Archives > What We've Done 2008 - 2009
Archives 2008-2009
World's Fair 2008
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| Patty Mihaylo, McKinley PTA President 2008-2009 |
McKinley parents and the Student Council 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. Raffle prizes included an overnight stay and breakfast at the Hyatt Place Mystic, an overnight stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square, 4 tickets to Disney on Ice, an Apple Ipod, and a DVD player.
International food from Bella Sera, China Wok, High on the Hog, and Lupita’s restaurants, along with American fare from Ash Creek Saloon, 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 and over 800 people attended. Volunteers from Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Notre Dame, Fairfield Prep, SHU, 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.
Holiday Craft Fair 2008
The McKinley Holiday Craft Fair, absent for several years, has once again become an annual event. The 2008 Craft Fair was held on Saturday, November 22, 2008. More than 40 exhibitors showcased their beautiful handmade crafts just in time for the holiday season. McKinley students were also able to shop for those people on their gift list at our “Holiday Shop” for McKinley students, which gives the children an opportunity to budget and spend their money wisely.
Combined with raffles and refreshments for sale, as well as the Holiday Shop, the McKinley School PTA raised over $3,400 for cultural arts programs, field trips and classroom grants!
Struggle for Freedom 2009
On January 22, 2009 McKinley School hosted 5th grade students from Osborn Hill, Riverfield and Stratfield schools for their 3rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observance.
This year Collective Consciousness Theatre presented, “Struggle for Freedom” which featured eight of our country’s greatest civil rights freedom fighters--Crispus Attucks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Justice Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, John Brown, William Lloyd Garrison, and Shirley Chisholm. These great men and women, along with countless others both black and white, carved the way to freedom for years into the future. With this in mind, it was fitting for our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day observance to be in honor of those who paved the way for President Obama.
With the Inauguration of the first U.S. African-American President just days prior, students fully appreciated the part each of these men and women played in order to reach this particular point in our nation's history.
Variety Show 2009
Once again the McKinley PTA supported a “Variety Show” featuring McKinley kids and families. The annual Variety Show showcases the talents of McKinley children and parents. Over 75 children and parents performed in the 2009 Variety Show. There was singing, dancing, comedy, and ballet. It was a fun-filled evening for everyone.
Carnival 2009
The Annual McKinley School Carnival was held from Thursday, April 23 to Sunday April 26, 2009 at Jennings Beach. We could not have asked for better weather or turnout at this year’s Carnival. What a wonderful weekend of fun, activities, games, great food, sun and warmth we had!
Stewart Amusements provided the traditional carnival rides, games and prizes for the community to enjoy. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beef brisket sandwiches were available for purchase from Ash Creek Saloon, and the McKinley Student Council sold water and soda. Thursday and Friday nights were wristband nights, adding to the success of the events.
The carnival is our most substantial fundraiser, and this year’s carnival raised over $32,000 to support the PTA programs and events for the upcoming school year.
5th Grade Promotion 2009
The McKinley School 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony was held on June 18, 2009. Parents, relatives, friends, and teachers watched as 68 students said good-bye to McKinley and elementary school life. The 5th Grade Teachers presented short bios of each student, who were then awarded a certificate by Dr. Dale Bernardoni, McKinley principal. The students sang several songs, including "Up, Up, and Away", to tie in with the theme of "Around the World in 80 Days", which was the 5th grade class trip. Several students talked about their memories of McKinley.