Student and Family Handbook

Contact Information and Office Hours

Office Team and Information

School Office: (918) 833-8720
Hours: 7:20-3:30

Dovey Fox
Attendance Clerk
foxdo@tulsaschools.org

Sandra Johnson
Principal Secretary
johnssa@tulsaschools.org

Alondra Garcia
Attendance Facilitator
garciaal1@tulsaschools.org

Rosslyn Williams
Health Clerk
williaro@tulsaschools.org

No phone calls will be answered during arrival (7:20-7:50) or dismissal times (2:15-2:45)

No student will be released for early dismissal after 2:00. If you need to pick up earlier to accommodate this, please plan accordingly.

Administrative Team

Samantha Dunne
Principal
dunnesa@tulsaschools.org

Melissa Jones-Chunu
Assistant Principal
jonesme@tulsaschools.org

Kathleen Gorges
Counselor
gorgeka@tulsaschools.org

In order to meet with an administrator, all appointments must be made in advance through email or the principal's secretary.

Due to the intensity of our arrival and dismissal, we kindly ask parents to wait to visit with any other staff, including administration, counselors, or teachers, during the hours of 7:15-7:50 and 2:10-2:50.

Schedule

School Hours

• Breakfast 7:05
• Doors Open at 7:20 for class
• School Begins 7:30
• Tardy After 7:30 (At 7:31, students must enter through the west office door WITH PARENTS for a tardy pass.)"
• No Early Release after 2:00
• No Afterschool Changes or Student Pickup between 1:45-2:35
• School Day Ends at 2:35

Lunch Schedule

Recess: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Recess: Tuesday

Important School Dates and Times

Dates

View the full calendar at tulsaschools.org/calendar

Arrival and Dismissal

Morning Student Drop-Off

To ensure a safe and efficient arrival for all students, please follow the procedures below.

Breakfast Arrival (7:05–7:20 a.m.)

• Students eating breakfast may enter through the cafeteria doors on the south side of the building beginning at 7:05 a.m.
• Parents and guardians may not enter the building with students for breakfast. Students should enter independently.
• Please say your goodbyes outside the building and allow your child to walk into the cafeteria.

Classroom Arrival (7:20–7:30 a.m.)

• The main entrance opens at 7:20 a.m.
• Students should enter the building and go directly to their classrooms.
• The main entrance closes promptly at 7:30 a.m.

Tardy Arrival (After 7:30 a.m.)

• Students arriving after 7:30 a.m. are considered tardy.

• A parent or guardian must accompany the student into the front office on the west side of the building to check the student in using the office kiosk before the student reports to class.

Drop off Expectations

To keep all students, families, and staff safe:

• Do not park or leave your vehicle in the drop-off lane or car loop. Even stopping "just for a second" creates traffic backups and unsafe conditions.
• Parking in the car loop prevents buses, staff, and other families from accessing the school efficiently and on time.
• If you need to leave your vehicle for any reason, please park in the school parking lot and walk to the appropriate entrance.

Following these procedures helps keep traffic moving, ensures students arrive safely, and allows our school day to begin on time. Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and welcoming start to every day!

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Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

The safety of our students is our highest priority. To ensure every child is dismissed safely and efficiently, all families are expected to follow the procedures below.

Student Dismissal Numbers

Every family will receive four (4) school-issued dismissal numbers before the start of the school year.

• You must have your school-issued dismissal number to pick up your child.
• The number may be displayed:
  • In the front dashboard or windshield of your vehicle, or
  • As a clear picture on your cell phone.
• Handwritten numbers, verbally telling staff the number, or writing it on a piece of paper will not be accepted.

If you do not have your dismissal number, you will be directed to the front office, where you must present a valid photo ID before your child can be released AFTER 3:00, when there is available staff to assist. 

Tip: We recommend taking a picture of your dismissal number with your phone in case the paper copy is misplaced.

Important: Your dismissal number only authorizes you to pick up students from your household. It may not be used to pick up cousins, friends, neighbors, or students from another family.

If your family carpools with another household, each household's dismissal number must be displayed.

Car Riders

Car rider dismissal takes place on the west side of the building in the designated car rider loop.

