Wolverine Track 15

The Wolverine Track Volume 31, no. 15

May 18th, 2009 Wellington PTA 6.10.43

President’s Message... Bragging About Wellington Is Easy: A Year In Review

Inside this issue: PTA Dollars At Work

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PTA Award Winners

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SEPAC Presentation

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Wellington Walks

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Pavers Order Form

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Mask Project

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Safe Arrival Line

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PTA Spending Survey

6

Dates to remember

May 20:

BOD Meeting 11:00 - 2:30pm

21: “Meet & Greet” w/Marsha Moore

25 & 26: No School 27: SEPAC Meeting 27 - 29: Staff Appreciation

June 19:

Last Day of School 10:40am dismissal

Next WT deadline is June 1, 2009 Newsletter Chair:

I have never been to the Northshore Performing Arts Center and was surprised to realize that is was a real theatre, for crying out loud. I look out to the sea of faces who will soon be NSD Kindergarten parents. There is no podium to put my notes on or hide behind. Why did they ask me to do this? I walk to center stage, remember that speaking to 300 people is no different than speaking to 10, and begin to tell the audience why they should get involved in their PTA. Soon, I hardly need my notes because I’m talking about passionate parents and the amazing things they’re doing at our elementary school. I talk about that daily! I think the preparation of that speech a couple months ago helped me start to think about all we’ve accomplished this year. Wellington PTA has over 35 committees and supports programs that cost $4550,000. We also have built a savings account of almost $35,000, which will be used to fund large projects based on the requests and ideas from teachers, staff and our PTA membership. It has taken hundreds of Wellington parents giving their time, to take us where we’ve gone this year. Here are some highlights: Membership: 376 members strong. PTA Platinum Award recognition for Wellington. Implemented the Big Buddy program to encourage involvement and membership by new parents. Community and Safety: Provided $950 in Camp Casey scholarships, filled 186 milk crates full of food and collected over $5,000.00 during our food drive. There were 312 coats, hats and pairs of gloves donated for our coat drive. There were 560 gifts donated for our gift drive. Fundraising: Held second walk-a-thon, focusing on health and experiences. Contributions of $373 were made at first ever Wine Event. 4PACE.com progress thru February: 88 memberships resulting in over $2,500 from this program. Enrichment: Hosted Principal Meet & Greets and a sexual predators speaker, and paid for author visit and assemblies totaling over $1,650. Implemented an after school choir of 27 students. Academics: Approved the purchase of $1k of leveled books for K-2, provided over $9,300 for basic inclass supplies for teachers, and paid accelerated math renewal subscription of $1,400. School Spirit: Brought community together at the Fall Kick-Off, offered popular spirit wear items, organized school skate parties as well as funded Popcorn Fridays. Financially supported the Sixth Grade Graduation, and organized and provided a luncheon for Teacher Appreciation. Communications: Designed and rolled out a new website for Wellington’s PTA, allowing online donations via Paypal to occur. Provided hard copy newsletters regularly to our membership and a school directory that brought in over $1,300. Administrative: Worked to update, create and streamline documents used by the PTA including the implementation of a new treasurer software program. Thanks to the parents, teachers and staff who have worked on stage and in the wings this year to keep things running smoothly. Only the bus barn speaker and I received applause after our speeches. Maybe they were glad that I was finished talking. They probably wanted to go home, it was late. I’d prefer to think, however, that it was because they could see the value in what PTA does for schools in Northshore. My job this year has been to match volunteer skills and personalities with man-power needs in our organization. I feel that it was also my job to send to our members and those in our community the invitation to get involved. If you feel compelled to consider what you can do to be involved next year, I have succeeded. -Rochelle Dammel

Kim Heinzerling [email protected]

Wellington Elementary Est. Fall 1978

From the Executive Committee ... ’08/’09 PTA Executive Committee Co-President: Rochelle Dammel 425-398-0858 [email protected] Co-President: Joan Ritter 360-668-6448 [email protected] VP Membership: Sandy Mollerup 425-806-4970 [email protected] VP Fundraising: Kelly Zuger-Biggs 425-908-7681 [email protected] Secretary: Theresa Beers 425-402-6529 [email protected] Treasurer: Arlene Bruce 425-398-0426 [email protected]

Congratulations… to our PTA Award Recipients: Outstanding Advocate - Gayle Hickey Gayle has worked tirelessly on School District and Legislative issues for the benefit of Wellington and children throughout the district.

