McKnight News
Week of September 9-13, 2019
PFA Information

We hope that you and your family had a great time at the Ice Cream Social last Thursday. Did you know that the Ice Cream Social is just one of many ways your donation dollars are used?

The biggest fundraiser for the PFA is happening right now!! The Donation Drive kicks off the school year and raises money to fund field trips, classroom projects, assemblies, Family Picnic, Ice Cream Social, and so much more! The back to school newsletter provides information on how donation dollars are used for the students and school.

The McKnight PFA exists to support your students and their school, but we cannot do it without your support. Your monetary support directly impacts the school! Please make your tax-deductible donation by September 20! You can use the PFA website or you can send cash or check (payable to McKnight PFA) in a sealed envelope marked Donation Drive and your name to receive a tax receipt. We count on your financial support, McKnight Community! Thank you for making all that the PFA does possible.
PFA Meeting & Minutes

Please join us on Wednesday, September 11 at 9:15 a.m. for our first PFA meeting of the year. We are fortunate that Dr. Shute, Mrs. Hudson, and Mrs. Torchia (Faculty representative and MCK parent) attend these meetings! A tremendous amount of information is exchanged here.

You do not need to be a member to attend the meetings and younger children are welcome. We are never bothered by the background noise that comes with these future MCK students. Trust us, we are all parents too, and we understand. We would love for you to attend!
Goodbye to Mr. Marsh

Although the school year has just begun, one of our favorite staff members is planning to leave us. Mr. Marsh, "Buford", or "Mr. B" is retiring and preparing to embark on a new adventure! If you aren’t familiar with his name, Mr. Marsh is our head custodian who does so much around MCK! He's the guy that greets your child every morning in the West Loop drop-off area. He’s the guy behind the scenes that helps ensure that everything runs smoothly. And yes, he’s also the guy that helps out when your child gets sick.

While we are sad to say goodbye to Mr. Marsh, we're also excited for him as he looks forward to his next chapter. Please join us as we shower Mr. Marsh with some love. Send in a card, have your child draw a picture, or even send in a gift card if you’re so inclined. We want to fill Mr. Marsh’s mailbox with love, every single day that he is at McKnight.

Cards/notes should be addressed to Mr. Marsh and can be sent in with your kids (the teachers will ensure that everything is sent to the main office).
There’s just one catch, the last day to submit cards/drawings is September 12. So, get those notes ready and send them in!
Classroom Party Volunteer Sign-Ups

It's party time! McKnight Elementary has three classroom parties during the year: Halloween on October 31, Winter on December 20, and Valentine’s Day on February 14. Parties take place from 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. and morning kindergarten parties are from 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Sign-ups for ALL parties are being accepted now through September 27. Remember, clearances are required and need to be submitted to the district to volunteer at any grade-level party.
Tiger Shop

Tiger Shop is a school store run by the PFA. The first shop day for the school year is Friday, September 13. Students in 1st-5th grades may purchase items such as pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters, and various school-related items for $2 or less during their recess time. Gift cards are available in denominations ranging from $.25 to $2 and can be used in goodie bags for school parties or even to pass out as birthday non-edible treats. If you have any questions or would like to purchase gift cards, please contact Courtney Sikora.
Grade-Level T-Shirt Orders Due

Secure your child’s Grade-Level t-shirt for the school year by ordering online at MCK's PFA website.  Orders are due September 13. Shirts ordered online will be sent home with your student starting Tuesday, October 1 in time for our first Grade-Level Shirt day on Friday, October 4.

Grade-Level t-shirts are worn for different activities throughout the year such as assemblies, field trips, Field Day, class meetings, etc. T-shirt color is assigned by grade and is a great way for our students to show school spirit and unity. 
Evening Dance Program at McKnight

Are you ready to dance, McKnight? The McKnight Elementary PFA is pleased to offer Thursday evening dance classes open to all students from preschool through 5th grade.  Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September and closes on Sunday, September 15. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Classes run from September 19 through May. Most classes are only $148 for the entire year and the focus of all classes is having fun in a low-stress dance environment. Payment will be accepted in full or in installments.

Please read the flyer linked below for all the critical details and registration instructions.
Fall Intramurals for 4th & 5th Grades

The Fall Intramural Program begins this Monday, September 9! Please sign up ASAP if interested. Questions can be directed to Mr. Frank.
Parent/Guardian Networking Group

The 'PNG' is a support group dedicated to parents/guardians of children with special needs including, but not limited to, IEP's, 504's, speech services, learning differences, and reading disorders. The PNG meets monthly to provide parents and guardians an opportunity to network with each other.

The PNG will host a back-to-school breakfast on Friday, September 13 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Baierl Center.
Elementary Football Night
Friday, September 20

Wear your black & gold Tigers gear and cheer on NA as they take on Mt. Lebanon on September 20 at 7:30 p.m. at NA's Newman Stadium for Elementary Football Night! Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at 2nd/3rd grade curriculum night, 4th/5th curriculum night, or at the September 11 PFA meeting. Tickets are $3 for each elementary student, $8 for adults, and $5 for siblings. Cash or check only.

For any questions please email Tennille at mckpfasecretary@gmail.com. 
4th and 5th Grade Chorus

At McKnight, all 4th and 5th Grade students are given the chance to join Chorus. Mrs. Monahan is the 4th-grade director and Miss Tunney is the 5th-grade director. Chorus enables students to experience singing as a part of a large group, work, and have fun together producing the most pleasant sounds. Chorus rehearsals are scheduled during the regular school day. Please note that students are not pulled out of class to attend Chorus. It is very common for a student to be in band/orchestra and also be a member of the Chorus. Consider joining us this year! Every voice is welcome!
Counselor's Corner
Important Dates
September 9 – 4th & 5th grades intramural begin
September 11 – PFA Meeting in cafeteria, 9:15 a.m.
September 12 – Last day to send goodbye cards to Mr. Marsh
September 13 – Tiger Shop opening day
District Updates
Traveling Art Gallery Volunteer Meeting

The Traveling Art Gallery (TAG) is an art appreciation and visual literacy program where volunteers present prints by famous artists to students in grades K-5. Interested in learning more? Join NA TAG on September 19.
Elementary Science Textbooks

North Allegheny was recently informed that online access to the elementary science textbook is no longer available. The District does have textbooks for students to use in school and out of school, if necessary. North Allegheny is also creating a document with additional online science resources that can be used at school and home to supplement the curriculum. Due to the change, the Science Department will be exploring new materials for elementary science in the near future. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher. 
Updates to Emergency Contact Information in Tyler SIS

Emergency contact information in Tyler SIS needs to be reviewed at the beginning of each school year. This information includes phone numbers (home/work/cell), email addresses, and emergency contacts. Additionally, parents/guardians can designate individuals who are permitted to pick up their student from school. This is especially important for emergency situations as students will not be released to individuals who are not listed within the Tyler SIS account. These updates cannot be made in the Tyler 360 app.
Resources
Missed a Newsletter?

All building newsletters are archived weekly on the North Allegheny website. This designated webpage will be updated with links to the previous week’s newsletters at the beginning of each school week by 11:30 a.m. A link to the archive is accessible on the District’s homepage and on each building’s homepage.
Community Flyers
The North Allegheny School District often receives requests for the distribution of athletics and approved non-profit community organization digital flyers. All requests for community flyers to be included in this newsletter must be submitted via email only at flyers@northallegheny.org . Flyers will only be posted and removed from the District website on Friday. Visit our website for details on how to submit flyers .
Building Contacts
Main Office - 412-635-4105
Nurse's Office - 412-635-4105
Counseling Office - 412-635-4105