The Lion's Roar

Good morning, families,

Spring has officially sprung at McKinley! This week, we welcomed the season of growth and renewal by celebrating the first day of spring, the spring equinox, Nowruz (Persian New Year), and World Down Syndrome Day. To honor this day of inclusion and awareness, our students and staff proudly wore mismatched socks to help raise awareness and teach others about Down Syndrome. It was a great reminder of the beauty in our differences.

We also had a fun and inspiring Women’s History Month assembly featuring Caitlyn Schrepfer, a world-champion freestyle soccer athlete from Los Angeles. Caitlyn wowed us with her killer soccer moves and shared her powerful story of perseverance and dedication. If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, she’ll be competing today with other soccer freestylers at 2 PM at Hollywood Park.

This week’s Coffee with the Principal was a great one! We were joined by Tara Crow, a literacy specialist from the Santa Monica Public Library, who shared valuable resources for adult literacy and library services. Even better—she brought free books for grown-ups so we can participate in the March Minute Reading Challenge, too! Our own librarian, Ms. Ryan, updated us on our reading progress toward our individual 1,000-minute goals—collectively, we’ve already reached 133,416 minutes as of this morning! She also shared that children who are reading the most often have parents who are reading too. It’s not too late to join in—and yes, listening to audiobooks counts! If you missed the session, click here for the presentation.

And finally—and most importantly—we elected our PTA Executive Board for the 2025–2026 school year! We’re still looking for a few more folks to join this amazing team. If you're interested in joining a group of passionate, hard-working parents and teachers who support the growth of our school, we’d love to have you! Please reach out to our PTA nominating committee if you'd like to serve: mckinleyevp@gmail.com.

Looking ahead to this coming week, there’s a lot to be excited about! Today, we’re launching our Honorary Service Award nominations. If you know a McKinley parent, teacher, or community member who goes above and beyond in service to our school, this is a great way to show your appreciation. These awards are a special tradition in PTA—an opportunity to publicly celebrate those who give their time, heart, and energy to support our students.

We’ll also be kicking off our participation in the Santa Monica Education Foundation’s March Participation Campaign. Below you'll find a letter from me about why this campaign matters so much to our community. Every dollar makes a difference—and your kids love the programs they fund like our upcoming STEM Fair, Theater and Music.

Next week our 5th graders will be going to Pali Camp for an unforgettable overnight science experience. Right before they leave, they’ll also be visiting Lincoln Middle School on a field trip to help support their transition to sixth grade.

All of our TK-5 students will receive STEM Fair permission slips this Monday. You can also sign up using this electronic permission slip. This is such a fun event and a great way for families to support the interests of their kids.

And finally, we’re looking forward to some amazing dance performances from our students. Our 5th graders will perform West Side Story dances on Monday at 8:30 AM, and our 4th graders will perform traditional Mexican and African dances on Friday at 9:15 AM, following our schoolwide assembly on responsibility.

As always, there’s so much to celebrate from this week—and even more to look forward to in the days ahead. Thanks for all that you do. Wishing you a joyful and refreshing start to your spring!

In partnership,

Principal DW

Students were amazed and inspired during our Women’s History Month assembly with Caitlyn Schrepfer, a world champion freestyle soccer athlete from Orange County! Caitlyn wowed us with her incredible skills and shared her powerful story of perseverance and passion. What a memorable way to celebrate the strength and achievements of women!

This week’s Coffee with the Principal featured special guest Tara Crow from the Santa Monica Public Library! Tara shared helpful resources for adults and brought free books so grown-ups can join the March Minute Reading Challenge too. As of this morning, McKinley has read an incredible 133,416 minutes—and counting!

Dear Families,

Next week, the Santa Monica Education Foundation kicks off its March Participation Campaign—our final push this year to raise essential funds and increase parent participation. These funds ensure we keep the programs and staff our students love so much.

Here’s the reality: 100% of McKinley students benefit from Ed Foundation programs, yet only 18% of our families have donated this school year. Imagine what we could do if every family gave!

Our goal is to welcome 35 new McKinley donors during the March Participation Campaign—that’s just 5 families per grade! Plus, thanks to a generous $25,000 matching gift from Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, your donation will be doubled this week.

With everything happening in the world, supporting our children and their education is more important than ever. This is your opportunity to step up, show your love for McKinley, and give back. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference.

Join me in making a gift to support McKinley students! Make your donation now at smedfoundation.org.

Thank you for being part of this amazing community. Let’s make a big impact together!

-DW

We’re excited to share that Alondra Ortiz will be stepping in as our interim Bilingual Community Liaison while we work to fill the position following Michael Muñoz’s departure. Alondra is currently our Health Office Specialist and has served SMMUSD in multiple roles over the years, including supporting the SAMOHI Dean's Office, Human Resources, Payroll, Maintenance and Operations, and Special Education. She is also a proud SMMUSD alumnus.

