McKinley Elementary School Family Survey Results
Thank you to the 103 families who responded to our survey. Your feedback is invaluable as we work to improve the McKinley experience for all students and families.
Safety and Environment

Overall Safety
Most families feel their children are safe at McKinley, but some concerns were raised about supervision, security, and construction impacts.

Playground Safety
Some parents worry about injuries on playground equipment and lack of supervision during recess.

Campus Security
Several responses mentioned concerns about campus access and visitor monitoring.
Safety Traveling To/From School
Traffic Concerns
Many parents expressed worries about traffic safety, especially around busy intersections and crosswalks near the school.
Crossing Guards
Several responses praised crossing guards but requested additional support at key intersections.
Drop-off/Pick-up
The car line was noted as improved, but some feel the pick-up process can improve.
Facilities

Construction Impacts
Ongoing construction was frequently mentioned as disruptive and concerning for safety/air quality.

Playground Space
Many feel the playground and outdoor spaces are too limited, especially with construction.

Bathrooms
Several responses noted issues with bathroom cleanliness and maintenance.

Overall Condition
The facilities were described as dated and in need of upgrades by multiple respondents.
Facilities and Safety at McKinley
A large majority (about 80%) either "agree" or "strongly agree" that they like their child's school building, while roughly 17% disagree or strongly disagree.
Close to 58% of respondents agree/strongly agree that the facilities are excellent. Over a quarter are neutral, and about 15% disagree at some level.
Almost 90% of parents feel their child is safe (agree or strongly agree). Only around 5% express disagreement, and 7% remain neutral.
Communication at McKinley
Open and Respectful Communication
The majority of McKinley families, around 85%, feel the school communicates in an open and respectful manner.
Room for Improvement
However, about 10% of families disagree or strongly disagree that communication is effective, indicating an opportunity to enhance engagement.
Strengthening Partnerships
By maintaining open lines of communication, McKinley can continue to build strong partnerships with families and address their needs.
Communication at McKinley
Communication Volume
While a minority (21%) of parents feel they receive too much communication from McKinley, the majority (56%) disagree with this sentiment, suggesting most do not feel overwhelmed by the school's outreach efforts.
Opportunities to Improve
The survey results indicate that McKinley has an opportunity to enhance communication by addressing the needs of the 21% of parents who believe there is too much communication. Striking the right balance will help strengthen partnerships with all families.
Comfort Reaching Out to Teachers
According to the survey, over 70% of McKinley parents feel comfortable reaching out to their child's teachers with questions or concerns.
However, around 15% of parents do not feel comfortable contacting teachers, representing an opportunity to improve communication and engagement.
Another 13% of parents remain neutral on this measure, indicating there is still room to strengthen the home-school partnership.
Comfort Reaching Out to Administration
While a majority (58%) of McKinley parents feel comfortable reaching out to the school administration, a significant portion (20%) do not feel at ease, indicating an opportunity to improve communication and engagement with this group.
Additionally, 22% remain neutral, suggesting the potential to strengthen the school-family partnership through more proactive outreach and relationship building.
Preferred Communication Methods
Reliance on McKinley Newsletter
A substantial majority (83%) of McKinley families agree or strongly agree that the school newsletter is their primary source of information.
Trusted Communication Channel
The McKinley Newsletter serves as a critical and reliable method for the school to connect with and inform the community.
Opportunities for Improvement
While the newsletter is widely utilized, there may be opportunities to enhance other communication channels to better reach all families.
Communication Preferences at McKinley

1

Top Communication Tools
Parent-teacher conferences, direct emails, teacher emails, and the school newsletter are the most widely used and valued communication methods at McKinley.

2

Moderate Use
Paper notices, emergency texts, and PowerSchool are used by about half the families, with the other half using them sometimes or not at all.

3

Less Utilized
Direct calls and room parent emails are used by fewer than half the families, while bulletin boards see the least usage, suggesting a preference for digital communication.
Communication
Newsletters
The weekly newsletter is appreciated but some find it too long or difficult to read.
Teacher Communication
Responses varied widely on teacher communication. Some want more frequent updates on classroom activities and student progress.
Website
The school website was noted as out-of-date and difficult to navigate by several respondents.
Preferred Communication Methods
Email
Most families prefer email for school communications.
Text Messages
Many requested text reminders for important dates/events.
Apps
Some use classroom apps like ClassDojo, but consistency is an issue.
Paper
A few families suggested paper communications for those without regular internet access.
Suggestions to Improve Communication

Consolidate Messages
Many feel overwhelmed by multiple newsletters/emails and suggest combining communications.

Consistent Teacher Updates
Families want more regular updates on classroom activities and curriculum from teachers.

Streamline Newsletters
Suggestions included shorter newsletters with key points highlighted.

