
McKinley Monthly
May 2017
A Word from Mrs. Hoffmann
Welcome to May!
We had an amazing day last week Friday with High Interest Day! Despite a threat of rain, it turned out to be a great day. The kids were happily engaged in a vast variety of activities. A heartfelt thanks goes out to the High Interest Day Committee—Heidi Engbring, Allison Byrne, Maggie DiCastri, Liz Russell, Kelly Rifelj—and all of the many, many, wonderful volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you!
Today kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week. I am truly grateful for all of the staff members here at McKinley. Thank you to the PTO for providing breakfast parfaits this morning, lunch that will be enjoyed on Wednesday, and all that is planned to show teachers how much the McKinley community supports them. It is nice to be treated so well.
At the end of this month we will begin creating class lists for the upcoming school year. You will receive parent input forms in Tuesday folders this week in case there is something you want us to consider in the metrics of the planning. Curious about classroom placement practices? Please see page 19 of your Parent/Student handbook, which can be found here: Handbook. The complex process of building next year’s rosters involves a team approach: classroom teachers, specialists, school social workers, specials teachers, parent input forms, and I all contribute to the process. Sometimes parents make specific requests that we are not able to honor. Trust that we have the best interest of all children in mind as we move into this process, and we are guided by the district’s Core Principles of Teaching and Learning for All. We release class lists August 17th (Registration Form Pick Up Day). Families of JK students will know if their JK student is slated for a.m. or p.m. by June 6th.
News about Junior Kindergarten and the new Right at School JK Wrap Around program: We are now scheduled for three sections of Junior Kindergarten. I will hire a half day teacher for a second morning section, so most of the families who requested morning will receive a morning spot. Based upon registration numbers for Wrap Around at this point, we intend to schedule all of the students who will use JK wrap-around in the two a.m. sections of JK and hold Wrap Around in the afternoon. Let me know if you have any questions.
Besides hiring a half-time JK teacher, we will have a few more staffing changes as well. Deni Klingforth, part-time 2nd grade teacher, has left on maternity leave for the birth of her 2nd child. She will not return in fall. She is choosing to stay home with her children. Becky Petri, Deni’s current job share partner, is finishing this year full time. Becky will move to third grade next year, into a vacancy that is being created by Amy Netko’s choice to return to Wilson to teach Senior Kindergarten. We are scheduled for only two sections of Senior Kindergarten next year, so Aimee Simek will move to 2nd grade (room 28). Things can be unpredictable at this time of year, but I will keep you posted as information changes.
Exciting events not to miss this month: Saturday’s EFW walk-run—I hope to see you there. Look for Mounty the Mascot. Will he make an appearance? Wednesday May 10th is Bike to School day—You can get a new helmet (kids and adults!) or have your bike checked for proper inflation in the tires and smooth mechanical operating. You can even register your bicycle and get a license from Wauwatosa Police Officers. Please see the PTO Newsletter for details, and let’s hope for a nice, sunny morning! On May 16th at 7 p.m., our Spring Concert will feature the band, chorus, and orchestra. And be sure to remember the Spring Buy One Get One Book Sale on Thursday, May 18th from 8:30-6:15 p.m. Last but not least, if we do not have a snow day between now and May 25th, the 26th through the 29th will be a four-day weekend in honor of Memorial Day. For Wauwatosa Events, visit http://wauwatosa.net/calendar.aspx?eid=3934.
Enough of the showers; let’s bring on the flowers! Have a great month everyone!
Mrs. Hoffmann
Dates to Remember
May 4 - Mechanics of McKinley and PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
May 6 - EFW Walk / Run
May 10 - Bike to School Day
May 16 - Spring Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert at 7 p.m.
May 18 - Spring BOGO Book Fair
May 26 - No Classes JK-12
May 29 - Memorial Day - No Classes JK-12
Ms. Kumferman’s Korner- news from your School Social Worker
Sharing a great resource…..
Established in 1994, the mission of Camps for Kids is to provide life changing, first-time resident camp experiences for children in Milwaukee County.
Camps for Kids offers a unique opportunity to youth ages 8-15 to attend an overnight, residential camp in Wisconsin. Each camp provides exciting activities and a chance to meet new friends and learn in a safe environment.
To Participate
Camps for Kids provides a one-time scholarship to youth who qualify so that they may attend an overnight, residential camp in Wisconsin.
Students must be ages 8-15 and meet the following criteria:
Reside in Milwaukee County
Eligible for free or reduced school lunch
Has not previously attended camp through the Camps for Kids Program
Check out the website for information about camps and scholarships
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Kyle’s Korner
7106 W. North Ave
Wauwatosa, WI
414-777-1585
Kyle’s Korner is a local agency that is dedicated to helping grieving children, teens and their families who are coping with the death of a loved one. Kyle’s Korner is a free resource where children, teens and families can go and share similar experiences as they go through the grief process. Whether it’s after the death of a family member, friend or even loss of a pet, this center is a great community resource that helps to support families. Kyle’s Korner has various support groups, and lots of resources for them. They have a lending library and online list of resources. This agency also hosts a free, summer camp for children who have lost a loved one.
News from the Art Room
Can you believe it’s May??
YOU WILL SOON HAVE SOME INCREDIBLE ART WORK MADE BY SOMEONE YOU LOVE!
