April 17 Update

Happy Friday!

Another great week of learning and relationships at McKinley!  

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

We had three receipents this week - Denise Carlson, Andie Zwart, and Amber Sommers!

Amber Sommers was nominated by Liz Stitzmeyer - Amber consistently faces each day with energy and joy. She is a leader that leads by example and is always sharing strategies and encouragement to those of us on her team. She is ready to volunteer her time to help her teammates. Amber knows her stuff-she's so knowledgeable in strategies for teaching and reinforcing social skills. Her students adore her and so do I! Keep up the good work!

Andie Zwart was nominated by those who do time and effort -  A Time and Talent calendar, that is turned in every quarter, has been added to our work load. This has caused stress and frustration to many of us. Andi helped lots of us, last quarter, to get this together and sent to Shari Mensink on time. Andi was so patient with us. Well, she took it a step farther and sent us step by step instructions that we were able to follow and submit this ourselves. Yeah!!! Thanks for being amazing Andie!

Denise Carlson was nominated by Val Seath - Denise Carlson has always gone above and beyond in her role as an EA and as a SAC supervisor. Here are just a few examples from the last month alone-

Recently, Jaxen (my 4th grade son, who is also in SAC) brought home a small hand-knit dragon. It came with a folded origami box and handwritten note about how to take care of it. I asked him about it and he said that "Mrs. Carlson gave it to me. She gave them to everyone in morning SAC!" I was so touched that someone would spend the time to hand make the fun toy dragons, fold the boxes and write the notes- for each student! What an incredible heart Denise has! I also have a student that is diabetic. She came back from the library the other day with two brand new books that she checked out. She was thrilled that they were both picture books about children who also have diabetes. She was so proud and showing them to everyone with the best smile on her face! Denise orders books that make students feel like they belong and shine a light on different experiences to help grow empathy. My student's books about diabetes and Jaxen's dragon were brought home. Families see those things and they are clear examples to our families that Mrs. Carlson cares about our students at McKinley and cares about their lives beyond these walls. Thank you for being YOU, Mrs. Carlson.

Friday Grill Out:

We're getting closer and closer to May.... which means Friday grill out!  If your team is interested in having Justin grill your lunch, please sign up with your team.  On the day of, bring in your meat and mark with your name in the lounge fridge. I will happily get your food grilled and delivered to you!  Sign up if interested!  It's a great time to enjoy the outdoors and some good food! 

5th Grade Graduation:

FYI - we surveyed students this year about an interest in a formal graduation.  Our students chose against a graduation and instead wanted an afternoon at the park to celebrate their end of 5th grade.  I notified families yesterday, but wanted you to be aware too.  

Fastbridge Schedule:

With the end of the school year in sight, that means FastBridge testing is around the corner.  Our FastBridge Spring Benchmark Assessment window runs May 4th-22nd. Please open and view the relevant parts of this document that has all schedules, resources, and plans for spring benchmark assessments.  

FastBridge Benchmark Assessment Plan - Spring 2026

• ALL staff should look at page 1 (Schedule at a Glance) and note important testing days and times that may impact your schedule.
• Classroom Teachers: Read page 1 & 2 and click on the linked assessment plan for the grade you teach. Add dates and times to your calendars & lesson plans. 
• T2/T3 Intervention Teachers: Read page 1 & 2 and see schedule and plan on linked Intervention Plan Page. Prior to assessment, review testing protocols and gather materials for any assessments you will be giving (linked on your page).
• SpEd/EL: Read pages 1 & 2 and linked SpEd/EL Plan page and familiarize yourself with schedules and plans for any grade-levels you support. Prior to assessment, review testing protocols and gather materials for any assessments you will be giving (linked on your page).

Our benchmark assessment window is an important time to collect information and academic growth on all students. There's a lot of pieces to this puzzle and it's very important you are familiar with your role in helping collect all of this information as efficiently and accurately as possible. If you have questions, please talk with Katie Demmer. 

Illustrative Math (IM) Feedback:

This is the second part in an ongoing series where we hear more about our new math resource for next year.  As you know, our Kindergarten and 5th Grade teams are piloting this year.  Below are some thoughts from those teams around this week's question.  

Question - How does your math block look different this year when thinking of instruction and student learning?

Response from Pilot Teams - Pilot teachers are describing a meaningful shift in how math time is structured and experienced. Many have worked to create dedicated math blocks that allow for flexible small groups and partnerships, co-teaching, and different levels of language support to better meet student needs.

Instruction has become much more student-driven and hands-on, with less “sit and get” and more opportunities for students to explore, use manipulatives, and learn through stations. Teachers are talking less and instead facilitating learning—encouraging students to develop their own strategies, explain their thinking, and collaborate with peers.

