Our Core Values
Safe, Respectful, Responsible
February is Kids Heart Challenge. McKinley will Kick off Kids Heart Month on January 27th!
Dear McKinley Elementary School Families
It’s Almost time for the Kids Heart Challenge!
Our school is proud to support the American Heart Association and help kids with special hearts! Our Kids Heart Challenge program is kicking off on January 27th and it’s time to get ready by joining our school’s online team. Our goal is to have 100% of our school families learn Hands Only CPR through Finn’s Mission. Don’t wait, join our team today to get started!
1. Join Our Team by going HERE or search for the Kids Heart Challenge app on your iPhone or Android. You can also go straight to our school’s page by scanning this QR code using your mobile device.
2. Take the Challenge to Move More or Be Kind and you’ll earn a FREE “Be the Torch” Wristband.
3. Follow FINN’S MISSION in your headquarters to learn Hands-Only CPR, how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T., and how to help spread awareness by connecting to social media with an adult. See it HERE
Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates!
January 23: PTA general membership meeting (7pm, virtual, literacy workshop)
January 25: SEPTA Meeting (7:30pm, in person, details TBD)
January 26: School Store
January 27: Kids Heart Challenge Assembly
February 2: Grade 4 Strings Concert (7pm)
February 16: Early Dismissal (1:40pm)
February 17-20: NO SCHOOL
February 22: School Store
March 7: Early Dismissal for PD (1:40pm)
March 15, 16 & 23: Early Dismissal for Conferences (1:40pm)
March 18: McKinley Family Night @ Bridgeport Islanders (7pm)
March 20: PTA general membership meeting (7pm, virtual, SEL workshop)
The full school and PTA calendar is posted at https://mckinleyschoolpta.membershiptoolkit.com/calendar. Be sure to check the calendar frequently!
The Chinese Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Sunday, January 22nd.
2023 is the year of the rabbit.
Many of our students will celebrate over the weekend with their families.
Thank you
The ESL/MLL Department
Jennifer in 3rd grade teaches her peers about Chinese New Year and how she celebrates with her family.
Critter Caravan
Visited
Kindergarten
Start saving those pennies! The January School Store is scheduled for Thursday, January 26! This month’s School Store will feature some best sellers, Valentine’s Day-themed items as well as tons of SALE items. Prices will range from $0.10 to $5.00.
The School Store needs your help! Please consider signing up for a shift to staff the Store on January 26: Click HERE to sign up.
While this is a 5th grade fundraiser, you do not need to be a 5th grade parent/guardian to volunteer (but you do need to be a paid, current PTA member). Any of our volunteers can tell you it’s really fun to help the kids browse and shop! Thank you!
Attention 4th - 6th grade parents and guardians!
Fairfield CARES is offering a free pilot program to educate parents and kids on Healthy Video Gaming. This program will be facilitated by Dr. Annalise Caron (child/adolescent clinical psychologist) in conjunction with the CT Council on Problem Gambling.
The kick-off Zoom-based meeting will be held on Tuesday January 31 at 7:30pm. Both kids and their parents can attend this virtual meeting with Dr. Caron. After this initial kick-off, families will receive a link to complete short virtual weekly modules of the "Powered UP Pilot Program" to promote healthy gaming throughout the month of February -- with engaging learning modules for kids and different educational modules for parents. There will be 2 additional Zoom meetings with Dr. Caron to facilitate learning and participation in the program (February 14 & 28).
SIGN UP HERE: https://bit.ly/Fairfield_CARES_Healthy_Gaming
*The Fairfield CARES Community Coalition brings together citizens, educators and leaders from a broad spectrum of the Fairfield Community in support of our shared vision of a community that promotes healthy, responsible choices through prevention and education for youth, young adults, and families.
McKinley's Social Worker, Mrs. Miller, is requesting snacks to help our McKinley friends who may be in need of snacks. NUT FREE, store bought, pre packaged and individually wrapped snacks are welcome. Cookies, crackers, Goldfish, pretzels, popcorn, applesauce, etc.
