The Lion's Roar

Dear McKinley Families,

What a week we had—even though it was a short week, we packed in a lot of exciting events and important conversations!

On Wednesday morning, we held our 4th Coffee with the Principal. This week’s focus was on report cards: how you can use them to reflect on your child’s progress and set meaningful goals for the future. During our discussion, we explored what the marks on your child’s report card mean and tips for approaching report card discussions with your child. I've included the presentation for those of you who'd like to see what you missed.

While parents were drinking coffee and learning together, our students were treated to an engaging assembly featuring the musical artist Chic Streetman as one of the many ways we are celebrating Black History Month. His performance, which included energetic tunes like “This Little Light of Mine” and “Follow Me,” celebrated his love for people, music, and our planet. Chic’s message—that self-love and love of others creates understanding, and understanding promotes growth—resonated with staff and students encouraging inclusiveness, respect, and unity. Here are two short clips of the event where you'll see and hear the students singing along!

Assembly Clip 1

Assembly Clip 2

On Wednesday afternoon, our staff continued their training on project-based learning with our Learning and Innovation Coordinator, Dr. Devon Smith. During this session, they explored ways to integrate assessment into the units they are designing, ensuring that our innovative teaching practices are closely aligned with student learning outcomes.

Thursday brought another exciting highlight: I had the opportunity to present to our school board, where I shared the innovative ways McKinley is bringing district priorities to life for the benefit of our students. If you missed the presentation, you can review slide deck here, and videos of the presentation will soon be posted on the district's website.

On Friday, our African American Family Association (AAFA) gathered to discuss McKinley's Black History Month celebrations and came up with an inspiring idea. AAFA is inviting families to actively participate in next week's Black History Month Gallery by honoring the ubiquitous contributions of Black Americans, which is a powerful way to show that Black History is American History and is something we study and celebrate all year. Families are encouraged to take a photo with one of the everyday inventions we interact with, giving you the opportunity to contribute to the celebration rather than simply observe it. Below, you will find instructions on how to participate and add your photo to a slideshow that will be featured during the gallery on Friday in the auditorium. Many thanks to AAFA members Camara Johnson, Joshua Bee Alafia, Joe Malone, and Yomira Bautsita for organizing this meaningful family involvement.

On Friday, we also hosted a workshop focused on key updates in immigration law, particularly in the context of recent political changes. The session delved into shifts in immigration policies, discussed potential impacts on client cases and family situations, and offered practical strategies for supporting those affected during these uncertain times. Our presenter, a seasoned lawyer and proud SMMUSD graduate, brought a wealth of experience to the discussion, making the workshop an invaluable resource for our community. Thank you to our Bilingual Community Liaison, Michael Muñoz and Counselor, Sarah DeSantis for organizing!

Looking ahead, we're excited to share several upcoming events that will bring our community together:

This Sunday, join us for our postponed Beautification Day—an opportunity to help our school community shine! Cathy Taylor from the fire department will discuss fire safety, and Bagel Nosh will donate bagels for a working breakfast. It’s a fantastic way to involve your children in community care, and we extend a special thank you to Ryan Dinshaw for organizing this event.

Next Wednesday, we invite you to our Family Art Night, sponsored by PS Arts, from 6–7 PM in the auditorium. During this creative session, students will design mini embroidery squares inspired by their favorite memories with a grown-up or friend. These squares, created using shapes to tell stories, will come together to form a temporary quilt. This activity is inspired by the work of Oakland-based artist Zina Hall, an adept quilter, who designs intricate embroideries based on images of African American music icons. She is also a member of Creative Growth—a non-profit organization in Oakland that supports artists with developmental disabilities.

Next Friday, our schoolwide assembly, presented by first grade, will focus on fairness and take place from 8:30–9:00 AM in the kindergarten yard. Immediately following the assembly, from 9:00–10:00 AM in the auditorium, families are invited to explore the Black History Month Gallery. There will also be a school tour during this time—so be sure to tell your neighbors that McKinley is the place to be!

Thank you, as always, for your support and involvement. Have a lovely weekend.

In partnership,

Principal DW

Black History Month Assembly: Chic Streetman

Staff Professional Development: Assessment in Project Based Learning

Beginning March 3rd, the pathway to the front office will be rerouted due to the next phase of construction. The corridor from the parking lot to the front office will be closed off, and all visitors will need to enter through the Chelsea Gate instead.

