THS 2/7/25
2/7/2025
Dear Thornton Community:
I hope this message finds you well. As we continue through our first five weeks of the Third Quarter, I want to share a few important updates.
Progress reports will be mailed out today, February 7th. Please take the time to review your student’s progress, and if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with a staff member, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Additionally, we ask that you ensure your contact information is up to date, especially emergency contacts. If any changes are needed, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
Due to the weather forecast and limited indoor spaces, we will postpone our Family Community Celebration (FCC) to a later date. Details to follow.
I'm thrilled to report that we have begun work to design our school mural! Ten students are working with Precita Eyes out of San Francisco to design a mural for our school and neighborhood community.
Above all, we stand in solidarity with our community and remain committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. If there are issues with school attendance, whatever they may be, we are here to listen and provide resources to assist you.
Thank you for being a part of our school family!
Respectfully,
Dennie Marenco, Ed.D.
Principal
Ms. Harley, Teacher
How long have you worked at Thornton? I’ve been at Thornton for two years now
What do you appreciate most about the Thornton community: What I really appreciate about Thornton is the support I’ve received from the staff. As a teacher from another country, it’s been tough, both mentally and emotionally. But the encouragement and understanding from everyone here have made a big difference. The school truly values diversity and inclusion, which has made me feel welcomed. The students, though sometimes challenging to manage, have also helped me adjust. The respect I’ve built with them has kept me going, and it's made this place feel more like a home away from home.
What's a piece of advice you could give to your high school self? I’d tell my high school self to not stress so much about fitting into a specific mold. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to meet others' expectations, but the most growth comes from embracing your own path. Focus on learning, exploring what you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You’ll figure things out in time, and everything doesn’t have to be perfect right away.
What's your superpower? As a special education teacher, I’d say my superpower is patience and the ability to adapt. Every student learns in their own unique way, and being able to meet them where they’re at, adjust my teaching strategies, and create a supportive environment is key. I believe in helping students build confidence in their own abilities, and that’s something that requires a lot of understanding, empathy, and persistence.
How do you self-care? For self-care, I love exploring new places with my camera in hand, capturing moments and creating memories. Nature trips are a big part of it for me. There's something about being outdoors that helps me reset. I also enjoy watching Kdramas and movies to unwind, and I find journaling to be a great way to reflect and relax.
What are your hopes and wishes for 2025? For 2025, I hope for more laughter, deeper connections, and moments that truly matter. I wish for my students to find confidence in their abilities, to see their growth, and to feel proud of their progress. For my fellow teachers and staff, I hope for strength, patience, and small daily victories that remind them why they do what they do. And for myself, I hope for balance between work and life, between giving and receiving, and between dreaming and simply being present.
Anything else you want to share… Thank you for this opportunity! :)
Photo: Ms. Harley + the Golden Gate Bridge = 🫰🏼