There is also a stronger focus on student discourse and reasoning, even though it can require more wait time and patience to support all learners. Overall, classrooms are moving toward more engagement, deeper thinking, and reduced reliance on paper-pencil tasks, with teachers gaining better insight into student understanding through observation and discussion

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin

April 10 Update

Happy Friday!

Today's update is a long one - sorry.  Please read carefully!  

No Toot Your Horn Thursday receipents this week - if you want to nominate someone, please complete the nominaton form. 

Staffing Update:

Another staffing update..  Steph Hager has accepted our Kindergarten position for next year.  Steph is not new to Owatonna or McKinley - she is an Owatonna graduate and is student teaching with Paige Larson.  Please join me in welcoming (as a full-time staff) Steph to her team!

Statewide Tornado Drill - Thursday:

This Thursday, April 16 is the MN Statewide Tornado Drill.  We will be doing our McKinley drill at 10:30am on this day (please note - we will not be doing the statewide drill time at 1:45pm although the sirens will still sound).  Please check the Virtual Office to see where your area/class goes for a tornado drill.  

Class List Process:

We are entering the time of creating class lists for next year.   This is a quite intense process in which teams look to the best placement/environment for our students to grow and thrive.  Click here to see details regarding the class list process.  

Please remember - all families need to complete the Classroom Environment form to request a placement.  If a family reaches out to you, please refer them to this step.   There are no "side deals" where parents are asking teachers to have students placed into seperate rooms.  We put a lot of time, energy, and thought into these placements and need the process followed.  

Breakfast - Pilot Program in May:

Starting May 4, we are piloting breakfast in the lunchroom before school.  This pilot will do two things - move breakfast to before school to create additional learning time AND provide our students warm breakfast choices each day.  This will be something we are piloting in May to see if we continue into the 26-27 school year.  

What is the plan to provide breakfast?   When students arrive, they will have the choice to go into the lunchroom to eat or stay outside.  Breakfast will be served and kids will eat in the lunchroom from 7:45-8:10am each day.  After 8:10, breakfast will become a grab and go (students will get the food and return to their classroom).   We will be mindful of late arrivals and buses and still provide students with breakfast. Additionally, we will be shifting some supervision from outside into the lunchroom with our AM arrival teams (I will share directly with those impacated).

Summer Maintenance List:

Linked is the request for summer maintenance work. This form is for items in your classroom/work area that need attention - fixing things, replacing broken, repainting chips or damage, etc. Please complete this by April 22. After that, we will notify you if your project is being addressed.

Illustrative Math (IM):

Next year, our district will be switching our math resource to Illustrative Math (often called "IM") in grades K-5 (Kindergarten and 5th Grade are currently piloting this).   This change will be a great thing - we have been long overdue for a new math resource.  As we get closer to next year, we are providing teacher teams some opportunties to learn more about IM.  Our Kindergarten and 5th Grade teams graciously completed an interview on their experience with math this year.  I have taken all of their responses and put into Chatgpt to help us understand the new resource a little more (from our internal experts).   For this week's blog, our teams will share their thinking around this week's question - "What are celebrations when you think of math and IM implementation?"

A big celebration is how students are thinking about math. They’re not just giving answers—they’re explaining their reasoning, trying different strategies, and learning from mistakes. Classrooms are becoming more student-centered, with rich conversations and collaboration happening regularly. Best of all, students are starting to see themselves as mathematicians and are building a more positive mindset about math overall. 

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin

March 27 Update

Happy Spring Break!

We've made it!  SPRING BREAK!  I hope each of you finds some time to...

Use the restroom whenever you want...

Drink your coffee before it gets cold....

Eating a meal in more than 26 minutes...

Not hearing your name 500 times in an hour...

Not tying shoes or redirecting students.....

I hope you instead can find some time to relax, enjoy those around you, and rejuvenate!  When we come back, we will finish quarter 4 strong!  :)

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

We have two recipents this week - Amanda Andrews & Jodie Dekam Valentine!

Amanda Andrews was nominated for A school is like a little community - when things are going well, you don't always see the "behind the scenes" to making that community run smoothly. Amanda is one of those "behind the scenes" that keep our McKinley community running. She jumps in to support our students and staff in a quick heartbeat. Recently, Amanda even took her dedication to the next level by sliding under a bathroom stall to unlock a door. I can't think of more dedication than that. Thank you for everything you do to keep McKinley a great place!