Outstanding Educator - Denise Merrill Hats off to Ms. Merrill for her dedication and commitment to kindergarteners during her 35 years as a teacher and 18 years at Wellington. She is truly an amazing educator who has continually given so much on so many levels to our school and its students. You will be missed!

Golden Acorn Award winners - Arlene Bruce

and Lynn Fischer Both our Golden Acorn recipients have gone above and beyond in their service to both Wellington and the community. We have been fortunate to have such involved and energetic women provide countless hours of volunteer work for the betterment of our school. Thank you both for all of your involvement and for rolling up your sleeves and getting things done!

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PTA BUDGET In working on this year’s budget (presented at the May 12th General meeting), I am again reminded of how much PTA enhances our children’s education. Below is an overview of our budget. It is divided into 6 subcategories: Technology Support – In recent years, PTA has supported the software upgrade of Accelerated Math at an annual cost of $1400. This year, the district will be adopting a new math curriculum which will have a technology piece. PTA will continue to help support this new curriculum. Fundraising – As of today, our Wellington community has supported our fundraising efforts with donations of over $20,000. This number does not include our Walk-A-Thon fundraiser currently underway. Learning – Each year PTA budgets for learning and enhancement activities in and outside the classroom. To date, PTA has spent close to $7000 toward this category, which includes Art, Assemblies, Author Visits, Chess Club, Classic Books, Reflections, Science and Banking. Membership – We have a record number of Wellington families joining PTA this year. This contributed to our income base at over $1200 as well as supporting our District and State PTA. Services – The majority of the donations support services that we provide for our school, teachers and children. These include such items as: field trips, student and family counseling services, scholarships, newsletter and communication, food drive and coat drive, safe arrival program, staff appreciation, library and teacher classroom funding, and emergency preparedness. The amount spent to date to support these services is over $15,000. Administrative – Lastly, there is always an administrative piece to any organization. We have spent close to $800 which includes: PTA awards, state filing fees for non-profits, training for PTA leaders, insurance and operating expenses. Fortunately, the bulk of administrative costs is volunteer time and out of pocket expenses from our PTA leaders. Next year’s budget will be similar to this year. Due to the continued generosity of our Wellington parents and community, we can continue to support our school at the level we have come to expect. -Arlene Bruce, Treasurer

We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. -Winston Churchill

Wolverine Track

Programs/Events... Announcing the 2009-2010

Reflections Program Theme:

"Beauty is . . ." Use of Medications Dr. Stephen Glass, neurologist & Sandie Tracy, Northshore Health and Nursing Supervisor Student use of prescribed medications for mental health purposes can be painstaking and confusing. Navigating side effects, compliance and discerning typical adolescent versus disability-related behavior can be tricky. Support and information for parents and professionals may be limited; but this evening, Dr. Stephen Glass and Sandie Tracy will share their insights of these challenges, and discuss strategies to best support your student through these times.

Wednesday, May 27th, 7pm to 9pm Ricketts Board Room, Northshore Administration Building 3330 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell (For directions – www.nsd.org click on administration building)

Visit our new PTA Website… http://www.WellingtonPTA.org You’re gonna love it! Volume 31, no.15

We Walked our WALK, We MET our GOAL! Our Wellington community had an exciting 2 weeks of Walk-AThon buzz and money collections, leading up to an incredible afternoon on Friday, May 15th! The weather was perfect, the kids were fabulous and decked out in many colored bracelets. We were flooded again with our army of ever helpful parent volunteers. We WALKed out on the grass field, we munched on healthy snacks, and we talked and laughed and danced to the music. And, did you hear? We met our goal!! Money is still trickling in, so our totals aren’t final yet, but as this Track goes to print we have raised just over $20,000!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to every single student, parent, staff member, teacher and corporate sponsor that helped to make this fundraiser such an overwhelming success. The WALK committee has been hard at work all year long planning for this fundraising event. When you have an opportunity, please thank the following parents who gave their time and knowledge to pull off this great day: Linda

King, Liane Logan, Stacy Meyer, Kim Hanson, Karen Bradbury, Danielle Glessner, Kelly Zuger-Biggs, and Katrina Brooke. Special thanks from our committee to Michelle Bedell for leading the efforts on the 1st Aid tent, and to Kris Perkins for her artistic rendering of our “Wall of Fame” track!

Our PTA can do amazing things for our kids with your generous gifts. We thank you! Pg. 3

2009 PAVER SALE Here is your chance this year to purchase a memory brick in the patio. You will help fund PTA programs and add to Wellington’s history. The kids, parents and staff will look back at the engraved pavers for years to come! The patio is a place for students and teachers to enjoy class projects, reading groups, and many other activities; including outdoor chess games.

