October 2026 Newsletter

When I’ve run into students in the hall these first few weeks, I’ve asked three simple questions:

1. How many absences do you have?
2. How many tardies do you have?
3. How many missing assignments do you have?

If the answer is “0, 0, 0,” I know they’re going to succeed. If not, at some point, if not now, they will need intervention.

I don’t want to understate the challenges of getting to school on time every day.

But illness and significant transportation issues notwithstanding, if students are not on time every day and completing all assignments, they will struggle. The teachers, the rest of the staff, and I can do our best, but we cannot help someone who is not present.

So this is my plea to parents to prioritize attendance. Do everything possible to get us into that triple zero club.

Remember: “The best ability is availability.”

Mr. Hughes

All Eagle Scholars

If you are new to the program and did not attend either orientation, see me or Ms. Wilson to schedule a 1-on-1 orientation.

High School

Seminar in Room 709: Tuesdays are for seniors working on college applications. Thursdays are open study sessions for all other high school Eagle Scholars.

Juniors will visit Michigan State University on October 21. Signed permission slips are due October 10.

Juniors: please see the PSAT email I sent for testing information and what you need to know.

Grand Valley State University: We are exploring an overnight trip for seniors on November 6 and 7 to attend the November 7 open house. Interested families should contact Mr. Hughes. Details are still being finalized.

Middle School

Eagle Scholars Homework Clinic begins November 2.

Mondays and Thursdays
3:10–4:10 p.m.
Room 5E

A late bus is available for students who normally take the bus.

All Eagle Scholars

Students and parents should regularly check StudentConnect and ParentConnect.

When looking at assignments, select “show all” so you can see every assignment.

ParentConnect

StudentConnect

High School

Room 709 is open after school on Mondays for students who need extra help or a place to work.

Eagle Scholars Requirements

• 3.0 GPA
• Honors/AP coursework
• AP Language in 11th grade
• At least one AP course in 12th grade
• Extracurricular participation in grades 10–12
• Four college visits
• Four college applications
• Senior portfolio
• Strong attendance and behavior
• Extracurricular participation 10th - 12th

Seniors: November 1 is an important college application deadline. Use Tuesday College Application Labs for Common App, essays, applications, and anything else you need help finishing.

Middle School

Eagle Scholars Requirements

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Take honors language arts, social studies, and science, with general education or honors math.
• Maintain good behavior with no significant discipline issues.

Focus now on the habits that will prepare you for high school: attendance, grades, organization, and participation.

Damon Fuller, Thurston Class of 2014

Damon went from Thurston to Adrian College, where he was an All-American football player and earned his degree in Sports Management. He has since returned to South Redford and now works with students as a SOAR Learning Coach and and as the defensive coordinator for Thurston's football team.

How did your experience at Thurston shape who you are today?

“My experience at Thurston came with victory and adversity, which molded my mind to not be afraid to fail because pressure makes diamonds. We bend but never break!”

What do you wish you had known before graduating?

“The company you keep is a reflection of you.”

What advice would you give current Thurston students?

“The steps you take today will lead you to tomorrow, and believe, Eagles go where they want because the sky is the limit.”