McKinley is excited to return with a regular update to our community about everything going on at your neighborhood elementary school! McKinley has a new principal this year, John Collins, and we ’ve had a fantastic first half of the school year under his new leadership. As we come back from Winter Break, we have some important and fun events coming up in the second half of the year!

McKinley refreshed its mission statement this year to further deepen our school community ’s commitment to equity. The new mission statement is, “McKinley centers BIPOC voices to ensure an inclusive, trusting, and joyful learning community that eliminates inequitable patterns of student access and outcomes so that students reach their full potential.” The school celebrates Black Excellence month in a variety of ways, one of our favorites being the read aloud where parent volunteers read aloud stories that celebrate Black voices to students, a great example of our new mission statement in action. The district ’s African American Honor Roll celebration will also take place this month on February 16th.

The reading keeps on going with the beloved annual read-a-thon in February. Students collect pledges for reading every day for a month. This is the main fundraiser for our library, the literal heart of the McKinley building, and the figurative heart of our community. The funds raised go towards the purchase of engaging and thought-provoking books, as well supporting literacy programs at McKinley. Sponsoring one of your little neighbors is a great way to contribute to McKinley and encourage a lifelong love of reading!

Lastly, DogFest planning is already underway! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 22nd with more information to come. If you ’re interested in volunteer opportunities for DogFest you can contact the PTA at pta@mckinleyschool.org.