News from the Nest — February 27, 2026

Posted February 27, 2026

Beginning March 3:
New School Visitor Check-In System in Our Main Office

Starting next week, our main office will be using the new Raptor digital visitor check-in system. The Raptor software system allows us to scan photo identification (ID) to generate personalized visitor badges, provides a digital log of all visitors to our building, and is part of our school district’s efforts to maintain safe and welcoming schools.

Who Will Check In Using the Raptor System?

  • School visitors who will be in any part of the building other than our main office will be asked to scan their state-issued photo ID card in order to receive a printed visitor’s badge. 
  • Families who are in our main office to drop off or pick up their children will not need to sign in using the Raptor system. 
  • Families who are attending a large school event, Parent-Teacher Association meeting, or field trip will sign in on a paper visitor log.

Please click here to read more about this new system on our website.

REMINDER:
Science Fair Projects Are Due on Tuesday, March 3!

Families who registered for the science fair should please plan to drop projects off through our front door between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM on Tuesday, March 3. We will have volunteers available to help with project check-in and set-up in our gym!

The science fair will be open to families after school from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3. Please come to our front door for entry!

To see more science fair information, please visit our website here.

Health Screenings for All Grades Except 4th:
March 9 to March 11

Each year, Denver Public Schools provides the opportunity for a free vision, hearing and dental screening at school for students in mandated grades (ECE, kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades – not 4th grade). These screenings are considered best practice to help identify students who may be at risk for health concerns that are affecting their ability to learn. Screenings at McKinley-Thatcher will take place during the school day on Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 11. If you want your child to receive the screenings, no action is required from you.

If you DO NOT want your student to participate in these screenings, please email our school nurse, Ms. Jennifer Iltis, at Jennifer_Iltis@dpsk12.net by Thursday, March 5. In your email, please include your student’s name, date of birth, and the parent / guardian’s name. Thank you!

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 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

  • Mark your calendars: we have NO SCHOOL on the following days in February & early March:
    • Friday, February 27 – NO SCHOOL: district staff planning day
    • Monday, March 2 – NO SCHOOL: McKinley staff planning day 
  • Show Your Eagle Pride: check out the McKinley-Thatcher Parent-Teacher Association’s (PTA) online merch store for t-shirts and hoodies: click here to shop! All items are sold at cost and printed on demand so every Eagle can show their school spirit! If you’d like to go the extra mile, we also welcome donations to help fund the PTA’s mission of supporting our students, teachers, and community.
  • 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

  • You’re Invited: Decker Library is hosting a special Saturday Stuffie Storytime tomorrow! Bring your stuffie with you to the library (1501 S. Logan St.) tomorrow (Saturday, February 28) at 10:30 AM. Attendees will read books, sing songs, and make crafts with their stuffies!

  • You’re Invited: Denver City Council District 7 is proud to partner with Motus Theater to invite neighbors to a powerful and timely community event, the Loving Our Immigrant Neighbors playback theater, tomorrow (Saturday, February 28) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at HQ Denver (60 S. Broadway). For more information, please see the event flyer here (PNG file).

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.

  • Friday, 2/27 – NO SCHOOL: district staff planning day
  • Monday, 3/2 – NO SCHOOL: McKinley staff planning day
  • Tuesday, 3/3 – Kindergarten to 5th Grade Science Fair
  • Monday, 3/9 to Wednesday, 3/11 – Health Screenings for all grades except 4th
  • Tuesday, 3/10 – 4th Grade Field Trip: Young AmeriTowne
  • Friday, 3/13 – McKinley-Thatcher PTA Auction, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Upcoming DPS & Community Events