McKinley PTO Newsletter
Where Every Parent Is A Member
October 7, 2019
Presidents' Update
Hello McKinley Families,
We appreciate all of you who participated in the 10th Annual Walk to School Day. A special thank you to Sarah Lerand and Maura Riordan for all their time and effort planning such a fun and memorable event.
A few highlights for the week include the following:
- October 10th PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m. - Please plan to join us.
- The annual book fair is October 23-25th. We are asking you to consider sharing some of your precious time to help make the book fair a success. Please click here to volunteer.
- Don't forget to order your McKinley Spiritwear, available online now through October 15th.
- Consider being part of the greatest day of the year at McKinley by showcasing your special talent or knowledge at High Interest Day.
- Please consider purchasing some merchandise from Ray's Wine and Spirits on October 10th and/or hanging out in the Growler Gallery that same evening with fellow McKinley parents. Tell them you're there for the McKinley fundraiser.
In this edition of the PTO newsletter look for more information about:
- McKinley Spiritwear
- Book Fair
- High Interest Day Presenters Needed
- Keepsake Art
- PTO Meeting
- Walk to School Thank you
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Dine Out Dates
- Teacher Treat Sign Up
If you have any questions or ways you would like to get involved, please feel free to contact us.
We hope to see you on October 10th at the PTO Meeting and Ray's Growler Gallery!
Kayla Merker and Mike Hansen
Important Dates to Remember
Make sure to put the following dates on your calendar!
- October 10th - PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
- October 10th - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Ray's Fundraiser
- October 15th - McKinley Spirit Wear Ordering Deadline
- October 17th - All Day - Jose's Blue Sombrero Dine Out
- October 21st - JK ONLY No School
- October 22nd - Picture Retake
- October 23rd - 25th - Scholastic Book Fair
- October 25th - No Classes JK - 5
- October 29th - 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Chipolte Dine Out
- October 30th - 1:15 p.m. Costume Parade
- November 1st - No School JK - 12
- November 6th - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Keepsake Art
McKinley Spirit Wear **Order Today**
Book Fair! Book Fair!
Mark your calendars! October 23-25 will be the Scholastic Book Fair in the McKinley Gym. New this year, parents can set up an e-wallet for your kids. We have heard the dreaded, “Hey it’s book fair day, can I have some money” and you go look in your wallet and no cash!
Simply go to McKinley’s Book Fair page between October 9 - 24 and set up an account:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/mckinleyelementaryschool54
Won’t be able to make it to the fair? Shop online at the link above from October 17-30, 2019.
Also, this book fair cannot happen without volunteers . . . if you have never volunteered before, this is a great place to start. It’s easy and we will take whatever time you can give to help make this happen. We always have snacks, too! Here is a link for a sign up:
High Interest Day Presenters Needed
Be part of the greatest day of the year: McKinley's High Interest Day - April 24, 2020!
We are looking for new presenters due to parents with students aging out of McKinley and would love for you to be part of the fun! If you are interested in showcasing your special talents, incredible knowledge, or just want to present a session that's tried and true, contact Bridgid Bedingfield (bridgidreardon@gmail.com) or Paige Brown (brownpa@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us).
Keepsake Art
Join us November 6th from 5:30-7:30 pm in the big gym for a favorite McKinley tradition, Keepsake Art night. As in years past, your child (and adults too if they’d like) will have the opportunity to create a piece of art which will then be transferred onto keepsake products to enjoy for years. Your masterpieces will be returned in time for the holidays, and they make great gifts! We are again using Original Works and details on product pricing can be found at here.
Please bring cash or a checkbook as payment is due the night of the event. Contact Faith if you’re interested in volunteering for the event: faithbrawley@hotmail.com.
PTO Meeting Thursday, October 10th
Walk to School Day - Thank you!
Thank you to the McKinley family for celebrating 10 years of Walk to School Day with McKinley Elementary school. McKinley did not let the rain ruin this great day. The nine walking school buses were full (heard many families remark that they don’t always walk in rain but did that day). Thank you to our walking school bus leaders- 6th District Alderwomen Byrne and Rifelj, Wauwatosa Children’s librarian Maria Schmitt, Wauwatosa Public Health nurses Cindi Lambert and Emily Tianen, Principal Jean Hoffman, Steve Sperl, Liz Mottet, Katie Petit, specialists Katrina Madden and Amy Duchac.
