March 22 Update

Happy Spring Break!

I hope each of you are able to get away from work and be with the people or things you love.  Each of you gives so much to our students, families, and McKinley in general.  This is a great time to totally checkout and just be in the moment.  Enjoy your time, rest up, and get ready to come back and finish the year strong!  

Absences:

Just a reminder - if you are taking a part of a day (or even a half day) and end up having lunch, specialists, or recess in there, please connect with Justin or Steph before requesting a sub.  We've noticed an increase in half day absences in which a sub comes in for only 45 minutes of teaching.  We would rather fill that internally.   Bottom line - if it's not a solid half day of instruction, feel free to reach out to us and we can help you.  

READ Act Dates 24-25:

As you know, we have some reading professional development for next school year through the READ Act.  I am excited to see us learn and grow as teachers of reading.

Julie Sullivan has worked hard to create a solid professional learning plan for us which includes some days at workshop, MLK Day, etc.  In addition to these already set days, the school board has approved three additional days for our professional learning.  These dates are October 21, February 17, and April 21.  The reason I give you these now is to be mindful of these days when you are taking time off.  

Boundary Changes:

The school board approved K-5 boundary changes starting next school year.  As many of you know, we have an imbalance in the number of students at each of our four elementary schools - some are using every possible space while others have open rooms.  The boundary changes will help with a more balanced student population and use of space.  It's very typical for districts to re-evaluate boundaries every 5-6 years.  

One of our biggest changes in boundary is Colonial Manor, which is out behind Lowes.  Starting next year, that area will move to Wilson.  McKinley's boundary has moved west, taking in students who are currently living west of Cedar (Skyline Gardens, 22nd Street NW, etc).   These areas going to new schools will also help with transportation.  

Families will be notified next week of the change.  Families of 4th graders going into 5th grade can request to keep their child at their current school; however, siblings would go to their new assigned school.  Families have until April 5 to make this request.  After this time, we will have a more solid understanding of our student population and sections.  I apologize that staffing and this has been delayed this year.  The boundary changes impact this greatly.

On May 1 (4:30-5:30pm), we will host an open house for students who are new to McKinley.  If you are able to attend, I would greatly appreciate having some staff in the building.  This is a time for new students to see their new school.

I wanted to provide you with a quick overview of where we are at.  If you get questions from families, here is the website with a lot of information, as well as an address locator for new boundaries.   

Because this is a sensitive topic, please do not talk to classes about this.  After break, we will provide you with a list of those moving so you can keep an eye out.  However, we should not enter into conversations as we still have 2 months left of school.  If families reach out to you, you can direct them my way.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:
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Have a GREAT Spring Break!
-Justin