
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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