November 13 Update

Happy Friday!
Thanks to everyone for another great week at McKinley! 

SISU:
If you think back to our welcome back week, we talked about the of "SISU" - that inner strength to keep going, even when things are tough.  It was easy to committ to the resilence, courage, and endurance of SISU in August.  Is it still as easy to committ?  

Each of you make an impact - good or bad.  What type of impact do you want to make? 

Cheers for Peers:

Karen Thurnau was nominated by Jodie & Katy - "Karen took the extra time after a long day of teaching and conferencing this past Tuesday, to deliver our Veterans Day letters and cards. She went to THREE different places, which likely made the rest of her night quite short, but she was happy to report the greetings were graciously accepted"

Liz Stitzmeyer was nominated by Karla Wilke - "I am amazed by Liz's creativity in her teaching every single day. Not am I so lucky to plan and teach with her but to learn how to be the kindest and fun teacher there is out there. She knows how to engage her students and she does so whether it is a planned out detailed lesson or an on the spot change of plans. She takes a common Notice and Wonder from same ole, same ole to the next level of engagement with balloon popping, movement, partner work, drawing and more. Her teaching is fresh, engaging and super fun. Liz does this with the biggest smile on her face and the best laugh! Students and staff LOVE working with Mrs. Stitzmeyer!"

Andie Zwart was nominated by Karla Wilke - "Every time I have a technology issue, I am amazed with how fast Andie arrives at my "door" to solve the problem. It is within 30 seconds and she is there! Andie bursts into the room with such joy and a positive attitude. She makes me feel ok that I don't understand what is going on and how to fix the issue. I can understand when she explains it to me. She always has a smile on her face and evidence that she loves her job. Her joy and energy is infectious. I always feel better after our paths cross. Thank you for your expertise and passion, Andie!"

Let's fill this building with gratitude!  If you have a colleague to nominate, please complete the form.  Don't forget, there is no moment "too small" to make an impact! 

American Education Week:
Next week is American Education Week - a week to honor all the educators who support and love our kids!  The term educator means all of you!  Linked below is our plan to celebrate you:

Staffing:
A couple of staffing updates:

• Tom Smith is retiring from his position at Winter Break.  A huge congrats to Tom for entering retirement!  He won't be leaving McKinley anytime soon - he will be covering for Kyle Melcher's paternity leave from January 4- Spring Break. 

• Luke Holt will be taking Tom Smith's position on January 4.  Luke taught PE here many years ago and is excited to return!  

• 3rd Grade LTS - we are currently looking for a 3rd Grade LTS for Katy Furniss.  Katy will be out from December 15 - February 16.  If you know of anyone, please reach out or have them apply online.

• Open Stride Para - we have an open Stride para position as Nicole Boehme has resigned.  The position is posted - if you know of anyone, have them apply! 

• Mallory Olson is filling in for Danika Beck from November 20 through March.  Mallory is coming to us from Lincoln where she has many years of experience in Kindergarten and 1st Grade.  

Wellness Week:
The below note is from Maria Terry and the Wellness Committee...
The goal of Wellness Week is to reinforce and build on the health and wellness information students are learning at school and at home. Here are a few tips to help make Wellness Week a success: 

• Use the interactive Wellness Week online module each day to share the lesson and complete a brief classroom activity. Each lesson takes less than five minutes. https://mccmscontent.mayo.edu/LSC/MayoClinicHealthSystemWellnessWeek/2026-2027/index.html#/ 

• Share the Wellness Week flyer with parents through email and/or your school newsletter. Web link: https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc4400-mc4499/mc4484-328.pdf  and Spanish version https://mcforms.mayo.edu/mc4400-mc4499/mc4484-328sp.pdf (Also attached in both English and Spanish) 

• Remind students to talk with their families about the “at-home” topic each evening. 

• Provide the MCHS Pop-It cube to participating students at the end of Wellness Week as a thank-you item.

Weather and Emergency Closings:
Linked is a document that outlines what you do in the event of a weather or emergency closing.  Please save this so you can reference in the event school is closed.

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

Have a great weekend!
-Justin