The students started the month of January by celebrating 2023! The theme for the month was

Winter. Students learned about winter weather and are hoping for snow! They also learned

about winter animals and animals that hibernate. Students also learned about diversity relating

to Martin Luther King Day. Students were excited by the visits from Blake the Therapy

Dog.

During the week of January 23rd, the PLC kicked off the Great Kindness Challenge! We were excited to be able to share this amazing event with our students and community members. We finished off the week with community members creating a tunnel of joy and music, while our PLC students ran through. We collected coins all week for the Popcorn Park Zoo, where we adopted different zoo animals.

The New Year at Ocean Acres started off with the students making resolutions for 2023. Before we knew it, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday was here. Classes celebrated by recognizing his contributions to our nation’s history. Mrs. Kundrat and Miss Georgieff’s preschoolers had a peaceful protest in their pajamas. The second grade chorus took the stage under the direction of Mrs. Cracchiolo. The chorus showcased a time machine jukebox that had the audience traveling through a time. The chorus show was filled with music from different decades. Mrs. Watson incorporated time warp video clips too. Everyone did an amazing job! The month ended with the students showing their school spirit with our annual OA Spirit Week. From crazy hats to plaid wear to wacky hair, students and staff got in the spirit and were happy to participate.

McKinley students returned from winter break raring to go! Rehearsals began for our Winter

Concert. On January 18th, our Chorus, under the direction of Ms. Zuzic, performed songs with a

winter theme. Ms. Myers strings group played a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells and Mrs. Wright’s band performed a song entitled Sections Snow Storm composed by our own Mrs. Wright! Students were able to enjoy the concert during the school day and parents were invited to the evening performance. It was a wonderful day of musical entertainment for all! The Student Awards Assembly was held on January 25th at the STAC. Parents of students receiving awards were invited to the assembly as well. It’s wonderful to see how many McKinley Mustangs were acknowledged for having exemplary character!

Our 6th grade Student Ambassadors did an amazing job recognizing our Board of Education members at the January Board of Education meeting. Southern Regional Middle School Band, Strings and Chorus put on a show for the 5th & 6th graders in the STAC. It's always nice to see former students come back and perform. Family STEAM Night was a fantastic success. We had a huge turnout from all grade levels and everyone spoke about how much they enjoyed it. The 6th Grade Winter Dance returned this year. The students had a great time and there were more than a few staff members that joined in on the fun.