Family Newsletter Archive
Archived Family Newsletters
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- 2023-2024 Family Newsletters
June 2023
Croyle’s Corner
Dear Thorndyke Community,
As our summer begins, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to be the instructional leader of Thorndyke Elementary School. It has been a sincere privilege to serve such an amazing community of students, families and staff during the 2022-2023 School Year.
Reflecting on the past school year, we shared so many good memories and exciting events to look back on. The passion and strength within our community makes our school truly a special place for our young scholars. For the 2023 -2024 School Year, I am laser focused on academic excellence and success for all students who attend Thorndyke Elementary School. Equally important, we will continue to provide social emotional learning opportunities that are equitable to help our students navigate on a pathway for success.
I would like to wish our Thorndyke families a safe, restful and rewarding summer. I hope everyone will get an opportunity to spend quality time with family, friends and loved ones. When we return in the fall, you will come back to school with a sense of rejuvenation.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602
Updates
Pine Lake Middle School Visit
❤The virtue of the month for June is Creativity.
Staff Spotlights
Fourth and Fifth Grade Teams!
Jenny Le is in her 1st year of teaching at Thorndyke Elementary. She is a dog mom of two beautiful corgis who keep her busy because they are very hyper and very needy. Ms. Le loves to take her dogs to the park and watch the sunset. She also enjoys spending time with her family on the weekends. Duane Meyer is in his eighth year at Thorndyke has let me move right up the grade level ladder. Over the years I have taught kindergarten, first, second, third and now, as an eagle, in fourth. Along with listening to sports talk radio, following college and pro sports teams is a source of enjoyment when not in the classroom. Ben Doty is in his 4th year at Thorndyke but he's worked with kids for more than 10 years. He attended Alki Elementary as a student which is a public school in West Seattle. Although he didn't live in Tukwila, his aunt and uncle did for 25 years where he spent much of his childhood. As a teenager, he made a deep connection to Tukwila that ultimately led him back to fulfill his dream of becoming a 5th grade teacher. When Mr. Doty's not here at school he enjoys spending time with his wife, Ayan, and two wonderful daughters, Asha (5 years old) and Aliyah (1 year old). He loves the outdoors including his backyard, hikes around Washington and visiting Seaside on the Oregon coast. Coleman Coates has lived and worked all over the US and the world-- including China, Russia, Hungary, Peru, and all over Western Europe. So he loves meeting people from different places and trying new foods. He has 3 teenage daughters including twins. He runs 6 days a week and eat a bowl of Wheaties and a cold brew coffee (with no sugar) for breakfast every day all year round. He also paints wall murals. His latest mural is at Valley Medical Center. Dita Ellermeier has worked in the Tukwila district since 2016, and is a mom of three children and two dogs. When she's not at school she spends her time sewing, crafting or kayaking when the weather is warm.
Vaccine Clinic
Please join us for a vaccine and routine immunization clinic on Tuesday, June 6 from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at Cascade View Elementary. No appointment needed!
Foster High School Band Concert
Please join us for our final Band concert of the year on Thursday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Foster High School Performing Arts Center! Admission is free - we hope to see you there!
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
Upcoming Events
Popcorn Fridays: Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
Student of the Month Assembly: June 16 at 9:15 a.m. in the gym
School Opportunities
- Intramural Sports
Register at https://tukwila-wa.finalforms.com/ - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Please ask your student's teacher for more information.
May 2023
Croyle’s Corner
Dear Thorndyke Community,
It is hard to believe that testing season in schools across the nation is taking place. In preparation for our scholars in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th, you can help them by ensuring your child / children are getting a good night's sleep and eating a healthy breakfast to prepare them for testing success. Studies show that eating breakfast positively affects school performance. Students have better concentration and more energy during testing. Thorndyke will be participating in the Smarter Balanced Assessments during the month of May and the first week in June. The Smarter Balanced assessment system provides measures of achievement and growth while challenging students to think critically and solve real-world problems. A core principle of the Smarter Balanced system is equity and accessibility for students. I have included the following link below which provides more information on the Smarter Balance Supports for Families.
Respectfully,
Mr. Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602
Updates
Thank you to Outdoors for All for providing opportunities for our students to ride bikes that match their skill and ability level that they otherwise wouldn't have received the opportunity to do!
