Mustang Magazine

We want to thank the Rotary and Veterans for Peace for their generous donation and facilitation of our new Peace Pole. A special thanks to Fred Ptucha and Kevin McDonnell (Mayor of Petaluma) for joining our dedication ceremony today!

“May Peace Prevail on Earth”

Languages represented on our Peace Pole:

English, Spanish, Pomo, Haitian Creole, Tagalog, Mandarin, Arabic, and Sign Language.

We want to highlight staff members and parent volunteers who go above and beyond to make our school the magical place that it is.

Staff Member: Carmen Juarez

Ms. Carmen has made sure that our office is running smoothly, especially in Ms. Diana's absence. From registration to translation, Aeries, phone calls, and event planning, Ms. Carmen does it all. Ms. Carmen has been instrumental in our ELAC meetings this year and has brought our community together. Each day, Ms. Carmen has a smile on her face and supports every student, parent, and staff member. Thank you, Carmen!

Parent: Karen Boven and Cassie Christiansen

Our PTA Treasurer and Financial Secretary are an amazing team who keep our financial books organized. They quickly handle all reimbursements, complete all of PTA's tax documents, prepare financial reports, and they both help with school activities and fundraisers. Karen and Cassie dedicate numerous hours and are always on top of it!

Starting Monday, May 6th is Teacher Appreciation Week. Please help us celebrate and appreciate all of our teachers for all of their hard work each day. Below is a guide for each day of the week:

Monday- Give a compliment: Say something you like and admire about your teacher!

Tuesday- Give an Appreciation: Tell your teacher what you enjoyed learning the most this year and what you like most about their classroom. Say it, draw it, or write it down!

Wednesday- Clean Up Your Classroom: Look on the floor - do you see a pencil to pick up and put away or a wad of paper that missed the waste basket? What can you do to help keep your classroom tidy?

Thursday- Pick a flower on your way to school to give to your teacher!

Friday- Write a Poem: Write your teacher's name down the side of a paper and think of a word to describe them that starts with each letter!

McKinley and PACS are hosting Open House on Wednesday, May 22nd from 5:00-6:00. We hope you and your families can join us to see all of the amazing work our students have been doing all year long. This is also an opportunity to view your students next grade level classrooms.

As the weather is becoming warmer, please remember to send your student to school with a full water bottle. They are running around in the warm weather and are in need of water. Also, we could use tissue donations in the office. Thank you!

Each year, students participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Your child will take the following tests, depending on their grade level or instructional program:

• Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts and math, required tests in grades 3–8 and 11

• California Science Test (CAST), a required test in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school.

You are an important part of your child’s education. To make sure your child feels comfortable taking tests, you can:

• Explain to your child that these tests are tools to help them learn, and they should not be anxious or scared.

• Ensure your child eats a good breakfast and gets a good night sleep during testing.

McKinley/PACS State Testing Schedule:

May 6 - May 10: 3rd & 5th Grade

May 13 - May 17: 4th, 6th and PACS (7th/8th)

Join the PTA Board for 24/25!

At our May 15th PTA meeting we will be electing a new PTA Treasurer, Fiscal Secretary, VP of Communications, and Parliamentarian. We will also be appointing Committee Chairs for 2024/25. Self-nominations VERY WELCOME. Learn more about positions here: https://ptamckinley.org/en/pta-positions-and-descriptions/ and email mckptavp@gmail.com to get on the ballot!

Mustang Social Update here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nwNqcGNFa9HLv5XEXAje3v9iVA8DwG0-/view?usp=drive_link

We are thrilled to announce that we’ve raised 35K and counting!

Teacher Experience Raffle is extended to May 22nd, drawing names at Open House!

Online Auction is launching soon-- you can still win BIG so bookmark this tab now! https://mckinley-elementary-pta.betterworld.org/auctions/mustang-social-silent-auction

Buy-In Parties are still available--Join in the FUN!

Kids Night Out Friday May 31st 6-10PM in the McKinley/PACS Multi, $50

Whiskeys of the World with Joe Stern Friday May 31st 7PM, $60

Mom’s Night Out at Brooks Note Winery June 13th 6:30-8:30PM, $25

Contact mckptapres@gmail.com to claim a buy-in party slot and we will invoice you! We really want to see you there!

• 5/3 Cinco de Mayo Celebration @ 5:00
  

• 5/7- School Site Council 3:15

• 5/8- Band and Chorus Performance 5:45 @ PJHS

• 5/10- Spirit Day- Beach Day

• 5/10- K-3 Talent Show 5:30

• 5/15- PTA Meeting 6:30

• 5/22- Open House 5:00-6:00