December McKinley Newsletter

2150 East 14th Street, San Leandro, CA  94577• 510-618-4320

https://www.sanleandro.k12.ca.us/mckinley

                                                                                     December 2018

Principal’s Message

As we are approaching the winter break, I would like to thank students, staff, and parents for contributing to the McKinley community that we are all so proud to be a part of.  Best wishes to all  families for the upcoming holidays.

New Staff

Please welcome our new staff members:

Thomas Dwyer: He will teach one section of vocal music to Ms. Peterson’s class on Tuesday afternoons.

Jennifer Fischer: RSP Teacher

Changed Gate Protocols

All  gates will remain locked until 6:00 PM. This protocol is being implemented to help ensure the safety of our students and staff. The evening custodian will unlock the the gates after our Kindercare program has ended. The community will continue to have access to our facilities after 6PM during the weekday and/or on the weekends.

Perfect Attendance

Congratulations to our 77 students who had perfect attendance for the first trimester. These students were recognized at an assembly on Friday, November 30th. They each received a special key chain, certificate and a coupon for a personal pizza courtesy of the PIzza Guys. 

Are you planning a family trip for the holidays? As you think about your arrangements, we want to stress the importance of sending your child to school every day possible. Every year, absences spike in the weeks before and after the winter holidays as families squeeze in a few more vacation days. We know that just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and put your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school.    

Weather

The cold and rainy weather has arrived.  Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately for these cold days. 

              
PTO Information

• Fundraiser updates
  • Shirt Sales: $422
  • Box Tops: $390 (Ms. Grant’s and Ms. Spencer classes were top sellers & won ice cream parties)
  • Monster Bash: $1,452
  • Porky’s Pizza: $351
  • Papa Murphy’s: $11 (The first day was not successful, it followed on the heels of Porky’s Pizza. This fundraiser will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for the remainder of the year).
  • Holiday Catalog: $3752 (PTO will get a percentage of sales)
• PTO Leadership Opportunities
  • Treasurer: PTO is currently seeking a treasurer. Duties will include monitoring, documenting and maintaining PTO’s money (incoming and outgoing) 
  • Purchaser: Work in collaboration with another purchaser (responsible for debit card)
• Upcoming Events/Save the Dates
  • Pancakes and Pajamas: Saturday, December 15th (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
    • Volunteers needed for 30 minute shifts
    • Holiday Boutique open during event
    • 2nd/3rd grade students will perform (led by Ms. Oey)
  • Book Fair - March 18th - 25th
  • End of the Year Bash - May 31st
• Special thanks to the Villaflor Family for their $100 donation

SLED Support (San Leandro Education Foundation)

• SLED is donating $3,444 to McKinley’s Outdoor Fund this year. Also they will provide each camper with a free t-shirt.
• SLED will cover field trip fee for 3rd and 4th grade classes going to the San Leandro History Museum
• The San Leandro Education Foundation is pleased to offer DIRECT SUPPORT to San Leandro USD teachers who are engaging their students with Project Based Learning that may require additional materials or financial support.
  
  

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Dates to Remember:

• December 3 PTO meeting (MPR) 6:00 - 7:30
• December 5 Wednesday Morning Message /Coffee Chat (Portable B)
• December 10 Fire Drill
• December 13 SSC Meeting (Library) 3:30 -4:30
• December 15 PTO’s Pancake and Pajama Event (MPR) 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM)
• December 19 Papa Murphy’s Fundraiser (11:00 AM -8:00 PM)
• December 20 Early Release Schedule
• December 21 Planning Day (No School for Students)
• December 24- January 4 Winter break (School is closed)
• January 9 Parent Engagement Night (6:00-7:30 MPR)

Make everyday count. Good attendance now will help your children do well in high school, college and work. Congratulations to Ms. Campbell and her 1st grade class for having the best attendance during the month of November.

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Seeking Volunteers for TK & Kindergarten Classrooms

If you are interested in working in either transitional kindergarten or kindergarten classrooms, our elementary schools are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! Our schools especially need support for 30-60 minutes at a time in the classroom, during recess, and during lunch.

Please contact McKinley's Parent Facilitator Jennifer Amate at jamate@slusd.us to learn how you can become a volunteer.