Dear Parents,

This year, your child will take the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for ELA and Mathematics (Grades 3-5) and the California Science Test (Grades 5). The Smarter Balanced ELA and mathematics tests
reflect California’s rigorous academic standards and allow students to demonstrate analytical writing and critical thinking skills as well as their knowledge of facts. For more information, click on the headline for a downloadable information sheet.

Dear parents,
Enrollment for the 2018-19 school year is now open. Please drop by the office to pick up an enrollment package. We have enrollment packages in different languages and we have translators on site to help with the process. Please feel free to come to the office between 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Join the San Gabriel Police Chief Gene Harris as he hosts two events promoting community relationships between the police department and the community. The first event will occur at Roosevelt Elementary School from 8:30-10:00am. The second event will occur at McKinley Elementary from 7:00-8:30pm in the MPR. This event will give attendees an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the Chief of police and officers who work in your neighborhood. Light refreshments will be provided.

The computer lab will be opened after school starting January 8, 2018. We have 36 workstations students can use to complete homework, do research, or enrich their academic skills by using iReady, Raz Kids, Typing Club, etc. It is also a great place for students who need space to collaborate on assignments.

Computer lab hours:
Monday 3:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday 3:00pm-4:00pm
Thursday 3:00pm-4:00pm
Friday 3:00pm-4:00pm

Students at McKinley Elementary School have the opportunity to participate in the School Based Mentoring program of Big Brothers Big Sisters. In the program, a child is "matched" with a volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister from high school. The volunteer will visit once a week on Tuesdays or Fridays to spend about one hour per week with your child reading, working on schoolwork, relationship building activities, playing games, sports, etc. The activities will take place after school, not outside the school grounds. If you would like your child to have this opportunity, please click the link for an application and more information.

We are pleased to announce that we are bringing Chess Masters back to McKinley after the holidays. Chess is a game of strategy which promotes critical thinking and your child will have the opportunity to be a part of it. In order to get the program started, we will need a minimum of 15 students to register; however, there is no maximum. It will be hosted after school from 1:35pm-2:25pm on certain Wednesdays beginning January 17, 2018. Applications will be sent home with your child in their Thursday folders or you may pick one up in the office. You may also register online. Just click on the heading for more information.

Dear McKinley Families,

Thank you to a wonderful start to our 2017-18 school year. In the short amount of time that has flown by, lots of activity has taken place. If you would like to know more about what activities have taken place or more information about the services that are provided to your children, please read our Fall Newsletter. You can find it under the Parent tab in the main menu or simply click on the heading to find a link.

We so excited to see what the McKinley Mustangs are going to design, create, make and innovate this year! Many of the projects they design include recyclable materials that students are able to use their creativity to put to great use. One area will be dedicated to building with recycled materials. For this area to expand, we’d love your help! Just send recycled materials you have lying around to school with your child. (Please completely wash out containers such as yogurt containers and milk jugs before sending them). Do not purchase any materials. This will be an ongoing experience for K-5, so feel free to send throughout the year! For more information, click on the heading.

McKinley PEP is always collecting Box Tops. Each Box Top we collect gives us 10 cents that goes straight back to our school. You can find the box tops on grocery items such as cereals, ziplock bags, snacks, and various canned goods, as well as many other products. If you find any of these labels, please bring them in. We have a collection box in the office.

McKinley provides parents monthly practical tips through the Home & School Connection publication. It gives parents additional tools so they can:
* show interest in their child’s education
* nurture respect and responsibility
* boost motivation
* support homework and study habits
* promote good behavior and self-discipline
* build empathy and put an end to bullying
* improve academic achievement
* communicate effectively with teachers
You can find this monthly publication in your child's homework folder or under the Parent Resource tab of our website.

Dear McKinley parents,

Have you ever wanted your child to learn music, play an instrument, or participate in a real orchestra, but thought it was too costly? In partnership with SGUSD, the Saturday Conservatory of Music has provided affordable, quality music instruction to children in San Gabriel. For more information, please click on the link for a flyer or visit www.saturdayconservatoryofmusic.org.

The San Gabriel Unified School District is committed to providing safe and healthful school environments that promote and protect students’ health, well-being and ability to learn by supporting healthful eating and physical activity. The first annual survey of district staff, students, and parents was conducted in the fall of 2016 to assess school progress on District Wellness Policy goals. To see the results, please click on the headline and download the report.