McKinley Elementary STEAM School
September 2021
From The Principal
Welcome, McKinley Families! We are excited to see you - those who are returning, as well as our new friends to McKinley! Our staff is thrilled to start another year of relationships, learning, and fun!
At McKinley, we believe the family-school partnership is one of the most important things we do. Our partnership is built around honesty and respect. We believe that working together will create the best learning experience for your student. We have an “open door policy” at McKinley - we are here for you and your family!
I am continually amazed at the amazing students, staff, and families that we have at McKinley. It makes me so proud to serve this building.
Follow us on Twitter (@StemMcKinley) or Instagram (mckinleyelemstem). We keep this up-to-date with what’s going on at McKinley!
Your partner in education,
Justin Kiel
Proud McKinley Principal
What's Your Story?
From The Health Office (444-8206)
Our McKinley office would like to welcome our new school nurse, Ms. Jolene Ward.
Jolene is a welcomed addition to our McKinley family bringing years of experience with her.
Wanted:
Our McKinley Health Office is in need of boys and girls new or good condition sweatpants, specifically sizes 6-10.
McKinley Elementary STEAM School
Email: jkiel@isd761.org
Website: www.owatonna.k12.mn.us
Location: 1050 22nd Street Northeast, Owatonna, MN, USA
Phone: 507-444-8200
From The Social Worker's Office (444-8215)
McKinney-Vento Support for Families In Transition
The Mckinney-Vento act supports families and youth that lack a fixed, regular, and appropriate nighttime residence. Additional support is available from the Owatonna Public Schools for these families.
Qualifying families include those that are:
Experiencing a loss of housing
Couch hopping or temporarily staying with other people due to your financial circumstances
Staying in motels, campgrounds, or vehicles due to a loss of housing
Experiencing homelessness or living in a shelter
Migrant and staying here temporarily
As well as unaccompanied youth that are living without a parent or guardian
If any of these situations are true for your family, you may qualify as a Family in Transition (FIT) under the Mckinney-Vento Act and Owatonna Public Schools is here to support you.
If your family qualifies for Mckinney-Vento support, you may be eligible for benefits such as, the right for your child to continue to attend their school of origin when you move boundaries, busing to and from your current residence, free breakfast and lunch, free preschool for age eligible children. Your School Social Worker will also be able to provide additional information for community-based support that may benefit your family.
Owatonna Public Schools is committed to providing high quality education to all students, regardless of housing status. Please be assured that information on housing status is confidential. If you feel that you may qualify as a Family in Transition, you can receive support by contacting your child’s school social worker, Annette Warner at 507-444-8215 or the Family in Transition Liaison, Trina Kasper at 507-444-8081.
McKinley Elementary PTO Event Calendar
10th- Summer Learning Calendar Due
13th- PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
15th- Fall Fundraiser Kickoff
24th- Bingo 6:30-8pm
29th- Fall Fundraiser Sale Ends
October:
8th- Glow Dance Pre-Sale Orders Due
11th- PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
29th- Glow In The Dark Dance 6:30-8pm
November:
3rd- Fundraiser Delivery- 2:30-5pm
8th-PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
8th-12th- Book Fair
9th-PTO Staff Meal
19th- Movie and Pizza Night 6-8pm
December:
3rd-Craft Event 6-8pm
13th- PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
January:
10th- PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
20th- Last Day To Pre-Order For The Carnival
28th- Carnival Set-up 4-8 pm
29th- Carnival 1-4pm
February:
14th-PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
14th-17th- Book Fair
15th- PTO Provides Staff Meal
March:
4th- Bingo 6:30-8pm
14th-PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
April:
11th-PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
May:
9th- PTO Meeting 7pm- Staff Lounge
11th- Ice Cream Social and Book Fair/STEAM Fair 5:30-7:30pm
June:
Have A Safe And Fun Summer!
*Please Note: All activities rely heavily on volunteers, all dates and times are subject to change or cancellation. Be sure to get the latest updates and information by joining the McKinley Elementary PTO group on Facebook.
BE INVOLVED! BE INFORMED! BE HEARD! BE YOUR CHILD'S BIGGEST FAN! JOIN PTO!
From The Attendance Office (444-8205)
Our McKinley School day begins at 7:55 am and ends at 2:25 pm.
All students must be in the school at 7:55 or a Tardy will be given. Please be aware that 3 Tardies equals 1 Unexcused Absence.
If your child is ill, please call our Attendance line at 444-8205. Please leave a message with your child's name and grade, your name and relation to the child, and any illness related symptoms. All Covid and flu like symptoms are reported by our McKinley Nurse to the MDH.
Any absence without a reason given will be marked unexcused.
When possible, family trips should be planned so they do not interfere with a student's school attendance and education. If this can not be arranged and a student must be absent from school, prior authorization is needed for the absences to be consider excused.
A pink Pre-Approval Absence Request Form can be found in the McKinley Office. The form must be submitted to the office AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR to the requested absence dates. Absences will only be excused with prior principal permission.