Ms. Ortiz brings a deep commitment to our community, a wealth of experience supporting students and families, and—perhaps most importantly—the heart of a proud McKinley parent. We’re so grateful for her continued dedication and are lucky to have her in this new role! Our nurse, Dan Gorton will continue to support our Health Office alongside Health Office Specialist substitutes.

LAST CHANCE! Silent Auction closes Monday at 10 PM! Don’t miss out, bid now! https://app.galabid.com/jogathon/items

This year's silent auction includes an array of items like gift certificates to local favorites like Lokl Haus, A Cut Above, Santa Monica Seafood, and Solidarity. You'll also find unique experiences including passes for the Aquarium of the Pacific, Still Life Studio pottery classes, a class at Gourmandise Cooking School, tickets to Bob Baker's Marionette Theater, a family photo shoot with our very own Julie Sterling Williams, or a signature pedicure from Bellacures Santa Monica. Best of all, your bids directly support our students!

We’re excited to announce that nominations are now open for this year’s Honorary Service Awards! If you know a McKinley parent, teacher, or community member who goes above and beyond to serve our school, this is a heartfelt way to recognize their contributions. These awards are a cherished PTA tradition—an opportunity to honor those who generously give their time, passion, and dedication to support our students and school community. Complete your nomination using this Electronic HSA form or use the document below.

McKinley TK–5 students are invited to participate in our optional McKinley STEM Fair! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to explore their curiosity, think critically, and engage in scientific inquiry by choosing a project that solves a problem or answers a question. Projects should be student-led and completed at home, with support from a parent or guardian.

Important Details:

• Deadline to Participate: Thursday, April 4th
  Submit your permission slip and a brief description of your chosen project by this date.
  No late entries will be accepted.

• Display Boards:
  A tri-fold display board will be provided once the permission slip is received.

• How to Submit:

• Complete this Electronic STEM Fair Permission Slip OR

• Complete a Hard Copy STEM Fair Permission Slip (sent out on 3/24) and turn into the main office or email it to our STEM Fair Coordinator, Aimee Oyenoki, at aoyenoki@smmusd.org.

We can't wait to see the creativity, curiosity, and scientific thinking our students bring to life!

In the last week, McKinley community has already read approximately 50,000 minutes and went from 84,236 minutes to 133,416 minutes read! That's just amazing! We are so proud of reading community. This is our last week, so make it a good one. Make sure you find a good book (print or audio) and get those minutes in to win awesome 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!

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#/

Join us this Friday on the Kinder Yard for our monthly schoolwide assembly. This month's pillar of character is responsibility which will be presented by our 3rd grade students.

The PTA needs 2-4 committee members to help organize Staff Appreciation Week! Open roles include event planner, volunteer coordinator, party supplies coordinator, sponsor outreach, room parent coordinate, raffle coordinator. Reach out to lizethbejaranohc@gmail.com to join this effort to make an amazing week for McKinley staff.

Don’t Miss This Special Event on Supporting Neurodiversity!
Grant Elementary’s PTA Neurodiversity Resource Committee invites you to a powerful presentation:
“Creating Inclusive Classrooms: How Supporting Neurodiversity Benefits All Students” with Dr. Alice Kuo, Chief & Professor at UCLA Medicine.

¡No se pierdan este evento especial sobre el apoyo a la neurodiversidad!
El Comité de Recursos sobre Neurodiversidad de la PTA de Grant Elementary los invita a una presentación impactante: “Creando aulas inclusivas: cómo apoyar la neurodiversidad beneficia a todos los estudiantes” con la Dra. Alice Kuo, jefa y profesora de UCLA Medicine.

Date/Fecha: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Time/Horario: 5:30–6:30 PM
Where/Donde: Grant Elementary Auditorium | 2368 Pearl St., Santa Monica, CA
In person or via Zoom | Free childcare provided

Dr. Kuo will explore how fostering neurodiversity (ADHD, autism, etc.) enriches the classroom for all students.
👉 RSVP Online to attend!

Read more below!

• Locals’ Night on the Pier: Live Music, Classic Cars & Fun Santa Monica Pier, March 20, 3-10 p.m.

• Repair Cafe: All types of items to be repaired by volunteers. March 22, 11-3, Marine Park

• Aging and Disability Action Plan Open House - March 22, 9-12, SMC 1127 2nd St.,S.M. Drop in to share your ideas in writing or through an open, facilitated community discussion about how to make Santa Monica evenmore age and disability friendly.

• Celebrate Love, Community and Creativity at The Venice Love Fest! Free Community Festival with food, music, local artists/brands. 12257 Venice Blvd., March 22, 11-7.

• Santa Monica Youth Advisory Council New civic engagement opportunity! Apply now to the official Santa Monica Youth Advisory Council! The council is an amazing way to get involved in your city, facilitate real change, learn about government, and pump up your resume. Members will collaborate and discuss relevant topics in monthly meetings, working directly with the city council. Mentors like the mayor and other council members will be present in the meetings, even further enriching the experience. All students are encouraged to apply! Complete the application!

