Engraved commemorative brick dedicated to the community

Diane Cash, PFC Co-president presented a beautifully engraved commemorative brick from the PFC to the school. This brick, which will be the cornerstone of a path to be laid in the outdoor classroom, along with other engraved commemorative bricks purchased by Thornhill families, can be viewed in the school lobby over the next few weeks.

Proclamation from the Mayor's office

Steve McKiernan, Dad’s Club president read a proclamation from Mayor Dellums proclaiming November 12, 2008 as Thornhill Elementary School Day. (Assisted by Dean Swennumson, student council president.

Thank you Barbara Lee

Stella Moore

A letter from Congresswoman Barbara Lee congratulating Thornhill School on its anniversary was read by Thornhill mom, Stella Moore.

Bagpipes lead the way

The ceremony began when Thornhill dad, Rory MacArthur, led a procession of the student council (Dean Swennumson, Matthew Won, Olivia Fishlow, Hannah Fishlow, Logan Sopchak and Caitlen Moser) into the packed multipurpose room bellowing music from the bagpipes. Breath-taking!

Followed by our Sally Foster chair and amazing singer, Carolyn Gregory, who led the crowd in the Star Spangled Banner and was accompanied on piano by Kay Carter, 2nd grade teacher and parent of former Thornhill students.

Classical entertainment from Ms Revelli and students

Classical music performed by Ms Shauna Revelli - 3rd Grade teacher, Mimi Shalf, Gabriel Gartland and Blanca Seiter played in the background while guests arrived for the event.

November 12th 2008 - making history!

Smiling, happy faces as they watch a video of Thornhill through the years.

The Rededication Ceremony, which took place last Wednesday, was held before a standing room only crowd. Students, teachers and parents from the last 50 years were present for the ceremony which included a welcome from 5th grade teacher and past Thornhill student, Rob Wilkins, and principal, Sallyann Tomlin. Dr. Gary Yee, from the Oakland Board of Education and the Honorable Dick Spees, former Oakland City Councilman, both praised Thornhill School for its success in education and for the efforts by teachers, staff and parents in making Thornhill a shining star in the Oakland Unified School District and the whole state of California. What a night filled with joy, happiness and tears as old friends and teachers gathered together all with a common interest - Thornhill Elementary School.

Tomorrow is the big day! Please join us!

1958 - kids getting ready for the dedication

Tomorrow , Wed. Nov, 12th is the big day to celebrate the official 50 years of Thornhill School. You are all welcome to come by and spend some time reminiscing with old friends and possibly make some new friends too. We start at 6:30pm prompt. See you there.
CCW

All aboard C.A. Thayer

C.A. Thayer built 1895

Favorite memory: when we spent a few days and a night on the CA Thayer in San Francisco. We trained all year as different parts of the crew, then when we got on the ship we acted like real crewmen on the Bering Sea in 1890. It was so cool. I was a longshoreman with Janell, Jamie, Matt...I thought we had the greatest toughest job on the ship. It was the experience of a lifetime and I was so glad to be a part of it.

Also remember the end result of everyone getting the chicken pox because someone in the Galley crew had it. I think there were only a handful of people who didn't get it because they'd had it before. I didn't get it but I did in the 8th grade, but that's a whole other story.
(link to C.A. Thayer history)

Another memory is when our class pet died and Danny had to keep it in the freezer until school started.

Gwen Raamat Class of 1986

Ms Hom - one of the best teachers I ever had

I attended Thornhill Elementary for 3rd and 4th grades between 1986 and 1988. My 3rd grade teacher, Miss Hom, remains in my memory as one of the best teachers I have ever had. Her willingness to encourage and explore the diversity of her students was as phenomenal as the cultures represented: African names like Efuru and Tyondai, a Philippina girl whose mother was deaf and spoke sign language, a Cambodian refugee, a white staunch republican named Jesse Jackson, and Ms. Hom's Cantonese history to boot.

