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Thornhill Elementary PFC Newsletter

Volume 32, Issue 23, February 4, 2025

Thornhill ElementaryPFC NewsletterVolume 32, Issue 23, February 4, 2025

In This Issue (bolded items are new for this week)

  • Dine Out for Thornhill at Itani Sushi - Feb 5 & 6!
  • A Request from Thornhill’s Neighbors: Please Keep Alhambra Lane Accessible
  • Celebrate Black History Month with a Special Read-In!
  • BIPOC Advisory Council Speaking Event: "More Than Microaggressions" featuring Dr. Akilah Cadet
  • Read-a-thon Wrap Up
  • Host a Party, Raise Funds, and Join the Fun!
  • Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon – Get Your Auction Tickets by Feb 8
  • Help Fuel Our Fundraiser - We Need Auction Items!
  • Project "Shade" Kicks Off and Aims to Increase Student Well-being Physically and Mentally
  • OUSD's Earth Month 2025 Art & Media Contest: Love Your Earth!
  • Shop and Earn for Thornhill
  • Calendar of Important Dates

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Dine Out for Thornhill at Itani Sushi!

Join us for a delicious meal and support our school at the same time! Itani Sushi, owned by our very own Thornhill parents, Kyle and Kristen Itani, is excited to give back to our community by donating 20% of all sales to Thornhill School!

Event Duration: Choose your day - Wednesday Feb. 5 & Thursday Feb. 6
Where: Itani Sushi - Order for pick-up or delivery
Website: ITANISUSHI.COM
Promo Code:THORNHILL

Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy amazing sushi while supporting our school! Whether you choose one day or both, your meal will make a difference!

Here's what people are saying:
“Enjoyed my first time at Itani Sushi. Ordered pickup tonight and my Spicy Mama was by far my favorite!!! Yum. The kids enjoyed their Ayla and cucumber rolls. Everything we got was delicious. Will definitely be ordering again.”

Mark your calendars and treat your taste buds to a fantastic meal at Itani Sushi!

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A Request from Thornhill’s Neighbors: Please Keep Alhambra Lane Accessible

We have received an urgent request from our neighbors on Alhambra Lane.

Please do not block Alhambra Lane or park in the blind spot/red zone at Thornhill Drive and Alhambra Lane during pick-up or drop-off. Alhambra Lane is a two-way street, and parking in front of the hydrant or resident driveways—even for a moment—is not allowed.

We know the parking lot is still under construction, and we appreciate your patience as we work with our traffic team and school leadership to help ease the parking difficulties.

Thank you for keeping the area safe and accessible!

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Celebrate Black History Month with a Special Read-In!

We’re thrilled to invite you to a special event in celebration of Black History Month—our Read-In, happening on Monday, February 10, from 9:30-11 AM. We warmly welcome parent volunteers to participate in this enriching experience by reading to students in various classrooms. Choose a book from Thornhill’s diverse library collection or bring a cherished book from home that highlights Black history, culture, or authors.

Why Volunteer for the Read-In?
Foster a Love for Reading: Inspire students by sharing stories that celebrate Black history and culture.
Engage with Our Community: Connect with students, teachers and other parents in a meaningful and impactful way.
Bring Diversity to Life: Help us illustrate the importance of African American and Black voices in literature.

How to Get Involved:
Sign Up to Volunteer: Click here to sign up and choose your preferred time slot. Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or simply love reading to kids, your participation is invaluable!
Collaborate with Our School Librarian: This event is coordinated with the Oakland Education Fund and our librarian, Ms. Marie Fox, ensuring a wonderful selection of books and a smooth experience for all.

We look forward to sharing this special day with our community. For any questions or further details, please reach out to Ms. Fox, Sofie Lieven at diversity@thornhillschool.org, or the BIPOC Advisory Council at bac@thornhillschool.org.

Let’s make this Read-In a vibrant celebration of Black history and the power of storytelling!

Warmly,
The BIPOC Advisory Council

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BIPOC Advisory Council Speaking Event: "More Than Microaggressions" featuring Dr. Akilah Cadet

The BIPOC Advisory Council is thrilled to invite you to a first-of-its-kind, in-person speaking event at Thornhill School, led by the dynamic and inspiring Dr. Akilah Cadet. This engaging workshop, "More Than Microaggressions," will take place on Thursday, February 27 from 6 - 7:30pm, and we’re calling on the entire Thornhill community to be part of this experience. RSVP by February 19, 2025, to secure your spot!


