McKinley Monthly
September 2019
Dear McKinley Families,
Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year! To all of our returning families, welcome back and thank you for welcoming in those who are new! To all of our new families, please be sure to sign up for a mentor (see below). We are a strong community and it shows through programs like this. Every month I send out a newsletter with school information, and every Monday the PTO sends out information about their events, opportunities, and needs. It is a lot of information coming at you, but it is the best way to keep you informed.
Some of the feedback on my Spring Parent Perceptions Survey asked for less print and more video and texts, so I hope you enjoyed my first day video! I will try to do more of these short infomercial-type communications and will begin to use text messaging more frequently for quick reminders. A few people also asked that we have a portal where all of the information that comes to you can be found. We keep the McKinley Monthly and the PTO Newsletters on our school website, so you can always check the quick links there if you want to revisit something.
School is back in session and we have had a great first week! Thanks to Mike Hansen and Kayla Merker for all of their hard work putting together the celebration last Thursday. We had perfect weather and an amazing turnout. This was the first year of online registration--we had a few glitches, but for the most part it went very well. Perhaps next year we will be able to take online payments for school fees as well!
Some logistical reminders: During drop off and pick up 89th and 90th streets are one way: 89th heads south and 90th heads north. Please, for the safety of everyone, no double parking or letting kids out between cars. Take a look at the Hug and Go video and please share it with anyone who is dropping off or picking up. We were notified by the crossing guard company, that the 88th Street crossing may be unsupervised. They are trying to fill the position and are only able to have someone there occasionally. Also, a reminder that we do not have supervision on our playgrounds until 8:05 a.m., so please stick around with kids until then if you get them here a few minutes early. Also, we do not have supervision on the playground after school, so if students are going to stay and play, an adult should be with them.
For those of you interested in the proposed design of the new McKinley building, be sure to join us for the neighborhood meeting on September 17th at 6:00 in the school gym.
Students are already asking about when our first fire drill will be. We will follow this drill schedule:
September: Lockdown
October: Fire Drill and Hold Drill (medical emergency)
November: Evacuation Drill (Off Site)
December: Lockdown
January: Fire Drill
February: Fire Drill and Hold Drill (medical emergency)
March: Lock Out (reverse evacuation)
April: Shelter (Tornado Drill)
May: Fire Drill
June: Fire Drill
July: Fire Drill
August: Shelter (Tornado Drill)
Please see the red button below labeled Standard Response Protocol, check out this video, and visit the website http://iloveuguys.org/ for more information about our safety protocol.
I look forward to working with all of you this school year! Let the learning begin!
Mrs. Hoffmann
***Dates to Remember***
Sep 10 - Picture Day
Sep 12 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Sep 17 - McK Neighborhood Meeting - New Building - at 6 p.m. in gym
Sep 26 - McKinley Mile
Oct 2 - Walk to School Day
Oct 10 - PTO Meeting
Oct 18 - Is a School Day - NOT a day off
Oct 21 - JK Conferences - JK Students No School
Oct 22 - Picture Retake Day
Oct 24 & 29 - Elementary Conferences - 4:30 - 8 p.m.
Oct 25 - No Classes JK-5; Elementary Conferences
Oct 30 - Costume Parade at 1:15 p.m.
! * ! * ! * ! * ! * ! * McK Attendance Line 773-1502 * ! * ! * ! * ! * ! * !
NEW FAMILY MENTOR PROGRAM
A few years ago PTO started a new McKinley initiative with the goal of welcoming new families to the school as well as providing a resource for information and questions throughout the school year. Back, by popular demand, through the New Family Mentor Program, we are excited to be connecting new families with McKinley families again this year!
If you are a new McKinley family and are interested in being paired with a veteran McKinley family, but have not yet signed up, click HERE to email the PTO and let them know you're interested.
If you are a veteran McKinley family and are willing to mentor new families - please click the same link.
Summer Reading
Thanks!
Mrs. Smith
Green Team
Dear McKinley Families,
The McKinley Green Team is again participating in the Wauwatosa Green Summit. Tosa's 9th annual Summit will be held on September 7 at the Wauwatosa Civic Center, 7725 W. North Avenue, and feature exhibits from 10 am to 1 pm. MMSD's Household Hazardous Waste Collection, along with partnerships with Wauwatosa Police and their Crime-stoppers project, and the Wauwatosa Health Department, will feature collections for shredding, electronic recycling, medicine, and Dream Bikes bicycles, providing opportunities to both create awareness and take action. Please come visit our table at the Civic Center on September 7th!
