The Lion's Roar

Happy Weekend McKinley Families!

What a joyful week of learning we’ve had at McKinley!

Last week, our students began their science lessons in the STEM lab with PS Science, where they dove into hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Students participated in LA vs Hate Week by writing kind and uplifting messages on the big yard with the help of our School Counselor, Ms. D, and Mental Health Counselor, Ms. Morissette. Our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders participated in an Online Safety and Digital Wellness Assembly with Digital Media Wellness Educator, writer, speaker and founder of ReConnect, Julia Storm. They learned how to stay safe online and how to maintain a healthy digital diet. Julia's message was reinforced during our Parent Workshop on the same topic. For those of you who were unable to attend, I've included tips from Julia below! We ended the week with a Schoolwide Assembly focused on our pillar of character of the month—Respect. Our talented 2nd graders sang a beautiful song about this important value, and we had the honor of watching our very own McKinley Baile Folklórico dancers perform in celebration of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month. It was a meaningful opportunity to practice cultural respect and appreciate the richness of the Rancho culture in Santa Monica. If you are interested in having your child join Baile Folklórico, please reach out to Gina DeBaca, the Executive Director of the Cabeza de Vaca Cultural Center, who leads this dance troupe after school on Wednesdays and Fridays in the auditorium. Her email is: cabezadevacacultura@gmail.com. Check out the video of the dancers below!

Not only were students busy learning, but our teachers were too! We had the privilege of hosting Berkeley Everett from the UCLA Math Project for math labsite days. Teachers observed Berkeley demonstrating number sense routines in classrooms, and then worked together to plan for future instruction. This professional development is part of our ongoing commitment to building our collective expertise around math instruction. Research is clear that the most important school-related factor influencing student achievement is an inspiring and informed teacher. That’s why it’s so important for us to invest in ongoing professional development. Whether it’s new teachers or veteran educators, opportunities to learn from each other, stay updated on research, and improve our practices are essential. The best professional development is experiential, collaborative, and connected to the real needs of our students—and that’s exactly what we are focused on this year as we work with some of the best minds in education.

With all of these efforts, we are making sure that McKinley students continue to soar!

Wishing you all a restful weekend and a wonderful week ahead.

In partnership,
Dr. Daniela Wiener (Dr. DW)
Principal, McKinley Elementary School

Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American ethnic group in the U.S. and the first documented Asian people to arrive in the country. In October, celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Filipino Americans during Filipino American History Month.

The Filipino American National Historical Society established Filipino American History Month in 1992, but it was not until 2009 that the U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the U.S. Formal recognition followed years of campaigning and advocacy by numerous individuals and organizations.

October 18, 1587 marks the first recorded arrival of Filipinos in the continental U.S., in Morro Bay, California – a state that continues to be home to a large subpopulation of Filipino Americans. In fact, Southern California has historically had the largest concentration of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in the U.S. – with a storied and complicated history of marginalization in the state’s economic, political and cultural realms. October is also the birth month of Filipino American labor leader Larry Itliong. Itliong partnered with Cesar Chavez to create the United Farm Workers (UFW) of America labor union.

Interested in learning more about Filipino Americans' contributions to our country? See the padlet below!

Filipino American History Month Padlet

Please see resources on online safety and digital wellness from Julia Storm, who provided a parent workshop on the topic this week at McKinley.

The last day of Attendance Awareness is on September 30th. However, I encourage all families to ensure that their students are at school on time every day. Regular school attendance is essential for student success! When students attend school consistently, they are more likely to keep up with daily lessons, develop strong social skills, and achieve their academic goals. Every day in class is an opportunity for growth, and missing even a few days can lead to learning gaps. Let's work together to ensure our students are present and ready to learn each day—because every day counts!

This is the LAST Week to fill out the Free and Reduced Lunch Application. I shared a presentation about Title 1 funds and how it impacts our school's funding at our PTA meeting. If you missed the meeting, please view the presentation below.

2024-2025 McKinley Title 1 Presentation

The 2024-2025 dorm is due on October 4, 2024.

We encourage all families to apply ! https://bit.ly/SchoolBenefits22-23

If you need help filling out the form, please contact our Community Liaison, Michael Muñoz, mmunoz@smmusd.org, to make an appointment for help. Form must be submitted by Friday, October 4, 2024

"Calling all Artists! This year's Reflections Art Contest will be open for submissions Aug 30 - October 11. Forms for submissions will be in the office beginning Sept. 3, please pick one up to complete your artist's entry. See https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections for more information about this National PTA event. If you have any questions, please email mckinleyptalitanded@gmail.com or reach out to Elizabeth Badger, McKinley PTA VP of Literacy and Education.

The PTA is just over half-way to its goal of 200 members for the 2024-25 school year - 110 members. In order to inspire more parents to become PTA members, McKinley's PTA is hosting a Week Long PTA Membership Contest - The Class with the Most Memberships Wins a Popsicle Party! Popsicles will be distributed at the end of the day on October 4th.

This Week

• September 30: Student Council/Newspaper/Green Team/Mindfulness Club/Rainbow Club Information distributed to 4th/5th graders
  

• October 1: Filipino Heritage Month Begins
• October 3: NO SCHOOL - Local Holiday
• October 4: Room Parent Meeting (Zoom)

• October 9: PTA Exec 9-10:30 AM (Zoom)
• October 9: Family Literacy Night 6-7 PM, Courtyard
• October 10: Pali Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM (Zoom)
• October 11: Bike It, Walk It
• October 11: Superhero Assembly 8:50-9:35 (TK-2)/ 10:55-11:40 (3-5), Big Yard - PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
• October 11: African American Family Association Meeting 9-10 AM (Library)