A warm welcome to our new 2026-2027 families!

News from the Nest — April 10, 2026

Posted April 10, 2026

REMINDER:
2026-2027 Discovery Link Registration Opens April 13

Registration for the 2026-2027 Discovery Link (DL) after-school care program, including the Little Links program, will open for McKinley-Thatcher Elementary NEXT Monday, April 13 and run through Friday, April 17! If you miss this first round, DL registration reopens for all schools on Tuesday, May 5.

For more information, please refer to the March 13 registration communication from Discovery Link below.

PTA April Fundraiser:
Wednesday, April 15 @ Next Level Veggie Grill 

Just a reminder that our Parent-Teacher Association’s (PTA) April Fundraiser at Next Level Veggie Grill (1605 E. Evans Ave.) is NEXT Wednesday (April 15). On this day, 5% of all purchases go back to our school!

Next Level Veggie Grill has recently expanded their menu and offers everything from bowls and burgers to tacos and smoothies, plus a special kids menu. Great for lunch, catering, or dinner! You can order online or in-person — they are open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. No need for a special code when ordering. See their menu here! 

DEADLINE:
Registration for Calm & Kind Family Workshop Series CLOSES TODAY

Register here to reserve your space at our Calm and Kind Family Workshop Series! The Calm and Kind Family Program is designed to equip families with the tools they need to support their children emotionally in three key areas: mental health, self-regulation, and managing emotions. This two-part series runs on Wednesday, April 15 (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) & Wednesday, April 22 (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) in our school library. Families must attend both sessions. Sessions include learning materials, snacks, childcare, and Chick-Fil-A dinner after program completion, all FREE! Learn more about the Calm and Kind Families program here. 

Other School News

  • Save-the-Date for Talent Show Auditions: this year, our school talent show will be open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students ONLY. This means that students in ECE through 2nd grade may not audition with their older siblings.

    3rd-5th grade students are welcome to sing, dance, act, do a comedy routine, share a special skill, or any other kind of fun act they can think of! Audition videos will be due Friday, May 1. We will share audition submission information and the scoring rubric next week.

  • Planning for Next School Year: ECE-4th grade families, please help us plan ahead for next school year by letting us know if your family will be returning to McKinley-Thatcher! Please complete this Google form by Thursday, April 30. If you are NOT returning, completing this form helps us fill empty spots and make sure our school budget is accurate. (5th grade families do not need to respond.)
  • Mark Your Calendars: we have NO SCHOOL on Friday, May 1. This is a professional development & training day for our staff.

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, 4/13 to Friday, 4/17 – 2026-2027 Discovery Link Registration (Google Drive folder)
  • Monday, 4/13 to Wednesday, 4/15 – 3rd-5th Grade: CMAS Math Testing
  • Monday, 4/13 – April Collaborative School Committee Meeting, 5:00 PM on Google Meet
  • Wednesday, 4/15 – PTA April Fundraiser: Next Level Veggie Grill (PDF file)
  • Wednesday, 4/15 – Calm & Kind Family Workshop Series, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Thursday, 4/16 to Monday, 4/20 – 5th Grade: CMAS Science Testing
  • Thursday, 4/16 – 4th Grade Walking Field Trip (Ms. Hoffmann’s homeroom): Decker Library
  • Thursday, 4/16 – 4th Grade Physical Education Night with Mr. J, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday, 4/17 – ECE ONLY: No School 
  • Friday, 4/17 – 4th Grade Walking Field Trip (Ms. Fellows’ homeroom): Decker Library
  • Monday, 4/20 – 3rd Grade Field Trip: Confluence Park
  • Wednesday, 4/22 – Calm & Kind Family Workshop Series, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Thursday, 4/23 – Kindergarten Physical Education Night with Mr. J, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday, 4/24 – Monthly School Value Assembly, 7:45 AM
  • Friday, 4/24 – 4th Grade Field Trip: Shakespeare Festival

Upcoming DPS & Community Events