News | McKinley Middle School

NO 6TH GRADE INTRAMURALS ON THURSDAY, APRIL 8

SPRING BREAK

No school from Monday, March 15, through Friday, March 19.

MAGNET INFORMATION FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

The lottery period will be from February 8, 2021 through April 2, 2021 Virtual family tours for prospective students will take place o February 24 from 1:00 to 1:45 pm; March 9 from 6:00 to 6:45 pm; and March 30 from 9:00 to 9:45 am. Click on READ MORE for more information. For Questions Contact: Michele Wilson, Magnet Coordinator, 319-558-4242 or mwilson@crschools.us.

WINTER WEATHER

Please remind your kids to dress for the colder weather.

REMOTE LEARNING EXTENSION

The District's waiver to extend remote instruction was approved on November 24. The District's waiver is for November 30 - December 11, but if conditions improve throughout the week of November 30, there is a possibility that students may be able to return by December 7. Click on READ MORE

QUARTER 2 BEGINS NOVEMBER 16

No A or B weeks in Quarter 2. Exploratory Classes Per Grade: 6th Grade - Engineering Tech; 7th Grade - Wellness; 8th Grade - Art. Progress reports will be mailed on November 20.

MCKINLEY CONTINUES WITH REMOTE LEARNING

Due to a significant increase in the COVID-19 community rate of infection, impact on the healthcare systems, as well as CRCSD’s staff absenteeism rate related to illness, CRCSD applied Tues., Nov 10, for a district-wide waiver to conduct full remote learning for PK-12 students. The district was notified on Nov 12 the waiver was granted. For all grades and schools, remote learning began Thurs, Nov 12. In-person instruction will resume on Monday, November 30. Click on READ MORE

ORDER MCKINLEY SPIRIT WEAR

Site will be open through November 19. Click on READ MORE to go to site.

Donate Winter Weather Gear

Join us in stocking the McKinley Clothes Closet with new or gently used winter gear (coats, gloves, scarves, and hats). To donate go to www.donorbox.org/whcc or send check to Wellington Heights Community Church, PO Box 462, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. Gently used items can also be dropped off at McKinley from 7 am to noon Monday through Friday. Mask required. Click on READ MORE for link to donate

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY

Cedar Rapids Community School District Health Services is here to provide COVID-19 health and safety guidance for your family.

CHROMEBOOK PICK UP AND VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Chromebooks may be picked up on the following dates: Monday, September 14 (8am to 6pm); Tuesday, September 15 (8am to 3pm); Wednesday, September 16 (8am to 3pm). A virtual open house for those students who chose to return in person once the building reopens will be held on Thursday, September 17 (11:00 to noon OR 5:30 to 6:30). An email will be sent on Monday, September 14 with additional information. Click on READ MORE for more details surrounding chromebook pickup.

GRAB N' GO MEALS - SEPTEMBER

Free meals are available on weekdays for all children 18 and under from Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, to Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. Grab N’ Go meal pick-up is available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please note that Grab N’ Go meals are not available on Monday, Sept. 7 due to the Labor Day holiday. Click on READ MORE for locations.

NOTE FROM MR. MARTINEZ

Hello McKinley Families, I hope this message finds you safe and well. At this time, we are still experiencing difficulties accessing Infinite Campus and WiFi services both from the building and from our homes. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Click on READ MORE

Consideration of Changing the School Start Date

In our recently published Return to Learn plan, we stated our three guiding principles: safety of students and staff, options for families, and needed flexibility. This communication to you focuses specifically on needed flexibility, as it relates to safety and providing three educational options. We are considering a change in the school start date to be extended one week to August 31, 2020, pending board approval on Monday, August 10th. Click on READ MORE

RETURN TO LEARN - CHOOSE BY AUGUST 5

Through your helpful input and our focus on safety, CRCSD has developed a Return to Learn plan that offers three options for families. Now is the important time for you to review all the options and then select your choice BY AUGUST 5. Please Click on READ MORE to review the options and to complete the survey

UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION

Don't Miss Out on Information! Please log into your Parent Portal to make sure your information is correct AND you have all your preferences selected for receiving communication. If you don’t know your parent portal login information, call McKinley at 558-2348 or email registration@crschools.us. Click on READ MORE to find out where you can go to for in person assistance

STEAM PATHWAYS FOR 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS

We are excited to share our STEAM Career Exploratory Pathways with you! Next year, 7th and 8th grade students will have the opportunity to specialize in two STEAM career pathways. Please watch the video and take the survey to identify your STEAM exploratory interests. In the survey, you will have the opportunity to rank order. We will do our best to assign students to their top two choices. Click on READ MORE for the links to the survey.

