McLean Science and Technology Magnet Elementary

At McLean, science themes are used throughout the curriculum to spark student interest and create curiosity in learning about the outside world.  Science skills are emphasized through hands-on activities in a fully equipped science lab with the assistance of a Science Teaching Specialist.

Technology is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum so students can gain the confidence and skills they need in today's technological society.  A building-wide computer network brings technology into each classroom, while two networked computer labs and wireless laptops are used to reinforce skills in all curriculum areas. McLean students and staff are assisted by a full-time Technology Specialist.

Percentage of students scoring "Proficient and Above"

State Math Assessment Trend Data

State Reading Assessment Trend Data

Exit west Kellogg at I-235 by-pass. Go north on I-235 to 25^th St. Go east to Halstead. Go south on Halstead to McLean. See Maps for all USD 259 locations.

McLean Science and Technology Magnet Elementary School's mission is to provide:

• A safe and nurturing environment that ensures that every student meets district and state standards
• Integrated science and technology activities throughout the curriculum
• A system of intervention and enrichment to improve academic achievement for all students.

• Reading Comprehension: We will improve text structure and retelling achievement, so that 91% of 3rd-5th grade students will demonstrate proficiency or above on the 2008 spring Kansas State Reading Assessment.
• Mathematics: We will improve problem solving and measurement, so that 91% of 3rd-5th grade students will demonstrate proficiency or above on the 2008 spring Kansas State Math Assessment.
• Writing: We will improve conventions and Sentence Fluency so that 80% of students will be proficient or higher on the next administration of the Kansas State Writing Assessment.

McLean School has a site council comprised of parents, community members, business representatives, teachers and other school staff. Site councils identify, consider and discuss educational problems and issues at the school. Councils provide advice and counsel for evaluating state, school district and school site performance goals and objectives. Councils may also recommend methods that may be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives.

Meeting Day: First Tuesday of each month
Time: 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Location: McLean Library
Chairperson: TBD

• All-Day Kindergarten: 8 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.
• Science Themes: Science themes that change each month - from plants and animals to weather and space. The three main science themes studied throughout the year are: Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. These integrated themes are aligned with the district’s standards and outcomes.
• Science Lab: A fully equipped, hands-on science lab directed by a science specialist.
• Technology: Two networked computer labs as well as networked computers in each classroom, all with Internet access. A full-time technology specialist helps teachers plan lessons and assists students.
• Block Scheduling: Small reading, math, science, library and technology groups provide students with individualized instruction. 
• Before- and after-school program.

• MacTV: 4^th and 5^th grade students run a weekly newscast from the computer lab that is broadcast each morning throughout the building.
• Science Events: Invention Convention, rocket launching, science fair, Earth Week activities and Exploration Day allow students to apply science to the real world.
• Robotics Club: Student involvement in a weekly robotics club provides extra opportunity to work collaboratively with others to solve many complex programming activities.

The McLean Elementary School was completed in September 1955 to serve a residential community of new homes. On the opening day of school 172 pupils were enrolled in kindergarten through sixth grade. These pupils had attended Cloud Elementary School the previous year. McLean was built to serve the newly annexed areas of Benjamin Hills, located west of Amidon, and the Riverlawn Addition immediately east of Amidon. The community is bounded on the east by the Little Arkansas River, on the south and west by the Big Arkansas River, and on the north by 25^th Street.

The school was named for Benjamin Franklin McLean, a pioneer lumberman and banker in Wichita. Mr McLean came to Wichita in 1895 at the age of 36 from Poughkeepsie, New York, and six years later was owner of six lumber yards in Kansas towns. He served on the City Commission and in 1901 began serving his first of three terms as mayor of Wichita. In 1909 he purchased the Naftzger interest in the Fourth National Band and served as president until 1919 at which time he inteded to reitre. He returned to the bank presidency in 1924 and served until his death on October 30, 1930.

The site for the building and playground was acquired by the Wichita Board of Education on November 25, 1953 from Anna McLean, executor of the Julia C. McLean Estate. The cost of the transaction was $11,668 and included all of Lot 2 of Block 5 in Benjamin Hills Second Addition. The school is bounded on the north by Halstead, on the east by Marigold Lane, on the south by Dogwood, and on the west by Columbine Park.

The enrollment grew each year until a peak was reached in 1966 with a total enrollment of 502. It was necessary to construct eight portable classrooms during the 1958-1966 period to house the pupils. A gradual decline in enrollment occurred after 1966, finally stabilizing between 300 and 350.

In 1976 funds from the 1974 bond election financed an addition of two classrooms, a multipurpose room, a library, two rest rooms, circulation space and expansion of office facilities. Charles F. McAfee was the architect for this construction. In 1991 the boiler was replaced.

One of the outstanding features of the McLean School site is its location adjacent to Columbine Park which provides an ideal play area for elementary age children.

At the beginning of the 1988-89 year, sixth grade students were incorporated into the middle school program. In 1990 McLean became a neighborhood science/technology magnet school.

In April 2000, the voters of the Wichita School District approved a $284.5 million bond issue. The projects began in the fall of 2000 and were completed over the next five years. The plan built 19 multipurpose rooms, upgraded science labs, replaced portable classrooms with permanent construction, improved handicap accessibility to all buildings, rebuilt five existing elementary schools, added a new elementary and middle school, expanded seven other elementary schools and provided nine new libraries as well as the expansion of nine others. Building infrastructure in 82 buildings was also upgraded, including the replacement of antiquated plumbing, updates and expansion of electrical systems, replacement of inefficient or broken windows and doors, upgrades of heating and cooling systems, and asbestos abatement when required.

With the help of architects Hanney & Associates, and Bauer and Son Construction Co., McLean received a new addition including four classrooms. The kitchen was also expanded and the student support area renovated.

The Bond project dedication ceremony was held August 22, 2003.