News from the Nest — February 6, 2026

Posted February 6, 2026

In Case You Missed It: Flu & Strep Update 

Yesterday, we shared a message from our school nurse via email about cases of flu and strep throat at our school. To see that message, which includes information about symptoms, free medical care for students, and when ill students may return to school, please visit our website here.

February Restaurant Fundraiser: Adelitas on Wednesday, February 11!

Join us for our Parent-Teacher Association’s February restaurant fundraiser at Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina’s Broadway location (1294 S. Broadway), next Wednesday, February 11! On this day, 10% of all food and liquor purchases go back to our school! No code required.

REMINDER: School Valentine’s Day Celebration Is Friday, February 13

Our school Valentine’s Day celebration is on Friday, February 13! Each classroom will hold a Valentine’s Day party. Please look for information from your child’s teachers for ways to help out! 

What If My Family Does Not Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

We will have an alternative activity available for students who are not participating in our Valentine’s Day celebration. If you prefer that your child not participate, please click here to complete our digital opt-out Google form or return the paper opt-out form in our February 6 Friday Folders.

REMINDER: Buy Your Tickets & Reserve Your Free Childcare Spots for Our Auction!

Our 2026 McKinley-Thatcher Auction is happening Friday, March 13, 2026 at Moss Denver! This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and a true community celebration, all to help close our school’s $400,000 funding gap. Auction tickets are on sale here! Your ticket includes:

  • Delicious food and dessert stations
  • Open bar with beer, wine, and two signature cocktails
  • Extended happy hour to kick off the evening
  • Iftar meal at 7:05 PM for those observing Ramadan
  • A vibrant in-person auction packed with amazing items and experiences

New this year: FREE childcare! The PTA is sponsoring free childcare for McT families with kids ages 4–15, complete with dinner, games, and movies. No need to book a sitter—just register your kids and enjoy the evening! Learn more by clicking here.

Other School News

  • Kindergarten – 5th Grade Science Fair: our annual School Science Fair is happening Tuesday, March 3! Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to register for our fair by visiting our website here.

  • February 2026 lunch menus: in case you missed it, please see our February 2026 lunch menu in English, Arabic, Dari, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese (PDFs).

  • Mark your calendars: we have NO SCHOOL on the following days in February & early March:
    • Monday, February 16 – NO SCHOOL: Presidents’ Day
    • Friday, February 27 – NO SCHOOL: district staff planning day
    • Monday, March 2 – NO SCHOOL: McKinley staff planning day 
  • Volunteer with Free Book Friday: our school librarian, Ms. Goldberg, is looking for volunteers to help out with Free Book Friday, a recurring book giveaway organized by school staff for the McKinley-Thatcher community! To see more information and to sign up, visit our SignUpGenius here.

Community News & Resources

  • None at this time!

Share Your Feedback with Us!

Please let us know how we are doing! Send us a shoutout, an idea you have to help us get better, or a concern that you would like addressed. Responses can be submitted using this Google form. Thank you! 

Upcoming School Events

Click here to view the McKinley-Thatcher school calendar.

Upcoming DPS & Community Events

  • None at this time!