Jodie Valentine was nominated for I was walking a former student of Jodie's back to class from the nurse's office- he pointed to her room and wanted to go wave at her. Without the student saying a word, Jodie stopped what she was doing, invited him into the classroom, remembered his favorite brain break and proceeded to put it up on the smartboard. The whole class excitedly joined in on the brain break with her former student and the way his eyes lit up and the smile across his face is something I will always remember. I could tell in that moment the student felt important, cared about and seen -it was such a great reminder to me just how big of an impact a teacher has on a student's life. Thank you, Jodie, for making his day...and mine!

Keep up the great work, Amanda and Jodie!

Purchasing Deadline:

The purchasing deadline is April 30, 2026.  Please be aware of this wtih your any budgets you are in charge of.  If you want more information, please see Sarah Brandt's email from Monday.  

Also, please be on top of this and don't wait until April 30th.... 

Staffing Updates:

A few more staffing updates....

After spring break: 

Honey Rigge is (re)joining our team as an Educational Assistant starting after spring break.  Honey is replacing Judy and will be a great addition to our EA and Kindergarten team!  She will be working in Jen Schlauderaff's classroom.

Next Year:

Rachel Peterson will be returning to Kindergarten next year.   We reduced an intervention position in the building due to some Title realignment.  Rachel's background and passion for Kindergarten made her the ideal candidate.  I'm excited to have her return back to join Courtney, Danika, and a new hire in Kindergarten!  

Jen Bricko will be returning to 2nd grade next year due to a section move from 1st grade.  Jen has an extensive background in 1st and 2nd grade through her Montessori experience.  Another added perk - Jen doesn't need to move rooms! 

We have a Kindergarten opening, but this will be the MSU Fellow position.  This position is for a new graduate - they work full time and get some of their master's work paid through MSU-Mankato.  We haven't had this position at McKinley in a few years.  I am interviewing after break and will hopefully have a name to share with you at that time!  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin

March 20 Update

Happy Friday!

Another great week! 

We've got 5 days before break (including today).  We can do this!  Let's plan to make today, as well as next week, one of the best AND full of great memories!  

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

Kara Boerner was nominated by 3rd Grade for Kara loves every kid and it shows! She has high expectations for the students she works with. She assists them but also holds them accountable. She familiarizes herself with the assignments and ensures students are successful. Thank you Kara for being a huge part of our, and our students' day!! Congratulations Kara!

Spread the Word - Inclusion Spirit Week:

Next week, our Student Council and Best Buddies have a combined week - Spread the Word. Below are our dress up days. Please share with families and students.

Staffing Updates:

Kindergarten Section - I was notified late last week that we are adding a Kindergarten section next year (4 sections)  

Jen Schlauderaff - Jen has accepted a PreK position at our Owatonna Education Center starting in August 2026.  Jen has such a passion for early childhood and will be another bridge between early childhood and elementary programming.  We wish Jen the best in her position next year as she continues to impact our earliest learners!  

Judy Wiersma -  Judy Wiersma (EA) has submited her resignation effective March 30, 2026.  Judy has decided she is pursuing other positions.  We wish Judy the best as she moves onto her next chapter! 

I am hoping to finalize building movement(s) and notify people by mid next week.   

Teacher Workday - Friday, March 27:

As part of a recent contract change, teaching staff can work remotely on the 3rd Quarter Teacher Workday (March 27).   Please remember - This is a work day for teachers to get their progress reports and report cards done.  While you are able to work remotely this day per your new contract, you are expected to have your grades or progress reports completed and to be responsive to email throughout the day.   Please know this is a work day and you are expected to be working remotely.  This is not an extra day of spring break unless you have put in for time off.  

If you plan to work remotely, please let me know.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

March 13 Update

Happy Friday the 13th! 

Another great week at McKinley!  

McKinleyStrong Slips & Celebration:

We filled the jar!  Woo hoo!  Below is a breakdown of that jar -

• Kdg- 103
  
• 1st- 252
• 2nd- 186
• 3rd- 409
• 4th- 126
• 5th- 81

On March 26, our students will get to play in bounce houses during their gym time.  To do this, every student needs a waiver signed by their parent/guardian.  I did share the waivers on SeeSaw yesterday.  Steph or I will be reaching out to you next week with names of those who did not sign a waiver to request your help in getting it signed.  

Eid (Thursday & Friday) - 

Next Thursday and Friday, many of our students will be gone to celebrate Eid.  Just a heads-up for planning purposes.    

Special Education Advisory Committee (from Kim Baker):

We are excited to invite you to our Special Education Community Resource Fair, hosted by the Owatonna Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council. This is the first time we are hosting a resource fair, and we are thrilled to bring together organizations from across our community that support students with disabilities and their families.

This will be a come-and-go event, giving families the opportunity to connect with local organizations, ask questions, and learn about resources available in our area.

