Welcome to McKinley

Dear McKinley Families,

Welcome to a new school year! I am incredibly excited to join the McKinley family as your principal and to begin getting to know our students and families.

As a TK–2 school, we have the special privilege of helping children build their very first foundations for school. My goal is simple: I want every child to feel safe, loved, supported, and excited to come to school each day.

I also believe strongly that schools and families are partners. Please reach out when you have a question, concern, idea, or something you simply want me to know. We are better when we work together.

We have a great year ahead of us, Bulldogs!

Mrs. Heimbigner

Principal

P.S. Fun fact about me, I went to McKinley when I was a child.

When you call or walk into McKinley, chances are you'll be greeted by one of these friendly faces!

• Mrs. Heidi, School Secretary
• Nurse Jessica, School Nurse
• Mrs. Leanna, Administrative Assistant

They help keep McKinley running and can assist with attendance, registration, student information, questions, and figuring out just about anything McKinley!

On Tuesday, August 18, SchoolWise will be updated and ready for families to log in and see their child’s teacher!

Before classroom information is available, families will need to complete their Back-to-School Packet in SchoolWise.

To save time at Back-to-School Night:

1. Complete your Back-to-School Packet now.
2. Log in to SchoolWise on Tuesday, August 18, to see your child’s teacher.

We will also have teacher and classroom information available at our Ready, Set, School, Bulldogs! Back-to-School Open House on Wednesday, 8/19/26 from 4:00- 5:30 for families who need it.

Getting your packet completed ahead of time means one less thing to do at Open House and more time to meet your teacher and explore McKinley!

The first few days of school are a BIG deal when you're little! We will spend lots of time teaching and practicing routines, expectations, playground procedures, arrival, dismissal, and how to be a McKinley Bulldog.

Please don't worry if everything isn't perfect on Day One. Our staff will be outside helping students and families find their way.

A few extra hugs, deep breaths, and a little patience go a long way during the first week!

Please make being on time a priority. Our youngest learners thrive on routine, and arriving on time helps children start their day feeling calm, connected, and ready to learn

At McKinley, our Bulldogs learn three simple expectations:

Be Safe. Be Respectful. Be Responsible.

During the first weeks of school, we will teach, practice, and reteach what these expectations look like everywhere on campus.

We don't expect our little Bulldogs to arrive knowing everything. We teach it!

Positive behavior is something children learn through clear expectations, practice, encouragement, and caring adults.

Every school day builds on the one before it.

Regular attendance helps children develop:

● Strong reading and math foundations

● Friendships and a sense of belonging

● Confidence and independence

● Consistent routines

If your child will be absent, please call our office at (530) 257-5161.

We want families to feel welcome and connected at McKinley!

During the first week of school, parents and caregivers are welcome to walk students to their classrooms in the morning. We ask that all parents and caregivers leave the classrooms and campus when morning announcements begin at 8:35 a.m. so we can get our school day started.

Beginning August 31, we ask parents and caregivers to drop students off at the cafeteria. If you need to enter campus after drop-off, please check in at the school office first. Visitors will be asked to show identification and wear a visitor ID badge while on campus.

These procedures help us keep McKinley welcoming while also maintaining a safe, secure, and locked campus for all students.

Throughout the year, there will be opportunities to volunteer, participate in school activities, and get involved in our school community. While we welcome and value our volunteers, new state requirements now include specific training that must be completed before volunteering. The Susanville School District is currently updating our volunteer requirements and procedures to meet these new guidelines. We will share more information with families as soon as it is available.

Our full 2026-2027 Student Handbook is available online! Click the link to view policies, procedures, and everything you need to know about the school year.

Before school begins:

● Label backpacks, jackets, lunch boxes, and water bottles.

● Make sure the office has your current phone number and emergency contacts.

● Talk with your child about how they will get home.

● Check your child's backpack every day.

● Give yourself a little extra time during the first week.

● Most importantly, let your child know that school is a safe, happy place and you are excited for them!

Be on the lookout for Mick the Bulldog throughout the year!

Mick will help our youngest Bulldogs learn about school expectations, celebrate accomplishments, and show their McKinley pride.

Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!