News from the Nest — February 20, 2026

Posted February 20, 2026

In Case You Missed It:
Why We Need to Support Our PTA Auction!

Our PTA is seeking urgent help from our community to raise enough funds to continue our school’s essential core programs! This is a crucial time for McKinley-Thatcher and the timeline is urgent. Following significant budget cuts from Denver Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year, we must raise $250,000 via our auction to preserve the essential programs and staff that make our school exceptional.

To read about the ways you can help, please click here!

Coming Soon:
New School Visitor Check-In System in Our Main Office

Beginning in March 2026, our school is implementing a new digital visitor check-in software system called Raptor in our main office. The Raptor software system is an ID scanning tool that 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.

Starting in March, 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. 

What If My Photo ID Doesn’t Have My Preferred Name or Shows the Wrong Gender Marker?

If your preferred name is not on your photo ID, we are happy to assist you to sign in with your preferred name using an alternative sign-in method. Please also note that gender markers are not recorded in the Raptor system. 

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 27NO 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.

  • Thursday, 2/26 – Monthly School Value Assembly, 7:45 AM
  • Friday, 2/27NO SCHOOL: district staff planning day
  • Monday, 3/2 NO SCHOOL: McKinley staff planning day
  • Tuesday, 3/3Kindergarten to 5th Grade Science Fair
  • Tuesday, 3/10 – 4th Grade Field Trip: Young AmeriTowne
  • Friday, 3/13McKinley-Thatcher PTA Auction, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Upcoming DPS & Community Events

  • None at this time!