Principal's Update- Friday, May 22, 2015

We're nearing the end....  and closing out the 2014-2015 school year! 

Make sure to enjoy the weekend.  According to WCCO Morning News, it's going to be a Top 10 Weather Day!  Take some time after work to enjoy it!

Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone for all the extra work you've put in lately.   With the close to a school year, it seems like life gets crazy.  I appreciate everyone's flexibility and willingness to help.

A huge thank you to our K Team for their extra hours doing Kindergarten Interviews.  The team met and assessed their incoming Kindergarteners to figure out strengths and areas of growth.  They also identified students who are eligible for their summer program, K Kamp.   Thank you!

A huge thank you to our ELL Team for their work on our ELL Family Potluck.  It was a great event with lots of food!   It was nice to see our staff and families interact and show their heritage!

Audrey Kaplan Grant
A huge congratulations to Paige Gilligan and Katie Demmer for being awarded the Audrey Kaplan Grant.  Paige and Katie will be working on alternative ways for kids to sit, move, and interact in their classrooms.   Both are looking at things like adjustable desks and stability balls, for example.  If you get time, stop in Paige's room.  She now has music risers in her room for instruction!  Congratulations to you both!

Spring Benchmarking
Please get your spring benchmarking data into the spreadsheets ASAP.  Having done this job in the past, I know it's a pain to track people down (and there is a risk the data will be too late to be updated).  If you haven't already, get this data entered. 

Summer Learning Incentive
If you are interested in volunteering on a Wednesday here at McKinley, sign up on the shared document.  This is for all staff, not just teachers.  We will have the library open from 12:30-1 and then work in the garden from 1-2.   We'd love to see you join us!

Summer STEM Training-
Bob sent me a flyer for some summer STEM training.  It's free and local.  Click here to see the flyer- Check it out if you are interested! 

Lockdown-
Nice job on the surprise lockdown practice.  We will spend some time next year talking through these procedures.  One of the biggest things I noticed this time was when you are outside.  I want to clarify the differences between a lockdown and containment (which will help you know what to do if you are outside):

Lockdown- occurs when there is a threat or intruder in the building
Containment- occurs when there is a threat or intruder outside the building

We will be clear when we announce this which it is.  If it's a lockdown and you are outside, move to a safe place away from the building.  Please phone or radio the office so we know you are safe.   If it's a containment and you are outside and close to a door, try to get inside.  If you aren't, try to get to a safe site near McKinley.  This is a judgment call. 

Again, we will review this and our new fire/tornado maps in the fall. 

Book Study-
Our last book study will be next Monday.  Please come with questions you'd like me to be aware of as we move forward with this model.  I want to anticipate and address any concerns before they arise in the fall!

Facilities Meeting- June 1
This meeting is open to all staff and will be about 15 minutes.  The purpose of this meeting is to inform you of the work and direction the Committee is taking in regards to facilities.  If you are interested, please join us.


Have a great weekend! 7 student days left!
-Justin