Thunder Hill Happenings 10/30
October 30 2026
Thunder Hill Elementary School
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
HCPSS Mission and Vision
HCPSS Vision
Every student and staff member embraces diversity and possesses the skills,
knowledge, and confidence to positively influence the larger community.
HCPSS Mission
HCPSS ensures academic success and social-emotional well-being for each student in an inclusive and nurturing environment that closes opportunity gaps.
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Spanish
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Korean
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Chinese
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Urdu
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Message from Thunder Hill Administration
Dear Thunderbird Families,
Welcome to Quarter 2! We are thrilled to build on our Quarter 1 momentum as our scholars continue to learn, grow, and live out our SOAR values every day.
As we launch into this next chapter, please keep these quick partnership reminders in mind:
Lost & Found: Our collection of jackets and hoodies is growing fast! Please remind your child to check the Lost & Found, and write their name on inner tags so we can easily return misplaced items.
Digital Citizenship: We encourage families to regularly monitor screen time, apps, and online messaging. Partnering together to guide safe, kind, and respectful digital habits helps keep our students protected and accountable.
Thank you for your continued support as we kick off a wonderful Quarter 2!
Proudly serving you,
Sonia Hurd, Principal
Katie Lee and Brian McMahon, Assistant Principals
Lost and Found items not claimed by November 24th will be donated. Please remind your child to check unclaimed items.
Thunderbird Happenings
Attendance Update
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!!!
Thank you to third grade families for supporting attendance and bringing third grade back to 95%!!
Update your Family File!
We're only at 72% of families completed.
Parents/guardians must verify and/or update emergency information for each child every school year. This is completed online in Family File. Full details on updating your Family File are available online at HCPSS Connect.
Families can submit a change of address via Family File, rather than completing a separate form and sending it to school. Full directions and information for families on this new process can be found online.
Once logged in, you will be asked to update or provide the following information:
Student Information
Parent/Guardian Contact
Emergency Contacts
Medical Information
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures and Transportation Options
Photo Approval
Data Confidentiality
Student Creative Work Approval
PTA/PTSA Directory
You must review and approve each page in order to properly sign off and submit tthe completed Family File.
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (ENGLISH)
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (SPANISH)
FAMILY FILE USER GUIDE (KOREAN)
Questions? Please reach out to our Front Office during school hours, 410-313-6922.
If you would like your child to participate in field trips, please complete your family file!!
American Education Week
Please see the times below for when to join your child for American Education Week here at Thunder Hill Elementary. The teams are planning engaging activities or opportunities to observe students in action.
- Kindergarten - 11/17 ELA 11:25-12:10 or 11/19 Math 1:40-2:40
- First Grade - 11/17 ELA 9:45-10:55
- Second Grade - 11/17 ELA 10:00-11:00
- Third Grade - 11/19 Math 10:00-10:30
- Fourth Grade - 11/19 ELA 2:10-3:20
- Fifth grade - 11/19 Math 9:25-10:25
As of the 2026-2027 school year, parent lunch visits are no longer permitted at HCPSS schools due to safety concerns. Given the number of parents who visit our school during American Education Week, we can only accommodate classroom visits—we cannot make exceptions to allow for visits during lunch. In addition, parents are not permitted to attend recess. Please plan your visit accordingly based on your child’s class schedule.
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you during your child’s class time for American Education Week.
Reading Night is Coming Soon!
See the information below, we look forward to seeing you!
THES Volunteers, & Chaperones 2026-27 Must be completed each school year.
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.
Veteran's Day at THES
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!
Student Government!
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.
HCPSS Happenings
Howard County Department of Public Works Coloring Book Contest
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.
Safety Net Supply Closet
If you are able to support or in need of support, please see QR codes below.
Special Education Parent Handbook
For families trying to understand the basics on Special Education in HCPSS, please see the handbook to get started on understanding the fundamentals.
Community Happenings
Sunday, November 1, 2026 (NEW DATE)
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
10431 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD
Doors open at 11:00 - 5:00 pm
https://www.howardcountypride.org/events
HoCo Pride is coming, and we want YOU to be part of the celebration! Join us for a vibrant day of community, connection, inclusion, and pride. Whether you’re attending with friends and family, showcasing your organization, supporting the event as a sponsor, or volunteering your time, there’s a place for everyone at HoCo Pride.
PTA Happenings
🌐 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/
Students need to bring a bag or container to hold their collected treats!🎃
Upcoming Happenings: Save the Dates, Assessment Dates, Calendars
Save the Dates
- Nov 3 - School Closed - Election Day
- Nov 6 - Report Cards Issued
- Nov 6 - Absentee/Retake Student Pictures
- Nov 9 - Reading Night
- Nov 11 - Veterans Day Celebration
- Nov 16 - 20 - American Education Week
- Nov 23 - 3 hr early dismissal, Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Nov 24 - 3 hr early dismissal, Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Nov 25 - School closed for students, Parent/Teacher Conferences
- Nov 26 - School closed, Thanksgiving
- Nov 27 - School closed
THES Assessment Information
1st - 5th graders will be taking MAP again after winter break.
HCPSS Calendars
Users may subscribe to an HCPSS calendar in order to add it to your personal online calendar by completing the following:
- Right-click on a calendar below
- Select copy link location (shortcut or address)
- 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.
Related Arts Color Calendar
Please note, these images do not always reflect the most updated calendar changes. Please refer to links above for most up-to-date information.
We're here to help!
- 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.
