THS 11/22/24

November 22, 2024

Dear Thornton Community:

As we continue our season of giving and gratitude, it's a great time to reflect on the achievements and growth we’ve seen in our students and school community. This is also a chance for us all to focus on academic progress and to ensure every student is on track for success.

Students, please take a moment to check in with your teachers about your current progress in all classes. It’s important to address any questions or concerns now so you can finish the quarter strong.

Parents and guardians, we encourage you to continue connecting with your student about their attendance, grades, and overall engagement. Regular conversations about their goals and experiences help reinforce the value of their education. If you feel additional support is needed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school to schedule a meeting with a counselor, teacher, or administrator. Our team is here to partner with you.

As a reminder, there will be no school from Monday, November 25th through Friday, November 29th. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2nd. We hope this break provides everyone a chance to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community. Together, we are helping our students thrive in an environment of giving and gratitude.

Respectfully,

Dennie Marenco, Ed.D.

Principal

These community service agencies are the first place to contact for emergency assistance.

Daly City Partnership is a Core Service Agency that serves Broadmoor, Colma and Daly City residents. For their list of programs, see https://www.dcpartnership.org/programs/. Call to schedule an appointment at (650) 991-8007.

• One of their programs is Operation Santa Claus for Daly City and Colma families with children ages 1 to 14. Click here to apply: https://www.dcpartnership.org/operation-santa-claus-application/

Pacifica Resource Center (PRC) is a Core Service Agency that serves Pacifica residents. For their list of programs, see https://www.pacresourcecenter.org/services. Call to schedule an appointment at (650) 738-7470.

• PRC wants to help your family celebrate Thanksgiving by taking away some of the burden of buying extra food! They provide Safeway gift cards and groceries. Give them a call ASAP while supplies last.
• Families with children 17 and under can participate in their Holiday Joy Gift Program. Your children would write a letter that includes a list of holiday gifts they would like. PRC matches your family with gift-givers who are eater to help may your holidays extra special.

What made you decide to switch from in-person to Remote Independent Study (RIS)? I recognized that I struggled with maintaining attendance at "regular" school. So, I figured since online classes worked for me during the pandemic, I could give RIS a try.

What do you like about RIS? I like the flexibility that comes with RIS, not having to follow an exact time schedule, meaning you can sleep in as long as you’re able to do your assignments you’re meant to finish that day.

What helps you stay motivated to achieve your academic goals? knowing it will help me be able to get a job in the future that will support me financially whether I decide to live on my own or not

How do you self-care? spend money, have time for myself, try out new hobbies, surround myself with my friends and family, and go outside whenever possible

Hidden talent? I’m able to lucid dream.

What are you most grateful for? my family, the people who support me, my own self, my previous therapist, and people who story tell by showing off their work/art. Read the manhwa (Korean comic) No Home by Wanan - it’s so incredibly genius how the author addresses a variety of serious topics respectfully, with the perfect amount of sensitivity; I can’t even express in proper words how much I love that piece of media.

Photo: Leo at 4 years old

How long have you worked at Thornton? This is my third year.

Hidden talent: It's hiding so well that I haven't found it yet.

How do you self-care? watch a funny movie, socialize with friends and, if really needed, just stare aimlessly at a wall. I'm trying to integrate a few minutes of meditation into my life here and there, as well.

What's a piece of advice you could give to your high school self? I was very studious and active in everything in high school, so I would tell myself to relax and give myself a little more me time.

What do you love most about the Thornton community? the students and staff. This community has more heart & soul (and fun!) than any other I've worked in. I love it!

What are you most grateful for? friends & family, Thornton community, and CHOCOLATE...oh, and that sweet elixir called coffee!

Photo: Ms. Kingsley as an 11th grader 💛🖤

Check out The Route, a student-run and student-focused publication, taught as an elective by English teacher Mr. H!