PTC Chairwoman’s Corner

September 1, 2009
Hi all,

It’s hard to believe that school is starting back next week.   I’m sure we’re all sad that the summer is over and also glad that the summer is over and looking forward to a little more routine in our lives.

Below, we’ve outlined the activities that are occurring in September (including how to find out classroom assignments).  But before we get into that I just wanted to say a couple of quick thank you’s and acknowledgments to the students, staff, and parents who have worked really hard this last year.

First off, for those who haven’t heard yet……..McKINLEY SCORED BIG TIME ON LAST YEAR’S TESTS.   Overall the school had a 17% increase in language arts proficiencies and a 7% increase in math proficiency.  This is HUGE!!!   CONGRATS to our kids and their teachers, and our amazing principal, Julie Ashton-Gray, for all their hard work. It really paid off.  For more details, see www.greatschools.com.

We also owe a huge thank you and and debt of gratitude to the many parents who have worked hard this summer to get things organized for the year ahead.   We’ve got a new McKinley Elementary/PTC website thanks to the tireless efforts of Brooke Evans and Barbara Bovee and our new communications/technology committee. Check it out:  www.mckinleyptc.com.

Sarah Scalo and Amy Nunamaker have continued their amazing work and have put together a McKinley Volunteer Pamphlet that outlines all the different activities at the school next year and let you know how to get involved.Grant Ferrier is chairing our fundraising committee this year and with the help of some amazing volunteers is working hard on putting together some new fundraising events, such as a parent’s gala, a community event, and gift wrap sales, to name a few.

Kate Ferrier and Kia Moore are co-chairing our community outreach committee and with the assistance of the talented Paula Cook and Matt Hale have put together a whole new McKinley logo.  Look out for a new McKinley brochure and booths at the South Park walk about, Alta Dena block party and more.

We also have a new “school spirit” committee, headed by Maggie Pinon and Wendy Kinsinger.  These women will be spearheading a lot of fun activities, such as our new “Welcome Back Bubble Day” (see below), the Haunted Hallway, Toyland Parade, game nights and more.

Janine Whitaker and Greg Mattson continue to co-chair our facilities/beautification committee and will continue to work to get a joint-use park at our school with the backing of the city and school district and will work with the district get a better cooling/ventilation system in our classrooms in the new building and bungalows.

We also have a new education/parent support committee, chaired by me, where we hope to start new Spanish, Computer, maybe even Music clubs, expand on our school’s mentorship program, recruit volunteers for the English as a Second Language program for our parents who are working to improve their English, and of course, continue to ensure that our voice is heard before our school board on issues that our important to McKinley.

All this info and more can be found on the new website at www.mckinleyptc.com.

And a special thanks to Ali Dearden and Laura Wallace who are serving as the PTC/Foundation Secretary and Treasurer, respectively, this year.These are just a few of the highlights.   We really encourage all of you to GET INVOLVED THIS NEXT YEAR! There are opportunities galore…..and most of them do not require a huge time commitment.  Remember, its all about our kids!

See you next week!
Sandy

Sandy Mattson, McKinley Elementary PTC Chair 2009-2010
Contact – mckinleyptc@yahoo.com

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