Summer Update - August 2019

Happy August, McKinley! 

This quote stood out to me greatly this summer.  As we all know, relationships are critical to the work we do with students, families, and each other.  When I think of relationships, I think of different levels of relationships - from a friendly relationship to a true, collaborative relationship.  Our belief in students is one of the greatest indicators of a students' success in education.  What we believe, say, and do will drastically impact a students' live.  This quote reminds me - we have to believe in them to have them believe in us.  When that happens, true learning and relationships occur. 

Welcome Back Week & McKinley Gear! 
For those of you who did not see, I sent our "Welcome Back Letter" this week.  This letter contains your schedule for the week of August 26.

On Wednesday, August 28, we will all meet at the high school for our welcome back celebration. Please plan on wearing any of your McKinley gear to this - let's represent McKinley!

Infinitec Trainings
Infinitec Trainings are due by October 31, 2019.  Please go in and complete these trainings before that day.  If you have questions, please see Chris Picha's email from July 31.  Thank you!

MTSS Structure/Power 20:
We have a change in how we will program for Power 20 this year.  This change is largely due to feedback from staff on how programming was difficult this past year. 

We will move away from having a "Power 20" where all kids go to some type of intervention and/or enrichment.  Instead, grade levels are scheduled an "intervention time" for 30 minutes during classroom reading blocks.  This intervention time will be used for students who need LLI or PRESS.  If students do not receive these interventions, they are in the classroom doing a guided group and/or independent work.  The hope of this change is to provide adequate time for interventions for those who need it - rather than everyone in the grade level.

Speaking of intervention, Sami Nelson and Michelle Meiners have moved rooms.  They are now located in Val Seath's old room. 

Hub Updated
The Hub has been updated for the 19-20 school year.  I used the same document -  if you created a favorite or tab, it should take you to the current information.

Library Update:
This past year, we surveyed students to see what they wanted in our library space.  One of the things I heard over and over again was to turn this area into a learning space, rather than just a space for reading.  They spoke and we listened...

This past week, Justin Lang installed a Lego wall outside of 2nd grade.  Very exciting!

We have also added some MakerSpace items to our library.  More information will come out on this.  Our library will become a place for students to design, create, and build.... very exciting!

More information to come on the library transformation...


I hope you have a great rest of August and are enjoying the Steele County Free Fair!
-Justin