Thurston Family Update
October 8th
Dear Thurston Families,
Wishing Our Thurston Families a Wonderful Early Fall Break!
As we head into our early fall break, I want to wish all of our Thurston families a wonderful, restful, and enjoyable long weekend! I hope you have an opportunity to spend time together, enjoy the beautiful fall weather, and recharge.
A quick reminder that there is no school on Friday, October 9, or Monday, October 12.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Thurston on Tuesday, October 13!
Have a wonderful early fall break, Herons!
My best,
Cory McElmeel
Principal, Thurston Elementary School
Upcoming Events
Friday, October 9 - Monday, October 12
Early Fall Break - No School for Students & Staff
Friday, October 16
Fun Run - Thurston Campus - 1:00-3:00pm
Wednesday, October 28-Friday, October 30
Book Fair - Thurston Library
Friday, October 30
Halloween Parade - 11:00am
1/2 Day for Students - Report Day Afternoon for Staff
Thurston Nature Center"s - Enchanted Nature Trail - Thurston Nature Center Amphitheater - 5:00-7:00pm
Monday, November 2
Picture Retake Day
Tuesday, November 3
No School for Students & Staff - Election Day
Tuesday, November 10
PTO General Membership Meeting - Thurston Library & Zoom - 6:30pm
Tuesday, November 17
Fall Teacher Appreciation Day
Tuesday, November 24
Report Cards Sent Home
Wednesday, November 25 - Friday, November 27
No School for Students & Staff - Late Fall Break
Fun Run Fundraiser - Final Push!
We have just over a week left, and our awesome Thurston families have already raised over $14,000 toward our $30,000 school-wide goal - that's nearly 50%! Thank you!
A huge shout-out to Teams Visel, Karr, and Kurth, who have already earned an extra 15 minutes of recess by surpassing 50% of their classroom goals. Can the rest of our classes get there too? We think so - but we need your help! Here's what you can do right now:
• 💸Make a donation using your child's personal fundraising link from 99 Pledges
• 📲Share their link with grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and friends —every dollar counts!
Let's make these last few days count and give our kids something to celebrate on the big day! Remember, if we reach our school-wide goal of $30,000, I have agreed to a pie-in-the-face celebration!
The Fun Run will take place on October 16 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Thurston. Our Herons always have a blast running around the school, and volunteers get a front-row seat to all the fun - sign up here to help out on the big day!
Run Schedule:
1:00 - 5th grade
1:20 - 1st & Domangue's class
1:40 - 2nd grade
2:00 - Y5/K/Preschool
2:20 - 4th grade & Sherman's class
2:40 - 3rd grade & Boone's class
Important Health Note on the Fun Run
Does your student have asthma? With events such as the Fun Run and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test, students are often left winded or short of breath and sometimes in need of medication. If you would like to discuss treatment options with our school nurse, Nikki Austin, please contact her at 734-994-1970 x29400 or by email at austind@aaps.k12.mi.us.
Fall Weather & Clothing Reminders
Fall has arrived, and we are beginning to see a big change in the weather. Mornings can be quite chilly, even when temperatures warm up later in the day. Please help your child come to school prepared for changing temperatures by wearing warmer clothing and layers that they can add or remove throughout the day.
Outdoor recess will continue as the weather changes, so it is important that students are dressed appropriately for being outside. Coats, sweatshirts, sweaters, hats, and other weather-appropriate clothing can help ensure that students are comfortable and ready to enjoy recess.
Thank you for helping your child be prepared for the changing Michigan weather and ready to learn each day!
Personal Technology & Communication Devices - Prohibited in Classrooms
In accordance with state law, the Ann Arbor Public Schools prohibit the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices in all elementary and middle schools during the school day.
Cell phones and personal electronic devices must be powered off, or silenced and stored in backpacks.
Students with documented medical, accessibility, or educational accommodation may use personal electronic devices as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
The school assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of PCDs (Persoonal Communication Devices) brought onto its property. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to take appropriate precautions to make sure the devices are not left unattended or unsecured.
Failure to follow these guidelines may result in loss of this privilege, additional disciplinary action, and confiscation of the PCD (to be returned to the parent or guardian only).
Students who do not meet these expectations and bring PCDs into the classroom will have be reminded of the expectation and be required to put their PCD into their backpack. Student refusal to comply will result in confiscation of the device. Parent pick-up of the device will be required for repeated offenses.
