Wednesday, December 21, 2011

School Board Meeting at McKinley

On Wednesday, January 11th the Box Elder School Board will have their monthly meeting at McKinley Elementary School. This will be an opportunity for our school to show and tell of the wonderful activities happening at our school. The entire 4th grade will be sharing a couple of songs on their recorders and also singing a couple of songs. We will also be sharing a few of our successes that we have experienced these past couple of years. We invite all to come and participate in this event. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in our multi-purpose room (gym).

Thursday, December 1, 2011

BOGO Book Fair

PTA will be hosting a BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) Scholastic Book Fair. It will be in the gym on the stage. The schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, December 7th from 3-5 PM
Thursday, December 8th during lunch and from 3-5 PM
Friday, December 9th during lunch and from 3-5 PM

This is a great time to buy some great Christmas gifts. Come check it out.

December Calendars

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December Principal Message

Parent – Teacher Communication

I have been involved with many associations and committees and with these varied experiences I have come to realize that communication is key. When it comes to your child’s education one thing sticks out:

Parental involvement enhances student success. A first step toward involvement is communicating with your child’s teacher. Effective communication consists of meeting with the teacher, being a positive partner in the learning experience, and keeping lines of communication open. Here are a few ideas to help us all:
  • Find out the best way to contact the teacher. Ask for times when it is convenient to talk. Don’t expect them to be able to talk if you happen to be at the school and run into them.
  • Write short notes (written or as an e-mail, if allowed) and follow up with a phone message to the school if you don’t get a response in a few days. Be sure to include your phone number and/or e-mail address.
  • Be diplomatic, especially in e-mail. Choose words carefully and avoid criticizing the teacher.
  • In e-mail communication, be brief, stick to the point. Stick to school-related information in e-mail.
  • Be positive and curious. Open with phrases such as “Can we talk about…?” Use “I” statements such as “I’m confused about…” so you don’t put the teacher on the defensive.
  • Don’t be afraid to talk to me. I might be able to intervene if you are unable to communicate with your child’s teacher.
  • Be a partner in your child’s learning. Assist with homework, help your child learn time management skills, talk about school matters at home.
  • Send a note of appreciation to the teacher when things go well in class (and mention this to me).
  • It may be difficult to hear what teachers have to say if they deliver bad news about your child. Try to focus on solutions and work with the teacher to come up with a healthy plan to help your child learn.
I can’t believe how fast this school year is going. There is so much good happening at McKinley School and thanks to our great staff, PTA, and parents we are seeing much success. This is a great place to be. Our next book fair is December 7 – 9. This might be good time to purchase a Christmas book for your child especially since its BOGO time (buy one get one free).

As usual, it there are any concerns or times for celebration, please stop in my office and visit.

Thanks, Mr. Chadaz

Monday, November 28, 2011

Letters To Santa

It is that time of year to start writing to Santa and The Leader (our local newspaper) is hoping they come from our school. They would like letters from first, second and third graders, short Christmas stories from fifth graders and Christmas art work from fourth graders at our school. They need them in their office by Dec. 9, in order to print them in their Greetings issue.

Thank you!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

2012-13 PTA Board

If you would be willing to help on the PTA Board for the 2012-13 school year, please contact Sareena Price.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Food Drive

McKinley Student Council is holding a Food Drive to collect food for the Tremonton Food Pantry. It is a contest to see which class can bring in the most food so please send some non-perishable food items to school with your students and help support our community! They will collect until Tuesday, November 22nd.

Take Home Library Help

The school is in need of some volunteers to help in the Take Home Library on MONDAYS and FRIDAYS! If you are available on Monday and/or Friday mornings and would be willing to help out, please contact Mrs. Ellis at the school ASAP!! WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! It starts at 9 AM and goes until all books are done so the more help the faster it will get done.

Thanks!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Reflections Deadline Extended

Just a note to let you know that the Reflections deadline has been extended to Friday, November 4th. Get those creative juices flowing and turn in an entry to the office. Make sure to print off and fill out an entry form to go with it.

Theme:
Diversity is....

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November Calendars

Click on images to view larger.


November Principal Message

Healthy Self-Esteem

Few things are as rewarding as seeing your child glow from the inside out. And it happens when children have a high self esteem: when they know themselves to be unconditionally accepted, when they feel both loved and lovable, and when they feel a sense of belonging and self worth.

Kids with healthy self-esteem tend to enjoy interacting with others, learn more, and smile more. They're comfortable in social settings and enjoy group activities as well as independent pursuits. When challenges arise, they can work toward finding solutions and voice discontent without belittling themselves or others. Here how you can play an important role in promoting a healthy self-esteem in your child.

Watch what you say. Kids are very sensitive to parents' words. Remember to praise your child not only for a job well done, but also for effort. But be truthful. For example, if your child doesn't make a goal that they have set, avoid saying something like, "Well, next time you'll work harder and make it." Instead, try "Well, you didn't make this time, but I'm really proud of the effort you put into it." Reward effort and completion instead of outcome.

Be a positive role model. If you're excessively harsh on yourself, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your abilities and limitations, your child may eventually mirror you. Nurture your own self-esteem, and your child will have a great role model.

Identify and redirect your child's inaccurate beliefs. It's important for parents to identify kids' irrational beliefs about themselves, whether they're about perfection, attractiveness, ability, or anything else. Helping kids set more accurate standards and be more realistic in evaluating themselves will help them have a healthy self-concept. Inaccurate perceptions of self can take root and become reality to kids. For example, a child who does very well in school but struggles with math may say, "I can't do math. I'm a bad student." Not only is this a false generalization, it's also a belief that will set the child up for failure. Encourage kids to see a situation in its true light. A helpful response might be: "You are a good student. You do great in school. Math is just a subject that you need to spend more time on. We'll work on it together."

Be spontaneous and affectionate. Your love will go a long way to boost your child's self-esteem. Give hugs and tell kids you're proud of them. Pop a note in your child's lunchbox that reads, "I think you're terrific!" Give praise frequently and honestly, without overdoing it. Kids can tell whether something comes from the heart.

Give positive, accurate feedback. Comments like "You always work yourself up into such a frenzy!" will make kids feel like they have no control over their outbursts. A better statement is, "You were really mad at your brother. But I appreciate that you didn't yell at him or hit him." This acknowledges a child's feelings, rewards the choice made, and encourages the child to make the right choice again next time.

Create a safe, loving home environment. Kids who don't feel safe or are abused at home will suffer immensely from low self-esteem. A child who is exposed to parents who fight and argue repeatedly may become depressed and withdrawn. Also watch for signs of abuse by others, problems in school, trouble with peers, and other factors that may affect kids' self-esteem. Deal with these issues sensitively but swiftly. And always remember to respect your kids.

Help kids become involved in constructive experiences. Activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition are especially helpful in fostering self-esteem. For example, mentoring programs in which an older child helps a younger one learn to read can do wonders for both kids.

As always, if I can be of any assistance to help with your child’s education please give me a call or stop by my office for a visit. Together, we win!

Mr. Chadaz

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Reflections Deadline Extended

The Reflections deadline has been extended to Tuesday, November 1st.

