Intercultural Café This Friday!

Sweat and Donate All January Long with Park Fit Petaluma

Get a pass to women’s outdoor fitness classes from Park Fit Petaluma and earn donations for McKinley!

$60 for 5 class pass (Value $70)
25% of each pass sold goes back to McKinley ($15/pass)

Use promo code: MCKINLEY for $10 OFF

Purchase Here

Pass expires 2 months from first visit after purchase

For more information visit www.parkfitpetaluma.com or check @parkfitpetaluma on Instagram!


Intercultural Café is this Friday after morning drop-off!

Join us at the main McKinley entrance Friday, January 28th at around 8:30am after morning drop-off.

Enjoy a free cup of coffee, meet new families, discuss the prior week’s PTA meeting and learn how to get involved. Notes from the PTA meeting will be available in English and Spanish.

More details here


Lion King Rehearsal Information

This week, we will be rehearsing via Zoom on Wednesday, January 26th and Friday, January 28th. All rehearsal details are available here.

You can also pay your student’s participation fee on this page. Scholarships are available!


Collect BoxTops Using Your Phone!

Did you know you can now easily collect BoxTops on your phone? Simply scan your receipts with eligible items using the BoxTops app and you are done. No more clipping!

Follow the full instructions here
to get started!


Earn Donations for McKinley When You Do Your Shopping on Amazon.com

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Upcoming Events

All JanuarySweat and Donate at Petaluma Park Fit
1/28Intercultural Café

January PTA Meeting This Wednesday!

PTA General Meeting this Wednesday, January 19th at 6:30pm via Zoom

Join us this Wednesday at 6:30pm for our January PTA general meeting via Zoom. Learn about our upcoming initiatives to support all our students and teachers.

Zoom meeting link

Meeting ID: 823 5194 8834
Passcode: 039952


School of Excellence Committee Meeting During Wednesday’s PTA Meeting

Reminder that the School of Excellence Committee will meet to review the results of the survey (McKinley PTA SOE Responses 2021-22 ) during our regularly scheduled PTA Meeting on Wednesday, January 19th at 6:30pm via zoom. Please see the agenda here: School of Excellence January 2022 Meeting Agenda and Escuela de excelencia Agenda de la reunión de enero de 2022 .

We’ll use this time to identify one area to focus the efforts of the PTA to increase the impact of our work on creating strong family school partnerships. We are actively seeking participation from ALL families! Please join us if you are able. You do not need to prepare for this meeting. Simply showing up ready to listen and share is enough.

However, if you would like to review the survey responses and think about which question(s) stands out to you as the area that we should select for our focus, you may find that helpful. We promise to make the best use of time and walk away with a more clear vision for our work.
Visit the School of Excellence page on the PTA website to stay up-to-date on our efforts!


Lion King Rehearsal Information

This week, we will be rehearsing via Zoom on Wednesday, January 19th and Friday, January 21st. All rehearsal details are available here.

You can also pay your student’s participation fee on this page. Scholarships are available!


Sweat and Donate All January Long with Park Fit Petaluma

Get a pass to women’s outdoor fitness classes from Park Fit Petaluma and earn donations for McKinley!

$60 for 5 class pass (Value $70)
25% of each pass sold goes back to McKinley ($15/pass)

Use promo code: MCKINLEY for $10 OFF

Purchase Here

Pass expires 2 months from first visit after purchase

For more information visit www.parkfitpetaluma.com or check @parkfitpetaluma on Instagram!


On-campus Volunteer Opportunity: Lunch Duty!

Volunteers needed for our first Lunch Support Pilot Program. Just one lunchtime per week (or more if you’d like), one-month commitment to start (11:45am – 1:00pm). We welcome a 6-month commitment, but you can start by committing to January. Quick overview, requirements, and sign up genius link below.

Overview:

Volunteers will support lunchtime eating and recess for 1st through 6th graders (parents of TK and K also welcome to volunteer). You will assist during two shifts, 1st – 3rd grade, and 4th – 6th grade. Volunteers will ensure students eat lunch, clean up after themselves and stay safe during recess play. Volunteers have the opportunity to utilize or build skills in conflict management, basic first aid and social coaching skills will be developed.

Requirements:

  • TB Assessment (@ McKinley, good for 3 years. This is free)
  • Proof of Covid Vaccine
  • School Volunteer Application
  • Short Zoom Training with Principal Larson (Live or Rewatch)
  • 1 Consistent Lunchtime Day/ Week Commitment for January

Click here to sign up – grab a friend to join you, or plan to make new friends!

