McKinley Dragon Tales
October & November 2024-2025
Principal's Corner
I want to take a moment to thank all of our families who participated in American Education Week and Parent/Teacher Conferences. Your support and involvement in your child's education is truly appreciated, and it strengthens the partnership we share in helping our students succeed. We are so grateful for the investment you make in your child's learning and growth. We look forward to continued collaboration and a wonderful end to the 2024 year! Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends!
Mr. Daniel Oldham, Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
- Nov. 25-27: 12:20pm dismissal
- Nov. 28, 29: NO SCHOOL
- Dec. 9-12: PTO Holiday Shop
- Dec. 18: Winter Concert 9:45am
- Dec. 20: 12:20pm dismissal
- Dec. 23-31: NO SCHOOL
- Jan. 9: PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30
- Jan. 20: NO SCHOOL - MLK, Jr. Day
- Feb. 6: PTO Meeting 9:30-10:30am in the Cafeteria
- Feb. 14: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development Day
- Feb. 17: NO SCHOOL - President's Day
**All events are subject to change. Additional events may be added
to the calendar, as safety regulations permit.
Opening the Time Capsule from 2012
It was such a fun and memorable moment as we opened the time capsule that had been sealed in 2012! This special occasion not only marked a decade since it was first tucked away, but also coincided with the journey of our kindergarten class, who have now graduated. It was amazing to see the items and memories that were preserved, and to reflect on how much has changed over the years. The excitement in the air was contagious as we shared the nostalgia and joy of looking back on this unique chapter of our school's history. We even made it onto the news that day!
School Psychologist Appreciation Week
During School Psychologist Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate our very own Alex Greim. We are so incredibly grateful for everything she does for the students and staff at McKinley. Alex has the biggest heart and is truly talented in her work, providing invaluable support, guidance, and care to everyone she works with. Her dedication and passion make a positive impact every day, and we are lucky to have her as part of our McKinley team. Thank you, Alex, for all you do! We appreciate you more than words can express!
Custodian Appreciation Day
On Custodian Appreciation Day, we want to give a huge shoutout to Mr. Corey for all his hard work and dedication. Mr. Corey goes above and beyond every day to keep our school clean, safe, and welcoming. His positive attitude and attention to detail make a big difference, and we are so grateful for everything he does behind the scenes to ensure our school runs smoothly. Thank you, Mr. Corey, for being the best – we truly appreciate you!
Third Grade November Pledge of Character Winners
This month of November, our Abington Pledge of Character focused on the character trait of responsibility, and we are excited to recognize the students who were voted by their peers and teachers as shining examples of this important value. These students consistently demonstrate responsibility in their actions and attitudes, both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to Lily Pearson/Guglielmelli, Maddie Carr/Berman, Jessica Phipps/Burns, and Amelia Edu/Livingood for being excellent role models of responsibility. As part of their recognition, they had the honor of speaking on the announcements and having their picture displayed in the main hallway. We want to celebrate them every day for the amazing examples they set for all of us! Keep up the great work! We’re so proud of you!
Farewell to Ms. Green
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Ms. Green, our wonderful secretary. Ms. Green has been an integral part of the McKinley family, and we will miss her warm smile, sense of humor, and the wealth of knowledge she has about our school. She has truly been the heart and soul of our front office, always ready to lend a helping hand and make everyone feel welcome. While we will miss her greatly, we wish her all the best as she embarks on new adventures, travels, and enjoys spending time with the littles. Thank you, Ms. Green, for everything – you will always have a special place in our hearts!
Pretzel Sale
The McKinley Fifth Grade Pretzel Sale is Back!
Pretzel Sale Flyer and Order Form Link
Starting January 3rd through May 30th- Preorder to receive a pretzel every Friday starting January 3rd through May 30th! Pretzels will not be delivered on February 14th of April 18th. Return this form with $20 cash or check in an envelope marked “Attention: 5th Grade Pretzel Sale” by Thursday December 19th. Please note: There will be a limited number of pretzels for sale after school every Friday in the lobby for those who do not preorder pretzels but they will be first come, first serve and there is no guarantee that we will have enough for everyone who wants one. It is preferred that you preorder your pretzels.
Important Notes:
All proceeds benefit the 2024-2025 McKinley 5th Grade Class.
There will be no refunds for absences or cancellations of pretzel day.