Ms. Hom encouraged us by celebrating our birthdays with a special event: each student got the chance to sit in front of the class, share a snack (cupcakes, if we were lucky!) and bring a special guest. (Usually a family member.) The rest of the class then got to ask that person questions, in order for us all to get to know each other. They ranged from, 'What does your dad do?'; to 'What is your favorite color/food/book'; to the ever-present question from Jesse; 'Are you a Republican or a Democrat?' I recall not having an answer and my father joking that I was closer to a Communist than anything. I am so grateful for the opportunity she gave us all.
Elisabeth Hazell -at Thornhill 3rd & 4th Grade 1986-88

Rededication - Wed.November 12th 2008 at 6:30pm

We will celebrate the past 50 years with several events throughout the year, including a rededication ceremony on 6:30pm November 12, 2008, exactly 50 years after the original dedication held on November 12, 1958.

The image above is the official invitation designed by one of the Thornhill parents - graphic artist Sarah Horowitz.

It would be great to see you there.

CCW

Sample inscriptions for bricks

There are so many different ways to leave a lasting memory at Thornhill. It may be a tribute to the best teacher you ever had or a friend you miss, but remember your friendship throughout the years at school.

Here are some suggestions for inscriptions.

If you click on the text to the left, the image will enlarge so you can print.

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Order Form for Engraved Bricks

Just click on the image and print the form. We welcome you to take part in this wonderful gift to Thornhill School and to come back and visit with your children and their children for many years to come. Along side the form are sample inscriptions.

If you wish to send in a contribution to the Memory Lane program, please print out the PDF form below, complete and mail to:

Memory Lane Program 2008
Thornhill Elementary School
5880 Thornhill Drive
Oakland, CA 94611

Please email 50th@thornhillschool.org if you would like to be invoiced to pay by credit card.
CCW

Memory Lane Program 2008 - engraved bricks

Memory Lane Program 2008 - Paving the Way for Thornhill Students

To commemorate Thornhill School’s 50th year we are offering a unique opportunity to support the school and leave a lasting memory. For a limited period, engraved bricks are available to honor your family, loved ones, teachers or friends.

Your personalized brick will be permanently displayed in a whimsical pathway running through the newly completed outdoor classroom. The beautiful, lush outdoor classroom was part of Phase 1 improvements and enhancements by Thornhill School Volunteers.
CCW

Story about deer on the hill

I remember seeing deer out the back windows on the hill. There were two deer and instruction was stopped while all of the students stared out the window. I think this was in Ms. Edgerley's 4th grade class in 1971.
Holly Harris Graduated Thornhill 6th Grade 1974

Creature Feature at Thornhill - Friday, Oct 24th 2008

This week our very own Mr Rob Wilkins will host a Creature Feature show at Thornhill school on Friday at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to Thornhill. There will be snacks, popcorn and drinks available, as well as a raffle. Be sure to come and join in the fun. Wear you Halloween costume and bring a Jack-O-Lantern to light up the night. Contact: 50th@thornhillschool.org to let us know if you and your family are coming.
CCW

Creature Feature - Bob Wilkins

Image from http://www.bobwilkins.net/

Did you grow up in the Bay Area? If you did you probably remember 'Creature Feature' and stayed up late every Saturday Night glued to the TV. Bob Wilkins hosted the show and is the father of our 5th grade teacher, Mr Rob Wilkins. The show was a huge success and I know there are parents at the school who got to visit the studio and go on the show!

"Don't stay up late, it's not worth it," Bob Wilkins warned as he leaned back in his yellow rocking chair, smoke wafting from his big cigar. But monster movie fans in Northern California stayed up with him, every Saturday Night . Creature Features made it's debut on Channel 2 (KTVU) in 1971, and was an immediate success with it's grade- Z horror films and Bob's dry sense of humor.

