McKinley Monthly
December 2015
A Letter from Mrs. Hoffmann
Hello McKinley Families!
I can’t believe that we are already finished with Trimester 1 and into December. We are getting into deep learning now and the engagement I see in classrooms is high. Today I had the opportunity to see first graders thrilled about doing research! Fabulous learning! In November I enjoyed watching so many students and their families at Keepsake Plate Night and know that they will cherish their creations for years to come. Look for a survey link in the next PTO Newsletter to give your feedback on the new vendor for that event. I would like to thank all who attended the Open House on November 17th. We had a really great turnout, despite the rainy weather. Students had a great time showing their classrooms to parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends—what a wonderful opportunity for you to get a sense of what goes on here at McKinley. We are grateful as well to the PTO for providing dinner for the staff!
Tonight, I hope to see many families at the Tosa Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:45 p.m. Our chorus and third grade students are sure to delight the crowd. This will be McKinley’s 20th year involved in this magical event! I know they have been working hard to prepare for this special event and the concerts December 17th and 18th. Next week Tuesday is the date of our much-anticipated Secret Holiday Workshop! Families new to McKinley will not want to miss this event. All vendors sell items less than $10 and the Girl Scouts will have a bake sale. Last year was my first experience with this, and I was really impressed with the variety of goods offered. Next week we will not send home Tuesday folders on December 8th. The folders will be sent home instead on Friday, December 11th with student report cards.
As the winter approaches and the weather becomes more unpredictable, I encourage everyone to be prepared for the weather with all the proper gear: hats, gloves or mittens, scarves, snow pants, and boots. Kindergarten and first grade teachers teach their students to navigate the putting on and pulling off of the winter wear, and help kids with strategies to keep track of their items. For instance one day I heard, “the gloves go in the hat which goes in the sleeve—the sleeve is a hat holder.” It makes sense to me! When things do go missing, be sure to check the lost and found. We already have a number of coats along with the single gloves and many hats that have found their way to the bins outside of the cafeteria.
Tonight, with the tree lighting ceremony, we officially head into the holiday season. In the news on a daily basis we are bombarded with disheartening events that often make us question the direction of humanity. I wish to focus on the amazing, heartwarming moments that I see day after day in the classrooms, cafeteria, playgrounds, hallways and all areas of McKinley. I can always find a reason to smile and can count on the excitement and wonder of childhood and the dedication of staff and parents in our community to show me that goodness abounds. I want to wish all of you peace and happiness throughout the holidays and into the next year.
Happy December to all!
Mrs. Hoffmann
Principal
Flyers
As always be sure to read the community flyers on the district website including Kinderkonzert at Tosa West tomorrow!
http://www.edlinesites.net/pages/Wauwatosa_School_District/Community/Community_Flyers
DATES TO REMEMBER
Dec 4 Chorus at Tosa Tree Lighting at 5:45 p.m.
Dec 8 Secret Holiday Workshop at 3:30 p.m.
Dec 17 Winter Sing at 2 p.m. (grades K-3)
Dec 18 Winter Concert at 2 p.m. (grades 4-5)
Dec 23 Winter Break begins
Music
The Winter Concert for Band, Choir, Orchestra and General Music, grades 4 and 5, will be on Friday, December 18 at 2 p.m.
Students in 3rd grade and Choir who have returned permission slips will be singing for the Wauwatosa Tree Lighting this Friday at 5:45 p.m. Arrival time for this event is 5:30 p.m. This is the 20th year McKinley has participated in this wonderful event!
Thank you,
Mrs. Merriman
School Day Stability
Attendance Line
Happy December Holidays!
6th-14th Hanukkah
8th Bodhi Day
10th Human Rights Day
21st Soyal
21st-25st Pancha Ganapati
22nd Dongzhi Festival
23rd HumanLight
25th Christmas
26th Boxing Day
26th-Jan 1st Kwanzaa
31th New Year’s Eve