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!