The Lion's Roar

Good morning McKinley Families,

I hope you had a lovely week and experienced meaningful parent-teacher conferences with your child’s teacher, discussing their progress and planning for their continued success. Whether this means continuing with the strategies that are working well or making some adjustments, I hope the conversation was helpful. I encourage you to talk with your child about the conference, sharing their strengths, areas for growth, and the ways you and their teacher will support them in reaching their goals. Talking to your child about their learning, especially with specific feedback, can make a big difference. Research shows that specific feedback, like “Your teacher shared that you’ve improved in your reading fluency by paying close attention to punctuation” or “ Your stories have become for fun to read because you've added more details to your stories,” helps children understand exactly what they’re doing well and what needs focus. It also encourages them to keep growing toward their goals with confidence and clarity.

While our teachers were meeting with you, our classified staff was engaged in professional development. Our campus monitors, instructional assistants and physical activities specialist received training on logical consequences and problem solving on the yard as well as active supervision and nurse referrals. Our instructional assistants were also introduced to our school implementation plan (SIP) which focuses on using precise academic language across content areas.

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This week, we kicked off our Wednesday Snack Sales, a highlight for our students each week! Proceeds from these sales go directly towards supporting 5th grade and other PTA-sponsored activities. We’re looking for ongoing volunteers to help keep this tradition going, and as a bonus, your child can lend a hand if you sign up! A big thank you to our dedicated 5th-grade Co-Coordinators, Parisa Sobhani and Elisabeth Beken, for organizing this wonderful event. More information can be found below.

We are also looking forward to our annual McKinley Talent Show this week. Whether your child is performing or is coming to cheer on friends, we invite everyone to join us on Friday evening from 6:00-7:00 PM in the auditorium for a wonderful evening of talent and fun. Thank you to Marshall McCabe and Leslie McKnight for organizing this event, and to Ms. Sherman for choreographing and teaching the opening number! We can't wait to see you there!

As we head into a 3-day weekend, I hope everyone takes time to relax and recharge. It's also a time to remember and appreciate our veterans for their service and dedication to our country. Enjoy the break!

In partnership,

Dr. Daniela Wiener (Dr. DW)
Principal, McKinley Elementary School

5th graders worked on Project-Based Learning by creating Native American dwellings in our Maker Space! Using recycled materials, they’re blending social studies with hands-on creativity, bringing history to life while learning about sustainability

Social emotional learning happens in many ways at McKinley. Below are photos of 5th grade participating in a Social Justice Themed Morning Meeting, 1st graders participating in a Second Step lesson and 3rd graders following a Holding Space protocol.

Our classified staff spent our pupil free day participating in professional development!

Parents, SMMUSD would like you to share your thoughts on our school which will help guide district and school efforts to promote safety, enhance learning supports, and improve student achievement. This survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey window is from November 1 - November 26. For more info, and to take the survey, CLICK HERE.

Here's an exciting event to check out this weekend! The Getty's PST ART + Science Family Festival is happening at the La Brea Tar Pits, bringing together the theme of “Art & Science Collide.” Supported by grants from Getty, this is the largest art event in the US and features programs across Southern California. With over 70 exhibitions and works from more than 800 artists, families can enjoy interactive exhibits in tented and outdoor spaces, exploring the rich art and science of our region. For more details, see the attached flyer or visit the Festival Website. Hope you can attend!

We’re thrilled to announce our weekly snack sales starting November 6th! Join us every Wednesday from 1:30 to 2:00 PM to support our PTA, which funds 5th-grade activities and other school events. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our kids to hang out and help out!

We would love your assistance! Please arrive by 1:00 PM and meet me 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/8050A4FADAF28AAFE3-52304166-wednesday#/

Come one, come all the McKinley's Annual Talent Show on Friday, November 15th at 6pm in the Auditorium! You'll be glad you came as the night will be packed with amazing performances, laughter, and incredible student talent. From singers to dancers and everything in between, our students will showcase their skills, and our student MCs will keep you entertained with their funny and creative hosting. It’s a special night you’ll remember, so come join us and cheer on our talented Lions!

Save the date! Come hear the results of the Airport Conversion Project survey and determine a sustainable concept for Santa Monica Airport! December 7th at Memorial Park Gym from 1pm to 4pm

This Week

• November 11: No School (Veteran's Day)
  

• November 12: SSC 3:15-4:30pm (Zoom) (Agenda RESCHEDULED)

• November 13: Talent Show Rehearsal 1:35-3:30 PM, Auditorium

• November 14: Talent Show Rehearsal 1:35-3:30 PM, Auditorium

• November 15: Reflections, 8:00 AM, Auditorium

• November 15: Talent Show, 6:00-7:00 PM, Auditorium

• November 20: Coffee with the Principal, Library, 8:30-9:30 AM

• November 20: PTA Meeting 6:00-7:30 PM, Zoom

• November 22: Schoolwide Assembly-4th Grade Citizenship, Kinder Yard 8:30-9:00 AM

• November 22: ELAC, Library, 9:00-10:00 AM