REMOTE STAFF OFFICE HOURS

Click on READ MORE to download staff office hours for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

MCKINLEY REMOTE STAFF OFFICE HOURS

Office Hours for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades

Continuous Learning Plan

As we prepare to embark on our Continuous Learning Plan (which was submitted to the Iowa Department of Education and approved earlier this week) together, it is critical that we gather information from each household, please fill out the survey that was emailed to each family. Please click read more to see the Continuous Learning Plan.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

Classes in the Cedar Rapids Community School District will reconvene no earlier than April 13th. The three weeks of instructional time that we will miss after spring break will be forgiven by the State. There shall be no required online instruction taking place during the three weeks after break. For a link to the District's page on COVID-19, click on READ MORE

McKinley_STEAM_Academy_-_Color_-_Horiz_-_Long_Tag

STEAM EXPO AND VARIETY SHOW

Many talented students have auditioned and been accepted into the Variety Show portion. Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, Classic Edition, and selected ensembles will also perform. Projects from classrooms throughout the building will be on display, as well as the ever-popular (and profitable!) Silent Auction. Proceeds from this event will benefit Performing Arts groups and special STEAM projects. Coming soon - details on ways to become involved.

Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, February 18, and Wednesday, February 19, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Families are asked to sign up for two 10-minute conferences with the teachers of their choosing. Please note that teachers will have a 30-minute block of time scheduled for dinner during this window. Call the main office at 558-2348 with questions. Click on READ MORE for the link to sign up for a day/time.

FUTURE CITY COMPETITION RESHEDULED

Due to weather, the January 18 Future City Competition has been RESCHEDULED for Saturday, January 25, at Prairie Point Middle School.

Charity Drive for Willis Dady Shelter

The McKinley 7th Grade Leadership Team is organizing a charity drive for the Willis Dady Shelter. Items being collected: hats, gloves, scarves, travel size toiletries, hand warmers, non-perishable snacks, socks, coats. Students should drop off items to their first period teacher. This is a community-wide drive so anyone (students, families, community members) can donate items Deadline to drop off items is December 16.

Cookies and Cocoa on Monday, December 16

McKinley families are invited to join us for Cookies and Cocoa on Monday, December 16, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at McKinley STEAM Academy. It will be a fun-filled evening featuring cookie decorating, games, crafts, and music.

Barnes and Noble Book Fair

McKinley will again be participating in the Barnes and Book Fair all day on Saturday, December 7. If customers tell the cashier at check out that they are there to support McKinley, a percentage of the sale will be given to McKinley. Money will be used to purchase books for the McKinley IMC.We need volunteers to help throughout the day at the gift wrap and wish list tables. Click on READ MORE to sign up.

THANKSGIVING BREAK - NO SCHOOL

November 27-29. Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving break McKinley Bears!

FALL DANCE

Friday, November 1, from 3:30-5:30 at the McKinley main gym. This dance is to celebrate students modeling the BEAR Way throughout the first quarter. Students can purchase tickets for 15 Bear Paws. DJ Raines will be providing entertainment, along with concessions and games. The dance will be supervised by McKinley staff. Students are able to wear school appropriate costumes.

SAFE HALLOWEEN - OCTOBER 29

McKinley’s staff and student leadership team would like to invite the community to join them for trick-or-treating, spooky science experiments and Halloween crafts on Tuesday, October 29, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at McKinley STEAM Academy. Students please come accompanied with an adult. Students arriving without a parent or guardian will not be allowed to enter. Feel free to call with any questions: (319) 558-2348.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR

McKinley proudly presents the musical, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR. Performances will be on Thursday, October 24, and on Friday, October 25. Both performances start at 6:30 pm. Tickets will go on sale in the main office beginning Tuesday, October 8. Reserved seats are $5 each. All students must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will also be on sale during Conferences.