PAVERS MAKE GREAT GIFTS: * * * *

TEACHER/STAFF APPRECIATION * HONORARIUMS BIRTHDAYS * FAMILY AND FRIENDS TH 6 GRADE GRADUATION * SPECIAL MEMORIES REMEMBRANCES FOR SPORTS TEAMS OR SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Your purchase of a brick paver, engraved with your child’s name, a personal message, or a quote will signify your lasting involvement with the children of our community for years to come. For inscription ideas, come and visit the patio. Make sure your aren’t left out! Let your paver become a permanent record of support.

PLEASE COMPLETE THIS ORDER FORM AND RETURN BY MAY 28TH Name: _______________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: _______________________ Address: ________________________________ Please use additional forms for each brick ordered. Circle your choice. 6” x 12” Paver 1 line inscription $60.00

6” x 12” Paver 3 line inscription $115.00

6: x 12” Paver 2 line inscription $90.00

12” x 12” 3 lines with Symbol $190.00

Please print one letter per block – upper case, block letters. Punctuation and each space counts as one character. Max of 20 characters per line. For information email Shelley Covington at [email protected] or call at 206-255-5814. Return your order form with payment to the Wellington Office no later than May 28th. Once this is received and confirmed via email, your paver will be on order.

Make checks payable to Wellington Elem. PTA. Envelope should read: Attn: Paver Coordinator.

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Wolverine Track

PTA Volunteers making it happen...

Thanks...

6th Grade Masks Project Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the 6th grade mask project. Without your support this project would not have been possible. Thank you to those who helped cut the gauze: Debbie Taylor, Stacy Knowles, Katie Myers, Theresa Beers, Jill McMillan, Wednesday Osborn, Sara Jacobs, Janet Willett, Jan Mudrovich, Robin Schommer, Debbie Blake, Peggy Ellefson, Wendy Gerber, Brandy O’Farrell, Desta Dickenson, and Carol Dunn. Thank you to those who helped make the masks: Donna Larson, Denise Johnson, Desta Dickenson, Taya Vercelli, Sara Kelso, Melanie Pollon, Paulette Bauman, Chris Laing, Christy Schenk, Wendy Gerber, Sheryl Schroeter, Heather Fletcher, Danielle Glessner, Hiliary Ricci, Judy Hope, Debbie Taylor, Connie Bruskland, Darla Takayoshi, Andrea Jensen, Jeanne Koruga, and Kelly Zuger-Biggs. We also appreciate the support from the 6th grade teachers and custodians and the PTA for their financial support. Look for your child’s mask during graduation!

No matter how big and powerful government gets, and the many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers. -Ronald Reagan

Safe Arrival Line Volunteers...

Thanks for Calling! Thank you, Wellington Parents, for calling in when your child is sick or running late. With your help we’ve had a very smooth year on the Safe Arrival Line, and we’ve accounted for each and every student every single day of this 20082009 school year. That is fabulous! Please pass your “thanks” on to our great team of volunteer callers: Ronnie Baldie, Patricia Bong, Leslie Bryden, Sharon Breshears, Lezlie Hanson, Sarah Hoffstetter-Rebozo, Melanie Kanz, Kelly Zuger, Lisa Hitchcock, Chris Laing, Taya Vercelli, and Michelle Mazur. These parents have given their time every other week, all year long. We couldn’t keep your kids safe without their help. If you are interested in volunteering on the Safe Arrival Line next year, please contact Ann Bhat (Committee Chair) at: [email protected] or 425-483-9828. Volume 31, no.15

Thank you PTA Members The PTA Executive Committee would like to say thank you to all the parents and teachers that joined Wellington’s PTA this year. Your commitment of time and money to our school makes it what it is. We want you all to know that we received the Platinum Award at our May 12th General Membership meeting. This award notes that our membership numbers were 20% higher by March 30th than the year before. Only two schools in our area received this award, Wellington and Arrowhead. So, thank you to our 376 members. We look forward to your joining PTA again for 2009/10! Any questions? Call or email Sandy Mollerup, VP of Membership.

PTA/PTSA district disclaimer “These activities are not sponsored nor endorsed by the Northshore School District or any of its schools. The district assumes no responsibility for the conduct during or safety of the activities. Northshore School District shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or petition filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials including attorney’s fees and judgments or awards.”

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