The Lion's Roar

Good morning, families,

Well, the rain got us this time. Unfortunately, we had to postpone our Jog-a-thon, and while that’s a major bummer (it takes so much to organize!), we are so grateful to our PTA who put in hours and hours of their personal time to make it happen—especially Anastasia Yum, who rallied the troops and took the lead in organizing our incredible team of volunteers.

The good news? Every cloud has a silver lining! With our new Jog-a-thon date set for April 25th, we now have more time to fundraise! If you haven’t made a fundraising page for your child yet, it’s not too late. The extra time also means more opportunities for students to condition and feel strong for the big day.

And if you’re looking for another way to support McKinley, don’t forget about our Silent Auction! There are some amazing items up for bid, and all proceeds go toward enriching experiences for our students. A big thank you to Lauren Dombrova for leading this effort!

While the rain may have changed our outdoor plans, it also brought some exciting new opportunities inside. This week, we launched a pilot of rainy day recess rotations, offering alternative activities beyond movies during lunch recess. Our students participated in a Women’s History Month activity and created bookmarks for our Reading Challenge—Thank you to our school counselor, Sarah De Santis, for organizing!

And speaking of reading… maybe it was the cozy rainy-day weather, but we nearly doubled our reading minutes this week! We jumped from 34,382 minutes read in Week 1 to an incredible 84,236 minutes in Week 2.

We also had some very special visitors on campus—our BARK Reading Therapy Dogs! Thank you to Tiffany Estrada, our Language & Literacy Interventionist, for bringing this heartwarming experience to our students.

Looking ahead, we have a big week coming up! Our PTA Executive Board elections are happening—this is your chance to help shape the leadership that supports so many of our school’s programs. We hope to see many of you participate.

We also have a fantastic assembly lined up for our students in celebration of Women’s History Month. A couple of summers ago, while at a family reunion in Prague, I had the chance to witness an incredible young Angeleno compete for the world championship in freestyle soccer—Caitlyn Schrepfer. Her talent, skill, and spirit were inspiring, and I’m so excited that she’s coming to McKinley to share her story and skills with our students. It’s going to be an amazing experience!

It looks like the rain is finally clearing, and blue skies are ahead. I hope you get a chance to enjoy some time outside this weekend and recharge—we all deserve it!

In partnership,

Principal DW

Bark Reading Therapy Dogs visited McKinley this week Students got the chance to practice their reading skills with the cutest audience. This is part this month's focus on reading.

Rainy Day Recess Rotations: Women's History Month and McKinley Reading Challenge Bookmarks...and a Rainy Day Visit from local ducks

We’re so sad to share that Michael Muñoz, our Bilingual Community Liaison, is leaving McKinley to take a job closer to home with the Burbank Police Department. His last day will be March 21st. While we’re excited for him and this new opportunity, we are all going to miss him immensely.

Michael has become a beloved member of our community, known for his warmth, resourcefulness, and dedication to supporting our families. He is a hard worker, always professional, and willing to jump in wherever needed. Whether organizing events, helping families feel connected, or simply bringing joy to the office with a smile that lights up a room, Michael has made McKinley a better place to be.

Though he is moving on, Michael wants our community to know that he is taking what he learned at McKinley about the power of connection and community into his next role. Please join me in wishing him all the best as he embarks on this next chapter.

Mucha suerte, Mr. Michael! You will always be a member of the McKinley PRIDE.

We did it!
Thanks to our incredible McKinley community, we’ve met our $40,000+ goal for the Jog-a-thon—our biggest PTA fundraiser of the year! This means more assemblies, field trips, and enriching experiences for our students.

But we’re not stopping yet! We still have six more days to go, and every additional dollar raised will make an even greater impact. If you haven’t already, there’s still time to:

✅ Create a fundraising page for your child
✅ Bid on amazing items in our silent auction

Every contribution helps bring more opportunities and joy to our kids. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Thank you for your generosity and support! 💙💛

How to Customize Your Student's Fundraising Page

Each student has their own fundraising page, and we encourage you to personalize it before sharing with family and friends! For details or help on setting up your fundraising page, visit McKinley PTA Jog-A-Thon FAQs or email jogathonmck@gmail.com

This year's silent auction includes an array of items like gift certificates to local favorites like Lokl Haus, A Cut Above, Santa Monica Seafood, and Solidarity. You'll also find unique experiences including passes for the Aquarium of the Pacific, Still Life Studio pottery classes, a class at Gourmandise Cooking School, tickets to Bob Baker's Marionette Theater, a family photo shoot with our very own Julie Sterling Williams, or a signature pedicure from Bellacures Santa Monica. Best of all, your bids directly support our students!

