McKinley Family Newsletter

Happy October, McKinley Families!

October is here, and with it comes the beautiful colors of fall, cooler days, and so many exciting opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and connect! It is hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving.

A few reminders:

After School Plans - We kindly ask that all after-school arrangements (pick-up plans, bus changes, who’s picking up, etc.) be made before your child comes to school each day. Our office gets very busy in the afternoon, and it becomes difficult to deliver last-minute messages—especially after 2:00 PM. To help us keep everyone safe and ensure a smooth end to the day, please make sure your child knows their plan before school starts.

Dress for the Weather - October often brings frigid mornings and warmer afternoons. We do go outside most days - please make sure your child is dressed for the weather.

SeeSaw - We encourage all families to stay connected through SeeSaw, our main platform for sharing building/class updates, student work, and important announcements. Please be sure to check SeeSaw regularly to stay informed about what’s happening in your child’s classroom. If you haven’t already connected your account or need help accessing SeeSaw, feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to making this the best year ever.

Your partner in education,

Justin Kiel

Principal

Below are some important phone numbers:

Main Line: 507.444.8200

Attendance Line (voicemail): 507.444.8205

Nurse (Christa Kain): 507.444.8206

Spanish Success Coach (Sylvia Zavala): 507.444.8257

Somali Success Coach (Nura Elmi): 507.444.8217

Kitchen: 507.444.8216

School Social Worker (Megan Douglas): 507.444.8215

School Counselor & 504 Coordinator (Amanda Andrews): 507.444.8264

Hi McKinley families!

My name is Megan Douglas, and I am the new school social worker at McKinley this year. I have been a social worker for the past six years, primarily working with children and families, and I absolutely love getting to know students and helping them feel happy, supported, and ready to learn.

I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the amazing students, families, and staff at McKinley and becoming a part of this wonderful school community! You’ll find me working with students individually and in small groups, helping with social-emotional skills, problem-solving, friendships, big feelings, and whatever else might help a student have a successful day at school. I also work closely with families to provide support, help problem-solve, and connect them with resources in the school and community.

A little about me outside of school: I love spending time with my husband, Nick, family, and friends, being on the lake, and enjoying a nice cup of coffee!

From our McKinley Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Hope everyone had a good first month of school!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the McKinley PTO Events!

Homecoming Swag Sale- October 2:

We will be selling some Homecoming Swag Gear by the front door of McKinley during the Homecoming Picnic. Stop by and grab your swag before the Homecoming Parade! Cash and Electronic payment only.

Monthly PTO Meetings - October 12:

Come see what the PTO is all about. PTO meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7pm in the McKinley Elementary School Learning Studio. We would love to hear ideas and thoughts from our McKinley Families.

Pumpkin Bingo - October 23:

Join us on Friday, October 23rd from 6-7pm for Pumpkin Bingo in the gym. Cost is $2 per card with concessions being sold. Come see your friends and play some Bingo!

Glow Dance- November 6:

You don’t want to miss our Annual Glow Dance! November 6th from 6-7:30pm in the McKinley Gym. Pre Sale Tickets will go on sale through October 30th for $20. After the 30th, they will be sold at the door for $25. Concessions will be available for purchase. Keep an eye out for the order form that will be sent home with your student. This year we will also be selling Let’s Glow T-Shirts that can be worn at the dance. Click here to view the shirt and order. The deadline to order shirts is October 19th with pick up beginning November 2nd. This event is for McKinley Students only, no younger or older siblings. All students must be accompanied by an adult that is 18 years of age or older.

PTO Volunteers for Events:

To make the events happen during the school year we need your help. Even if it's only one event, one hour, a little help makes every event so much better! If you are able to help please sign up with the link below. Event Sign Up

PTO Classroom Dues:

Your PTO classroom dues go to support classroom events and expenses for our students that are not funded by the district general budget.

• We have linked the dues sheet for your reference.

• Zeffy Link

Support McKinley through RaiseRight:

Now is a great time to support the McKinley PTO by joining RaiseRight: RaiseRight Link. A percentage of every gift card purchase goes back to the PTO to help support classroom events and expenses for our students.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for any updates on our events!

Picture Day is Tuesday October 6th. Students will have their pictures taken during the school day. You can order pictures at mylifetouch.com Use code EVTRX8G4Z

Will your child need to miss school this year due to a family vacation, sporting event, or family emergency? Each student has five "Family Days" to use per school year. We do need the Pre-Approval Absence Request Form filled out by a parent or guardian to use family days. You can scan the QR code below for the form or feel free to call the office to have the electronic version emailed to you.

October 2- Homecoming Picnic & 2-Hour Early Relase

October 5 - Children's Dental Clinic (8-2:40pm)

October 6- Picture Day

October 12- PTO Meeting (7-8pm) in Learning Studio South

October 15-16 - No school (MEA Break)

October 23- PTO Pumpkin Bingo (6-7 pm) in Gym

November 10,12 & 13- Family Teacher Conferences

Owatonna Public Schools is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all students and staff and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, in its programs and activities, as required by Title IX and MN Human Rights Act (MHRA). This includes prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, and unequal access to extracurricular activities.

Any concerns related to Title IX should be reported to Chris Picha, Director of Human Resources & Title IX Coordinator, at 507-444-8602 or cpicha@isd761.org