McFall ES News

On the first day of school, new McFall principal Ben Sleeman walked 11.3 miles. Some of it was uphill (or up the ramp) to the gymnasium and back, there wasn’t any snowstorm and he wasn’t barefoot. Still, it was a busy day walking from one end of the building to the other and back again several times, popping into classrooms making sure students and staff were all settling into school.

“Relationships” is the word TK Superintendent used multiple times in his welcome back speech to TK staff Wednesday morning. His inspiring words came after the spirited playing of the school fight song by the TK marching band, bringing everyone to their feet clapping and cheering.

Nine new teachers have joined the TK staff for the 2025-26 school year. They took part in a new teacher orientation and training program early this week as they prepare for the start of the school year.

All students attending Thornapple Kellogg Schools are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches during the 2025-26 School Year through SEPTEMBER 30, 2025. We DO NOT KNOW YET if meals are free for the remainder of the 2025-26 School Year and will not know until the State of Michigan completes the State School Aid Budget.

Robert Pouch has been busy the last couple of months getting to know Thornapple Kellogg Schools and the community and he said he can’t wait to see all the staff and students back for the start of the 2025-26 school year soon. He was hired as the district’s new superintendent and started working in the district in July.

McFall Elementary staff have provided lists of suggested school supplies for Young 5, Kindergarten and 1st grade students. Please note these are only suggested lists. Additional specific items may be requested by individual teachers.

Thornapple Kellogg Schools will begin the 2025-26 school year Aug. 25.
A complete calendar for the school year is still being finalized, but some key vacation dates have been established.
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 26-28
Winter Break: Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 2026
Spring Break: April 3-10

You might find Thornapple Kellogg Schools food service director Jessica Endres in the kitchen helping prep meals in the kitchen, on the serving lines helping out at lunchtime, or planting and harvesting the school’s new hydroponic garden system. Food grown in the system then finds its way into school lunches, offering healthy home-grown options to students.

We are excited to have your child enrolled at Thornapple Kellogg Schools. If you desire to use TK bus transportation for your student, please see the sign-up information provided. Information is required by Aug. 4 to begin riding the bus the first day of school. We look forward to helping provide safe transportation for all students to and from school each day.