In the last week, McKinley community has already read approximately 50,000 minutes and went from 34,382 minutes read to 84,236 minutes! That's just amazing! We are so proud of reading community. This week, we challenge those of you who haven't started the challenge to give it go. It's not too late. We still have two more weeks and think you can reading 1,000 minutes too!

Remember, there are lots of ways to read...

Ways Students Can Get Their Minutes:

• For pre-readers: Reading with a grownup, listening to YouTube read-alouds, or calling a family member to read together
• For independent readers: Reading to a buddy, a pet, or a family member, listening to audiobooks, or challenging themselves with longer books
• Reading in class and during library time also counts!
• Make it a family affair and challenge family members to join in!

And there are lots of ways you can track your reading...

How Students Can Track Their Reading:

Students can choose one of the following ways to log their minutes:

• Weekly Reading Tracker Bookmark – to be turned in to Ms. Ryan on their library day
• 1,000 Number Grid – color in a box for every minute read
• Online Tracker – students and family members can log minutes at mckinleyreads.com

And there are so many fun prizes...

The Prizes!

• 500 minutes = Students can choose a prize like a bookmark, Hungry Caterpillar tattoo, crystal, or colorful gel pen (grades 3-5 only)
• 1,000 minutes = Students earn a brand-new FREE BOOK from the Book Fair!

This month, as we cheer on our students in the McKinley March Minute Madness Reading Challenge, we also want to celebrate and support literacy for our adults! Join us for Coffee with the Principal featuring Tara Crow, Adult Literacy Specialist from the Santa Monica Public Library. Tara will share valuable insights about adult literacy services and resources available in our community.

In the spirit of fostering a love for reading, we’ll also take some time to enjoy a good book ourselves while sipping coffee together. Whether you're interested in learning more about literacy opportunities or simply want to carve out a quiet moment to read, we’d love to see you there!

Come help out with Snack Sales! It's fun! Your child can help sell too! Arrive by 1:00 PM and meet up outside the parent room, located to the left of the 1st-grade classrooms. We’ll set up a table with delicious snacks, including popcorn and drinks. The sale ends promptly at 2:00 PM, and we’ll clean up quickly after. Click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4FADAF28AAFE3-54688158-join#/

Join us for our general PTA Meeting. We will be electing our 2025-2026 PTA Executive Board!

Caitlyn Schrepfer will be performing at our Women's History Month assembly. Caitlyn is a renowned freestyle footballer known for her exceptional skills and innovative routines. As a trailblazer in a male-dominated sport, she has broken barriers and inspired countless individuals worldwide. Her dedication and passion exemplify the spirit of Women's History Month, and we look forward to her inspiring performance.​ Here's a recent interview with Caitlyn.

In March, our 5th graders will be heading to Pali Camp for an unforgettable outdoor education experience. While the mountains are beautiful, they can also be quite cold! We want to make sure every student is warm and comfortable, and we need your help.

We are looking for donations of warm clothing and gear for students who may not have everything they need. Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Base Layer: Long-sleeve shirts and leggings/thermal pants to help keep body heat in.
• Middle Layer: Hoodies, fleece jackets, and sweatpants for insulation.
• Shell Layer: Waterproof jackets, raincoats, and athletic or waterproof pants to stay dry.
• Footwear: Waterproof boots (rain boots or snow boots)
• Accessories: Mittens or gloves can make a big difference in keeping students warm and comfortable.

If your child has outgrown any of these items, we would greatly appreciate your donation. All sizes are welcome, and we will ensure they get to students who need them.

The PTA needs 2-4 committee members to help organize Staff Appreciation Week! Open roles include event planner, volunteer coordinator, party supplies coordinator, sponsor outreach, room parent coordinate, raffle coordinator. Reach out to lizethbejaranohc@gmail.com to join this effort to make an amazing week for McKinley staff.

March Update!

Read more below!

