McKinley Monthly
May 2018
A Word from Mrs. Hoffmann
Dear Families,
The outpouring of community love and support for the Denson family upon the death of dear Claire has been overwhelmingly beautiful. As a leader, one thing I have to continually ask is “what do people need?” In a situation like this, people need different things. One topic that has come forth is the decision to take the purple ribbons down around the school. From the start, we had planned to take the ribbons down on the weekend after the service.
Some people feel taking down the ribbons this early could be disrespecting Claire's memory while others feel very strongly that it is so important to their healing process. Grief is complicated. Everyone experiences grief differently, and we need to attempt to be respectful and empathetic to all opinions on this in order to best honor Claire, the Densons, Claire's brothers, and everyone in the school community.
One thing is for certain, Claire would not want people arguing or being upset about this. Instead she would want us to keep positive memories within our hearts.
Mrs. Daily suggested a creative way to help preserve Claire’s memory by making keepsake wreaths using the purple ribbons. Please see the Remembrance Night flyer in the red box below, and if you are interested in helping make a wreath for others or in making your own, please fill out the Google Form that is linked on the flyer, so I know how many frames to order. If you have purple ribbons that you would like to contribute to this process, please bring them to school by May 18th.
Let's reflect on how we can continue to support one another during this difficult time.
With Gratitude,
Mrs. Hoffmann
Acknowledgements and Events
We had an amazing day last week Friday with High Interest Day! I heard time and time again that this was the best day of the year. The kids were happily engaged in a vast variety of activities. Heartfelt thanks go out to the High Interest Day Committee—Heidi Engbring, Allison Byrne, Liz Russell, Kelly Rifelj—and all of the many, many, wonderful volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you! Math night was also quite the success in April—thanks to Dave Wurzburger and Derek Pipkorn and all of the many internal and external volunteers for that old event with a new flair!
This is a busy month! Next week kicks of Teacher Appreciation Week. I know that the PTO has plans for treating the staff to a breakfast and lunch during the week, as well as special perks for teachers during the week. Next Thursday is the PTO meeting at 6:30 in the library, and Friday the 11th the first ever Kids Trivia night! At the end of this month we will begin creating class lists for the upcoming school year. You should have received a parent input form in Tuesday folders. Please return your form by Friday, May 4th or email me if there is something you would like us to keep in mind as we start the process of creating class lists for next year. We release class lists in mid-August. We try to inform families of JK students about a.m. or p.m. on June 5th at the new parent orientation meeting.
Exciting events not to miss this month: Saturday’s EFW walk-run—I hope to see you there. Look for Mounty the Mountain Lion in a McKinley shirt! Wednesday May 9th is Bike to School day—New this year, join the bike train on 80th and Meineke. You can join at any point on the route to school. Once at school, you can get a new helmet (kids and adults!) or have your bike checked for proper inflation in the tires and smooth mechanical operating. You can even register your bicycle and get a license from Wauwatosa Police Officers. Please see the PTO Newsletter for details, and let’s hope for a nice, sunny morning!
Thursday the 10th will be Fire Safety Day for first and third grade students. On May 15th at 7:00 p.m., our Spring Concert will feature the band, chorus, and orchestra. Doors will open for family seating at 6:30. Load up on summer reading selections at the Spring Buy One Get One Book Sale on Thursday, May 17th from 8:30-6:15 p.m.; May 18th is Tie-Dye Day; and last but not least, if we do not have a snow day between now and May 24th, the 25th through the 28th will be a four-day weekend in honor of Memorial Day.
So much to do! Have a great month everyone!
Mrs. Hoffmann
*** McK Attendance Line 773-1502 ***
Dates to Remember
Please mark these dates on your calendar:
May 9 - Bike to School day
May 10 - PTO meeting at 6:30 p.m.
May 11 - Kids Trivia night
May 15 - Spring Band, Chorus, and Orchestra concert at 7 p.m.