Check out the plans for our new playground!
❤The virtue of the month for May is Courage.
Staff Spotlights
Second and Third Grade Teams!
Mrs. Johnson is in her 14th year at Thorndyke Elementary and has taught 2nd grade the entire time! She is originally from Oregon, loves to watch football, enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Mrs. Johnson has a special place in her heart for Thorndyke as it is where she started her teaching career! Ms. Pham This is my 1st year teaching and I was a student teacher at Thorndyke last year.I grew up in Tukwila, and attended: Tukwila Elementary, Showalter Middle School, and Foster High School. I have 2 small dogs who I look forward to coming home to everyday. I love listening to K-pop! Ms. Hendrickson:This is my 6th year of teaching at Thorndyke! I love watching the Seahawks' games and going to Mariners' games with my friends. I like to watch TV, listen to podcasts and go to concerts when I am not at school. Ms. Parsons is in her 4th year of teaching at Thorndyke Elementary. She is the proud mom of two teenage boys who keep her busy watching orchestra concerts and baseball. When she is not at the ball field or a concert hall, Ms. Parsons loves to travel and hike with her boys and her partner Erik. Ms. Gostisha. This is Gwynna’s seventh year teaching at Thorndyke Elementary School. She has always loved the natural curiosity and brilliance of children and feels privileged to learn and work with students and their families. She has two adult children and two old cats. When she is not teaching or thinking about teaching she enjoys reading, art, science, and walking in the woods. Ms. Plankey: This is my 2nd year teaching at Thorndyke Elementary. I have family in Kirkland who I love spending time with. I love the outdoor and going to the gym. This year I welcomed two Alaskan Malamute Labradoodle puppies , a sister and brother duo from Idaho who keep me on my toes!
Interim Superintendent Search Feedback Session
The Board of Directors wants to hear the qualities you'd like to see in TSD's next leader. Please join us for a feedback session on Saturday, May 13 in the TSD Administration Building (4640 S. 144th Street). Food will be provided. If you would like to join virtually, the Zoom link is here: https://tukwila-wednet-edu.
Math Family Night
College & Career Fair
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
Upcoming Events
Popcorn Fridays: Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
Water Safety Event at the Tukwila Pool, May 20, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Chick-Fil-A Family Event: May 15, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Student of the Month Assembly: May 25, 12:45 p.m. in the gym
School Opportunities
- Intramural Sports
Basketball will begin on January 9th! Register at https://tukwila-wa.finalforms.com/ - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Please ask your student's teacher for more information.
April 2023
Croyle’s Corner
Dear Thorndyke Community,
It is hard to believe it is already Spring Break! Some time to enjoy a bit of relaxation and recharge. I hope you all are able to spend some time outdoors enjoying the amazing northwest spring weather. When we return from spring break, our scholars will be focusing on their academics and social emotional learning to finish this year strong. We have much to do as we move toward the finish line for the 2022-2023 School Year.
In April, students, parents/ guardians and staff are invited to participate in the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) online survey. The survey will be sent out via school messenger notification. It is important for us to know how our parents/guardians, staff and students regard the job we are doing in providing a quality education for children. We value your feedback and need your insight for continuous improvement, please look for surveys coming soon!
Students in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th will be participating in the upcoming Smarter Balanced Assessments in May. The Smarter Balanced assessment system provides accurate measures of achievement and growth while challenging students to think critically and solve real-world problems. A core principle of the Smarter Balanced system is equity and accessibility for students. I have included the following link which provided more information on the Smarter Balance Supports for Families. https://smarterbalanced.org/our-system/students-and-families/
After a long journey, we are pleased to announce to everyone that a new school mascot has been selected. We are officially the…Thorndyke EAGLES!!
In closing, our hearts and prayers go out to those who were affected by the senseless tragedy at The Covenant School, in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602.
Updates
We had our NOISE Opera performance back! Special thank you to our wonderful music teacher, Ms. Music, for bringing this amazing opportunity back to Thorndyke for all our students to enjoy!
❤The virtue of the month for April is Cooperation.
