April 30, 2026

Congratulations to the newest members of Thayer's chapter of the Cum Laude Society. For photos, click here. For an article, click here.


The Calendar at a Glance 

  • Tonight (Thursday, April 30): The Last Hurrah! (Senior Dinner)
  • Friday, May 1: Last Day of Classes for Seniors
  • Friday, May 8: Thayer Academy Film Festival (TAFF)
  • Thursday, May 21: 'TA Cabaret: Around The World" (Middle School Musical)
  • Monday, May 25: Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)
  • Tuesday, May 26: Last Day of Upper School Classes
  • Monday, June 1: Last Day of Middle School Classes
  • Wednesday, June 3: Prom
  • Thursday, June 4: Middle School Recogniton Day
  • Friday, June 5: Last Chapel
  • Saturday, June 6: Commencemet

All-School Announcements

TAPA's ‘Picnic in the Park’ Fac/Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Each year the Thayer parent and guardian community proudly comes together to celebrate and thank Thayer’s exceptional faculty and staff. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in creating the nurturing, inspiring environment where students learn and thrive. Teacher Appreciation Week offers the perfect opportunity for the community to express its gratitude, and this year TAPA is excited to host a “Picnic in the Park” Luncheon in their honor.


On Wednesday, May 6, TAPA volunteers will transform the Tiger’s Den into a vibrant neighborhood park complete with picnic tables, lemonade and iced tea stands, and delicious picnic‑themed fare. As in years past, the luncheon will include fun surprises, a grand prize drawing, and time for parents/guardians to personally express their appreciation to faculty and staff.


This special event is only possible with the support of Thayer’s parent and guardian community. To help make it a success, TAPA organizers kindly request a suggested donation of $25 per child. Donations may be made via Venmo to @Linnea-Holmes-1 (last four phone digits: 9135) or by check payable to Thayer Academy. Please include “TAPA/LUNCHEON” in the memo or Venmo description.


If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering for this fun and rewarding event, please contact your Class Parent or reach out to Rebecca Baker P ’28 or Pia McKinnon P ’28, ’31. TAPA would love to have you join in the celebration! 


Thayer Academy Film Festival Is May 8

Organizers are excited to announce that this year's Thayer Academy Film Festival (TAFF) will take place Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. in the CFA’s Hale Theater. Students, faculty, staff, and parents/guardians are welcome to attend and encouraged to submit their own films. Submissions are now open; to submit a film, click here. For those looking for inspiration, click here to visit the TAFF website and watch past submissions. Entries can range in genre and length – anything you make is perfect! Please reach out to Mr. Knox with any questions.


Senior Service Trip to Peru; Donations Sought

On May 20 a brave group of 13 seniors will travel to Cusco, Peru. This is the 18th year that Thayer students will participate in this trip. During its time in-country, the group will work with children in Aldea SOS and Aldea Juan Pablo II. The students will also visit various schools in the city as well as spend time in Huilloc Alto — a remote indigenous village in the Sacred Valley. 


Trip organizers ask the Thayer community to donate the following items for this amazing trip: board games (with all the pieces); school supplies (new and gently used); art supplies (new and gently used); soccer and volleyballs (new or used) and ball pumps; warm (not summer) clothing for newborns through age 16 (male and female).


Finally, if anyone has old iPhones, laptops, or tablets (with charging cords), organizers would be grateful for these donations as well. The orphanages and schools that these seniors visit are always incredibly grateful for whatever technology that the students can provide.


Donations can be placed in bins located in Cahall, in the Brickyard, and on the second floor of Main Building (outside Main 208). Please direct any questions to Upper School World Languages Faculty Terri Lukens P ’24, ’27. Donations will be accepted through tomorrow (Friday, May 1).


Celebrate Your Graduate & Give Back to Thayer

Attention, families of seniors: Planning your graduation cards? Use code FUNDRAISETHAYER at Minted.com to get 20% off your order. Plus, Minted will donate 10% of the proceeds to Thayer. (P.S. This code works year-round for any occasion.)


In Case You Missed It 

Be sure to check out Thayer’s news page to see what’s happening on campus, including: details on the student art showcase; a recent field trip to Chinatown; and Cum Laude Society induction ceremonies.

Student Art Showcase

On Display in Koskores Gallery 

The Thayer Academy Student Art Showcase is currently on display in Koskores Gallery and will remain so until May 24. The highly anticipated annual showcase offers a vibrant celebration of artistic talent featuring works from the school’s most promising emerging artists. The comprehensive exhibition — representing hours of creative exploration, technical development, and artistic growth — highlights student achievements across diverse mediums, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the next generation of creative voices.