Why Attend?

Our goal is to recognize and reduce the number of microaggressions at Thornhill and beyond, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. This workshop is more than just a conversation—it's a commitment to actionable change. Attendees will walk away with practical tools and insights to:

  • Identify and address microaggressions in everyday interactions.

  • Understand power and privilege and how to use them for good.

  • Recognize dominant culture and its impact on group dynamics.

  • Move beyond allyship to become active accomplices in the fight against racism.

  • Learn effective ways to apologize and correct harm when it occurs.


Workshop Agenda:

  • Welcome/Intro

  • Pair/Pod Activity: Explore the Cultural Iceberg—what’s visible and what’s beneath the surface.

  • Understanding Power + Privilege: Discover how to leverage them positively.

  • White Dominant Culture: Unpack its pillars and how they appear in group settings.

  • Discussion on Microaggressions: Understand the nuances of being both a microaggressor and a microaggressee, and learn prevention strategies.

  • Allyship vs. Accomplice: Learn why it’s essential to move past allyship and actively do the work.

  • Breakout: Calling In: Practice role modeling and constructive dialogues.

  • Ways to Apologize: Gain a practical apology tool.

  • Call to Action and Close: Leave with a handout and actionable steps.

About Dr. Akilah Cadet

Dr. Cadet is the Founder and CEO of Change Cadet, with over 20 years of experience in management and leadership across various sectors. A Forbes Next 1000 Honoree, her work has been featured in prominent publications like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. With deep roots in education and a commitment to dismantling white supremacy, Dr. Cadet brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique storytelling approach that is both insightful and engaging.


Additional Details:

  • Childcare and light bites will be provided, making it easier for you to attend and focus on the workshop.

  • Funded by our community: This event is made possible by the funds raised from last year’s Auction fundraiser for the BAC, underscoring the importance of community participation and support.


This event offers a space for learning, reflection, and connection, inviting everyone to be a part of this important conversation. RSVP now and work with Thornhill to build a more inclusive future.

Much love,
The BIPOC Advisory Council

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Read-a-thon Update

Our Thornhill community completed another amazing Read-a-thon on Friday - thank you to so many who participated! All of the support - from the contributions to the Read & Feed, the donations of books for the book swap, rolling up sleeves to serve pizza and salad, to most importantly - reading together - is what makes it all happen!


We had a big celebration of readers with most minutes read in classrooms who threw pies in my face on Friday during lunch, and I will pull raffle names for book- themed stuffies or gift cards tomorrow. Our hope is that it was a memorable and joyful experience for you and your student(s).


And finally, the final results of the Read-a-thon are:

Congratulations to all of the readers who put in so much time and effort:

We recorded a phenomenal total of 98,000 minutes read!

And sincere gratitude for all of the remarkable generosity:

We raised a total of $29,630!

Where do your donations go? Every dollar raised directly supports our students and teachers by funding:

📚 Library books and supplies

🍎 PFC staffing – including our librarian, PE coach, teacher aides, and more!

✏️ Classroom supplies

🚌 Field trip funds


The class with the most participation (tracking reading minutes online) was Ms. Whalen's 2/3rd grade class! The class with the most minutes recorded online was Mr. Wilkin's 5th grade class! They will both enjoy a donut party.


Sending gratitude to the entire Thornhill community for your participation and support.


Keep reading,

Ms. Fox

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Host a Party, Raise Funds, and Join the Fun!

Calling all party hosts!


It’s time to put our Hosted Party offerings into high gear as we gear up for Thornhill’s auction, Journey to the Stars!


What are Hosted Parties?

Hosted Parties are organized by a Thornhill parent or family, a group of parents or by our teachers. Hosts share the cost of putting together their event and guests buy tickets to attend with all proceeds going to the Thornhill Parent Faculty Club (PFC) to support school programming. Here are a few ideas:

Hosted parties are added to the auction site as they’re confirmed—check these ones out now!