Questions, or need help signing up for a shift? Contact the PTA Family Engagement Team:

Lori Engelhardt (415) 706-9591

Alicia Callejas (habla español) (501) 398-8116

Elizabeth Harris (habla español) (310) 251-2191

Once signed up, you’ll be contacted directly to schedule your TB assessment and training.

But… hey, does this leave you wanting more? Do you want to spend 5 lunchtimes/ week on campus? There are several open, paid Yard Duty Positions for hire. Contact Principal Larson for more details.


Collect BoxTops Using Your Phone!

Did you know you can now easily collect BoxTops on your phone? Simply scan your receipts with eligible items using the BoxTops app and you are done. No more clipping!

Follow the full instructions here
to get started!


Earn Donations for McKinley When You Do Your Shopping on Amazon.com

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Upcoming Events

All JanuarySweat and Donate at Petaluma Park Fit
1/19PTA General Meeting at 6:30pm

Canceled: Dine and Donate at Mary’s Pizza Shack


Due to staffing issues, our dine and donate at Mary’s Pizza Shack for January 11th has been canceled. We hope to reschedule soon!


Sweat and Donate All January Long with Park Fit Petaluma

Get a pass to women’s outdoor fitness classes from Park Fit Petaluma and earn donations for McKinley!

$60 for 5 class pass (Value $70)
25% of each pass sold goes back to McKinley ($15/pass)

Use promo code: MCKINLEY for $10 OFF

Purchase Here

Pass expires 2 months from first visit after purchase

For more information visit www.parkfitpetaluma.com or check @parkfitpetaluma on Instagram!


School of Excellence Survey Results and Next Steps

We are thrilled to share with you that the McKinley School National PTA School of Excellence Survey Results are IN! Please review the results of the survey here

Please mark your calendars to join us during our regularly scheduled PTA Meeting on Wednesday, January 19th at 6:30pm. We will begin work to move forward with programs to address the needs of our community as evidenced by the survey responses.

January Meeting Goals:

1- Analyze results using the National PTA Roadmap

2- Use SOE survey responses to select one area to focus our efforts

We will use the National Standards for Family School Partnerships as the guide in our efforts.

Please contact Staci Stern and/or Emily Oh with any questions.


On-campus Volunteer Opportunity: Lunch Duty!

Volunteers needed for our first Lunch Support Pilot Program. Just one lunchtime per week (or more if you’d like), one-month commitment to start (11:45am – 1:00pm). We welcome a 6-month commitment, but you can start by committing to January. Quick overview, requirements, and sign up genius link below.

Overview:

Volunteers will support lunchtime eating and recess for 1st through 6th graders (parents of TK and K also welcome to volunteer). You will assist during two shifts, 1st – 3rd grade, and 4th – 6th grade. Volunteers will ensure students eat lunch, clean up after themselves and stay safe during recess play. Volunteers have the opportunity to utilize or build skills in conflict management, basic first aid and social coaching skills will be developed.

Requirements:

  • TB Assessment (@ McKinley, good for 3 years. This is free)
  • Proof of Covid Vaccine
  • School Volunteer Application
  • Short Zoom Training with Principal Larson (Live or Rewatch)
  • 1 Consistent Lunchtime Day/ Week Commitment for January

Click here to sign up – grab a friend to join you, or plan to make new friends!

Questions, or need help signing up for a shift? Contact the PTA Family Engagement Team:

Lori Engelhardt (415) 706-9591

Alicia Callejas (habla español) (501) 398-8116

Elizabeth Harris (habla español) (310) 251-2191

Once signed up, you’ll be contacted directly to schedule your TB assessment and training.

But… hey, does this leave you wanting more? Do you want to spend 5 lunchtimes/ week on campus? There are several open, paid Yard Duty Positions for hire. Contact Principal Larson for more details.


Collect BoxTops Using Your Phone!

Did you know you can now easily collect BoxTops on your phone? Simply scan your receipts with eligible items using the BoxTops app and you are done. No more clipping!

Follow the full instructions here
to get started!


Earn Donations for McKinley When You Do Your Shopping on Amazon.com

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Upcoming Events

All JanuarySweat and Donate at Petaluma Park Fit
1/19PTA General Meeting at 6:30pm

School of Excellence Survey Results

Lion King Auditions are This Tuesday!

We are excited to announce that the performing arts are returning to McKinley this spring with The Lion King! All students in grades 1st through 8th are invited to audition on January 4th with callbacks on January 5th.
Click here for audition information and full details.

Do you shine more behind the scenes? We’ll have information about the tech crew coming soon.