8th Grade Football Game Today Is at MCKINLEY

8th Grade Football Game Today will be played at MCKINLEY (NOT KINGSTON)

CANCELLATIONS: TENNIS MEET; 7TH GRADE FOOTBALL PRACTICE; GIRLS SOCCER PRACTICE

SPIRIT WEEK - SEPT 23-27

Monday - Superhero Day; Tuesday - Sports Team Day; Wednesday - Teacher Look-A-Like Day; Thursday - Western Day; Friday - School Color Day

MCKINLEY HOMECOMING TAILGATE PARTY

GAMES! MUSIC! FOOD! FUN! Wednesday, Sept 25, from 2:50 pm to 5:00 pm. All students and faculty welcome! Wear your school spirit attire from head to toe! There will be hot dogs, chips, water and snow cones free of charge! Bring a small amount of money to purchase a treat from the bake sale. Play bean bag toss, giant Jenga and Connect Four, flippy cup relay races, limbo and hula hoop contests. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS...CLICK ON READ MORE TO SIGN UP

PROJECT HOPE

Students...want to learn about health careers AND tour STEAM-related areas of the University of Iowa on October 25th? Want to enjoy lunch in Burge Hall...for free? Join our Project HOPE enrichment class facilitated by U of Iowa college students every Monday and Thursday from 3:00-4:15. Class starts Thursday, September 26 through October 21 (no class October 7). Stop into the Main Office to register!

EASTERN IOWA ARTS ACADEMY CLASSES

Eastern Iowa Arts Academy will be offering the following classes at McKinley at NO COST. "Arts of Japan," IS CURRENTLY FULL. Students should stop by main office to be added to a waitlist. "Percussion and Technology," will be held on Wednesday's from 3-4 pm. The class will run from September 18-November 6. Students can stop by the main office to register. Click on READ MORE for additional information and the link to register online

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR MUSICAL

Auditions will be after school on Tuesday, September 3, through Thursday, September 5. Musical is Thursday October 24, and Friday, October 25. Students should talk to Mr. Mossman to sign up.

MCKINLEY OPEN HOUSE - AUGUST 22

McKinley's Open House will be Thursday, August 22, from 4 pm to 6 pm (all grades). Block party will follow from 6 pm to 8 pm. CLICK READ MORE FOR MORE INFORMATION

ORDER YOUR MCKINLEY SPIRIT WEAR

Order your McKinley Spirit Wear! Click on READ MORE to download order form. Return form/payment to the main office by September 27. This is a fundraiser for PBIS. PBIS funds are used for student activities/events. Thank you for your support

6th Grade Academy

Incoming 6th graders are invited to attend McKinley's 6th Grade Academy. Academy will be held on Monday, August 12, and Tuesday, August 13. Times each day are 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 12:00 to 3:00 pm. You and your child decide on a day and time. Academy gives your child a chance to make new friends, become familiar with the building, practice locker combinations and much more. CLICK ON READ MORE to download registration form.

LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Monday, June 3: 8th grade recognition rehearsal and 7th grade year-end showcase. Tuesday, June 4: TASL students will take their finals at Washington and 7th grade trip to Backbone State Park. Wednesday, June 5: 6th grade trip to Bever Park and 8th grade trip to Westdale Bowling Center and Palaisades-Kepler State Park. Thursday, June 6: 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony. FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULE WITH TIMES, CLICK ON READ MORE.

Tennis Meet At Roosevelt Has Been Rescheduled for Monday, April 15

BOOK FAIR-BOGO-APRIL 15-18

Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that provides the books kids want to read. It's a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. All purchases are buy one and get one of equal or lesser value for FREE. This is an opportunity to stock up on reading items for summer; or to donate some to a classroom teacher. The book fair will be open from 7:15 to 3:15 Monday-Wednesday; 7:15 to 10:00 on Thursday. No online orders.

