Summer Update - August 14, 2020

I hope you are all healthy, happy, and enjoying summer!  Continue to soak up this time... we will be back at it soon!  

Distance Learning:

Overall, we have around 150 of our students doing distance learning!  As an elementary, we have around 350 students doing the distance option.  The distance learning will be programmed out of McKinley - with teachers reporting to McKinley.  As of today, we will have K-2 distance learning teachers set up in Taylor Gritz's old Kindergarten room and 3-5th grade distance learning teachers set up in Meiners/Nelson's classroom by 2nd grade.  This is considered a district-wide program with teachers and students from across the district.  I'm very excited to see this new program grow - with some awesome teacher leadership to support this!  

Staffing & Sections:

Due to the need to reduce class sizes to meet CDC requirements, we had to make some changes to teaching assignments.  Overall, we are losing a 1st Grade section and adding a 4th Grade section.  A HUGE thank you to the below people for their flexibility, focus on kids, and professionalism.    

• Kayla Davis will be teaching 5th Grade Distance Learning, district-wide
• Karen Thurnau will be teaching 3rd Grade Distance Learning, district-wide
• Dani Rypka will be teaching 4th Grade Distance Learning, district-wide
• Julie Bauer will be teaching 5th Grade Distance Learning, district-wide

• Jess Zupansic will be teaching 3rd Grade - 3A.  We cut a section of 1st Grade.  
• Michelle Meiners will be teaching 3rd Grade - 3D.  
• Sami Nelson will be teaching 4th Grade - 4B.
• Gia Davison will be teaching 4th Grade - 4E.  This was an added section and will be located in 5th Grade (Paige Gilligan's old room).

As you can see, we will not be programming any tier 2 or 3 interventions this year.  We will want to be creative in how we can intervene with students for the year.  

Again, these are still not final.  I wanted you to be aware at this point.  

Staff Update Meeting:

I will be offering another update meeting next Thursday, August 20.  This is an optional Google Meet to hear about updates and ask questions. 

Class Lists:

With the changes to staffing & decrease in students to distance learning, we are re-working class lists today.  A huge thank you to our Special Education and EL team for helping with this process.  Our goal is to get out placement letters mid-next week.  At that point, your roster will be updated in Campus - but still not final.  We are still getting move in/move out requests.   I'm so thankful for Steph!  

Welcome Back & Before School Interview Information:

We are finalizing your welcome back week - you should receive an email next week with this information.  Please know this week has lots of preparation time - to get you ready for another successful year.  

Before School Interview Dates:

Thursday, August 27 - 7:40-3:10pm

Wednesday, September 2 - 11:40-7:10pm

Thursday, September 3- 7:40-3:10pm

Friday, September 4 and Monday, September 7 are NO SCHOOL Days.  As I look at the calendar, it must be in honor of Kathy Feltes & Gia Davison's birthdays?  :)

We start school on Tuesday, September 8 (Kindergarten will do half classes on Tuesday & Wednesday of this week).  

Writing a New Chapter:

This quote will summarize my year - and hopefully yours, too.   We know there is uncertainty - all the logistical stuff, how will staff and students do with these changes, etc.  There is lots that is "unknown".  However, all of these "unknowns" are writing a beautiful chapter for us.  Some day, we will look back and think about each of these experiences & opportunities and smile.  I can't think of a group of educators I'd rather write this chapter with.... our talent, dedication, and energy will carry us through the next few months! 

I hope you are all doing well and are gearing up for another great year!   Let me know if you have questions or concerns - my "door' is always open!  

Enjoy your last few weeks!

-Justin

Summer Update - August 11, 2020

Happy August, McKinley! 

Can you believe that school is right around the corner?  This year is sure to bring many new challenges to our team.  When I think of these challenges, I take a deep breath and feel the stress in my body.  Then, I take another deep breath and look at pictures of our team... and remember how strong we are as a united team.  Our team has taken on challenges in the past and come out better - and stronger - than before.  I know I've said this before.  We've got this.  

What's Going on at McKinley This Week? 

Just to update you on where we are at with the beginning of the year.   We just closed up our enrollment form where families indicated distance learning or in-person learning.  A huge thank you to Steph, Selena, Nura, and Sylvia for their countless hours of working with families.

Today and tomorrow, we will be calling those who indicated distance learning to talk through the expectations.  They will look differently than spring, so we want families to know this before committing to distance learning.  

The rest of the week, we will look at who indicated "in person" learning and balance class lists.  I will, more than likely, need help from staff in the building with this.  I'm hoping all the changes just magically work out by taking a few students per classroom.  If not (sigh!), we will go back through to balance classes.  

It's a crazy week with lots of moving parts.  Thank goodness for our awesome office staff who have this handled.   We've got this!  

