McKenzie Monitor
April 27, 2018
Principal's Note: Earth Day
Our PTA generously donated one blue marble for every student at McKenzie which in turn became a donation to the Blue Marbles Project. This movement helps to inspire kindness and helps us recognize those who live like they love the planet. This week each teacher passed out one blue marble to each student; now each student has "the whole world in his/her hand" as they continue to make green decisions.
Here is a video explaining the Blue Marbles Project through the eyes of children: CLICK HERE
School Supplies Kit Ordering starts Tuesday, May 1st
Don’t spend your summer running around trying to find school supplies at the last minute - pre-order your child's kit and the supplies will be waiting for him/her on the first day of school! Ordering information can be found here. Ordering runs from May 1st – May 18th. A portion of the sales from each kit will be donated to the McKenzie PTA. Questions? Contact Evita Gailuma at evitagailuma1@yahoo.com.
If you are in need of financial assistance, please feel free to reach out directly to Rachel Filippi (filippir@wilmette39.org).
Transition to 5th Grade Parent Night 5/2/18 @7pm HMS
Lost & Found Last Chance!
PTA News and Information
PTA NEWS
Do you have time to chair a committee next year? The following committees are open:
Sharing Co-Chair
After School Clubs Liaison
Civics and Safety
Charging for Cheetahs
Please contact MaryAnne at maryanneokeefe@gmail.com for more information. Thanks to all who have volunteered to be PTA chairs.
McKenzie Earth Week Update:
On Wednesday April 24th, our team of 2nd graders counted 15 fewer cars in the carpool line than the day before! Thank you for doing your part in helping to keep our earth clean! Remember, using your car just one less day makes a difference in our world!
Sharing Committee Events:
Toiletry Drive for Carman-Buckner from April 16th through April 30th
The principal and social worker indicated that the students are in need of toiletries. Please bring unopened shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and body wash of any size to Heather's (1329 Gregory) or Cara's (1762 Highland) house; we will each have a box on our front porch marked "sharing" for any drop offs.
Carman-Buckner Staff Appreciation Event
The Sharing Committee is hoping you'll help us thank the hardworking teachers and staff at Carman-Buckner Elementary School, our sister school in Waukegan. We will be stocking their teacher lounge this May for them.
Please sign up here and drop off to either: Heather Hebbeler at 1329 Gregory or Cara Gaziano at 1762 Highland. There will be a box labeled "Sharing" on our porches.
Attention Parents of current 4th grade students:
Your babies are growing up and on their way to Highcrest!
To celebrate this milestone, it's a McKenzie tradition to include all the 4th graders' baby pictures on the school bulletin board. Please send one (1) digital baby picture, ideally, just a "head shot" of your darling 4th grader to 4thgradebabyphotos@gmail.com by Friday, May 4th. The bulletin board will be up starting May 25th.
PHOTOS Needed for 4th GRADE FAREWELL Video!
The Farewell Committee is creating a video to commemorate the years our kids spent at McKenzie, but we need YOUR help rounding up photos. Please click here for the details. Photo submissions due by May 15th.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week:
Staff Appreciation Week is May 7th - May 11th. To show our appreciation to our SUPER teachers, the PTA is running a SUPERHERO RAFFLE. Please donate gift cards in $5 - $15 increments to be raffled off - (Think: Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Panera, Target, & other local favorites). Please send gift card(s) in an envelope to the office labeled AMANDA DOBLIN or contribute via PayPal.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Luncheon:
Help us celebrate our everyday superheroes - our teachers and staff - at this year's superhero-themed appreciation luncheon on Friday, May 11th. There are many opportunities to get involved! Click here to help!
School Kit Ordering starts Tuesday, May 1st:
School Kit Ordering starts Tuesday, May 1st:
Don’t spend your summer running around trying to find school supplies at the last minute - pre-order your child's kit and the supplies will be waiting for him/her on the first day of school! Ordering information can be found here. Ordering runs from May 1st – May 18th. A portion of the sales from each kit will be donated to the McKenzie PTA. Questions? Contact Evita Gailuma at evitagailuma1@yahoo.com.
Race for Recess Fun Run:
Register Now for the 5th Annual Race for Recess FUN RUN, Thursday, May 10th on McKenzie's blacktop. Sign in begins at 3:15 pm, and the races begin at 3:30pm. More information and volunteer sign up: please click here.
COMING SOON! McKenzie STEM Night:
On May 14th at 7pm parents and siblings are invited to participate in hands-on STEM projects with their McKenzie students. This is NOT a drop-off event; students should be accompanied by an adult for the entire event. Spots are limited, register here!
PTA Volunteer Thank You Brunch:
Let’s celebrate all the PTA has accomplished this year. All PTA volunteers (committee chairs and event program volunteers, anyone who has given a hand this year) are invited to the PTA Volunteer Thank You Brunch at the Langdon home on May 22nd from 9-11 am. Coffee and treats will be served. Tuesday, May 22nd from 9-11:00am 1420 Isabella St, Wilmette RSVP here!