Only a few spots left in our Martial Arts After-School Enrichment Winter Session

Martial Arts (TK-3) – $90

Schafer’s ATA Martial Arts teach children to be confident, disciplined, and respectful leaders in our community. Students will receive belts and have opportunities to test for stripes at the end of each session. The cost is $90.

Our six-week winter session begins Thursday, January 6th and ends February 10th. Classes will meet in the multipurpose room.

TK/K – Thursdays, 1:45pm-2:30pm

Grades 1-3 – Thursdays, 2:40pm-3:25pm

Click here to register for Martial Arts now!


School of Excellence Survey Results and Next Steps

We are thrilled to share with you that the McKinley School National PTA School of Excellence Survey Results are IN! Please review the results of the survey here

Please mark your calendars to join us during our regularly scheduled PTA Meeting on Wednesday, January 19th at 6:30pm. We will begin work to move forward with programs to address the needs of our community as evidenced by the survey responses.

January Meeting Goals:

1- Analyze results using the National PTA Roadmap

2- Use SOE survey responses to select one area to focus our efforts

We will use the National Standards for Family School Partnerships as the guide in our efforts.

Please contact Staci Stern and/or Emily Oh with any questions.


On-campus Volunteer Opportunity: Lunch Duty!

Volunteers needed for our first Lunch Support Pilot Program. Just one lunchtime per week (or more if you’d like), one-month commitment to start (11:45am – 1:00pm). We welcome a 6-month commitment, but you can start by committing to January. Quick overview, requirements, and sign up genius link below.

Overview:

Volunteers will support lunchtime eating and recess for 1st through 6th graders (parents of TK and K also welcome to volunteer). You will assist during two shifts, 1st – 3rd grade, and 4th – 6th grade. Volunteers will ensure students eat lunch, clean up after themselves and stay safe during recess play. Volunteers have the opportunity to utilize or build skills in conflict management, basic first aid and social coaching skills will be developed.

Requirements:

  • TB Assessment (@ McKinley, good for 3 years. This is free)
  • Proof of Covid Vaccine
  • School Volunteer Application
  • Short Zoom Training with Principal Larson (Live or Rewatch)
  • 1 Consistent Lunchtime Day/ Week Commitment for January

Click here to sign up – grab a friend to join you, or plan to make new friends!

Questions, or need help signing up for a shift? Contact the PTA Family Engagement Team:

Lori Engelhardt (415) 706-9591

Alicia Callejas (habla español) (501) 398-8116

Elizabeth Harris (habla español) (310) 251-2191

Once signed up, you’ll be contacted directly to schedule your TB assessment and training.

But… hey, does this leave you wanting more? Do you want to spend 5 lunchtimes/ week on campus? There are several open, paid Yard Duty Positions for hire. Contact Principal Larson for more details.


Dine and Donate at Mary’s Pizza Shack – January 11

Get some delicious pizza at Mary’s Pizza on Tuesday, January 11th from 11am-8:30pm. Mary’s will donate 20% of take-out and delivery orders to McKinley.

Show this flyer on your device or mention McKinley when you order.

Mary’s Pizza Shack West
359 E Washington St
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 778-7200

To order online, select “Dine and Donate” in the Extras section when you order at https://www.maryspizzashack.com/


Sweat and Donate this January with Park Fit Petaluma

Get a pass to women’s outdoor fitness classes from Park Fit Petaluma and earn donations for McKinley!

$60 for 5 class pass (Value $70)
25% of each pass sold goes back to McKinley ($15/pass)

Use promo code: MCKINLEY for $10 OFF

Purchase Here

Pass expires 2 months from first visit after purchase

For more information visit www.parkfitpetaluma.com or check @parkfitpetaluma on Instagram!


Collect BoxTops Using Your Phone!

Did you know you can now easily collect BoxTops on your phone? Simply scan your receipts with eligible items using the BoxTops app and you are done. No more clipping!

Follow the full instructions here
to get started!


Earn Donations for McKinley When You Do Your Shopping on Amazon.com

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Volunteer Coaches Needed for Girls on the Run this Spring!

Girls on the Run is coming to McKinley this spring and we need coaches to help with the program. 

What is Girls on the Run? Girls on the Run is a 10-week life skills learning program powered by running that meets twice a week for 90 minutes. The program teaches 3rd-6th (3-5 or 4-6) grade girls about health, friendship, body image, self-esteem and service while training for a 5k. Learn more about Girls on the Run!

Read more information about coaching here. 

To learn more, email Megan McClellan, Program Director at  or visit our website at gotrsonomacounty.org/coach to complete the application.


