Last Friday, the district sent an email letting parents know that at some schools, to balance educator staffing and keep K-3 class sizes small, some students may be moved to new classrooms. There are about 40 elementary schools across the district where this is the case. When schools receive their budget allocations, they are told how much of the staff should go to grades K-3 and how much should go to grades 4-5. Contractually, in the district agreement with the teacher’s union, class sizes can be bigger in grades 4 and 5. Usually, as the district noted, they are able to off-set this a bit to keep grades 4 and 5 a little smaller. This year, with budget reductions across the district, principals needed to create 4th and 5th grade classes that were a bit larger. Thurgood Marshall adjusted for this when we created classes. This necessitated a number of split grade classes, but we do not need to do any further classroom adjustments at this point in the school year. I apologize for any upset that this message from the district may have caused and hope you are reassured that your child will not be moving classes at this point in the school year.
I wanted to let you know about a very important TM Tradition that is coming up soon—Book-o-ween! To make this holiday inclusive to all, our focus is on reading and not on Halloween. We celebrate by asking students and staff to come to school dressed as their favorite book character on October 31. You might want to start talking to your child now about their favorite books and what character they would like to be. We ask that students stick to costumes that are not violent and do not include weapons. Full face masks are not allowed at school so that students have full visibility for safety. Please be sure you check costumes for school appropriateness at home, as students can become very disappointed and upset when they can’t wear a part of their costume at school. Many of our students make their own costumes out of construction paper or cardboard—there is no need for anything fancy or expensive. To get a little more milage out of your costume, come to our Fall Family Dance on October 27, where costumes are encouraged! If you need help coming up with some ideas, you need only google “book-themed costumes.” Here is a link to some: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g22127013/book-character-costumes/
I want to be sure that everyone is aware that Parent Teacher Conferences are happening in November on Saturday, Nov. 18, Monday, Nov. 20 and Tues. Nov. 21. We will have time slots available on each of the three days from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. There will be no school on Nov. 22–24 in recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Conferences will be scheduled through Sign-up Genius this year, and your child’s teacher will be in touch with the link so you can schedule your conference.
Get to know Thurgood Marshall’s Building Leadership Team (BLT)!
Violeta Quiroz Erin McGibbon Smith Vanessa Hunter
What does the BLT do?
The Building Leadership Team (BLT) meets on a monthly basis to support and improve the areas of academic achievement, school climate, the school budget, and professional development at Thurgood Marshall.
Who participates in the BLT?
The BLT is made up of representatives from the school staff, including the principal, with a parent representative from each school program. Most are elected for a two-year term. It is the responsibility of each representative to gather input and represent the interests of their constituents.
The 2023-2024 BLT members: Aidan McIlhenny (Special Ed Rep), Bridget Carney (Primary Rep), Caitlin Reddy (Intermediate Rep), Danny Hawkins (Family Support Worker Rep), Deron Bryant (Classified Rep), Donna Duarte (Levy Rep), Erin McGibbon Smith (AC Scholars Parent Rep), Katie May (Administration Rep), Krista Reeves (ELL Rep), Laura Strand (Specialist Rep), Shari Howard-Powell (Scholars Rep), Tana Leybold (SAEOP Rep), Trinia Washington (Family Literacy Coordinator), Vanessa Hunter (Special Ed Parent Rep), Violeta Quiroz (Scholars Parent Rep)
Have questions or want to provide input to the BLT?
Reach out to your parent representative:
Violeta Quiroz (Scholars Parent Rep): viquirozrami@seattleschools.org
Erin McGibbon Smith (AC Scholars Parent Rep): erinthesnowbird@gmail.com
Vanessa Hunter (Special Ed Parent Rep): vanessarhunter@hotmail.com
Learn more
Visit the Building Leadership Team page on TMlink where you will find meeting schedule and minutes, and can review the BLT bylaws and responsibility and decision-making matrix.
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