Thornhill Elementary PFC Newsletter
Volume 27, Issue 14, November 12, 2019
From the PFC President
It may be "only" November, but that doesn't mean that it's too early to think about the annual Thornhill Auction. Last week, Becky Urbano graciously opened her home to an enthusiastic group of Thornhill parents who gathered to brainstorm ideas for the auction, and I believe we are off to a good start toward putting together another outstanding event that will benefit our school, and provide an entertaining and fun night out.
While no formal decision on an auction theme has been set, keep in mind that next year marks the 100th anniversary of the Roaring 20s decade...You might want to brush up on your Charleston moves...
More on the auction will be forthcoming, including information specifically for newer Thornhill families who haven’t experienced the Auction excitement before. But keep a few things in mind: Tickets will likely go on sale in late November or early December, and we are shooting for an event in mid-March. Hosted Parties are always popular items to bid on, so if you have ever considered holding a party that would both be sociable and benefit the school, this is a good time to break out your hosting skills.
Thank you to everyone who came to last week's meeting and for all your input and enthusiasm. I hope we will have even more involvement at the next get-together.
Mahalo,
Rex Crum
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Konstella Tip: Desktop vs. Mobile
The functionality of Konstella on a computer (konstella.com) vs. on your mobile device (tablet or phone) is very different.
Creating a sign-up, calendar entry, or announcement? Trying to view an attachment? You'll have a MUCH smoother and richer experience, with more options, on konstella.com.
Sending messages, signing up for something, viewing the calendar, or trying to find someone in the directory? The app is fantastic for this.
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The Thornhill Auction has something for everyone
Last year, online bidders and attendees at Thornhill’s annual Auction scored everything from discounted weeks at camp, to parties with their friends, to Disney tickets, to an evening free of bedtime duty (spoiler: this went for a lot of money). Those at the event also had an incredible night getting to know other members of the Thornhill community.
But you don't have to wait for that special feeling. Sub-committees are open for sign-up, and there is something for everyone - the extrovert, the introvert, the only-at-home-in-my-PJs types, the I-love-to-talk-to-everyone types, new parents, seasoned Thornhill parents - and it is always the more the merrier. Sign up for the main committee to get started!
No experience is needed! (For real.) You only need a willingness to pitch in and see what happens. We will provide the guidance, the moral support, and the refreshments as needed.
Questions? Send a message to Becky Urbano at benefit@thornhillschool.org.
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Your PFC still needs you!
We’ve been back at school for over 2 months, but still have a few critical positions where we would very truly love your help. Would you please consider jumping in? We would be so appreciative!
Secretary: Attend all PFC meetings and take minutes!
Vice President, Fundraising: Lead the strategy of our fundraising efforts!
Parliamentarian: Take a close look at our bylaws and lead the charge to get them updated!
Co-President: Yes, someone will have to take over from Rex next year, and we hope they could start now and learn the ropes from Rex!
Interested? Questions? Have a parent in mind who would be awesome? Email president@thornhillschool.org.
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Fall News from the Garden
We have had a bountiful late Summer and early Fall harvest from the school garden. The gardening classes have been enjoying harvesting and eating loads of apples, we harvested more than 100 ears of beautiful rainbow corn, a variety of tomatoes (including Chocolate lightning tomatoes), bok choi, cucumbers, zucchini, ground cherries, figs, lettuce, and more. In addition to eating the foods directly from the school garden, the kids have enjoyed apple muffins, zucchini muffins, and rainbow popcorn. We also harvested our pumpkins from the garden, carved them for Halloween, and are eating the baked pumpkin seeds.
As we harvest the last of the summer crops, we are working the soil and planting new vegetables for the winter. The kids are loving seeing all of the creatures that live in our garden soil, including worms, pill bugs, and rollie pollies. We have planted kale, broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower, bok choi, swiss chard, sugar snap peas, carrots, beets, potatoes, cabbage, and celery.
A huge thanks to the parents who have been helping with watering, weeding and cleaning the garden areas, and assisting during gardening classes! If you would like to help with maintaining the garden areas, please contact Alexis at garden@thornhillschool.org. If you would like to volunteer during TK, Kindergarten, or 1st grade gardening classes, please contact your teacher. Read about our program here.
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!
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Dine Out TOMORROW at Round Table Pizza
Dine out -- or in -- Make it a Round Table Pizza Night and Thornhill Gets 15%! Pizza all day on Wednesday, November 13 from 11am-9pm.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a family night out and hang out with other Thornhill families. Or, take a night off from cooking and have a pizza delivered (or pick it up on your way home). Whatever your style, this is an easy way to give your family dinner and earn a few extra funds for our school.
When you order, please tell the cashier you are there for Thornhill. At the end of the night, the purchases will get logged and 15% will go to Thornhill PFC. Valid at the 2854 Mountain Blvd location.
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Shop, Eat & Earn: Gobble Gobble
Can you believe Thanksgiving is around the corner? Place a Good Eggs grocery order this week -- for delivery this Thursday (11/14) -- and be entered to win $100 towards Thanksgiving dinner! There will be 3 winners across all schools. And remember, the fundraiser ends soon, so use our school code tbird2019 to earn us 5% back on all grocery orders placed through November.
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Calendar
The website always has the latest calendar information, and here's what's coming up:
- Wednesday, November 13: Dine Out at Round Table Pizza on Mountain Blvd. (map) (11am-9pm)
- Monday, November 18 - Friday, November 22: Winter Conference Week (minimum days, no enrichment classes)
- Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29: NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Break
- Monday, December 9: PFC Meeting (6-7pm library) + Taps and Takeout mixer (7-9pm)
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About the Thornhill Newsletter
The Thornhill Parent-Faculty Club (PFC) eNews team publishes this weekly newsletter each Tuesday in the school year to communicate school, PFC and OUSD news, events and information.
Email submissions to our Newsletter Chair, Evie Nagy, at newsletter@thornhillschool.org by 8 p.m. Thursday for approval—nothing sent after this will be included in the following week’s newsletter unless there are extremely compelling extenuating circumstances. It’s fine to include text in the body of the email with links and no formatting, and attach photos preferably as 150 x 150, 72 dpi JPG or GIFs only (not embedded in email or Word file). Submissions may be edited for spelling, grammar, brevity and clarity. Advertising and items not related to Thornhill are not accepted, as we need to keep the newsletter focused on need-to-know info for the community.
THANK YOU to everyone who submits articles and to PFC Board Members, Teachers, VP of Communications Erin Proudfoot, PFC President Rex Crum, and Principal Steve Daubenspeck. Member of Oakland Unified School District (OUSD).
Email: webmaster@thornhillschool.org
Website: thornhillschool.org
Location: 5880 Thornhill Drive, Oakland, CA, USA
Phone: 510-339-6800