
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!


This office staff is wonderful! They work together to keep the McKinley Early Childhood Center running smoothly every day. Our Principal, Mrs. Knopf says her favorite thing about the job is “I love leading expert early childhood educators create a nurturing environment where children learn and grow.” Administrative Assistant, Mrs Lunde: “I love seeing students grow in many different ways!” Miss Carly, Office and Mealtime paraprofessional: “I love watching the children socially, academically and even emotionally improve throughout the year or years that I’m blessed to be a part of their story.” Thank you office staff, we appreciate you!


There is no school on Monday, November 11th for Veterans Day; honoring all who served. Enjoy your long weekend!


Reminder: Conferences are today! If you are not sure what time you signed up for, check your email for a reminder from "Signup Genius" or give us a call at 882-6350. See you soon!


McKinley Early Childhood Center dismisses at 12:20 on Thursday, November 7th, for parent/teacher conferences. If your child is not sure of their after school routine for that day, please inform the office at 605-882-6350. Thank you!


Mrs. Fjeldheim is fabulous! She shares each lesson with love. Whether they are doing math, reading or playtime, she puts her heart into teaching the students in every moment. Jessie says her favorite thing about the job is “the hilarious things the kids say!” Thank you Mrs. Fjeldheim; we appreciate you!


Parent Teacher conferences will be held on November 7th. If you haven't already signed up, please do so here: https://www.watertown.k12.sd.us/o/mckinley-elementary/page/parenteacherconferencescopy


These ladies help to make kindergarten run smoothly. They are helpful, friendly and hard working. Kelli says her favorite part of the job is “I love seeing the kids smile when they finally get something!!” Mara says “I love watching the expressions on the kids face when they learn something knew and how excited they get!” Izzy’s favorite part is “Working or playing with the kids because they are so fun and sweet, and seeing them grow and learn so much from where they start is pretty awesome!” Thank you paras; we appreciate you!


What a fun way to end our week! Thank you to our wonderful PTO for the yummy treats for staff today.




We would like to wish the Arrow competitive cheer and dances teams good luck this weekend at the state competition. Thank you for greeting our students this morning!


The Arrow cross country team came to greet students this morning. Thank you spending some time with us today! Good luck at the state meet this weekend. Go Arrows!





McKinley Early Childhood Center dismisses at 12:20 on Wednesday, October 23rd, 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!


Mrs. Asmussen is amazing! She is a joy to work with and puts so much love into her classroom. Her students enjoy learning new things in her room each and every day. She leads with kindness and patience. Laura says the best part of her job is her students! Thank you Mrs. Asmussen; we appreciate you!


Firefighters came to visit students over the past two weeks to teach them about fire safety. Thank you to the Watertown Fire Department! Visit our Facebook page to see pictures of the student's interactions at: https://www.facebook.com/McKinleyElementaryWatertownSD


McKinley staff and students celebrated Unity Day today by wearing orange and making a paper chain showing that we are all united!


