News from the Nest — August 22, 2025

Posted August 22, 2025

Back-to-School Reminders for Our Families

We are sharing a few tips to help families have a smooth drop-off & pick-up experience, as well as some reminders about food safety and dress code in our classrooms!

Reminders for Drop-Off & Pick-Up

  • Morning drop-off begins at 7:15 AM. Please do not drop students off before 7:15 AM as staff supervision of students does not begin until this time. Afternoon pick-up is at 2:30 PM. If you are running late, please plan to meet your student in our main office. 

  • There is NO PARKING allowed in the front oval during drop-off and pick-up times. Parking is available on Logan St. and Louisiana Ave., as well as on the residential streets around our school.
     
  • There is NO PARKING in the bus lane on Logan Street (next to the gate by our basketball courts). We have more buses this year and we need to keep the entire bus lane clear for student safety. Parking is available on Logan St. and Louisiana Ave., as well as on the residential streets around our school.

  • There is NO PARKING or student drop-off in the alley west of our building. The alleyway parking spaces are reserved for staff, and, due to traffic, the alley is not a safe place to drop off children. 

Food Safety Reminders

  • There are NO NUTS and NO SESAME allowed in student snacks that will be eaten in the classroom. This policy is in place to protect all students with severe food allergies. This year, we have an increase in sesame allergies, so please avoid sesame when providing snacks for the class.

  • When packing snacks and lunches, please send healthy food from home. No soda or candy is allowed. Please limit chips and cookies to special treats. 

Dress Code Reminders from our Family Handbook

  • Shirts should cover the torso (stomach and back), and must have straps that are at least one inch wide. Bare midriffs, halter tops, spaghetti straps, or muscle shirts are not allowed.
     
  • Hats, hoods, and sunglasses may be worn only outside of the building.

In Case You Missed It:
New School Homework Policy

In our July 30 Principal’s Update, we shared information about our school’s new homework policy. We’re sharing this information again here for new families!

At McKinley-Thatcher, we believe in promoting a healthy balance among school, family, and play. Research shows there is little to no academic benefit from traditional homework in the elementary grades. Children do benefit from unstructured play, family time, outdoor activity, and adequate rest, and we want to help prioritize these things for all families. 

In line with current research on child development and best educational practices, our school-wide homework policy is: 

  • Students will not be assigned traditional homework such as packets, worksheets, assignments, or projects to complete at home.

  • The only required homework is to read for 15–30 minutes each week day (time based on grade level). This includes independent reading, being read to by a family member, or shared reading with an adult, sibling, or pet. Daily reading fosters language development, imagination, and a lifelong love of books. 

For more information, please see the “Academics / Homework” section on page 3 of our Family Handbook here.

Other School News

Community News & Resources

  • None at this time!

Upcoming School Events

Click here to view the McKinley-Thatcher school calendar.

  • Monday, 9/1 – NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
  • Friday, 9/5 – PTA Meeting: 7:30 AM under our playground gazebo 

Upcoming DPS & Community Events

  • None at this time!