Family Update - August:

This video was sent home today to families:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ6WA4bdJ4s&feature=youtu.be

School Theme for 20-21 - "What's Your Story?"

Our theme for the year is "What's Your Story?"  This theme really focuses around two things - knowing about others' stories and using our backgrounds/stories as assets to learning.  There is so much power in understanding others - both students and staff. 

Article - 7 Ways to Cope with Uncertainty:

This time of year (on a normal year) can bring excitement, energy, and also stress.  Add COVID-19 to the mix to leave many of us with uncertainty, stress, and fear of the unknown.  I completely understand this and feel it myself.  I recently came across an article on dealing with this uncertainty- well worth the read!  

Scope & Sequence:

With two different forms of programming (distance learning and in person learning) occurring, it is critical we follow the scope and sequence this year.  With families health and the differences between programming, we will more than likely see more mobility this year.  It is critical we follow the scope and sequence provided.  More information will be coming on this.  

I hope you enjoy your last few weeks of summer - rest up and enjoy the beautiful weather!

-Justin

Summer Update - July 2020

Happy July, McKinley!  I hope this email finds you relaxed, healthy, and happy!

Fall Plan for Return:
I know there has been a lot on social media about returning to school.  With this, I'm sure there is a lot of stress, anxiety, and "how will we manage this?"  Please rest assured - we have been working countless hours to make this work for both students and staff.  As you probably know, we need to be prepared for three models, in the event we need one of them.  We spent some time in June looking at these and getting feedback from stakeholders (representing McKinley was Justin Lang and Jen Koziolek).

Next week, Governor Walz will be releasing more information on our fall return.   After that point, I will be meeting with Building Leadership Team (August 3) to discuss our plan and gather feedback.  Then, I will start to communicate what the year will look like.   Please know, you and our students' safety has been at the heart of all decision-making.

This year will be a great one -  we are surrounded by great people, great students, and great families.  It will be GREAT!

2020-2021 Important Dates:
Attached is a link to our tentative 2020-2021 important dates.  These dates are still subject to change - especially if something changes with programming and/or attending school.  Please plan on these dates unless you hear differently!

Caring School Communities - Rebuilding Kit:
Caring School Communities has done some work around restarting the year and rebuilding community.  Check out the resources:  https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/professional-learning/reconnecting-and-rebuilding-toolkit-k-6/

Open Positions:
We have a few open positions at McKinley for the 2020-2021 school year.  If you know of anyone who would be a great addition to our team, please encourage them to apply online.  Also, if you highly recommend them, please let me know!

• 4th Grade Long-Term Sub (for Chelsea Van Roekel & Dani Rypka) - position is late October end of year.  This position is posted online.  
• Educational Assistants - 3 positions open (positions will be posted in early August)
• Principal - just kidding! 

This summer, Libby and I are leading a book study on "Personal and Authentic" by Thomas Murray (he is scheduled to be our keynote in September).   There is a quote in there that I think will help ground us in our real purpose - and how much our language/beliefs matter:

You don't teach math.  You teach kids math.

You don't teach science.  You teach kids science.

You don't teach music.  You teach kids music. 

You don't teach social studies.  You teach kids social studies.

You don't teach writing.  You teach kids writing.  

Keep this in mind as we start to plan (and stress) - we teach kids.  And, you are damn good at it!  

Don't forget to continue to recharge your "battery" - and do whatever you love to do!  

If you have any questions, please reach out.  I'm here for you! 

-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, June 4, 2020

Happy Last Day of School!
What a year this has been!  And, here we are, the last day of school.  Think back to that day in March when we realized we were going distance learning.  Many of you probably thought, "Will I make it???"  You did!  It was your passion, persistence, and dedication to our kids that made this year a success.  I'm proud to stand along side you in this work!

I hope you are able to turn the computer off and enjoy some downtime.  Do something you enjoy and be around those you love!  Take care of YOU!

PD Learning Reflection:
I hope you enjoyed the professional learning this week.   It was hard to put it all into one week - however, we made it happen!  A huge thank you to our Teaching and Learning Department for making this happen!

I hope you learned, reflected, questioned, & collaborated a lot this week!  We are life long learners!

Communication this Summer:
I will be sending out communication, as needed this summer.  I plan to use school email and the blog - make sure you peek in once in a while to keep up with this communication!

Our office is open next week, regular hours.  Below are our hours:
              June 15 - July 1, our office will have limited hours.  If you need something from the
              office, please email me if the office is closed.

              July 6- 30 we will have summer school at McKinley.  Our office hours will be 7:00-
              1:00pm.

