McKinley PTO Newsletter
Where Every Parent Is A Member
September 30, 2019
Presidents' Update
Hello McKinley Families,
We appreciate those of you who were able to participate in the 34th Annual McKinley Mile. A special thank you to Dave Farwell for organizing another fun and memorable McKinley Mile, as well as the several volunteers who helped make the event safe and fun.
Thank you to all of you who supported last weeks Dine Outs to Five Guys and YoMama. A big thank you to Dana Wurzburger who organizes all the Dine Outs. We value your time and effort.
Important:
The 10th Annual Walk to School day is on Wednesday, October 2nd. New this year "Why I Walk" multi-media contest with lots of PRIZES!!!...please scroll below for more detailed information about the contest. Deadline for submission has been extended to Tuesday, October 1st.
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.
***If the PTO is unable to fulfill this role by October 4th, McKinley will not be having a DI program during the 2019/20 school year.***
Perhaps, you are not interested in DI, but would still like to become involved, please consider being the Committee Chair for the Adult Social. Please reach out to Maura Riordan for more information.
In this edition of the PTO newsletter look for more information about:
- 10th Annual Walk to School/Contest
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Girl Scout Recruitment
- Dine Out Dates
- High Interest Day Presenters Needed
- Book Fair Volunteer Sign Up
- Teacher Treat Sign Up
- McKinley Mile Appreciation
If you have any questions about the upcoming school year or ways you would like to get involved, please feel free to contact us.
Have a great week!
Kayla Merker and Mike Hansen
Important Dates to Remember
Make sure to put the following dates on your calendar!
- October 2nd - 10th Annual Walk to School Day
- 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 25th - No Classes JK - 5
- October 29th - 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Chipolte Dine Out
- October 30th - 1:15 p.m. Costume Parade
Celebrate 10 Years of Walk to School Day - Wednesday, October 2nd
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO WALK TO SCHOOL WITH FRIENDS, MCKINLEY TEACHERS, STAFF, & TOSA COMMUNITY LEADERS. STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO TO MAKE SIGNS AND SHOW McKINLEY SCHOOL SPIRIT.
RAIN OR SHINE (WSB CANCELLED IF SEVERE STORMS)
EVERYONE WILL MEET ON THE NORTH (LARGE PLAYGROUND) FOR AN
ALL SCHOOL ASSEMBLY FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
APPLES SPONSORED BY FIREFLY REAL ESTATE, DAN LUDWIG AND
KATIE SPRAGUE.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DANCE!
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM WAUWATOSA MAYOR KATHY EHLEY
The Walking school bus leader starts at given spot and follows the route to school. Parents and guardians are welcome to walk with their student or drop them off to join the route. Students may join the route at any spot along the way. If dropping off a student to join the “bus”, please ensure the students gets on the bus before leaving.
Entries due Tuesday, October 1st.
- The Multimedia Contest hopes to engage ALL students in exploring the benefits of walking to school. Even if your student does not walk regularly to school, they are still encouraged to enter! Students often surprise us with their insight into the benefits of walking, even at a young age.
- Students should use their own, unique creative process to share why they think it is important to walk to school.
- The contest is for grades K4- 2nd & 3rd-5th. Prizes will be awarded Individuals or groups can enter (If group, prize will be split between members. If the group has students in multiple grades, they will be entered in the contest for the grade that corresponds with the oldest child).
- Any form of multi-media is welcome (e.g. Painting, film, song, drawing, collage, video, poetry,drama, story, PowerPoint, etc.). Please limit any videos, songs to less than 1-2 minutes.
- Actual written pieces or art work can be turned in to the office or a digital image can be submitted. All digital entries should be submitted to: SRTSMK2019@gmail.com
- A video montage of ALL the submissions will be made. Names and grades will not be included in the video.
- Questions should be sent to SRTSMK2019@gmail.com
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.
***If the PTO is unable to fulfill this role by October 4th, 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.
McKinley Spirit Wear
Starting on Tuesday, October 1st, the McKinley Spirit Wear Online Ordering will begin and be available through October 15th. Click here on Spirit Wear to place your order. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelly Basten at kelly.basten@gmail.com
Girl Scouts Recruitment Night
Dine Out Dates
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)
Thursday, October 17th all day, Jose’s Blue Sombrero in the Village (7615 W State St, Wauwatosa)
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%)!
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! 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.
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).
Book Fair Volunteers Needed
It’s that special time of year again- Scholastic Book Fair time! This year’s fair will take place October 23-25 in the McKinley Gym. Mark the days on your calendar.
The book fair has proven to be an outstanding fundraiser for our school while putting books in the hands of our fabulous students. Scholastic’s “All for Books” program matches the amount raised and purchases books for children in need. It is truly a worthwhile event!
We are once again asking you to consider sharing some of your precious time to help make the book fair a success. Our greatest area of need tends to be right after school during the “rush” but all time slots are essential for the book fair to run smoothly.
If you can spare an hour or two, please sign up here.
Amanda Potter and Lisa Swiontek, Book Fair Co-Chairs
Teacher Treat Sign Up
McKinley Mile Appreciation
Much appreciation to the entire McKinley community for another GREAT McKinley Mile! Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Mile a success! The event could not have happened without the helping hands of many volunteers: Susan Zeimet (for her amazing warm up), Maura Riordan, Anna Schmidt, Katie Phillips, Kayla Merker, Lindsay Stadler, Rhianon Bott, Katy Fievet, Jen Johnston, Bill Koch, Jr., Jacque Lett, Gina Dee, Ashley Peterson, Nachole Zickuhr, Mike Yamat, Meg Malloy, Brian Malloy, Darly Knoedler, Susan Osman, Jessica Grusnick, Tad Schroeder, Angela Stowe, Brigid Bedingfield, Sarah Lerand, Tanya Jahr, Andrew Johnston, Scott & Christy Hewitt, Benjamin Peirce, Joellen Bradach, Kim Stephens, Chuck Schmidt, Anna Miles, Dave Zickuhr, Julie Maher, Keith Maher, Gina Johnson-Yamat, Jenny Jablonsky, and Matt Schroeder.
Special thanks as always to Jean Hoffman, Charlotte Garder, and Terri Uden for going above and beyond the call of duty in their support of this event. Also thanks again to Just One More Ministry for picking up all the extra pizzas and carrots to donate to local food shelters.
See you next year for the McKinley Mile 2020!
Dave Farwell, Chair - McKinley Mile
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