Thorson Elementary School

As the school year comes to a close, we are excited to celebrate our retirees, who together bring 182 years of experience among our nine departing staff members!

An educator’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom! It’s hard to sum up someone who shows so much love and passion for their career and students in just a few sentences, but we all know their impact on everyone around them will last forever.

Patty Kestell, 36 yrs., PE Teacher, Thorson Elementary

Patty has dedicated countless hours of service to the Thorson community and has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and families throughout the years. Her commitment extended far beyond the school day through her leadership and willingness to always step up as a dependable team player. As a leader within the building, Patty consistently brought positivity, dedication, and support to those around her. Her hard work and commitment helped strengthen the Thorson community and created meaningful experiences for so many students. Patty’s contributions and leadership will be greatly missed, and her impact on the building will be remembered for years to come. ~ Katie Kowalkowski & Jean Van Sluys

Patty is such a passionate teacher. Not just about PE but about each and every one of her students. She cares about them deeply. She takes the time to get to know each of them as individuals. The same goes for her fellow co-workers. She takes the time to see how you are doing and is ready for a hug or a listening ear whenever you need them. ~ Cassie Wilson

Patty has always been passionate about keeping kids active, healthy, and having fun. Through Fuel Up to Play 60, she led twice-monthly meetings for 40-50 fourth and fifth-grade students. Over the years, she created many memorable experiences for students and families, especially through the annual Wellness Night, as well as trips to Lambeau Field, farm field trips, Packer tailgate parties, and a school-wide Packer experience featuring a visit from players. No matter the activity, her goal was always the same- to make learning fun while encouraging students to live active, healthy lives. ~ Michelle Anderson

After nearly four decades of inspiring students to lead active, healthy lives, Thorson Elementary School physical education teacher Patty Kestell leaves behind an incredible legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Throughout her career, Patty was recognized as a leader in the field of physical education. She presented at numerous conferences across the country and served as a mentor to many incoming PE teachers, always willing to share her knowledge, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Patty was also deeply respected by her colleagues for her openness to collaborate and her genuine love of sharing her experience, ideas, and expertise with others. Whether working with new teachers or longtime staff members, she was always willing to lend support, offer guidance, and help others grow professionally. Most importantly, Patty created a positive and welcoming environment where students felt encouraged to move, grow, and believe in themselves. Her energy, kindness, and commitment to children made a lasting difference at Thorson Elementary and throughout the educational community. Patty will truly be missed, but the impact she made will continue for years to come. ~ Michele Neuville

Best wishes to you, Patty, and may you enjoy this next chapter in your life!

Have a great summer Jaguars!

Here are just a FEW of the fun moments we enjoyed during the last week of school as we wrapped up our Thorson Countdown to Summer. Our Jaguars ended the year with big smiles and great memories! 💙💛

Last Day of School/Field Day ☀️

As the school year comes to a close, we are excited to celebrate our retirees, who together bring 182 years of experience among our nine departing staff members!

An educator’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom! It’s hard to sum up someone who shows so much love and passion for their career and students in just a few sentences, but we all know their impact on everyone around them will last forever.

Trinn Rigert, 31 yrs. Early Childhood, Parkview & Thorson Elementary

"Trinn is a remarkably kind, compassionate, hard-working teacher and colleague. She is a passionate child advocate and family supporter. Trinn always puts students and their needs first, no matter the time commitment or the task's depth. Students thrive under her love and guidance!" ~ Karyn Sotiriades

"Trinn Rigert's commitment to best practices and unwavering dedication to helping every student grow have made a lasting impact on our school community. Beyond the classroom, she built meaningful connections with families and the community, creating partnerships that strengthened opportunities for students and fostered a true sense of belonging. She has inspired both students and colleagues through her compassion and belief that all learners can succeed. Her legacy of service, connections, and care will continue to influence lives for years to come." ~ Kristin Mihlsimmer

"I have had the privilege and honor to work so closely with her for the past 10 years. She inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and creates a classroom where students are seen, heard, valued, and loved! She is a wealth of knowledge and was always willing to share ideas and help in any way she could for each child to grow! Trinn has made a difference that will continue for generations, carried forward in every child and family whose life she has touched. I am so lucky to have taught with one of the best, and am blessed to call her a friend!" ~ Amy Springhetti

We wish her a retirement filled with joy, fulfillment, and all the happiness she deserves.

S- Shoutout night at the Chinooks game!

Wear your baseball gear to school and go to the Chinooks game with you family!

Thorson is proud to team up with the Lakeshore Chinooks as part of our PBIS Countdown to Summer! Every student will receive TWO FREE game vouchers as a thank you for their incredible effort and commitment this year. Let’s pack the stands with blue and cheer on the Chinooks as a Thorson Jaguars community! 🐾💙

🎓 Let’s celebrate our CHS graduates! 🎉
Remember to wear your Bulldog gear and/or black & orange for the CHS Graduate Walkthrough. Let’s show our school spirit and support for the Class of 2026! 🧡🖤🐾

As the school year comes to a close, we are excited to celebrate our retirees, who together bring 182 years of experience among our nine departing staff members!

An educator’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom! It’s hard to sum up someone who shows so much love and passion for their career and students in just a few sentences, but we all know their impact on everyone around them will last forever.

Nancy Martin, 23 yrs. Instructional Aide, Thorson Elementary

"Nancy has been a bright spot at Thorson for many years. Even as curriculum, rules, schedules, methods, and procedures changed, she remained a steady —and happy! —presence for 23 years. Staff and students could always turn to her for a helping hand, a caring ear, and a sense of humor that kept everything in balance."

"As our roles shifted to include more work with student groups, she truly grew into the Instructional Aide position. She thrived in that setting, and students were drawn to her playful, caring spirit. She always found creative ways to make learning fun and was right at home amid a group of kids, sharing a good laugh. Her cheerful presence around the school - especially in the workroom - was always calming, helpful, and encouraging. She could make your copies and give you the boost you needed. We are going to miss her so much, but we wish her the very best as she and Kenny dive into the next chapter that retirement will be writing!" ~ LeAnne Hengst and Sarah Niemuth

Best wishes to you, Nancy, and may you enjoy this next chapter in your life!