December 19 Update

Happy Friday!

This will be the last post for 2025.  I hope you all have a relaxing and rejuvenating winter break!

Friendly Reminder - Communication:

This a friendly reminder about communication.  This week alone, we fielded many questions that were easily found in the announcements, blog, and the December 19 movie document.  Our office is more than willing to help - that's our role.  I need you to start reading the announcements, blog, and other documents closely.  

Hugging a Porcupine:

As we close out the 2025 year, I want you to reflect back to our opening day "He is Ours" story.  Remember how emotional many got as we read about the impact we have on our kids - and how they will always be ours?  Then, the challenges, behaviors, and reminders came along, adding stress and frustration to our interactions.  Take some time over break to re-read the story and think about what 2026 will look like for you.  How can we make the idea of "hugging a porcupine" a part of our every day life?  

Environmental Set Up for Sensory Support (from Dr. Dokken):

Dr. Dokken has provided some great tips for sensory support within your spaces.  

Click here to view the document

A Huge Thank You:

To our amazing school community -thank you for being the glue, the sparkle, and sometimes the miracle workers who keep our school running day after day. Your hard work, patience, and dedication do not go unnoticed—even when you repeat a direction for the 28th time or the coffee runs out a little too early. As winter break arrives, we hope you trade lesson plans and emails for cozy blankets, good food, and well-earned rest. Please relax, recharge, and enjoy every peaceful moment—you’ve more than earned it. We can’t wait to see you refreshed, smiling, and ready to shine in the new year! ❄️✨

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter - December 22-23

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter - January 5 -9

Have a great weekend!  2 more days.... we can do it!

-Justin

December 12 Update

Happy Friday!

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

Tiffany Geary and Steph Stolp were nominated by 3rd Grade for "Thank you for doing all that you do for students and staff! You go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome, safe, and happy here at McKinley! We appreciate all you do!"

Fastbridge Winter 2026 Plan:

When we return from winter break, we will begin our FastBridge Winter Benchmark Assessment window (Jan 7 - 16).  Please open and view the relevant parts of this document that has all schedules, resources, and plans for winter benchmark assessments.  

FastBridge Benchmark Assessment Plan - Winter 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.  

McKStrong Celebration Plan - December 19:

Click here to access the plan for next Friday.

All In the Hall:

Just (another) friendly reminder of our "all in the hall" start to our day.  This has been a long standing routine at McKinley - which isn't happening.  When kids enter the building at 8am, we need to be moving out of our rooms and into our common spaces.  In the last week, I have observed 3 times where students enter the building with no adult greeting them.  This "all in the hall" routine is a proven way to start a strong relationship, as well as impact a student's day in a positive way. 

Connection Day - January 5:

Linked is the plan for our January 5 Connection Day.  A huge thanks to Intervention Team for planning this day! 

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Click here to access the building weekly newsletter

You've all earned a calm, relaxing weekend - enjoy it! 

-Justin

December 5 Update

Happy Friday, McKinley!

Another great week of learning and relationships at McKinley!  

Toot Your Horn Thursday:

Congrats to our four winners this week!  Don't forget, to nominate someone you can click here! 

Xandra Sorenson was nominated by the 3rd Grade Team for "Thank you Xandra for partnering with us on our final project for Module 1! The kids created great artwork to go along with their writing. You are doing amazing things with all McKinley students! Thank you!"

Bernie Jensen was nominated by Kate Tepp for "Bernie provides amazing support in our classroom during math. She purchased some flashcards earlier in the year to help support with multiplication facts. The class was so appreciative and some have never used flashcards before, so they have loved learning how to quiz friends. We are learning how to multiply 2 & 3 digit numbers right now, and she does a great job in supporting the understanding of the "why" when we multiply. Her excitement and push has helped kids become more confident in their skills. I appreciate her so much!"

Kinzie Kruschke was nominated by Mallory Baumann for "Kinzie goes above and beyond every single day! She supports student needs with such care, and makes sure every student she works with feels seen, valued, and capable. Thank you for showing up with heart, for noticing the little things, and for making a positive impact on every student!"

Katie Herbst was nominated by Karen Thurnau for "Katie was so helpful in setting up conferences for a few friends this year. She went the extra mile more than once to ensure that ALL families attended. Katie is so in tune to what is going on with ALL of her students - just like they were her own! She is an amazing coworker!"

Staffing Update:

Nurse  - Ashlee Krauss has announced her resignation effective at winter break.  Ashlee has accepted a position with Federated.  I am so sad to see her leave, as Ashlee was an amazing school nurse.  I know she will go on to do amazing things at Federated!  Please join me in wishing Ashlee the best!  The position is being posted with the hopes of having someone start after winter break.  

2nd Grade LTS - Michelle Gadient will be out from January - April.  We are excited to share that Hanna Cunnif is joining us in this role.  Hanna is a newer educator with some experience with subbing over the last year.  Please join me in welcoming Hanna!  

4th Grade LTS - I am still in process of finding a candidate.  If you know of anyone, please reach out to them and encourage to apply (and let me know, too).  

We Filled the Jar - December 19:

Please don't share any details yet with kids - they will get the announcement on Monday morning.   Linked is a plan for December 19 for you to reserve the date and time.  

Inclusive Schools Week: 

Next week is Inclusive Schools Week!   Click this link to see what our plan for the week.  

A huge thanks to Lynn Jensen for serving on this district-wide committee! 

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

Have a great weekend - stay warm!
-Justin