Thunder Hill Happenings 10/23

Sonia Hurd, Principal

Brian McMahon, Assistant Principal

Katie Lee, Assistant Principal

Website: https://thes.hcpss.org/

Location: 9357 Mellenbrook Drive, Columbia, MD 21045

Phone: 410-313-6922

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Spanish

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Urdu

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Hello Thunderbird Families!

Can you believe we are stepping into the final week of October? As we head toward the close of Quarter 1, our building is filled with vibrant fall energy and great academic momentum. Our teachers are continuing to guide our scholars through deep learning while modeling what it means to SOAR—being Safe, Outstanding, Accountable, and Respectful—in every space throughout the day.

With seasonal excitement naturally building this time of year, maintaining steady routines at home makes a wonderful difference. Keeping consistent bedtimes, enjoying quiet evening reading, and keeping morning prep predictable helps our Thunderbirds feel grounded, rested, and ready to shine in the classroom.

Thank you for your continuous partnership and support. We are so proud of our students' hard work and look forward to another fantastic week together!

Proudly Serving You,

Sonia Hurd, Principal

Brian McMahon, Assistant Principal

Katie Lee, Assistant Principal

So far so good! Our school goal is 95% and we are meeting it in most grades! Grade 1 is leading the charge with the highest attendance!!!

If you plan to volunteer in the school or chaperone field trips this school year, please give this your attention. According to Howard County Board of Education Policy, all volunteers and visitors must complete two required training courses. Please take time now to complete the required trainings so you will be ready when these opportunities are presented.

THES will have a celebration for all veteran families on Wednesday November 11th 2026. We would love to include anyone in your family in our slideshow/classroom visit. If you have a Veteran/military family member that you would like us to include/honor please complete the form found below by October 25th. If you submitted your information last year, you do NOT need to submit it again. If you have any questions, please email meagan_lesinski@hcpss.org Thank you!

Attention Fourth & Fifth Grade Scholars! Calling all leaders and change makers! Applications for Student Government / Student Council will be extended until Monday, October 26th. Applications were handed out in your homerooms by Ms. Toler. Interested students need to have their application also signed by their teacher AND parent / guardian. Student Government / Student Council will meet every Wednesday, starting Nov. 4th from dismissal until 5 PM. Students need to have a ride arranged for pick-up at that time; if a student attends CA, they will be dismissed to CA at 5 PM. Students who are interested in leadership opportunities, yet are unable to attend Wednesdays after school are still encouraged to apply, as there may be other leadership available throughout the school year.

Parents are encouraged to email Ms. Toler at allison_toler@hcpss.org with any additional questions you may have.

Here is the upcoming timeline:

• October 30: Family Registration Closes - Family Registration Link.

• Mid-November: Families are notified if they've been accepted/declined, and provided additional information and instructions for distribution

• December 19: Toys for Tots! Specific time slots will be assigned, but families can anticipate between 9am and noon.

Ways to support Toys for Tots:

Share the information with organizations or businesses to become a toy collection site.

Save the date to volunteer to be a part of holiday spirit with us! We'll follow up with a volunteer link as we get closer.

Friday, December 18th – to pre-bag toys by age and gender
📍 9755 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD
Saturday, December 19th – for toy distribution
📍 9755 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD

Maryland's Ready to Read Act requires that students at risk for reading

difficulty receive timely, targeted intervention. Beginning with the 2026–2027

school year, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is putting this

into practice through Student Reading Improvement Plans, or SRIPs.

Coloring Book Contest for 3rd-5th grade students: The Howard County Recycling Division is challenging Howard County third, fourth and fifth graders to draw pictures of how they Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle at home or school. The top 13 drawings will be featured in a coloring book, with the “Best-in-Show” appearing on the cover. Please review this flyer for more information and contest rules. Entries must be received by January 15, 2027.

If you are able to support or in need of support, please see QR codes below.

For families trying to understand the basics on Special Education in HCPSS, please see the handbook to get started on understanding the fundamentals.

🌐 STAY CONNECTED WITH THES PTA!

Visit our website to join, donate, volunteer, view upcoming events, and subscribe to the PTA Calendar.

🌐 Website: https://www.thespta.org/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BTm1ScAkv/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thunderhilles_pta/

• Oct 27 - End of Quarter 1
• Oct 28 - School Closed for Students
• Nov 3 - School Closed - Election Day
• Nov 6 - Report Cards Issued

1st - 5th graders will be taking MAP again after winter break.

Users may subscribe to an HCPSS calendar in order to add it to your personal online calendar by completing the following:

1. Right-click on a calendar below
2. Select copy link location (shortcut or address)
3. Add it to your calendar service
   • Subscribe to the HCPSS Academic Calendar
   • Subscribe to the Board of Education Calendar
   • Subscribe to the A/B Day Calendar (middle and high school schedules)
   • Subscribe to the Related Arts Color Calendar (elementary school schedules)
   NOTE: Elementary school related arts colors are specific to each homeroom teacher; check with your school for a key.

Please note, these images do not always reflect the most updated calendar changes. Please refer to links above for most up-to-date information.

• Mrs. Smith, Principal's Secretary
• Mrs. Lynch, Teachers' Secretary (Registration, Attendance, Synergy, and Family File Support)
• Ms. Perez, Teachers' Secretary (Synergy and Attendance Support)
• Ms. Douglas and Ms. Stasak, School Counselors

To reach any individual above, please call 410-313-6922, and ask for them directly.