McKinley Monthly
October 2019
From the Principal
When your student is struggling or excelling in school, how does McKinley respond? Many students will periodically work above their grade level or flounder through their education years. It may be short or long-term and from one subject to multiple subjects. The first step a parent should take is to talk to the classroom teacher and begin the process of becoming knowledgeable about the child's difficulties and strengths.
At McKinley, we gather data through assessments like Universal/Benchmark screeners. Each grade completes two rounds of these assessments each year to help determine if a child is at or above grade level or if they are struggling. We use the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS A & B) framework. If the student is at grade level, they are Tier 1 in our process. If a student is struggling with either short term concepts, or just overall and is probably within one year of being at grade level, they are at Tier 2. If the child's struggles are either long term or more intense, they are at Tier 3. If a student is placed at Tier 2 or Tier 3, we will work on writing a formal plan called an intervention to help that student close the achievement gap. If they are working above grade level, the tier 2 and 3 extension interventions will be coordinated with the classroom and Gifted and Talented teachers in order to help them to continue to expand their learning.
I don't expect that you will memorize the terms or abbreviations that we use, or even what Tiers 1,2, or 3 mean. I would like you to be aware that there is a process in place at McKinley to meet the needs of our students. Please have conversations with your teachers about your child. You should always feel encouraged to be a part of your child's education. If you have any questions about this process, please feel to contact me, or your child's teacher. Remember, "It Takes a Village" to help our students to reach their goals.
THE WILDCAT WAY
We are CARING
We are RESPECTFUL
We are RESPONSIBLE
We are SAFE
We are McKinley
McKinley PTA
Picture Retakes
Picture retake day is Monday, October 14, 2019 beginning at 8:30 a.m. If this is the first time your child is having their picture taken, please contact the office at 701-446-5200.
Before retakes can occur, original photos must be returned, so please send the original picture packet with your child on October 14th if he/she is having his/her photo retaken.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on October 10, 14 and 15 between the hours of 3-7 p.m. Conference appointment notifications will be sent out to families. It is so important for you to attend these conferences. By attending, you show your child that school is an important part of your family life. We look forward to seeing you! Please let the school know if transportation is a problem for you-we will try to help.
Fargo Public Schools Illness Guidelines Children with the following symptoms should not be sent to school and/or school activities if they have:
- Indication of a temperature of 100 degrees or above
- Undiagnosed rash or sores
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- The student is diagnosed by a physician to have a contagious infection and places the student on a prescription. First dose of medicine must have been taken 24 hours prior to returning to school
- Their temperature has remained below 100 degrees for 24 hours, without the use of acetaminophen, (i.e., Tylenol), etc. to keep the temperature down.
Family Educator Enhancement Team (FEET) Meeting
If you wish to attend, please RSVP one week prior to the event at: http//bit.ly/2ktCAYa. Free childcare will be provided.
McKinley Elementary
Jill Linnell, Counselor
Romelle Speral, Administrative Assistant
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us/mckinley
Location: McKinley Elementary School, 8th Street North, Fargo, ND, USA
Phone: 701.446.5200