Budget Advisory Committee
Summer School
Our Teaching and Learning Department recently mailed a letter to some families inviting your student to attend the Tukwila School District’s Elementary Summer School program. Our January 2023 iReady assessment showed some students are two or more grade levels behind in reading and math and we think summer school will help them get closer to grade level.
Summer School Dates: June 26, 2023 – August 3, 2023
Location: Tukwila Elementary School
Times: 8:00am – 12:00pm, Monday – Thursday
Transportation Available
About the Program: Our summer program will help students strengthen their reading and math skills through hands-on learning and weekly field trips. Students registered in summer school are expected to attend daily for the duration of the program.
How to Register: If you received a letter in the mail, please return the accompanying registration form to our main office by March 6, 2023. After you register, we will send more detailed information.
Staff Spotlights
Kindergarten and First Grade Teams!
Our Kindergarten team is Ms. deVilla, Mrs. McClelland and Ms. Breuer! Ms. deVilla has been in TSD for 19 years! She loves this district because it is small and easy to get to know all the families. Mrs. McClelland has been in TSD for 12 years and LOVES reading and martial arts. She has even lived in 3 countries overseas! Ms. Breuer has been working in Tukwila since 2008! She is originally from Montana.
Our First Grade team is Ms. Valentine, Ms. Le, and Ms. DePrez! Ms. Valentine has been in the TSD since 1999! She is the proud mother of 3 young children and views her classroom as an extension of her family. Ms. Le is a Tukwila native, spending all her educational years in TSD, grades K-12! She has been a teacher here in TSD for 4 years and is fluent in Vietnamese. She Loves reading mystery books, Squishmellos, anime and game night with friends. Ms. DePrez has been in the TSD for 27 years! She has a 10 year old rescue pup that keeps her busy when she isn't at school. She loves to read and travel!
World Refugee Day
The International Rescue Committee will be hosting World Refugee Day Global Village at Foster High School on June 24. If you're interested in participating as a vendor, performer, or sponsor please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/JtW9nv
Free Tax Services in English and Somali
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
Upcoming Events
Popcorn Fridays: Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
Coffee & Donuts with Mr. Croyle: Friday, April 14, 9:00 - 9:25 a.m.
Spring Break: April 3 - April 7
School Opportunities
- Intramural Sports
Basketball will begin on January 9th! Register at https://tukwila-wa.finalforms.com/ - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Please ask your student's teacher for more information.
March 2023
Croyle’s Corner
Dear Thorndyke Community,
During our school wide assembly on February 24th, we celebrated our students of the month and i-Ready growth in math and reading. Overall as a school, students made significant growth in math and reading from this time last year. Sometime in late spring, Thorndyke will be having an end of the year celebration recognizing student achievement. I will communicate this information when the date has been finalized.
Our Playground Committee met twice over the past couple of months and reviewed different designs for a new playground for our students. After some revision to the proposed plans, we are happy to announce a new playground design has been selected and will be in use for the 2023-2024 School Year. Once the engineer has finalized all of the details, our school will be given a copy of the design mockup, which we will put on display for students, families, staff and community members to see. I would like to thank members of the playground committee: Gabe Noble Carrillo (student representative), Ms. Martinez (PE Teacher), Lilliana Cardenas (Director of facilities and Maintenance), Maricel Haessig Capital projects Professional), Mr. Skarr (Special Education teacher) and Peter Cadigan (PTA President).
As always, I greatly value all of the support from our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and community members we receive from our families.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602.
Updates
- African Drummers kicked off Black History Month!
-
❤The virtue of the month for March is Honesty.
-
Student of the month assembly
Summer School
Our Teaching and Learning Department recently mailed a letter to some families inviting your student to attend the Tukwila School District’s Elementary Summer School program. Our January 2023 iReady assessment showed some students are two or more grade levels behind in reading and math and we think summer school will help them get closer to grade level.
Summer School Dates: June 26, 2023 – August 3, 2023
Location: Tukwila Elementary School
Times: 8:00am – 12:00pm, Monday – Thursday
Transportation Available
About the Program: Our summer program will help students strengthen their reading and math skills through hands-on learning and weekly field trips. Students registered in summer school are expected to attend daily for the duration of the program.
How to Register: If you received a letter in the mail, please return the accompanying registration form to our main office by March 6, 2023. After you register, we will send more detailed information.