The theme:
Diversity is....

Please fill out all necessary forms and turn in entries to the office.

THANKS!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

IHC Offers Classes for Kids

IHC is offering some great classes for kids at the Bear River Valley Hospital on November 12th and November 19th. Please click on the images below to see more information. Pre-registration is required so if you are interested, please call soon to reserve your spot.


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Pumpkin Walk

Don't forget the Pumpkin Walk will be
Thursday, October 28th from 6-7 PM

Wear your costumes, bring your family, and come look at all the fun pumpkins the students carve/design.

Monday, October 24, 2011

REFLECTIONS DUE!!!

Just a reminder that Reflections entries are due on
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28th

Make sure to follow all rules and fill out the entry form completely and correctly and bring it with your item to the office to turn in.

"DIVERSITY MEANS....."
is the theme.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Red Ribbon Week

Mckinley is DRUG FREE and we are going to celebrate with Red Ribbon Week the week of October 24 - 28th.

Click on the image below to see the dress up days for this week.

This will be a fun week to celebrate staying healthy and staying away from substances that will harm our bodies.

Reflections

Reflections is underway and all entries need to be turned into the office by Friday, October 28th. Unleash your creativity and enter!!!

If you have any questions, click on the images below (this was sent home with the students last week) for more info or go to www.utahpta.org/reflections for entry forms and more details.

THANKS!



Thursday, October 6, 2011

October Lunch Calendar

Okay everyone, here is the rest of the lunch schedule for October.
Sorry we couldn't send it on the newsletter this month.

Click on the image to view larger.




Walk-A-Thon Success

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Walk-A-Thon. We brought in $11,000 to use for activities, etc. at McKinley.

WAY TO GO!

Thanks also to all those who put so much work into making it so fun for the kids, parents, teachers, and everyone. Your efforts are very much appreciated!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

LOST KEYS

Attention: Someone left a set of keys in the office. They have a GAME STOP Rewards card hooked to them.

If you cannot find your keys and these are yours, please contact Karma in the office.

THANKS!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

October Calendars

Click on images to view larger.


October Principal Message

We are more than a month into the 2011-2012 school year and I'm pleased to report that everything is going very well. Instruction is proceeding well, all students are appropriately engaged, and our PTA has already treated us to a great fundraiser and fun PRO Dad Pancake Dinner. I am always amazed at the community support and spirit at our school.

We have much more planned for the rest of the school year, including a Family Literacy and Math Night, Pumpkin Walk, and other parent/guardian activities for every grade. If you haven’t already, come and join the fun and let’s get to know each other better.

I feel so confident about each grade level in our school and have visited each classroom several times leaving with a feeling of satisfaction that we are doing the right things here at McKinley Elementary School. There are some things that we need to work on and our teachers are very sincere in improving and collaborating with each other to build upon each other’s strengths. We are trying to make every opportunity a win/win for all involved.

Our parent conferences will be held On October 12th and 13th. Your teacher will be contacting you soon about arranging a conference time that's suitable for you. It's important that every parent sit down with their child's teacher and have a candid conversation about their child’s strengths as well as their individual challenges.

Also, be sure to talk with your children about their school work to ensure their successful academic and intellectual development.

We're off to an exciting start and I'm delighted to be a part of it. Please feel free to give me a call or come and visit me with any concerns you might have or some exciting news you want to share. We are family here and my door is always open.

Mr. Chadaz
Thank you for your support.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Yearbooks from Last Year

If you didn't get a yearbook last year and would like one, PTA is offering a steal on them at $5 each until gone. If you are interested, please contact Wendi Rees. She sent a note home with more info.

Also, be on the look out for the order forms to order yearbooks for this school year (2011-12) soon. We will not be ordering extras this time so make sure if you want one to order them when they are offered.

THANKS!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Walk-A-Thon

Don't forget the Duel of the Schools Walk-A-Thon is tonight, September 27th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Bear River High School Track. Bring the family for a night of fun. See ya there!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fundraiser Money Due

Don't forget the pledge money for the Duel of the Schools Walk-A-Thon is due on Friday, September 23rd and the event will take place at the BRHS track on Tuesday, September 27th from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. THANKS!

Drug Free Fun Run

Ribbon Run 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk

October 15 @ 9:00 am

Cedar Ridge Middle School

65 N. 200 W., Hyde Park (Logan)

Pick up a registration form at the office or go to www.brhd.org<http://www.brhd.org>

Come RUN to be DRUG FREE!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!!

Calling all parents, the school needs help in the Take Home Library!!! This is also known as the "baggy books" which are the reading books that go home with the students each night.

It is in the mornings starting at 9 AM each day and the school would greatly appreciate the help. They need helpers for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. They have some helpers on Mondays but could use some people for back-up when needed. The more helpers there, the faster it gets done so please volunteer a little of your time for our students.

If you are willing to help a day, two or more, please contact Shannon Ellis in the Library at the school ASAP.

THANKS!!!

FUNDRAISER

There will be a kick-off assembly on Monday, September 12th to explain the Walk-A-Thon fundraiser to the kids so watch for packets to come home that day. If parents would like to attend, you are welcome to come. It will be at 2:00 PM in the gym.

We also need all the helpers we can for the Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser which will be on Tuesday, September 27th from 5 - 8 PM at the Bear River High School Track. If you can help, please contact Sareena Price, PTA President.

Thank you.

Quilt Winner

Congratulations to Vicky Poulsen who is the winner of the quilt from the PTA Membership Drawing.

Monday, September 5, 2011

PTA Budget

This is the 2011-2012 PTA Budget for your information. Please click to enlarge image and then click again to zoom in for better viewing. THANKS!





Monday, August 29, 2011

PLEASE JOIN PTA

If you were not at registration and didn't have a chance to join PTA, please go into the office and join. It is only $5 for single membership or $8 for dual membership. There is a very neat quilt that you can receive raffle tickets for joining PTA. The winner will be chosen in a random drawing on Friday, September 2nd after school and the winner will be notified.

Our PTA sponsors many different activities for the students at McKinley and we really want you to be a part of this great program.

THANKS!


Friday, August 26, 2011

September Calendars

Click on images to view larger.






Room Parents

Calling all parents:

If you were not able to attend the Open House but would like to be a room parent in your child's classroom, please contact Courtney Stocking at 279-6272 or courtney@sierrahomes.com. We need some more volunteers and the more we get for each classroom, the easier it will be for everyone. Please volunteers a little of your time to make this year fun!

THANKS!

September Principal Message

We’re off to a great start and the teachers and students are working overtime to do their very best. I have been so impressed with what I have seen going on in the classrooms and in all the activities of the school. The spirit of volunteerism is indeed great here at McKinley Elementary and it is greatly appreciated. It takes a team to work a plan and a positive working plan is definitely in place at McKinley Elementary School.

As we begin this school year encourage your children to study smart. This is important at school and at home. Encourage your youngsters to treat studying as a daily assignment, not just something he or she does the evening before a test.

I encourage you to have after-school chats with your child. Greet your child with a question like “What’s in your backpack?” and you’ll discover a lot about what he or she does in class.

