Wilmeth Elementary Newsletter

One of our district goals is to ensure that our stakeholders are aware of things that are happening in McKinney ISD, and this podcast is another avenue to provide more updates.

In our first episode, Dr. Shelly Spaulding chats with Superintendent Pratt about his educational career and his input on current educational issues such as school vouchers and open enrollment in McKinney ISD.

Perseverance is pushing yourself to work through challenges and obstacles.

Character Strong Family Newsletters

Kindergarten Family Connection- Perseverance

1st Grade Family Connection- Perseverance

2nd Grade Family Connection- Perseverance

3rd Grade Family Connection- Perseverance

4th Grade Family Connection- Perseverance

5th Grade Family Connection- Perseverance

Wilmeth Elementary School Kids Heart Challenge program is quackin'! We can't wait for you and your student to learn some of these amazing heart healthy habits and lifesaving skills!

Our goal is to raise $9,000.00 for the American Heart Association.

Here's how you can get started:

1. Sign up on our school's Kids Heart Challenge Page: http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=11259&pg=company&company_id=491416

2. Download the app iOS/Android

3. Get started on Finn's Lifesaving Mission!

We’re excited to share that our school has some fun ways to celebrate our impact!

The top fundraising student from each grade will be “Coach” during their PE class and will receive a Wylie & Bingo Keychain! The top 6 students overall will “Silly String” the coaches! The top class will receive “Extra Recess” time during PE!

Lucky's Talent Show Information

Feb. 10th - Music due

Feb. 27th- Mandatory Dress Rehearsal

Valentine's Party Volunteer Sign Up- https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4FAEAD29A3FDC43-valentines#/

MISD Volunteer Background Check required.

CLICK BUTTON BELOW TO RSVP as a visitor. Government issued ID required to enter the building.

*Please note- 4th grade party time has been adjusted on Feb. 14th for Vday parties.

Wilmeth Elementary Website

Wilmeth's events can be viewed in "list" view or as a "calendar" view!

Check it out - CLICK HERE

🎉 Happy Birthday to these Longhorn Staff Members! 🎉

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW

Helpful Links:

School Menus

Meal Prices & Payment

My School Bucks (online cafeteria payment system)

Free/Reduced Lunch (participants complete each year)

Sign up below!

Here is the link to complete your annual background check: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/human-resources/volunteer/ . We look forward to seeing you this year!

Watch DOGS Sign Up-> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49ADAF29A2FCC70-51433094-watchdogs#/

Here is the link to complete your annual background check: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/human-resources/volunteer/ .

Snapology sign up- https://www.snapology.com/texas-mckinney/

Use the coupon code RETURNCLIENT20 to get a 20% discount and earn money for our school

Click Here to view flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jAHOf3EaEqgoZwR8Q3KiMIdhiftYQ_P4/view?usp=sharing

CLICK HERE for flyer- https://drive.google.com/file/d/14LoPeDylKktgEJwMQB-vAPbnuGMRB7Yb/view?usp=sharing

Wilmeth Chess Club Sign Up-Texas Chess Center-

Wilmeth PTO Birthday Message Sign Up & Donation - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceQYA5yyO2OSPR4Rzr7yYdN0-jvANQ6ANxmZmh9Mrb3pwHWA/viewform

Wilmeth PTO Website -> https://www.wilmethpto.com/

PTO Volunteer Opportunities-> https://tinyurl.com/bddkttec

Class Party Donation->

https://tinyurl.com/wilmethpaypal

PTO Remind Group -> Text @wilmethpto to 81010 or remind.com/join/wilmethpto

Wilmeth Yearbook Order-> https://web.treering.com/create-account/101554911235433?PassCode=101554911235433 (school code 101554911235433)

Wilmeth PTO Checklist Flyer

BE SURE TO LABEL YOUR PAYMENT WITH "CLASS PARTY MONEY" WHEN PAYING!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?fbclid=IwAR0bj6jTI4n_MZh6jL_sp1KCev24RyvdJzSXpMVwkDf7qwCcngBg3xhGe8E&hosted_button_id=YU2Y2RKCZTW4E

Get ready Wilmeth staff! PTO is looking for the dirtiest car in the parking lot. "We come in peace and love, but wash your car!"

