Originally delivered on 1/7/2026 8:16 am

SUBJECT: Mckinley Welcome Back(Pack) Newsletter

We have a lot of exciting events coming up this year. Mark your calendars. We look forward to see you all!

Save the Date

Next meeting: Thursday, January 8, 2026 @ 6:30pm

Superintendent Dr. Fecher will be joining the PTO meeting. If you have any questions that you would like to submit ahead of time, please send them to McKinleypresident@gmail.com.

Light refreshments will be provided!

5th Grade Committee

Attention 5th grade parents!!!!

For anyone who would like to help with 5th grade fundraising, events and planning please email us: mckinleygrade5@gmail.com

Fundraiser & Events link

Stay up to date with the latest events, fundraisers and sig ups by visiting the 5th grade section of the PTO Website at https://www.mckinleypto.org/5thgradecommittee.

5th Grade Dues - Please click this LINK to pay!

Together, we can ensure that ALL our kids have a great year. McKinley has H.E.A.R.T!

4th & 5th Grade Neon Dance

Tickets for the Neon Dance are now CASH only at the door!

The event will be held on Friday, January 9th, and is open to all 4th and 5th grade McKinley students.

Hope to see your students there! Online ticket sales have ended!

CASH ONLY for concessions & Neon Wearables!

Pretzel Sales

A huge thank-you to Laura Martino for stepping up and heading the pretzel sale committee. We still need helpers to sort through the pretzels on Fridays. Sign up here to help: VOLUNTEER

You may also reach out to Laura directly at lmartino2606@gmail.com.

Pretzel distribution begins 1/16. Pre-orders have ended. We will have limited pretzels for sale day of for $1 (CASH ONLY).

2025-2026 PTO Meeting Schedule

McKinley Spiritwear

IN-HOUSE SPIRITWEAR

Brrrr, it's cold in here! I said there must be some Dragons in the atmosphere!

Stay warm and show your Dragon pride! New blanket designs are a HIT and are almost sold out!! Snag yours today!

The PTO offers such an easy way to get your gear! To order your Quick Gear (Turnaround less than 2 weeks!) - in house offering including shirts, blankets, bottles, stickers & more. Available all school year!

Shop now & show your school spirit!

McKinley Drama Club

McKinley Drama Club

If your child is staying after school for the musical but you have not received email communications from the Drama Club, please contact us right away at mckinleydramaclub370@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to join us on Band as well! https://band.us/n/a3a8A5c7u2169

We have almost double the amount of students participating in the play this year! We love the excitement, but can always use help. Please consider volunteering a few hours of your time:

Willy Wonka Jr. Volunteer Sign Up

Thank you to everyone who supported the Drama program by ordering from Bloombox! Stay tuned on the Drama Club page, in email and on Band for future fundraiser information.

Family Fun Night... January 15th!!

Join us for a sweet night of FREE water ice and ice cream for ALL McKinley students and their families, as we bring you an Ice Cream Social like no other! Join us for an evening filled with laughter, delicious flavors, and a sprinkle of joy!

SPECIAL GUEST SCOOPERS to include Mr. Oldham and McKinley Staff!

The event will be held on Thursday, January 15th from 5pm-7pm in the School Cafeteria. The social is open to ALL McKinley students and their families to thank YOU. Without the McKinley community, the PTO would not be possible! This is a free night of fun.

Please RSVP HERE and see this FLYER for more information.

Hope to see everyone there!

Girls on the Run

Please consider volunteering to help us coach our spring 2026 Girls on the Run team! The more coaches we have, the more girls who can participate. The program will run most Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, from March 3-May 14, culminating in a big 5K race the weekend of May 16. You do not have to have a child in the program to volunteer; if you do, you will receive a discount on your child’s tuition fee. Contact Joanna Kallan with any questions (joannapcohen@gmail.com)

Volunteer Interest Form

Committee Information

The PTO offers so many fun events and incentives for students all year long! Check out the committee information on our website to find the best fit for you to get involved and volunteer at your child’s school—it’s a rewarding (and fun!) way to give back.

Click THIS LINK to find out more & to join the fun!

Garden Updates

HELP MAKE THE GARDEN A WINTER WONDERLAND!

As you put away your lights, don't forget about the garden! The garden committee is accepting donations to create a winter wonderland. Any white lights, winter, snow related decor, etc. are welcome. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk. Once the winterland is complete, we'll open the garden for a few nights under the lights this winter!

FUNDRAISING FOR NEW TABLES AND BENCHES: The current wooden tables and benches in the garden need to be replaced. We are working hard to reach our fundraising goal of $4,000, the cost to purchase 3 new 8' recycled plastic tables. If you would like to give directly to this fundraiser, please click here: Donate to the Garden

Join McKinley's Virtual Lost & Found Google photo album. This album is updated weekly with pictures of every item in the Lost & Found. Comment on the photo to claim your student's item and it will be returned to them.

Please remember to label all hoodies, jackets, water bottles, and lunchboxes! Any labeled items are quickly returned to students. Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the month. Thank you!

Our upcoming Winter events are coming up soon!

4/5 Grade Dance: January 9th

Click the LINK to volunteer at the dance!

Family Fun Night : January 15th

VIP Dance: February 12th

Ways to Stay Connected

Become a PTO Member

Dues start at a suggested donation of $20. These funds will allow us to recognize our teachers, support activities, and provide fun events.

Pay PTO dues!

Join the Directory

We invite you to visit the McKinley PTO Directory. The directory is the best way to connect so we encourage all families to add or edit their information as soon as possible.

PTO Website

Visit the PTO website for events, updates, and more.

PTO Facebook Group

The PTO has a Facebook group to interact with families and to inform you of fun activities for students, parents and teachers. This will also be a hub to stay up to date on school information.

Become a PTO Member Today!