Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members:

It is hard to believe that another year has gone by. I definitely agree with the old adage of “Time flies when you are having fun.” As I reflect on this past year, I am PROUD of how dedicated our staff is to making sure our students are prepared for current and future learning opportunities and of how our students have responded.

This year we focused on four things:

• reporting of weekly grades
• developing course organizers for classes at THS
• developing common assessments that will help in measuring student achievement
• peer observation

Our staff and students have all responded positively to these initiatives. During PLAN, Explore, ACT practice, CSAP, ACT state testing and CELA testing, our students demonstrated their academic focus by giving their best effort. Even though the results of these tests will not be available until mid to late July, I believe our entire community will see the results of our work this past year. We will continue to work toward developing the whole child. Students are our focus and their involvement is critical to our success as a school. Parents, thank you for your continued support of our mission, “Total Commitment to High Achievement and Success for All.”

Back in the fall of 2002 when I joined the staff at Thornton, it didn’t take me long to realize what a “Great Place” THS was and is. As we continue to improve the education that we provide for students we will need your assistance, along with suggestions on how we can improve. I welcome the opportunity to sit and chat with all our parents about how we can reach our goal. I will be available from June 16 through June 18 to meet with you. Please contact Alice Smith at 720-972-4801 to set up an appointment.

Enclosed on page 13 is the Thornton High School calendar for the 2008-2009 school year. On behalf of the staff, we wish you all an enjoyable summer. We will see you in early August for 9 th, 10 th, and 11 th grade check-in and senior appointments. Our Freshman orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, and the first day of classes will be Wednesday, August 20.

Kudos to the following:

Kristin Stenerson for her Silver Award in the National Scholastic Arts contest.

James Fitzgerald, Mihika Gangolli, and Rachel Roberts for participation in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship program.

Thornton High School’s art students – they ROCKED!! at the 2008 high school District Art Show. See page 7 for a listing of winners.

Bonnie Cleveland for setting a new school record of 12:00 in the 3200 meter run (previous record of 12:19 was set in 1987).

Thank you once again for the privilege of serving you as the principal of Thornton High School.

Sincerely,

Janette K. Walters