McKinley Dragon Tales

As we celebrate love and friendship this month, let us also take a moment to appreciate the bonds we share within our school community. The connections formed between students, parents, and staff contribute to the unique and nurturing atmosphere that defines McKinley Elementary.

Warmly,

Dan Oldham

Principal

• Feb 14 - Friendship Parties
• Feb 15 - McKinley VIP Dance
• Feb 15 - Bullying Prevention Assembly
• Feb 16 - No School
• Feb 19 - No School, President's Day
• March 25, 26, 27 - Early Dismissal (12:20)
• March 28 & 29 - No School - Spring Break
• April 1 - No School - Spring Break

**All events are subject to change. Additional events may be added

to the calendar, as safety regulations permit.

Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year opens tomorrow! Children whose 5th birthday occurs on or before September 1, 2024, may enroll. For more information, visit: https://www.abingtonsd.org/o/abington/page/kindergarten-registration #OneASD

McKinley PTO is proud to present the VIP Dance: Eras Edition.

Join us for an enchanted event on Thursday, February 15th from 6pm to 8:00pm in the school gym. Doors open at 6:00pm and close at 8:00pm. Come and SHAKE IT OFF! DJ, Photo Booth, Snacks, Drinks and DANCING! This event is for McKinley Students only and one Very Important person of your choice (VIP must be 18 years or older). We look forward to a fun-filled event!

The students had fun celebrating the 100th day of school! They celebrated with creating pictures of themselves and writing sentences about what they might look like and be doing when they turn 100 years old. Students also participated in doing 100 exercise moves, dressing like they were 100 years old, and turning selfies into realistic pictures of them as "older" students. What a fun day!

The McKinley McMentor program held a winter STEAM event. Students and mentors participated in a variety of activities that focused on building and creative thinking!

McKinley celebrated the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a peace assembly. During the assembly the members of The McKinley Bullying Prevention Committee read MLK quotes and shared insights about Dr. King and his messages of love and kindness. The administration team presented peace awards to students and we listened to performances from other students.

This year, the McKinley Equity and Diversity Committee held a teddy bear/stuffed animal drive. Our school was able to donate these items to the Salvation Army Red Shield Family Residence. The Salvation Army Red Shield Family Residence is a safe and welcoming emergency housing shelter. Mrs. Lee's class worked to decorate the boxes that the stuffed were held in. Thank you for all of your donations McKinley!

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?

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.

ABSENCES

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.

BUS AND TRANSPORTATION

Families can retrieve transportation information via Skyward.

1. Log into the Skyward information system using your assigned login name and password. You may need to click “Open Family Access” after logging in.

2. 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.

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS

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.