Join the McKenzie Yearbook Staff to help create lasting memories for your students!
We are in search of the following committee members for the 2018/19 school year:
(1) Deputy Editor: Ideally someone with interest in photography
(1) Business Manager: Lead marketing and sales efforts
(2) Parents per Grade for tagging photos and completing layouts
Please contact editor Sarah Traficanto for more information.
Help Wanted in the Garden:
Please sign up to help the kids in the McKenzie Gardens this spring!
OTHER HAPPENINGS...
Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive:
Please donate gently used clothing (kids size 0-20; adult S-M), shoes, baby essentials, toys, books and new socks, underwear, pajamas, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby diapering/feeding/safety supplies, items to children living in homeless and low income situations. More info: https://goo.gl/uTQqqS. Drive runs April 30th to May 4th. There will be drop-off boxes at the main and kindergarten entrances.
Transition to 5th Grade Parent Night:
Attention all 4th grade parents! Please join us on Wednesday, May 2nd at 7pm in the HMS auditorium for a 4th to 5th grade transition question and answer session. The panel is made up of current HMS parents along with HMS Administration. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Community Events
Centennial Classic Pro-Am Charity Tennis Tournament at Wilmette Tennis Club May 5th at 7:00 pm. Register as a player or viewer. All proceeds benefit the Wilmette Park District Scholarship Fund.
Wilmette Historical Museum & Wilmette Police Department host open houses on Sunday, May 6th at 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.
FREE Adult English Language Classes will be offered at Highcrest Middle School for 5 weeks; April 5-May 3rd.
Wilmette Junior Trevians are hosting a week long cheer camp for all 2018-2019 5th-8th grade boys & girls July 16-20.
Wilmette Theatre presents SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age on Tuesday May 8th 6:30 - 8:30 PM.
The Junior Trevians Football Organization is hosting Jr. Trevian K-3 grade Flag Football Tournament on June 2nd & 3rd. Each elementary school enters three teams of 10-12 players: K/1st, 2nd & 3rd grade teams. Also need 1-2 parent volunteers from each school. Email Melissa Mastros at jrtrevianfootball@gmail.com
Illinois Baseball Academy is registering boys & girls 3-6 years old. Register individually or as a group and form your own team.
2nd Posting: McKenzie Garden is OPEN!
2nd Posting: Friday Early Dismissal Information School Year 18-19
Posting from January 26th:
We have all had time to adjust to the Friday early dismissal for grades 1-4. Managing the logistics has been challenging across the District, and at McKenzie too. So, we are initiating a change for next year. We know this may mean some additional planning for a handful of parents, so we wanted to give you plenty of notice.
With the start of the 2018-2019 school year, 2:15-3:15 supervision for our Friday Early Dismissal will be offered only to families who meet the one of following criteria:
Your child attends the Park District After School Recreation Program and takes the 3:15 bus from their elementary school to the Wilmette Park District Recreation Center.
You have a child in grades 1-4 who has a sibling in PM kindergarten.
Your child participates in a Friday After School Park District 3:15 club at your home school.
As we did last year, we will send out material in the summer for you to sign up your child, if eligible, for the Friday supervision.
4th Posting: New Trier Innovation & Tech Expo TOMORROW
We’re reaching out to let you know of an event being planned called the New Trier Innovation & Tech Expo. This free event is an opportunity for parents to attend and hear about how technology is being used throughout the township. All New Trier Township schools will be participating in this joint mini-conference taking place Saturday, April 28, 2018. It will be held at New Trier Winnetka Campus, 385 Winnetka Avenue, Winnetka, IL, from 8:30am to 12pm.
In addition to saving the date, if you have something of interest to present, parents are welcome to submit proposals to the committee. Click here to submit your proposal by February 9, 2018.
Tip: Click and zoom in on picture
Upcoming Dates
5/2/18
Transition to 5th Grade Parent Night @7pm HMS Auditorium
5/3/18
4th Grade Bike Safety
5/10/18
McKenzie's Annual Fun Run
5/21/18
Board of Education Meeting @7pm MEC
5/23 - 5/25
4th Grade Outdoor Ed
5/28/18
No School - Memorial Day
6/7/18
4th Grade Music Show
6/8/18
Field Day
6/12/18
2nd Grade Bike Safety
About Us!
Email: filippir@wilmette39.org
Website: http://mckenzie.wilmette39.org/
Location: 649 Prairie Avenue, Wilmette, IL, United States
Phone: 847-512-6300
Twitter: @McKCheetahs
School Hours
Kindergarten
Kindergarten AM 8:35am - 11:10am
Kindergarten PM 12:40pm - 3:15pm
Grades 1st - 4th
Monday - Thursday 8:35am - 3:15pm
Friday 8:35am - 2:15pm
Student drop off will begin at 8:20am, and the first bell will ring at 8:30am. Please refer to McKenzie's calendar for important dates/holidays.