🔹 New Procedure:

• Visitors will enter through the Chelsea Gate.
• A security escort will guide individuals to the front office for check-in using the Raptor system.
• This change will remain in place through the end of the school year.
• Access via the parking lot gate will be reinstated at the beginning of the next school year.

Please use the link below to view images of the new pathway. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to improve our campus!

The McKinley Jog-A-Thon is on Friday, March 14, 2025, and serves as a major fundraiser for our school. Students participate in a fun run while raising donations. Prizes include a schoolwide dance party and a chance to slime the principal!

Don’t Forget 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

We invite you to actively participate in our Black History Month Gallery this Friday by identifying an everyday object that you use invented by a Black American and taking a picture with it. We will display these photos during BHM Gallery on Friday! To participate, Follow these simple steps:

1. Identify an Invention: Choose an invention, created by a Black American, that you use in everyday life. You may refer to our provided list or conduct your own research.

1. Create a slide of you (and your children) with the invention Please include:

• A photo of you (and your child with the invention). If you're unsure how to do this, ask your child—they’ll know the way!
• A photo of the inventor (if you can find one!)
• Your name
• Your child(ren)'s name
• Grade level(s)
• The invention
• The inventor's name
• The year it was invented

Add slides here

We look forward to seeing your contributions! Please complete your slides by Thursday, February 27th.

Lets' have a big turnout (and wear our spirit wear!) so the City and our neighbors know that McKinley Elementary is serious about improving traffic safety along Santa Monica Blvd. Register here.

Come join the fun from 10:00-12:00 AM. Hosted by our PTA, this event will focus on cleaning, fixing, and beautifying our campus. Students are encouraged to participate, and we will also include an activity to support fire relief efforts and discuss fire safety. It’s a wonderful opportunity to show your child the power of giving back and making a difference. Bagels will be served! What a great way to spend a Sunday!

After an early dinner, come and join the fun as a family! During this creative session from 6, students and families will design mini embroidery squares inspired by their favorite memories with a grown-up or friend. These squares, created using shapes to tell stories, will come together to form a temporary quilt. This activity is inspired by the work of Oakland-based artist Zina Hall, an adept quilter, who designs intricate embroideries based on images of African American music icons.

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#/

Support McKinley and a SMMUSD family-owned restaurant on March 2nd.

Why are we teaching math differently? How can you support your child at home?

Join us to learn 3 simple activities you can use at home to deepen your students’ understanding of mathematics. Instead of feeling like a chore, mathematics at home can be a collaborative process of discovering new patterns, sharing ideas, and having fun. Come learn which mathematical questions are most productive for caregivers to ask, how you can learn math with your child (if you want!), and how to easily adapt the 3 activities to meet the most important math goals of any grade level.

We’ll be trying out the activities during the session, so bring your child!

Pizza dinner served from 5:30-6:00 PM

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.

A special education workshop on behavior.

SMMUSD's Black/African-American Parent Advisory Committee is hosting a Black/African History Month event on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 6pm-8pm in the Santa Monica High School Student Cafeteria.

This Week

• February 22: Study Walk Audit,10:00 AM-12:00 PM

• February 23: Beautification Day, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, Garden

• February 25: Lockdown Drill, 2 PM

• February 26: PS Arts Family Art Night, 6:00-7:00 PM, Auditorium

• February 28: Climate Survey Closes

• February 28: Schoolwide Assembly (1st/Fairness)

• February 28: School Tour, 9:00-10:00 AM, Library

• February 28: Black History Gallery, 9:00-10:00 AM, Auditorium

• March 3: New School Entry on Chelsea Begins

• March 3: March Reading Challenge Kick Off

• March 3: New PS Science Teacher Begins

• March 6: Room Parent Meeting, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zoom

• March 6: Family Math Night, 6:00-7:00 PM, Auditorium

• March 12: PTA Exec Board Meeting, 6:00-7:30 PM, Zoom

• March 13: 5th Grade Panoramic Photo

• March 14: Jog-a-thon

• March 14: ELAC Meeting, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zoom - POSTPONED due to Jog-a-Thon

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

• 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

• March 24: STEM Fair Permission Slips Go Out

• 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: Parent Input Forms Go Out

• March 31: No School: Cesar Chavez Day