Improve Website
Keep the school website updated with current, easily accessible information.
Learning at McKinley
78%
Satisfied with Learning
Percentage of families satisfied or very satisfied with their child's learning experience
13%
Unsatisfied
Percentage of families unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with their child's learning experience
9%
Neutral
Percentage of families who were neutral about their child's learning experience
Curriculum Priorities at McKinley

1

1

STEAM
Top priority with 70% of parents rating it a "must have"

2

2

Social-Emotional
Over half of parents see this as essential

3

3

Music & PE
Also crucial for around half of families

4

4

Bilingual, Arts, Diversity
Moderate priority with 40-50% seeing as "must have"

5

5

Drama & Gardening
Seen more as "nice to have" by most families
The data shows that families view STEAM, core arts/music, physical education, social-emotional learning, and citizenship as top curriculum priorities at McKinley. Drama and gardening are more often considered "nice to have" than essential.
Academic Concerns

Math Curriculum
Many families feel the math curriculum is not challenging enough and doesn't prepare students well for middle school.

Science Education
Several responses noted a lack of science instruction, especially in earlier grades.

Differentiated Learning
Parents want more support for students who are above or below grade level.

Homework
Opinions varied, but some want more rigorous homework to prepare for middle school.
Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program
DLI Program Overview
McKinley's Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program provides students with instruction in both English and Spanish, helping them develop proficiency in both languages.
Language Proficiency
By the end of 5th grade, DLI students are on track to achieve full bilingual and biliterate abilities in English and Spanish.
Cultural Awareness
The DLI program also fosters greater cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among students.
Enrollment
Approximately 40% of McKinley students currently participate in the DLI program, with growing interest from families.
Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program
Strengths
  • Highly valued by participating families
  • Provides strong foundation in Spanish
  • Promotes cultural awareness
Concerns
  • Teacher turnover and staffing challenges
  • Balancing Spanish/English instruction time
  • Support for English-only families
McKinley Community
89%
Feel Welcome
Percentage of families who feel welcome in the McKinley community
85%
Diverse & Inclusive
Percentage who agree McKinley has a diverse and inclusive community
76%
Strong Community
Percentage who feel there is a strong sense of community at McKinley
Parent Involvement
Barriers to Involvement
  • Time constraints
  • Work schedules
  • Childcare needs
  • Unclear volunteer opportunities
Suggestions
  • More advance notice for events
  • Varied volunteer times (including evenings/weekends)
  • Clearer communication on how to get involved
  • Streamline volunteer clearance process
Best Parts of McKinley
Community
Strong sense of community and parent involvement
Teachers
Dedicated and caring teachers
Diversity
Diverse and inclusive environment
DLI Program
Valued dual language immersion program
Areas for Improvement

Academic Rigor
Many families want more challenging curriculum, especially in math and science.

Consistent Staffing
Concerns about teacher turnover and long-term substitutes, especially in DLI.

Facilities
Desire for improved and expanded facilities, including playground space.

Communication
More consistent and streamlined communication from teachers and administration.
Addressing Construction Impacts

1

Improve Communication
Provide regular updates on construction progress, timeline, and impacts

2

Enhance Safety Measures
Ensure proper fencing, air quality monitoring, and supervision around construction areas

3

Maximize Available Space
Creatively utilize remaining outdoor areas for recess and activities

4

Plan for Completion
Communicate plans for new facilities and how they will benefit students
Improving Academic Support
1
Assess Curriculum
Review math and science curriculum to ensure appropriate rigor and alignment with standards
2
Differentiated Learning
Implement strategies to support students at all levels, including those who need extra challenge
3
Teacher Support
Provide resources and training to help teachers meet diverse student needs
4
Parent Education
Offer workshops to help parents understand curriculum and support learning at home
Enhancing Communication

1

2

3

4

1

Streamline Messages
Consolidate communications and highlight key information

2

Consistent Teacher Updates
Establish expectations for regular classroom communication

3

Improve Website
Keep website updated with current, easily accessible information

4

Two-Way Communication
Create more opportunities for parent feedback and dialogue
Supporting the DLI Program
Teacher Recruitment & Retention
Develop strategies to attract and retain qualified bilingual teachers
Program Consistency
Ensure appropriate balance of Spanish/English instruction across grade levels
Family Support
Provide resources to help English-only families support their children in the program
Building Community
Inclusive Events
Plan school events that welcome all families and celebrate diversity
Volunteer Opportunities
Create varied ways for parents to get involved that accommodate different schedules
Community Partnerships
Develop relationships with local organizations to support school programs
Parent Education
Offer workshops on topics of interest to help parents feel connected and empowered
Next Steps

1

Review Feedback
Carefully analyze all survey responses to identify key themes and priorities

2

Develop Action Plan
Create specific, measurable goals to address top concerns

3

Share Results
Communicate survey findings and planned actions to McKinley community

4

Implement Changes
Begin implementing improvements, starting with quick wins

5

Ongoing Feedback
Establish regular check-ins to gather additional input and assess progress