JOIN US FOR THE VARIETY SHOW ON MARCH 14

Please join us for McKinley's annual "Little Bit of Somethin' Community Variety Show" on March 14. The night promises to be a lot of fun with great performances. Tickets can be purchased at the main office. There will be food (dinner and bake sale), fun, entertainment, and a silent auction

MCKINLEY STEAMFEST APRIL 4

Families are invited to join us on Thursday, April 4, for SteamFest 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Please click on READ MORE for details.

MAKE-UP DATES

The following Fridays will convert to FULL instruction days: March 1, March 8, March 15, March 29, April 5, April 12, April 26, May 3, and May 10. The following designated make-up days at the end of the year will become FULL days: April 19, June 3, June 4, June 5. If we have additional changes to the school day beyond today, the following dates would become FULL instructional make-up days and would be used in this order: June 6 and June 7

MCKINLEY CONFERENCES AND STEAMFEST CANCELLED FOR FEBRUARY 11

Conferences have been rescheduled for Monday, February 18, from 3-8 pm and STEAMFest for Thursday, April 4, from 5-7 pm.

9TH GRADE ORIENTATION AT WASH HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED

Due to weather, the 9th Grade Orientation at Wash this evening has been rescheduled to Thursday, February 14, from 6:30 to 8:30.

MARION HONOR BAND AND FUTURE CITY

Marion Honor Band and Future City Regional Competition CANCELLED FOR SAT, JANUARY 19; rescheduled for January 26

WINTER BREAK

NO SCHOOL from Monday, December 24, thru Tuesday, January 1. Classes resume on Wednesday, January 2.

ALL AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED

DUE TO WEATHER, ALL AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED TODAY

BARNES AND NOBLE MCKINLEY BOOK FAIR

If you make a purchase at Barnes and Noble on December 8 and say McKinley when you pay, a percentage of your purchase will come back to McKinley. Tell family and friends. We also have a need for volunteers. Click on READ MORE if you can help. Thank you for your support!

MCKINLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL'S SAFE HALLOWEEN

Student Leadership team would like to invite the community to join them for trick-or-treating, spooky science experiments and Halloween crafts. Students must be accompanied with an adult. Monday, October 29, from 5-7 pm.

AUDITION FOR CLASSIC EDITION

Singing Auditions, November 5-6 from 3-5 pm. Dancing Auditions, November 7-8 from 3-5 pm. See Ms. Lange for more information.

FALL CONFERENCES

McKinley conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, October 16, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Thursday, October 18 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. No pre-sign up is required. Parents can visit as many teachers as they wish. Progress Reports will be in the main office. Students are invited to attend.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR

McKinley will present the musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr., on Thursday, October 25, and Friday, October 26. Tickets go on sale on Monday, October 15. Tickets are $5 (reserved seating). They can be purchased in the main office, They will also be on sale at fall conferences on October 16 and 18. Performance time is 6:30 pm

CROSS COUNTY MEET TODAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED

CROSS COUNTRY MEET TODAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO FLOODING IN MANCHESTER

8TH FOOTBALL RESCHEDULED FOR 9/26; BOYS TENNIS RESCHEDULED FOR 10/1

Due to forecasted storms, 8th grade football game this afternoon has been cancelled; boys tennis meet has also been cancelled. Both have been rescheduled.

FALL FUNDRAISER

Money raised from our fall fundraiser helps fund field trips, purchase Bear Paw rewards, and assist with student and other classroom needs. We will be kicking off the fall fundraiser the week of September 17. Students will be able to earn prizes based on the number of items sold. Click on READ MORE

PARENT ACADEMY - SEPT 12 FROM 5-7 PM

McKinley Middle School will be hosting its first Parent Academy on Wednesday, September 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Topics being presented include: PowerSchool, Canvas, Learner-Centered Assessment, and Social-Emotional-Behavior expectations and systems. In addition, our Scholastic Book Fair will be available in the IMC and our MakerSpace will be open to all elementary and middle school students. Four 30 minutes sessions will be held on each of these topics throughout the evening. CLICK READ MORE

SCHOOL PICTURES!

