Thornton Creek Bulletin

Happy Wednesday, TC Community!

I hope you’re all finding ways to adjust to the time change — the daylight seems to slip away so quickly!

We had an absolute blast last Friday at our annual Harvest Festival, hosted by our amazing 4th and 5th graders. A huge thank-you to Mim, Ian, Haley, and Phoebe, as well as the many volunteers who came out to help make this such an exciting, schoolwide event.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for our second Community Meeting of the school year, coming up on Monday, November 18th from 7–8:30 p.m. Parents and caregivers, please join us to hear from some of our teachers about the incredible Expedition work happening across classrooms and to connect and build community with one another. A more detailed agenda will be out in next week's Newsletter.

We will not be offering a hybrid option for this meeting, as we’ve found that meaningful engagement and collaboration are best supported in person. However, we’ll be sure to share highlights from the meeting in the following week’s newsletter — and we hope you can join us next time!

November is often thought of as a month of gratitude, but I’m truly thankful for this community each and every day.

Warmly,
Brandee

November

Today | View your Student's Pictures (retakes too!) | Free Shipping through 11.19 (details about student pictures below)

Today - Fri 21 | TC Food Drive | details below

Tues 11 | Veterans Day | No School

Fri 14 | TCPG Movie Night | 6:30 p.m. (details below) | Sign up to attend TCPG Movie Night

Tues 18 | Community Meeting (Adult and in person only) | TC Commons | 7–8:30 p.m.

Mon 24 - Wed 26 | Elementary School Conferences | No School for Students

Thurs 27 - Fri 28 | Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day | No School for Students

* Winter Evergreen sale now through November 9

The SPS Enrollment team is hosting community information sessions to help answer questions about

• The enrollment process
• The new School Choice lottery timeline
• Understanding school choice options and eligibility

There will be five in-person and three virtual sessions to make it easy for every family to participate.

In-Person School Events (5:30–7 p.m.)

• Thursday, Nov. 13 – Roxhill Elementary
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 – South Shore PreK–8
• Thursday, Nov. 20 – Licton Springs K–8
• Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Leschi Elementary
• Thursday, Dec. 4 – John Rogers Elementary

Virtual Outreach Events (Links will be provided soon)

• Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 -7 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, 7-8 p.m.

🔗View your Student's Picture Gallery. Use your Student's 7 digit ID# as the "Online Code"

📫Order Today: Free Shipping to school ends on Wednesday, November 19.

❓Questions: info@classactportraits.com or 253-569-1627

We are always in need of more PE/recess equipment. Gently used sports equipment is appreciated. If you want to purchase something for the school, we have an Amazon wish list. Thanks so much!

With the government shutdown affecting families across the country, we want to do what we can to support the community. We are hosting a food drive to support University District Food Bank. The food drive is from now until Friday, November 21. You can drop off newly purchased, unopened, self-stable items in the red barrel located at the front office vestibule. Below is the University District Food Bank flyer with items they need which supports the Packs for Kids program. If you want to support our school’s community pantry, we welcome donations of laundry detergent, hygiene items, and toilet paper. Please bring those items to the front office.

If you are needing support during this time, please reach out to Social Worker,

Channon chagor@seattleschools.org or find resources here Soc W Nov Meal Programs

We all need to slow down and pay attention when dropping off and picking up our children.

We are noticing ongoing unsafe driving and parking on NE 80th St, especially near the 42nd Ave NE intersection and on NE 77th St.

Vehicles blocking ramps and crosswalks create significant hazards, particularly during pick-up and drop-off times in poor weather and low light. Ignoring no parking zones and posted signage puts everyone at risk. These violations obstruct visibility and make it harder for pedestrians and drivers to stay safe. Rushing leads to dangerous decisions. Let’s make sure we're being considerate of others and following parking rules to prevent accidents.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Winter Evergreens Sale – Open Until Sunday, November 9
Celebrate the season with fresh evergreens — perfect for any holiday or tradition!
Encourage family and friends to order wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces and help us hit our $5,000 goal!

Order fresh evergreens today

Pick-up will be the first week of December.

All proceeds go directly to Thornton Creek, supporting Expeditionary Learning, teacher development, academic support, library and art materials, and emergency supplies.

If you have any questions, please reach out to fundraising@thorntoncreekparentgroup.org.

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

Landscaping Work Party - Sunday, November 9, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Sign up for Landscaping Work Party

Family Movie Night – Live Action Lilo & Stitch | Friday, November 14, 6:30 p.m.
Pizza and concessions will be available for purchase. Sign up to attend or volunteer for Family Movie Night, and bring your family and cozy blankets for a fun night of community!

Pies for Teacher & Staff - Drop off Friday, November 21 & Monday, November 24

In appreciation of Thornton Creek’s amazing teachers and staff this season of sharing, we’re gifting them something everyone loves — Pie!

Please sign up to bring a pie (or two!) and help us show our gratitude.