• Set aside time each day to go through their papers. Try to do it first thing after school when their day is fresh in their mind.

• Look over your youngster’s work together. Help them feel proud by making a specific comment about something they’ve done. For instance, if they show you a picture they have drawn, you might say, “The gray sky and mountains look just like our rainy days and valley.

• Have them talk through math problems and reading to show you what they have learned. They might want to explain want new math problem they learned that day.

Safety is always a big concern and we feel very fortunate that we have had a safe year this past year without any major accidents. The carpool lane is always a concern and we have had some major improvement thanks to all of you. Please remember to keep the flow moving when your pick up your child before and after school in the carpool lanes. There should be no U turns on 500 South. Be on the lookout for children and all pedestrians and continue to be courteous to all.

As always, thanks for support and thanks for letting me be a part of this great school and community.

Mr. Chadaz

WELCOME BACK



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Activities Week 5 of May/June

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
MAY 30 - JUNE 2

* IT IS THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL! Can you really believe it?

* NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, MAY 30TH DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY!

* May 31st will be the School Pentathalon at 9:00 AM for 4th and 5th Graders. It will begin about 9:00 AM. If you are participating, make sure to wear the appropriate clothing.

* Parents: DON’T FORGET THAT 5TH GRADE GRADUATION IS TUESDAY, MAY 31ST AT 5:30 PM SHARP in the gym. Please dress in nice clothes for this special occasion. Come honor this great group of graduates!

* Final Awards Assembly is Wednesday, June 1st at 9:30 AM.

* FIELD DAY IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1ST AT 12:45 PM. Room parents: Please check with the teacher of the class you are over and see what help they need for that day and what time they need volunteers. Also, room parents are being asked to provide Capri Suns for after the activities that day so if you could arrange for someone to bring enough for your class and leave them with the teacher, notifying him/her what they are for, sometime before Field Day, that would be fantastic! If you have questions, please contact Tarena Avery.

* Thursday, June 2nd is the last day of school! The soccer game: 5th Graders vs. McKinley Staff will be in the morning at 9:00 AM. School will be dismissed at 12:25 PM. No lunch will be served this day.

* Congratulations to Mrs. Hannum’s 1st Grade Class who won the Overall Box Tops Competition.

* The Box Tops Competition for this school year has officially ended but make sure to be saving the following items over the summer: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes.

* Mrs. Missy Michaelis has 6 free kittens available. If you are interested, please talk to Mrs. Michaelis at the school.

* A SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the Room Parents for the many hours you have given at the school this year and to the PTA Board for all of your hard work, as well as those parents, grandparents, etc. who have come and volunteered time at the school on behalf of our students. You really make a DIFFERENCE and your efforts are appreciated! We also want to thank the staff at McKinley for all of their support! You truly are the greatest!

* For a really cool Summer Activity Guide of things to do for kids in the Box Elder and Cache County area, go to www.usuchild.usu.edu. Click on “parents” at the top, then click on “Activities for Children” on the left side and then click on “Summer Activity Guide.”




HAVE A FUN AND SAFE SUMMER!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Activities Week 4 of May

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
MAY 23 - MAY 27

* CORE TESTING is wrapping up! Make sure your students are getting adequate rest and a healthy breakfast so they are prepared for testing.

* May 24th is the last day for all Kindergarten students! After that, they will be doing assessments until the end of the school year and the teachers will send home more information on a date and time for your student to meet for testing.

* Wednesday, May 25th is the 5th Grade Science Fair from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. Parents are invited to attend.

* Mrs. Denney will be retiring at the end of this school year and there will be an Open House on Wednesday, May 25th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the school for anyone who would like to come and thank her for her great years of service!

* The Blow Up Toy Celebration is on Thursday, May 26th. We plan to set aside the lunch block (11:30 – 12:30) for any parents that would like to bring their Kindergarten students to the school that day for some time to play on the toys. THANKS!

* Bookmobile is Thursday, May 26th. Please make sure to send your child’s book to be returned as this is the last time Bookmobile will be coming for the school year.

* 3rd Grade Music Program is on Friday, May 27th at 2:00 PM in the gym! Parents, grandparents, etc. are invited to come and see a really amazing program.

* It is Memorial Day on Monday, May 30th and there will be NO SCHOOL!

* The Box Tops Competition for this school year has officially ended but make sure to be saving the following items over the summer: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes.

* Room Parents (excluding Kindergarten) PLEASE READ: It looks like Field Day is scheduled for June 1st in the afternoon. Could you please check with the teacher of the class you are over and see what help they need for that day and what time they need volunteers. Also, room parents are being asked to provide Capri Suns for after the activities that day so if you could arrange for someone to bring enough for your class and leave them with the teacher, notifying him/her what they are for, sometime before Field Day, that would be fantastic! Thanks. If you have questions, please contact Tarena Avery.

* Mrs. Missy Michaelis has 6 free kittens available. If you are interested, please talk to Mrs. Michaelis at the school. Thanks!

* Don’t forget!!!! 5th Grade Graduation will be Tuesday, May 31st at 5:30 PM SHARP in the gym. Please dress in nice clothes for this special event.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Activities Week 3 of May

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
MAY 16 - MAY 20

* CORE TESTING continues on! Make sure your students are getting adequate rest and a healthy breakfast so they are prepared for testing.

* The PTA Board Luncheon for this year’s board members and next year’s board members is Monday, May 16th at 12:30 PM at North Park Bowery (in case of inclement weather, at Joan Whitaker’s home). Please bring a dessert or salad and come visit and enjoy lunch.

* Early Out is Wednesday, May 18th! School dismissed at 12:55 PM.
AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* Mrs. Carolyn Michaelis’ classes are having a music program for moms on Friday, May 20th at 10:30 AM for her morning class & 2:15 PM for her afternoon class.

* FYI: The Blow Up Toy Celebration is on Thursday, May 26th. When this was scheduled at the first of the school year, we did not know that Kindergarten students would be done with school before then. We plan to set aside the lunch block (11:30 – 12:30) for any parents that would like to bring their Kindergarten students to the school that day for some time to play on the toys. THANKS!

* The Box Tops Competition for APRIL & MAY is between ALL GRADES. Let’s see which class in the school can be the top collector. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. The last day to bring them in will be FRIDAY, MAY 20TH. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE OVERALL WINNING CLASS! Good Luck! We are now only collecting the above listed items!!! (No more cereal bags, chip bags, etc.)

* NOTE: Mrs. Denney will be retiring at the end of this school year and there will be an Open House on Wednesday, May 25th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the school for anyone who would like to come and thank her for her great years of service!

* Room Parents: It looks like Field Day is scheduled for June 1st in the afternoon. Could you please check with the teacher of the class you are over and see what help they need for that day and what time they need volunteers. Also, room parents are being asked to provide Capri Suns for after the activities that day so if you could arrange for someone to bring enough for your class and leave them with the teacher, notifying him/her what they are for, sometime before Field Day, that would be fantastic! Thanks. If you have questions, please contact Tarena Avery.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mrs. Denney Retirement Open House

There will be an Open House to honor Mrs. Denney and her many great years of teaching on
Wednesday, May 25th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at the school.
Please come and wish her all the best in her future endeavors as she retires from teaching.

