Mrs. Zemlicka is zestful! Her kindergarten classroom is constantly learning and creating. She comes to work with smiles and love. Ashley says her favorite thing about the job is “I love kids! Watching students get excited when they understand something. This age they are filled with some much light and have so much room for growth. ” Thank you Mrs. Zemclika; we appreciate you!
There is no school on Monday, February 17th for President's Day. Enjoy your long weekend!
Reminder: There is no school tomorrow for Parent Teacher Conferences (nor on Monday for President's 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
Ms. Foust is fabulous! Her kindergarten classroom is a great space for students to learn and grow. She is always positive and kind with staff and students alike. Yvette says her favorite thing about the job is “The kids! I love watching the growth from the first to last day!” Thank you Ms. Foust; we appreciate you!
McKinley will have a book fair during Parent/Teacher conferences next Friday! You can shop with your student between 8am-4pm. If you prefer, your student can shop during their regular library time. *Please communicate with your child's teacher if you are sending money for books with your student.
Mrs. Catlette is caring! She is McKinley’s librarian. She greets students every morning and is excited to start each day with a smile, a hug or a high five. The library is a warm and welcoming space for students. The classes do activities, crafts, dances and reading during her livley library time! Becky says her favorite thing about the job is “Helping kids grow a love of books and getting shy, sweet kids to feel loved and comfortable at school.” Thank you Mrs. Catlette; we appreciate you!
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!
