Dear McKinley Families,

Happy August! I am still in summer mode, refusing to let the days slip by unacknowledged. I am a lover of the heat, so this summer has been just right for me. I greet each day with a feeling of gratitude for the warmth and sunshine. I continue to notice what is in bloom and listen always for the joyful sounds of children playing outside. I have found myself reading more articles and short pieces than novels or non-fiction this summer, and can’t resist sharing some of those that have struck me as profound or have nudged me to think differently or broaden my perspective. I will have a section in the newsletter that includes links to a few of those articles.

I have received a good number of responses to the question about the mascot. There were 84 total respondents, with the majority stating that they are open to change. (See results graphs below.) One unexpected response that came up was the question “Do we need a mascot at all?” Some people like that we have just used a logo these past two years and wouldn’t mind just sticking with a “We are McKinley” approach. I met with three parents on Monday, and we discussed the comments and possibilities based on the results. We decided not to rush into anything and will continue to explore the possibilities and seek further input. Many of the comments I received included suggestions of varying appeal. Since I didn’t ask specifically for suggestions, I would like to give everyone the opportunity to offer their ideas before narrowing. I will have a mascot idea box on the table during form pickup and at Forms, Fees, and Photos day that parents and students can drop their ideas into. Some things to keep in mind: we would like to keep the school colors (red, white, and black), and we will not go with anything that encourages violence. If you are interested in being on the review committee, please send me an email. As we continue to explore, we will have a McKinley shirt with a fresh, one-time logo design, available for purchase during Forms, Fees, and Photos day in case you are looking for spiritwear for our Friday spirit days. Of course, as always, wearing red for spirit days is enough for double tickets. No one is obligated to purchase McKinley-wear.

Our students and families are beginning to wonder who their teachers will be for the upcoming school year. Class lists will be posted outside of the main office on August 17th from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Don’t forget to join us on August 22nd for Fees, Forms and Photos from 1 to 5 p.m. and on August 29th 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. for our annual Meet the Teacher event and PTO Popsicle Social. (JK Meet the Teacher will be August 25th, 5 ‑ 6 p.m.) Members of the PTO will be in the multipurpose room after each of our Meet the Teacher sessions to welcome new families and give a brief overview of things you should know and how you can become involved.

I am looking forward to another wonderful school year! Enjoy these last glorious days of summer!

Mrs. Hoffmann

In Wauwatosa, teachers and instructional coaches work as a team. They analyze student data to plan engaging, effective lessons designed to increase student achievement. Our Reading Specialist, Amy Duchac, will continue to collaborate with teachers through literacy coaching. In addition to coaching in literacy, we are adding instructional coaching in the area of mathematics this year. Please join me in welcoming Sarah Svendsen to our school as a half-time/full time Instructional Coach. As a part of this work, Reading Specialists and Instructional Coaches are in the classrooms with your children and their teachers. Coaches support our teachers and learners in many ways. They might model lessons or how to use a strategy, work with a small group, or could teach with the classroom teacher.

This year Office Max and Office Depot stores are offering local schools the opportunity to partner in a fundraising activity. For McKinley, 5% of all purchases made by parents or teachers for the entire year will be donated to the school in the form of a merchandise credit. Our master ID # is 70113794.

Aug 17 Form pick up and class list posting - 8:30-5 p.m.

Aug 22 Fees, forms, and photos day

Aug 25 JK only meet the teacher, parent info session, PTO presentation 5-6 p.m.

Aug 29 SK-5 only meet the teacher, parent info sessions, PTO presentation 5:45-7:30 p.m.

Sep 1 First day of school!

Sep 5 Labor day - no classes

Sep 8 Mechanics of McKinley and PTO meeting

Sep 22 McKinley mile

Website: http://www.edlinesites.net/pages/McKinley_Elementary_School
Location: 2435 N 89th St, Wauwatosa, WI, United States
Phone: (414)773-1500