Dear McKinley Families,

Welcome back, and here is to a wonderful 2022! I had a great break relaxing, snuggling with dogs, and hanging out with family. I hope that you all enjoyed your holiday as well.

Thank you to all who have been able to test before returning to school. We have seen an uptick in cases and will continuously monitor the situation. An important message was sent out today with guidelines to follow.

School registration opens this week. Please get the word out if you have friends interested in McKinley.

Finally, Our school of excellence survey is in, and a blurb is posted below. We also have the Youth truth survey starting this week. A link for families will be sent out soon. Having this vital information helps us to improve our school. Thank you so much for your participation.

Have a wonderful week,

Mrs. Larson

What is Youth Truth?

We believe, and research shows, that student and stakeholder voices matter.

We equip education leaders to integrate these on-the-ground insights into planning, professional development, and improvement processes. What would your school system look like if the unique perspectives of your students, families, and staff were central to decision-making? You'd likely see a happier, healthier, school system on the path to higher academic achievement.

Here is a link to more information: https://youthtruthsurvey.org/

What grades will the survey be conducted?

Grades 3 - 8 will take the survey.

When will they take the survey?

Your teacher will send out a message before the students take the survey in class.

Is there an opt-out form?

Yes, if you wish for your student not to take the survey, an opt-out form is available. Please get in touch with your student's teacher.

Is there a parent Survey?

We look forward to collecting vital data from all stakeholders to make our school the best that it can be.

Jan. 4th- TK/K Informational night 5:30 McKinley multi

Jan. 4th TK/K Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan. 4th Auditions For Lion King

Jan. 5th Auditions for Lion King

Jan. 5th TK/K Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan 6th PACS Info Night Via Zoom 6:00

Jan. 7th 1st - 3rd Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan. 7th priority Registration opens

Jan. 11th TK/K Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan. 12th TK/K Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan. 14th TK/K Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan. 17th NO School

Jan. 18th 4th- 6th Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan 19th TK/K Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan. 19th PTA Meeting 6:30

Jan 19th District LCAP Meeting

Jan. 21st 1st - 3rd Tour 9:00 (must sign up)

Jan. 24th - 28th The Great Kindness Challenge

Jan. 27th 100th day of school

Jan. 28th Intercultural Cafe

Jan. 29th LUMACON

If you have an aspiring student writer in your household or classroom who enjoys drama, action, and suspense, make sure they know about Lumacon! This year's Lumacon will be held on January 29, 2022 and they are looking for wonderful writers for the Drabble Contest. If you have a student that enjoys writing and wants something creative to do during the break, please check out the Lumacon Contests page for more information. Please note that there will be covid safety protocols in place for the event itself, including limited entry. Keep a lookout on the Lumacon website for when (free) tickets will be available, for youth art submissions, and cosplay opportunities as well!

This January, we are holding our 2nd annual "Idle Free Sonoma County Month", to educate parents, staff, and students about the benefits of turning their car engines off if idling for 30 seconds or more.

To help students and families do that, we've created both a coloring page for students, and an online pledge for parents and/or school staff.

For enrolled, comprehensive sites, in early-mid January, we will also be dropping off ~100 hard copies of the coloring page, a set of bookmarks, and in some cases, an educational banner.

Parents/families, teachers, and school administrators/staff who sign the pledge by Friday, February 4th will be entered into a drawing for one of eight $50.00 gift cards to a local business of the winner's choice.

Please REPLY to this email to let us know if you will be promoting our January Challenge at your site, and/or if you have any questions or need technical support! Scroll down for downloadable English/Spanish resources for the January Challenge including the Coloring Page, flyers, and other images.

All resources referred to below are accessible at www.sonomasaferoutes.org

Our January Idle Free Challenge is sponsored by the Sonoma County Spare the Air Resource Team.

We are excited to announce that the performing arts are returning to McKinley this spring with The Lion King! All students in grades 1st through 8th are invited to audition on January 4th with callbacks on January 5th.

Click here for audition information and full details.

Do you shine more behind the scenes? We'll have information about the tech crew coming soon.

Here is the list of volunteers from the Winter Festival:

Planning & Execution Team:

Emily Betts

Rebecca Hachmyer

Kristen Joyce

Erica Kliewer

Alanna Murphy

Sarah Winders

Kristin Richman

Event Volunteers

Gwynn Kliewer

Matt Richman

Tracie Hankers

Courtney Wolfe

Elda Molina

Alma Gonzalez

Julie Glew
Cesar Barahona

Donations:

Oliver's Market donated 16 gallons of organic apple juice!

And a huge thank you to the front office staff, the custodial team, the PACS maestro and band, the PTA, and to Principal Larson for their work and support in making it all happen!