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

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.

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.