THANKS MRS DENNEY!!!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Activities Week 2 of May

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
MAY 9 - MAY 13

* CORE TESTING is going on again this week! Make sure your students are getting adequate rest and a healthy breakfast so they are prepared for testing.

* Community Council Meeting – Monday, May 9th at 3:15 PM in Missy Michaelis’ Room

* PTA Board Meeting – Tuesday, May 10th at 3:10 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge

* Bookmobile will be on Thursday, May 12th.

* Thank you Room Parents for your help with Teacher Appreciation last week, we appreciate all you do! We have a couple more events we will need some help with at the end of May including the Blow Up Toy Celebration and Field Day. You will be contacted soon with more info.

* 5th Graders & Parents: D.A.R.E. Graduation is on Thursday, May 12th at 6:30 PM in the gym. We hope to see you there!

* Please note: Last week on the Monthly Calendar that PTA sent home for May, it listed a Kindergarten program on Thursday, May 12th. This is the Full Day Kindergarten Class' music program and they will send home more info home for parents who have students in this class. Mrs. Carolyn Michaelis’ classes are having a music program for moms on Friday, May 20th at 10:30 AM for her morning class and at 2:15 PM for her afternoon class. Sorry for the confusion.

* FYI: The Blow Up Toy Celebration is on Thursday, May 26th. When this was scheduled at the first of the school year, we did not know that Kindergarten students would be done with school before then. We plan to set aside the lunch block (11:30 – 12:30) for any parents that would like to bring their Kindergarten students to the school that day for some time to play on the toys. THANKS!

* The Box Tops Competition for APRIL & MAY is between ALL GRADES. Let’s see which class in the school can be the top collector. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and give them to your teacher until MAY 20TH. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE OVERALL WINNING CLASS! Good Luck! We are now only collecting the above listed items!!! (No more cereal bags, chip bags, etc.)

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Activities Week 1 of May

* CORE TESTING will begin this week! Make sure your students are getting adequate rest and a healthy breakfast so they are prepared for testing.

* May Health & Safety Challenge: Be Safe
Make choices that will keep you safe!
1. Discuss with your family ways to be safe at home or away.
2. Always wear a bike helmet and ride safely!
3. Have “Fun in the Sun”, but be safe by always wearing sunblock!

* Early Out is Wednesday, May 3rd! School dismissed at 12:55 PM.
AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* IT IS TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK! Room Parents will need to have door posters up by Monday, May 2nd. Wednesday, May 4th, is a Teacher Luncheon to celebrate our staff at McKinley. Room parents should have been notified about this and what help will be needed in the classroom during this time. If you have questions, please contact Tarena Avery at (435) 213-1934. Thanks for all you do!

* Book Fair Schedule:
Tuesday, May 3: 11:30 – 12:30 (During lunch) & 3:00 – 5:00 (Grand Event)
Wednesday, May 4: 11:30 – 12:30 (During lunch) & 1:00 – 3:00 (Grand Event)
Thursday, May 5: 11:30 – 12:30 (During lunch) & 3:00 – 6:00 (Grand Event)
Friday, May 6: 11:30 – 12:30 (During lunch) & 3:00 – 5:00 (Grand Event)

* Birthday Table for May & June Birthdays will be Friday, May 6th!

* The Box Tops Competition for APRIL & MAY is between ALL GRADES. Let’s see which class in the school can be the top collector. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and give them to your teacher until MAY 20TH. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE OVERALL WINNING CLASS! Good Luck! We are now only collecting the above listed items!!! (No more cereal bags, chip bags, etc.)

* NOTE: Mrs. Denney will be retiring at the end of this school year and there will be an Open House on Wednesday, May 25th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the school for anyone who would like to come and thank her for her great years of service!

May Health & Safety Challenge

Each month there will be a personal challenge to help you be healthy and safe this year. If you discuss and accept this challenge with your parents, you can bring back a slip to be entered in a drawing for monthly rewards. You can also do your part to earn a “Blow Up Toy” Activity Day for the whole school at the end of the year. We are excited to see the fantastic students and staff at McKinley Elementary get fit and have fun this year!

May Health & Safety Challenge: Be Safe
Make choices that will keep you safe!

1. Discuss with your family ways to be safe at home or away.
2. Always wear a bike helmet and ride safely!
3. Have “Fun in the Sun”, but be safe by always wearing sunblock

May Calendars

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May Principal's Message

Be The Best You Can Be
As We Try – Our Kids Will Try


Even though the school year is about to end there is always ways to improve to be a better person. We can always try a little harder to be a little better and while doing so we can help others along the way. Each human being has virtually unlimited potential when born. Unfortunately, many of us are never able to achieve our full potential. There are steps that you can take to be the best you can be. You really have to pursue and develop it to be the best you can be. Here's how to do it.

Evaluate Your Strengths and Weaknesses - Self knowledge is the starting point in trying to be the best you can be. You'll need to write down your strengths and weaknesses and ask others to assess them, too. The feedback from others will help you see how realistic your self-assessment is and perhaps aid in defining your potential in a number of areas.

Establish Realistic Goals - You need to make things happen. Becoming the best you can be isn't automatic. An important step is to establish realistic goals for key areas of life: education, career, income, choice of place to live, and so on.

Develop and Implement Action Plans - Once you have goals, action plans are required to specify in some detail how you will achieve them. Becoming an expert in developing and implementing action plans can really help you to be the best you can be.

Develop and Maintain a Positive Outlook - There are numerous distractions on the road to being the best you can be. It takes work but you can overcome discouraging events and negative influences. Learn how to become and stay a positive person.

Pursue Life-Long Learning - Education is the goose that keeps on laying golden eggs. Make the most of your formal schooling at every level and make a commitment to life-long learning.

Develop Your Character - Good character is one of the key ingredients in being the best you can be and in having a good life. You need to acquire prudence to make consistently good decisions in life. You need to act justly so that you will be trusted and respected.

Cultivate Good Habits - If you are a well functioning adult you will realize how valuable good habits are. To be the best you can be, you must be alert to avoid or break bad habits and to cultivate good ones.

As we strive to be the best we can be our students will see our example and strive to do their best also. It’s been a great school year and we have seen many great successes and it’s been because of a great support team from everyone. Let’s continue to pull together for the good of our school community.

Thanks for your continued help and support!

Mr. Chadaz

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Activities Week 4 of April

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
APRIL 25 - APRIL 29


* SPRING BREAK will be Friday, April 22nd and Monday, April 25th. Remember no school on these days. ENJOY!!! Happy Easter

* Reminder: April Health & Safety Challenge: Be FitSpring into action to have a fit and healthy body!
1. Be sure you are getting enough daily exercise to keep your body fit and strong.
2. Learn a fun new game or activity that will help you get some exercise.
3. Make a poster to encourage everyone to be fit and have some fun. Hang it up at home or bring it to school to display.

* Don’t forget that money and orders are due for any Bike Helmet orders on Friday, April 29th. THANKS!

