The Lion's Roar

Good morning families,

Last week was so much fun and we couldn't have done it without you! Your dedication to supporting our school makes an incredible impact on the lives of our students and strengthens our entire McKinley community. Whether it’s volunteering to clean and organize the PTA room, helping make our Mindfulness, Kindness and Gratitude Superhero Assembly a memorable event, or the wonderful turnout at Family Literacy Night, your involvement has been invaluable. I’d also like to give a special shoutout to our amazing room reps who have helped out with our Latinx Pioneers of Change Door Decoration Project, helping bring our hallways to life in celebration of Latinx Heritage Month. And thank you to all who participated in Bike it! Walk it! Bus it!, which showed our collective commitment to sustainability and our students’ health and well-being.

Research consistently shows that parent involvement is one of the key factors in student success. Your engagement directly contributes to higher academic achievement, better attendance, and stronger social-emotional development.

Looking ahead, we’d love to continue this great momentum! Please consider volunteering for our upcoming Harvest Festival or taking on key roles such as chairing the Jog-A-Thon or becoming the PTA Volunteer Coordinator. Also, consider joining parent groups such as the PTA, ELAC, SERG and AAFA. The AAFA will be hosting a breakfast on 10/24 (more information below!). These opportunities will strengthen your connection to our school community and help us provide enriching experiences for all our students.

Thank you for all you do. You are McKinley Superheroes!

In partnership,

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

Students and Families Enjoyed meeting authors, making bookmarks, books, writing letters, getting free books and writing letters.

In an effort to reduce traffic while our school is under construction and to decrease our environmental footprint, McKinley students have been participating in Bike it, Walk it, Bus it all year. On Friday, we did what we always do - come to school without a car!

In recognition of National Bullying Awareness Month and as part of our Olweus Kick Off, our students participated in a Superhero Training Camp where our "superheroes-in-training" learned how to activate 3 very important powers: MINDFULNESS-KINDNESS-GRATITUDE.

Great news, McKinley PTA surpassed its goal of 200 members - we're now at 207! Of the members who joined during the drive (over 100), 86 were new and also included 19 students! A very special thanks to our room parents for promoting the contest, PTA Executive VP Sirinya Matute for leading it, and Handel's for awarding coupons students in the classroom with the most members (Ms. Goza). It's not too late to join - visit www.mckinleypta.com to sign up, it's just $10!

California State Senator and SMMUSD alumnus, Ben Allen will be visiting McKinley on Monday to speak to our 4th and 5th graders during our own student council elections. He will be sharing his own story of leadership with our students and hopefully inspiring future civic leaders! What a wonderful opportunity during this election cycle!

On Thursday, October 17th at 10:17 AM, McKinley will be participating in the Great ShakeOut, a nationwide earthquake drill that helps schools and communities practice how to stay safe during an earthquake. During the drill, students and staff will practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique to ensure everyone knows how to respond quickly and safely in the event of an earthquake.

This important drill helps us prepare and strengthens our emergency response plan. We encourage you to talk with your children at home about the importance of earthquake preparedness and discuss what steps you would take as a family.

Spread the word and let your neighbors know that when they enroll their child at McKinley, they become a member of a school community that values diversity and nurtures the whole child! Tour Sign Up Link HERE

Experience the amazing Samohi Orchestras at this year’s fall concert, Disney in Concert Around the World, on Friday, October 25 at 7:00pm in Barnum Hall. Enjoy an evening of popular movie themes such as Lion King, Mulan, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Aladdin. Bring the whole family to hear these iconic melodies as movie clips are projected above stage! Concessions open at 5:30 with tacos and baked goods for sale. Dress as your favorite Disney character and join in the costume contest prior to the show. This event sells out, so purchase your tickets now at www.samohiorchestras.org, $10 for students/$20 for adults.

Parents Night Out is an opportunity to connect with McKinley parents outside of school. You can buy drinks at the bar, dance to the DJ, and chat with fellow parents. Buy tickets now -- $15 for one or $20 for two. Tickets at the door will be $20 each.

This Week

• October 14: Student Council Elections, with California State Senator Ben Allen
• October 15: Latinx Pioneers of Change Gallery Walk
• October 15: School Site Council Meeting, 3:15-4:30 PM, Zoom
• October 17: Great Shakeout, 10:17 AM
• October 18: School Tour, 9 AM

Upcoming Dates

• October 23: PTA Meeting 6-7:30pm (Zoom)
• October 24: AAFA Breakfast, 8:35-9:30, Garden
• October 25: Halloween Parade, 9 AM Big Yard
• October 25: Harvest Festival, 4-6 PM, Big Yard