Principal’s Update — August 7, 2026

Posted August 7, 2026

Dear McKinley-Thatcher families, 

Once again, our team is hard at work getting ready to welcome students, families, and staff back for the new school year! I love this time of year and I am filled with excitement and anticipation for all that lies ahead. 

Upcoming Events 

• ONLINE School Registration Window: Tuesday, August 11 to Sunday, August 16 
• Open House: Thursday, August 20, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM 
• K-5th Grade: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Monday, August 24
  • First Day Celebration with our Parent-Teacher Association: Monday, August 24, 7:00 AM
• ECE ONLY: First Day of School: Tuesday, August 25.
• ECE classes will have a special half-day schedule on Tuesday, August 25 & Wednesday, August 26. We’ll share more information about this during registration! 
• Back-to-School Night: Thursday, September 17, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Online School Registration Window: Tuesday, August 11 to Sunday, August 16

Please mark your calendars for our ONLINE school registration window, taking place next week from 9:00 AM on Tuesday, August 11 to midnight on Sunday, August 16!

Families will receive an email, automated call, text, and ClassDojo post on Tuesday, August 11 with the link to our registration page. For more information about registration, please visit our website.

Staffing Updates

Please welcome our new staff members and staff members in new roles!

Staff Members Leaving McKinley-Thatcher

• Anna Poppy (kindergarten teacher)
• Hannah Bell (special education paraprofessional)

Please Welcome Our New Teaching & Classroom Staff Members

• Ofelia Acevedo – Multi-Intensive Autism (MIA) Paraprofessional
• Veronika Aharova – Kindergarten Paraprofessional (with Mr. Bearfield) 
• Angie Collins – Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM) Teacher 
• Aileen Kositsky – Multi-Intensive Autism (MIA) Paraprofessional
• Mollie Kritzer – Kindergarten Teacher
• Tori O’Connor – Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten & 1st Grade
• Kiersten Shaeffer – Multi-Intensive Autism (MIA) Teacher 
• Betty Soto – transitioning to Multi-Intensive Autism (MIA) Paraprofessional
• Jessica Strauss  – Long-Term Substitute Teacher, 2nd Grade Literacy (Ms. Faust is on maternity leave!)
• Alexandra Torrez Suazo – transitioning to Multi-Intensive Autism (MIA) Paraprofessional

Please Welcome Our New Support Staff Members

• Teresa Bauleth – Health Office Paraprofessional 
• Lacy Brandauer – Librarian
• Jamey Cole – Social Worker 
• Caitlyn Hofland – Discovery Link Program Supervisor
• Taylor Schwartz – Speech / Language Pathologist Assistant 

New District Policy on Student Personal Communication Devices

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, Denver Public Schools (DPS) policy requires that all students in all grades (ECE-13) turn off and store all personal communication devices (PCDs) during the school day. 

At McKinley-Thatcher, students’ personal communication devices (including cellphones and smartwatches) must be turned off and stored in a backpack at all times during the school day. This includes class time, passing periods, breakfast, lunch, recess, and field trips. A device that rings, vibrates, or is visible will be considered in use and in violation of this policy.

Note: Approved accommodations (documented in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, or Individual Health Plan) will be honored in accordance with student privacy laws. Prescription smart glasses may be worn only if powered off and disconnected.

Please click here to view the full McKinley-Thatcher Personal Communication Devices policy in our Family & Student Handbook. (Google Doc)

Please click here to see more information about the district-level policy. 

Thank you for your continued support and trust. We’re looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with growth, discovery, and success for all of our students.

Sonia Geerdes
Principal