* The 1st Grade Music Program will be Wednesday, April 27th at 2:00 PM in the gym. Parents, grandparents, etc. are invited to come attend.

* Bookmobile is Thursday, April 28th.

* The Box Tops Competition for APRIL & MAY is between ALL GRADES. Let’s see which class in the school can be the top collector. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and give them to your teacher until MAY 20TH. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE OVERALL WINNING CLASS! Good Luck! We are now only collecting the above listed items!!! (No more cereal bags, chip bags, etc.)

* ATTENTION ROOM PARENTS: Teacher Appreciation is the 1st week of May. PTA will provide a blank poster board for each class. You can now pick up the poster board in the office from Karma and then decorate it how you want but please keep it to the size of the poster board so each class poster will be the same size. You can come and hang them up on Friday, April 29th from 3-6 PM. We will be notifying you soon with more info on an activity we will need Room Parent help with the week of Teacher Appreciation.

* Our Book Fair is Coming! We are so excited about the amazing selection of books headed our way! Mark your calendar for our Grand Event where students can invites someone “Grand” in their life to join them for an after-school snack and some special shopping time at the Book Fair. The Book Fair will run from Tuesday, May 3rd – Friday, May 6th during lunch (11:30 – 12:30) and after school, the GRAND Event, (3:00 – 5:00 on Tuesday & Friday, 1:00 – 3:00 on Wednesday, and 3:00 – 6:00 on Thursday). More information will come home soon!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Activities Week 3 of April

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
APRIL 18 - APRIL 22


* Early Out is Wednesday, April 20th! School dismissed at 12:55 PM.
AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* Kindergarten Round-Up is on Thursday, April 21st from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Garland Armory. If you have any questions regarding the time you signed up for, etc. please call the office.

* SPRING BREAK will be Friday, April 22nd and Monday, April 25th. Remember no school on these days. ENJOY!!! Happy Easter!

* Congratulations to Mrs. C. Michaelis’ AM Kindergarten class for winning the Box Top Competition in March!

* The Box Tops Competition for APRIL & MAY is between ALL GRADES. Let’s see which class in the school can be the top collector. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and give them to your teacher until MAY 20TH. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE OVERALL WINNING CLASS! Good Luck! We are now only collecting the above listed items!!! (No more cereal bags, chip bags, etc.)

* Our Book Fair is Coming! We are so excited about the amazing selection of books headed our way! Mark your calendar for our Grand Event where students can invites someone “Grand” in their life to join them for an after-school snack and some special shopping time at the Book Fair. The Book Fair will run from Tuesday, May 3rd – Friday, May 6th during lunch (11:30 – 12:30) and after school, the GRAND Event, (3:00 – 5:00 on Tuesday & Friday, 1:00 – 3:00 on Wednesday, and 3:00 – 6:00 on Thursday). More information will come home soon!

* ATTENTION ROOM PARENTS: Teacher Appreciation is the 1st week of May. PTA will provide a blank poster board for each class. You can now pick up the poster board in the office from Karma and then decorate it how you want but please keep it to the size of the poster board so each class poster will be the same size. You can come and hang them up on Friday, April 29th from 3-6 PM. We will be notifying you soon with more info on an activity we will need Room Parent help with the week of Teacher Appreciation.

* Parents: Many of our teachers could use some classroom supplies. If you would be willing to donate some items for your child’s classroom, please talk to their teacher to see what items they are in need of. THANKS for your help.

* 5th Grade Parents: YES, we are aware that the night of 5th Grade Graduation (May 31st) is the same night as Seminary Graduation. That is why we moved it to 5:30 PM and plan to keep it to an hour so that those who need to go to Seminary Graduation can be on there way to make it on time. THANKS!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Activities Week 2 of April

* Note from Mr. Chadaz: During the middle of May, our grade level teams will be collaborating to prepare class lists for students’ placements for next year. We will do our very best to ensure a class assignment that will help your child be successful and happy next year. Our team will look at academic achievement, behavior, and social skills…and they’ll also consider your input, if you’d like to share any special needs, interests, or abilities to inform our decision as we assign your child to a class next year. Once the class lists are prepared, I’ll be attaching the teachers’ names to each class list.

If you have information about your child you’d like us to consider as we create class lists and teacher assignments, please complete a Class Assignment Form that can be picked up in the office. This form must be returned it to the office by May 2nd.

* Community Council Meeting – Monday, April 11th at 3:15 PM in Missy Michaelis’ Room

* PTA Board Meeting – Tuesday, April 12th at 3:10 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge

* Bookmobile will be on Thursday, April 14th

* The School Play will be performed for the school on Thursday, April 14th at 1:30 PM and for parents, etc. on Friday, April 15th at 6:00 PM. Come watch a great show!!!!

* The Box Tops Competition for APRIL & MAY is between ALL GRADES. Let’s see which class in the school can be the top collector. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and give them to your teacher until MAY 20TH. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE OVERALL WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* ATTENTION ROOM PARENTS: Teacher Appreciation is the 1st week of May. We are doing the door posters a little different this year. PTA will provide a poster board for each classroom. The Room Parent will be able to pick that up in the office (we will let you know when they will be available for pick-up) and then decorate it how they want but we ask that you keep it to the size of the poster board so they will all be the same size. You can come and hang them up on Friday, April 29th from 3-6 PM. We are doing a few other things different for Appreciation Week but we will notify you as it gets closer we can plan for this fun week to celebrate our great staff at McKinley. THANKS!!!

* Our Book Fair is Coming! We are so excited about the amazing selection of books headed our way! Mark your calendar for our Grand Event where students can invites someone “Grand” in their life to join them for an after-school snack and some special shopping time at the Book Fair. The Book Fair will run from Tuesday, May 3rd – Friday, May 6th during lunch (11:30 – 12:30) and after school, the GRAND Event, (3:00 – 5:00 on Tuesday & Friday, 1:00 – 3:00 on Wednesday, and 3:00 – 6:00 on Thursday). More information will come home soon!

* PLAN AHEAD: Parents of 5th Graders, please put the following on your calendars:
- Thursday, May 12th is DARE Graduation at 6:30 PM in the gym.
- Tuesday, May 31st is 5th Grade Graduation at *5:30 PM in the gym. (*We changed the time to earlier and will need to start promptly at 5:30 PM due to other community events that people may be involved in that evening. THANK YOU!)

* IMPORTANT POSSIBLE SCHOOL LUNCH CHANGES – PLEASE READ!!!The government is trying to implement changes to the school lunch program that will affect our school. It could raise lunch prices to $.86 per lunch. The program could also discontinue serving potatoes in the schools. Another downfall is that it could eliminate lunch “choices” for our children and they will not have the option to choose their lunch, it will be decided for them. To find out more about this, please visit www.regulations.gov and scroll down a little and click on the link named National Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. When this screen pulls up, you can read through the documentation and then you can Submit a Comment by pushing the orange “Submit a A Comment” button at the top of the screen. We can only voice our concerns regarding these changes until April 13th!!! You can also mail a letter to the following: Julie Brewer, Chief, Policy and Program Development Branch, Child Nutrition Division, Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 640, Alexandria, Virginia 22302-1594. Another website to go to for more information is www.potatoesinschools.com. Please take the time to look into this issue and comment on the government website if you disagree with the proposed program they wants to implement!!! THANKS!!!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Activities Week 1 April

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
APRIL 4 - APRIL 8


* Note from Mr. Chadaz: During the middle of May, our grade level teams will be collaborating to prepare class lists for students’ placements for next year. We will do our very best to ensure a class assignment that will help your child be successful and happy next year. Our team will look at academic achievement, behavior, and social skills…and they’ll also consider your input, if you’d like to share any special needs, interests, or abilities to inform our decision as we assign your child to a class next year. Once the class lists are prepared, I’ll be attaching the teachers’ names to each class list.