Upcoming Events

1/11Dine and Donate at Mary’s Pizza Shack
1/19PTA General Meeting at 6:30pm

On-campus Volunteer Opportunity – Lunch Duty!

PTA General Meeting this Wednesday at 6:30pm

Join us this Wednesday, December 15th at 6:30pm via Zoom for our December PTA meeting!

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 895 7898 0966
Passcode: 951084


Last chance to participate in the Giving Tree for Classrooms!

The Giving Tree is in full swing and we need your help to assist in replenishing out children’s classrooms with all the much needed materials and other supplies.

This year the PTA will match the amount we raise so teachers can enjoy double the resources for their classroom!

Visit our Giving Tree portal to choose and purchase your gift card to a classroom

Deadline to participate is Friday 12/17


After School Enrichment Winter Session – Enrollment Starts Now

Martial Arts (TK-3) – $90

Schafer’s ATA Martial Arts teach children to be confident, disciplined, and respectful leaders in our community. Students will receive belts and have opportunities to test for stripes at the end of each session. The cost is $90.

Our six-week winter session begins Thursday, January 6th and ends February 10th. Classes will meet in room 13.

TK/K – Thursdays, 1:45pm-2:30pm

Grades 1-3 – Thursdays, 2:40pm-3:25pm

Click here to register for Martial Arts now!

Chess (K-6) – $120

Novice players will learn the basic principles of the game. Intermediate and advanced players will focus on tactics, strategies, algebraic notation, and game analysis.

Develop and nurture good sportsmanship.

Session begins Wednesday, January 26th and ends Wednesday, March 16th. 

Grades K-6: Wednesdays 1:20 – 2:20 pm 

Register for Chess Now


On-campus Volunteer Opportunity: Lunch Duty!

Do you know…

  • How to play Gaga Ball (or even, what a Gaga Ball is)?
  • How oreo wrappers end up in your kiddo’s lunchbox, when you didn’t send oreos to school?
  • Who your child plays with outside on the blacktop?

Get answers to all these questions (and more) starting January 3rd, 2022!

We need your help!
Volunteers needed for our first Lunch Support Pilot Program. Just one lunchtime per week (or more if you’d like), one-month commitment to start (11:45am – 1:00pm). We welcome a 6-month commitment, but you can start by committing to January. Quick overview, requirements, and sign up genius link below.

Overview:

Volunteers will support lunchtime eating and recess for 1st through 6th graders (parents of TK and K also welcome to volunteer). You will assist during two shifts, 1st – 3rd grade, and 4th – 6th grade. Volunteers will ensure students eat lunch, clean up after themselves and stay safe during recess play. Volunteers have the opportunity to utilize or build skills in conflict management, basic first aid and social coaching skills will be developed.

Requirements:

  • TB Assessment (@ McKinley, good for 3 years. This is free)
  • Proof of Covid Vaccine
  • School Volunteer Application
  • Short Zoom Training with Principal Larson (Live or Rewatch)
  • 1 Consistent Lunchtime Day/ Week Commitment for January

Click here to sign up – grab a friend to join you, or plan to make new friends!

Questions, or need help signing up for a shift? Contact the PTA Family Engagement Team:

Lori Engelhardt (415) 706-9591

Alicia Callejas (habla español) (501) 398-8116

Elizabeth Harris (habla español) (310) 251-2191

Once signed up, you’ll be contacted directly to schedule your TB assessment and training.

But… hey, does this leave you wanting more? Do you want to spend 5 lunchtimes/ week on campus? There are several open, paid Yard Duty Positions for hire. Contact Principal Larson for more details.


Thank You to the Winter Festival Team!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped on the Winter Festival team led by Rebecca Hachmeyer and Emily Betts.

Planning & Execution Team:
Emily Betts
Rebecca Hachmyer
Kristen Joyce
Erica Kliewer 
Alanna Murphy
Sarah Winders
Kristin Richman

Event Volunteers
Matt Richman
Tracie Hankers
Courtney Wolfe
Elda Molina
Alma Gonzalez
Julie Glew
Cesar Barahona
Staci Stern
Vanessa Nelson

Thank you also to Oliver’s Market for donating 16 gallons of organic apple juice! 

And a huge thank you to to the vendors for helping to make the evening festive and engaging, the front office staff, the custodial team, the PACS maestro and band, the PTA, and to Principal Larson for their work and support in making it all happen!

We’ve received a few thank you emails from families who came and want to extend our sincere gratitude for your incredible vision, pulling it together so quickly and making it a beautiful night for all.