Kindergarten Enrollment is Open!
Tukwila Schools’ inclusive community welcomes everyone with experienced educators and culturally responsive programs. We’re ready to engage and encourage every child! If your student will be 5 by August 31, we encourage you to enroll. For more information, please visit our enrollment page: https://www.tukwilaschools.org/about-our-district/enrollment
Staff Spotlights
ECEAP & HeadStart Preschool Programs and our Self Contained Learning Resource Teams!
ECEAP teachers are Mikayla and Alla. Mikayla is in her 1st full year in TSD, but was in Renton for 7 years. She has over 20 years in Early Learning experience. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and at her church. Alla is in her 7th year here in TSD and is originally from Kazakhstan! She enjoys gardening and being out in nature. HeadStart teachers are Jamie and Sena. Jamie is in her 8th year in the TSD and a native to the Tukwila Community! Sena started in TSD in 2015 and enjoys spending time with her two grandsons. Dawn and Leah are the family support for these programs!
World Refugee Day
The International Rescue Committee will be hosting World Refugee Day Global Village at Foster High School on June 24. If you're interested in participating as a vendor, performer, or sponsor please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/JtW9nv
Tukwila Pool Egg Hunt
The Tukwila Pool is excited to announce that registration for the Spring Egg Hunt event is now open!
Join the Tukwila Pool on Saturday, March 18th from 1-3pm to kick off the spring season.
Swimmers and their families will get to hunt for eggs in the pool, enjoy fun games with Bubbles the Bunny, and get a visit from a special guest!
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Please note this event does take place in the pool. All children 6 and under (all non-swimmers) must have a parent present in the water.
Register here: https://www.amilia.com/store/
Free Tax Services in English and Somali
Spring Family Wellness Event
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
Upcoming Events
Popcorn Fridays: Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
Coffee & Donuts with Mr. Croyle: Friday, March 3, 9:00 - 9:25 a.m.
Vaccine Clinic: Thursday, March 9, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., Thorndyke Elementary
Parent-Teacher Conferences: March 15, 12:40 p.m.
Student of the Month Assembly: March 31, 2:25 p.m., Thorndyke Gym
School Opportunities
- Intramural Sports
Basketball will begin on January 9th! Register at https://tukwila-wa.finalforms.com/ - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Program is full.
February 2023
Croyle’s Corner
Dear Thorndyke Community,
February is Black History Month! Thorndyke honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape our country. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's important history.
We are excited to host the Tukwila School District Board meeting which will take place in Ms. Crawford’s Library on February 14th from 6:30 to 8:30. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. During the meeting, we will be celebrating and recognizing our school’s i-Ready Math and Reading growth as well as other district business.
In February, many of our scholars will be participating in the World-Class Instructional Design (WIDA) Assessment and/or Highly Capable Assessment. Please be sure your scholar gets plenty of sleep to help prepare them. If you need additional information about district and state assessments, please visit the Tukwila School District website for more information.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602.
Updates
-
February is Black History Month! Students will be learning all about important figures from Black history and their contributions to society.
-
❤The virtue of the month for February is Perseverance.
-
Our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assembly!
Kindergarten Enrollment is Open!
Tukwila Schools’ inclusive community welcomes everyone with experienced educators and culturally responsive programs. We’re ready to engage and encourage every child! If your student will be 5 by August 31, we encourage you to enroll. For more information, please visit our enrollment page: https://www.tukwilaschools.org/about-our-district/enrollment
Are you interested in being on Tukwila's School Board?
The Tukwila School District is seeking to fill a vacancy for our Board of Directors. This position represents District Area 3 (three). Any citizen residing in District Area 3 who meets the following qualifications is eligible to apply:
-
Must live in District 3 in Tukwila (link to District boundary map) **The District boundaries have been changed, so please look at the District boundary map to verify that you live in District 3**
-
Must be a United States citizen
-
Must be an Eligible Voter
Please visit the Board of Directors application page on the Tukwila School District website for more information and to fill out the application:
tukwilaschools.org/about-our-district/board-of-directors/board-of-directors-application
Please consider applying if you are interested in serving the students and families of Tukwila. We are a unique school district serving a vibrant community and we would love to hear from you if you are passionate about leading the District in providing high quality education for all students.
