June
- Tues. 6/1: Nominations and bios/candidate statements due for TCPG elections
- Tues. 6/1-6/10: SPS Special Education Community Forums for Black, Tigrinya and Amharic, Somali and Oromo, and Native American & Pacific Islander Family Communities
- Wed. 6/2: PTA Play Date
- Thurs. 6/3: Sing Along with Sari (link)
- Fri. 6/4: TC PTA End of Year General Meeting
- Mon. 6/5: TC SC Special Education Committee Meeting
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Tues. 6/8: Site Council Meeting
- Tues. 6/8:Last remote training session for SPS hiring
- Thurs. 6/10: Voting opens for TCPG elections- Paper ballots available at Library Pickup today
- Wed. 6/16: Voting closes for TCPG elections
- Thurs. 6/17: Sing Along with Sari (link)
- Thurs. 6/17: TCPG elections results tabulated and sent via special edition newsletter
- Fri. 6/18: Last Day of School
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NOTE: Gmail may clip the content of this newsletter. View the full version on the web here. |
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From Thornton Creek Teachers |
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Sing Along with Sari this June! |
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Join us in June for two opportunities to sing along with Sari! Connect with other families (over Zoom) and enjoy some old Thornton Creek classics and new favorites. Sing in your kitchen, sing in the tub, sing with your family, and feel the love.
We have 2 more opportunities to sing with Sari this spring. We hope you’ll join us!
June 3rd, 5:30-6pm AND
June 17th, 5:30-6pm
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
+1 206-800-4125,,224462832# United States, Seattle
Phone Conference ID: 224 462 832#
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From Thornton Creek Site Council |
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Site Council Meeting Information |
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The last Site Council meeting will be Tuesday, June 8th, 6:30-8:30pm (agenda). Join us to hear end-of-year updates from principal, Alex Benfield, and to wish her well in her next adventures. TC Parent Group will also vote on the proposed budget for next school year.
Zoom Meeting ID 968 0245 7918
or by phone at 253-215-8782
Best wishes from the Site Council Planning Team,
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TCPG Elections - Last Day to Nominate! |
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Dear Thornton Creek Community,
All Thornton Creek Parent Group (TCPG) officer positions are open for the 2021-2022 school year. The deadline to nominate yourself for a leadership role is today! Join together with TC families and staff to support our school's growth and celebrate its strengths, as we work to ensure that it is a warm learning community where each student is supported in their process of self-discovery. We invite you to participate in whatever way works best for you! Especially needed are two treasurers and a chairperson for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity committee. We can't wait to have you join us!
To exercise your voice and vote for candidates to leadership positions, look for a ballot in your email inbox on June 10th or fill out a paper ballot at the library pick-up on Thursday, June 10 from 2:00- 4:00 pm. Current nominations are viewable here: Thornton Creek Parent Group nominations and volunteers
Warm wishes,
Thornton Creek Parent Group & Site Council
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Budget Update
I'd like to share a summary of the input and feedback on the upcoming 2021-22 TCPG budget that I have received in the last two site council meetings and the 3 extra budget meetings that I held. I have organized it into some broad categories, and then noted where and how the feedback has been included in the current draft budget.
During this year's budgeting process, some questions and concerns about the TC Parent Group budget process were also raised. These issues along with possible steps to resolve have been summarized for next year's TC Parent Group officers in a memo and shared with the community in this newsletter, with Thornton Creek School stakeholders, and with TC-PTA leaders.
I welcome further feedback from the community on this draft budget. The final budget will be presented at the June Site Council meeting for approval by the members of the TC Parent Group.
Best,
Jacob Blickenstaff
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From the Grants Committee |
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SDOT Grant Resource - Get Students Moving!
TCPG has secured a grant to provide sports equipment for families experiencing financial obstacles to help keep their students active and healthy for the remainder of remote learning and throughout the summer. This grant, was initially intended to add another bike rack to the school. Given the pandemic year, SDOT granted flexibility to the funds, and a small committee formed with Tristan Osborne to steer this resource to provide more immediate needs families might have in keeping their kids active with remote learning.
