The Lion's Roar

Dear McKinley Families,

February is a month to celebrate kindness, inclusion, and belonging. As we honor Black History Month and share love on Valentine’s Day, we also recognize Kindness Month, with Random Acts of Kindness Week from February 9-15 and Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17.

At McKinley, we often talk about being kind to one another, but kindness extends beyond student interactions. Our incredible Campus Monitors—Ms. Alejandra, Ms. Vanessa, Ms. Maria, and Ms. Armida—are outside every day supporting students in making respectful, responsible, and safe choices. They are all bilingual, and their deep ties to our community make them invaluable. Ms. Maria has been part of McKinley for 26 years, first as a parent and now as a staff member for 16 years. Ms. Alejandra has been here for 18 years since her daughter attended. Ms. Armida is a proud SMMUSD alum, and Ms. Vanessa, our newest team member, has been with us for over a year. Here they are at their monthly meeting, working on our incident response system to ensure student safety and well-being.

Their commitment to our school goes far beyond their daily responsibilities. At our Multicultural Festival, they ran a nacho table, bringing in their own family members to help—all after their work hours were done. Their generosity, care, and dedication to our community embody the spirit of kindness we strive to nurture in our students.

One simple act of kindness? Encourage your child to learn their names and greet them! A small gesture like a greeting can make a big impact. For more ways to spread kindness this month, visit Random Acts of Kindness Ideas.

In partnership,

Principal DW

Our amazing team of 4th and 5th grade newspaper reporters has been hard at work, and the latest edition of McKinley Times is now published! This month’s issue is packed with exciting stories, interviews, and updates straight from our student journalists. We are so proud of their dedication and teamwork—future journalists in the making!

We kicked off our Black History Month celebrations at McKinley with our first Wise Words this past Friday, featuring 3rd graders from Ms. Sherman’s class reading an inspiring quote from First Lady Michelle Obama. Our mental health team has been guiding students in a project called 100 Dreams for the World, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which culminated on the 100th day of school. Since December, we have been engaging students in lessons about inclusive and exclusive language, addressing topics such as stereotyping, labeling, cultural insensitivity, and racially charged language. And, of course, our teachers are leading lessons that uplift the achievements of Black Americans, like Ms. Kirven’s read-aloud of 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World. We look forward to continuing these important conversations and celebrations throughout the month!

We would like to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student, regardless of immigration status, has access to a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment. You can read our superintendent's letter regarding our district's commitment here. The letter also contains links to resources.

Students: Please know that students are safe at school. We have been instructed not to let anyone on campus unless they possess a judicial warrant for a specific person. Even if they have a judicial warrant, they will not be allowed on campus until our Director of Student Services and district legal council have been consulted. This is highly unlikely, but we have been informed what to do if it occurs.

Parents: In uncertain times, it’s essential to know your rights and how to protect yourself and your family. One of the simplest and most powerful tools you can carry is a RED CARD—a quick reference guide with key information about your rights if you encounter law enforcement or immigration authorities.

📌 Access digital copies here: English Card & Spanish Cards & Other Languages

📍 Physical RED CARDS are also available in the front office beginning Wednesday if you would like to pick one up.

We encourage all families to stay informed and prepared. Feel free to take an extra card for someone who may need it. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our bilingual community liaison, Michael Muñoz. He is on campus every day, but can also be reached by email at mmunoz@smmusd.org.

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.

This week, construction crews pressed forward with welding the steel beams, plates, and angle bars that form the structural backbone of the building. Work also continued on installing the metal decking for the second level, an essential step in shaping the next phase of development. Read more by pressing the button below.

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#/

Free Yoga Classes at McKinley!

McKinley students are invited to join free Yoga classes through the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)! From February 10 – April 2, certified a SMMUSD teacher will guide students through movement, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to support their well-being.
🧘 In Yoga Classes, students will:
✨ Improve physical and mental health with yoga poses
✨ Enhance focus and concentration with mindfulness meditation
✨ Relax their body and mind with breath work
📅 Dates: February 10 – April 2
📍 Location: McKinley Elementary
💲 Cost: FREE!
Click here for the flyer or https://bit.ly/McKinleyYoga
Scan the QR code to register and secure a spot! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to stretch, breathe, and unwind!

The Jog-a-thon is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we need your help to make it a success! Please reach out to our PTA president, Sibyl Fenwick at mckinleyptapres@gmail.com to see how you can help. We need you!

Join us for our Special Education Resource Group Meeting as we come together to support our students, families, and educators in fostering an inclusive and affirming learning environment. This meeting is an opportunity to collaborate, share resources, and discuss strategies to enhance neurodivergent-affirming practices at McKinley.

🔗 Zoom Link: Join Here

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.

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. Mark your calendars and join us for this special day of service—more details to come!

• Stronger Together (English)/Unidos Somos Mas Fuertes (Spanish) Resource Fair and Speaker Series for SMMUSD Families: A Response to Fear, Anxiety, and Trauma in our Community. Helpful resources and expert guidance from service providers from local agencies. Topics include student rights, protections, and safe haven schools, student/family mental health, and effective communication strategies during trauma. Enjoy free pizza, win door prizes, and create gratitude cards for first responders. Consider bringing a gift card (Target, Amazon, MC/Visa/Grocery Store) for families impacted by wildfires. JAMS Performing Arts Center, February 12. 5:30 p.m.

• Scholarships, Grants and Awards for Educators: Please share with your school sites.

• 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 Information: 213-290-6113 | info@winla.org | winla.org

• Pico Partnership is a joint partnership between Santa Monica College and the City of Santa Monica, presented by Santa Monica College.The program is designed to meet the needs of the under-resourced youth living in close proximity to the college, and assists and motivates young residents of the Pico neighborhood to pursue an associate degree, certificate, transfer to a 4-year university, and/or employment. Offering counseling, priority enrollment, direct student aid, textbook vouchers and more. Contact Information: Student Services Center (SSC) Room S238, 1900 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-434-4926 | picopartnership@smc.edu

• 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.

• Parent and Me Programs For children ages 5 and under. Requires adult participation. Biological and adoptive parents, guardians, stepparents, grandparents, or other parenting relationships may attend. Programs allow adults to interact and nurture relationships during playful yet structured programs. All classes promote bonding while helping children develop cognitive, social, and motor skills and an opportunity to learn, play, and grow together. For details and/or schedule contact MalibuCity.org/Register.

• 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.

• Caffeinated Verse: Poetry Workshop & Open Mic: Includes a featured reader, followed by an open mic format. Malibu Main Library, Saturdays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• The Ripple Effect: Generative Poetry Workshop with Malibu Poet Laureate: Participants: bring a pen/notepad! Malibu Bluffs Park, Michael Landon Center, Saturdays 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

• February 10: Jog-a-thon Kickoff 8:40 (PreK-1st), 9:25 (2nd/3rd),10:55 (4th/5th)

• February 11: School Site Council Meeting, 3:15-4:30 PM, Zoom

• February 12: PTA Exec Board Meeting, 9:00-10:30 AM, Zoom

• February 13: Fire Drill, 2 PM

• February 14: Special Education Resource Group Meeting, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zoom

• February 14: Teacher Experience Raffle Winners Announced

• February 14: Report Cards Go Home

• February 14: Black History Assembly - Shadow Ball Assembly

Upcoming Dates

• February 17: No School, President's Day

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

• February 19: PTA Meeting, 6:00-7:30 PM, Zoom (Board Slate)

• February 20: McKinley Board Presentation, 5:30 PM

• February 21: AAFA Meeting, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zoom

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

• February 24: 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