              August 3 - 7 we will have limited hours

              August 10 - 31 we will resume our normal hours

Parade:
Thank you to everyone who turned out for our End of the Year Parade last night!  It was great to get into neighborhoods and see our kids!

Take some time this summer for YOU!   Have a great summer and keep being awesome!
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, May 29, 2020

Happy Friday!

Below is the video message for our students.. enjoy!

Summer Programming - Building Use:
As you know, we will have students in the building this summer.  When you clean your room/office, please be aware that it will more than likely be used for programming.  With social distancing, we will need to use every space available in the building.

Parade - June 4:
Please consider joining us for our end of the year parade on June 4 at 4:30pm.  We will meet at McKinley around 4:15pm and follow a route throughout our neighborhoods.  Consider decorating your car with signs, etc (remember, you will still need to be able to drive).  We are not doing candy or handing items out due to germs/contact. 

Family Communication:
This note will be going home today to families- I wanted you to be in the know!

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

Enjoy your weekend - gear up for a great week of professional learning and goodbyes!
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, May 22, 2020

Happy Friday, McKinley!

5th Grade Graduation:
Calling all staff- come join us on Wednesday night for our 5th Grade Graduation!  The graduation is on May 27 from 6-7:30pm in the pick up/drop off lane.  Please consider joining us!

EID - Saturday:

Nura said EID will fall on Sunday this year. This Muslim holiday marks the end of Ramadan and their month of fasting.  It is a time of celebration with family and friends.  I'm including a short description of this holiday in case you would like to know more about the meaning of Eid.

Eid’ul Fitr

Eid in Arabic means “feast, festival, holiday.”

Eid is a worldwide festival and celebration for Muslims. During the calendar year there are two Eid’s that are celebrated by Muslims. Eid ul Fitr, which means “festival to break the fast”, is at the end of the holy month of Ramadan in which Muslims fast for a whole month.

Eid ul Fitr is also known as the lesser Eid, and is determined by the confirmed sighting of the new moon. Eid is a time for reflection and starting afresh, a time to rejoice with family and friends, but also a time for remembering those who are less fortunate. It’s a time to count our blessings while also giving charity to those in need. Fasting teaches empathy and compassion for those less fortunate. In this time of year it provides Muslims belief and the opportunity to feel closer to God by carrying out various works of charity to benefit the poor and by offering prayers imposed and enacted. There are special morning Eid prayers offered in congregation to accompany the 5 daily prayers to mark the occasion. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reported that servants who get cleaned by fasting and worshipping should wish for whatever they want from Allah in Eid prayers.

Eid is a momentous, happy and joyous occasion shared with family and friends, Muslim and non-Muslim. A celebration of this nature, with family and friends following a month fasting, is a reminder and expression of trying to be a better person in all aspects (health, spiritual, belief and faith)

ACCESS Scores- Celebrations:

As the 2019-20 school year comes to a close, our EL department has some exciting news to share.  After receiving our ACCESS scores for 2020, we are thrilled to announce we have 20 students who passed their test and will be exited from the program!  Also, 15 of the 20 are in fourth and fifth grade!  These results affirm the effectiveness of co-teaching, the cumulative results of three years of partnerships and being fully aligned with the K-5 curriculum!

Also, each of our English Learner's path to proficiency includes individualized language targets for each year. English language proficiency is the level of knowledge and skill with the English language required for academic success. Whenever a student increases their level of knowledge and skill, they are making progress toward English language proficiency.  This year, 71%  (46 out of 64 students) of the English Language Learners who had 2 years worth of ACCESS data sets at McKinley met North Star Proficiency.
 

Congrats to McKinley EL students and team for this remarkable measure of achievement! 

 We can ALL celebrate these amazing results!  What a way to end the year!

 -- Laurie, Caryn, Liz, and Martina

June 8 - Teacher Workday:
I've had some questions about June 8 Teacher Workday.  If you have your work completed on or before June 5, you do not need to report on June 8.

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


I hope you have a great, relaxing weekend!  Take care of YOU!
-Justin

Weekly Update - Friday, May 15, 2020

Happy Friday!

Finish Strong, McKinley!
As I stated in my email on Wednesday, finish strong!  I am continually impressed by you... enjoy the movie one more time! 

5th Grade Notes to Graduates

Please remember that notes to the graduates are due by Friday, May 20th.  Please use the form to leave notes for our students.  They would love to read notes from all of you!  Thank you. 

End of Year Checklist:

Below are two checklists for staff - one is for a teacher checkout & one is a to-do list for student events.  

Teacher Checklist (for teachers)

End of Year "To Do List" for Student Items & Events

Also, this note is going home today to families - just keeping you in the loop! 

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


Enjoy your weekend - get outside and do something for YOU!
-Justin