December Newsletter McKinley Schools 16949 Cottage Grove South Holland, IL 60473 Website: SD150.org Telephone: 708-339-8500 Administrative Team Jerome Ferrell, Principal Shemeka Fountain, Assistant Principal Joseph Ingram, Dean of Students From the Desk of Jerome Ferrell Jr. Dear Parents and Friends of McKinley, What does spending a day at McKinley look like? On any given day at McKinley expect to see students learning art, Spanish, dance, robotics, technology, health, science, math, community service, character, respect and pride. I had an opportunity to ask what two of our Junior High Students (LaFrance Gray and Kyla Overstreet) had to say about our school. LaFrance Gray says school is a lot of work but he feels special to have studied and worked hard enough to have earned an opportunity to take an algebra class at Thornwood High School. He is proud of being a member of the National Junior Honor Society and says he is grateful to have been recommended by his teachers. Getting good grades is meaningful to LaFrance because failing is not an option. LaFrance sees education as a way to become a Scientist or Veterinarian. He likes to work with animals and he also wants to explore the earth and everything in it. Kyla Overstreet says science is her favorite subject. She states, Science is easier to learn than the other classes. Working in groups and collaborating with classmates is a highlight to her. Upcoming Events December 1-22 Suburban Toys for Kids Collection December 11 4 th Grade Trip to Brookfield Zoo DEO Christmas Party, Aurelio s Pizza 3:30 6:00 pm December 15 Band Parent Meeting, 6:30 7:30 December 17 Holiday Choir & Band Concert, 7:00 in Large Gym December 21 5 th Grade Trip to the Museum of Science & Industry School Board Meeting 7:00 December 23 January 5, 2016 Christmas Break NO SCHOOL Important Announcements A huge Thank You goes to the McKinley staff and student body on collecting over 3,000 cans and other perishable items in the Annual Food Drive. The members of the Student Council did an outstanding job counting and packing the items with the guidance of Mrs. Beckford & Mrs. Perry in their first endeavor this school year. Committing Ourselves to Unity, Trust & Respect Page 1 of 5
Whenever she needs help she doesn t have to always ask the teacher instead she can ask someone from her group. She keeps her grades up because she always wants to be eligible to play sports. She loves sports and sees herself as a professional athlete. As an athlete she sees herself helping obese kids through camps by motivating them and inspiring them to get fit. She will tell kids about what motivates her because you can only accomplish what you want and achieve what you dream. LaFrance Gray and Kyla Overstreet will represent our eighth grade class on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 7:00 pm. at Thornwood High School s Annual Open House. Our endeavor this year is to focus on these three areas: 1) Communication 2) Student Achievement 3) Effective use of our district website Communication This month our school is presenting our extraordinary choir and fabulous band in concert on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Come and enjoy some great singing and music. Student Achievement Student progress reports will be mailed out on Monday, December 7, 2015. Please review it with your child and make an appointment with their teacher for any questions or concerns. Effective Use of our District Website A host of programs that will help increase your child s learning are made available through our website by logging onto: www.sd150.org. Scroll to links and then select from one of the following programs; Everyday Math, Holt McDougal Online, Think Central or IXL to name a few. Each program is free and researched based to meet the needs of all learners. Celebrate with Loved Ones As we end our last fall holiday we begin to celebrate another winter holiday season. Regardless if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or any other winter holiday, I wish you a merry time with friends and family. Committing Ourselves to Unity, Trust & Respect Page 2 of 5
Just Some of the Things Happening at McKinley Come out and support Monarch Basketball! Thursday, Dec. 3 rd Girls IESA REGIONALS @ McKinley Friday, Dec. 4 th Girls IESA REGIONALS @ McKinley Tuesday, Dec. 1 st Boys Wolcott @ McKinley Thursday, Dec. 3 rd Boys McKinley @ Heritage Tuesday, Dec. 8 th Boys Wentworth @ McKinley Tuesday, Dec. 15 th Boys McKinley @ B.O.L.A. * 7 th Grade team plays first on Tuesdays McKinley Cheerleading Team will be cheering at all home and away games. Ms. Williams & Ms. E. Sims, Coaches The McKinley Dance Team will perform during home games. Mrs. Lohr, Coach Committing Ourselves to Unity, Trust & Respect Page 3 of 5
Ms. Shemeka M. Fountain, Assistant Principal - McKinley School In the spirit of the holiday season, I would like to wish all our families a safe and peaceful season filled with peace, joy and prosperity. We're thinking of you this time of year, Wishing you happiness, joy, and cheer. May all your days be warm and bright, And your nights enhanced by holiday light. Enjoy your delectable holiday foods, As parties and gifts create holiday moods. Favorite people play a meaningful part, While treasured rituals warm your heart. You are special to us in many ways, So we wish you Happy Holidays! Mr. Joseph Ingram, Dean of Students ATHLETIC UPDATE Lady Monarchs Mania Congratulations to the McKinley Lady Monarchs 7 th Grade team for bringing home the IESA 7-3A Regional Championship with a 26-19 victory over Heritage on Monday November 23, 2015. The 7 th grade Lady Monarchs will compete for the IESA Sectional Championship on Wednesday December 2, 2015. A victory in the sectional will send the Lady Monarchs downstate (Auburn IL) to compete in the IESA State Tournament on Saturday December 5, 2015. The 8 th Lady Monarchs will begin their title quest on Thursday December 3, 2015, as McKinley host the IESA 8-3A Regional Tournament. Good Luck Lady Monarchs! The McKinley Monarchs Boys season is off to a good start. The 7 th grade team has a record of 6-0 and the 8 th grade team has a record of 5-1. Come out to support us at our upcoming home games on December 1 st and 8 th. Good Luck Monarchs! Committing Ourselves to Unity, Trust & Respect Page 4 of 5
We are proud to announce the following VIP s from the month of November: Committing Ourselves to Unity, Trust & Respect Page 5 of 5