McKinley
McKinley Elementary
716 E. Dakota
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-7380 Fax: 605-773-7379
Kelly Hansen, Principal
Email
McKinley Elementary is one of the oldest school buildings, and the smallest, in the system. It houses 6 classrooms of students, one of each of the grades K - 5. It is also home to a Five-Year Old Early Kindergarten Classroom that serves students from throughout the entire district. The unique school size at McKinley truly gives it a family atmosphere in which the entire staff, both certified and non-certified are highly qualified. The building has been remodeled and added on to at least twice. In addition to classrooms, the building has a library, gym/lunchroom, computer lab, music room, speech/language room, and a special education room.
Current enrollment is approximately 135 students, which includes students in the Early Childhood Room through 5th grade. Approximately 55% of the McKinley School students are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program. As with the other schools in the district, McKinley offers a breakfast program with about 30% of the students participating.
McKinley provides students with the same curriculum as the other elementary schools in the district. Kindergarten classes meet all day, every day. Reading Recovery services are available for first grade students. McKinley students participate in D.A.R.E., Junior Achievement, and Character Education instruction. The McKinley staff have emphasized social skills and peaceful conflict resolution to reduce bullying behaviors through school-wide processes called the Peace Table and the Circle of Courage. These programs give students the skills and tools to manage their emotions in a proactive and healthy manner.
McKinley was awarded the 21st Century Grant in 2010 which has allowed us to implement the CAPS (Capitalizing on Achievement and Partnerships for Students) Program. The CAPS Program provides both a before and after school program FREE of charge to parents of McKinley students. The CAPS program partners with local agencies to provide academic, physical, and social enrichment activities each day until 5:30.
A large number of community members visit McKinley School weekly as “Reading Buddies”. They spend 30 minutes each week reading with the same student. This has provided students with both a terrific opportunity to practice their reading, as well as the chance to develop strong relationships with another adult who spends quality time with them.
An active parent group, McKinley 4 Kids (M4K), promotes reading with their monthly Birthday Book distribution. Other activities include Book Fairs, Bingo Nights, a Family Game Night and funding for student registration fees and transportation for field trips. M4K also raised funds for the playground equipment that is on the north side of the building.
