McKinley Elementary School

No School!

Monday, January 30
Staff Development Day

Cultivating Curiosity… and your involvement!

Want to get your hands dirty? Want to keep your hands clean?

The McKinley Garden and Farm to School Lunch Program has ideas for parent, child, and community supporter involvement for all levels of interest!

In the Garden:  Phase Two is coming along, with grapes and apple trees to go in this Spring.  Contact Kristin at 503-779-4830, kramstad38@yahoo.com or McRae at bluemac55@hotmail.com, if you want to be kept informed about upcoming planting days and work parties.

Farm To School lunches are the 3rd Friday of every month and parents may join their students for a more locally sourced, seasonal lunch.  We are working with school district food innovators to encourage healthier eating and food awareness among students.  To get involved with this project on the planning level, or by developing “pick of the month” activities with the students, call Kristin (above) or email Kira at dazz22@hotmail.com.

Still just thinking about getting involved? Check out the McK garden blog on the school’s website, or come to one of our every other Tuesday afternoon meetings -- the next one is Jan 24 from 2:00-3:10, usually in the library.

A Wild Weather Week

It has been a wild weather week.  A little snow, a little wind, a lot of rain!  Thank you all for your flexibility and efforts during this challenging time. 

In spite of the weather issues, this is still one of my favorite times of the year.  When the students return after winter break they seem to settle in quickly to the routine of school.  This is the heart of the school year when many academic and social gains are made by students.

One of the largest contributing factors to these gains is student attendance.  It’s quite simple.  When students are consistently at school, they make more gains than when they have frequent absences.

The target attendance for schools is 95%.  That averages to about 10 days a year, or one day per month.  We understand that illnesses and unforeseeable circumstances can happen.  Please contact us if you have a circumstance that is going to result in multiple absences.  We will do whatever we can on our end to offer support. 

We may have some more wild weather ahead of us in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, thanks for making sure your students attend regularly.  It makes a difference!

                         Annie Morton, Principal

Saxon Baseball Try Outs

Saxon Baseball offers South Salem area youth of all skill levels (ages 7-14) the opportunity to play competitive baseball with others of equal skill and age. For 5-6 year olds, Saxon Baseball offers skill-building practices and clinics with scrimmages.

Saxon teams (except 5-6 year-olds) play League games during the week and compete in at least 3 tournaments on differing weekends during May, June and July. Register online or at Try Outs.

Try Outs will be held on February 18 and 19, 2012 at South Salem High School.  For exact Try Out times and more information visit www.jbosaxonbaseball.com
or call 503.371.2323.

Auction/Movie Night is coming

Auction/Movie Night is coming on Friday, April 6.  We will need volunteers, so clear your calendar for this fun event!  Contact Cinnamon Albin at 503-551-6791.

Congratulations

to Anthony Gonzales Guerrero and Brett Matthews who both took second place in their divisions of the Elks Free Throw on January 7.  Well done, guys!

The Heart of Literacy Parent Gathering March 10, 2012

The 10th Annual Heart of Literacy Conference, formerly known as No Child Left Behind, will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at McKay High School, 2440 Lancaster Dr. NE. Key issues will be addressed that will help parents be involved in the education of their children.

This is a free event with childcare available for ages two through twelve. The theme for this year is “Unlock the Power.” Discover YOUR voice and learn how you can unlock the path to literacy for infants, children and youth.

Conference hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m.  For further information or to register visit our Website at: http://www.co.marion.or.us/CFC/Literacy/2012LiteracyConference.htm, or contact us at (503) 399-3258.