Welcome to Springhill

Dear Springhill Families,

Greetings and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year. I hope you are all enjoying your summer break. There is still some time yet, but this letter will provide you with helpful information as you start to plan and prepare for the new school year to begin.

Starting a new school year is always exciting and filled with anticipation for what the year will bring. Planning events and checking things off the “To Do” list kept me busy once the students and teachers took off. 

In May, Springhill said goodbye to some valued and respected staff members who are moving on to retirement. 

• Susan Manzano, a talented and skilled teacher who has worn many hats at Springhill, decided to retire to spend time with her family at her home in Ashland, OR. 
• Oliva Vann, one of our incredible 2nd grade teachers, also decided to retire this year. Olivia has served our students and community for 40+ years. 
• Soledad Springfield has accepted a position as Program Specialist with the County Office of Education. Her expertise and knowledge of special education will serve her well. She has been an incredible teacher and a resource for our staff.

We will miss Susan, Olivia and Soledad but we wish them all the best as they take on a new chapter in life beyond Springhill.

Goodbyes are hard, but they can also offer new opportunities. We are excited to welcome a few new staff and staff shifting to new positions at Springhill. 

• Macy Mueller, 3rd grade
• Becky Phillips, 2nd grade
• Beth Beuchotte, 3rd grade
• Andee Pendrey, 2nd grade
• Leena Banerjee, SDC teacher
• Valyrie Gillum, full time art teacher
• Natalie Kassel, full time assistant principal
• Laura Spain, science
• Cathy Bornfleth, transitional kindergarten
• We are also still looking to fill a few more positions for aides and will introduce more new staff in the Fall.

Summer at Springhill is never dull or quiet. We proudly host the district’s Extended School Year and the Summer School programs each year. This keeps our campus buzzing with students and staff. There was also a construction project happening on campus to renovate one of our portables for our new TK classroom. Fingers crossed; we will also have a new Springhill marquis to post messages.  During the month of June, we proudly flew the Pride flag to show our support for the entire LGBTQ+ community. We also express our appreciation for the work Francis, David and Vanessa do all summer to make our campus sparkle and shine. 

Our PFC will be co-led by Caitlin Pareenja and Kirsty Maddock this year.  They are working tirelessly to plan and organize events to support our Springhill Community. The PFC will host Scorpion Day on campus in August for families to complete registration paperwork, sign up to volunteer, purchase spirit wear and connect with friends. Please stay tuned for more information about this day and other upcoming events.

As always, I am eager to start this year in collaboration with the Lafayette School District, Springhill PFC and Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE). Together as a community we are committed to strengthen our resolve to building a professional learning environment that encourages all (students, teachers, staff and parents) to achieve, succeed and grow. At Springhill we strive to offer our students a rigorous, comprehensive program with systems in place to support the academic, social/emotional and behavioral needs of our students.

I look forward to seeing everyone in August and meeting our new families.

Sincerely,

Mette Thallaug

Important Dates:

• • Scorpion Day- Monday, August 14 4:00-6:00pm
  • Kindergarten Lemonade Day- Monday, August 14 (Time TBD)
  • First Day of School- Tuesday, August 15

• • Back to School Night (Parents Only)

• • Parent/Teacher Conferences September 18-22 

• • • • Picture Day- Thursday, August 24