The drive runs from Monday, January 23 thru Friday, January 27. Leave donations on the cart at the front entrance at drop off and pick up. See flyer HERE
Thank you!
This month’s School Store is January 26! And because it’s January, we are having a CLEARANCE SALE! Many items will be reduced to 10 cents! Plus, we’ll have some best sellers and Valentine’s Day items. Prices will range from $.10-$5.00. Happy shopping! Thank you for supporting this 5th grade fundraiser!
See complete flyer HERE
SEPTA newsletter. Click HERE
Our STEAM teachers, in partnership with the FPS Green Team, are collecting 1 gallon milk jugs Tues, Jan 17 through Fri, Jan 27 for a STEAM project. Gallon jugs should be:
-Cleaned
-Clear, not opaque
-With the top
A collection bin will be outside the front doors. Thank you for helping us be green! 💚🌱🌎
STAR testing has ended in grades 1 through 5 in reading and math. This week, Kindergarten will be assessed in early literacy. This assessment will provide helpful information regarding student growth since the fall administration. We will use these results and other class assessments to make instructional decisions that further support student learning.
Join your McKinley friends for McKinley Family Night at the Bridgeport Islanders on Saturday, March 18, 7pm! The game is at the Total Mortgage Arena, 600 Main St, Bridgeport. This FUNdraiser will benefit the McKinley PTA's programs to support our students and teachers. We'll be raising money at the Chuck-a-Puck table on the concourse.
Tickets are $20 each and each attendee must have a ticket. Purchase tickets online at https://fevo.me/mckinley23.
The 5th grade chorus will be performing the National Anthem at the game. For fifth graders (and any McKinley students) who attend the game, this is not a drop off event. A parent/guardian must accompany each child, and tickets must be purchased for each attendee. For the 5th grade chorus, Miss Bettke will share performance details about arrival/dismissal, dress code, etc closer to the event. See flyer HERE
Feel free to invite your friends and family! See you there!
Join us for McKinley PTA's General Membership Meeting on Monday, January 23, 7pm, via Zoom (info in the agenda) - from the comfort of your home! All are welcome to attend. Agenda: https://mckinleyschoolpta.membershiptoolkit.com/assets/04603/Meetings/20230123-mckinley-pta-general-agenda.pdf
We’re starting the New Year focusing on literacy. Our McKinley Language Arts Specialists will share a presentation about phonics and word study, with an emphasis on ways for parents and guardians to support their children at home to help them grow as strong readers. General PTA updates (Carnival, Fun & Fundraising, BoE/Redistricting) will also be shared during the meeting. We hope to see you!
It's that time again! Time to order your yearbook! Click HERE
Enter in password: yb2023
And select "Order Online"Books are $17 each
Attendance: Please use SDM or the attendance line (203-255-8414) to report your child absent. Be sure to indicate the reason for the absence. Please do this as early as possible in the morning but no later than 9:30.
Did you know that you can now used SDM to let the school know your child will be late due to a doctor's appointment?
Reminder from Nurse Kinney
Message from the School Nurses….
Covid-19 Test Kit Update
Thank you for your cooperation in continuing to test your students when they feel ill.
Recently, iHealth Covid-19 Test kit expiration dates have been extended. To check the extended expiration date of your iHealth Covid-19 test kits, please use the link provided: https://www.fda.gov/media/164551/download
Covid-19 test kits will no longer be available for distribution once the school supply has been depleted. Free Covid-19 test kits can be ordered from the U.S government at no cost. The link to the government website:
Families can also get no-cost PCR tests if they have health insurance: https://covidtesting2.ynhhs.org/
Please report positive COVID result to the school nurses. To minimize the spread, please send your student back to school on day 6 with a mask.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our students healthy.
Guylaine Kinney RN
Peggy Gagner RN
McKinley school nurses
Please submit a copy of your child's vaccination card to the school nurse, Mrs. Kinney.
Guylaine Kinney
McKinley School nurse
Phone: 203-255-8263
Fax: 203-255-8204
Gkinney2@fairfieldschools.org
