News from the Nest — March 6, 2026

Posted March 6, 2026

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

Our 2026 McKinley-Thatcher Auction is happening NEXT 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.

REMINDER: Virtual Auction Is Open!

The McKinley-Thatcher 2026 Virtual Auction is officially open, and you can start bidding on amazing items and experiences right from your phone or laptop! Bidding is open now through Friday, March 13 at 7:45 PM MDT. Every bid supports our goal of raising $250,000 to help close McKinley’s funding gap and sustain vital roles like our librarian, counselor, and paraprofessionals!

REMINDER: Health Screenings For All Grades Except 4th Are Next Week!

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 next week (Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 11). 

If you have questions or need more information, please email our school nurse, Ms. Jennifer Iltis, at Jennifer_Iltis@dpsk12.net. 

Other School News

  • In Case You Missed It: our March 2026 lunch menu is available here in English, Arabic, Dari, Nepali, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese (PDF files).

  • Save-the-Date: our Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Student Learning Showcase is coming up on Wednesday, March 25 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM! During the showcase, students will present key aspects of their learning from their grade level classes as well as technology, art, and drama to their families. We’ll share more information next week!
  • Mark Your Calendars: we have NO SCHOOL from Monday, March 30 to Monday, April 6. This is our spring break (March 30 to April 3), followed by a professional development & training day for our staff (April 6). School will resume on Tuesday, April 7!
  • 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.

  • 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

  • None at this time!