Mega Moves, Mega Fun! - Saturday, February 22 *SOLD OUT*

Peace of Pizza in the House of Art - Thursday April 17 *Drop off party*

Books & Bubbles - Friday, April 18 *Adults Only*

Adult Trivia Night - Saturday, April 25

Pancakes & PJ’s with Ms. Gustafson - Saturday, May 3 *Drop off party*


Reach out to Jill Evans if you’re interested or fill out this google form. This is a great way to give back to the school and meet other families. Feel free to reach out If you have an idea for a party or even just a few questions about hosting.


Thank you,


Jill Evans

hostaparty@thornhillschool.org

Auction Hosted Party Coordinator

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Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon – Get Your Auction Tickets by Feb 8

Calling all Early Birds!


Early Bird Tickets are on sale NOW for the 39th Annual Thornhill Benefit Auction & Dinner, which will be taking place on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Bridge Yard in Oakland. Can’t attend the live auction? Join Thornhill’s online silent auction from February 24-27, no ticket needed!


The in-person live auction, on March 15, will have exclusive items not available to bid on during the silent auction. The live auction is a lively event, where bidding happens in a more traditional paddle-raised fashion. On this night of community-building, dancing and donating, you’ll meet other families new to Thornhill and build connections with parents across many different grades.


We’ll come together to raise funds for the critical services and experiences that make the school experience special for our kids. This year’s theme is “Journey to the Stars” and I hope you’ll join us in our mission to Fund the Future.


Early Bird Tickets: $95 (January 27 – February 8)

Regular Tickets: $120 (February 9 – February 24)


Check out these Auction FAQs for more in-depth details, and if you have further questions, feel free to email me at benefit@thornhillschool.org.


I look forward to an unforgettable night with you,


Bart Lounsbury

2025 Thornhill Auction Chair


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Help Fuel Our Fundraiser - We Need Auction Items!


Thornhill’s Benefit Auction & Dinner is coming up and we need your help to make it a stellar success! A big thank you to our Thornhill and broader Oakland community for their generous donations so far. We’ve already received some amazing auction items, but we still need more to make this year’s event truly out of this world.


Here are some ideas:

Event Tickets – Concerts, theater, sports games, amusement parks
Vacation Homes – Weekend getaways, cabins, or timeshare stays
Dining Experiences – Gift cards to local restaurants or private chef dinners
Fitness & Wellness – Gym memberships, personal training, spa treatments
Unique Experiences – Behind-the-scenes tours, VIP passes, or lessons in a special skill
Handmade Goods – Artwork, jewelry, pottery, or custom creations
Services – Photography sessions, tutoring, home organization, or handy work


No item is too big or small! Every contribution helps raise funds for our students.


Thornhill PFC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so businesses or individuals that donate will receive a receipt for their contribution, which is tax-deductible.


Excited to support? Have a great idea or an item to donate? Contact us! Email Bart Lounsbury at benefit@thornhillschool.org or Tamara Chao at vpfundraising@thornhillschool.org


Thank you for supporting Thornhill – let’s make this year’s auction the best one yet!


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Project "Shade" Kicks Off and Aims to Increase Student Well-being Physically and Mentally

We’re excited to announce the planning phase of Project Shade, an initiative led by the Green Team to create a healthier, more comfortable, and calming environment at Thornhill Elementary. By adding shade, privacy and enhancing the overall landscape, we aim to improve the school grounds for students, staff, and the wider community.


While the vision is inspiring, we’re still in the early planning stages, and several approvals must be secured before any work begins. Research underscores the importance of green spaces—access to shaded areas has been shown to improve mental well-being, with studies linking outdoor time to a 20% reduction in behavioral issues and enhanced focus and cognitive performance in children.


As we move forward, we welcome community input and participation. If you’re interested in contributing or learning more, please email sustainability@thornhillschool.org. Together, we can create a greener, more inviting space for Thornhill!

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Shop and Earn for Thornhill!

Support Thornhill Through Mabel's Labels

For a simple and effective solution, consider using Mabel’s Labels. You can shop through our donation page and the school Thornhill will receive 20% of the proceeds!