McKinley Green Team
Equity
Hello! My name is Tracy Carus and I am the equity coach for five of the elementary buildings, including McKinley. I have been a part of the Wauwatosa School District for 13 years, but have been an educator for 25. This will be my second year as a full time equity coach, and third year as a coach. Equity encompasses so much, but basically comes down to working towards all children, families, and staff having opportunity and access to what they need in order to be successful in school and life. Here are a few points that describe my role:
Coordinates, facilitates and leads District-based professional development initiatives, which are informed by best practice and research and ensure equitable achievement for all students
Consults, coaches, and supports school staff on culturally responsive practices, student and family engagement, equity, and relationships
Provides whole-group, team, and individual assistance to staff to improve instructional practices
Provides support for teachers to improve equitable learning for all students, including planning interventions, scaffolding, and extensions
Analyzes and uses data in working with teachers to improve student learning
I am very excited about this school year! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have, carustr@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us or 414-773-1392.
Regards,
Tracy Carus
SAVE THE DATE: Equity Parent Chat, Wednesday, November 13, 6-7:30 p.m.
Ms. Kumferman’s Korner –News from your School Social Worker
Welcome back to a new school year! I am really looking forward to starting my 18th year at McKinley and continuing my work with students and families. I am excited to share that I am supervising another graduate social work intern this year….Nick Kasten. Nick is a student at UW-Milwaukee and will graduate in May 2020 with his Masters in Social Work, and School Social Work Certification. He will be here at McKinley 3 days a week until May. Please welcome him if you see him!
Did you know that homelessness affects families who attend Wauwatosa Schools?
As the District’s Homeless Liaison, it has been eye-opening to many that there are students in Wauwatosa who meet eligibility under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Act. There are different definitions of ‘homelessness’ and each situation is reviewed individually. Numbers have grown on a yearly basis and are impacted by economic changes, ever-changing family situations, and a variety of other reasons. Last year, student services staff served over 70 students and helped them with various resources to provide stability in order to keep the students in their school of origin. With all the changes a homeless student/family may encounter, we know that this piece is essential.
SECOND STEP PROGRAM
Second Step is a social skill building program developed by the National Committee for Children. McKinley stated using this curriculum many years ago and it remains a teacher-led program in all classrooms from SK through 5th grade. Lessons will be taught consistently throughout the school year.
The Second Step Program teaches skills that can help all children get along with others and do better in school. Its main purpose is to increase the student’s level of social competence by helping to develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and an
understanding of their own feelings. It also teaches students how to build active
listening skills. These concepts are taught throughout the school year by using: songs, puppets, role play and other activities. *Each year the concepts and skill-building remain consistent but is adjusted per grade level.
The SECOND STEP PROGRAM is divided into 4 main areas:
1. EMPATHY- Children will learn about feelings and ways to show understanding towards others.
2. PROBLEM SOLVING- Children will learn new ways to solve problems and practice skills such as apologizing, interrupting politely, and making new friends.
3. EMOTION MANAGEMENT- Children will learn to manage their emotions and learn how to positively express them in a safe way.
4. SKILLS FOR LEARNING- Children will learn techniques to build positive active listening skills such as focus and attention.
5. To learn more about SECOND STEP, please ask your child’s teacher, or go to www.cfchildren.org
BULLYING PREVENTION CURRICULUM
All of the elementary schools in the Wauwatosa School District utilize the Bullying Prevention Curriculum created by Committee for Children. This is a national, research-based curriculum that helps students Recognize, Report, and Refuse bullying behavior. It also teaches about Bystander Power. Through use of videos and activities, it also focuses on promoting issues of diversity and equality. This curriculum is delivered throughout fall to grade levels SK-5th by our School Social Worker, Rachel Kumferman, and graduate social work intern, Nick Kasten. While each grade level has different videos and lessons, the message remains consistent year to year.
Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin
A "Green" School Supply List
As you commence the annual routine of back-to-school shopping and supply gathering, take into account the following considerations to make this school year greener and healthier:
- Use-up or reuse supplies from last year before buying new. Notebooks with unused pages, crayons, pencils and pens, binders, and other personal supplies can be reused for another school year.
- Reusable lunch containers reduce waste from plastic baggies and other food wrap. Encourage your student to bring home uneaten food to save for later and to help you see how much, and what, your student is eating from their lunch and reduce wasted food.
- Look for low-, or no-, PVC, PAH, VOC, and phthalate supplies. Some children's toys and supplies contain these harmful toxins that have been linked to disrupting the endocrine, immune, and respiratory systems.
- Donate still-usable items, and shop at donation centers to increase your financial savings and reduce the resource consumption and pollution associated with manufacturing new items.
- Choose products made from post-consumer recycled material and that are themselves recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Check with your local recycling authority to see what materials are accepted for recycling.
Learn more with these resources:
Green Schools Initiative Green Back-to-School Supplies
Edutopia Green Products Guide: Writing Utensils and Other School Supplies
Visitor/Sign-in System
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.
2019 dates:
October 5th
November 23rd
Tosa Cares is also always looking for donations of food, or cash. There are three 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: https://www.wauwatosa.k12.wi.us/McKinley
Location: 2435 N 89th St, Wauwatosa, WI, United States
Phone: (414)773-1500