Please contact Deborah Kohr with questions at kohrd@tukwila.wednet.edu or 206-901-8006.
Staff Spotlights
Multilingual Learner, Intervention, and Learning Resource Teams!
Our MLL team is Sarah, Jill, and Sharon! Sarah is in her first full year of teaching. She is recently married with plans of moving to Texas. She loves family time, especially with her niece. Jill has been serving the TSD for 19 years and recently finished her teaching program! She loves spending time with her two daughters, both of which are teachers! Sharon is in her 6th year of working for the TSD and has a daughter who is at Showalter. She is an active parent advocate and has returned to school to get her teaching degree.
Our Learning Resource Team is Chelsea, Joyce, and Krystal. Chelsea is a native of Ohio and has been with the TSD for 4 years. She loves exploring the outdoors. Joyce has been in TSD for 6 years and is originally from China! She has two sons who attend Thorndyke. Krystal is new to TSD, but is a Seattle native. She enjoys doing diamond art.
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
Upcoming Events
Popcorn Fridays: Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
Kindergarten Open House: Monday, February 13 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Student of the Month Assembly: February 24 at 12:45 p.m. in the Gym
WIDA Testing Window for our Multilingual Learners: February 1 - March 24
School Opportunities
- Intramural Sports
Basketball will begin on January 9th! Register at https://tukwila-wa.finalforms.com/ - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Please ask your student's teacher for more information
January 2023
Croyle’s Corner
Dear Thorndyke Community,
As we conclude 2022, and take time off for the winter break, I want to take a moment to express my sincere heartfelt gratitude to all of you who help make Thorndyke Elementary School an amazing place for our students. Our school is a caring community with many talents and gifts. We share them daily with each other and most importantly, with our students who count on us each day they show up to learn. From the classrooms, to our living rooms and all points in-between, our collective efforts to raise the whole child are filled with a lot of joy, passion and commitment.
Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful winter break and all the best New Year.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602.
Updates
-
Spirit of Giving is an event put on by the City of Tukwila, Tukwila Community Center and many community donors. This year's event took place on December 10th and helped out about 117 children! Thank you to the Tukwila community!!
-
❤The virtue of the month for January is EMPATHY. Empathy is understanding and connecting to other people's feelings.
Surplus Sale
The Tukwila School District will be holding a Surplus Sale on Thursday, January 5 in the Showalter Middle School Commons (4628 S. 144th St).
This one-day sale is open to staff and students from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. and will be open to the general public from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
We will be selling books, technology items, furniture and more. Prices will vary and delivery is not available. All items are sold "AS IS" and all sales are final.
You Got Next Basketball
Tukwila Parks & Rec is hosting basketball for K-8 students. See the flyer below for more information and register here: www.TukwilaWa.gov/signup
Questions? Contact sports@tukwilawa.gov
Dual Language Advisory Team
In Fall 2023 Tukwila School District will welcome Kindergarten students into our Dual Language Program at Cascade View Elementary. This is the result of a years’ long effort to support our students and families. To that end we will convene a Dual Language Advisory Team. During monthly meetings, the TSD Dual Language Advisory Team will provide feedback and input on the implementation of Dual Language programming using the Center for Applied Linguistics’ Guiding Principles for Dual Language Education. We are looking for staff, students, families, and community members to participate on this important team.
The Dual Language Advisory Team will meet at the district office from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:
- January 12, 2023
- February 9, 2023
- March 9, 2023
- April 13, 2023
- May 11, 2023
- June 8, 2023
If you have questions or are interested in joining the advisory team please email Silvia Dicus Mora at dicusmoras@tukwila.wednet.edu or via phone by calling 206-901-8028.
Staff Spotlights
Staff Spotlight: Ms. Goodman, Ms. Schultz, Mr. Kaufman and our ESP’s!
Kimberly Goodman is in her 20th year at Thorndyke Elementary. She has two cats that she rescued and that she loves very much. She is originally from Chicago and is a huge Chicago Bears fan. Mary Schultz has been in TSD for about 25 years and plans to retire from the BEST JOB ever! She is from Montana and loves her job because she gets to work with students individually and in small groups.