Looking for last minute holiday gift ideas for our wonderful teachers and staff?

Look no further! Click here to find a list for the favorite stores and restaurants of our McKinley/PACS staff.


Are you shopping on Amazon.com for your holiday gifts?

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Volunteer Coaches Needed for Girls on the Run this Spring!

Girls on the Run is coming to McKinley this spring and we need coaches to help with the program. 

What is Girls on the Run? Girls on the Run is a 10-week life skills learning program powered by running that meets twice a week for 90 minutes. The program teaches 3rd-6th (3-5 or 4-6) grade girls about health, friendship, body image, self-esteem and service while training for a 5k. Learn more about Girls on the Run!

Read more information about coaching here. 

To learn more, email Megan McClellan, Program Director at  or visit our website at gotrsonomacounty.org/coach to complete the application.


Upcoming Events

12/14 – Dine and Donate at Brewsters
12/15 – PTA General Meeting via Zoom at 6:30pm
12/17 – Last day to participate in Giving Tree for Classrooms

The Winter Festival is This Thursday!

Join us for the McKinley Winter Festival This Thursday December 9th

The McKinley Winter Festival returns this Thursday December 9th from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Join us for hot cider, live music, and a craft sale with vendors from McKinley / PACS.

Would you like to volunteer on the day of the event? Sign up to volunteer via SignUp Genius

We’ll also need  strands of holiday lights and patio lights to light up the outdoor space at the school. Please contact Emily Betts at  if you can help!


Volunteer Opportunity: After School Enrichment Coordinator(s)

McKinley’s After School Enrichment program is in need of one or more motivated volunteers to coordinate our After School Enrichment program beginning Spring 2022.   Please note that ASE will not run a Winter Session due to lack of space and a lead volunteer. 

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please reach out to . Thank you!


Let us know how you help your community 

During this season of giving, we want to know how you help your community, small or big. Answers will be put up on the PTA bulletin board outside of the front office so that we all may be inspired to lend a helping hand.

Simply fill out this form to share the ways you give back.


Attention 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families 

We are reaching out to the Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade families and asking, if you are in a position to do so, to please donate $5-$10 to help us put on our December staff appreciation event. We realize that some families may not be in the position to donate, and others may be able to donate more and that is totally okay.

With the funds we collect, our plan is to provide a lunch for the staff from a local restaurant on Wednesday December 15th. Due to covid protocols, we must stick to store/restaurant bought, individually wrapped items (ie sandwiches, burritos, snacks etc.)

Our goal is to collect the donations by Monday December 13th.

You can donate via this link on the PTA website and select Staff Appreciation Fund

You may also drop off cash and checks made out to McKinley PTA to the office in an envelope labeled ‘Staff Appreciation”.

Thank you for your assistance in helping make our fantastic McKinley teachers and staff feel the love. Please feel free to reach out to either one of us if you have any questions or ideas on how you would like to help out.

Lisa Baker and Lauran Colvin


Dine and Donate Tuesday, December 14th – Brewsters – 11:30am-9:00pm

Get festive with the family and cross off that holiday bucket list item for the Miracle at Brewsters.  Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.”


229 Water St North
Petaluma, CA 94952

Guests are welcome to bring in the flyer, show it on their device or mention it. 10% of proceeds will be donated


National PTA School of Excellence Survey Update

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at McKinley by taking the survey. Please stay tuned for detailed results of the survey in the coming weeks. We are incredibly grateful for every response and for those of you who shared valuable ideas, experiences and insight in the comments. Much gratitude for our community.

Our next step is to assemble a committee to review the results, identify our areas of focus and opportunities to meet the needs of our community.

Please contact Staci Stern at or Emily Oh if you are interested in joining the committee.

The School of Excellence Survey received a total of 151 responses to date (10 Spanish /141 English) to date and it’s not too late to share your experience.

English Survey:

https://bit.ly/McKSurveyEng

Spanish Survey:

https://bit.ly/McKSurveyEsp


Giving Tree for Classrooms

As the season of giving approaches, we invite you to participate in our annual collection of funds for classroom needs.

This year the PTA will match the amount we raise so teachers can enjoy double the resources for classroom needs!

Look for our Giving Tree board during the Winter Festival and check out next week’s newsletter to find a link to our online gift card shopping page.


Are you shopping on Amazon.com for your holiday gifts?

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Volunteer Coaches Needed for Girls on the Run this Spring!

Girls on the Run is coming to McKinley this spring and we need coaches to help with the program. 