Many of the films were pretty good, and his guests were even better: Ray Harryhausen, Christopher Lee, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, John Landis, William Marshall, Forest J Ackerman and . . . well, too many to list. You never knew who (or what) you'd see next on Creature Features. There was an endless parade of the weird: People who claimed to be witches and martians, inventors who built robots, a woman who knitted a sweater for King Kong, local filmmakers who showed bizzare TV commercial take-offs. Once, Bob received a phone call from a man claiming to be a vampire. When he asked if he could be a guest, Bob said "Sure, can you come down to the studio at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon?" When the caller said yes, he could, Bob replied, "If you're a vampire, how is it you can be there at 2 p.m.?" There was a pause, then 'click'. The vampire hung up.

These quotes and more can be found at: http://www.bobwilkins.net/
CCW

Sally Wilkins - a very active Thornhill volunteer and mom

(From left) Connie Schroepfer, Eileen Ingenthron and Sally Wilkins.

All former Thornhill parents and very involved in the PFC.

Sally Wilkins is the mother of two children, Rob and Nancy, who both attended Thornhill elementary school in the 1970’s. Yes, her son is our very own Mr. Wilkins, 5th grade teacher extraordinaire!

During the years Rob and Nancy attended Thornhill, it was not uncommon to see Sally on the campus, busy making plans to improve the school and organizing for the PFC. “I was there everyday,” said Sally. “I served as both chair of fundraising and president during that time.”

Sally was instrumental in the planning, purchase and installation of the Thornhill play structure. “There was just asphalt when my kids started at Thornhill,” said Sally. Wendy Brainerd and Connie Schroepfer were the lead women on the new play structure.

She was also involved in planning the first Walk-a-Thon and the first auction! As if that wasn’t enough, Sally also helped to bring the Kodaly music program to Thornhill.

“My best memory of Thornhill is when my second child (Nancy) went to the environmental living program on the C.A. THAYER sailing schooner at Hyde Street Pier” said Sally. “It was an overnight trip where the kids slept and cooked food on the schooner. They learned about team work, how to tie knots and how to raise the sails. I particularly remember Ranger Dave who the kids really loved.”

Another fun memory of the school is when her husband, Bob Wilkins, who was the host of the TV show Creature Features, brought the actors who played Darth Vader and Cp3O to the school. The kids loved it!

Sally Wilkins met lifelong friends at Thornhill Elementary. Just this past August, she attended a luncheon with old friends and teachers who she met while her kids attended the school. Sally has fond memories of Thornhill and is proud of what the school is today.

You can meet Sally during the rededication ceremony on November 12th. She looks forward to celebrating the past 50 years with the entire Thornhill community.
Kass Day - 50th Chairperson

Dedication Program - 1958

In less than one month we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary on precisely the same date as the school did, 50 years ago. The re-dedication will take place at the school at 6:30 pm. Invites will be going out in the mail and if you, or someone else you know, should be on the list - please fill out the 'Contact Us' form at the end of the blog. The more, the merrier!

This is a copy of the original dedication program from November, 12th 1958.

Thornhill graduate stuck close to home

Sally Butler

When Thornhill Elementary School opened its doors, Sally Butler was there to be a part of its first kindergarten class Sept, 1958. Along with her sister, Sharon, who was in second grade, and her brother, Bill, who was in third, going to school everyday at Thornhill became a part of their lives.

Sally Butler graduated in the class of 1965, went on to Montera Middle School and then on to Skyline High School.

David Bonini

She later married Dave Bonini, who was in third grade when Thornhill School opened in 1958.

Their son Jason Bonini, entered kindergarten at Thornhill School in 1986-Sally Bonini will become Grandmother Bonini for the first time this June

During her son’s seven years at Thornhill, Sally was treasurer of the school’s parent-teacher organization for four years and chair of its Site Committee for two-during which they purchased and installed the lunch tables out back.

During 1988, Sally returned to Thornhill School as a noon supervisor. Within a year she became an Aide to the students in the Special Day Class, and has been there ever since.

She wears many hats at Thornhill, including working on purchase orders; she’s also one of the official fix-it people.


Sally has been a quilter for the past 20 years and owns her own craft business called Shoreline Creations. She spends as much time possible at her favorite home away from home in Dillon Beach.