We also want to recognize our AMAZING Education Support Professionals: Michele Authier, Sue Mathisen, Forrest Fox-Shriner, Paulina Ricco and Ms. Lindsey! They work with all our students who need reading and/or math interventions. We appreciate all their hard work to make learning fun for our students!
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
Upcoming Events
Popcorn Fridays: Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
Student of the Month Assembly: January 27, 10:00 a.m. in the Thorndyke Gym
School Opportunities
- Intramural Sports
Basketball will begin on January 9th! Register at https://tukwila-wa.finalforms.com/ - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Please ask your student's teacher for more information
December 2022
Croyle’s Corner
As we enter our fourth and shortest month of the school year, Thorndyke Staff remains focused on high achievements and rigorous instruction for all our scholars. Looking ahead, we will be starting our winter i-Ready diagnostic in the coming weeks. It is important that we begin having those conversations with our scholars regarding the importance of taking their time on math and reading assessments and trying their best. We are excited to see how their hard work and dedication will show in the achievement of their student growth goals! While we want to make sure that every student is present every day, cold and flu season is upon us. It is important that, if someone is sick, they stay home. Indicators of illness include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, cough, chest congestion and/or running nose. When symptoms are subsiding, including fever free without medication for 24 hours, then your scholar may return to school. We greatly appreciate your help and support in creating a healthy environment for all our scholars!
In the spirit of this holiday season, I want to extend my gratitude and thanks to all of you for everything you do to support our Thorndyke Community. As the upcoming holiday season is upon us, it is my sincere wish for good health and well being to all of you. It is also during this time that I am reminded of my own good fortune to serve as the principal of Thorndyke Elementary School. Indeed, my career as a public school educator and servant has afforded me rewarding opportunities to teach and to learn from our scholars everyday.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602
Winter Sing-Along
Friday, December 16, 2:35 p.m. in the Thorndyke Cafeteria
Communities in Schools
Communities in Schools is having a food drive! Boxes are in the entryway of the school. Bags will be assembled for families in need. Please consider donating non-perishables to this worthy cause!
Staff Spotlights
Specialist Team
We want to celebrate our specialist team: Kyla Crawford (Teacher Librarian), Morgan Music (Music), Kim Norris (STEAM) and Courtney Martinez (PE)! They deliver instruction to all of Thorndyke's students in the areas of Library, Music, STEAM, and P.E. Kyla is a mom of 3 and has been in the TSD for about 12 years! She loves dancing, singing, writing poetry, and making jewelry. Morgan is a mom of 2 and is in her 6th year in the TSD. She loves playing her alto saxophone, listening to music and going outside. Kim has been in the TSD for 32 years! She has 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren. She loves reading, camping, and the ocean. She also plays guitar and the ukulele! Courtney is a mom of 2 and she has been in the TSD for about 9 years; 8 of which were at Thorndyke! She loves to spend time with her family and her 3 dogs.
Food Service Team
Enrollment Event - In Memory of Lisa Pie
Public Health of King County is holding their annual enrollment event in memory of Lisa Pie on Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Foster High School. They will be providing health insurance enrollment, ORCA Lift enrollments, COVID vaccines, giving away Rite Aid flu vouchers, frozen chicken (and other meat), mammogram screening and free lunch.
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run completed their 5K race! A huge shoutout to all of the participants and coaches for all of their hard work this season!
Vaccine Clinic
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
Popcorn Fridays
Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
School Opportunities
- Intramural Sports
https://www.tukwilaschools.org/departments/athletics/elementary-sports - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Please ask your student's teacher for more information
November 2022
October Highlights
Math & Reading Night
Thanks to all of our families for coming out to Math and Reading Night! It was a huge success and fun was had by all! We loved connecting with families and sharing our love for Math and Reading! Families left with many new books, fun and impactful Math and Reading games to do with their children and much much more!
Air Force: Careers in Aviation
We are so fortunate to have visitors from the US Air Force come to visit. They presented information to our 4th and 5th Grade classes about careers in aviation. Students then got a chance to use the flight simulator!