School pictures will be taken on Thursday, September 6. Please have your student bring the HR Imaging order form that was mailed earlier this month. Pictures can also be ordered online through HR Imaging.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - AUGUST 23

Welcome back McKinley Bears! The first day of school will be Thursday, August 23. School hours for Thursday will be 7:50 to 1:20 pm.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY ON AUGUST 21 FROM 5-7 PM

Meet your student's teachers and administrators; receive student schedules and locker assignments; bring school supplies; pick up your Parent/Student Handbook; pay school feels ($55) or fill out the waiver on PowerSchool's E-Registration; pick up and turn in forms (sports, medical, PTA, McKinley-wear); complete E-Registration-computers and assistance will be available; enjoy food and games . Click on READ MORE to find out how you can help.

SUMMER HOURS AND ACTIVITIES

The McKinley main office will be open during the summer. How number is 558-2348. Below are activities going on during the summer: Show Choir Camp - July 30 through August 3; 6th Grade Academy - August 1 and August 2 (choose date/time); Landscaping - Every Monday beginning June 1 from 6:00-7:30 pm; Summer Band and Orchestra Lessons - July 23 through August 3.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

The last day of school will be June 1; it will be an early dismissal day. 8th grade recognition ceremony will be at 9:30 a.m. 8th graders will be dismissed after the ceremony is over. Families will not be able to enter the building until 9 am. 6th and 7th graders will be dismissed at 11:15 a.m. Breakfast and lunch WILL NOT be served that day.

STEAM FEST ON MAY 2

Join us for an evening of hands-on interactives, live demonstrations, STEAM Career information, and much more from some of Cedar Rapids' leading STEAM innovators. Door prizes every 30 minutes! Food and drink will be available. Open to all ages. We need volunteers to help with this event! If you are able t help, click on READ MORE

TRACK MEET AT WASH ON APRIL 17 HAS BEEN POSTPONED

INCOMING 6TH GRADE OPEN HOUSE ON APRIL 26

The McKinley Middle School staff is very excited to welcome all of our incoming 6th grade students and parents to an open house on April 26 from 6-8 pm. To assist and support our incoming Bears and their families, we are providing several opportunities to learn more about our school. Click on READ MORE

PARTICIPATE IN THE GREAT AMERICAN MILK DRIVE

Please consider contributing to the Great American Milk Drive. Grizzly Cove volunteers are asked by students weekly when milk will be available for them to take home. The more people contribute, the more milk our students get to take home. Click on READ MORE for more information

SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL

No school from Monday, March 12, through Friday, March 16. The main office will have limited hours. Please call ahead at 558-2348. District offices will be closed on Friday, March 16.

NEW SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL-BEHAVIOR INSTRUCTION WEBSITE FOR FAMILIES

At McKinley we teach student behavior. Rather than viewing student behavior as a choice, we believe that students behave well if they can. Student behavior is complex and influenced by many factors. These include environment, culture, emotional status, physical needs, and stress. Click on READ MORE for additional information and link to new website

Influenza Information

Parents/Guardians, You may be aware of news reports about the severity of influenza across the United States that has hospitalized many and has been associated with a higher number of deaths than in past years Please click on READ MORE

EMPOWER FAMILY NIGHT

ATTENTION 6TH GRADE MCKINLEY FAMILIES: The next Empower Family Night will be on Tuesday, January 23 from 500 - 7:00 pm. We will feature the Insect Zoo from Iowa State University and other fun activities. You won't want to miss this!

WARRIOR EXPO 2018 COME EXPLORE

Attention 8th grade parents: Students will be selecting their Fall 2018 classes in late January. This inaugural expo is designed to better acquaint families (both current and prospective!) with the choices WHS has to offer for vocations, life skills, and fun! Project-Based Learning in Art, Science & Language Arts, Collage Credit Classes at WHS, Kirkwood Academics, Home-Building, and a whole lot more. Date: Monday, January 8; Time: 5:30 to 7:00 pm; Where: WHS Cafeteria..Click on READ MORE

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

All McKinley families are invited to a holiday open house on Tuesday, December 19, from 5-7 pm at McKinley (cafeteria). Enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas snacks, and music by McKinley's own band and orchestra.

6TH GRADE FAMILY NIGHT - DECEMBER 5

McKinley 6th grade families are invited to an evening of bingo and cookie decorating on Tuesday, December 5, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the McKinley IMC.