• The PYFC Film Fellowship Program - The PYFC Film & Visual Media Program trains youth in the basics of camera operations, film directing/editing and graphic design. In this program, students have the option of producing their very own short film, narrative, documentary and/or music video for free. Whether it’s a T.V. show, video blog, webisode or news broadcast, the local community is also welcome to bring their Vision to Television through PYFC’s Youth Behind The Vision Network (YBVN).Application for PYFC Film Fellowship Program.

• Playa Vista Optimist Club-looking for student entries for the Optimist International 2024-2025 Essay Contest.The local award for the winning essay is $400 and the winner will then advance to the District Contest. The first place winner of the District Contest is then awarded a $2500 scholarship and a plaque which is presented at a special District Awards luncheon.

• Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Men's College Scholarship - due 4/1/2025

• Summer Opportunities for 9-11th graders - Wilfandel Club Scholarship Information The Wilfandel Club is committed to promoting education for young people in the community. On behalf of the club, the Fannie Williams Scholarship Committee promotes higher education by providing scholarship awards for high school seniors. The scholarships are designed to financially assist deserving high school seniors who want to attend college. The number of scholarships granted each year, the amount of the scholarships and the recipients shall be determined by the scholarship committee. Scholarships are funded by donors and fundraisers. Deadline is April 1st! Click here for the application.

• Ellison Institute Research Foundation Junior Scholars represents a key part of the Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly evolving global landscape. This program fosters scientific education by incorporating hands-on experimentation in a collaborative environment. Formerly known as Junior Fellows, Junior Scholars is a unique, three-week summer fellowship for rising high school seniors interested in clinical or research oncology, designed to foster a lifelong passion for scientific education. https://eirf.org/education/

• Teen Gallery Guides at the Getty Center - a paid summer internship opportunity for teens interested in art, working in community with teen peers, building public speaking skills, and engaging with art professionals and museum spaces in unique ways. Over the summer, interns will learn strategies for understanding and discussing artwork, audience engagement techniques, and teaching strategies to lead gallery experiences and activities for school-aged visiting groups. Transportation to and from the Getty Center is provided to each intern, as well as a stipend. Questions? Please email gettyteens@getty.edu https://www.getty.edu/education/teens/index.html

• California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) - coming soon! COSMOS is an intensive four-week summer residential Pre-College Program for high school students who have demonstrated an aptitude for academic and professional careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

• Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement - coming soon! The Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement is a four-week summer intensive academy for 26 talented high school students from the communities surrounding the USC University Park and Health Science Campuses. Students are exposed to the equivalent of first-year college-level courses and develop a rich conceptual understanding and practice of the necessary role that media communications and journalism play in fashioning civic-minded thought leaders and innovators.

• Summer Young Mathematicians Summer Institute designed by the UCLA Math Project This is a great opportunity for your child to strengthen their math skills over the summer! The sessions are designed to support your child in building a strong foundation in math, while also preparing them for more advanced topics in later grades. Additionally, attending this workshop will look great on their academic record, as they will have participated in a Young Mathematicians course hosted by UCLA! Registration will open in January. Please feel free to reach out to Christine Riad at riad@gseis.ucla.edu https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeu_eZ_o4gmQY0U0FfikGTGMCsaK1zjjBuZt7eBkVGbeRRiwA/viewform

• 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 24: STEM Fair Permission Slips Go Out

• March 24: 5th Grade Dance Performance, 8:30 AM in the Auditorium

• 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: 4th Grade Dance Performance, 9:15 AM in the Auditorium

• March 28: Parent Input Forms Go Out

• March 28: Last Day for McKinley March Minute Madness Reading Challenge

• March 31: No School: Cesar Chavez Day

Upcoming Dates

• April 2: PTA Exec 9:00-10:30 AM , Zoom

• April 4: STEM Fair Perm Slip Due

• April 4: Environmental Defenders Assembly

• April 4: 5th Grade Health Talk

• April 7-April 18: Spring Break

• April 21: STAR Assessments Open

• April 22: ELAC Meeting (SPSA/Budget), 9:00-10:00 AM

• April 23: PTA Meeting, 6:00-7:30 PM, Zoom (SPSA/Budget)

• April 24: School Tour, 9:00-10:00 AM

• April 24: Ready, Tech, Go Event, 5:30-7:00 PM, Auditorium

• April 25: Parent Input Forms Due

• April 25: Jog-a-thon (Rescheduled)

• April 27: Campus Beautification Day/Earth Day Celebration

• April 28: Fire Drill

• April 28: STEM Fair Project Filming

• April 29: School Site Council Meeting (SPSA/Budget), 3:15-4:30 PM, Zoom

• April 30: Coffee with the Principal and the LMS Principal, 8:30-9:30 AM

• April 30: Earthquake Drill

• May 2: STAR Assessments Close

• May 2: Therapy Dog Visit

• May 2: Room Parent Meeting 9-10 AM, Zoom

• May 2: STEM Fair 6-7 PM