Principal's Message
Dear Thorndyke Families,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year! I hope the summer provided opportunities to relax, recharge and connect with family and friends. I am honored to be back and to continue serving as Principal of Thorndyke Elementary School. I look forward to another year of learning, collaboration and shared success.
Welcome Back - Thorndyke Ice Cream Social: Thursday, August 27th 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Please join us for our annual PTA Ice Cream Social. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet our staff, reconnect with other families and learn more about the school year ahead. We hope to see you there!
- First Day of School: Wednesday, September 2nd
- Labor Day (No School): Monday, September 7th
- School Supply List: Sent via TalkingPoints or accessible on our website at Click Here
Thorndyke is a special community shaped by the cultures, languages, experiences and strengths of our scholars and families. Our vision is for every scholar to feel a strong sense of belonging, develop a love of learning and have the confidence and skills to reach their full potential. Our mission is to provide a welcoming, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every scholar is challenged, supported and empowered to succeed.
A central part of this work is ensuring that every scholar feels valued and respected from the moment they enter our school. When scholars experience a strong sense of belonging, they are more likely to develop the confidence to learn, take appropriate risks, persevere through challenges and celebrate their growth.
This year, we will continue strengthening instruction in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Our teachers will use multiple sources of information to understand each scholar’s progress, plan meaningful instruction and provide additional support or enrichment when needed. We remain committed to maintaining high expectations while ensuring that every scholar has the support and opportunities needed to thrive.
Academic learning is closely connected to scholars’ social and emotional development. Through restorative practices and social emotional learning, scholars will build positive relationships, solve problems responsibly and understand how their choices affect others. Our goal is to prepare scholars not only to succeed academically but also to become thoughtful, compassionate and responsible members of their communities.
As we build on the progress we have made together, Thorndyke staff will continue creating meaningful learning experiences that encourage scholars to be curious, confident and engaged. We are proud of the accomplishments of our scholars and staff and we look forward to continuing this important work throughout the coming year.
Thank you to our returning families for your continued trust and partnership. We are also excited to welcome families who are new to Thorndyke or to the Tukwila School District. Beginning at a new school can bring both excitement and uncertainty, and our staff is committed to helping every family feel connected to our school.
Families are essential partners in each scholar’s education. I encourage you to communicate regularly with your child’s teacher, participate in school activities, and contact our administrative team whenever you have a question, concern or idea to share. When families and schools work together, scholars benefit from a consistent network of encouragement, support and high expectations.
Throughout the year, please check our school and district websites, monthly family newsletters, and school calendar for upcoming events, important dates and opportunities to connect with our school community.
If you have questions, concerns or ideas to share, please reach out to your scholar’s teacher or contact the Thorndyke Elementary administrative team (206.901.7600). We value your partnership and welcome your communication.
I am excited about what we will accomplish together during the 2026-2027 school year. Every scholar brings unique strengths, experiences and possibilities to our school community and I am confident by working together, we can make this a year of meaningful learning, connection and success.
Thank you for being a very important part of the Thorndyke community. I look forward to welcoming our scholars and families back to school and beginning another great year together.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle, Principal
Thorndyke Elementary School