WINTER DRESS

Students will not be allowed in the building before school if the temperature is 20 degrees or above. Please dress your child appropriately.

BOOK FAIR NOVEMBER 7-14

The book fair will be open from 7:30-8:00 am and 2:40-3:15 pm, November 7-14. Profits from the book fair go towards purchasing new books for the library. You may purchase books online. Click on Read More for the link to order online. There is also a wider selection of books to choose from. The Book Fair will be open during the band concert on Nov 7 and the orchestra concert on Nov 14. If you able to help at the book fair, please e-mail Mrs. Gardner at agardner@cr.k12.ia.us.

CLASSIC EDITION AUDITIONS

Show choir auditions for the 2017-2018 school year will take place November 13-16. Each student needs to attend one singing audition and one dancing audition. Each year approximately 100 students audition for the 55 spots in CE. Click on Read More for additional information.

SAFE HALLOWEEN OCTOBER 30

McKinley's staff and student leadership team would like to invite the community to join them for trick-or-treating, spooky science experiments and Halloween crafts on Monday, October 30, from 5-7 pm at McKinley. Students must be accompanied by an adult. Students arriving without a parent or guardian will not be allowed to enter. Feel free to call with any questions: (319) 558-2348.

MCKINLEY PRESENTS PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

McKinley is excited to present Peter and Starcatcher. Performances will run on Thursday, October 26, and Friday, October 27 at 7 pm at the McKinley auditorium. All seats reserved. Tickets are $5 each (children 5 and under are free), and can be purchased at the McKinley main office.

MAGAZINE SALES EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 10

Money raised helps fund field trips, purchase Bear Paw rewards, and assist with student and other classroom needs. If you don't want to purchase a magazine, you can purchase other items like sports tumblers, a savings pass, etc. You can also make a donation. Click on Read More for a link to the online store

MAGAZINE SALES - STARTS SEPTEMBER 19

We will be kicking off magazine sales on September 19. For those new to McKinley magazine sales is our school’s largest fundraiser. All monies go directly to McKinley and are used to support student activities such as field trips. Students will be able to earn prizes based on the number of magazines sold. Click on READ MORE for information about magazine sales and how you can help.

WASHINGTON HS PICNIC IN THE PARK

Third Annual Washington High School Picnic in the Park will be Tuesday, September 12 from 4 to 6:30 pm at Redmond Park (between Park and 3rd Avenue). FREE FOOD & BEVERAGES, RAFFLE, GAMES, MUSIC AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Bringing School and Community Together

FALL SPORTS MEETINGS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

Attention 7th and 8th Graders: Meetings tomorrow for those thinking about participating in fall sports. Don't forget that you must have physical and concussion forms on file. For more information, click on READ MORE.

VACCINE REMINDER FOR 7TH GRADERS

Important Vaccine REMINDER for 7th and 12th Graders Before our incoming 7th and 12th grade students can begin school in the fall, they must meet a new mandatory state vaccination requirement. Students without proof of vaccination or a state medical/religious exemption will not be allowed to attend classes. Details are below. CLICK ON READ MORE

5th GRADE PARENT ORIENTATION

5th Grade Orientation on Thursday, April 27 at 6:00 pm with band/orchestra registration before and after meeting.

School Start and End Times Changing for 2017-18 School Year

The Cedar Rapids Community School District will adjust start and end times by five minutes for elementary and middle schools for the 2017-18 school year. The revised schedule will provide bus drivers a full hour instead of 50 minutes to complete their elementary routes, ensuring that all students arrive to school in time for breakfast and start the school day with their peers. CLICK ON READ MORE

Facilities Master Planning Input Sessions

Join the conversation surrounding our school facilities. The Facilities Master Planning process began last fall; a committee of parents, students, employees, business and industry leaders, and other community members has been meeting since that time to consider such factors as changes in teaching and learning, the age of schools, an ever-increasing pressure on funding to support facility needs and improvements, and the changing location of families within the community. CLICK ON READ MORE

IOWA ASSESSMENTS

Iowa Assessments will be Wednesday, April 5, through Monday, April 10. This is a change from what is published in the handbook. Please make sure your student gets plenty of rest and arrives to school on time. More information will be forthcoming.