Event Details:
 April 20, 2026
 4:00–5:00 PM
 Owatonna Public Schools District Office
333 E. School St., Owatonna

Organizations attending include:
• Special Olympics Minnesota
• Best Buddies
• Owatonna Parks & Recreation
• Steele County resources
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Minnesota Prairie County Alliance
• Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
…and more!

Whether you are looking for recreation opportunities, transition supports, community services, or ways for your student to connect with peers, this is a great opportunity to explore what is available.

We hope you can stop by, meet some wonderful community partners, and learn about the many supports available for our students and families.

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend! 

-Justin

March 6 Update

Happy Friday!

Monday's Staff Power Hour:

This Monday's Staff Power Hour will be comittee work (2:45-3:45pm).  I will share agendas with the teams as we get closer.   This is our last committee work time of the 25-26 school year! 

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

This week's receipent is Lynn Jensen!   Nominated by Jayme Ulrich, she shared - "Lynn works incredibly hard for our STRIDE program each and every day. She consistently puts her students first and is committed to creating a safe, caring, and structured environment for both staff and students. She is one of the most organized people I have ever met, and I have learned so much from working alongside her. Lynn is a strong advocate who always fights for her students’ needs and best interests. I am truly thankful to work with such a passionate and determined educator."

Congratulations, Lynn!

Perspective:

As we head into the final stretch before spring break, let’s challenge ourselves to focus on the positives around us each day. There are so many moments worth celebrating — a student showing kindness, a breakthrough in learning, a class working together, or a shared laugh that brightens the room.

These weeks can feel busy, but they can also be some of the most fun and meaningful of the year. Let’s make the most of them by celebrating the little wins, enjoying the small moments with our students, and bringing energy and joy into our classrooms.

Thank you for everything you do each day for our students and for one another. Your positivity, creativity, and dedication make our school an incredible place to learn and grow. Let’s finish this stretch strong and have some fun along the way!

Building Weekly Newsletter:
Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend! 

February 27 Update

Happy Friday!  Can you believe next week is March? 

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

This week, we have 3 recepients!

Hunter Evenson was nominated by 3rd Grade for Hunter asked to teach music in 3rd grade this week because his room was being used for testing. It was so fun to hear him teach - he played a Jeopardy Game. The kids were engaged, learning and very resepctful as he reminded them that teachers were working during this time! Being a traveling teacher can be challenging - now he's traveling from room to room! Thanks for all of your effort Hunter!!

Sylvia Zavala and Nura Elmi were nominated by our EL Team for Sylvia and Nura have gone above and beyond this year in supporting our students, families and staff. Their work is absolutely critical for our day to day opperations. Their work doesn't stop at school and extends into the community all day long. They are heros for our students and families.

Congrats to these three amazing educators!

Impact:

Every year, I get to mid-February and think "I can't do this."  It's like clockwork.  I'm not sure if it's the "long haul" of the year, the cold weather, limited sunlight, etc.  Bottom line - February is hard.

As we move into March, I want to remind you of your impact.  And, in education, impact isn't always observable right away.  We may not see the true impact we have until years later - or we may never really see the impact.  And, just because we don't see the immediate results, the impact is there. 

In thinking about impact, take a minute to think about the best teacher you've had.  Now, think about the worst.  Even though your experience was different, they both made impact.  

You WILL make an impact every day.  You don't get a choice in that.  You DO get to choose what kind of impact you will have.  

Keep this in mind as we enter March - you ARE making a difference.  You are appreciated.  And, you ARE making impact.  

Checks for Understanding:

First, it's been so great to see high quality learning experiences happening throughout the building.  Kudos to each of you! 

There's good teaching and then there's good learning.  Both are very different.  We can teach a great lesson - if kids are not learning it, there's an issue.  Linked are 28 ways to check for understanding.  I share this because these are easy, no prep ways to check the "pulse" on learning.  

Subscriptions: 

As part of the budget reduction process, we walked through online subscriptions in the district and identified resources that won't be renewed. These are applications that may have universal use across the district that will no longer be renewed for next year:

ESGI (Elementary only)

Screencastify

GradeCam (OHS only)

PebbbleGo

WeVideo

As a reminder, any purchase of an online subscription needs to run through you as the building administrator. If you approve, it needs to go to Mike Halverson. We want to ensure anything that comes to Mike has been approved by the building administration first. 

Happy Social Workers' Week!

Next week is School Social Workers' Week - a week to honor Mrs. Warner! We are lucky to have such a wealth of knowledge in Annette.  This is a week to honor and celebrate all the gifts she brings to McKinley.  Please take some time to acknowledge her for her work.

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

Have a great weekend!

-Justin