Archives > What We've Done 2006 - 2007
Archives 2006-2007
World's Fair 2006
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| Dyan DeCastro, McKinley PTA President 2006-2007 |
Besides entertainment, there were lots of fun activities for the kids, from international arts and crafts to an indoor obstacle course that allowed kids to jump over The Great Wall of China and slide down Angel Falls. Learning and fun came together when kids played a passport travel game. To play, each child was given a passport book. Inside the was a question from each of the 16 international tables. Kids went to each table to find the answers and get their passports stamped. The game provided a wonderful way for the kids to travel the world and learn a little about life in Spain, Nepal, Brazil, China, Hungary and many other countries.
Also, McKinley parents set up the international tables, displaying many precious items from their homelands in order to celebrate their country and teach everyone about their native culture. At some tables, one could even taste ethnic treats. Save the Children from Westport also loaned McKinley an interactive trunk, filled with cultural items from Ethiopia for the kids to explore. 
To add to the excitement, there were many items to win. Raffle prizes included two Giants tickets, four tickets to see the Cheetah Girls and a family weekend at a VT resort. Two autographed baseballs, one from baseball Hall-of Famer Luis Aparicio, the other from Yankee pitcher, David Cone, and a signed baseball bat by St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols were also auctioned off. International food from Bella Sera, Twin Lions and Taco Loco restaurants, along with American fare from B&B Catering, were also available. And for dessert, McKinley parents donated many ethnic treats to sell at our international bake sale. The World's Fair was a community event and a celebration of nations. All Fairfield families were invited. Volunteers from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield Ludlowe High School and Wakeman Boys & Girls Club were on hand to help with games and crafts, as well as many McKinley parents who helped make this event memorable. TV Channel 12 News broadcast the Parade of Nations, and over 850 people attended the Fair from the following schools: North Stratfield, Holland Hill, Riverfield, Fairfield Warde High School, Christian Heritage School, Jennings, Dwight, Roger Ludlowe Middle School, Osborn Hill, Mill Hill, Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Stratfield, Sherman, Burr and Samuel Staples in Easton.
Over 120 volunteers helped make the World's Fair successful.
Hats off to the following:
Special thanks to the following Chairpersons:
Admissions: Dennis Pryor
Audio and Music: Jose Rodriguez
Crafts: Holly Pryor
Entertainment: Sue Dow
Games: Wendy Bleggi
Int'l Bake Sale: Patty Mihaylo
Int'l Food: Dyan DeCastro
Int'l Tables: Kathy Thomas, Adriana & Evaristo Lobato
Publicity: Lisa Schell
Raffles: Bev Greenop
Volunteer Coordinator: Pilar Munday
Holiday Craft Fair 2006
After six years of absence, The McKinley School PTA once again hosted a Holiday Craft Fair. The PTA was unable to hold a craft fair until after the old school was demolished and the new McKinley School was built in 2003. The 2006 PTA President Dyan DeCastro led the initiative to resurrect the craft fair. During the 80's and early 90's, the craft fair used to be McKinley's biggest fundraiser. According to Pat Piddington, McKinley School PTA President 1983, the McKinley Craft Fair was a highly anticipated event, with over 80 exhibitors, and there was a waiting list for those who wanted to exhibit.
McKinley's 2006 Holiday Craft Fair showcased a variety of exhibitors, beautifully, handmade crafts, and top quality vendors and was held Saturday, November 18, 2006. The fair generated over $3,000 for the school and the PTA plans to make the craft fair an annual event.
Variety Show 2007
For many years the McKinley School PTA has supported a “Variety Show” featuring McKinley kids, families and teachers. McKinley students look forward to performing and showcasing their talents, and it’s a fun night for the audience too. In March 2007, the Variety Show called Razzle Dazzle, had over 30 acts which included singers, dancers, comedians and even a family rock-n-roll band. Also on hand were “characters” from Sesame Street! Can you guess who?
Young Audiences of CT Showcase
In May 2007, Young Audiences Arts for Learning Connecticut (YAC), held its spring showcase at McKinley School. YAC is one of 33 chapters nationwide. This event featured over 45 New England artists and artist ensembles, each representing one or more of the following disciplines: Music, Dance, Theatre, Storytelling, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, and Puppetry. Throughout the day, performances and workshops were held simultaneously in the gym, cafeteria, library and various classrooms. Over 200 teachers, school administrators, PTA representatives and cultural arts programmers from all over the state attended.
It was a memorable event for McKinley students and their teachers. Students were able to view several noteworthy performances. And at the end of the day Blue Jupiter, an a capella group, held an outdoor encore performance, courtesy of the McKinley School PTA.
5th Grade Promotion 2007
On June 18, 2007 McKinley School held its annual 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony. Parents, relatives, friends, and teachers watched as over 75 students said good-bye to McKinley and elementary school life. Dr. Dale Bernardoni, the principal, awarded each student a certificate, the McKinley Singers sang and several students talked about their memories of McKinley. Below is the full text from 5th Grader, Gabriela Bochenczyk's speec.
Wonderful McKinley
By Gabriela Bochenczyk
When I walked for the first time through the McKinley School doors, I was scared and worried that the kids wouldn’t like me because I was from another country and I didn’t speak English. But Miss Christo made a change. I learned how to speak English in no time. She helped me with my spelling and definitely made me feel better in tough times.
Mrs. Nickle really helped me with my math skills and always had new ideas. Mrs. Prutting taught me how to read and write, and she always had a smile for everyone. Mrs. Harrison made the fifth grade year cool. She taught me science, history, more reading and writing, and she always had something good to share with the class. Mrs. Ioli taught me all I need now for math in sixth grade, and she always has a good sense of humor.
Miss Bettke, Miss Strauss, Mrs. Reddy, Miss Mayeran, Seniorita Giovanetti, Mrs. Davis, and Mrs. Tunstall all have helped me with singing, playing instruments, art, health, Spanish and English. Also, Mrs. Schellinkhout was not one of my teachers, but she was a great friend and was always there to greet me with a smile and a hug.
All of these teachers taught me all I need to know, and each day I am learning more. Dr. Bernardoni and all of the teachers taught me to be trustworthy, respectful, caring, and a good citizen. I would also like to thank all of my friends. I learned from them that I was not the only student from a different country and that we are all family. My friends taught me how to be a good friend and how to play sports.
I also loved all of the adventurous and exciting field trips that we went on this year like the to see the performances of My Heart in a Suitcase and The Nutcracker, and the trips to Mt. Southington, Ellis Island, the mile run, Beach Day, the Kellogg Center and fishing. Thank you to all of the McKinley staff who planned the field trips for us.
Going to another school will be a very big change, to leave all of these wonderful teachers and memories behind. I wish I could stay here forever. Thank you McKinley for all that you have done for my friends and for me. I wish all of the fifth graders the best there is for years to come. I will never forget the Wonderful McKinley.