Minted Fundraising Program
We're excited to announce that our Minted Fundraising Program is continuing this year! We’re thrilled to partner with Minted again to raise funds for Thornhill throughout the year, simply by shopping for stationery and custom gifts. Use the unique code below to receive 20% off at Minted when you check out. You can also share this code with your supporters—15% of the net sales from each purchase will be donated back to Thornhill. Our code is: FUNDRAISETHORNHILLELEM

ShopRaise Partnership
We’re also excited to introduce our new partnership with ShopRaise this year! Whether you're buying daily essentials like groceries, shopping for home office furniture, or booking your next trip, the ShopRaise app allows you to raise funds for Thornhill Elementary while you shop online—all at no extra cost to you. Now, your everyday shopping can directly support our school. Click the link here to learn more and download the app.


Good Eggs for Thornhill

Shop with Good Eggs to give back to our school. Good Eggs is a game-changing online market that delivers local produce, organic groceries, chef-prepared meals, and easy meal kits straight to your door. It’s all the quality and transparency of a farmer’s market, with the speed and convenience of online ordering.


Enter our school's GoodEggsForThornhill at checkout and 5% of your order's total will contribute to our school's fundraising!!

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OUSD's Earth Month 2025 Art & Media Contest: Love Your Earth!

Through whatever medium you like to use to tell your stories - drawings, performances and more - show ways you love your Earth by sorting waste at home, at school, or in your community and/or what you do with your food scraps. Or show what loving your Earth and sorting waste means to you and why you find it important. Have fun and let your creativity shine! Click here to apply!

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Calendar

  • Monday, January 27 - Saturday, February 8: Early Bird Auction Ticket Sales (link to Auction Site)
  • Wednesday, February 5 - Thursday, February 6: Dine Out for Thornhill at Itani Sushi (details in Konstella)
  • Monday, February 10: Black History Month Read-In (details in Konstella)
  • Tuesday, February 11: Auction Meeting 7:30-8:30pm (details in Konstella)
  • Thursday, February 13 - Friday, February 14: 4th Grade two-night Field Trip to Coloma
  • Monday, February 17: NO SCHOOL (President’s Day)
  • Monday, February 24 - Thursday, February 27: Thornhill’s ONLINE Silent Auction (link to Auction Site)
  • Wednesday, February 26: Auction Meeting 7:30-8:30pm (details in Konstella)
  • Tuesday, February 25: PFC Meeting 6:00-7:00pm via Zoom (details in Konstella)
  • Thursday, February 27: "More Than Microaggressions" event hosted by the BIPOC Advisory Council (details in Konstella)
  • Monday, March 3 - Wednesday, March 5: 5th Grade two-night Field Trip to Marin Headlands
  • Tuesday, March 4: Walkathon/Carnival virtual planning meeting 7:00pm
  • Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 14: Spring Conference Week (minimum days)
  • Saturday, March 15: Thornhill’s 39th Annual Benefit Auction & Dinner (details in Konstella)
  • Saturday, April 26: Walkathon/Carnival 10:00-2:00pm

Be sure also to subscribe to the Thornhill Google Calendar here, and download the OUSD District calendar here.

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About the Thornhill Newsletter

The Thornhill Parent-Faculty Club (PFC) eNews team publishes this weekly newsletter each Tuesday in the school year to communicate school, PFC and OUSD news, events and information. We all have plenty of other things to do, but please try to read it weekly, as it will more than likely answer most questions you have about what’s up at school. Information about how to submit to the newsletter is below, but you can reach out to us at any time at newsletter@thornhillschool.org.


Email submissions to our Newsletter Chair, Annie Sartor, at newsletter@thornhillschool.org by 8 p.m. Thursday for approval—nothing sent after this will be included in the following week’s newsletter unless there are extenuating circumstances. It’s fine to include text in the body of the email with links and no formatting, and attach photos preferably as 150 x 150, 72 dpi JPG or GIFs only (not embedded in email or word file). Submissions may be edited for spelling, grammar, brevity and clarity. Advertising and items not related to Thornhill are not accepted, as we need to keep the newsletter focused on need-to-know info for the community.


THANK YOU to everyone who submits articles and to PFC Board Members, Teachers, PFC co-Presidents Becky Gonzales and Catrina Vrankovich, VP of Communications Jill Evans, and Principal Steve Daubenspeck, member of Oakland Unified School District (OUSD).

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