PROGRAMS

The Thurston Thriller is Thurston's biggest Halloween bash — an all-grade social held every October that kicks off the school year with spooky fun for every Waverider! Expect a haunted afternoon of music, games, and Halloween mayhem on campus, all wrapped into one of PTA's most anticipated events of the year, with proceeds fueling PTA programs all year long. Volunteers help bring the haunt to life — organizing games and activities, managing ticket sales and check-in, and keeping the chaos running smoothly from start to finish. It's the perfect way to send students into fall with a scream and a smile.

CHAIR: CC Dancey

WINTERFEST is Thurston's biggest bash of the year — an outdoor winter wonderland taking over campus for one unforgettable afternoon in February! Open to Thurston students (plus incoming 5th graders from TOW and ELM), it's packed with real snow sledding, dunk tank, ice skating rink, inflatables, a DJ, photo booth, treats and snacks. Volunteers make the magic happen — running ticket and wristband tables, working the dunk tank and concessions, and keeping the whole snowy scene running smoothly. It's become an epic Thurston tradition that the whole community looks forward to every winter.

CHAIRS: Nicole Dunlop, CC Dancey

Sports Swap is Thurston PTA's biggest treasure hunt of the year — an 18-year running tradition where families donate gently used sports gear all October, then descend on the gym in November to shop for their next favorite find! Surfboards, wetsuits, snowboards, bikes, golf clubs, and more all pass through, making it the go-to spot for gearing up without breaking the bank. Volunteers run the whole show — marketing the event, collecting and sorting donations, pricing and merchandising items, and working the cash register on event day — with anything unsold donated to the Boys & Girls Club. It's a beloved Thurston fundraiser that turns everyone's garage clutter into someone else's next adventure.

CHAIRS: Jenee Zamarano, Amber Smith

Spirit Wear is Thurston PTA's Wave Riders merch line — tees, hoodies, hats, and more for students, staff, and families to rock their school pride. New drops roll out throughout the year, with proceeds helping fund beloved PTA programs. Volunteers pick the designs, wrangle the vendor orders, and run pickup day when the goods arrive.

CHAIRS: Lisa Dauffenbach Schroeder, Deborah Masser

Staff & Teacher Appreciation is Thurston PTA's year-round love letter to the people who make Thurston run — kicking off with a Welcome Back meal in August, followed by three cozy potluck meals throughout the year, and capped off with a full Staff Appreciation Week each May packed with treats, meals, and surprises. It's all for the hardworking teachers, staff, bus drivers, and crossing guards who pour into Thurston students every day. Volunteers help plan, decorate, cook, order, and serve each event, coordinating food drop-offs and making sure the staff lounge feels like a celebration, not just a meeting stop. It's one of the most heartfelt ways Thurston PTA says "thank you" to the people behind the scenes.

CHAIRS: Emily Rolfing, Emily Cullings

The 8th Grade Committee plans the ultimate send-off for Thurston's graduating class! This crew organizes the big Knott's Berry Farm field trip, the 8th Grade Dance (food, music, and all), and rallies parent donations to make it all happen — a fitting finale for students wrapping up their Thurston journey. Volunteers coordinate logistics for the field trip and dance, manage the family fundraising, and handle all the behind-the-scenes details so the celebration comes together seamlessly. It's the committee that turns "last few weeks of middle school" into a memory these 8th graders will carry with them to high school.

CHAIRS: Annie Cummings, Caryn Dorfman, Cassandra Dancey, Kelly Houdek

The 7th Grade Social sends Thurston's soon-to-be 8th graders into summer in style! As the school year wraps up, 7th graders come together for an afternoon of games, music, and hanging with friends — a celebration of everything they've accomplished before their final year at Thurston. Parent volunteer chairs handle the planning and setup so students can just show up and enjoy the moment. It's the perfect way to close out the year and build excitement for what's next.

CHAIR:  Kortney Lillestrand

The 6th Grade Social is a end-of-year celebration for Thurston's newest Wave Riders! Organized by parent volunteers, it's a chance for 6th graders to look back on their first year of middle school and hang out with friends before summer hits. Expect music, games, and good energy as they close out year one on a high note. Volunteers plan the details, set up the event, and keep things running smoothly so every 6th grader gets a fun send-off into summer.

CHAIR: Shannon Ticatch

TMS Sports is the PTA chair who champions Thurston's intramural athletics program — supporting the LBUSD Athletic Director in running fall, winter, and spring sports like volleyball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and track for Thurston students. This volunteer keeps the season running smoothly, managing uniform inventory and distribution, presenting annual funding needs to the PTA budget committee, and publicizing the sports calendar across newsletters, social media, and word of mouth. They're also the hype crew — promoting school spirit with game day attendance, treats on home games, and organizing a fun end-of-season event to celebrate Thurston's athletes. It's the perfect role for anyone who wants to fuel Thurston's competitive spirit all year long.

CHAIR: TBD

Finals Kits are a Thurston PTA fundraiser — personalized snack packs with a choice of drink and a handwritten note, given to students to help them power through finals week. Volunteers shop for, assemble, and organize the kits, and get to see firsthand how much kids love the surprise notes — all while helping fund PTA programs.

CHAIRS: Chelsea Haderer, Emily Cullings, Meghan Rymer, Nicole Strathman

Finals Hot Chocolate is a Thurston PTA event where volunteers serve hot cocoa, marshmallows, and apple cider to students on campus during winter finals week — a fun treat to help them push through exams. Volunteers help set up, serve, and keep the line moving, giving students a quick, warm morale boost between tests.

CHAIRS: Caryn Dorfman, Kelly Houdek

6th Grade Oral History is a Thurston PTA-supported tradition that brings families and special guests onto campus for a heartfelt luncheon filled with real stories and speeches, giving 6th graders a chance to connect generations through storytelling. It's a partnership with the ELA program, turning a classroom project into a full campus celebration. Volunteers help organize the event, coordinate with guests and families, and pull off the luncheon — creating a memorable, meaningful moment early in students' Thurston journey.

CHAIRS: Meghan Rymer, Shannon Ticatch

Thurston PTA's family and parent socials bring the community together outside the classroom! Parent Social gives grown-ups their own chance to connect, unwind, and build community with other Thurston parents. Events are organized by parent volunteer chairs who handle logistics, ticketing, and planning so everyone can just show up and enjoy the night. Together, these socials strengthen the Thurston community one fun night at a time.

CHAIRS: April Reese, Chelsea Haderer