What is Girls on the Run? Girls on the Run is a 10-week life skills learning program powered by running that meets twice a week for 90 minutes. The program teaches 3rd-6th (3-5 or 4-6) grade girls about health, friendship, body image, self-esteem and service while training for a 5k. Learn more about Girls on the Run!

Read more information about coaching here. 

To learn more, email Megan McClellan, Program Director at  or visit our website at gotrsonomacounty.org/coach to complete the application.


Upcoming Events

12/9 – McKinley Winter Festival
12/14 – Dine and Donate at Brewsters

Giving Tuesday Fundraiser for McKinley Cares

Giving Tuesday Fundraiser to Support McKinley Families in Need – This Tuesday

This Tuesday, November 30th starting at 5AM PST, the McKinley PTA will be raising funds via Facebook to support the McKinley Cares program, which provides grocery store gift cards to struggling families in our school community.

As part of Giving Tuesday, Facebook will match up to $8M donated to charities and nonprofits that day on a first come first serve basis.

We are asking our McKinley community to create their own fundraiser on their Facebook profile that will donate to the McKinley PTA page on . Simply follow this link on Tuesday, November 30th starting at 5am and click the “Create” button. That’s it.

In case you have issues on mobile with the above link, here are instructions for setting up the fundraiser through your Facebook app.

Please make sure to create your donation on your profile page early on November 30th to help us receive matching donations.

All donations made on Tuesday will go towards the McKinley Cares program. Grocery store gift cards will be distributed to families in need throughout the school year.

Create your fundraising page on November 30th

More info on Facebook’s matching donations on Giving Tuesday


Dine and Donate at Barber Cellars and Barber Lee Spirits – This Sunday, December 5th

Enjoy authentic Sonoma wine and spirits in downtown Petaluma on Sunday, December 5th from 1pm-6pm.

Barber Cellars – Tasting Room

112 Washington St
Petaluma, CA 94952 (inside Hotel Petaluma)

Barber Lee Spirits – Distillery Barrel Room

120 Washington St
Petaluma, CA 94952

Mention McKinley and 20% of sales will benefit the school


Join us for the McKinley Winter Festival on December 9th

Save the Date! The McKinley Winter Festival returns on December 9th from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Join us for hot cider, live music, and a craft sale with vendors from McKinley / PACS.

Do you make handmade crafts? Sign up to reserve a table to sell your products! https://bit.ly/WinterFestCraft

Would you like to volunteer on the day of the event? Sign up to volunteer via SignUp Genius

We’ll also need  strands of holiday lights and patio lights to light up the outdoor space at the school. Please contact Emily Betts at  if you can help!


Volunteer Opportunity: After School Enrichment Coordinator(s)

McKinley’s After School Enrichment program is in need of one or more motivated volunteers to coordinate our After School Enrichment program beginning Spring 2022.   Please note that ASE will not run a Winter Session due to lack of space and a lead volunteer. 

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please reach out to . Thank you!

As we finish up our After School Enrichment Fall Session I wanted to give a very big THANK YOU to Jessica Servin who has been the ASE Volunteer Coordinator and has done an incredible job organizing and providing fantastic opportunities to our students.  This is Jessica’s final session and we appreciate everything that she has done.  Thank you! 


Intercultural Café this Friday at 8:30AM 

Join us at the main McKinley entrance Friday, December 3rd at around 8:30am after morning drop-off.

Enjoy a free cup of coffee, meet new families, discuss the November PTA meeting and learn how to get involved. Notes from the PTA meeting will be available in English and Spanish.

More details here


Let us know how you help your community 

During this season of giving, we want to know how you help your community, small or big. Answers will be put up on the PTA bulletin board outside of the front office so that we all may be inspired to lend a helping hand.

Simply fill out this form to share the ways you give back.


The Petaluma City Schools Holiday Fun Run is December 11th at Shollenberger Park and We Need Volunteers 

We are looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming Petaluma City Schools Family Holiday Fun Run on December 11th at Shollenberger! 

If you are interested in volunteering to help make this event a success, please contact Gina Roberts at .


Dine and Donate Tuesday, December 14th – Brewsters – 11:30am-9:00pm

Get festive with the family and cross off that holiday bucket list item for the Miracle at Brewsters.  Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.”


229 Water St North
Petaluma, CA 94952

Guests are welcome to bring in the flyer, show it on their device or mention it. 10% of proceeds will be donated


Are you shopping on Amazon.com on Cyber Monday? You could earn money for McKinley

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Volunteer Coaches Needed for Girls on the Run this Spring!

Girls on the Run is coming to McKinley this spring and we need coaches to help with the program. 

