
McKinley Dragon Tales
September: Back to School 2023-2024
Principal's Corner
I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer and had time to relax and make special memories with your friends and families. Our staff is excited to begin the 2023-2024 school year at McKinley Elementary School!
To ensure a smooth transition back to school, this newsletter will provide you with an overview of basic procedures and important dates. Please read the information carefully, so you can understand how we can work BETTER TOGETHER to ensure a safe environment and positive school experience for all. Also, please note that the forms on Skyward Family Access should be completed before the end of the month.
The staff and I look forward to sharing a wonderful year with you and continuing McKinley’s rich tradition of excellence in education. I am excited to begin this school year journey, alongside you, as your principal. Please reach out if you need assistance so that we can work together to ensure a fun-filled, enjoyable school year for all the children of McKinley Elementary School.
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend and we will see you on Tuesday!
Mr. Daniel Oldham, Principal
Important 2023 Dates
- Sept. 5: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
- Sept. 7: PTO Meeting 7pm
- Sept. 18-22: PTO Book Fair
- Sept. 21: Open House (5:30pm-7:30pm) (K-3: 6pm-7pm; 4-5: 6:30pm-7:30pm)
- Sept. 22: PTO Social 5:30-7:30
- Sept. 25: NO SCHOOL
- Oct. 5: PTO: Meeting 7pm
- Oct. 20: PTO Scarecrow Night 5:30pm-7:00pm
- Oct. 31: Halloween Parade 9:30 am, afternoon parties
- Nov. 7: NO SCHOOL
- Nov. 9: PTO Meeting 7pm
- Nov. 10: McKingo Night
- Nov. 13-14: American Ed. Week Visits to Classrooms
- Nov. 22: PTO Skating Party
- Nov. 20,21: Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Nov. 20-22: 12:20pm dismissal
- Nov. 23, 24: NO SCHOOL
- Dec. 4: Author Visit
- Dec. 4-6: PTO Holiday Shop
- Dec. 20: Winter Concert 9:45am
- Dec. 22: 12:20pm dismissal
- Dec. 25-29: NO SCHOOL
**All events are subject to change. Additional events may be added
to the calendar, as safety regulations permit.
McKinley HEART
Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (SPWBIS) / HEART at McKinley is a program to promote and maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence. As part of the SWPBIS program, we have several clear rules for the behavior we expect in all areas of our school (e.g. classroom, hallways, playground, cafeteria, gymnasium, etc.). We explicitly teach our students our expectations of Honesty, Excellence, Awareness, Respect, and Tolerance. We will also reward them frequently with positive notes and prizes for their great behavior. You will be able to ask your child, What are the rules in your school? How do you follow those rules? What happens when a teacher sees you following the rules?
McKinley Open House
Thursday, Sep 21, 2023, 05:30 PM
McKinley Elementary School, Cedar Road, Elkins Park, PA, USA
Basic Information
SCHOOL HOURS
Arrival 8:30-8:50 AM
Dismissal 3:20 PM
The school campus (including fields and playgrounds) is closed to the general public during school hours.
If a child is absent, parents must report it. An absence can be submitted on Skyward (see directions linked at the bottom of this newsletter) in advance of the date for appointments, or can be submitted on the day of the absence. Submitting an absence on Skyward is the recommended way of alerting the school of your child’s absence and removes the need for you to call the Child Check line.
If you do not report your child’s absence on Skyward, you must contact the Child Check phone or email line prior to 8:30 AM on the day of the absence: 215-663-0430 option#2. Please provide the following information: Child’s name, your name, teacher’s name, date(s) of absence, and the reason for the absence. Note: “Vacation” is not considered an excused absence in Abington School District, as per the district’s attendance policy.
Families can retrieve transportation information via Skyward.
Log into the Skyward information system using your assigned login name and password. You may need to click “Open Family Access” after logging in.
Select the “Busing” tab on the left-hand side as shown below. Your student’s busing information will be shown on the right-hand side.
During the first few weeks, expect bus schedules to fluctuate as everyone adjusts to the new bus routes. If your concern is about the location of a bus stop or driver, you will need to contact the Abington Transportation Department at 215-884-0421. If your child is experiencing a problem with other students, please contact our Asst. Principal, Ms. Corbett.
SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS
Suggested supply lists are posted on ASD’s Family Resources page. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle, and we have water refilling stations in the building. Cell phones are not necessary, but students who bring cell phones to school must keep the phones off and in their backpack throughout the school day.
K-2 Students Only: Please consider (optional) sending in a labeled bag with a spare set of clothing including a shirt, underwear, pants, and socks in the event of an emergency.
MEDICINE
The administration of medicine to students by the nurse may be authorized only in emergency cases and only upon the completion and submission of the Medication Form as well as documentation from the doctor. All medicines must come to school in the original container and be kept in the nurse’s office. It is the parents’ responsibility to bring medication to school. No medication should be sent into school with a student.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Parents and guardians have the option to purchase private student accident medical insurance. Please inquire with the Business Office at 215-881-2541 to obtain a brochure regarding the available coverage and enrollment/purchase information.
During the day, all exterior doors are locked, and everyone enters via the main entrance. To maintain building safety, a limited number of essential visitors will be allowed. Visitors must present a photo ID or wear an ASD-issued volunteer badge. Parents and guardians interested in volunteering at the school will need to obtain volunteer certifications in order to be approved to volunteer.