May 17 - Spring BOGO Bookfair
May 25 - No school
May 28 - Memorial Day - no school
May 31 - Change to a Monday schedule
Friend of Education award
Chess Team
The biggest tournament of the year is the State Scholastic up in Oshkosh (where we won the state elementary championship), but the smaller cousin is the Grade Level, where kids complete against only kids in their own grade! Saturday, April 21, McKinley took 1st place in 4th grade, and 3rd place in 3rd grade. We also had individual participants in 2nd and 5th grade who did very well.
Right at School - Summer Camp
Summer Camp will be held at Jefferson Elementary for all students currently enrolled in JK-5th Grade.
Weekly rate includes ALL activity fees including field trips and transportation!
JK/SK Students will participate in on-site field trips and special guests.
1st-5th Grade Students will participate in off-site field trips.
Space is limited!
Follow the link to register today! https://rightatschool-jefferson-elementary-wi.jumbula.com/#/summer-camp
Ms. Kumferman’s Korner
News from your School Social Worker
If you are thinking about summer, you are also probably thinking about activities and ideas to do with your children. Here are some great links with so many ideas whether you want to stay in or go out!
And as we continue to grieve for one of our McKinley students and her family, I have also again included the information for Kyle’s Korner. This is a great, local resource that can help support students and families with programs and resources, if needed now or in the future.
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101 Fun things to do with kids this summer:
www.care.com/c/stories/3331/101-fun-things-to-do-with-kids-this-summer/
100 Things for kids to do in Milwaukee:
https://onmilwaukee.com/family/articles/100kids.html
Kyle’s Korner
7106 W. North Ave
Wauwatosa, WI
414-777-1585
Kyle’s Korner is a local agency that is dedicated to helping grieving children, teens and their families who are coping with the death of a loved one. Kyle’s Korner is a free resource where children, teens and families can go and share similar experiences as they go through the grief process. Whether it’s after the death of a family member, friend or even loss of a pet, this center is a great community resource that helps to support families. Kyle’s Korner has various support groups, and lots of resources for them. They have a lending library and online list of resources. This agency also hosts a free, summer camp for children who have lost a loved one.
Compost Crusader
Compost Crusader was just featured in a fantastic news story. This company contracts composting services with McKinley and several other schools in the district.
The story highlights a community composting pilot program that Compost Crusader coordinated with the City of Milwaukee. All of the video footage nicely captures the composting process at work: from food scrap pick up all the way to the compost piles at Blue Ribbon Organics.
Check it out:
Please feel free to pass this story along - to your family, your friends, your colleagues. People talking about green practices leads to action. And action leads to a better earth home for all of us!
THE MCKINLEY PUBLISHING CENTER IS BACK!
Starting this week, every student in 1st through 5th grade can sign up to create a book. Each student who signs up will receive a book packet with all the information and materials needed to create a one-of-a kind keepsake. Students can sign up online using the link below. Volunteers are also needed to type and assemble books. Please visit the volunteer link to sign up. Contact Lori Brandenburg at Crashburg@yahoo.com with any questions.
Book Sign Up, Click HERE.
Volunteer Publishers & Typists Sign Up, Click HERE.
Green Team
Office Max / Office Depot Gives Back
* * Tosa Cares * *
Tosa Cares is a local, non-profit organization located in Mount Zion Lutheran Church that helps families with food donations and so much more. Here are the dates for the monthly food distributions. You are encouraged to contact Linda Ertel before you come either by email Tosacares@gmail.com or phone 414-861-4725, or you can just show up on one of these dates.
2018 dates:
June 16
Aug 11
Sept 29
Nov 17
Tosa Cares is also always looking for donations of food, or cash. There are 3 permanent donation sites/times which you can find on their website: tosacares.org
Here is a list of the most needed items:
- Cereal
- Nonperishable fruits, vegetables and juices
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Spaghetti sauces and noodles
- Pastas and rice
- Canned protein, such as chicken, tuna and beef stew
- Snacks such as granola bars, crackers, popcorn and cookies
- Packaged dinners, especially those with meat
- Hearty soups
- Toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels and tissues
- Personal care items such as shampoo, hand soap, lotion and toothbrushes and tooth paste
- Dish soap and laundry soap
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