What is Girls on the Run? Girls on the Run is a 10-week life skills learning program powered by running that meets twice a week for 90 minutes. The program teaches 3rd-6th (3-5 or 4-6) grade girls about health, friendship, body image, self-esteem and service while training for a 5k. Learn more about Girls on the Run!

Read more information about coaching here. 

To learn more, email Megan McClellan, Program Director at  or visit our website at gotrsonomacounty.org/coach to complete the application.


Upcoming Events

11/30 –  Giving Tuesday Fundraiser via Facebook
12/3 – Intercultural Café
12/5 – Dine and Donate at Barber Cellars and Barber Lee Spirits
12/9 – McKinley Winter Festival
12/14 – Dine and Donate at Brewsters

The McKinley Winter Festival is Back!


Join us for the McKinley Winter Festival on December 9th

Save the Date! The McKinley Winter Festival returns on December 9th from 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Join us for hot cider, live music, and a craft sale with vendors from McKinley / PACS.

Do you make handmade crafts? Sign up to reserve a table to sell your products! https://bit.ly/WinterFestCraft

Would you like to volunteer to help put on this fun event for all our families? Email Emily Betts at


Volunteer Opportunity: After School Enrichment Coordinator(s)

McKinley’s After School Enrichment program is in need of one or more motivated volunteers to coordinate our After School Enrichment program beginning Spring 2022.   Please note that ASE will not run a Winter Session due to lack of space and a lead volunteer. 

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please reach out to . Thank you!

As we finish up our After School Enrichment Fall Session I wanted to give a very big THANK YOU to Jessica Servin who has been the ASE Volunteer Coordinator and has done an incredible job organizing and providing fantastic opportunities to our students.  This is Jessica’s final session and we appreciate everything that she has done.  Thank you! 


Are you shopping on Amazon.com on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? You could earn money for McKinley

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Sign up for a BoxTops Account by November 28th and Get Bonus BoxTops for McKinley

Did you know that collecting BoxTops to raise money for McKinley is now as easy as scanning your grocery receipts with your phone?

Click this link and follow the onscreen instructions to get 40 bonus BoxTops the first time you scan a receipt with qualified BoxTops items.

More information on the BoxTops program.


Giving Tuesday Fundraiser to Support McKinley Families in Need – November 30th

Tuesday, November 30th starting at 5AM PST, the McKinley PTA will be raising funds via Facebook to support the McKinley Cares program, which provides grocery store gift cards to struggling families in our school community.

As part of Giving Tuesday, Facebook will match up to $8M donated to charities and nonprofits that day on a first come first serve basis.

We are asking our McKinley community to create their own fundraiser on their Facebook profile that will donate to the McKinley PTA page on . Simply follow this link on Tuesday, November 30th starting at 5am and click the “Create” button. That’s it.

Please make sure to create your donation on your profile page early on November 30th to help us receive matching donations.

All donations made on Tuesday will go towards the McKinley Cares program. Grocery store gift cards will be distributed to families in need throughout the school year.

Create your fundraising page on November 30th

More info on Facebook’s matching donations on Giving Tuesday


Dine and Donate at Barber Cellars and Barber Lee Spirits – Sunday, December 5th

Enjoy authentic Sonoma wine and spirits in downtown Petaluma on Sunday, December 5th from 1pm-6pm.

Barber Cellars – Tasting Room

112 Washington St
Petaluma, CA 94952 (inside Hotel Petaluma)

Barber Lee Spirits – Distillery Barrel Room

120 Washington St
Petaluma, CA 94952

Mention McKinley and 20% of sales will benefit the school


Upcoming Events

11/22-11/26 – Fall Break
11/30 –  Giving Tuesday Fundraiser via Facebook
12/5 – Dine and Donate at Barber Cellars and Barber Lee Spirits
12/9 – McKinley Winter Festival

Important Volunteer Opportunity Available


PTA Meeting this Wednesday, November 17th at 6:30pm

Join us for our November PTA meeting this Wednesday via Zoom. All McKinley families are welcome! Spanish translation will be provided.

View the agenda here: https://bit.ly/McKPTANov

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 850 8596 2140
Passcode: 623543


Volunteer Opportunity: After School Enrichment Coordinator(s)

McKinley’s After School Enrichment program is in need of one or more motivated volunteers to coordinate our After School Enrichment program beginning Spring 2022.   Please note that ASE will not run a Winter Session due to lack of space and a lead volunteer. 

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please reach out to . Thank you!

