Dear Thorp Families,
Happy New Year! We hope your holiday break was filled with rest, joy, and meaningful time with loved ones. We are excited to welcome everyone back and begin a strong and successful start to 2026 at Thorp.
Let’s Soar with Strong Attendance
As we begin the new year, we are renewing our focus on attendance because being present every day matters. This year, our weekly *Golden Eagle* attendance awards have celebrated homerooms with outstanding attendance. Classrooms have redeemed their awards for fun incentives such as classroom parties, extra recess, and special rewards—and we have already seen a positive impact. That said, there is still work to do.
To continue strengthening our schoolwide attendance, we are addressing chronic absenteeism (defined as more than 17 absences, or 10% of the school year), which impacted our state rating last year. To support students and families, Thorp Saturday School will return beginning Saturday, January 17, from 7:00–9:00 a.m.
Students with five or more absences and grades below a “C” will be required to attend. Saturday School provides targeted, personalized support to help students catch up on assignments, review key concepts, and improve their academic performance until they are back on track. Additionally, students in grades 2–8 who would like extra academic support are welcome to attend voluntarily.
Families of students who are required to attend will receive a notice each Thursday. Because the program ends early in the morning, students will still be able to participate in their extracurricular activities later in the day.
Please note: Although we want to improve school-wide attendance, if your child has a fever, is nauseous, or is ill, they should stay home. Saturday School is intended to support families by reinforcing student responsibility and readiness for learning. We know that consistent attendance leads to stronger learning, greater confidence, and a stronger Thorp community.
Preparing for IAR Success
January also marks the start of our IAR standards review. The Illinois Assessment of Readiness measures student mastery of key Math and Reading standards. We are proud to share that Thorp students consistently perform in the top 10% statewide, and last year we ranked among the top 50 CPS schools for proficiency.
This year, we are aiming even higher. Classrooms will engage students through friendly competitions, games, and challenges designed to make learning both effective and fun. Your child is ready to shine, and we appreciate your continued encouragement at home. IAR will be administered to students in grades 3-8 in March.
Thank You for Your Feedback
Thank you to all families who completed our November Communication Survey. Your feedback is valued and has already helped guide meaningful improvements. We will be sharing key takeaways and next steps soon. Please also look for our mid-year survey in February as we continue working together.
A special thank-you to our Communications Committee for their thoughtful ideas and ongoing support. Your partnership makes a difference.
We look forward to a fantastic start to the year. Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you a wonderful weekend.
Warm regards during this very chilly winter,
Mr. Toledo
Ms. McNally
Ms. Schoonewolff
Friends of Thorp News:
Friends of Thorp
Chicago Wolves Game
Sunday January 11 at 3pm
Come and enjoy a hockey game with your fellow Thorpies! More info HERE! And win a chance to ride on the Zamboni at the game!
Ticket sales end 1/6/26
Culvers Dine Out
Grab a butter burger and raise money for Thorp! More info here.
Tues, 1/13
5pm-8pm
4939 W Irving Park
Pub Quiz
Sun, 2/1
2pm-5pm
Sidekick's 4424 W Montrose Ave
PTA News:
January Meeting Wednesday, January 21st 6:00-7:00. Virtual link to come
Friday, January 23rd:
What: Winter Wiggle Dance
Who: Students in grades K-4 and their families
When:5:00-7:00
Food will be available for purchase.