February 2022

McKenny Hawks Are Kind, Safe, Respectful and Responsible

February Up-coming Events:

February is Black History Month
1/31-2/4 - Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action
4 - 1st Semester Ends Half Day
10 - School Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Knox Bldg or via Zoom
11 - Grades Posted to Skyward
21 - Presidents Day — No School
22 - Mid-Winter Break — No School
24 - School Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Knox Bldg or via Zoom

March Up-coming Events:

10 - School Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Knox Bldg or via Zoom
13 - Daylight Savings
24 - School Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Knox Bldg or via Zoom
4/29-5/1 - K-5 Spring Conferences (Half Days)

Running Club

Running Club kicks off February 17th! Practices will take place on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 4-4:30, rain or shine. During practices we will meet and stretch in the play shed, and then complete at least one mile on the marked course. Our goal will be to run a full marathon one mile at a time! We will compete in the Capital Marathon Kid’s Run on May 14th for our culminating event.

Running Club is not a drop off event - an adult must supervise your student. And it is not mandatory to attend all practices, so come when it works best for your schedule! At this point masks are required. To sign up or volunteer, email Mindy Swedberg at [email protected].

News from Our PTO:

PTO Meeting - February 8th at 6:30 in the McKenny Library. We will be discussing the upcoming Fun Run and other school updates.

Hawk Wear orders are opening again next week. Did you miss the last order of amazing shirts and sweatshirts? Don’t worry. You have another chance to purchase. Look for a flyer with more details coming home this week or go here to order now: https://forms.gle/T536siDfU3kW8Y6B6

Hawk Hangouts - We want to start Hawk Hangouts up again in March. We’re looking for one or two volunteers to choose dates and help welcome families at LBA. Is this something you’re interested in? Please email the PTO at [email protected].

Yearbook - Do you have photos of school related events would that be great for the yearbook? Upload your photos to the Yearbook Snap! App. Search for McKenny and enter code McKenny2021 (case sensitive). Or visit yearbookforever.com, search for McKenny and enter the same code.

Fun Run - In just 3 weeks, we’ll kick off our McKenny Fun Run on 2/23! Our goal is to raise money for Playground Equipment & continue to support our Specialist Teachers and to strengthen our school community. These additional funds help provide an excellent educational experience for all of our students. We completely understand if your family is not in a position to financially support the school right now. You can still be involved by simply SHARING about our fundraiser with friends and extended family online. Sharing IS supporting! All students will participate in the McKenny Fun Run, regardless of financial participation. We will also be following our school safety guidelines to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone.

Please watch this video explaining why this year's fundraiser is so important.

We truly appreciate your efforts in supporting our students and staff. More details to come as we get closer to kickoff!

Key dates to remember:

Registration Opens - 2/9

Donating Starts - 2/16

Fundraiser Kick Off - 2/23

Event Day - 3/4

Keep up with us!

Instagram: @mckennyhawkspto

Facebook: facebook.com/mckennyhawkspto

www.mckennypto.org

Principal's Corner

This week our students will be engaging in activities related to Black Lives Matter (BLM) at School and focusing on the 13 Guiding Principles of BLM. Part of the process is recognizing that throughout our history, black people have been treated unfairly and continue to be treated unfairly in our country.

Another part of this process is to open spaces for students to reflect with each other and build empathy for each other’s experiences. Teachers in all classes will engage students in activities and discussions in support of these efforts.

I am extremely grateful to be a part of a district that asks its students and leaders to engage in conversations that elevate the status of each and every student and recognizes the lasting harmful effects that oppression has had on Black people and all people in our country. And I feel extremely fortunate to work alongside teachers and staff, parents and community members, other principals and district office personnel who provide leadership and inspiration in this work.

Our students have the power and opportunity to change the world and highlight the value every student brings because of who they are. This is true liberty and true justice, and this true freedom brings joy to all!

Warmly,

Michael Havens