

Thorndyke Newsletter
January 2024
Croyle's Corner
Principal Message
Dear Thorndyke Families,
Happy New Year! I hope this letter finds you in good health and excitement for this New Year. It is with great joy, I extend a warm welcome to all of our scholars, families, and community members as we continue through this school year.
The start of a new year always brings a sense of new hope, possibilities and resolutions. We have experienced challenges and changes in the past, however, our collective resilience, and commitment to our scholars’ education and social emotional well-being continue to be our top priority.
I would like to take a moment to express gratitude to our dedicated teachers and staff, who continue to go above and beyond each day to provide the best possible learning environment for our scholars. Their unwavering dedication and passion for education are truly admirable and I am honored to work alongside a remarkable staff.
Our scholars are the heart and soul of our school community. Their curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm inspire us every day. This year, let us embrace new opportunities for growth and discovery as we continue to create a warm and welcoming environment where our scholars thrive to their fullest potential, both academically, as well as their social-emotional well-being.
Your continued support and involvement in your scholar’s education are invaluable. All of us at Thorndyke Elementary School are committed to maintaining communication with you to build a partnership that promotes success. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our teachers and staff whenever.
We are excited about the upcoming events and activities that will enrich your scholar’s experience. Whether it is assemblies, field trips, conferences, or other opportunities for involvement, we encourage you to engage, as an active partner in your scholar’s education.
On Friday, January 12th, at 3:30 PM, we encourage you to join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of Thorndyke’s new playground.
Lastly, let us approach this new year with optimism, determination and commitment to the values that make our school community special. Together, we continue to nurture the growth and success of each scholar at Thorndyke Elementary School.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle, Principal
Staff Spotlight
In the Spirit of Giving
All of our Community Family Liaisons, Julie Herdt, Ms. Goodman and Ms. Nevins spent time at the community center, and organized bags to gift to the families in our community.
Ms. Sarah Hendrickson
Ms. Norris-September Staff Member of the Month
Our Staff Member of the Month was our esteemed STEAM teacher Ms. Kim Norris! We really enjoy having her here supporting our students and community!
School Events
New Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Our new playground project is finally complete! Please join us Friday January 12th at 3:30 pm!
CogAt Winter Screener - December 1st through February 18th (Grades K-4)
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a multiple-choice K-12 assessment that measures reasoning skills with different types of verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal questions. The CogAT is a group-administered aptitude test commonly given as an entrance exam into school’s gifted programs, and offers an excellent way to spot gifted English Learner students or students who struggle with reading.. The test takes only about 30 minutes to complete.
iReady Diagnostic Testing January 8th-19th
The i-Ready assessment is an essential tool that helps us better understand your scholar's academic progress. It provides valuable insights into their strengths and areas that may need additional support. This assessment will be administered to students in Kindergarten through Fifth grade. For more details please see this link.
WIDA & WIDA Alternate Access for MLL
Each year, students in Multilingual Learner programs take the WIDA ACCESS assessment to measure their English knowledge and skills. The test measures academic English language proficiency for students learning English in our school and throughout our state. For additional details please see this link. Please reach out to Ms. Skipworth for any additional questions: skipworths@tukwila.wednet.edu
WA-AIM ELA, Math & Science
Washington has two alternate assessments. The WA-AIM is a performance task assessment aligned to the K-12 Learning Standards in ELA, mathematics, and science. The WIDA Alternate ACCESS is the English language proficiency assessment that is designed to test those English learners in grades K to 12 with significant cognitive disabilities who cannot meaningfully participate in the WIDATM ACCESS © (WIDATM) with accommodations.The alternate assessment is a statewide testing option available only for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The term “significant cognitive disabilities” does not represent a new or Page | 8 separate category of disability. It is a designation applied for approximately 1% of students with disabilities participating in the statewide testing program. For more information please see this link.
School Reminders
School Attendance is Important (Compulsary Attendance)
Our school compulsary Board Policy: 3121: Parents of any child eight years of age and under eighteen years of age its is their responsibility to make sure thier child attends school when it is in session, and For additional information please review this link.
- For absences please call: 206-901-7603 and leave a message to inform our attendance secretary.
- If you have an appointment and need to pick up early, please do so by 2:30 pm whenever possible.
- Please keep personal toys at home, they are not allowed at school.
Cold and Flu Season
Cold and Flu Season is upon us, while we want to make sure all of our students are at school each day, it is important if someone is sick, they stay home. When symptoms are subsiding, and fever free without medication for 24 hours, your student may return. We appreciate your support in for a healthy school for everyone.
Save the Date!
Martin Luther King Assembly
Please join us for our Martin Luther King Assembly! To celebrate this great civil rights leader.
Friday, Jan 12, 2024, 12:45 PM
Thorndyke Elementary School, South 150th Street, Tukwila, WA, USA
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Playground
Friday, Jan 12, 2024, 03:30 PM
Thorndyke Elementary School, South 150th Street, Tukwila, WA, USA
Kindergarten Registration Opens
Incoming Kindergarten students for 24-25 school year can enroll thier student to start September 2024. Come by to the school office for a registration packet. Student must turn 5 years old by August 31st, 2024.
Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024, 08:30 AM
Dual Language Family Information Session
School information session for upcoming Kindergarten Families to give them opportunities to to enroll into this program for next school year. This will take place in the school library on the second floor.
Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024, 05:00 PM
Thorndyke Elementary School, South 150th Street, Tukwila, WA, USA
Student of the Month Assembly
Our Student of the Month Assembly (Empathy) will take place in our Gym. Feel free to join us in celebrating these students.
Friday, Jan 26, 2024, 12:45 PM
Thorndyke Elementary School, South 150th Street, Tukwila, WA, USA
No School-Martin Luther King Day
Monday, Jan 15, 2024, 07:00 AM
No School-In Service Day (No Students)
Monday, Jan 29, 2024, 07:00 AM
SmileMobile
The dental team will see babies (first tooth) up through high school, pregnant/postpartum people with Apple Health and no insurance. January 30th - February 2, 2024. To make an appointment, call 888-286-9105.