PLEASE SEND A LARGE SIZE plastic BAG TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME ON IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, FOR EASY TRANSPORT OF ALL THEIR CREATIONS.
ARTWORK WILL BE SENT HOME THE LAST WEEK IN MAY/1st week of June. Questions? leighje@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us
THANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR!
Ms. Leigh
Change for Autism
Thank you, McKinley, so much for participating in the Change for Autism for the Autism Society of Southeastern WI! The total amount McKinley raised was $754.55 which is outstanding! The winning class was Mrs. Carus’ class at $100.85! Mrs. Carus' class will get to have a pizza party. Thanks again so much for helping to promote programming and education surrounding autism.
McKinley's First Destination Imagination Season
Wauwatosa’s McKinley Elementary joined other district schools participating in Destination Imagination this year. In its first Destination Imagination season, McKinley fielded six teams across a variety of challenges. “Destination Imagination is a program that provides project-based learning opportunities combining STEM education with the arts and service learning,” said Anne Coulling, co-director of Wisconsin Destination Imagination in the Milwaukee region.
McKinley’s teams performed well at the Milwaukee Regional Tournament at Muskego High School on March 18th. One of the teams, Project Omega, tackled the Engineering Challenge and qualified for the state tournament held April 8th in Stevens Point. Project Omega consists of Natalia Byrne, Elliott Engbring, Eliana Idzikowski, Henry Michel, Jackson Myers, and Henry Rommelfanger (see picture below). Led by Renee Michel and Ann Christiansen, the team met their first challenge when they realized they had forgotten their engineered structures back in Wauwatosa. They rallied to improvise new structures with generously donated wood, glue, and tools from fellow DI team, Roosevelt Rockets, from Roosevelt Elementary in Wauwatosa. Project Omega was able to assemble two new structures and submit them for the competition. Sadly, the structures did not hold up. Not to be discouraged, the team completed their presentation, performed well in their “Instant Challenge”, and placed 12th among the 17 other elementary engineering teams. The Engineering Challenge Master complemented Project Omega’s teamwork, ability to work under pressure, and positive attitude saying, “Project Omega showed the true spirit of DI today,” and everyone should be proud of their efforts.
Click on this link to read about other Wauwatosa DI Teams: http://www.edlinesites.net/pages/Wauwatosa_School_District/News/Six_Wauwatosa_teams_qualify_fo
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run is having another fantastic season. They are preparing for their June 4th 5K. One of our girls recently received some really nice press.
Daisy Lehman, a McKinley fifth grader, spoke at the Girls on the Run Sneaker Soiree on Friday, March 10 (see picture below). She stood up in front of a crowd of over 300 people and told her story. Next to Daisy on stage is Ann Rovito, McKinley head coach and GOTR board member. Daisy was a great representative of McKinley!
Click on the link below to see Daisy being interviewed for a local TV station.
http://www.tmj4.com/shows/the-morning-blend/a-sneaker-soiree-from-girls-on-the-run
Tosa Youth Tri
Registration is now open for the nonprofit Friends of Hoyt Park & Pool’s second annual TOSA Youth Tri on Saturday, Aug. 26, and this year’s triathlon is expanding its age range to include young competitors from 9 to 15.
Participants choose from two categories: FUN, which includes a 100-yard swim, 2-mile bike ride and a .6-mile run, or CHALLENGE, which is a 200-yard swim, a 4-mile bike ride and a 1.2-mile run. Swimming will take place in TOSA Pool, the bike ride will be on the Menomonee River Parkway and the run will go along the Oak Leaf Trail and through Hoyt Park.
Registration is $40, which includes a required one-year USA Triathlon membership. You can find the link to our Active.com signup at tosayouthtri.com. The triathlon is limited to the first 200 registrants. The price goes up to $50 after Friday, Aug. 4.
MPTV Great TV Auction!
E F W Bowling at Bowlero
Bowl every Wednesday from 2:30-5 pm for $5.
Price includes shoe rental and unlimited bowling during that time frame.
Bowlero will donate $3 from each participant to the EFW. Money raised goes directly to grants awarded next school year.
AMF Bowlero is located at 11737 W Burleigh Street - 414-258-9000.
Be sure to check them out!
Office Max / Office Depot Gives Back
* * Tosa Cares * *
TosaCares is a nonprofit agency located inside Mt. Zion Lutheran Church on North Ave in Wauwatosa. TosaCares assists families in Milwaukee County with food and other services. Please contact Linda Ertel for more information at 414-258-0456 ext 410 or tosacares.gmail.com
Distribution dates:
June 17, 2017
Aug 12. 2017
Sept 30, 2017
Nov 18, 2017
Services available on those dates:
Light Breakfast
Food Pack
Clothes Closet (free, no limit)
Health Dept,
Vision, Chiropractic
Opportunity for Fellowship
Sometimes household appliances
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Hours: Monday, 1-3 p.m.; Saturday 9 - 11 a.m.; closed on legal holidays.
Clients select their desired food and pack the food in bags distributed according to family size.
Food available: non-perishable canned goods, eggs, protein.
Registration requirements: can register on site.
McKinley contact info
Website: http://www.edlinesites.net/pages/McKinley_Elementary_School
Location: 2435 N 89th St, Wauwatosa, WI, United States
Phone: (414)773-1500