About Us
Enrollment expo saturday, feb. 5, 2022
Tulsa Public Schools is hosting 3 enrollment expos to help you find the right school for your child. Each expo has a hub site with food, information, resources, and transportation to each school. We'll be hosting small group tours every 30 minutes so you and your child can learn more about our school and get to know our teachers and staff!
Our expo date is Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Our hub is the Education Service Center, 3027 S. New Haven Ave.
Click here for more information
McKinley At A Glance
McKinley Elementary
6703 East King Street
Tulsa, OK 74115
Map icon
Phone: 918-833-8720
Interim Principal: Randy Darr
William McKinley Elementary School is a strong community of caring educators who are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment, supporting the educational, developmental, and social needs of all students through our commitment to both our students and high expectations-- every day, without exception.
A dedicated staff
Teachers and leaders at McKinley Elementary care deeply about each one of our scholars. We understand that academic language and content learning happen simultaneously, and all students, regardless of their background, need opportunities to engage in meaningful, rigorous, grade-level content. At McKinley, we are dedicated to serving the whole child’s needs, whether we're cheering for them at a game, rewarding good behavior, or providing social/emotional learning (SEL) support, we want our students to know they are in a safe and caring environment, with educators committed to supporting their diverse social, emotional, and academic needs. With strong social and emotional skills, our students will be able to set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions in their lives.
focus on the whole child
McKinley Elementary is more than a school; we are a community of caring professionals who are dedicated to supporting the whole child. We boast a rich, language program, extracurricular activities, additional after-school tutoring support, and a full supper after school, as a part of the Tulsa Public Schools child nutrition program. We want to ensure that students are refueled after a rigorous day of learning. Our school also offers a variety of after-school clubs, including coloring, choir, tutoring, robotics and sports, with caring teachers and staff who are dedicated to all students.
Culturally Competent Learning Programs
McKinley Elementary School is dedicated to meeting the needs of all students regardless of their cultural or linguistic background. We are committed to providing a safe, linguistically rich, educational program that draws on the energy and curiosity all learners, including multi-lingual learners, bring with them, their diverse experiences and backgrounds, and their creativity as scholars. We believe that all students deserve an equitable education experience, allowing them to engage in a meaningful way with rigorous, academic content through effective language interactions that draw on the unique needs of every student.
History
McKinley Elementary was named after William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, and opened its doors in 1952.
William McKinley (January 29, 1843-September 14, 1901) was born in Niles, Ohio in 1843. Due to his father's high affinity for education, the family moved to nearby Poland, Ohio when William was nine years old in order for him to attend a better school.
William McKinley enrolled in college at the age of 17 but was only able to complete a year due to the lack of finances and ailing health. In 1861, he returned home hoping to work and save money to return to his college studies; however, that same year the Civil War broke out. Following in the footsteps of both his grandfather and great grandfather, he enlisted in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Regiment. When the war ended, McKinley was only 22 but had moved up in the ranks and won many accommodations for his bravery and kindness.
After leaving the military, William immersed himself in the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1867. Almost 10 years later, McKinley, at the tender age of 33 was elected and repeatedly re-elected to Congress for 15 years.
Nearly 30 years to the day of being admitted to the bar, William McKinley became the 25th President of the United States of America. Because he was so liked by the people, McKinley was re-elected President for a second term; however, on September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot and passed away from those injuries on September 14, 1901.
"That's all a man can hope for during his lifetime - to set an example - and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history."
- William McKinley
Leadership
Randy Darr, Interim principal
Dear McKinley Families,
It is with great pride and excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the new interim principal of McKinley Elementary School. It is truly an honor to move from assistant principal to serve as interim principal of McKinley in the coming school year. I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead a school with such a rich tradition of excellence! I am excited and eager to work with you as a partner in education to ensure your child's success.
Along with the teachers and staff, I will work hard to continue the legacy of success established by Team McKinley and Ms. Lynnette Dixon by building strong relationships with families, students, and community partners. We continue to focus on academic excellence, building strong social emotional skills, and ensuring that every student has the supports they need to be successful.
All of us at McKinley are eager and excited to begin what promises to be our best year yet. The 2021-2022 school year is going to be amazing as we continue to provide academic experiences for our students that are rigorous, relevant, and relationship-centered.
As your principal, it is important to me that every parent, guardian, student, and educator who steps through our doors is excited to be here! This vision enables us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun, and nurturing environment. My door is always open and I welcome your input; please feel free to call or email me to discuss any concerns you might have throughout the school year.
I look forward to working with you, as a team, to help each student at McKinley meet their goals and have a successful school year!
Best Regards,
Dr. Randy Darr
darrra@tulsaschools.org
Bryshana Gillaspie, Assistant Principal
Hello, Team McKinley! I am so excited to be your assistant principal this year! Prior to this role, I was the Academic Coordinator at Owen, and I taught grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the Dallas area. I am excited to join Team Mckinley and support parents, students, and educators as we embark on the best journey toward success together!
One of my favorite quotes says, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” —Theodore Roosevelt.
Let’s Go, Eagles!!!
Randy Darr
Interim Principal
darrra@tulsaschools.org
Bryshana Gillaspie
Assistant Principal
gillabr@tulsaschools.org