With these grant funds, we have assembled "Grab Bags" that include a sports ball, a hand pump and one other item geared towards PreK-1 or 2-5 grade students. If this resource would benefit your family, please contact Student Support Specialist, Sallyanne Hendren ([email protected]) by June 14th to reserve a bag. Reserved "Grab Bags" can be picked up from school, or delivery can be arranged before June 18th.
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From the Yearbook Committee |
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The yearbook is "in production" (at the printer!).
A big THANK YOU to: Thornton Creek Parent Group for funding the entire project; the yearbook team: Debbie Hutchinson, Rachel Brooks, Christie Robertson, Gretchen Musgrove, Jeanette Fiess, Robyn Hodges, Karen Wirkala, Kaori Tanaka, Chelsea Lin, Sarah McVay, Piper Carling; the Room Parents and Teachers who worked tirelessly to recruit pictures in this challenging time; the office staff-Shannon, Elona and Alex for all the extra support in info gathering, and ultimately receiving and distributing these; to Families for sending in photos and enduring the "glitchy" submission process; and to our Amazing Students who are the STARS of this show!
They should be arriving in the TC Office the Week of June 7. Stay tuned for distribution procedures.
Sarah Tien
Yearbook Lead
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From the Volunteer Committee |
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Co-chair the TCPG Volunteer Committee for the 2021-2022 school year, or join as a committee member!
Hello wonderful TC families! It is the TCPG and Site Council election time once again, and the volunteer committee will need new co-chairs and committee members next year. If you enjoy connecting with teachers and families at Thornton Creek, please consider helping out! The tasks are split amongst the committee's interests and vary from supporting volunteer and teacher event leads, supporting room parents, and meeting/talking with volunteers, to creating SignUpGenius slots for events, designing event flyers, submitting copy to the Site Council newsletter, and overseeing the elections process. We're happy to answer any questions you may have about the tasks we manage for the TCPG and Site Council. Connect with us via email and we'll set up time to talk!
Melinda Roberts and Stacey Seifert, co-chairs, and Margaret Butler, committee member
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From the Safety and Health Committee |
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COVID-19 in our community
Vaccine Updates
Everyone age 12 years and older is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine supply is plentiful! Learn more about vaccination for children and teens and where to get vaccinated at Public Health Seattle & King County's resource page. SPS has set up several Onsite Vaccine Clinics that provide vaccinations for students and their families. UW Medicine has four sites offering walk-in appointments. Check out their FAQ as well as info on how to book an appointment here. The DOH vaccine locator also provides information on how to schedule a vaccine.
Prevention
On May 13, the CDC updated their guidance on masks for fully vaccinated individuals. Governor Inslee has updated Washington's mask mandate and has set a goal for fully reopening the state by June 30, 2021.The governor's announcement, allowing for fully vaccinated people to participate in many activities without masks, does not include school or childcare settings. King County residents - vaccinated or not - are strongly encouraged to wear masks in public settings such as: retail and grocery stores; restaurants; government buildings; offices and other places of employment that are open to the public. Read more about the King County Indoor Masking Directive.
Travel
If you plan to travel out of state, and your children are attending school in-person, it is encouraged that you follow CDC guidance, which advises for non-vaccinated people:
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days
- If you don't get tested stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel
- Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may range from mild symptoms to severe illness and may include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. Early testing is essential to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Resources
SPS COVID-19 Dashboard (shows confirmed cases of COVID at Seattle public schools)
King County COVID-19 free testing locations link
If you have difficulty registering for a test or vaccine, call King County's COVID-19 Call Center: 206-477-3977.
CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people
Stay Healthy!
Erica Seddig and Courtney Bell
Safety and Health Committee Co-Chairs
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The Talents Night video was such a fun way to spend time celebrating TC students! Thank you to the amazing students who shared their talents, all of the teachers and staff who participated in the dance number, the fifth grade teaching team of Mim, Robyn, Lisa, and Laurie, event lead Rachel Nelson-Knecht, and Dave Preston who created the video for all of us to enjoy!
Thank you, Tristan Osborn, for your efforts organizing another Bike to School Month, and as the Bike Fairy, providing safety lights and reflectors to students!
Thank you, room parents, for coordinating gifting for teachers, supporting your teachers, and meeting with fellow room parents to exchange ideas, even during this unusual school year. We look forward to more time for family-classroom connection next year!
Thank you to Jana Dilley, and all of the volunteers who improved the gardens at school this year! We are lucky to have Jana continuing next year in her role on the TCPG and Site Council.
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Thornton Creek Is a Box Tops for Education School. Look for new BLUE Box Top coupons on products (e.g. Cascadian Farm cereal), and then just scan your receipt. Get the app at BTFE.com.
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Office of Equity Listening Session from 5/17
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The new state Office of Equity has set a listening session for educators, families, students, and communities on 6/5. All are welcome to attend.
Dear Educational Ombuds Stakeholders:
Prior to the session, please share the following information with your group:
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Zoom Information: https://ofm-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/94755554926?pwd=RGxmaXRGRTR0TExqOUZwbHBSUHY4Zz09
- Meeting ID: 947 5555 4926
- Passcode: 2021
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One tap mobile: +12532158782,,94755554926#,,,,*2021# US (Tacoma)
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Dial by your location: +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
- If you need reasonable accommodation at your listening session, let me know as soon as possible, or no less than 10 days prior to your scheduled time.
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Survey: Please complete the survey using the link below, whether you attend the listening session or not, to ensure that your voice is heard. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=F-LQEU4mCkCLoFfcwSfXLX3oGaLIVgZNrIW8ST9dLBpUOUtPNUdESjlVUU1VWE9ZWlpXUkdBNTEwMS4u
Agenda for Community/Stakeholder - Office of Equity Strategic Planning Session
Promoting access to equitable opportunities and resources that reduce disparities and improves outcomes for everyone statewide across state government, for the next seven generations and beyond, is all of our work. We need you.
Meeting Purpose: To gather the collective wisdom for co-creating a five-year equity strategic plan that helps Washington to bridge opportunity gaps and reduce disparities so everyone in WA flourishes and achieves their full potential and there is equity and justice for all.
1. Introductions: Your name and, - in 25 words or less, - where you are on your anti-racist journey.
2. Listen: Imagine creating an anti-racist Washington state where everyone flourishes and achieves their full potential for the common good: an equitable and just state for all.
- What, specifically, does that look like to you?
- What does it feel like to live in this state?
- What opportunity gaps need to be bridged?
- Which disparities need to be eliminated?
- What, in your opinion, must be measured to achieve this reality?
3. Learn
- What one thing do you want the Office of Equity (us) to know?
- What one thing do you want us to accomplish? How will you help?
- Who else do we need to meet?
4. Adjourn
Thank you for helping to create an equitable and just Washington for all, for the next seven generations and beyond!
Cindy Varley | she, her, hers
Executive Assistant to Dr. Karen A. Johnson, Director | Office of Equity | Office of Governor Jay Inslee
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A Time to Lead
Art Walk, Sing Along with Sari
Nominate yourself to lead in Site Council
Interactive Art Walk for the month of May!
Teacher Appreciation, Art Walk, SPED Committee Meeting, Budget Meeting Conversation
Yearbook Photos, Spring Break Guidelines, More Volunteers Needed
Site Council Meeting
Spring Book Fair, Spring Break Guidelines, More Volunteers Needed
Return to In-person learning - What is Changing for TC Students?
Sing-Along, Spring Book Fair, Landscape Work Party
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Quick Links and Information |
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Submitting news or thank-you notes for publication: Please read the submission guidelines. Then, e-mail your item to the editors. Blurbs must be plain text (no Word documents) and generally have a 200 word limit. Attach any image as a PNG or JPG image file. Content is due on 2nd and 4th Mondays for the 1st and 3rd Monday editions.
Advertising Review/Approval Process: Per Seattle Public School Board Policy, outside materials must be approved before being distributed. The materials must meet district criteria, be approved by the Office of Public Affairs, and be submitted with the approval form attached. You can find details regarding the review/approval process here. All requests to include information in newsletters should be submitted via this process.
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Jessica Williams-Nguyen, Chair
Elizabeth Duffell, Vice-Chair
Jacob Blickenstaff, Treasurer
Roddy Theobald, Secretary
Text THORNTONCREEK to 22828
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Tel.: 206-252-5300
Fax: 206-252-5301
Asst. Principal: Laurie Miller
Bell Times:
Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri
8:00am to 2:30pm
Wednesday
8:00am to 1:15pm
Attendance
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