Halloween is always on October 31. It is the eve of All Saints’ Day on November 1, a Christian holiday commemorating all known and unknown saints.
Dia de los Muertos (November 1 - November 2) is the Mexican celebration of the continuity of life day to remember late ancestors.
Note from the Mr. Tabor:
Students are encouraged to show their school spirit and creativity by dressing up for Halloween this Friday, October 31st. Costumes should be school-appropriate and allow for full participation in classes and activities. For safety reasons, students should refrain from wearing anything that covers the face, such as masks, and may not bring props or toys that resemble weapons.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Alumni House is looking for Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army at Shaw's in Saco on December 6th. Please see links below to sign up for for both volunteer opportunities. Bell ringing (12/6) : https://signup.com/go/vFoFwLt
Alumni House is seeking someone to serve as Troy the Trojan at Maine Celtics Games! Contact Jenn Day at jennifer.day@thorntonacademy.org
Looking Ahead:
11/4 Elections on Campus - Asynchronous Day
11/5 Early Release Day & Parent Teacher Conf
11/7 End of First Quarter
TA Closet
Do you have any cold-weather gear in good condition that you would like to donate to the TA Closet? The jackets and coats hanging in the main building have been flying off the rack as the weather gets colder. As temperatures continue to drop, we anticipate more people will be looking for coats and other warm items - mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, etc. If you have items to share, please reach out to Mrs. Martin, Ms. Serrano, or Frau Cole. Thank you!
Staff and student Halloween Enthusiasts - As you plan your costume, please consider a donation to TA’s Backpack rogram. Donations can be dropped off in the box across from the attendance office. Please donate in non-breakable containers (no glass).
Suggested items include:
Canned tuna, chicken, or other fish
Peanut butter or other nut butters
Canned beans (kidney, black, chickpeas)
Soups, stews, chilli
Cereal
Granola bars or breakfast cookies
Crackers
Macaroni and cheese cups or other instant meals
Canned fruit in juice
Applesauce
Canned vegetables
Jams or Jelly
Please remember that all costumes need to be school appropriate, meet dress code expectations, and be free of masks or not include any type of fake weapons. Thanks and we look forward to seeing everyone in their best Halloween designs!
We would like to congratulate both our Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams for qualifying for the Class A State Championships.
The Girls finished 3rd and the Boys finished 5th in the Regional Championships last weekend. Good luck in the State Meet!!
The 2025 State Cross Country Meet at Cony High School in Augusta schedule is as follows:
Class A Girls – 11:00 a.m.
Class A Boys at 11:40 a.m.
Hail Thornton!
2025 MPA INVITATIONAL GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, November 1, 2025
University of Southern Maine Gorham Gymnasium (located between the Ice Arena and the Fieldhouse)
Class A – 5:30 p.m.
Purchase Parking Pass Here: If you park on the University of Southern Maine campus you must purchase a permit. You will receive a ticket if you do not purchase a permit.
Purchase Tickets Here: Adults $12.00/Students $6.00/Senior Citizens 65+ $6.00
All ticket sales will be sold online through GoFan. There will be an iPad on site with a worker operating it as a “help desk” to sell tickets to those that need assistance. There will not be any cash sales.
Livestream Here: This is a subscription service, you will need to pay a few to watch.
From the School Couseling Office
Seniors
The University of Maine Admission Counseling staff is excited to bring the Senior Application Review Day to Thornton Academy on Wednesday, November 12th. Interested students should register in the School Counseling Office.
Attention Juniors and Seniors!
There will be a college visit to the University of New Hampshire on Tuesday, December 2nd. If you are interested in attending, please sign up with Mrs. Martin in the School Counseling Office as soon as possible.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your future!
Attention Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors!
Monday, November 24th at 10:00am Ashley Houde from the United States Millitary Academy (West Point) will be at TA to provide information to interested Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors. If you are interested in learning more about West Point, please contact Mrs. Martin in the School Counseling Office.
Art School Presentations 2025-2026
The following Art School presentation has been scheduled during Ms. Thomas’ Maroon 4 block in Room FA 122(B).