Zips Car Wash graciously donated goodie bags filled with swag AND a $50 carwash gift card to give to one lucky staff member each month. This month's winner is Ms. Brown!

Let’s fill the hearts of our teachers and staff by stocking the fridge/lounge this February. Providing drinks and food items is a great way to show our love and continued support. Our goal is to stock the week of Valentine’s Day. Please give by Monday, February 10th.

Three EASY ways to participate:

1. Use the wish list links below to purchase items that will ship directly to PTO!

Walmart - https://www.walmart.com/.../a76e4c27-3852-4130-9cfa...

Target - https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift-giver?registryId=c78c4c60-38a3-11ef-86ab-7bcf1ec0d4e7&type=CHARITY

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/regist.../gl/guest-view/1ZJDLKS4TOD8R

2. Donate money using our PayPal link, and we’ll shop for you! Please put “Stock the Fridge” in notes section.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...

3. Shop on your own! Text Tonya at 972.898.1301 for pick up.

*We kindly request all deliveries arrive on or before February 10th!*

Click below to order!

https://web.treering.com/create-account/101554911235433?PassCode=101554911235433

It's that time of year again...YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST!

All information is on the flyer! ALL SUBMISSIONS DUE by Feb 21st.

Rules are as follows:

1. 8.5x11 plain, unlined paper- vertical

2. Use the whole sheet: the more color the better!

3. All submissions MUST HAVE “Wilmeth 2024-2025” AND "Peace, Love, Longhorns”

4. Name, grade & teacher in pencil on back

Good luck and we cannot wait to see what you come up with!

TreeRing- https://web.treering.com/validate?utm_source=www.google.com

TreeRing Passcode: 101554911235433

Longhorn Parents if you’re planning to do custom yearbook pages NOW IS THE TIME!

**The deadline is March 28th to get them done!!

Treering.com code: 101554911235433

In honor of Black History Month, we remember Reuben Johnson, namesake of Johnson Elementary...

Born in 1926, Reuben Johnson was the product of a McKinney upbringing and education, and he gave back to his community by dedicating 37 years to education, including 28 years in McKinney, where he became the first Black principal in McKinney ISD and was an important figure during the integration of McKinney schools.

Johnson earned his diploma in 1944 from segregated Doty High School, a large, two-story, brick building in east McKinney. After graduating, Johnson served in the Navy during World War II and returned from the war to earn a bachelor’s degree from Texas College in Tyler. He would go on to earn a master's degree from Texas Southern University in Houston as well as principal and superintendent certifications.

It was during his time at Texas College that Johnson met and fell in love with Evelyn Williams, and in 1950, they married.

They moved to McKinney, and Johnson would become supervisor for County Schools of Collin County and served as principal of Community School in Josephine while Evelyn served as a classroom teacher.

In the late 1950's, they came to work for McKinney ISD where Johnson would dedicate 28 years of his life to the students of McKinney. When he and Evelyn retired in 1986, Johnson was the principal of Burks Elementary, and Evelyn had spent 25 years as a first-grade teacher.

“He was an all-around man who touched the lives of his students,” said Evelyn, who passed away in 2019. “He was interested in the welfare of the children and wanted the best for all students so they could be positive achievers throughout life.”

In an interview with Arthur McNeil, the namesake of McNeil Elementary, he recalled Johnson and his tenure with the district. “I remember Reuben Johnson came to McKinney serving as principal at E.S. Doty High School and also principal of the elementary school held at Doty after the first phase of integration in McKinney," he said.

