More than 500 people attended the 2016 William McKinley Community Fair and Open House on the evening of Thursday, April 28.
“This was a wonderful event that brings our school community and our Burbank community together,” commented Principal Liz Costella. “Families had the opportunity to visit the community groups to see what resources are available. Community members that attended had the opportunity to see our McKinley programs and visit the classrooms as well.”
(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
The new McKinley Elementary mascot, Mr. McPanther, made his debut and posed for photos with families and visited classrooms.
The David Starr Jordan Middle School Jazz Band played two sets of live music. McKinley’s Hip Hop Club performed, in addition to an act from the school’s Variety Show.
Children in grade TK-1 gave a vocal music performance under the direction of Education Through Music – LA (ETM-LA) teacher Erik Matthew Garcia. ETM-LA provides music instruction for grades TK-1 at McKinley, while the district provides weekly music classes for grades 2-5.
(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
Free food, including a very popular taco stand, was provided by Cusumano Realty group. Walt Disney Studios gave prizes out to the children.
Booths at the McKinley Community Fair included school-associated groups such as the PTA, Boosters, Dual Immersion, GATE, Hablemos (English Learner advisory Council) and an art table including information about the McKinley Art Project, Reflections and Variety Show.
The McKinley Garden Club had a farmers market set up and sold fresh vegetables and herbs grown by the children.
(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
Many community groups also participated, including Kids Dental Clinic, Burbank Parks and Rec, BTAC, Burbank Public Library, Gordon Howard Museum, Burbank Senior Apartments, Rise Leadership Program, Read Conmigo, Burbank Police Department, Burbank Chamber of Commerce, Bob Hope Airport and the Burbank Educational Foundation.
The Burbank YMCA set up an obstacle course and the Boys and Girls Club had face painting at their booth.
Many City and school officials attended the McKinley Community Fair including City Treasurer Debbie Kukta, Director of Community Development for the City of Burbank Patrick Prescott, Board of Education President Charlene Tabet and Board member Roberta Reynolds. BUSD Assistant Superintendents Dr. Tom Kissinger and Sharon Cuseo attended along with Director of Human Resources, Anita Schackmann.
(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
The McKinley Community Fair was a free event for families. It was organized by Costella, school business partner Michael Cusumano, Ashley Shinn (Cusumano Realty Group), Jessa Freemyer (Cusumano Realty Group), Nuria Lundberg (parent and English Learner Advisory Council President), Laura Chambers (McKinley Librarian) and Danielle Kuester (McKinley Curriculum Specialist.)
“The planning team was amazing and it was all possible because of all their hard work,” Costella said. “This was a wonderful opportunity for the students, staff and parent groups to show off all the wonderful activities and learning opportunities we offer at McKinley.”
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