Sincerely,

Thornton Creek Parent Group

Stay Connected: TCPG Website | Newsletter Sign-up | Facebook Page

If you are able to donate unscented tissues to the school office we will distribute them to classes as needed. Also, individually packaged, allergen free, snacks are greatly appreciated for students who forget or don't have snacks. Thank you!

From Your TC Art Teachers:

Thank you for donating your toilet/paper towel tubes! Please keep those donations coming all year long!

Kerri is still hoping for some volunteers on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12-2 to assist with the younger artists in our school. She's also looking for help every morning from drop off to 8:20 a.m. to help with putting away materials and filing. Please email her at klmckeighen@seattleschools.org if you're interested.

Kids Co @ Decatur

There are still spaces available for After Care programming at Kids Co at Decatur. Students are picked up from Thornton Creek and brought to our neighbor school, Decatur, for programming. If you are interested, please contact Adam Foote the Kids Co. at Decatur Program Director. He can be reached at 206-747-2584. For additional information visit Kid Company.

Session 2 classes will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays (12/2/25-2/5/26). After-school camp is only offered on days when SPS is in session, so there will be no HOFTC Tuesday 12/23/25-Friday 1/1/26. Please note that we have moved from a Quarter schedule to a Session schedule. HOFTC will run every Tuesday and Thursday, with no breaks, that school is in session.

Hall of Fame

**Note: Previous versions of the flyer had an incorrect age range for Rainy Day Dinner Club; 2nd-5th graders may enroll.

Session 2 classes will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays (12/2/25-2/5/26). After-school camp is only offered on days when SPS is in session, so there will be no HOFTC Tuesday 12/23/25-Friday 1/1/26. Please note that we have moved from a Quarter schedule to a Session schedule. HOFTC will run every Tuesday and Thursday, with no breaks, that school is in session.

When registration opens on Monday, November 3, 9 a.m., you will be able to send enrollment requests through the Parent Dashboard by clicking Enrollment, and then Enroll for 2025-2026. New families should complete the New Family Enrollment Form prior to registration opening, to get through the process faster. Registration closes on Friday, November 14, 11:59 p.m. and schedule adjustments cannot be made after that time. Please note that class information will not be available in the Parent Dashboard until registration goes live.

Also, you will notice a new pricing structure on the flyer. Effective October 1, 2025 the State of Washington is now enforcing a new retail tax on live presentations. This includes after-school enrichment classes (FYI our understanding as of right now, this new tax does NOT impact summer camp). The tax rate is based on the address of the "presentation", so all programs in Seattle schools will be priced to include a 10.35% tax to the cost of the class.

Thanks and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Dr. Sara Ray

Director of After-School Programs

Hall of Fame Team Camp

970-219-5276

School Start | End of Day

School begins at 7:55 a.m. At that time, our gates will be closed to help keep our campus safe and ensure our complex systems run smoothly. If you arrive after 7:55, please plan to pull around and drop off at the front entrance.

Attendance and Office Procedures

• If your child will be absent or late, please email thorntoncreek.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-5304 with the reason for the absence.

• Vacation days are recorded as “unexcused vacation” absences. These are not considered truancy, though you may still receive an automated call or email from the District. If so, you can simply disregard the message and enjoy your trip.

• To pick up your child early for an appointment, please come to the office to sign them out. We’ll call your child to meet you once you arrive. Advance notice (by emailing thorntoncreek@seattleschools.org or calling 206-252-5300) is always helpful. While we understand that appointments during school hours are sometimes necessary, minimizing classroom interruptions is greatly appreciated.

We are excited to offer a variety of enriching field trips, classroom experiences, and materials to enhance your child's learning during the 2025-2026 school year. To help cover the costs of these activities, we are asking for an Expedition Fee of $100.00. This fee will go toward funding:

1. Field trips: Covering transportation, entry fees, and special activities.
2. Classroom experiences: Supporting hands-on learning activities, guest speakers, and additional educational projects.
3. Materials: Purchasing supplies and resources that enhance students' learning, like books, art supplies, and technology tools.

Payment Options:

1. In Person: You can pay by cash or check (make checks payable to Thornton Creek) directly to the school office or to Shannon Westerman.
2. Online: You can also make payments using School Pay via credit card (a small processing fee may apply) through the Source.

Important Notes:

1. Be sure to make the payment under your child’s correct grade band:
1. Kindergarten: Class of 2031
2. 1st Grade: Class of 2030
3. 2nd Grade: Class of 2029
4. 3rd Grade: Class of 2028
5. 4th Grade: Class of 2027
6. 5th Grade: Class of 2026

Please Pay What You Can:

We understand that financial circumstances may vary, so please contribute what you are able to. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated! We truly appreciate your support in helping us provide these exciting learning opportunities for our students. Thank you for being part of our school community!

Please let Shannon know if you have any questions.