National American Indian Heritage Month is in November, celebrating and honoring the history and culture of Native Americans and indigenous people in the United States.
Veterans’ Day on November 11 honors military veterans & U.S. Armed Services.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Age Friendly Saco Wellness Fair needs volunteers for this Saturday from 8am-2pm. They are seeking 4-6 volunteers for each shift. Sing-up link HERE
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:
11/5 Early Release Day & Parent Teacher Conf
11/7 End of First Quarter
11/11 No School; Veterans Day
11/26 - 11/28 No School; Thanksgiving Break
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!
In October, Thornton Academy JMG joined over 60 schools from all across Maine for the 12th Maine Youth Leadership Day at Hyde School in Bath.
Our day started with an opening interactive student panel run by Hearts of Pine Founder and Community Engagement Officer, Gabe Hoffman-Johnson. Students then broke into interactive workshops run by other schools, as well as Maine leaders such as teachers, coaches and business owners.
It was an amazing opportunity and experience for the future Maine leaders to come together for a day and explore leadership development!
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.
Thank you to the students who gave their time to transport and set up the Christmas trees for the 2025 Saco Museum's Festival of Trees. Without their help, none of this would have happened!!! Now the magic of transforming the trees for the holiday season can begin!
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.
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.
On Thursday night the Football Team defeated Noble 27-14, securing the number one seed in Class A South. They will play South Portland at Hill Stadium on Friday 11/7 at 7 pm.
Saturday at Cony High School the Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams competed in the Class A State Championship meet. The Boys finished 9th and the Girls placed 4th. The top finishers for the girls were MacKenzie Shields (14th), Julia Beaudette (15th), Londyn Hemenway (19th), and Lily Whitehurst (29th). The top finishers for the boys were Jonathan Perry (19th) and Noah Loveys-Messenger (21st).
Saturday night at USM the Girls Volleyball team competed in the Class A Championship match vs. Gorham. In a well played, tight match TA lost to Gorham three sets to one. The girls played with great determination and sportsmanship.
There will not be a Student Council meeting this week. Thank you!
November into December
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.
Psychology Club
The first meeting of TA's new Psychology Club will take place on Wednesday November 12th after school in MB 212.
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
We are currently looking for positions and members for our new youth council! This council is a way for youth to voice their opinions on how Apex runs, what programs they’re interested in, and general ideas.
Apex youth of all ages are welcome to join on Thursdays from 4-5pm. Starts November 6th!