If you have information about your child you’d like us to consider as we create class lists and teacher assignments, please complete a Class Assignment Form that can be picked up in the office. This form must be returned it to the office by May 2nd.

* Early Out is Wednesday, April 6th! School dismissed at 12:55 PM. AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* The Box Tops Competition for APRIL & MAY is between ALL GRADES. Let’s see which class in the school can be the top collector. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and give them to your teacher until MAY 20TH. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE OVERALL WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* PLAN AHEAD: Parents of 5th Graders, please put the following on your calendars:
- Thursday, May 12th is DARE Graduation at 6:30 PM in the gym.
- Tuesday, May 31st is 5th Grade Graduation at 5:30 PM in the gym.

April Health & Safety Challenge

Each month there will be a personal challenge to help you be healthy and safe this year. If you discuss and accept this challenge with your parents, you can bring back a slip to be entered in a drawing for monthly rewards. You can also do your part to earn a “Blow Up Toy” Activity Day for the whole school at the end of the year. We are excited to see the fantastic students and staff at McKinley Elementary get fit and have fun this year!

April Challenge: Be Fit!
Spring into action to have a fit and healthy body!

1. Be sure you are getting enough daily exercise to keep your body fit and strong.
2. Learn a fun new game or activity that will help you get some exercise.
3. Make a poster to encourage everyone to be fit and have fun. Hang it up a home or bring it to school to display.

April Calendars

Please click on images to view larger.


April Principal's Message

I recently read a book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, M.D. It’s a quick read but makes some really good points that I’d like to highlight.

The story is a parable about dealing with change. “Cheese” is a metaphor for what you want in life – whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health or spiritual peace of mind.

In the story, the characters are faced with unexpected change as their “cheese is moved.” By the end of the story, the characters realize the following:

Change happens – The cheese keeps moving.

Anticipate change – Get ready for the cheese to move.

Monitor change – Smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old.

Adapt to change quickly – The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese.

Change – Move with the cheese.

Enjoy change – Savor the adventure and enjoy the taste of new cheese!

I think that we can all agree that change happens. And though change is a constant, we often times choose to ignore change or deny change is happening. Part of why we do this is because we are afraid of what’s on the other side of change.

One of the parts I like in the book is that, at the end, a group sits around discussing the parable, bringing it home to their own lives and identifying themselves with the different characters.

One person shares that they are having marital problems and the group identifies that the change needed is not necessarily divorce. The change is the need to stop old behaviors and attitudes and to take on new behaviors and attitudes that will strengthen the marriage.

Another person in the group asks the question, “Who is afraid of change?” and only one person raises his hand. The person asking the question states, “At least we have one honest person.” Then she asked, “Who thinks others are afraid of change?” and everyone raised their hands.

It’s not always comfortable admitting we feel fear but all of us do at one point or another. Perhaps we don’t identify it as fear initially, but when we get really honest, fear is often at the root of emotional and relational issues and fear can be the cause of many failures and missed adventures.

As we all approach change in the future let’s lean on each other’s strengths and look for the positive in the future. Just like the door in our front entrance reads “Whenever one door closes, another door opens!” We’re all in this together so let’s all work a little harder to be a little better.

Thanks for your continued help and support. Mr. Chadaz

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Activities Week 4 & 5 of March

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKS OF
MARCH 21 - MARCH 25
MARCH 28 - APRIL 1

* Please note that this information is for the next TWO WEEKS!

* FRIDAY, MARCH 25th is the 4th Grade Music Program at 2:00 PM in the gym. All parents, grandparents, etc. are invited to attend.

* Mark on your calendar to eat at Tremonton McDonalds at the end of March! Some of our teachers will be working out there as a fundraiser and the proceeds during that time will go to our school. Those with a last name starting A-J come on March 29th anytime from 5-8 PM and those with a last name of K-Z come on March 30th anytime from 5-8 PM. If it is easier to come on the night not designated for your last name, please still come support the fundraiser. We are mainly dividing it up hopefully to make it a little less crazy for McDonalds on those evenings.

* Bookmobile will be Thursday, March 31st.

* Congratulations to Mrs. Hannum’s class for winning the 1st Grade Box Top Competition for the month of February!

* Remember The Box Tops Competition for March is between the Kindergarten classes. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and put them in the collection container in your classroom. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* Birthday Table for April Birthdays will be Friday, April 1st (This isn’t an April Fool’s joke, it really is this day...he.he.he).

* Remember to wear any McKinley Cougar shirt, jacket, hoodie, etc. on Fridays to show School Spirit!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Activities Week 3 of March

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
MARCH 14 - MARCH 18

* Don’t forget Daylight Savings this weekend. It’s time to “Spring Ahead” so move your clocks forward one hour Saturday night when you go to sleep.

* Community Council – Mon., March 14th @ 3:15 PM in Missy Michaelis’ Room.

* All Fundraiser Orders are due back by Tuesday, March 15th. The money will go towards Class Field Trips!

* Early Out is Wednesday, March 16th! School dismissed at 12:55 PM.
AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* Kindergarten Getting To Know You Activity for all incoming Kindergarteners for the 2011-2012 school year from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.

* Bookmobile will be Thursday, March 17th. HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY! Don’t forget to wear GREEN!!!

* FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH IS McKINLEY’S MORNING WITH MOM. It will go from 7:15 – 8:15 AM in the morning. Moms (or an aunt, grandma, etc. if a mom is not able to come) are invited to attend with their McKinley student(s) that morning for breakfast. PLEASE do not park in the carpool lane on the south side of the school or in the bus loading area on the north side of the school!!

* March Health & Safety Challenge: Be Smart! Make smart choices about what you eat.
1. Be smart about what you eat! Read labels and be aware of how much sugar and fats you are eating.
2. Make smart choices about healthy snacks. Choose snacks that are low in sugar and fats and high in fiber and vitamins. Stay away from junk food!
3. Keep track of how many fruits and vegetables you are eating. Do you get 5 a day? Try something new and different this month.

* Reminder: All 4th and 5th graders who want to enter the “Truth For Youth” anti-tobacco campaign contest need to turn in their entries to the office by Monday, March 14th. There are hundreds of dollars in prizes and all students who enter will receive a drawstring backpack from the Health Department.

