THORNTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Hello Thornton Families,

It's hard to believe that the school year is coming to an end. This will be the last newsletter of the year. The change of weather marks the beginning of Spring and last weeks of school. Over the next three weeks, students will participate in state testing. During the remaining weeks of school, we will be celebrating Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, 8th Grade celebration and our 8th Grade Great America Trip. More information regarding these events can be found in this newsletter. As is typical with this time of year, students need reminders of school rules and procedures. Please review the student dress code and electronic device policies that can be found in the student agenda book.

On April 22nd we will hold our incoming 6th grade Open House from 5:30pm - 7:15pm. We are looking forward to welcoming approximately 600, 6th graders to campus next year. We are anticipating a total enrollment of almost 1,950 students next year. With this many students it is important that parents are reading all newsletters and emails from the school thoroughly as it is our best means of communication to such a large group. There will be information coming out in the summer regarding our MAZE days, WEB event and first day of school.

Staff Appreciation Week is the week of May 4th! Please join us in celebrating and appreciating the hard work of our staff. We are partnering with the PTSA to make this week special. Activities planned for the week and opportunities for you to help will be sent out in the upcoming weeks. We are grateful for any way you are able to assist.

Finally, I would like to thank our parents and our amazing PTSA for all of their support over the course of this year. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the many volunteers who helped with the after school socials, organizing student and teacher events, and for the monetary support to the school. Your selfless and generous work does not go unnoticed. We couldn't have done it without you!

Happy Spring!

Ms. Strausbaugh, Principal

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Beginning Monday, April 6th, all students will participate in state testing known as the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Grades 6-8 will be assessed in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, and 8th graders will have an additional assessment in Science. The results of these tests will be shared with families in the spring or summer. Please remind your child to take the testing seriously as the individual student and overall site scores are used to help inform our practices as a school and areas of support for students.

During the CAASPP testing window, Thornton will be on a modified bell schedule. School will still start and end at the same time, but class periods will change to a block schedule to accommodate completion of the test, which can take up to 2 hours. Please be assured that regular instruction will continue in all classes during testing. You can click on the CAASPP Testing Schedule link below to see the full 3 week bell schedule.

2026 CAASPP Testing Bell Schedule

If your child has taken the CAASPP testing before (also known as SBAC), you can find their previous scores on your Aeries Parent Portal. Just click on Test Scores and then State Test Score Reports. There, it will show how your child did on the last tests. The CAASPP Website has practice tests available if you or your child is interested.

More information about the CAASPP can be found on their official website here.

If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), their case manager will arrange for the proper test settings and accommodations. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Assistant Principal Evans at jeffevans@fusdk12.net. Thank you.

Incoming parents and students are welcomed to visit the campus on April 22nd. More detailed information, including a welcome video, will be sent out via Parent Square.

The Golden State Valkyries are offering discounted tickets to Thornton students and staff for the season opener on Sunday, May 10th @ 5:30pm. There is no "fan experience" provided with these tickets. However, the Valkyries will be offering a separate Thornton Night in the fall that will provide the opportunity for students to participate in a fan experience. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please use the special Ticketmaster link.

Please consider joining us for the Spring Concert! Our music classes will be performing on May 13th in the large gym.

What: Spring Concert

Where: Thornton Middle School Large Gym

When: Wednesday, May 13th

Time: 6:30pm

Cost: $5 donation at the door

Dear Thornton Middle School Families,

We are pleased to announce that Hokali Enrichment is now available during the After School Academy at Thornton — open to all 6th–8th grade students!

Register HERE

The After School Academy runs from dismissal until 6:00 PM and includes homework assistance, snacks, and engaging STEAM activities — plus Hokali Enrichment twice a week!

Hokali Classes:

Soccer — Mondays 3:15–4:45 PM | March 30 – May 11, 2026

Robotics & LEGO Robotics — Fridays 3:15–4:45 PM | April 10 – May 22, 2026

The After School Academy is $320 per month and gives students a place to connect with peers, get homework done, and enjoy fun activities and games after school.

6th grade students in the following programs may qualify for FREE or reduced cost:

• English Learner

• Free/Reduced Lunch

• McKinney-Vento (MKV)

• Foster Youth

• Migrant Education

Register HERE

For enrollment assistance, feel free to contact ELO-P by email ELOP@fusdk12.net or phone 510-659-2576, or stop by the After School Academy to learn more.

Please check the Lost and Found cart at the front of the school by the small gym. Any items remaining at the end of the school year will be donated.

Dress Code Policy for Students

Students who violate the dress code policy will be asked to change and may also receive consequences.

Administration will determine appropriateness of dress.

• Shirts, tops, and dresses must have straps.

• The midriff must be covered.