November 13, 1:30–2:30 PM — Kendal Kiley
Savannah College of Art and Design, (SCAD), Savannah, GA
All Junior and Senior Artists interested in attending art school at the post-secondary level are invited to attend, provided they:
Receive permission from their Maroon 4 teacher
Obtain a pass from that teacher for the day of the presentation
Sign up in advance with Ms. Thomas, either in person after school or by email
Students must present a valid pass from their academic teacher for the day of the presentation. Unannounced drop-ins will not be permitted.
Additional presentations are in the process of being scheduled, at which time an updated flier will be shared.
Looking for a Fun & Meaningful Way to Get Involved This Semester?
We’re inviting students to volunteer for Unified Science (M2) or Unified PE (M4) this semester!
These classes bring together students of all abilities to learn, grow, and have fun while building friendships that truly matter. Whether you love science, enjoy being active, or simply want to be part of something impactful, this is your chance to make a real difference!
Why join?
Be part of a positive and inclusive community
Build leadership and teamwork skills
Create meaningful connections with amazing classmates
Have a ton of fun along the way!
If you're kind, open-minded, and ready to make your school a better place, we’d love to have you on board. Please reach out to your school counselor or email Mrs. Camire at melissa.camire@thorntonacademy.org if you are interested.
Come be the reason someone loves coming to class!
There will be a brief sign-up meeting for all boys interested in trying out for basketball, this Friday, October 31st at 2:45 in MB 006. If you cannot attend, you must see Coach Nelson to sign up.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Saco Police Department is proud to support the fight against breast cancer through the Pink Patch Project!
The Saco Police Department became the first police agency in Maine to register with the Pink Patch Project in 2020, and since then have raised thousands of dollars to support local breast care centers. This month, we ask for your help to make this project a success. All proceeds go to local breast care centers. How to participate:
Purchase a limited-edition 2025 pink Saco PD patch for $10.
PIck-up your patch with our own SRO, Officer Fahy or the Saco PD at 20 Storer Street.
Sophomore Class Rings
It’s class ring order time for the Class of 2028.
Please see attached or click the link below to view promotions, offering, deadline, and order information.
Deadline: Thursday, November 6th
You may use the Josten's ring sizer app (see QR code) or pick up a ring sizer at the attendance office if needed to determine your ring size.
Next Student Council meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, October 30th in the Library at 8:00am. All are welcome to attend!
Upcoming Events from the TA Student Council
We encourage everyone to participate in these student-wide events.
October into November
Collecting for Giving bags to be given to the Saco Police Department for handing out to people who have no housing. More information coming.
Christmas Families: we adopt 12 families at TA Upper school/TAMS for the Salvation Army. More information coming.
Photography Club!
All those interested in participating — students and staff — in this year’s planning of activities are welcome! Bring your ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm!
Meetings are 3-4 PM in FA 122. Meeting Dates: 11/20, 12/18, 1/15, 2/26, 3/19, 4/30, 5/21. Google Classroom Join Code: 2swmmfcl
The Art Club meetings will be held from 3:00–4:00 PM in FA 116. Please plan to arrive on time and stay for the full duration of our monthly meetings. Meeting Dates: 11/3,12/1,1/5, 2/2, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4. The Art Club is a welcoming space for students who are passionate about visual arts and want to explore their creativity outside the classroom. Open to all skill levels, the club offers opportunities to experiment with various art mediums and encourages creative expression, collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for the arts in a fun and supportive environment. Google Classroom Join Code: x5ce5wzm
Senior Section 2026
Thank you all for your help with cap & gown sizing, we collected information from all graduating seniors. Your guide to all things graduation is now shareable:
TA Graduation and Senior Events
The next deadlines are for yearbooks. As we move through the school year, additional information will be added to this page for other events.
Questions? graduation@thorntonacademy.org
2026 Yearbook Information
Seniors! Please check out this letter for information on the 2026 Yearbook and how to submit your senior photo, message/quote, and how to purchase the yearbook!
Questions? Please contact Mr. Pulsifer at: josh.pulsifer@thorntonacademy.org