What We Do | Student Programs
We provide more for our children.
The McKinley School PTA is dedicated to supporting our teachers and enhancing our children's education. We work together with the faculty and the community to sponsor many educational and curriculum based programs throughout the year. All of these wonderful programs require volunteers to keep them running smoothly. Please lend a hand and help out where you can. Click on Volunteer Opportunities for more info or contact our Volunteer Coordinators, Jill Kellerman or Tracey Rosato.
Listed below are some of the programs that the PTA supports and sponsors.
C.A.N.E. (CT Audubon Nature Explorers)
The C.A.N.E. program is part of the Fairfield science curriculum for grades K, 1, and 2 and is designed to teach young students about animal wild life in their community. It is run solely by parent volunteers who are trained by the Audubon Society Staff. In the classroom, parent volunteers present science information in a fun and creative way through skits, puppets, and interesting visuals. Some off-site field trips include the beach and the bird sanctuary. If you would like to volunteer to help with C.A.N.E., please contact our chairpeople Maggie Nyiri or Maria Jara.
Cultural Arts Programs
Cultural Arts education is important to McKinley School and the PTA. Close to a third of the PTA's budget is spent on cultural arts programming for McKinley students each year. Authors, storytellers, musicians, and dancers are commissioned to perform for our students in a group setting and/or classroom workshops throughout the school year.
The McKinley School PTA also receives cultural arts support from The Fairfield PTA Council through the Fairfield Arts for Youth (F.A.Y.) Program. Two performance groups are chosen to perform at each school throughout the district. The McKinley School PTA provides the additional $2,500 + so that the F.A.Y. program events can be held for our students.
In order to help defer programming costs, The McKinley School PTA also applies for grants through the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism. For more info, please contact Marie Stalling.
Diversity Day (November 2009)
This one day event is designed to provide students with an opportunity to experience a variety of physical and learning differences that impact some of their peers. The goal is to increase awareness of the challenges these differences present, and foster understanding of children who are different than themselves. Many volunteers are needed to help make this day a success, if you would like to lend a hand, please contact Shannon Goodchild or Jenn Cerbone.
Have-a-Heart Week (February 8-12, 2010)
To foster caring and community service, students create beautiful valentine cards and collect spare change to give to Fairfield senior citizens in housing communities nearby. This event means a lot to both the children and the seniors, and it teaches children the power of giving.
Mill River
The Mill River Program is part of the Fairfield elementary schools science curriculum for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students and is designed to teach students about their surrounding ecosystem. The program specifically covers the river basin system and its importance. Each grade takes one field trip a year to a part of the Mill River basin. Parents are trained by the River Lab personnel to become guides for these field trips.
Reading Incentive Program
The PTA and McKinley teachers encourage children to read on a daily basis. To reinforce this exercise, each student is given reading sheet forms to use as a reading log for his/her daily reading. The student and the parent are required to sign the logs. After eight reading sheets are completed, students receive a free paperback book from the PTA.
Reflections Contest
Reflections is a nation-wide, PTA-sponsored contest open to all students. Students may enter their work in the areas of photography, musical composition, visual arts and literature. This program encourages and gives children an outlet for creative expression. All participants receive an award of acknowledgement. The winning pieces go on to compete at the state and national PTA level.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week (May 3 - 7, 2010)
This weeklong celebration pays tribute to McKinley teachers and staff and includes a mid-week luncheon prepared by parents. Every day during this special week, parents and students show appreciation by bringing in different delectables. It's a wonderful way for our children to participate and show how much they care. If you would like to help during this special week, please contact Jill Kellerman or Marie Stalling.
Help us help our kids, join the PTA and volunteer! To find out how you can help click on Volunteer Opportunities or contact our Volunteer Coordinators, Jill Kellerman or Tracey Rosato.