A Friends & Family Reception will be held Friday, May 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. before the Thayer Academy Film Festival (TAFF) in the CFA’s Hale Theater. 

Upper School Announcements

‘Exploring Summer Opportunities’ Workshops — Slide Decks

The Global Engagement Program and the Pulsifer College Counseling Center recently co-hosted the second “Exploring Summer Opportunities” workshop for Upper School students. The focus of the late March workshop was to help students explore resources for finding and applying to summer volunteer and job opportunities. To view the slide deck from this presentation, click here. Please note: More will be added to this slide deck as additional summer job and volunteer opportunities arise.

Middle School Announcements

Middle School Arts Night Is May 1

Middle School families are invited to take part in this spring’s Middle School Arts Night Friday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school. This evening celebrates the dynamic work Middle School students have created this term across the arts. Students attending that night may remain on campus after sports and study hall. Supervision will be provided, and pizza will be available for those staying. Contact Ms. Palmer if you have any questions.


Astrobiologist To Visit Science Cafe May 11

Sarah Stewart Johnson — an astrobiologist, an author, and a professor at Georgetown University — will be guest speaker for the last Middle School Science Cafe of the year on Monday, May 11. Interested Middle School students should sign up and submit questions for her via Google Form by Friday, May 8; space is limited. Students will be able to eat lunch together in the science room while meeting with the presenter. Contact Mrs. Young with any questions. 


A former Rhodes Scholar who earned her PhD from MIT, Stewart addressed Thayer in March of 2023 as part of Thayer’s Global Speaker Series. 


‘TA Cabaret: Around the World’ Is May 21

Ven a celebrar! 함께 즐겨요 Kommt feieren! आओ जश्न मनाएं Viens célébrer! “TA Cabaret: Around the World” will take place Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. in the CFA’s Hale Theater. This year’s theme for the Middle School spring production takes audiences on a journey across the globe through music, dance, humor, and heart. The show features an ensemble of 35 performers, six technical theater students, and eight different languages. There is no ticket required for the May 21 event, and all members of the Thayer community are welcome. 


TAPA News

Calling All Parents & Guardians: Be a Part of the Action!

TAPA is calling on parents and guardians to step up and shine! Lead exciting events, serve on the TAPA Executive Board, and share your creativity and school spirit. It’s a wonderful way to inspire our community, build lasting friendships, and make unforgettable memories — while having a great time!


Please contact TAPA President Caroline Kuhlman P ’25, ’28 for more info. 


TAPA Board Positions

TAPA supports many beloved community events throughout the school year, including Homecoming, The Last Hurrah! senior dinner, the 8th Grade Dinner, and transportation to and from Prom, just to name a few. Serving on the TAPA Board offers a unique opportunity to stay informed, help shape new initiatives, and support meaningful experiences for students and families. TAPA is always eager to welcome dedicated volunteers to participate in the planning, development, and management of these events by serving on the board.


If you’re interested in a board position, please contact TAPA President Caroline Kuhlman P ’25, ’28 to learn more about available roles, responsibilities, and time commitments.


TAPA Scholarship Applications Due Today (April 30)

Attention, all senior parents and guardians: please note that TAPA provides scholarship opportunities for those students who have demonstrated interest in, experience in, or aptitude for community service. Scholarships will be awarded at Last Chapel in June.


TAPA encourages all to apply. The deadline to apply is today (Thursday, April 30); for an application form, click here.


Class Parents/Guardians

Did you know each Thayer class has two class parents/guardians who are there to help families connect with their students’ class activities as well as general Thayer events? If you don’t currently get emails from your class parent/guardians, please reach out and make sure they have your correct email and that they are not blocked. To access a list by grade, click here


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: 



  • TBD (Internship / Job Fair Event
  • Thursday, May 7 (Family Paint Night; To RSVP, click here)
  • Monday, June 1 (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 the group’s facilitator, Annie Pratt P ’26, ’27, if you would like more information. The affinity group looks forward to welcoming families into its community. 


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’s goal is to support the school through sponsoring various social events and programs, thereby enhancing the school experience for all. 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 Thayers website.

Parent/Guardian Resources

What Thayer Is Reading Now

Associate Director of Student Financial Services Yvette Jones-Bishop P ’30 is reading Judge Stone by James Patterson and Viola Davis. 

Questions about the TNN? Suggestions? 
Please email: 
TNN@thayer.org.

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