Strong start at Thurston

Wow! Another school year off to a flying start! I have hardly had

time to settle in and the first month is already over. Things at

Thurston are going swimmingly. The students are excited about a new

year, and we got the year off on the right foot by having Rudy

Ruettiger come and speak to everyone.

For those of you who never watch TBS, he is the man who went to

Notre Dame as a walk-on football player, got beat up as a practice

dummy for four years and finally got to play in a varsity game. His

story is one of perseverance and heart, one that should resonate with

each of us but is especially timely for this age group. Hopefully the

students can keep this message with them when they hit a bump in the

road academically or personally. I am pleased that the PTA could

sponsor this important assembly.

The PTA is also supporting the effective behavior program at the

school. This program awards students who exhibit good citizenship and

values with small tokens like ice cream or, new this year, gift

certificates and items donated by local businesses. It is a great way

to reinforce the positive that lurks in all of our children. Sarah

Pearlman deserves thanks for spearheading this effort.