WHS SHOW CHOIR AUDITIONS FOR 8TH GRADERS

The Washington High School Choral Department is excited to announce information regarding auditions for Vivace, the 9th grade Show Choir. Anyone is invited to audition regardless of past participation in show choir or choir. Here is the information about auditions at McKinley Times: Wednesday, April 12th from 9:37-10:25 Wednesday, April 12th from 1:34-2:22 Thursday, April 13th from 1:34-2:22 Click on READ MORE

CONFERENCE SIGN UP

Conferences will be held on February 20 and 23. Parents will be able to book a date/time beginning Monday, February 6, at 6 a.m. If parents wish to meet with more than two teachers, they should e-mail/call the teacher(s) after conferences are over to schedule a meeting. Exploratory teachers will be available for drop-in visits on conference dates. You will need your student's ID number. Click on READ MORE for link to sign up for conferences.

MCKINLEY FOOD PANTRY NOW OPEN

McKinley Middle School is dedicated to growing healthy minds and bodies. With our community partners, we are offering a weekly food pantry to provide kid-friendly, nonperishable food for your child and family members over weekends and school breaks. Your student can visit the pantry and select food items every Friday (or the last day before a school break) in Room 101. Click on READ MORE

LITTLE BIT OF SOMETHIN' COMMUNITY VARIETY SHOW AUDITIONS

Students from McKinley, as well as student and adult performers from around the community, are invited to audition for this variety show, which will be presented on March 7 by the McKinley Middle School’s Fine Arts Department. Click on READ MORE

MAKERSPACE IS COMING TO THE IMC

A Makerspace is a place where students will be able to create, explore, and share new ideas, projects, and technologies. We will have snap circuit kits, craft supplies, origami kits, a Makey Makey controller, a cardboard creation area, and so much more as the year goes on. Our initial funding came from a Donors Choose campaign that was funded in a matter of hours! If you’d like to contribute to our Makerspace, we have an Amazon Wish List. Click on READ MORE to get the link.

BF NEEDS ACTIVITY CHAIRS/BALANCE BALLS FOR CLASSROOM

Our Behavior Focused program is asking for donations to help purchase six activity chairs and six balance ball chairs. These seating options will help provide sensory output and assist students in staying focused while working. To donate, please click on READ MORE

MCKINLEY AND COMMUNITY BEARS SHARE EVENT ON DECEMBER 9

The McKinley PBIS team want to personally invite you to a unique and fun event and opportunity for you to give back to McKinley! You are invited to attend our first annual McKinley and Community Bears Share event. This event is a delicious meal catered by an Italian restaurant and hosted by McKinley. While here dining, all attendees will be able to help us raise funds for the McKinley PBIS team and events for our students in a silent and live auction. Click on READ MORE for more information.

JAZZ BAND TO TOUR ON DECEMBER 14

The McKinley Middle School Jazz Band will tour on Dec. 14, spreading Holiday Cheer throughout Cedar Rapids. Their first stop is an 8:30 am performance at the CRCSD Transition Center, where they will play in small ensembles. Next, they will head to the ELSC for a 10 am performance for the staff. They will close out their tour at an 11:30 am performance in the lobby of the Downtown Library. The McKinley Jazz Band is a select ensemble of the best band musicians at McKinley.

EAT A BUFFALO WILD WINGS AND HELP MCKINLEY

When you eat at Buffalo Wild Wings on November 14 or 21, 10% of the proceeds will be donated back to McKinley . In order for McKinley to receive the 10%, you must bring a "ticket" with you. Click on READ MORE to print tickets. Proceeds will go towards the McKinley and Community Bears Share event in December

MOCK TRIAL TEAM QUALIFIES FOR STATE

Congratulations 8th Graders!

CONGRATULATONS MRS. DRISKELL!

Mrs. Driskell, band teacher, was nominated and won KCRG's September A+ for Education Award! Each month KCRG selects a teacher or coach who has gone the extra mile. Mrs. Driskell was honored with a plaque and $250 for her dedication. Click on READ MORE to find out how Mrs. Driskell goes that extra mile for her students.

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