May Newsletter

May 30, 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Thurston Elementary Families,

As we approach the end of another incredible school year, I am filled with excitement for all that we have accomplished together. The 2024 - 2025 academic year has been filled with unforgettable moments, growth and achievements.

To our incredible students, congratulations on a year filled with curiosity, hard work, and resilience. You have embraced new challenges, learned valuable lessons both inside and outside the classroom and demonstrated exceptional growth.

To our supportive parents and families, thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Your partnership and involvement in our school community make a significant difference in the lives of our students.

We still have many exciting events ahead! Students can look forward to a variety of fun activities including the THS Grad Walk, Bookfest for K-2, Kindergarten Graduation, the 5th Grade BBQ, Field Day, and plenty of last day of school fun. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a year of hard work and create lasting memories together!

May your summer be filled with joy, relaxation, and time with loved ones. Wishing you all a safe and happy summer!

Warm regards,

Amber Mitchell, Principal

If you would like to stay up to date on the latest announcements and TES events, check out the links below.

TES Parent Teacher Group

TES Facebook Page

TES Website

Thank yous!

Dear TES Parents and students,

Many of you know I am retiring at the end of the school year. My children were students at TES when I started in 1999. All along, I've felt the love from students and families, and seen a number of "kids of kids" come back to our school.

Through the years, there have been many changes, between students cycling through and staff moves, but TES has always been a place that feels like home. I can honestly say I've loved my role here, and hope I've been a positive influence on your children; I truly hope they grow up to be productive members of our society, and trust that they will remember to be safe, respectful, responsible, and KIND.

Thank you for sharing your students with me. I'll see you in the neighborhood!

With so much love,

Kathy Laird

______________________________________________

Dear TES community,

I want to say thank you to all who have supported TES over my 25 years here. This school is so blessed to have such wonderful adults and kids. I have enjoyed my time here. I have been associated with Springfield schools for over 50 years as a student, parent, coach, and teacher. If I don't come back and sub, it will be really strange to not be involved in public education in some way. Thank you for trusting me with the education of your children both in the classroom and over these last 4 years as physical education teacher.

Brian Jordan

Student Enrollment

As part of the registration process for the next school year, we ask current families to verify the information we have on their child. As in previous years, we will do that through ParentVue. The period for registering/verifying began May 5th. New student enrollment begins at that date as well. If you have trouble logging into your ParentVue account, feel free to contact our office; we'll be happy to help you get started! We encourage you to do it now, as we plan classes around this info.

If you know now that your child will not be returning to Thurston Elementary in the fall, please contact Kathy to let us know.

Student Devices

Please be aware that all students in grades K-2 and those who will not be returning to SPS in the fall will need to return their district-loaned devices the last week of school. Be sure to include the charger for it, to avoid a fine. (We realize some teachers keep devices and chargers at school)

If your child will be returning, but you don't want to be responsible for the device over the summer, you can return it as well and a new device will be issued in fall.

Devices need to be returned by the end of the school day on June 11th.

School Supplies

A link to the 25-26 district school supply lists is available now. Click here to reach the district website, and then click the school supplies link.

Jog-a-thon

Our annual jog-a-thon was May 30th. Please send your child's collection envelope on Monday to be eligible for prizes.

SPARK Camp

Have you registered your student for SPARK camp yet? Join our summer program for fun, interesting weekly themes, hands-on project based learning, academic skills support, sports, music, art, choice time, and community building.

All participants enjoy snacks, drinks and lunch. Programs are available at seven elementary schools (including TES) for grades K-4 and all four middle schools for current 5th, 6th and 7th graders, running July 7-31.