• The PYFC Film Fellowship Program - The PYFC Film & Visual Media Program trains youth in the basics of camera operations, film directing/editing and graphic design. In this program, students have the option of producing their very own short film, narrative, documentary and/or music video for free. Whether it’s a T.V. show, video blog, webisode or news broadcast, the local community is also welcome to bring their Vision to Television through PYFC’s Youth Behind The Vision Network (YBVN). Application for PYFC Film Fellowship Program.

• Playa Vista Optimist Club-looking for student entries for the Optimist International 2024-2025 Essay Contest.The local award for the winning essay is $400 and the winner will then advance to the District Contest. The first place winner of the District Contest is then awarded a $2500 scholarship and a plaque which is presented at a special District Awards luncheon.

• Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Men's College Scholarship - due 4/1/2025

• Summer Opportunities for 9-11th graders - Wilfandel Club Scholarship Information

• The Wilfandel Club is committed to promoting education for young people in the community. On behalf of the club, the Fannie Williams Scholarship Committee promotes higher education by providing scholarship awards for high school seniors. The scholarships are designed to financially assist deserving high school seniors who want to attend college. The number of scholarships granted each year, the amount of the scholarships and the recipients shall be determined by the scholarship committee. Scholarships are funded by donors and fundraisers. Deadline is April 1st! Click here for the application.

• Ellison Institute Research Foundation Junior Scholars represents a key part of the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly evolving global landscape. This program fosters scientific education by incorporating hands-on experimentation in a collaborative environment. Formerly known as Junior Fellows, Junior Scholars is a unique, three-week summer fellowship for rising high school seniors interested in clinical or research oncology, designed to foster a lifelong passion for scientific education. https://eirf.org/education/

• Teen Gallery Guides at the Getty Center - a paid summer internship opportunity for teens interested in art, working in community with teen peers, building public speaking skills, and engaging with art professionals and museum spaces in unique ways. Over the summer, interns will learn strategies for understanding and discussing artwork, audience engagement techniques, and teaching strategies to lead gallery experiences and activities for school-aged visiting groups. Transportation to and from the Getty Center is provided to each intern, as well as a stipend. Questions? Please email gettyteens@getty.edu https://www.getty.edu/education/teens/index.html

• California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - coming soon! COSMOS is an intensive four-week summer residential Pre-College Program for high school students who have demonstrated an aptitude for academic and professional careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

• Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement - coming soon! The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer intensive academy for 26 talented high school students from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses. Students are exposed to the equivalent of first-year college-level courses and develop a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators.

• Summer Young Mathematicians Summer Institute designed by the UCLA Math Project This is a great opportunity for your child to strengthen their math skills over the summer! The sessions are designed to support your child in building a strong foundation in math, while also preparing them for more advanced topics in later grades. Additionally, attending this workshop will look great on their academic record, as they will have participated in a Young Mathematicians course hosted by UCLA! Registration will open in January. Please feel free to reach out to Christine Riad at riad@gseis.ucla.edu https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeu_eZ_o4gmQY0U0FfikGTGMCsaK1zjjBuZt7eBkVGbeRRiwA/viewform

• Committee for Racial Justice Monthly Meetings Aimed at addressing and ending systemic racism in education, housing, health & wellness, and criminal justice. Contact Information: committe4racialjustice@gmail.com. Regular monthly workshops on the first Sunday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Family Constellation Parenting Workshops Presented by SMMUSD. During these workshops, parents will explore hidden family dynamics and understand how they shape their parenting. Through guided exercises, participants gain insights into generational patterns and challenges, ultimately empowering them to create a more positive and nurturing family environment. Uncover root causes of family issues and embark on a journey towards greater understanding and healing Contact Information: Aileen Salmaggi | asalmaggi@smmusd.org

• WIN offers an award-winning model for prevention and early intervention that includes in-home caregiver-child psychotherapy paired with case management, and trauma-informed supports including family and community events, psychoeducation groups, and other community activities designed to promote safe and stable social-emotional development. WIN provides bilingual (English/Spanish) mental health therapy, intensive case management, community events, education and resources to families with young children (0-5 years old) facing adversity, in partnership with the Department of Mental Health. Contact: 213-290-6113 | info@winla.org | winla.org