Sally and her family have a long and deeply rooted history with Thornhill Elementary.
Dorothy Okamoto - Historian 2007

Newsletter - Jan 1959

This is the very first newsletter published at the school - Jan 1959.

First PFC meeting 1958

Beautiful black and white shot of one the first PFC meetings.

Random act of kindness - 1958

Montclair School donated a TV to Thornhill School so the kids could watch the KQED channel. Back in 1958 Thornhill had zero funds in the bank as they had just formed the newly established Thornhill PFC group.

So what was on the lunch menu in the 50's?

Good question. We managed to find a menu dating back to March 1959. It actually didn't sound too bad. No prepackaged items, all fresh and served up from the full-functioning kitchen. Not sure you'll find 'sloppy joes on mash potatoes' today on the menu, but I do like the sound of a Waldorf salad. The title at the top of the menu is quite interesting - 'Menu for type "A" lunches'.

The poor old music cabinet

The poor old music cabinet is still being used daily at the school. It's origin and age - nobody knows, but we did manage to get a great quote from former Thornhill student and current parent, Drew Johnson.


"The most powerful memory I have of the music cabinet is going to the auditorium with a small group of kids for "folk dance" lessons. The teacher, who as I remember was quite flamboyant, used the cabinet to play records, and of course us boys were embarassed at having to dance with the girls. By the way, I'm pretty sure the folding chairs were the same too. I graduated in '68 from Thornhill!"
Drew Johnson.

PTA resolution - an independent group is formed

The Parent Faculty Club was formed as an independent group. Dr Stanford Plainfield was appointed one of the temporary officers and held the position as the 1st PFC president.

Letter to the Editor

In response to the earlier published article, the above article was published to clarify the 'togetherness' at Thornhill. One of the reasons for not forming a PTA was because it was expressed in the earlier article of 'lacking togetherness'. As you read through this piece it's clear to say one of the main reasons to form an independent group, was so both parents could attend meetings together. Formerly mothers would meet at noon - afternoon meetings and dads would meet in the evening at Dad's club. Click on the image to read the details.

PTA vs PFC - custard hit the fan! September 1958

There are 3 promient articles that were featured in the Montclarion about the parents at Thornhill rebelling against the usual formation of a PTA. After a man stood up at the first school meeting and said he would rather contribute his dues to the school, rather than a national organization - at this point the custard hit the fan! Click on the article above to read the details. The next 2 articles summerize the decisions of all the involved parties.

School Bus 1958

The school bus was approved by the district earlier in the year, stopping at both Thornhill and Montclair schools. The kids were picked up throughout the hills on the roads that were designated 'safe'. The bus service continued until 1959 when the service was going to be pulled, but continued a little longer after the parents rallied to raise money to maintain the service.

Principal named for Thornhill- July 2nd,1958

It was published in the Montclarion that the new Principal for Thornhill School was Dr Benjamin Jefferson.

Four New Schools To Open This Fall - the Trib wrote

Thornhill was amongst a bunch of other schools scheduled to open in the Fall of 1958. (Double click to read the article)

Construction began in 1957

The construction began with a deadline for September 1st, 1958.

430 students from K - 6th

Another article in the Montclarion had the school slated for 12 classrooms and 430 students. The school originally went from Kindergarten to 6th grade.

Even a member from the Dad's club was on hand

As work commenced on the planned site for the Thornhill school, the photo above shows a very close knit community - a member of the Dad's Club was there to observe too!

Bids for Construction posted

Bids for construction were posted in the Tribune. All the bids exceeded the allocated funds.

Oakland Tribune article from July 4th, 1956

The new school plans were big news in the community. All the local news networks picked up the story including the Tribune. (Double click on the article to read the details).

Montclarion July 4th, 1956

This except was taken from the cover of the Montclarion in 1956.

Architect drawing of the future school

This was the beginning of Thornhill Elementary School in 1956.
The artist impression above was released to the public after the architects were named - Robert Goetz, Frederick L R Confer, Raymond G Willis, Associate Architects.