* Mark on your calendar to eat at Tremonton McDonalds at the end of March! Some of our teachers will be working out there as a fundraiser and the proceeds during that time will go to our school. Those with a last name starting A-J come on March 29th from 5-8 PM and those with a last name of K-Z come on March 30th from 5-8 PM. If it is easier to come on the night not designated for your last name, please still come support the fundraiser. We are mainly dividing it up hopefully to make it a little less crazy for McDonalds on those evenings. You can come anytime between 5-8 PM on those two nights. THANKS!!!!

* Remember The Box Tops Competition for March will be between the Kindergarten classes. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and put them in the collection container in your classroom. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

March Health & Safety Challenge

Each month there will be a personal challenge to help you be healthy and safe this year. If you discuss and accept this challenge with your parents, you can bring back a slip to be entered in a drawing for monthly rewards. You can also do your part to earn a “Blow Up Toy” Activity Day for the whole school at the end of the year. We are excited to see the fantastic students and staff at McKinley Elementary get fit and have fun this year!

March Challenge: Be Smart
Make smart choices about what you eat.

1. Be smart about what you eat! Read labels and be aware of how much sugar and fats you are eating.
2. Make smart choices about healthy snacks. Choose snacks that are low in sugar and fats and high in fiber and vitamins. Stay away from junk food!
3. Keep track of how many fruits and vegetables you are eating. Do you get 5 a day? Try something new and different this month

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Activities Week 2 of March

* The 5th Grade will be having a Direct Writing Assessment March 7 – 9 (AM) in the Computer Lab. Make sure you get good rest and eat a good breakfast so your minds are ready to be creative!

* PTA Board Meeting – Tuesday, March 8th @ 3:15 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge.

* 5th Grade Maturation will be held on Thursday, March 10th at 1:25 PM. Parents are encouraged to attend with their student.

* Birthday Table will be held on Friday, March 11th for all those students with March Birthdays.

* You can still purchase a YEARBOOK! They are $12 until they are sold out. You will need to give your order form and money to Mrs. Spackman in the office and checks are to be made out to McKinley Elementary.

* Remember The Box Tops Competition for March will be between the Kindergarten classes. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and put them in the collection container in your classroom. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* Don’t forget to wear a McKinley shirt, jacket, etc. on Fridays to show school spirit!

* SAVE THE DATE:
Friday, March 18th
will be McKinley’s MORNING WITH MOM before school. All students may bring their moms (if a mom is unable to attend, you can bring another special lady in your life) to eat breakfast at the school with them.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

March Calendars

Please click on images to enlarge view.









March Principal's Message

Ways to Help Your Child Enjoy School

At some point all children end up disliking school for one reason or another. In some cases it is because of the teacher, in other cases it is because they are being teased by other students. As a matter of fact, I am currently working on another endorsement and I’m really not enjoying the current instructor or the subject matter but I know it will pass. I’ve done this before and I have dealt with this same problem with my own children.

The bottom line is that they all children experience it. But there are several things you can do as parents in order to help your child get back on track to enjoying school. Following are a few suggestions in order to help you with this process.

Get involved. You should be involved in your child’s school life. This includes taking the time to talk to them about their day. Find out how they are treated by the other kids, and find out how they are treated by the teachers. You need to be aware of everything that they are involved.


• Sign them up for extracurricular activities. One way to get kids to enjoy school more is to get them involved in more after school activities. This will not only help them to become more athletic but will make their days more enjoyable since they will have something to look forward to.

• Create your own home projects. Sometimes when children are having difficulty in a particular subject they then begin to dislike school. If you find this to be the problem with your child, why not take the time to research the subject or topic they are having trouble with and create a fun at home project that you can do together. This will show them how fun learning can actually be.

• Teach your child how to make real friends. Some children do not know how to make real friends. You may think that this is an easy task, but for some children it can be very difficult.

• Find out where the problem lies. If you take the time to get to the root of the problem then you will be able to help them. In order to do this you have to communicate with your child on a daily basis.

• Show them the fun side of learning. In order for any child to enjoy learning they first have to see how enjoyable and fun it can be. Take the time to find ways to bring out the fun side of learning in every subject.

If you need extra help please ask for help from myself or Mrs. Rose, our school counselor. Please make arrangements by calling the school at 257-2590.

Thanks again for your support!

Mr. Chadaz

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Activities Week 1 of March

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 4

* NOTICE: There are a lot of coats and sweaters in the lost & found. If these are not claimed by the end of the week, they are being sent to the DI so make sure to come take a look if you are missing an item.

* Awards Assembly: Wednesday, March 2nd at 9:30 AM in the gym.

* Early Out is Wednesday, March 2nd! School dismissed at 12:55 PM.
AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* Bookmobile will be Thursday, March 3rd.

* NO SCHOOL on Friday, March 4th due to Teacher Prep Day. Please note that due to this day off, Birthday Table for March Birthdays has been moved to Friday, March 11th!

* You can still purchase a YEARBOOK! They are $12 until they are sold out. You will need to give your order form and money to Mrs. Spackman in the office and checks are to be made out to McKinley Elementary.

* Remember The Box Tops Competition for February is the 1st Grade classes! Last day to bring them in will be Monday, Feb. 28th! The competition for March will be between the Kindergarten classes. You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and put them in the collection container in your classroom. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* Don’t forget to wear a McKinley shirt, jacket, etc. on Fridays to show school spirit!

* SAVE THE DATE:

Thursday, March 10th at 1:25 PM will be Maturation for 5th grade students and parents. Watch for more info.

Friday, March 18th will be McKinley’s MORNING WITH MOM before school. All students may bring their moms (if a mom is unable to attend, you can bring another special lady in your life) to eat breakfast at the school with them

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Activities Week 3 & 4 of February

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEKS OF
FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 18
FEBRUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 25

* Please note this will cover the next two weeks instead of just one.

* HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY ON MONDAY, FEB. 14TH!

* Community Council Meeting: Monday, Feb. 14th @ 3:15 PM in Missy Michaelis’ Room.

* School District Boundary Change Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 15th at 7:00 PM to discuss the “tentative” boundary changes that will be made due to the new Garland and Fielding schools. These changes will affect our school so please plan to attend to receive more information and give input. THANKS!!!

* Early Out is Wednesday, February 16th! School dismissed at 12:55 PM.
AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* Bookmobile will be Thursday, February 17th.

* NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 21st in honor of President’s Day.

* GREAT NEWS!!! Thanks for supporting the Book Fair. We were able to raise over $700 to be used for new books in the Library! Your efforts help support all the kids at McKinley!

* You can still purchase a YEARBOOK! They are $12 until they are sold out. You will need to give your order form and money to Mrs. Spackman in the office and checks are to be made out to McKinley Elementary.

* Remember The Box Tops Competition for February will be the 1st Grade classes! You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and put them in the collection container in your classroom. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR
THE WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* Congratulations to Mrs. Detwiler’s class for winning the Box Top Competition from the 2nd grade competition in January!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Activities Week 2 of February

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
FEBRUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 11

* Welcome Mrs. Burk to McKinley as a new 2nd Grade teacher! She will be taking Mrs. Hugie’s spot. Mrs. Hugie recently had a baby and will be staying at home with her new little one. We will miss you Mrs. Hugie!

* PTA Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 8th @ 3:10 PM in the Teacher’s Lounge.

