December Newsletter

Greeting Thurston Elementary Families,

As we approach the winter holidays, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued support and partnership throughout this first part of the school year. December is a time to reflect on the progress we've made and to look ahead to the exciting opportunities that await in the new year. We have much to celebrate, and I hope this season brings joy, peace, and warmth to you and your family.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our teachers and staff for their hard work and dedication. Our school community continues to thrive because of your commitment to our students. To our families, thank you for your continued involvement and support. Whether you are volunteering in the classroom, attending school events, or simply encouraging your child to do their best, you make a difference in our school every day.

On behalf of the entire staff at Thurston Elementary, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with happiness and peace. We look forward to welcoming our students back in the new year!

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

Oregon Battle of the Books (OBoB) battles will begin shortly after Winter Break. Encourage your student to read the books over the break; they are available on loan from the Springfield Public Library, as well as the school office. There are also audio versions available, if you would like to go that route.

If you are hoping to help in your child's classroom or on a field trip, please make sure you have a valid volunteer application approved through Raptor. Please allow us a week for processing. Click here to reach the application page. Thank you!

Please call the office by 9:30 a.m. to let us know when and why your child will be absent. Also, we try to have consistent after-school plans for each student. If your child's after-school arrangement is different than usual (i.e. being picked up at school rather than riding the bus), please let us know by 2 p.m., so that we can get a message to your child in a timely manner. The office phone number is 541-744-6411.

Join us on January 20th at 1:00 at SHS

Learn how your students can be involved by visiting the Springfield MLK website.

• K-3 student entries are due at the Willamalane Center, 250 S 32nd Street, by Friday, January 17th at 6:00 p.m.

• 4-12 student entries are due at the Willamalane Center, 250 S 32nd Street, by Wednesday, January 15th at 6:00 p.m.

Willamalane offers skills camps after school at school sites. The next one at TES begins January 13th, for 5th Grade boys basketball. Click here for more information; scholarships are available through Willamalane, if needed.

** January 9 - Parent Teacher Group Meeting

** January 21 - Papa's Pizza flyer fundraiser begins; money and forms due on February 6

Heroes of the Hallway is a fun opportunity for dads, grandpas, and other father figures to come into the school. As one of our Heroes, you can volunteer in a classroom or on specific days participate in special activities with our students and other Heroes! Our next Heroes date is February 7. Contact Collin Waldahl for more information.

December 21-January 6 - Winter Break

January 7 - School resumes

January 9 - Parent Teacher Group meeting 6 pm

January 17 - Popcorn Day!

January 20 - No School - Martin Luther King day observed

January 21 - Papa's Pizza flyer fundraiser begins

January 24 - Early Release 12:30

January 31 - No School for students - Teacher Prep day

February 6 - Papa's Pizza flyers/money due

February 6 - Parent Teacher Group meeting 6 pm

February 7 - Early Release 12:30