Attention 5th Grade Families: We need several volunteers to help sort pretzels on Fridays. If you are able to extend your support, or have any questions, please feel free to email or call Erica at ericasingleton13@gmail.com (215)908-9518
Halloween Parade
What a fantastic Halloween Parade we had this year! The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the creativity of the costumes was truly amazing. Students, staff, and families went all out to make the event extra special. A highlight of the day was our very own Mr. Oldham, our principal, who lived out his dream of being a Costco employee—complete with a costume and ready to hand out free samples! It was a day full of fun, laughter, and plenty of spooky spirit. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful McKinley tradition!
McKingo
McKINGO, our McKinley version of BINGO, was a huge hit this year! It was a fun-filled event with lots of prizes, exciting gameplay, and special guest callers. A big thank you to our amazing PTO and all the volunteers for their hard work in planning and preparing this fantastic event, as well as to everyone who helped with the cleanup afterwards. We were lucky to have some wonderful high school volunteers who were thrilled to be back at McKinley, along with some special teacher guests who called the McKINGO games. The kids had a blast, and it was a night full of laughter and community spirit! Thank you to all who made it such a success!
Scarecrow Night
Scarecrow Night was a huge success this year, with over 30 families participating in this fun and festive McKinley tradition! The scarecrows placed around the building were absolutely amazing, showcasing the creativity and spirit of our school community. It was a night filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of memorable moments as kids and families came together to celebrate the season. A big thank you to everyone who joined in the fun – we can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Elementary Track Meet
The Elementary Track Meet was a fantastic event! Our McKinley 4th and 5th graders did an amazing job, showcasing their athletic skills and sportsmanship throughout the day. Not only did they perform well, but they also demonstrated incredible school spirit, cheering each other on and supporting their teammates. It was a day full of energy, teamwork, and fun, and we couldn’t be prouder of our students for representing McKinley with such enthusiasm and determination. A special thanks to our coaches, Ms. Curran and Ms. Moffett, for showing the students what hard work and dedication can accomplish. From early morning track practice to a big day of cheering on our team, our coaches always worked hard! Great job, everyone!
Best Buddies Program
Our Best Buddies program has been a wonderful success, with students from different classes working together on creative projects. Recently, they collaborated on making a beautiful handprint tree and turkeys crafted from dried leaves. It was a joy to see the students working side by side, sharing ideas, and learning from one another. The smiles and laughter that filled the room showed just how much fun they had while building friendships and creating something special together. We’re so proud of all their hard work and teamwork!
American Education Week
American Education Week was a wonderful celebration of learning and community at McKinley! During this special week, families had the opportunity to come into classrooms, participate in activities, and even observe lessons taught by our amazing teachers. It was a fantastic way to highlight the importance of education and show our students that their learning journey is supported by their families and the entire McKinley community. We are proud to be one big family, working together to create a positive and inspiring environment for all our students! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this week so memorable!
McMentor Program
The McMentor program is a fantastic initiative that connects teachers and students in a meaningful mentor-mentee relationship. Each month, mentors and their students come together to participate in engaging activities that foster growth, learning, and personal connections. This program helps build strong bonds, encouraging students to feel supported and inspired while giving teachers a unique opportunity to guide and encourage their mentees. We are so excited to see the positive impact of the McMentor program and look forward to the continued growth of these valuable relationships throughout the year!
HEART Cart
A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers who make the HEART Cart a success here at McKinley! These volunteers work hard to bring the cart around to all our students, giving them the opportunity to spend their Dragon Tickets earned for showing HEART behavior. It’s wonderful to see the excitement on the kids' faces as they get to choose rewards for their positive actions. Your dedication and support make this program so special, and we appreciate everything you do to help encourage kindness, respect, and responsibility in our school community!
Dragon Ticket Raffle Winners
Congratulations to our September and October raffle winners! These students earned their Dragon Tickets by consistently demonstrating HEART behavior, and we’re excited to reward them with some lucky prizes. Keep up the great work, and continue to show that kindness, respect, and responsibility each day. Your positive actions make McKinley a better place, and we can’t wait to see who will be next to earn those Dragon Tickets! Keep shining, and keep showing your HEART!
Lost and Found
McKinley's Lost & Found
There are three ways to claim your student's missing item from our Lost & Found!
1) Check out our NEW virtual Lost & Found https://photos.app.goo.gl/rByCD2d4WYavaXjL9.
2) Remind your student to go to the Lost & Found during school to claim their item.
3) Parents/Guardians can go to the Lost & Found in the school's vestibule during school hours.