* ATTENTION ROOM PARENTS: Please be aware that the 100th day of school is being celebrated this Tuesday, February 8th and the Room Parents are in charge of a class activity and treat for that day. Please make sure you have talked to the teacher and have set up a time to come into the classroom. Thanks for your help!

* Family Math Night will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 9th from 6:30 – 8:10 PM. Make sure to bring the family and come for Math Mania!

* You can still purchase a YEARBOOK! They are $12 until they are sold out. You will need to give your order form and money to Mrs. Spackman in the office and checks are to be made out to McKinley Elementary.

* Remember The Box Tops Competition for February will be the 1st Grade classes! You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and put them in the collection container in your classroom. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* There will be a meeting at McKinley planned by the School District on Tuesday, Feb. 15th at 7:00 PM to discuss the “tentative” boundary changes that will be made due to the new Garland and Fielding schools. These changes will affect our school so please plan to attend to receive more information and give input. THANKS!!!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

February Health & Safety Challenge

Each month there will be a personal challenge to help you be healthy and safe this year. If you discuss and accept this challenge with your parents, you can bring back a slip to be entered in a drawing for monthly rewards. You can also do your part to earn a “Blow Up Toy” Activity Day for the whole school at the end of the year. We are excited to see the fantastic students and staff at McKinley Elementary get fit and have fun this year!

February Challenge: Be a “Sweetheart”
Keep your heart and lungs healthy!

1. Get some aerobic exercise every day to keep your heart and lungs healthy.
2. Be a good friend by encouraging each other to make healthy and safe choices.
3. Participate in the “Truth for Youth” campaign to promote a tobacco free life. (More information will be sent home soon.)

February Principal's Message

Positive Role Models

Every parent wants their children to have positive role models who have the characteristics that inspire them to want to be their very best. While there is some variation in every parent's definition of what it means to be a good person, the following 7 characteristics remain constant.

Positive role models;

(1) Model positive choice-making: Little eyes are watching and little ears are listening. When it comes to being a role model, you must be aware that the choices you make don't only impact you but also the children who regard you as their superhero.

(2) Think out loud: When you have a tough choice to make, allow the children to see how you work through the problem, weigh the pros and cons, and come to a decision.

(3) Apologize and admit mistakes: Nobody's perfect. When you make a bad choice, let those who are watching and learning from you know that you made a mistake and how you plan to correct it.

(4) Follow through: We all want children to stick with their commitments and follow through with their promises. But as adults it can sometimes be difficult to demonstrate follow through when we're tired, distracted, busy, or overwhelmed. To be a good role model, we must demonstrate stick-to-itiveness.

(5) Show respect: You may be driven, successful, and smart but whether you choose to show respect or not speaks volumes about the type of attitude it takes to make it in life. We always tell children to "treat others the way we want to be treated."

(6) Be well rounded: While we don't want to spread ourselves too thin, it's important to show children that we can be more than just one thing. Great role models aren't just "parents" or "teachers." They're great learners and challenge themselves to get out of their comfort zones.

(7) Demonstrate confidence in who you are: Whatever you choose to do with your life, be proud of the person you've become. It may have been a long road, but it's the responsibility of a role model to commemorate the lessons learned.

While it may seem like a great deal of pressure to be a positive role model; nobody is expecting you to be superhuman. We certainly wouldn't expect that behavior from the children who are looking to us for guidance.

We all need the support of each other to be good role models for the students at McKinley School. Thanks for your support and let’s continue to work together for the good of our children.

Mr. Chadaz

February Calendars

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Activities Week 1 of February

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF
JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 4

* Reminder: January Health & Safety Challenge: Be Better
Take the opportunity to set personal and family goals for the new year!

1. Keep track of time spent watching TV and time spent exercising. Try to decrease screen time and increase time getting exercise each week!
2. Make daily family dinners a time to connect and strengthen your family.
3. Set personal and family goals to be better.

The drawing for January will be soon so make sure your challenge paper is turned in.

* Early Out is Wednesday, February 2nd!! School dismissed at 12:55 PM.
AM Kindergarten: 8:25 AM – 10:25 AM, PM Kindergarten: 10:55 AM – 12:55 PM

* Bookmobile will be Thursday, February 3rd.

* Birthday Table for all students with February Birthdays will be Friday, Feb. 4th. Make sure to return your lunch forms if eating at the school!

* You can still purchase a YEARBOOK! They are $10 if you order before January 28th, after that you can purchase a yearbook for $12 until they are sold out. You will need to give your order form and money to Mrs. Spackman in the office and checks are to be made out to McKinley Elementary.

* Remember The Box Tops Competition for the month of January is the 2nd Grade classes (last day for 2nd graders is Monday, Jan. 31st) and for February will be the 1st Grade classes! You can bring in the following items: Box Tops, Cream of Weber lids, Campbell’s Soup labels, empty Elmer’s glue stick tubes/glue bottles and empty Neosporin tubes. Make sure Box Tops are cut out along the dotted lines and the soup labels are just the UPC with the point value. Bring in as much as you can and put them in the collection container in your classroom. THERE WILL BE A PRIZE FOR THE WINNING CLASS! Good Luck!

* ATTENTION ROOM PARENTS: Please be aware that the 100th day of school is being celebrated on Tuesday, February 8th and the Room Parents are in charge of a class activity and treat for that day. Please talk to the teacher and find out what works best for them and then get those thinking caps on and come up with something FUN!

* Mark your calendars for Family Math Night at the school on Wednesday, Feb. 9th!

* There will be a meeting at McKinley planned by the School District on Tuesday, Feb. 15th at 7:00 PM to discuss the “tentative” boundary changes that will be made due to the new Garland and Fielding schools. These changes will affect our school so please plan to attend to receive more information and give input. THANKS!!!

* Doodle 4 Google

It’s time again for the doodle 4 Google contest! Last year we had a state finalist, congratulations to Tucker Porter for that award!

The theme for this year is “What I’d like to do someday…..”

We will have several days of computer time to work on these doodles, they may work on them at home also, but they need to be turned in by the first week of March! I will give each child a practice paper and a paper with the Google logo on it, which will be the paper that is turned in.

You may look online at www.google.com/doodle4google for more info.

Rules

• The student doodle should be presented on a white, landscape sheet of 8.5” x 11” paper.
• The Google logo in the student doodle should be clearly visible and recognizable.
• The student doodle should be done in pencil, crayon, felt tip, paint, or by using computer drawing or design software.
• We do not accept entries that use additional materials to create 3D effects.
• While we encourage your students or children to use the work of Dennis Hwang, our original doodler or other previous Doodle artists and winners as inspiration, we remind participants not to recreate or plagiarize previous designs.
• We keep all of the original artwork and do not send it back; if you want a copy of your student or child’s doodle, make a color copy of it before you mail it in.

Judging

Doodles will be judge based on the following:

• Artistic merit: based on grade group and artistic skill
• Creativity: based on the representation of the theme and use of the Google logo
• Theme communication: how well the theme is expressed
• Appropriateness of supporting statement

McKinley Students: Get your creativity cap on and DOODLE something fun!!!

Thanks,
Mrs. Zundel