Thornton Creek Bulletin

Dear TC Community,

I hope you all enjoyed and took time to honor Veterans Day yesterday. A heartfelt thank you to the families and friends within our community who have served — we are so grateful for your dedication and sacrifice.

This morning we gathered for a wonderful Veterans Day assembly led by our 5th-grade assembly crew. Students shared thoughtful quotes, and we watched a short video that helped us reflect on the history and significance of the day. It was a meaningful way to come together in observance and gratitude.

We have officially kicked off our Food Drive in support of the University District Food Bank! Thank you for the many donations already coming in — your generosity makes such a difference. We’ll continue collecting items through Thursday, November 21.

Please also mark your calendars for our next Community Meeting on Tuesday, November 18th from 7:00–8:30 PM. During this meeting, we’ll share updates on each grade level’s Expedition work, discuss how we support Highly Capable and Advanced Learners, and take time for parent discussion and connection as we explore developmental behavior patterns through our Responsive Classroom lens.

A huge thank you as well to everyone for your continued awareness and care during drop-off and pick-up times. Your attentiveness to traffic flow, crosswalks, and safety procedures has truly made a difference for our students and staff — we so appreciate your partnership in keeping our campus safe and smooth-running each day.

As always, thank you for your partnership, your care, and the joy you bring to our school community.

Warmly,

Brandee

November

Today | View your Student's Pictures (retakes too!) | Free Shipping through 11/19 (details below)
Today - Fri 21 | TC Food Drive | details below
Fri 14 | TCPG Movie Night | 6:30 p.m. (details below) | Sign up to help and attend
Tues 18 | Community Meeting (Adult and in person only) | TC Commons | 7–8:30 p.m.
Mon 24 - Wed 26 | Elementary School Conferences | No School for Students
Thurs 27 - Fri 28 | Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day | No School for Students

December

Thurs 11 | Book Swap | Commons | 5:30-7 p.m. (details below)
Mon 15 - Fri 19 | Spirit Week
Thurs 18 | Thornton Creek School Tour | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Fri 19 | 1 hour early dismissal | School is out at 1:25 p.m.
Mon 22 - Fri Jan 2 | Winter Break | No School

January

Mon 3 | Welcome Back! | 7:55 a.m. is the start of the day!
Wed 14 | Thornton Creek School Tour | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Thurs 15 | Eckstein Middle School Open House | 6-7:30 p.m.
Thurs 22 | Thornton Creek School Tour | 6 -6:45 p.m.

We are offering three opportunities for prospective families to visit Thornton Creek this year for the purpose of a school tour. We hope to see families at one or all of the events listed here!

Thursday, Dec. 18 | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22 | 6-6:45 p.m.

All enrollment decisions occur at the District Level. For information about enrolling in the Seattle Public Schools and specifically our option school, Thornton Creek, please check our District Website. Also, please note that all Thornton Creek Preschool students must go through this enrollment process.

The SPS Enrollment team is hosting community information sessions to help answer questions about

The enrollment process
The new School Choice lottery timeline
Understanding school choice options and eligibility

There will be five in-person and three virtual sessions to make it easy for every family to participate.

In-Person School Events (5:30–7 p.m.)

Thursday, Nov. 13 – Roxhill Elementary
Tuesday, Nov. 18 – South Shore PreK–8
Thursday, Nov. 20 – Licton Springs K–8
Tuesday, Dec. 2 – Leschi Elementary
Thursday, Dec. 4 – John Rogers Elementary

Virtual Outreach Events (Links will be provided soon)

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 -7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, 7-8 p.m.

Support Thornton Creek's Annual Appeal!

Each year, our Annual Appeal helps fund the programs, staff, and experiences that make Thornton Creek special. This year, donations are directly supporting Expeditionary Learning activities, academic intervention, and librarian support. Our goal is 100% family participation. Donate today to help Thornton Creek continue to thrive!

🎉 All donors receive a free Thornton Creek mug (while supplies last). 🎉

Family Movie Night – Live Action Lilo & Stitch | Friday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m.

Pizza and concessions will be available for purchase. Sign up to attend or volunteer, and bring your family and cozy blankets for a fun night of community!

Pies for Teacher & Staff | Drop off Friday, November 21 & Monday, November 24

In appreciation of Thornton Creek’s amazing teachers and staff this season of sharing, we’re gifting them something everyone loves — Pie! Please sign up to bring a pie (or two!) and help us show our gratitude.

The Annual TC Book Swap is Back! | Thursday, December 11 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Bring gently used books to trade and/or a new book to donate to our school library and enjoy a cozy cup of hot cocoa while you browse! We are looking for volunteers to help support this school-led community event.

Sincerely,

Thornton Creek Parent Group

Stay Connected: TCPG Website | Newsletter Sign-up | Facebook Page

🔗View your Student's Picture Gallery. Use your Student's 7 digit ID# as the "Online Code"

📫Order Today: Free Shipping to school ends on Wednesday, November 19.

❓Questions: info@classactportraits.com or 253-569-1627

We are always in need of more PE/recess equipment. Gently used sports equipment is appreciated. If you want to purchase something for the school, we have an Amazon wish list. Thanks so much!

We all need to slow down and pay attention when dropping off and picking up our children.

We are noticing ongoing unsafe driving and parking on NE 80th St, especially near the 42nd Ave NE intersection and on NE 77th St.

If you are able to donate unscented tissues to the school office we will distribute them to classes as needed. Also, individually packaged, allergen free, snacks are greatly appreciated for students who forget or don't have snacks. Thank you!

From Your TC Art Teachers:

Thank you for donating your toilet/paper towel tubes! Please keep those donations coming all year long!

Kerri is still hoping for some volunteers on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12-2 to assist with the younger artists in our school. She's also looking for help every morning from drop off to 8:20 to help with putting away materials and filing. Please email her at klmckeighen@seattleschools.org if you're interested.

Kids Co @ Decatur

There are still spaces available for After Care programming at Kids Co at Decatur. Students are picked up from Thornton Creek and brought to our neighbor school, Decatur, for programming. If you are interested, please contact Adam Foote the Kids Co. at Decatur Program Director. He can be reached at 206-747-2584. For additional information visit Kid Co

Hall of Fame

Session 2 classes will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays (12/2/25-2/5/26)

Send enrollment requests through the Parent Dashboard by clicking Enrollment, and then Enroll for 2025-2026. New families should complete the New Family Enrollment Form Registration closes on Friday, November 14, at 11:59 p.m. and schedule adjustments cannot be made after that time.

Thanks and please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Dr. Sara Ray | Director of After-School Programs Hall of Fame Team Camp | 970-219-5276 | Team Camp

School Start | End of Day

School begins at 7:55 a.m. At that time, our gates will be closed to help keep our campus safe and ensure our complex systems run smoothly. If you arrive after 7:55, please plan to pull around and drop off at the front entrance.

Attendance and Office Procedures

If your child will be absent or late, please email thorntoncreek.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-5304 with the reason for the absence.
Vacation days are recorded as “unexcused vacation” absences. These are not considered truancy, though you may still receive an automated call or email from the District. If so, you can simply disregard the message and enjoy your trip.
To pick up your child early for an appointment, please come to the office to sign them out. We’ll call your child to meet you once you arrive. Advance notice by emailing thorntoncreek@seattleschools.org or calling 206-252-5300 is always helpful. While we understand that appointments during school hours are sometimes necessary, minimizing classroom interruptions is greatly appreciated.

We are excited to offer a variety of enriching field trips, classroom experiences, and materials to enhance your child's learning during the 2025-2026 school year. To help cover the costs of these activities, we are asking for an Expedition Fee of $100.00. This fee will go toward funding:

Field trips: Covering transportation, entry fees, and special activities.
Classroom experiences: Supporting hands-on learning activities, guest speakers, and additional educational projects.
Materials: Purchasing supplies and resources that enhance students' learning, like books, art supplies, and technology tools.

Payment Options:

In Person: You can pay by cash or check (make checks payable to Thornton Creek) directly to the school office or to Shannon Westerman.
Online: You can also make payments using School Pay via credit card (a small processing fee may apply) through the Source.

Important Notes:

Be sure to make the payment under your child’s correct grade band:

Kindergarten: Class of 2031
1st Grade: Class of 2030
2nd Grade: Class of 2029
3rd Grade: Class of 2028
4th Grade: Class of 2027
5th Grade: Class of 2026

Please Pay What You Can:

We understand that financial circumstances may vary, so please contribute what you are able to. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated! We truly appreciate your support in helping us provide these exciting learning opportunities for our students. Thank you for being part of our school community!

Please let Shannon know if you have any questions.