According to McNeil, after the elementary school closed, Johnson served as assistant principal at Slaughter Middle School, Caldwell Intermediate School, McKinney High School and finally was named principal at Burks Elementary when Dean Bennett retired. His appointment as principal resulted in becoming the first Black principal within an integrated McKinney ISD.

“Reuben Johnson taught me more about human relations and leadership than any college or workshops that I have attended," McNeil said. "He was committed. He was a leader ... Reuben Johnson had a vision or direction for McKinney ISD, which included quality in all aspects, and he created a framework in the workplace for quality activities to take place.”

While Leonard Evans was head coach and Johnson was principal at Doty High School, one of Johnson’s first decisions was to ask Evans to haul all the worn out athletic equipment to the city dump because it was the equipment he and Evans had used during their time as students at the school. Johnson wouldn’t settle for more hand-me-downs and eventually purchased all new equipment for Doty players.

In addition to his service in McKinney schools, Johnson was an active member of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church serving as Sunday School Superintendent, on the Steward Board and in the choir. He and Evelyn had two sons who graduated from McKinney High School. Scott is a retired pharmacist and Dreand is a college administrator.

Reuben Johnson passed away in 1988. McKinney ISD honored the legacy of one of its truly great educators when they opened the doors of Reuben Johnson Elementary in 1997. And, there Johnson's legacy lives on each day through the work of the school's teachers and staff.

Adapted from an article authored by Jean Ann Collins, former journalism teacher at McKinney High School.

Providing a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors is among our highest priorities. Our school district has undertaken a number of necessary steps toward preparing staff and students for emergencies, securing facilities, and working cooperatively with law enforcement/emergency services.

Click this link to learn more about McKinney ISD's Safe and Secure programs and initiatives.

The handout linked explains the Standard Response Protocol that staff and students follow and practice throughout the year. Please use this link to view the Standard Response Protocol handout.

MISD Business Services Group Earns Awards from ASBO, TASBO and State Comptroller for Excellence in Financial Operations

Read more here: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/article/2011862

The McKinney ISD Business Services Group has reaped a bounty of awards in recent months, earning recognition from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and the State Comptroller, all spotlighting a high level of excellence and transparency in the district’s financial operations:

—2024-2025 ASBO International Meritorious Budget Award (2nd year)

—2024-2025 TASBO Award of Excellence in Financial Management (2nd year)

—2024-2025 TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations (2nd year)

—2024-2025 Comptroller Transparency Award Contracts and Procurement (1st year)

McKinney ISD announces Choose McKinney ISD, an exciting new initiative that allows families the flexibility to enroll their children in McKinney ISD schools, even if they reside outside the district’s boundaries. Choose McKinney ISD is available to those entering Kindergarten - 8th grade who reside within McKinney ISD (intradistrict), students who reside outside of McKinney ISD (interdistrict), and those seeking to participate in specific programs within McKinney ISD.

Choose McKinney ISD includes an application process based on eligibility requirements and campus availability at selected campuses.

Click here for complete information about the Choose McKinney ISD program application process and requirements: https://www.mckinneyisd.net/choosemckinneyisd

24-25 ALPHA Information

24-25 ALPHA Instructional Dates

24-25 ALPHA Testing Dates

Mondays- ALPHA day for Wilmeth's 1st & 2nd Graders

Mondays - ALPHA day for Wilmeth's 3rd Graders

Thursdays & Fridays- ALPHA day for Wilmeth's 4th & 5th Graders

Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices (See Appendix I) The district permits students to possess personal cell phones for safety purposes; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing, unless they are being used for approved instructional purposes. Devices should be kept in student backpacks during the school day.

MISD Student Handbook

Email: kellis@mckinneyisd.net

Wilmeth Office Email: wilmethoffice@mckinneyisd.net
Website: https://schools.mckinneyisd.net/wilmeth/
Location: 901 La Cima Drive McKinney, Tx 75071
Phone: 469-302-7400