The Messenger
We wanted to remind families of some upcoming dates when school will not be in session for students. A more detailed list of important dates is listed later in this newsletter.
- Friday, October 4 - No School for students - Staff professional development
- Monday, October 7 - No School for students - Staff professional development and conferences
- Thursday & Friday, October 17 & 18 - MEA Break - School Closed
- Tuesday, November 5 - No School for students - Election Day
Our Bulldogs will be learning all about Responsibility this month! The definition we use for Responsibility is to take action and understand how our choices affect others, ourselves and the world. Within each classroom, teachers and students will be using activities, songs and games to learn more about what Responsibility means.
On Wednesday, October 16th McKinley will be celebrating Unity Day! On this day, we ask that students WEAR AND SHARE ORANGE to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying. We can’t wait to hear how our Bulldogs show kindness and acceptance that day and throughout the school year!
Mark your calendars! McKinley is hosting two opportunities to help raise funds for Thanksgiving meals for McKinley families in November!
Students can bring $1 to wear a hat on two special days to celebrate Hats Off to Giving!
Friday, November 8
Friday, November 15
ALL money raised will go directly to McKinley families to help with Thanksgiving groceries.
If you are in need of assistance or would like to help sponsor a family for Thanksgiving and/or our winter holiday program, Making Spirits Bright, please reach out to Mrs. Ness-Manary, 763-506-3479, jessica.nessmanary@ahschools.us
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten artists have been learning about lines. A line is a dot that goes on a walk. We learned about the artist Faith Ringgold and how she incorporated lines into her beautiful quiltart. Our artists are making line & pattern quilts for their teddy bears. We will be doing a lot of practicing with scissors, too. I love to see all of their enthusiasm for art! Ask them to draw you some lines.
First Grade
Our first grade artists are focusing on lines and shapes this trimester. I introduced artist Piet Mondrian who loved to use lines in his pieces. We are making some beautiful pieces of abstract art made from horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines. We also reviewed and used primary colors. Have them tell you about Mr. Mondrian.
Third Grade
This trimester, our third grade artists are mastering all of the elements of art. Our first project is incorporating all the elements into their name. We learned how to make block letters and applied each element inside their letters. They are doing an amazing job. Ask your artist to name some elements of art.
Fourth Grade
Our focus this trimester in fourth grade is to learn how art communicates. Students learn how to read and create art that can speak a narrative without using words. We started our personal pocket project that gives information about the artist using drawings to depict things they love. Ask your artist what’s in their personal pockets.
Fifth Grade
During the span of this year, students will be exploring how artists see and create art differently by examining work in four (or more) art styles. We started with Realism and learned about the artist Wayne Thiebaud. He is known for his delicious paintings of cakes, donuts and other types of food. We are currently creating a beautiful bakery of donuts in our art room. Ask your artist what kinds of donuts they are making.
The Sideline Store is always open to purchase McKinley spiritwear. There are often discounts listed on the site, so check back often or sign up for exclusive access to promotions and specials.