As we finish up our After School Enrichment Fall Session I wanted to give a very big THANK YOU to Jessica Servin who has been the ASE Volunteer Coordinator and has done an incredible job organizing and providing fantastic opportunities to our students.  This is Jessica’s final session and we appreciate everything that she has done.  Thank you! 


The PTA wants to hear your opinions about McKinley/PACS

Your PTA Board Members are eager to continue to create community among our families at McKinley School.  One way that we’ve identified is to first gauge how families are feeling right now via the National PTA School of Excellence Survey. Would you please take 5-10 minutes to complete this survey? It is completely anonymous and we value and welcome candid feedback.

McKinley School of Excellence Survey – it takes  5 to 10 minutes

What will happen with the results?

The PTA will choose the most pressing issue or opportunity as selected by YOU, our respondents to the survey.  We’ll create an “Excellence Committee” to evaluate the data and determine what we can do as a community to make the biggest impact this year.

What is “School of Excellence” anyway?  

It’s a designation offered by National PTA to recognize schools that seek to grow partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students.

At a National PTA School of Excellence, families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success, and PTA is a key partner for continuous school improvement.  The survey gives us a snapshot of how families feel in the fall.  We’ll send the survey out again in the spring to see if we’ve been able to make progress on issues that matter to our community.

Does this sound like a PTA program you’d really like to help with? Join us! Contact Staci Stern at to learn more!


Tell Us What You’re Thankful For

We are so lucky to have such amazing teachers and staff at McKinley!

During this season of gratitude, please share something you are thankful for as a member of our McKinley Community.  Answers will be put up on the PTA bulletin board outside of the front office. 

Simply fill out this form. It only takes a couple of minutes.


Do Your Holiday Shopping on Amazon.com and Earn Donations for McKinley

You can earn money for McKinley every time you buy merchandise through Amazon.com at no extra cost to you. Shop through smile.amazon.com and the charity of your choice will receive a portion of your purchase.

Follow these instructions to add McKinley as your chosen non-profit. You may also configure your Amazon mobile app to ensure all your purchases are credited to our school.


Upcoming Events

11/17 –  PTA Meeting at 6:30pm
11/22-11/26 – Fall Break

Tell Us What You Think About Our School!


The PTA wants to hear your opinions about McKinley/PACS

Your PTA Board Members are eager to continue to create community among our families at McKinley School.  One way that we’ve identified is to first gauge how families are feeling right now via the National PTA School of Excellence Survey. Would you please take 5-10 minutes to complete this survey? It is completely anonymous and we value and welcome candid feedback.

McKinley School of Excellence Survey – it takes  5 to 10 minutes

What will happen with the results?

The PTA will choose the most pressing issue or opportunity as selected by YOU, our respondents to the survey.  We’ll create an “Excellence Committee” to evaluate the data and determine what we can do as a community to make the biggest impact this year.

What is “School of Excellence” anyway?  

It’s a designation offered by National PTA to recognize schools that seek to grow partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being of all students.

At a National PTA School of Excellence, families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success, and PTA is a key partner for continuous school improvement.  The survey gives us a snapshot of how families feel in the fall.  We’ll send the survey out again in the spring to see if we’ve been able to make progress on issues that matter to our community.

Does this sound like a PTA program you’d really like to help with? Join us! Contact Staci Stern at to learn more!


Tell Us What You’re Thankful For

We are so lucky to have such amazing teachers and staff at McKinley!

During this season of gratitude, please share something you are thankful for as a member of our McKinley Community.  Answers will be put up on the PTA bulletin board outside of the front office. 

Simply fill out this form. It only takes a couple of minutes.


It’s Never Too Late to Join the PTA!

Joining the PTA is a great way for you to provide input about our initiatives and funding priorities.

The McKinley PTA welcomes members from all our school families, including those who cannot afford the cost of membership. Membership for the school year is $10 and we offer sponsored memberships.

Join the PTA Now


Stay connected with the McKinley/PACS Community and the PTA

Did you know that we have grade level Facebook groups where you can connect with other parents and guardians? Find your grade’s Facebook group here.

Also remember to follow the McKinley PTA page on Facebook. You can also find the PTA on ParentSquare (follow these instructions to add us).


Walk and Roll to School For a Chance to Win a Pumpkin Pie!

November is Walk and Roll GRATITUDE Month!

Let’s celebrate this month by walking, biking or rolling to school tomorrow and all month long, when possible.

To enter a chance to win a pie, download the gratitude tracker sheet here.


Upcoming Events

11/11 –  Veteran’s Day – No School
11/17 –  PTA Meeting at 6:30pm
11/22-11/26 – Fall Break

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