McKinley Dragon Tales

Hello McKinley Community!

It is hard to believe that the winter months are upon us! There have been two days where we have seen flurries, and it is fun to see how excited the students become when they see the snow falling. With that in mind, please make sure to dress your child appropriately for the winter weather and playing outside.

The Holiday Shop was a success and a special "Thank You" to the parents who have donated time and effort into making this event run smoothly. I hope your parent-teacher conferences were beneficial and you continue to experience a positive home-school connection.

Please be reminded that we have an early dismissal on December 22nd and I hope everyone has a warm and enjoyable winter break!

Take care,

Mr. Daniel Oldham, Principal

• Dec. 20: Winter Concert 10:30am - Concert in Gym and Livestreamed to classrooms
• Dec. 22: 12:20pm dismissal
• Dec. 25-29: NO SCHOOL
• Jan 4: PTO Meeting 7pm
• Jan 11: PTO Family Fun Night (Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop) 4:30-7:30
• Jan 15: NO SCHOOL - MLK Day of Service
• Jan 23: School Board Meeting - 7:30pm

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

to the calendar, as safety regulations permit.

October Winners:

Prize 1: Squishmello -Ellie Bannon

Prize 2: Black Panther Headphones- Aidan Mack

Prize 3: Basketball and M. Jordan calendar- Bobby Whitmore

Prize 4: Friendship Bracelets- Nina Ortiz

Prize 5: Match Memory Game: Sam Li

Prize 6: Paint Set- Asaph Sousa

November Winners:

Prize 1: Toast blanket: Sophia Gordienko

Prize 2: Dinosaur figurines- Kaleb Gamboa

Prize 3:Play Dough- Louis Bell

Prize 4: Jenga game- Sophia Chen

Prize 5: Nail Art- Bailey Hill

Prize 6: Speaker- Felicia Song

The students were excited to see the 'Discovery Kitchen' set up here at McKinley. They were introduced to some new flavors of pumpkin made into smoothies and overnight oats. Students at every grade level had the opportunity to taste these new and interesting flavors if they wanted, and some even requested seconds!

Thank you to all of the families that contributed to the Thanksgiving Food Drive. The McKinley Dragon Ambassadors are an integral and important part of McKinley Elementary School. They are part of a council of student representatives that participate in school decision-making, such as voting on various school spirit day activities, providing input on H.E.A.R.T. and anti-bullying initiatives, and leading schoolwide service learning projects. Dragon Ambassadors collaborate on many exciting events throughout the year that accentuate their leadership skills and excellent H.E.A.R.T. behavior.

Report card grades for Marking Period 1 will be posted in Skyward on December 8th at 4:00 pm.

Please contact your child's teacher if you have any specific questions concerning report card grades. If you need assistance, directions for accessing your child's report card have been emailed to all families.

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.