This includes all devices - including smart watches, phones, tablets, etc.
Help Us Find Our Next 2nd Grade Teacher!
Thurston Elementary is currently seeking applicants for a 2nd grade teaching position, and we would love your help spreading the word!
If you know an outstanding teacher who might be interested in joining the Thurston team, please encourage them to apply. We are looking for someone who is passionate about working with elementary students and becoming part of our wonderful Thurston community.
[View the position and apply here]
Thank you for helping us share this opportunity with educators in our community and beyond. We appreciate your partnership as we work to find the right person to join our 2nd grade team!
Lost & Found
Our Thurston Lost & Found is already overflowing with clothing, water bottles, lunch containers, and other items! If your student may have misplaced something at school, please stop by the Main Office during school hours to take a look through the collection.
We will typically begin gathering unclaimed items before Late Fall Break on November 25. Items that remain unclaimed will be donated to the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, a nonprofit organization that supports Ann Arbor Public Schools and its students through the resale of unique and gently used community donations.
Please take a moment to check the Lost & Found before your child’s belongings become someone else’s treasure!
Lunch/Recess Volunteers Needed
Would you like an opportunity to spend more time with children while making a meaningful contribution to your child’s school? Volunteer for lunch and recess supervision at Thurston!
We need parent and caregiver support to help supervise and support our many learners while they are eating and playing. Volunteers are an important part of helping us provide a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for students during these times.
Recess monitors are needed from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. each school day.
Can't commit to the full two hours? That's okay! We welcome volunteers who are available for just one hour. Simply indicate the hour you are available when you sign up. Every hour of support makes a difference!
Sign up on the Lunch/Recess Monitor Volunteer Form to join our team of volunteers!
All volunteers must complete an AAPS Volunteer Certification form and be scanned through our Raptor system.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors make great volunteers too! If you know someone who has the time and desire to help support our students, please share this opportunity with them.
Thank you for helping make Thurston a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for every student!
Busch's & Kroger Community Programs
Did You Know?
Busch's and Kroger will donate money to our PTO when you shop, at no additional cost to you! Last year, the PTO received over $1500 from these stores, with only a handful of families participating. The more families enroll, the more we can earn!
Please Note: Both of these programs need to be renewed each year. If you signed up a while back, please check to see if your designation is still active!
Here's how to sign up:
Kroger Community Rewards:
Log in at kroger.com
Go to My Account > Community Rewards
Search for "Thurston PTO"
Busch's Cash for Education:
Log in at buschs.com
Go to MyWay > MyWay Cash for Education
Select "Thurston PTO" from the dropdown for each quarter
A Reminder About Pets on Campus
As a fellow animal lover—and someone who has two pups of my own—I certainly understand how much our pets mean to us! However, I want to remind families that pets should not be brought onto the Thurston campus during arrival, dismissal, or school hours.
We have many Thurston students and family members who experience severe allergies, anxiety, or fear around animals, and keeping pets off campus helps ensure that everyone can safely and comfortably participate in our school community.
Please leave pets at home when coming to school for arrival, dismissal, or during the school day. Service animals are, of course, an exception.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all members of our Thurston community!
Celebrating Ms. Rothfeld & the Thurston Music Program
A minute in the room: Thurston music teacher Yael Rothfeld helps students build creativity ...
AAPS District News - Ann Arbor Public Schools
Music comes alive in the Ann Arbor Public Schools! Yael Rothfeld's music students are singing, moving, playing instruments, and making music together, ...
Selling and Trading Items at School
To help maintain a safe, equitable, and focused learning environment, students may not sell, purchase, or trade personal items with other students at school unless specifically authorized by the school.
This includes, but is not limited to, toys, collectibles, cards, food or candy, clothing, accessories, and other personal belongings. Students should not exchange items, money, or other goods as part of an informal sale, trade, or transaction during the school day or at school-sponsored activities.
This expectation helps prevent conflicts, disagreements, loss or theft of belongings, and situations in which students may feel pressured to participate in exchanges. It also helps ensure that school remains focused on learning, relationships, and positive interactions among students.
School-approved fundraising activities and other authorized sales or exchanges are exceptions to this expectation and will be communicated by the school.
Families are encouraged to remind students to leave items intended for sale or trade at home unless the school has specifically authorized them to bring the items to school.
Thurston Technology for Learning Framework PTO Presentation
Thank you to all of the parents and caregivers who joined us for our PTO meeting this past Tuesday evening. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with our families and share information about our school.
During the meeting, I shared our Thurston Technology for Learning Framework, which outlines our approach to using technology thoughtfully and purposefully to support student learning while maintaining a healthy balance of technology and hands-on learning experiences.
For families who were unable to attend, you can view the presentation here:
[View the Thurston Technology for Learning Framework Presentation]
Thank you for your continued partnership and for your thoughtful engagement in conversations about how we can best support our students and families at Thurston!
Halloween Parade – Friday, October 30th @ 11:00 am!
We’re excited to continue one of our favorite fall traditions — our annual Halloween Parade! Students will have the opportunity to show off their creative, school-friendly costumes as they walk around our parade route. Families are welcome and encouraged to join the fun as cheering spectators!
Please review the following guidelines to help make our parade safe and enjoyable for everyone:
Costumes must come to school in a bag or backpack clearly labeled with your child’s name.
Costumes should be easy to wear over regular clothing — no costume changes that require removing clothing.
Please do not send any make-up, face paint, or distracting costume accessories (including shoes that may interfere with learning or movement during the day).
Costumes may not include weapons (real or pretend), or feature gore, blood, or anything inappropriate for a school setting. If you’re unsure whether a costume is appropriate, please check with your child’s teacher.
If your child will not participate in the parade, please let their teacher know in advance so we can provide an alternate activity.
Parking Reminder: Our parking lot remains for staff only. Families may park on surrounding streets if you wish to view the parade.
We welcome families to join us as cheering spectators! Please find a designated viewing area on the grassy spaces marked on the parade map.
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be held indoors. Families may enter the school at 10:50 AM and proceed directly to the MPR for viewing.
After the parade concludes, any parents who wish to have their child(ren) released early may do so by reporting to the front of the building to request their student through the driveline process.
Safety note: Please ensure your child’s costume allows them to move safely and see clearly.
📸 Families are welcome to take photos during the parade — just be mindful of other students’ privacy.
🎉 Classroom teachers will share information about any classroom parties in their upcoming weekly communications.
We can’t wait to see our students’ creativity and smiles as we celebrate together! Thank you for helping us make this a fun, safe, and festive day for everyone.
Meet the Thurston Special Education Team
School Pictures are Now Available!
To see if your child's pictures are available to view, please log in to your account at mylifetouch.com. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one using your email address.
To locate your child's photos, you'll need their Student ID or Portrait ID and Access Code. If you don't have this information, you can:
Check your inbox for an email from Lifetouch that may contain your access credentials and a direct link to your child's images.
Wait for your proof sheet to arrive, which will include your Portrait ID and Access Code.
Contact the Lifetouch Help Center for assistance
Please note that pictures may not become available for all students at the same time, so check back later if you don't see your child's images yet.
Thurston PTO Directory
The Thurston Directory is now available! It includes contact information for all families who opted in during registration.
Rec & Ed Parenting Workshops
Sunday, October 25. 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Anxiety is a normal - sometimes helpful - human emotion. This workshop provides parenting tips for understanding and responding to childhood anxiety. As parents, we have a unique and powerful role in responding to our child. In this class, parents gain a solid understanding of childhood anxiety and walk away with evidence-based strategies that will empower parents and help their children feel more confident and independent. Designed for parents with children aged 5-18 years. Q and A time will be 3:30-4:00pm. Becky is a licensed clinical social worker and child/adolescent therapist with Arbor Psychology Group.
Digital Balance: Smart Tech Habits for Families
Monday, October 26. 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Would you like to create healthy boundaries and family wellbeing surrounding the world of technology? Learn practical strategies to manage screen time, improve focus, and create family “tech rules” that actually stick. We’ll explore small shifts to protect your attention, reduce stress, and model balanced digital habits for kids. Participants will take home a “Family Tech Contract” template and a weekly screen-time reset guide.
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Questions may be directed to me by email or by phone at 734-994-4949.
Information Regarding the New Thurston Build Project
As you may know, discussions about plans for a new Thurston Elementary have been underway for over two years. Access to accurate information about the project can be found at https://a2schoolsbond.org/school/thurston-elementary/. Here you will find several short videos with details.
For Assessments and Surveys about the project go to the bottom of this page.