Please remember to label your student's belongings! Lost & Found items that are labeled are delivered to students.
At the end of each month items that are not labeled or claimed will be donated. Thank you!
MySchoolBucks Cafeteria Payment Options
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we return to school for the 2024-2025 school year, we would like to provide you with several resources related to our food service program, provided by Chartwells School Dining Services.
Nutrislice Menus
Daily breakfast and lunch menus are available to view via the Nutrislice website.
MySchoolBucks Online Payment System
Abington School District partners with MySchoolBucks, an online service where you can easily and securely pay for school meals using a credit/debit card or electronic check.
Using MySchoolBucks you can:
● Add funds to your student’s meal account
● View meal balances & cafeteria purchases
● Receive low balance alerts
Get started in 4 easy steps:
1. Download the mobile app or visit myschoolbucks.com
2. Create your free account
3. Add your student
4. Add funds to your student’s meal account
If you have any questions about getting started with MySchoolBucks, call (855) 832-5226.
Free / Reduced Meals
Your child may be eligible to receive free/reduced school meals, based on your income or state benefits received. In order to be eligible for free or reduced meals, you will need to complete an application, unless you are directly certified through your benefits program.
Complete the application and submit it to the main office, or apply online.
Contact the Student Services Department at 215-881-2505 if you need assistance. (Please note that free breakfast will be available to all Abington School District students for the duration of the 2024-2025 school year.)
McKinley HEART
Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (SPWBIS) / HEART at McKinley is a program to promote and maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence. As part of the SWPBIS program, we have several clear rules for the behavior we expect in all areas of our school (e.g. classroom, hallways, playground, cafeteria, gymnasium, etc.). We explicitly teach our students our expectations of Honesty, Excellence, Awareness, Respect, and Teamwork. We will also reward them frequently with positive notes and prizes for their great behavior. You will be able to ask your child, What are the rules in your school? How do you follow those rules? What happens when a teacher sees you following the rules?
School Information
SCHOOL HOURS
Arrival 8:30-8:50 AM
Dismissal 3:20 PM
The school campus (including fields and playgrounds) is closed to the general public during school hours.
If a child is absent, parents must report it. An absence can be submitted on Skyward (see directions linked at the bottom of this newsletter) in advance of the date for appointments, or can be submitted on the day of the absence. Submitting an absence on Skyward is the recommended way of alerting the school of your child’s absence and removes the need for you to call the Child Check line.
If you do not report your child’s absence on Skyward, you must contact the Child Check phone or email line prior to 8:30 AM on the day of the absence: 215-663-0430 option#2. Please provide the following information: Child’s name, your name, teacher’s name, date(s) of absence, and the reason for the absence. Note: “Vacation” is not considered an excused absence in Abington School District, as per the district’s attendance policy.
Families can retrieve transportation information via Skyward.
Log into the Skyward information system using your assigned login name and password. You may need to click “Open Family Access” after logging in.
Select the “Busing” tab on the left-hand side as shown below. Your student’s busing information will be shown on the right-hand side.
During the first few weeks, expect bus schedules to fluctuate as everyone adjusts to the new bus routes. If your concern is about the location of a bus stop or driver, you will need to contact the Abington Transportation Department at 215-884-0421. If your child is experiencing a problem with other students, please contact our Asst. Principal, Ms. Corbett.
SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS
Suggested supply lists are posted on ASD’s Family Resources page. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle, and we have water refilling stations in the building. Cell phones are not necessary, but students who bring cell phones to school must keep the phones off and in their backpack throughout the school day.
K-2 Students Only: Please consider (optional) sending in a labeled bag with a spare set of clothing including a shirt, underwear, pants, and socks in the event of an emergency.
MEDICINE
The administration of medicine to students by the nurse may be authorized only in emergency cases and only upon the completion and submission of the Medication Form as well as documentation from the doctor. All medicines must come to school in the original container and be kept in the nurse’s office. It is the parents’ responsibility to bring medication to school. No medication should be sent into school with a student.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Parents and guardians have the option to purchase private student accident medical insurance. Please inquire with the Business Office at 215-881-2541 to obtain a brochure regarding the available coverage and enrollment/purchase information.
During the day, all exterior doors are locked, and everyone enters via the main entrance. To maintain building safety, a limited number of essential visitors will be allowed. Visitors must present a photo ID or wear an ASD-issued volunteer badge. Parents and guardians interested in volunteering at the school will need to obtain volunteer certifications in order to be approved to volunteer.