Parent Teacher Conferences for all students will be held on Friday, February 14th from 8am-4pm. No school for students this day. Additional spots on Wednesday, February 26th between 8am-12:20pm for preschool. Note: 2-26-25 is an early dismissal for JK-K students (12:20pm). No preschool this day. If you haven't done so already, please sign up for a conference here: https://www.watertown.k12.sd.us/o/mckinley-elementary/page/parenteacherconferencescopy
Miss Kami is caring! She teaches with love and patience. Her students love to learn and grow in her classroom every day. Mrs. Dilworth says her favorite thing about the job is”I love all the little things - how honest kiddos are about everything, the look on kids’ faces when they get something right that has taken a lot of practice, and I love making connections to reach kiddos. I love teaching Preschoolers!” Thank you Miss Kami, we appreciate you!
McKinley Early Childhood Center dismisses at 12:20 on Friday, January 24th, for teacher inservice. If your child is not sure of their after school routine for that day, please inform the office at 605-882-6350. Thank you!
REMINDER: PM Preschool students will attend in the AM tomorrow. AM students will not attend. Thank you!
Mrs. Hanson and Miss Sidney are splendid! They both ready to help in the classrooms every day! They are professional and positive! Cameron says her favorite thing about the job is”My “why” is I have such a strong desire to make students feel loved and welcomed. I strive for kids to enjoy learning and I love watch them grow a love for school!“ Sidney says “I’m in education because I love working with kids and seeing the progress they make throughout the years!!” Thank you Cameron and Sidney, we appreciate you!
There is no school on Monday, January 20th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Enjoy your long weekend. Thank you!
There is no school at McKinley Early Childhood Center March 17th-21st. If your student is currently in McKinley Preschool or Jr. Kindergarten, they do not attend Kindergarten Roundup.
-Preschool Screening & Kindergarten Roundup will happen on the 17th and 18th.
-All Schools will be closed the 19th-21st for Spring Break.
Mrs. Popham is phenomenal! She is a bright light in our building. Kelsey comes to work every day with compassion and motivation to help staff and students alike. She is so dedicated! Kelsey says her favorite thing about the job is “Fostering impactful relationships and advocating for children whose voices need to be heard! ” Thank you Mrs. Popham, we appreciate you!
Mrs. Hanson is heroic! She is McKinley Early Childhood Center’s Occupational Therapy Assistant. Gracey comes to school ready to help every day. She is kind and caring. She says her favorite thing about the job is “I chose to go into pediatrics because I like working with kids and love being around their bright energy!” Thank you Mrs. Hanson, we appreciate you!
Happy New Year to our McKinley Family! See you soon as we return to school on Thursday, January 2nd.
Ms. Andersen and Mrs. Schaack are super! These paras step up each day and put their best foot forward. They are always willing to tackle a new schedule change or new duty without question. Jessie says her favorite thing about the job is “It is very rewarding at the end of the day to have made a difference in a child's life!” Jamie says her favorite thing is simply “Working with kids!” Thank you Ms. Andersen and Mrs. Schaack, we appreciate you!
McKinley Early Childhood Center, would like to thank Dorothy Schurrer (McKinley alumn) and her family for their generous donation!
There is no school December 23rd through January 1st for winter break. We will return on January 2nd. Please enjoy this holiday season surrounded by family!
Mr. Neale is Neat! Ryan teaches physical education at McKinley. He is always willing to help where needed. No task is too big or too small for him. Mr. Neale continues to bring a positive attitude to the classroom each and every day! Ryan says his favorite thing about the job is “Making the kids smile and laugh.” Thank you Mr. Neale, we appreciate you!
Miss Jean and Miss Makenna are amazing! Jean helps transport students to and from school on the bus. In between bus duty, she helps with many things in the building. She is always willing to help where needed. Makenna works with the early childhood students in the classroom. She always has a great attitude and shows so much love and patience to the students. These ladies are such a pleasure to work with! Jean says her favorite thing about the job is “Helping the kids and seeing smiles on their faces, giving them hugs when they need it and helping other staff.” Makenna says: “My favorite part of my job is definitely the kids! I love to see them grow and mature socially, emotionally, and academically! I can’t forget about my coworkers, they are pretty great!!” Thank you Miss Jean and Miss Makenna, we appreciate you!
Save the date! School will be closed for winter break from December 23 through January 1st. We will resume on January 2nd.
Miss Meland is marvelous! Her students are working on numerous skills and already showing many gains! You can find her in her room, the other classrooms or in hallways working with students and helping to direct staff. Maggie says her favorite thing about the job is “Watching how love, kindness, and patience can impact a child's success (academic and social) as well as their quality of life.” Thank you Miss Meland, we appreciate you!
There is no school on Thursday, November 28th or Friday, November 29th for Thanksgiving break. This year, we are thankful to be a part of your child's life! Enjoy the extra time with family this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!
Miss Kari is kind! She is so amazing with her students. The littlest of all of the Arrows in the district attend in her class and she brings them into her room with open arms. You can find her teaching skills, having students learn through play or helping out her co-workers. Mrs. Paulson says her favorite thing about the job is “Being apart of each child's life and seeing their accomplishments come to life!” Thank you Kari, we appreciate you!
Mrs. Geist is great! She is always cheerful with staff and students. Her classroom is electric with a love of learning. Lindsey says her favorite thing about the job is "The smiles and relationships with kiddos!" Thank you Mrs. Geist, we appreciate you!
Tomorrow is an early dismissal at 1:50 for State Football. Please message your child's teacher with your student's after school plan. Thank you! Go Arrows!