To help dismissal run safely and efficiently:

• Parents and guardians must remain in their vehicles at all times.
• Display your dismissal number in your windshield or dashboard before entering the pickup line.
• Pull into the lane closest to the sidewalk and continue moving forward as directed by staff.
• Please pull all the way forward to maximize the number of vehicles that can be loaded at one time.
• Once your student has entered your vehicle and staff signals that it is safe, you may use the outside lane to exit.

Please note: Vehicles that are not in the designated loading lane will not be permitted to pick up students.

Walkers

Students designated as walkers who are being picked up by an adult will be dismissed from the King Street (south side) entrance.

• Adults must have their student's dismissal number available either in their hand or on their phone.
• Please line up behind the designated cone and wait for the staff to dismiss your student.
• Students will come to you after the staff has verified your dismissal number.

Students will not be walked to Sheridan Street.

Daycare Transportation

Students riding daycare transportation will load on 68th Street on the northeast side of the building in the designated daycare loading area.

Important Changes

This year's dismissal cards are printed on BLUE cardstock. Please make sure you are using your updated 2026–2027 dismissal number.

Beginning after the first day of school, we will not release students to anyone presenting last year's WHITE cardstock dismissal number. Only the current BLUE dismissal cards (or a clear photo of the BLUE card on your phone) will be accepted.

If you do not have your new BLUE dismissal card, you will be required to go to the front office and present a valid photo ID before your child can be released.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and partnership. By working together and following these procedures each day, we can provide a safe, efficient, and positive dismissal experience for all McKinley students.

Changing the Way Your Child Goes Home

If you need to change the way your child goes home with less than 24 hours' notice, you must call the school office directly to ensure the message is received in time.

If the change is permanent or you have more than 24 hours' notice, you may send the update via TalkingPoints to the teacher. In these cases, it is not necessary to call the office. 

This ensures a safe and smooth dismissal process for all students.

Attendance

At McKinley, we believe every school day matters.

When students come to school on time and every day, they have the best chance to succeed. Learning builds day by day, and when a child misses school-even for just one day—they miss key instruction, classroom discussions, and valuable learning time with peers.

Why Attendance Matters:

• Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read at grade level, stay on track, and graduate on time.
• Attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success.
• Habits formed in elementary school last a lifetime—being on time and present every day builds responsibility and perseverance.

Every Minute Counts:

• School starts promptly at 7:30 АM.
• Students are tardy at 7:31 AM and must enter with a parent through the main office to receive a tardy slip.
• Late arrivals and early checkouts disrupt learning for the whole class.

Avoidable Absences:

Please try to schedule doctor's appointments, vacations, and other events outside of school hours whenever possible. Every day your child is in school is a day of opportunity.

Let Us Help!

If you are struggling with getting your child to school, please reach out to our school counselor, parent facilitator, or principal. We are here to support you and help remove barriers.

Together, we can help every child build a future filled with success and learning.

Early Release

Students who are leaving early for a doctor's appointment for whatever reason must be signed out before 2:00. No parents will be allowed in the office to sign out students early after 2:00

How to Report an Absence

If students are absent, please inform the teacher via TalkingPoint to let them know what is going on. If your child has a doctor's appointment, please send them to school for the rest of the day. They do not need to miss school for the entire day when they have an appointment. Please provide a doctor's note for illness or appointments whenever possible to the front office.

Make-Up Work

Students who are absent from school are required to make up missed work. Please request work for students and give teachers 24 hours to get it ready. Work can be picked up in the main office.

School Supplies

McKinley will provide basic supplies for all students. We ask that parents provide uniforms, a lunchbox (if needed), and a backpack. If you need assistance with these items as well please reach out to our school counselor. 

Teachers may send messages requesting specific items needed in the classroom after school begins or at back-to-school night.

Nutrition

All snacks or treats brought for the class or classroom parties must be store-bought and individually wrapped. Homemade items are not allowed due to health and safety guidelines.

Please ensure that there are enough treats for the entire class. If the amount provided is not sufficient for every student, the snacks will not be distributed.

Behavior Hierarchy

TPS Behavior Response Plan

1. Teacher Redirect
2. Reflection Center
3. Buddy Teacher
4. Referral

Parent Communication Regarding Behavior

Teachers are expected to contact parents at each stage of the behavior support process to ensure ongoing communication and partnership. In addition, if a behavior referral is written, a member of the administrative team will also contact the parent or guardian to discuss the situation and next steps.