Dan Ludwig and Katie Sprague from Firefly Real Estate provided apples for all and prizes for our “Why I Walk Competition.” We had inspirational entries for the contest. Contest winners were Mrs. Pawasarat’s class, Oliver Schoenmann (SK), Amelia Reichman (SK), Dashal Hansen (1st grade) Zoey Berken (5th grade).
Unfortunately, the address from Wauwatosa Mayor Kathy Ehley had to be moved inside. She spoke to the students over the speaker system. She declared October 2nd “McKinley Elementary Walk to School Day” in Wauwatosa and presented Mrs. Hoffmann with a certificate. The students did the “Pedestrian Safety Dance” in their classrooms.
Volunteer Opportunities
McKinley Adult Social
We are seeking a volunteer(s) to lead the Adult Social Committee. Please consider being part of this exciting fundraiser.
Destination Imagination
In order for the Destination Imagination program to continue at McKinley for the 2019/20 school year we need a co-committee chair. This person is responsible for coordinating meetings, parent volunteers, competitions and act as a liaison between DI International and the local representative. We already have one parent who is interested, but only as a co-chair.
***Last chance to volunteer to be a co-committee chair for DI, if the PTO is unable to fulfill this, McKinley will not be having a DI program during the 2019/20 school year.***
High Interest Day and Secret Holiday Workshop
The hardworking Committee Chairs for High Interest Day and Secret Holiday Workshop will be stepping down from their rolls at the end of the school year. We are looking for new leaders to step into these positions for the 2020-21 school year so they can shadow the current Chairs and learn the ropes.
Please contact Maura Riordan for more information.
Dine Out Dates
Thank you for attending the Dine Out events to help us fund raise for McKinley! Yo Mama brought in $157 for our school! Please consider purchasing some merchandise from Ray's Wine and Spirits on October 10th and/or hanging out in the Growler Gallery that same evening with fellow McKinley parents. Please let them know that you are there for the fundraiser! See you there!
Here are the upcoming events for your calendar.....
Thursday, October 10th, 9 am - 9 pm in store and at the Growler Gallery from 3 pm to 10 pm (come meet up after the PTO meeting that night!) Ray's Wine and Spirits (8930 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa). Make sure to mention you are there for the McKinley fundraiser!
Thursday, October 17th all day, Jose’s Blue Sombrero in the Village (7615 W State St, Wauwatosa). ****MUST have a paper flyer to give to them in order for the fundraiser to count! They are giving 25% back to our school!****
Tuesday, October 29th 4-8 pm Chipotle on Center and Mayfair (2711A North Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa). This is a huge one for our school because they give the highest percentage back (33%)! If you want a catering order to count it must be placed via phone at 1800 CHIPOTLE 24 hours in advance and picked up and paid for in the time frame of the fundraiser. Make sure to mention McKinley or show the flyer upon paying for your food in order for it to count!
November 15th all day. Real Good Life meal delivery service. All orders placed on November 15th (meal delivery is on November 20th) will generate 10% back to McKinley! The Real Good Life, Tosa's own meal delivery service, is excited to welcome the McKinley community into their family. Place your order on Friday, November 15th for 10% of all sales to come back to McKinley. Meals are available in one, two, four or six serving portions and serve all kinds of diets (including the kinds that love cheese and chocolate!). Your order will be delivered on Wednesday, November 20th.The Real Good Life can't wait to take dinner off your plate! http://www.therealgoodlife.com/shop
Thursday, December 5th 3-10 pm The Ruby Tap (1341 N Wauwatosa Ave.) Will give 10% back on drink purchases, gift cards, wine of the month clubs, and bottles just in time for the holidays! Come out for a drink with the McKinley parents that night!
Teacher Treat Sign Up
How Do I Become a Member of the PTO?
You already are! If you are a parent, guardian or teacher at McKinley Elementary School, you are a member of the PTO.
Interested in becoming more involved? The PTO is always looking for help. Volunteer opportunities in areas of marketing, communication, social media coordination, event coordination, website design, merchandising and more! There are volunteer opportunities that fit everyone's schedule - during school hours, after school hours, work from home hours and one time event hours.
Please plan to attend the PTO Meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the followings dates:
October 10th
January 9th
March 12th
May 14th
For more information about how you can become involved in PTO efforts, contact Kayla Merker at kaylamerker@gmail.com or Mike Hansen at academymike@gmail.com