• Sundays with Sounds Like LA: Presented by Sounds Like LA (formerly Santa Monica Youth Orchestra) Experience professional, tuition-free music education covering many different traditions and cultures. We aim to "sound like LA"! Information: soundslikela.org | info@soundslikela.org | 310-985-3439

• SMC Emeritus is a FREE lifelong learning program of Santa Monica College designed for adults 55+ (although anyone 18+ can enroll). Emeritus serves over 3,000 students annually and offers over 140 free classes in the fields of: studio arts, literature, writing, theater arts, music, political science, health and wellness and much more. Contact Information: emeritus@smc.edu | 310-434-4306 | https://www.smc.edu/emeritus

• Youth Aztec Dance, Ballet Folklorico, Hawaiian Dance, and Belly Dance Presented by Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico at Virginia Park, Santa Monica. Open to boys and girls of all ages and cultures. Classes serve as both physical and historic forms of education, focusing on Native American and Mexican local histories of Santa Monica. Students have several opportunities to perform locally as well as throughout Los Angeles.

• Family Time Play Group Presented by Connections for Children. Fun times for children up to 5 years of age and their caregivers to participate together in playing, singing, arts and crafts, and story time. Play group leaders also facilitate sharing of resources and discussion of topics such as child development, preschool readiness, and building a community support network. Family Time is a free program of Connections for Children, Playgroups currently meet in-person on the first and third Friday of the month. Contact Information: Angelina Nguyen |angelinan@cfc-ca.org | 310-452-3325 ext. 205 | https://www.connectionsforchildren.org/families/family_time_play_groups.htm

• Nature Outings for Youth: Presented by The Hummingbird Project, who use outdoor outings to improve mental and physical health and offer children chances to experience nature’s beauty and healing effects. After each outing, students get a sit-down meal at a local restaurant as they relax and enjoy each other's company after a day outdoors. Past outings have included hiking, beach walking, kayaking, and visiting beautiful Avalon in Catalina Island once a year! Contact Information: Despina Kayichian 424-209-7129, despina@thehummingbirdprojectla.org or www.thehummingbirdprojectla.org

• Memories & Movement Senior Club: Exercise classes, workshops/seminars, crafts and hobbies, social time, talking with friends, guest presenters, health and wellness activities The Patio Room, Virginia Park, Santa Monica. Every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Tech & Tasks: Volunteer tutors offer free help reading documents, writing letters and resumes, completing forms, navigating government websites, using mobile devices, email and more. Santa Monica Main Library, Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Tech & Tasks: Volunteer tutors offer free help reading documents, writing letters and resumes, completing forms, navigating government websites, using mobile devices, email and more. Santa Monica Main Library, Thursdays, 2-4 p.m.

• Walk-In Legal Clinic : Meet 1-on-1 with Legal Aid Foundation lawyers for help with housing and other issues. Ongoing Wednesdays, 4:30-7 p.m.

• Literary Lounge- Books, snacks and music. SM Main Library, Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30

• Chess Sundays: Players of all ages/levels invited.Third St. Promenade, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Free US Citizenship Classes: Study the 100 Civics questions, review citizenship applications, practice dictations and prepare for the interview. SM Library/Pico Branch.

• Free ESL Conversation Classes: Group classes and 1-on-1 tutoring. SM Main Library.

• Social Service Assistance: Family Nutrition & Health Care Access: Meet with community health workers to sign up for benefits. Virginia Park, SM, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

This Week

• March 18: School Site Council Meeting, 3:15 PM-4:30 PM, Zoom, Agenda

• March 19: Coffee with the Principal, 8:30-9:30 AM, Library

• March 19: PTA Executive Board Elections, 6:00-7:30 PM, Zoom

• March 21: Women's History Month Assembly, Auditorium

• March 21: HSA Award Forms Go Out

Upcoming Dates

• March 24: STEM Fair Permission Slips Go Out

• March 24: 5th Grade Dance Performance

• March 25: 5th Grade Visit to LMS, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

• March 26: 5th Graders at Pali Camp

• March 27: 5th Graders at Pali Camp

• March 28: 5th Graders at Pali Camp

• March 28: School-wide Assembly, 3rd Grade, Responsibility, 8:30-9:00 AM, K Yard

• March 28: 4th Grade Dance Performance

• March 28: Parent Input Forms Go Out

• March 31: No School: Cesar Chavez Day