McKinley Family Newsletter

Dear McKinley Elementary Families,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! I hope this message finds you and your family well-rested, healthy, and excited for all the possibilities ahead. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our McKinley community.

Our team has been busy over the summer preparing classrooms, planning engaging lessons, and creating a welcoming environment where every child can thrive. This year, we’re focusing on 2025-2026 theme: All In, All Welcome , and we can’t wait to see the amazing things our students will accomplish.

We believe that a strong home-school connection is key to student success. I encourage you to stay involved, communicate often, and reach out with any questions or concerns throughout the year. Our doors are always open.

On behalf of our entire staff, thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. We are honored to be part of their journey and are looking forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and joy.

Warmly,

Justin Kiel

McKinley Principal

jkiel@isd761.org

Below are some important phone numbers:

Main Line: 507.444.8200

Attendance Line (voicemail): 507.444.8205

Nurse (Ashlee Krauss): 507.444.8206

Spanish Success Coach (Sylvia Zavala): 507.444.8257

Somali Success Coach (Nura Elmi): 507.444.8217

Kitchen (Brandy Schoenbauer): 507.444.8216

School Social Worker (Annette Warner): 507.444.8215

School Counselor & 504 Coordinator (Amanda Andrews): 507.444.8264

Follow us for updates and posts about the great things happening at McKinley!

Our Classroom Connection days will be:

August 28th (7:30 am-1:00pm) September 2nd (11:30 am-7:00 pm)

September 3rd (7:30 am-3:00pm)

Sign up for a time to come and meet your teacher before school begins. Here is the link to sign up for a time: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/McKinley_Elementary_

We need every family to complete their annual update. Please click the link to access directions on updating the annual report. Please complete this ASAP. Any questions, please contact our Main Office at 507-444-8200.

Research shows that students' academic achievement (or what they are learning) is directly linked to their attendance. Bottom line - students need to be in school.

First, please join me in welcoming our new Attendance Secretary, Tiffany Geary! Tiffany replaces Selena, who took a job elsewhere. Tiffany will be a great addition to our team and will handle all attendance.

General Absence Requests:

• Schedule all appointments outside the school day, if possible. If this is not possible, please try and schedule at a time where your child can still attend school before or after the appointment.
• Communication is key. If we do not hear from you, we get concerned. Please always remember to call in any absences.
• If you are unsure if your student if your child is sick enough to stay home OR they are struggling to come to school, we are available to collaborate. Please call our Main Office, School Nurse, School Social Worker, or Counselor. We are to support your family!
• Routines are critical. Establishing solid routines help students stay on schedule and focused on attending school.

If your child will not be attending school, we need to know. If your child is sick, please call or Attendance Line at 507-444-8205 (voicemail). Please leave students' name, your name, and the reason for the absence. Please do not contact your child's teacher.

If your child will be gone from school for a family reason (vacation, family event, etc.), please complete the absence pre-approval form (linked here). We request you complete this so we are aware of where your request. Please note - your child gets up to 5 family days for the entire school year.

Please know we are ultimately here to support you to have students in school. Please let us know if you need to report any attendance-related questions or concerns.

At its June 16 meeting, the Owatonna School Board voted unanimously to hold a special election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, asking voters to consider an increase to the district’s operating levy.

The proposal reflects a shared approach by balancing district budget reductions with a request for increased community support, to help:

• maintain class sizes
• retain high-quality staff
• sustain strong academic, arts, and athletic programs

Learn more about the need for this levy and what it means for students and families by visiting: isd761.org/levy.

We hope everyone had a great summer! We look forward to seeing everyone this year at the McKinley PTO Events! Stop by and see us at the PTO Table when you are at your Classroom Connections!

Monthly PTO Meetings - September 8:

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.

PTO Welcome Back Bingo - September 12:

Join us on Friday, September 12 from 6-7pm for a schoolwide "Welcome Back Bingo!" in the gym. Cost is $2 per card with concessions being sold. Come see your friends and play some Bingo!

PTO Classroom Dues:

Your PTO classroom dues go to support classroom events for your students. If you haven't already, please pay your dues. You can drop them off at the McKinley Office.

Vendor/Craft Fair - October 11:

The McKinley Elementary PTO will be holding a Vendor/Craft Fair on Saturday, October 11th. We are seeking vendors/crafters to be involved and a part of the show. If you are interested in being a vendor please fill out the Google Form below. We are screening the participants to make sure we have a variety of different types of products available. 2025 Vendor Sign up

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

Just a quick reminder : we only allow water in classrooms during class time. This guidline helps us maintain a focused learning enviornment and supports our students' health and well-being. We kindly as that families refrain form sending snacks and other types of drinks besides water to school unless they are part of a home-pakced lunch.

September 4 - First Day of School for Grades 1-5; Kindergarten last names A-M attend today

September 5 - Kindergartners with last name N-Z attend today

September 8 - All Kindergartners attend today

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

September 12 PTO Welcome Back Bingo (6-7:00 pm) in the Gym

September 19- Homecoming Picnic, Early Release (12:40pm), and Parade (1:30pm)

October 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day!

Nondiscrimination Policy

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