The Lion's Roar

Dearest McKinley Families,

There is nothing more shocking, tragic, or profoundly heartbreaking than what our community has experienced this week.The loss of a child is a sorrow beyond words. As caregivers, parents, and educators, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing our children with the hope that they will grow and carry all that we've taught them out into the world. This week, we are all grieving the unimaginable loss of that shared hope, and I know each of us feels it deeply.

I am truly grateful for how our community has come together to grieve, to support one another, and to care for the students who are missing Dana, Mercy and Sasha as much as we are. Sometimes, in moments of tragedy, we see the best parts of ourselves—and this week, that has been true. Staff leaned on each other, shared tears and stories about Dana, and held space for one another. Students were kind and came together to grieve as a community by uplifting Dana and each other. Parents reached out, offering their support and asking how they can help during this difficult time. District staff members and our community mental health partners showed up on campus to provide staff and students support by leading classroom community circles, staffing our grief room, bringing nourishing treats and stuffed animals for students to hold.

I want to extend my deepest thanks to our School Counselor, Sarah De Santis and School Counselor, Breea Rosas for leading our crisis intervention efforts and ensuring that we had the resources to grieve and heal in the ways we needed. Their thoughtful planning and care provided us with much-needed support during this difficult time. Please know that ongoing one-on-one counseling supports will continue to be offered at McKinley for students and we are working with Our House Grief and Support Center to provide follow up supports at a later date. If your child is in need of support, please reach out. We have a robust Mental Health Team that is committed to supporting your child.

Many of you have asked how you can help. Given the recency of the event, I have not yet received additional information from the family regarding their needs or wishes. It’s important to me that any actions we take align with their desires, so I will reach back out as soon as I have more clarity. Thank you for your patience and your continued kindness during this time.

I am so grateful to be part of this community—one that is strong, kind, and compassionate. Thank you for showing up for our students, for each other, and for Dana. Thank you for being you.

In partnership,

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

During this week, our staff room was converted into a safe space for students that needed a safe space at any time to process, express, and regulate as a group or individually. The room had activities for students to process their grief, soothing music and the support of our school counselor, school psychologist, counseling and psychologist interns, district behaviorists and psychologists, director of student services, district mental health coordinator, social workers from Family Services of Santa Monica and the Social Emotional Wellness Project.

SMMUSD alumnus and State Senator Ben Allen made an appearance at McKinley's student council elections. He talked to the students about the legislative process and encouraged them to make change in the world!

To commemorate the end of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, students participated in a gallery walk of doors decorated with Latinx Pioneers of Change. Students studied these important figures and then decorated their doors with their images. Thank you to our Room Reps who helped with the decorating!

Families, please join us on the Big Yard at 9 AM on Friday for our annual Halloween Parade! Please see pertinent information below:

• Parents may enter via the Parking Lot or Arizona gates between 8:30-9:00 AM

• Please walk or park in the neighborhood. Do not park in the staff lot.

• Parents may stand/sit south and east side of the track.

• Parade starts at 9:00 AM on the big yard grass and will last about 30 minutes.

• Students should not wear overly scary/gory costumes, and toy-weapons are not permitted. Students may wear their costume to school; they may wear their costume for the day and for the Harvest Festival 4-7pm, or bring a change of clothes.

• Please let your child's teacher know if you do not want them to participate in the parade. We will provide an alternate activity. If you do not let your teacher know, students will still participate in the parade even if they are without costume

• Students sit at their assigned class seating location on the grass. Students in SDC classes will walk with their mainstream classes.

• Each class will make one loop around the track starting with going counter clockwise and finishing with 5th Edwards. Each class will be announced on the speaker system when it’s time for them to parade.

• Dance Team will kick off the event with a performance. The event will conclude with staff dance.

This year's Harvest Festival is going to be a blast and includes a movie screening! Come one, come all! Thank you to Harvest Festival Chair, Wixon Greenwood for leading the charge on organizing this beloved event and to all who are volunteering their time to set up and run activities and sales. Please see below on how to buy tickets and volunteer. Many hands make light work!

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 23: Coffee with the Principal, 8:30-9:30 AM, Library
• October 23: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:30 PM, Zoom
• October 24: AAFA Breakfast, 8:35-9:30, Garden
• October 25: Halloween Parade, 9 AM Big Yard
• October 25: Harvest Festival, 4-7 PM, Big Yard

Upcoming Dates

• October 29: Fire Drill

• November 1: Picture Day

• November 1: Room Parent Meeting, 9-10 AM, Zoom

• November 3: Daylight Savings