Becoming A Colt
Class of 2029 Incoming THS Students and Families
Welcome to Thurston High School
Dear Soon to Be Colts and Colt Families:
I hope you are enjoying a safe, fun summer. I am reaching out with some key information about summer programs for incoming freshmen, fall sports registration, and save-the-dates for fall.
Be safe. Have fun.
Go Colts!
Principal Pelster
As you prepare for high school, this newsletter is will be your one-stop-shop for all of the info needed to get ready for high school. Bookmark this page. We will keep updating this until you all start with us in September of 2025.
Save-These-Dates
- Strong Start - Session 1: August 4th - August 8th
- Strong Start - Session 2: August 11th - August 15th
- Fall Sports Registration - Open until August 6th
- Rodeo (Registration) - Tuesday, August 26th
- Freshman First Day - Wednesday, September 3rd
Summer Camps at THS
Summer Camp for Incoming Freshmen
Strong Start, our summer program exclusively for incoming freshmen students, runs two sessions. Session 1 runs from August 4th - August 8th, and Session 2 runs from August 11th - August 15th. Sign-ups are now open! Please complete the survey no later than July 24th to save your student’s spot.
Summer Athletics Camps
Thurston High School runs several summer camps for middle and high school students. See opportunities to participate on our district website: https://www.springfield.k12.or.us/families/summer-sports-camps
Fall Sports registration is now open. Registration must be completed no later than August 6th to be cleared in time for fall sports practices on August 18th.
Preparing for Back-to-School
2025-26 Academic Calendar is here.
Please save-the-date for our THS Colt Rodeo. The Rodeo is on Tuesday, August 26th. All students should come ready to snap their school picture. Students will get a print out of their student ID card which will be needed to enter school events.
The first day of class for 9th Grade students is Wednesday, September 3rd, and all grades attend Thursday, September 4th.
For all students, schedules will be viewable via StudentVue on Tuesday, August 26th.
Back-to-School Supplies: Thurston High School Teachers have compiled a list of items all students should have to engage fully in class. All students are provided a school issued chromebook and course specific supplies. Recommended supplies are here.
All students should have a backpack, and a personal supply of paper, writing utensils (both pens and pencils), highlighters, 1-2 notebooks, and a binder. Teachers strongly recommend no zipper binders, and a single binder that is used for both A and B school days.
9th grade students use scientific calculators such as a TI30XIIS or TI30XS, and basic geometry supplies, including a compass, protractor, and ruler.
As a reminder, student clothing should not depict weapons, drugs, alcohol, profanity, violence or harassment.
If your student needs support with supplies, our Family Resource Center can help! Donations to our school supply fund are accepted here.
Four Year Planning Worksheet
Families are encouraged to use the Four-Year Planning Worksheet with your student. This is an excellent way to track your student’s progress through high school. It is on page 6-7 of the Curriculum Guide.
We are Colts: Caring, Brave, Prepared
At THS, we support our students to be caring, brave, and prepared.
- Caring is about looking out for our community. Incoming students have a chance to learn about student life at THS and consider how they can get involved. Our staff and students work together to make Thurston a place students want to be.
- Brave is about showing up for the things you're passionate about and being willing to take academic risks to reach your goals. Students can plan explore a wide range of academic options at THS. We offer more that 80 elective courses, organized into 15 areas of study.
- Prepared is about being ready for what comes next. Setting goals, exploring your options, and having the skills to adapt to changing circumstances is critical to success beyond high school. Our college and career center and honors diplomas help our students being to think beyond high school.
Learn more at https://ths.springfield.k12.or.us/about
Frequently Asked Questions
Please share your questions about high school or forecasting here. We'll update this newsletter each week with answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Answers to questions submitted by parents like you!
When do I register my students for their 9th grade year?
Students currently enrolled in a Springfield Public Middle school will do enrollment verification in May. This is when families confirm their enrollment in their neighborhood high school. We will send email reminders to prompt families to complete this online process as soon as possible.
Registration or Rodeo happens August 26th and is when students take their school photo, get their ID card, get their locker, pay fees, and new drivers (typically 10th grade) select parking.
What is my student is a transfer student?
Families who have submitted a transfer request will confirm their enrollment in the verification process in May.
Do we do dual-enrollment in Springfield Public Schools?
Currently, we do not offer dual-enrollment in SPS Online and the comprehensive high schools. There is expanded options when students are in their upper grade years if they have completed all available courses at the high school and need to access expanded options at a local college or university (e.g. in math or science).
Quick Links
Need to Talk to a Counselor?
Moria Golub (last names A-C) moria.golub@springfield.k12.or.us
Shaun McDaniel (last names D-H) shaun.mcdaniel@springfield.k12.or.us
Jordyn Ramos (last name I-M) jordyn.ramos@springfield.k12.or.us
Jordan Magill (last names N-R) jordan.magill@springfield.k12.or.us
Simon Bernatz (last names S-Z) simon.bernatz@springfield.k12.or.us
Need to Talk to an IEP Case Manager?
Annin Ramsing-Nissen annin.ramsing-nissen@springfield.k12.or.us
Thurston High School
Thurston Office (541-744-5000)
Kimberlee Pelster, Principal - kimberlee.pelster@springfield.k12.or.us
Daniel Pestle, Assistant Principal - daniel.pestle@springfield.k12.or.us
Jeffrey Thompson, Assistant Principal - jeffrey.thompson@springfield.k12.or.us
Leslie Watson, Assistant Principal - leslie.watson@springfield.k12.or.us
Thurston Student Services
Attendance Hotline (541-744-5027)
Jared Taylor, Dean of Students - jared.taylor@springfield.k12.or.us
Email: ths-attendance@springfield.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.springfield.k12.or.us/ths
Location: 58th Street, Springfield, OR, USA
Phone: 541-744-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/ThurstonHighColts