Dear McKinley Families,

McKinley Elementary School is a diverse Title I school with approximately 375 students in grades TK-5. McKinley has been recognized by the California Department of Education for achievement and commitment to excellence as a three-time recipient of the California Title I Academic Achievement Award (2006, 2007, 2011), a California Distinguished School Award (2010), and a California Pivotal Practice Award (2022) for innovative practices during Distance Learning. In 2023, McKinley became the District's first AVID Elementary School.

We are a school where diversity is valued, we develop the Whole Child, collaboration and teamwork are the norm, and student learning is the top priority. Our core goal is extraordinary achievement for all students while simultaneously closing the achievement gap. Our PRIDE philosophy guides all aspects of life at McKinley and McKinley students, staff, and parents work together as a community in service of this core belief. We are: Peaceful, Respectful, Intelligent, Diverse, and Enthusiastic.

McKinley teachers teach the California State Standards and utilize research-based instructional strategies and methodologies to meet all students' needs. Some strategies include Cognitively Guided Instruction, Thinking Maps, Inquiry/Project-Based Learning, and Blended Learning. Staff participate in continuous professional development in order to provide students with an innovative and rigorous learning experience. McKinley teachers are also committed to analyzing data to differentiate their instruction for each child. We utilize a Response to Intervention (RTI) system to ensure all students receive the support and interventions they need to be successful.

This year, our site focus is on collaborative conversations—structured opportunities for students to talk with each other and their teachers to explain thinking, justify reasoning, use evidence, and make connections. We chose this focus both to address assessment data showing a need in listening and speaking, and to respond to a growing trend: more behind-the-screen communication and fewer face-to-face interactions. In an age of “text-talk” and multitasking, students need explicit practice in active listening, building on others’ ideas, and speaking with clarity and respect—skills that today’s college- and career-ready standards require. When you walk through our classrooms, you’ll see students leaning in to talk with a partner, building on each other’s ideas, and making connections as they work together. Teachers use a variety of protocols to guide these conversations, helping students strengthen relationships, communicate their reasoning, and deepen their understanding.

McKinley is unique in that we supplement the core curriculum with additional enrichment in science, makerspace, visual arts, theater, music, physical education, dance, library, and gardening for all students. It is McKinley’s goal to engage students in learning, foster students’ talents and interests, and to promote critical thinking and creativity.

Here at McKinley we also focus on students' social-emotional development. Teachers teach behavioral skills with the goal of preparing the next generation of lifelong learners to be positive members of the community and the world. Our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Model (PBIS) incorporates Responsive Classroom techniques, Restorative Justice, Morning/Community Meetings, Mindfulness, and explicit social skills instruction through the Second Step curriculum.  McKinley's behavior is guided by our PRIDE Philosophy, Character Counts Pillars of Character, Behavior Expectations to be safe, responsible and respectful, and Olweus Anti-Bullying rules and program.

McKinley believes that parent engagement positively impacts the success of the students and the school. Therefore, the school has a variety of family events that connect students to school, bring families and staff together, and create a fun and positive environment for all. McKinley also has numerous school-home communication methods, and offers a variety of volunteer, committee, and leadership opportunities for family members. McKinley parents are proud to model PRIDE for our students, and promote a positive school culture and climate for our children.

Please read our Family Handbook for more details and information about McKinley.

McKinley is a wonderful place, and we welcome you to our family. I know you will love McKinley just as much as I do! Go Lions!

Sincerely,
Dr. Daniela Wiener
Principal

McKinley Elementary School was founded over 100 years ago. The beautiful historic campus has traditional California Spanish-revival style architecture on over 6.5 acres of land. McKinley has expansive outdoor space including two fields, tree courtyard, and working garden. There are 30 classroom spaces, a performance level auditorium, library, cafeteria, and multi-purpose and specialized spaces. Please enjoy this virtual tour of photos of the McKinley campus!

Click Here to Watch a Virtual Tour of the Campus

Videos

McKinley was selected by the organizations Edutopia and Shane's Inspiration as a role model school for the inclusion of students with special needs. This worldwide video features our upper grade and Life Skills classrooms. 

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-improve-students-disabilities-sense-belonging

McKinley's school site focus is Academic Discourse. That means when you walk into a classroom you will see students actively engaged in their learning, interacting with each other and the teacher. McKinley implements Project Based Learning, so students can apply their learning in a real world way, making connections across content areas and deepening their understanding. In this video our TK teachers shows how Academic Discourse and Project Based Learning occur in our classrooms. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?start=1&feature=oembed&v=S59M8wJddMw