Croyle’s Corner
We have had a busy and successful second month of school. I was so happy to see so many of our families last month during our Math and Reading Night! These events are created to help build those connections and reinforce how we are all partners in the learning of our scholars. I also want to celebrate our successful participation in "The Great Shake Out". The Great Shake Out is a nationwide practice of earthquake safety. It happened on 10/20/22 at 10:20 AM. Students were able to practice how to keep themselves safe, in the event of this type of natural incident. All our scholars did such a fantastic job practicing this in a safe and serious manner. As we transition into our third month of school, I look forward to having everyone in the building again for Parent-Teacher Conferences. These conversations help to highlight our scholars' brilliance and also refine our growth mindsets about areas of improvement.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences are coming soon. They are on November 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Please contact your child's teacher to schedule a conference or look for an invitation coming home with your child.
To find teacher's contact information, please see Thorndyke's staff directory: https://thorndyke.tukwilaschools.org/about/staff-directory
Staff Spotlight
New teachers - Kristy Pham (2nd grade), Jenny Le (4th grade), and Dita Ellermeier (4th grade)
Kristy grew up in Tukwila (attending Tukwila School District schools). She has 2 dogs and loves K-Pop! Jenny has 2 Corgi's (Mako & Luna) and is from the Tacoma area. She loves reality TV shows and math! Dita has been a guest teacher at Showalter for the past 6 years! She loves cooking, sewing and is working on her Master's degree in Middle Level Science!
We also are recognizing our AMAZING custodial staff, Theresa Cassel and Artis Martin.
Artis has worked in the Tukwila School District for 11 years. He has been actively involved in community service this past year in his spare time. He enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
Proposed Revisions to Director Districts Public Hearing
Because of population changes reflected on the 2020 census, Tukwila Schools are proposing changes to the geographic boundaries of our director districts.
These boundaries are completely unrelated to school attendance boundaries; this process will not change any neighborhood school boundaries.
A public hearing on this proposal will be held on Monday, November 7 from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. virtually and in-person | Tukwila School District Administration Building, 4640 S. 144th St | Zoom link
Click here for more information, including the proposed changes.
Vaccine Clinic
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
School Opportunities
- Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund
Apply by November 14, 2022 and you could get at least $1000; you can apply if you're over 18, are not eligible for federal stimulus funds or unemployment due to your immigration status, and you've experienced difficult times because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's safe to apply - no information goes to the government.
Apply here - Intramural Sports
https://www.tukwilaschools.org/departments/athletics/elementary-sports - Champions After School Program
- Team Read
Please ask your student's teacher for more information
Coming Soon!
- Popcorn Fridays - Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
- Scholastic Book Fair - November 1st 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
- Scholastic Book Fair - November 2nd-4th 1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
- Student of the Month Assembly - November 18th @ 2:15 PM
October 2022
Croyle’s Corner
Please welcome Mr. Michael Croyle, Thorndyke's New Principal
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. We are already off to a great start to get things in place to support academic and social emotional learning for our scholars at every grade level. Our primary focus is to increase our overall academic achievement school wide. I am looking forward to an enriching school year ahead for all of our students and building stronger home-to-school connections with all of you.
Respectfully,
Michael Croyle
To make an appointment with Mr. Croyle, please call (206) 901-7602
Join the Thorndyke PTA (Parent/Teacher Association)
More information can be found on their website: thorndykepta.com
Who to Call
Attendance - (206) 901-7603
Bus Information - (206) 901-8050
Champions - (800) 246-2154
School Opportunities
- Girls on the Run-Register here: https://www.gotrpugetsound.org/programs **USE CODE FALL 2022 for free registration
- Champions After School Program
- Team Read ***Please ask your student's teacher for more information
Staff Spotlight: Jen Trise and Janell Lewis
Mascot Update
Under our new leadership, the mascot committee continues the work that was started for identifying a new mascot during the 2021-2022 school year. There is research being done in conjunction with the Duwamish tribe, parents, community leadership and current/former Thorndyke staff and students. We will communicate to all when new information becomes available.
Coming Soon!
- Popcorn Fridays - Every Friday! Bags are $.50 each
- Reading & Math Night - October 20th
- PTA Meeting - October 17th in Thorndyke Cafeteria
- Student of the Month Assembly - October 28th
- PTA Fall Bash - October 28th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM