Principal’s Update — March 10, 2025

Posted March 7, 2025

Dear McKinley-Thatcher families, 

It feels like springtime here at McKinley! As the second semester of this school year continues, our focus remains steadfast on creating supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for all our students. We have just two short weeks until Spring Break, and, after that, we’ll be so busy with our annual standardized testing, school events, and end-of-year celebrations that the rest of the year will fly by! 

We Are Better Together

We recognize that the last few months have ushered in a time of change and transition for our nation, and that, for many people, this has brought a complicated mix of feelings. Diverse opinions are a natural part of democratic society, and the way we engage with each other should always be grounded in kindness and empathy, as our school values remind us. Together, we can continue to help our children thrive in this ever-changing world. 

McKinley-Thatcher is proud to be a school that is inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. All of our students, families, and staff belong in our community – regardless of their race, faith, national origin, immigration status, political views, sexual orientation, and gender identity. You are wanted, welcome, and valued, and we are better together as a community! 

Upcoming Spring Events 

We hope that you will join us for our upcoming spring events. One notable change to our second semester event schedule this year is that we are holding two separate Learning Showcase events. The first event, our Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Student Learning Showcase, is this week on Wednesday, March 12. This event is for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students and their families. In mid May, we will host another Learning Showcase event for third, fourth, and fifth graders and their families. We look forward to seeing you at these and other events, and to joining together in celebration of our amazing community!  

Second Semester Event List

Wednesday, 3/12 – 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade Student Learning Showcase
Monday, 3/24 – Tuesday, 4/1	Spring Break! (School resumes on Wednesday, 4/2.)
Friday, 4/11 – 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM	International Night
Tuesday, 4/15 – Wednesday, 4/16	5th Grade Overnight Field Trip to Balarat
Friday, 4/18	No School! (DPS Staff Planning Day)
Friday, 5/2	No School! (McKinley Staff Planning Day)
Saturday, 5/3	Fishing Day with Mr. J @ Wash Park
Monday, 5/5 – Friday, 5/9	School Staff Appreciation Week
Friday, 5/9 – 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM	PTA Auction Fundraiser @ Moss Denver
Wednesday, 5/14 – 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM	3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Student Learning Showcase
Monday, 5/19 – Friday, 5/23	School Spirit Week
Friday, 5/23	Field Day
Friday, 5/30	Talent Show
Friday, 5/30 – 9:00 AM	ECE Continuation
Friday, 5/30 – 4:00 PM	5th Grade Continuation
Friday, 5/30	ECE ONLY: Last Day of School (half-day – dismissal @ 11:00 AM)
Tuesday, 6/3	K-5th Grade: Last Day of School (half-day – dismissal @ 11:30 AM) + End-of-Year Awards Assembly
Wednesday, 6/4 – 3:00 PM	Main Office Closes for Summer Break

All the best,

Sonia Geerdes
Principal