Holiday 'Give and Save' Program Helps Thayer

If you plan to order holiday cards and/or holiday gifts, please know that Minted.com is offering 20% off and a 10% donation to Thayer on all orders placed using the code FUNDRAISETHAYER. Keep in mind: this code is available to use year-round.

Last Call for Senior Yearbook Ads

Last call for parents and guardians of seniors! There are approximately five pages of senior ad space remaining for the 2026 Black & Orange, the Upper School’s yearbook. If senior parents and guardians would like to order and purchase an ad, please do so as soon as possible by clicking here. Any size from a half-page ad to a full-page ad can be accepted now. Yearbook staff need to close down the ad submissions by Monday, Dec. 15, so these ad purchases will be on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have questions, reach out to Upper School World Languages Faculty Gloria Blanco P ’04, ’05, ’08, ’11, the yearbook’s advisor. 

Summer Program in Spain

In coordination with its world languages and athletics departments, Thayer will offer a new opportunity for Upper School students who take Spanish as a world language. In partnership with Clover Abroad, such students will be able to take part in a personalized summer program in Spain. The program involves homestay, language courses, and a new and exciting offering for soccer (fútbol) players: soccer training with a local club and weekly friendly matches. Thayer has worked with Clover Abroad since 2009. For more information, contact Interim Upper School World Languages Department Head Marc Rando P ’18, ’20. 

ACT, SAT Prep for Juniors

Thayer Academy’s Pulsifer College Counseling Center is partnering with Summit Educational Group to offer a variety of options for ACT and SAT preparation for current juniors.

Starting in January of 2026, Summit Educational Group will host a Virtual ACT Prep Class. The course has been specifically designed to give students all the academic skills and strategies they will need on test day. After the practice test, students will receive a detailed Score Report to track progress. The registration deadline for the ACT Prep Class is Jan. 18, 2026, and students can register through the appropriate link.

Also starting in January of 2026, Summit Educational Group will host an In-Person SAT Prep Class on campus. The course has been specifically designed to give students all the academic skills and strategies they will need on test day. After the practice test, students will receive a detailed Score Report to track progress. The registration deadline for the SAT Prep Class is Jan. 19, 2026, and students can register through the appropriate link.

Please reach out to the Pulsifer College Counseling Center with any questions.

Spirit Days Next Week

Middle School student representatives have decided to hold two spirit days next week before Winter Recess. They are: 

• Thursday, Dec. 18: Dress Like the Year (or Era) You Were Born In (Students are encouraged to be creative.)
• Friday, Dec. 19: Jersey Day (Students are encouraged to wear their favorite team or Thayer jersey.) 

Next Science Cafe Is Dec. 17

Dr. Valerie Whalen, a veterinarian, will be the guest speaker for the Middle School Science Cafe scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 17. Interested Middle School students should sign up and submit questions via Google Form by Tuesday, Dec. 16. Please note: space is limited. Students will be able to eat lunch together while meeting with Dr. Whalen. Those with questions can contact Middle School Science Department Head Natalie Young. 

Yearbook Seeks Baby Photos of Eighth Graders

Attention, eighth grade students: Staff members of Evergreen, the Middle School yearbook, need your baby photos for this year's yearbook. Please send a digital copy of your photo (as a jpeg) to Mrs. Young by Friday, Dec. 19. See Mrs. Young with any questions.

Class Parents/Guardians

TAPA has filled the class parents/guardians roles for all grades and thanks all who volunteered. Keep an eye out for updates from your class representatives. 

LGBTQ+ Parent/Guardian Affinity Group

The LGBTQ+ Parent/Guardian Affinity Group welcomes any parent or guardian who identifies as LGBTQ+ or any parent/guardian of a student who identifies as LGBTQ+ or their allies. Please email Caroline Kuhlman P ’25, ’28 if you have any questions or would like to be involved in this group. 

Parents of Color Affinity Group
Join the Parents of Color Affinity Group for meaningful conversations and community building. This group is intended for any parent or guardian who identifies as a person of color as well as parents or guardians of students who identify as people of color. Organizers look forward to affinity group members connecting and supporting one another. To access the Zoom link for these meetings, click here. For more information, contact Sandra Joseph P ’27, ’30 and/or Cindy Theodore P ’26, the group's facilitators. The affinity group’s remaining meeting schedule is as follows: 

• Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
• Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 
• Monday, March 2, 2026 
• Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (Potential In-Person Meeting) 
• Early June 2026 (Date TBD) (End-Of-Year Celebration) 

Christian Affinity Group

The Christian Affinity Group welcomes all parents and guardians who identify as Christian as well as those who have children who identify as Christian. The group is a supportive community where members can share their faith, connect with one another, and participate in meaningful discussions and events. Please email Annie Pratt P ’26, ’27 if you have any questions or would like to be involved in this group.

Jewish Parent/Guardian Affinity Group

The Jewish Parent/Guardian Affinity Group is intended for any parent/guardian who identifies as Jewish as well as any parent/guardian of a student who identifies as Jewish. Questions? Contact Hilary Waxman P ’26, the group's facilitator.

Invitation To Volunteer

TAPA welcomes all new and returning families to the 2025-26 school year. TAPA’s goal is to support the school through sponsoring various social events and programs, thereby enhancing the school experience for all. TAPA is busy planning and preparing a variety of great events this year. A list of volunteer opportunities throughout the year is available for review. 

Here To Help

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tapa@thayer.org or contact any member of this year’s executive board. For more info and helpful resources, visit the TAPA page on Thayer’s website.