• Garments covering the lower body must be sufficient to cover the buttocks and undergarments (no sagging).

• No gang affiliation clothing.

• No bandanas, bandana print paraphernalia, gang insignia, or tagging of any sort at school.

• No flip flops, slippers, slides, or high heels. These pose a safety issue.

• Sandals must have a strap around the back of the ankle/foot, and Crocs (or other similar type footwear) must be in “sport mode” (ankle strap used)

• Wallet chains longer than 6 inches may not be worn at school.

• No blankets, slippers, or pillows.

• No pajamas unless it’s a school sponsored Spirit day.

• No clothing items that display or represent guns (weapons), alcohol, drugs, violence, racism, or sexually inappropriate images, wording, references, etc. This includes Cookies clothing/paraphernalia.

• Students may only wear caps, hats, beanies, and hoodies when outside. They are NOT allowed to be worn in the classroom or other school buildings.

End of the year Medication Pick up

Many of our students have a supply of medication at school. A parent or

guardian is required to pick up their child’s medication(s) by the last day of

school, June 2nd . Medications cannot be released to students, unless they have

proper authorization to self-carry (Form E on file) at school. If not picked up

by June 2nd all medications left will be discarded.

_____________________________________________

Medications for 2026-2027 School Year

If your child needs to take medication during the school day, proper

medication form(s) must be completed by a physician and parent. The Form

D (Medication at School) or Severe Allergy medication forms (specific to

medications related to allergies, e.g. epinephrine, antihistamine) are required

for all medications including over-the-counter. A parent may pick up the

forms in the school office. They are also available on the district website.

The first day of school for next year is August 11th. Please plan accordingly when planning your summer vacations. Students who are not present on the first day of school may be dropped from enrollment. The FUSD instructional calendar is attached for your advanced planning.

We are in the planning stages for our, in-person, MAZE and WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) days. We have confirmed that we will be holding these days on July 31st & August 3rd. Please hold these dates as a day that you and your child will need to attend MAZE and/or WEB to have an orientation, take pictures, get student schedules, etc... More details and information will be provided in July.

If your child is in need of a vaccination, please review the flyer below.

Is there a staff member that you would like to recognize for their hard work? Did someone at Thornton go above and beyond to make you or your child feel welcomed to Thornton? Would you like to brag about your child's teacher? We would love to hear your feedback that will also be shared with our staff! Please consider taking a moment out of your day to recognize those individuals who are making a positive difference in the lives of our students by completing the attached google form.

Dear Thornton PTSA Families,

As we move into the final months of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredibly meaningful and successful year for our Thornton community.

Thanks to your continued support, participation, and generosity, we have been able to organize and support a wide range of programs and events that truly enriched our students’ experiences. From the Reflections program and ceremony, to Founders Day celebrations, engaging PTSA meetings and guest presentations, and community-building events like the Star Party and school socials, this year has been filled with opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning.

Our fundraising efforts, including Pass the Hat and various dine-out events, helped us provide essential resources for classrooms, student programs, and teacher support. These successes are only possible because of YOU—our dedicated families and volunteers.

Celebrating Our Volunteers & Community

We are incredibly grateful to the many parents, guardians, and community members who generously gave their time throughout the year. Whether it was:

• Supporting school events
• Volunteering at activities and programs
• Helping behind the scenes with planning and coordination
• Contributing ideas, feedback, and energy

Your involvement has made a lasting impact. Thornton thrives because of this strong spirit of collaboration and care.

PTSA & School Highlights

Over the past months, we have also:

• Continued strong alliance with school leadership through Principal and Teacher collaboration

• Supported student leadership through ASB initiatives

• Recognized outstanding contributions through Founders Day awards

• Encouraged student creativity and achievement through Reflections

• Supported important discussions like the FUSD Budget Update presentation

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up the year, we look forward to:

• Celebrating our students, especially during the 8th Grade Promotion activities
• Welcoming the newly elected 2026–27 PTSA Board
• Continuing the traditions that make Thornton such a vibrant community

A Personal Note of Gratitude

As my two-year term as PTSA President comes to an end, I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your trust, encouragement, and unwavering support.

Serving this community has been an honor and a deeply rewarding experience. I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together. The strength of Thornton PTSA lies in its people, and I am confident that this spirit will continue to grow under the leadership of the new board.

I encourage you all to stay involved, continue volunteering, and support the incoming team as they bring new ideas and energy into the coming year.

Thank you once again for being such an integral part of Thornton PTSA. Wishing all our families a wonderful end to the school year and a relaxing, joyful summer ahead!

Warm regards,
Divya Bellamkonda, President
Thornton Middle School PTSA 2025-2026

Please join us in celebrating the Thornton Middle School staff during the week of May 4th! More information will be sent out via Parent Square in the upcoming weeks.