Open and consistent communication with families is essential to student success and maintaining a positive school culture.

Hallway Expectations

• Faces forward
• Hands to yourself
• Voices offVoice level 0

Bathroom Expectations

• Go
• Flush
• Wash
• Leave

Cafeteria Expectations

• Walking feet,Voices OffVoice level 0
• Use good manners
• Stay in your seats
• Whisper voices
• Raise your hand
• Leave your area clean

Be respectful, responsible, and safe.

Bullying

We also focus on Bullying Prevention, teaching students how to treat each other with kindness and respect, and how to stand up against bullying. Many families and teachers confuse bullying with conflict resolution. Understanding the difference between bullying and conflict is essential for creating a safe and supportive school environment. 

Bullying vs Conflict: What’s the Difference?

Student Suspension and School Safety

At McKinley Elementary, our goal is to keep every student in school, learning, and growing. We believe students learn best when they are in the classroom, building relationships with their teachers and peers. For this reason, suspension is never our first response to challenging behavior.

Our staff works hard to teach, reteach, and support positive behavior through restorative conversations, behavior interventions, counseling, problem-solving, and family partnerships. We recognize that children are still learning and developing the skills they need to be successful.

However, there are times when a student's behavior creates a situation in which another student or staff member no longer feels safe. When safety is impacted, we have a responsibility to protect every member of our school community.

In these situations, a suspension may be necessary. Suspension is not intended to be a punishment alone. Instead, it provides time for our school team to:

• Ensure the immediate safety of all students and staff.
• Investigate the situation thoroughly.
• Meet with families and staff to develop a plan for a successful return.
• Reteach expectations and classroom procedures.
• Implement additional supports or safety measures when needed.
• Prepare the classroom so that all students and staff can return feeling safe and ready to learn.

When students return from suspension, our focus is on helping them successfully rejoin the school community. We work with students to reflect on their choices, repair relationships when appropriate, and practice strategies that will help them make better decisions in the future.

We ask our families to partner with us by discussing the importance of making safe choices, treating others with kindness and respect, and following school expectations. Together, we can create a school where every child feels physically safe, emotionally supported, and ready to learn.

At McKinley Elementary, we are committed to balancing compassion with accountability. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and every student and staff member deserves to feel safe while doing so.

Visitor Policy

At McKinley Elementary, visitors are always welcome, and we value strong family and community partnerships. However, to ensure the safety of all students:

All non-Tulsa Public Schools employees who plan to be in the building during school hours must have an approved background check on file. Background checks are digital and a link will be sent through TalkingPoints.  They must have a valid ID.

We strongly encourage parents to complete a Field Trip Form at the beginning of the year.

A cleared background check is required for participation in events such as:

• Classroom parties
• Field Day
• Grandparents' Day
• Lunch visits
• Volunteering
• Any other event that takes place during the school day

Per Tulsa Public Schools policy, all visitors must check in at the front office and wear a visible visitor badge at all times.

Children who do not attend McKinley cannot be on campus during school hours.

Students are not permitted to leave with any adult directly from the classroom.

Please go to the office, and the staff will call for the student once proper identification and authorization have been confirmed.

Cell Phones

Students are not allowed to have cell phones in school.

Birthdays/Parties

Birthdays

• No birthday parties will be held for students during the school day.
• Parents may drop off store-bought cupcakes (no cakes or homemade treats).
• Teachers may sing and pass out cupcakes during the last 15 minutes of the school day only.
• No cakes - they take too much time to cut and distribute, reducing valuable instructional time.
• This practice helps maintain equity for students whose families may not be able to afford treats.

Classroom Parties

McKinley will host two school-wide classroom parties annually:

• Winter/Christmas Party
• Valentine's Day Party

These are the only classroom parties that parents/guardians with cleared background checks may attend.

Younger children or children who do not attend McKinley can not be in the building during school hours.

Classroom Observations

Classroom Observation Guidelines

McKinley Elementary supports family engagement and transparency in the learning process. However, to maintain a safe and a focused learning environment, all classroom observations must be pre-arranged and follow district and school guidelines.

Observation Scheduling

All classroom observations must be scheduled in advance with the principal and/or teacher. Drop-in visits are not permitted during instructional hours, as they may disrupt the learning process.

Parent Observation Expectations

Parents/guardians who are granted classroom observation time must follow the expectations outlined below:

• Sit at the back of the room, not near students.
• Cell phones must remain off and out of sight for the duration of the observation.
• Observations are limited to 30 minutes per visit to minimize disruption.
• Observers are not permitted to interact with students or staff during the lesson.

TalkingPoints

TalkingPoints is our primary tool for school-to-home communication. It allows teachers and staff to send messages directly to parents in their preferred language via text message or the TalkingPoints app.

Families are automatically enrolled using the phone number provided during student registration. If your phone number changes at any time, please update it with the attendance clerk through PowerSchool to ensure continued communication.

No code is required to access TalkingPoints. If your phone prompts you for a code, it may indicate that your contact information needs to be corrected-please contact the front office for assistance.

You may also choose to download the TalkingPoints app. This allows you to view all messages in one place. If using the app, we strongly recommend enabling notifications to avoid missing important updates. If you're not receiving messages through the app, simply delete it, and messages will revert to regular text format.

Staying connected through TalkingPoints is essential for receiving updates on events, attendance, academic progress, and school announcements.

Nurse/Medication

Anytime a student visits the nurse's office, parents or guardians will be notified.

For safety reasons, students are not allowed to carry any medications-this includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, cough drops, nasal sprays, or ointments (e.g., anti-itch creams).

All medications must be dropped off by a parent or guardian directly to the nurse's office and must include proper documentation and instructions.

Facebook

Photos and videos of students who have a signed Talent Release Form on file may be shared on our official McKinley Elementary Facebook page. This page is used to celebrate student achievements, highlight school events, and share important announcements.

We strongly encourage all families to follow our page to stay connected and engaged with everything happening at McKinley!

Student Uniforms

POLO SHIRT

• Polo shirts can be long-sleeved or short-sleeved
• No t-shirts or sleeveless shirts. All shirts must have collars
• No writing, logos, stripes, or patterns
• Colors: white, hunter green, navy blue

PANTS & SHORTS

• No cargo pants/shorts
• No holes, rivets, or tears
• No jeans
• Pants should fit properly in all areas.
• Shorts must extend below the fingertips when the child is standing with their hands to their sides
• Colors: navy, khaki, or black

DRESSES, SKIRTS & JUMPERS

• Length must extend below the fingertips when the child is standing with hands to their sides.
• No crop tops or tops that expose the midriff (recommended test: have your child raise their hand and make sure it is still long enough)
• Jumpers must have a collared shirt underneath
• HIGHLY recommend shorts under skirts and dresses. 
• No writing, logos, stripes, or patterns
• Colors: navy, khaki, tan, or black

SHOES

• All shoes need to be athletic-style shoes
• No sandals, flip flops, ballet shoes, shoes with a heel, dress shoes
• Shoes with lights, games, or sounds are not permitted
• No shoes with wheels permitted.
• Colors: Any color

TIGHTS & LEGGINGS

• They are not to be worn as pants alone
• Bike shorts are not allowed to be worn as bottoms alone. 
• Any color or pattern

JACKETS & COATS

• Any light jacket may be worn in the classroom if it is the school colors
• Heavy coats need to stay in lockers
• Teachers may have students put their jackets in their lockers if it becomes a distraction
• Colors: navy, hunter green, white, or college/university

ACCESSORIES

• Costume headbands are not allowed. All jewelry and hair accessories should be modest and not distract from learning. The teacher may choose to have them remove any pieces that become a distraction. Hats or jacket hoods are not to be worn inside the building.

NON-UNIFORM DRESS DAY

• Non-uniform dress days will occur occasionally throughout the year and will be announced in advance. On these days, students may wear any school-appropriate clothes they choose.
• Make sure all shorts, skirts, and shorts are appropriate lengths. No profanity, costumes, or pajamas. Shoulder straps must be a minimum of the width of two fingers of the person wearing the garment.

Adjustments to the dress code may be made for special events.

Illness Guidelines

To keep all students and staff healthy and safe, please follow these guidelines when deciding whether your child should come to school:

Keep your child home if they have any of the following:

• Fever of 100°F (or higher - Must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning.
• Vomiting or diarrhea - Must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning.
• Sore throat with fever or after exposure to strep (must be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning).
• Red, itchy eyes with discharge (possible conjunctivitis/pink eye).
• Unexplained rash, especially with fever or behavior changes.
• Head lice - The student must be treated and checked by the nurse before returning to class.

Your child may return to school when:

• They are fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
• They have not vomited or had diarrhea for 24 hours.
• Any prescribed antibiotics have been taken for at least 24 hours.
• They are feeling well enough to fully participate in classroom activities.

Help Us Stay Healthy!

• Please encourage your child to:
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, and personal items.
• If you are ever unsure, please call the school nurse to ask before sending your child to school.

Water Bottles

Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to school each day. To help maintain a clean and safe learning environment, water is the only beverage permitted in classrooms. Please do not send flavored water, sports drinks, juice, soda, or add flavor packets or other additives to your child's water bottle.

To help prevent spills, all water bottles must have a secure, leak-proof lid that fully closes. Cups with open tops or exposed straws are not permitted.

These expectations help us:

• Protect classroom carpets, furniture, books, and technology, including Chromebooks.
• Prevent sticky spills that attract insects and create extra cleaning needs.
• Keep classrooms clean, safe, and focused on learning.

Thank you for helping us keep our classrooms safe and ready for learning each day!

What Should My Child Know Before Entering Each Grade?

Every child learns at their own pace, but the chart below provides general expectations for the skills students should have when entering each grade level. If your child is struggling with several of these skills, please communicate with your child's teacher so we can partner to provide additional support.

 Helping Your Child Be Successful

You can help your child prepare for each grade level by:

• Read together for at least 20 minutes every day.
• Practicing math facts and problem-solving regularly.
• Encourage your child to write, draw, and share their ideas.
• Monitoring grades and assignments through PowerSchool.
• Ensuring your child attends school every day and arrives on time.
• Communicate with your child's teacher whenever you have questions or concerns.

Together, we can ensure every McKinley student is prepared to learn, lead, and thrive.

State Testing

Beginning in 3rd grade, students participate in the Oklahoma state assessments each spring. These assessments measure student learning and help determine how well students have mastered the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

Testing includes:

• 3rd Grade: Reading and Mathematics
• 4th Grade: Reading and Mathematics
• 5th Grade: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Writing

State assessments are an important measure of student achievement and school performance. Families can support their children by encouraging regular attendance, ensuring students get a good night's sleep, providing a healthy breakfast, and reminding them to always do their best.

Grades and Academic Progress

At McKinley Elementary, we believe that student success is a partnership between the school and home. Families play an important role in helping students stay engaged, complete assignments, and develop strong study habits.

Monitoring Your Child's Grades

Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their child's grades weekly through PowerSchool. Regularly checking grades allows you to celebrate successes, identify concerns early, and communicate with your child's teacher before small problems become larger ones.

At the beginning of the school year, you will receive information explaining how to create and access your PowerSchool Parent Portal account. If you need assistance accessing your account at any time, please contact the school office. We are happy to help.

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Progress reports are sent home midway through each grading quarter. Please:

• Review your child's progress carefully.
• Discuss their strengths and areas for improvement.
• Sign the progress report.
• Return it to your child's teacher promptly.

Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter.

Partnering for Student Success

Today's students face many distractions, and many children need encouragement and accountability to stay focused on their learning. It is our shared responsibility—as parents, guardians, and educators—to help students develop good work habits, complete assignments on time, and take pride in their learning.

Families can support student success by:

• Checking PowerSchool weekly.
• Reviewing homework and completed assignments.
• Encouraging regular reading and studying at home.
• Communicating with teachers when questions or concerns arise.
• Helping students understand the importance of putting forth their best effort every day.

Together, we can help every child build the habits needed for success in school and beyond.

Understanding Grades

Kindergarten–2nd Grade

Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade receive standards-based marks that reflect their progress toward meeting grade-level expectations.

• E – Excellent: The student consistently demonstrates mastery of the skill or standard.
• S – Satisfactory: The student is making appropriate progress toward meeting grade-level expectations.
• N – Needs Improvement: The student is not yet making expected progress and needs additional support and practice.

3rd–5th Grade

Students in grades 3–5 receive:

• Letter grades (A–F) in core academic subjects, including Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
• Standards-based marks (E, S, N) in Music, Art, and Physical Education.