Cheetah Prints

Dear Thurston Families,

We had such a fantastic start to the school year! Students were all smiles as they settled into their classrooms and began building new friendships. Everyone participated in our annual Rules Rodeo, where they learned and practiced how to be safe, respectful, responsible, and kind in all areas of our school. We are so proud of the positive energy and teamwork our students have shown—it’s going to be a great year at Thurston Elementary!

Warmly,

Ms. Mitchell

📚 Settling Into Routines
During our first week together, students have been busy learning and practicing classroom routines. From morning meetings to transitions and end-of-day clean-up, these routines help create a positive, predictable environment where students can focus on learning. We are so proud of how quickly our students are settling in!

The first week of school has been full of excitement—even in the lunchroom! Students are learning routines, practicing responsibility with cleaning up, and enjoying time with new and old friends. Lunchtime is a wonderful opportunity for our students to refuel, connect, and build our school community.

📅 Upcoming Dates at Thurston Elementary

• Friday, September 5 - Dinner Night Out (Ice cream on the playground!) 6:00

• Thursday, September 11 – Cheetah Order begins and PTG Meeting 6:00 in the library!

• Friday, September 26 – Heroes of the Hallway & Early Release (dismissal at 12:30)

• Wednesday, October 2 – Cheetah Gear Orders Due, Picture Day and PTG Mtg. 6:00 in the library

• Monday, October 6 - Dinner Night Out

• Friday, October 10 – No School (Teacher In-service Day)

• Thursday, October 16 – Open House

• Friday, October 17 – Popcorn Day!

• Friday, October 24 – Heros of the Hallway
  

Oregon has passed an executive order banning cell phones and smart watches in schools. Learn more about the new legislation here. The policy applies to “any portable, electrically powered device that is capable of making and receiving calls and text messages and accessing the internet independently from the school’s network.” It does not include school issued devices.

If a student brings a cell phone or smart watch to school, it must be turned off and stored away for the entire school day. Should a student need to contact a parent, phones are available for use in the office.

Please note that the school and district are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal devices. If a student uses a device inappropriately or outside of the established rules, it may be confiscated.

Springfield Public Schools is participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025-26 school year. This means that all enrolled students of Springfield Public Schools are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge each day of the 2025-26 school year!

At Thurston, we use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a safe and welcoming school community. Teachers and staff teach all students about our schoolwide behavioral expectations—such as how to walk safely in the halls and how to use playground equipment appropriately. Students are recognized for following our expectations of Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Kind by earning Cheetah Paws. These positive reinforcements help encourage and celebrate the great choices our students make each day!

PBIS at Home – Family Conversation Starters
Try using these prompts at the dinner table, in the car, or before bedtime to connect school expectations with home life:

• Be Safe: “What’s one way you stayed safe today at school or at home?”

• Be Respectful: “How did you show respect to a teacher, friend, or family member today?”

• Be Responsible: “What’s something you did today that showed responsibility?”

• Be Kind: “What’s one kind thing you did or saw someone else do today?”

💡 Families can also give their own version of a “Cheetah Paw” at home—a high five, a special note, or extra reading time—to celebrate positive choices!

⏰ School Hours & Arrival Information

• School Hours: 8:35 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. daily

• Classroom Doors Open: 8:25 a.m.

• Breakfast Doors Open: 8:00 a.m.

• Attendance Taken: 9:00 a.m.

Late Arrivals:
If your child arrives after 8:35 a.m., please have them check in at the office before going to class.

To help keep everyone safe and traffic flowing smoothly, please follow these guidelines:

• Pull Forward: Always pull all the way forward before letting your child exit the vehicle.

• Keep Moving: As cars ahead move forward, please follow.

• Quick Goodbyes: Have your child ready to exit or enter quickly and safely.

• Stay in Your Vehicle: Staff will assist with loading, unloading, and directing students.

• If You Need to Exit: Park in a designated parking spot first.

• Be Patient: The first weeks are busiest—expect extra time in the drop-off/pick-up line.

• No Passing: Cones will be in place to prevent passing in the loading zone.

• Stay Alert: Watch for students walking or biking to and from school.

Teachers will work with families to establish a “transportation home routine” for each student.

Important reminders:

• If your student’s transportation routine changes, please communicate these changes in writing or by phone.

• Do not send transportation changes through Seesaw, as teachers may not see messages in time.

• Without a note or phone call, your child will go home using their regular form of transportation.

• Student safety is our top priority. Clear communication helps ensure children arrive home safely.

District policies:

• Students not assigned to a bus are not allowed to ride a bus.

• Students may only ride the bus and route assigned by the district.

Thurston Elementary has an organized Parent Teacher Group (PTG) and all are welcome to join – no dues!

Please join our Thurston Elementary School Facebook page, if you haven’t done so already! We will be posting announcements and events on this page; this is a great and easy way to stay connected.