The Lion's Roar

Dear McKinley Families,

I can’t believe we’re already in March—time flies when you're having fun! Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s activities.

Our week started on Saturday with the Santa Monica Blvd. Safety Study Walk Audit. Thank you to the families who joined us to provide input on making our streets safer. See pictures below!

We also had a great turnout for Beautification Day. The beds are cleaned and ready for spring planting! A huge thank you to Beautification Chair Ryan Dinshaw for organizing this event and for bringing out the fire department to talk with families about fire safety. Family Art Night was a wonderful way to slow down and connect. Sitting together and working on embroidery patches inspired by quilter and Oakland-based artist Zina Hall was unexpectedly calming. I really enjoyed connecting with those of you who could make it! And finally, thank you so much to the families who participated in You're Welcome: Everyday Black Inventions that Make Your Life Better. The photos of students with Black-made inventions were so fun to see! Thanks again to AAFA members Camara Johnson, Joshua Bee Alafia, Joe Malone, and Yomira Bautista for designing this project, and to our teachers for helping students create fantastic trifolds for our Black History Month Gallery. McKinley celebrates Black history in February and all year long, and it was great to see the creativity and engagement from our students.

Coming Up This Week

We’re excited to host our first Family Math Night! Berkeley Everett from the UCLA Math Project will be leading an interactive session to help parents and families explore:

• Why math is taught differently today
• How you can support your child at home
• Three simple activities that deepen students' understanding of math

The best part - you don't have to make dinner! Pizza will be served from 5:30-6:00 PM.

Also, we’re kicking off the McKinley March Minutes Challenge! This month, we’re inviting students, staff, and families to read 1,000 minutes each. That’s just 32 minutes a day—and you can do it by reading to your child, with your child, or just sitting next to them with your own book.

I'll be participating too—I’ve already got my books piled up next to my bed to remind me to read before hitting the hay. Thank you to Ms. Ryan for organizing this challenge, including a fun online tracker where families can sign up together. You can even add siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents! https://mckinleyreads.com/ Our real goal? One million minutes as a community. Wouldn’t that be amazing? Reading is one of the best things you can do for your brain and your heart—so join in! See details below.

Finally, it's important that you know that Monday, the entrance to our front office is changing to accommodate the next phase of construction. All visitors will need to enter through the Chelsea Gate instead of the Parking Lot Gate. Please read below for additional details, and be sure to click on the blue button labeled "Routing Pathway" to see photos of the new path.

That's it for now! Thank you, as always, for doing all that you do to make McKinley a wonderful place to be. Have a lovely weekend.

In partnership,

Principal DW

Santa Monica Blvd. Safety Study Walk Audit

Campus Beautification Day

Family Art Night

Black History Month Gallery

School-wide Assembly

Reading Instruction Planning

Project Based Learning Staff Development Workshop

Families, it’s time to kick off McKinley March Minute Madness—our month-long reading challenge! We are challenging each and every McKinley student and community member to read 1,000 minutes in March! That’s just 32 minutes a day—and we believe your can do it!

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

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!

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!

This month’s Character Development Book of the Month, The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter, illustrates the pillar of character: responsibility through the real-life story of Alia Muhammad Baker, a librarian in Basra, Iraq.

As war loomed in the spring of 2003, Alia felt a deep sense of duty—not just to her job, but to her community and future generations. She took it upon herself to protect the precious books in her library, knowing they held the stories, history, and wisdom of her people. Her courageous actions remind us that responsibility isn’t just about taking care of our own tasks, but also about safeguarding the things that matter most for the greater good. The Librarian of Basra encourages students to think about the power of knowledge, the importance of preserving culture, and the role we all play in taking responsibility for the world around us.

This month, we invite you to discuss responsibility at home. You might use some of these questions to get the conversation started:

Discussion Questions for Home

• What are some ways we can show responsibility in our daily lives—at home, at school, and in our community?

• Have you ever had to take responsibility for something important, even when it was difficult? What did you do, and how did it feel?

• Talk about someone you think is very responsible. What do they say and do that makes them responsible? What do you like about that person?

Let’s inspire our kids to take ownership of their learning, their actions, and the things that matter most to them.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and recognize the remarkable contributions of women throughout history. From scientists and activists to artists and leaders, women have shaped the world in powerful ways—and continue to inspire future generations!

At McKinley, we encourage students to learn about and celebrate the achievements of trailblazing women who have paved the way for progress. One great way to do this is through stories!

📚 Explore Our Digital Library of Books About Great Women! 📚
Check out this curated collection of books featuring bold, brilliant, and brave women from around the world. These books are great for family reading time and can spark meaningful discussions about perseverance, leadership, and making a difference.

Click here to access the digital library!

Dismissal reminder: When you pick up your child, please don’t stay to play on campus and do not bring dogs during pickup. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping dismissal smooth and safe for everyone.

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

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

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#/

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

Please sign up for dinner here

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.

Please see the construction notice about construction on the southeast corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Cloverfield. This construction is part of the Safe Routes to School Pedestrian Improvements Project

• Wellness & Waves Festival, a full-day experience of movement, mindfulness, and music in support of LA Fire Relief, happening on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Santa Monica Pier. https://www.santamonicapier.org/wellness-and-waves

• 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 3: New School Entry on Chelsea Begins

• March 3: March Reading Challenge Kick Off

• March 4: Lockdown Drill, 2 PM (Rescheduled)

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

• March 7: Room Parent Meeting, 9:00-10:00 AM, Zoom

Upcoming Dates

• 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 until 4/22 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