News from your North Beach PTA
June 4, 2021
Dates to Remember
- Friday, June 18: Last Day of School
- Tuesday, July 13th: Kinder playdate 4:30-6pm, Soundview Playfield
Tuesday, July 27th: Kinder playdate 4:30-6pm, Soundview Playfield
Thursday, August 12th, 7:30pm: Caregiver zoom Q&A with the Kindergarten Ambassador Team. Send questions in advance to catmpowell@gmail.com
- Wednesday, August 18th: Popsicle playdate 1pm, Soundview Playfield
August 16th - 20th: Jump Start, TBD
Thursday, August 5th: Kinder playdate 3:30-5pm, Blue Ridge Park
A Note from Our Principal
Dear North Beach Families:
We’ve had two months of hybrid learning, and with just two weeks of the 2020-21 school year left, it feels as though time is flying by. We will be on a tight timeline to wrap things up at the end of the year because of construction that will begin the week after school ends. The district is updating the HVAC system at the school over the next two summers; this summer the ventilation will be updated and next year the heating system will be replaced.
Your child’s teacher is sending information home about returning school materials during the last week of school. All student devices need to be reimaged over the summer in order to be functional for the 2021-22 school year. Devices will be redistributed when school starts in the fall. Students requiring access to a device in order to participate in summer school may arrange to keep their device by communicating with Ms. Bakker in the library.
As I’ve discussed the school year with staff and students, it’s evident that despite the enormous difficulties our community has encountered over the past year, we have a lot to celebrate. Our students have demonstrated how resilient, persistent, and flexible they are capable of being. We’ve witnessed them exhibiting the North Beach Way of being Safe, Kind and Respectful throughout the year. They have shown us the leadership potential they have, and the support and encouragement they provide to their classmates. Staff members have gone above and beyond to meet the needs of our students. They’ve supported our kids and each other to help get through the year. I know we’re all looking forward to an end to more of the restrictions we’ve been living with, and I want to reiterate my thanks to staff, parents, and the community at large for supporting North Beach as we’ve made our way through the 2020-21 school year.
Finally, at the end of every school year we celebrate the accomplishments of our fifth graders who are moving on to middle school. Unfortunately, since the district’s policy prohibits in-person gatherings and limits access to campus, we will be holding student-only promotion ceremonies with each of our 5th grade cohorts on June 17.
Have a safe and healthy weekend!
Kristine McLane
Principal
North Beach Elementary
Counselor's Corner
The North Beach Way teaches that North Beach Seals are safe, kind and respectful and guides our behavioral expectations at school. But we're also working towards many other attributes. We are rethinking the North Beach Way and want your ideas. (Students will get a chance to provide their input at school.) Please take a minute or two to share your ideas in the survey below. Thanks for your input!
SURVEY: https://forms.office.com/r/6V6V6Nvux3
Our Book of the Month program for June will be focusing on gender identity and the character trait of RESPECT – both for self and others. We will be using books from the District-provided Gender Identity Kit for these lessons (a different, developmentally appropriate book at each grade level). Most schools within our district have students who are born one gender, but identify as another gender. We also have students who identify as non-binary or as gender fluid — they may feel like they are both male and female or neither. This can sometimes feel confusing to others and may raise questions. Our class will be talking about gender and how we treat each other. Each class will read a book and talk briefly about gender roles, gender expression, and gender identity. The focus will be on treating each other and
ourselves with kindness and respect. You can help support your student at home by answering
questions they may have and by encouraging open dialogue about your family values and beliefs as well as reinforcing messages they will receive at school which focus on respect, being inclusive and resisting and reporting bullying. As always, please let your teacher, counselor or principal know if you have questions. For more information, please see the SPS website at:
http://www.seattleschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=627&pageId=15935
Kindergarten Playdates
Have or know an incoming Kindergartener for the 2021- 2022 year? Join the Kindergarten Ambassador Team for summer meet ups!
Playdates subject to change; information about events will be available via facebook and the PTA website. All playdates are outdoors and masked.
Tuesday, July 13th: Kinder playdate 4:30-6pm, Soundview Playfield 1590 NW 90th St
Tuesday, July 27th: Kinder playdate 4:30-6pm, Soundview Playfield 1590 NW 90th St
Thursday, August 5th: Kinder playdate 3:30-5pm, Blue Ridge Park 2498 NW Blue Ridge Dr
Thursday, August 12th, 7:30pm: Caregiver zoom Q&A with the Kindergarten Ambassador Team.
Send questions in advance to catmpowell@gmail.com
August 16th - 20th: Jump Start, TBD
Wednesday, August 18th: Popsicle playdate 1pm, Soundview Playfield 1590 NW 90th St
Spring 2021 North Beach Virtual Book Fair
Spring 2021 North Beach Virtual Book Fair
May 24 – June 6
Dear North Beach Families,
Once again, North Beach Library is partnering with Phinney Books to provide another Virtual Book Fair! The fair will be available to you online beginning May 24 through June 6. This is a great opportunity to stock up for summer reading!
For more details about our book fair, please click the link below:
https://bookshop.org/shop/phinneynorthbeach
Please note: If you have difficulty accessing the above link , please try re-typing it into a new browser.
If you have any questions, please contact your librarian:
Luci Bakkerlabakker@seattleschools.org
As always, thank you so much for your support!
Warmly,
Luci Bakker
WHITMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL | HELLO FUTURE WILDCATS!
We cannot wait to welcome our new 6th graders and their families to our community.
YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR FINAL GENERAL PTSA MEETING OF THE YEAR
JUNE 9TH at 7:00pm | Meeting ID: 817 3800 8134, Passcode: 20-21boArd
PTSA COMMUNICATION
Find us on Facebook: @WhitmanMiddleSchoolPTSA
Find us on Instagram: @whitman.ptsa
Website: https://whitmanms.seattleschools.org/get_involved/whitman_p_t_s_a
TEXT: WHITMAN to 42828 to receive the Whitman MS weekly newsletter that keeps you updated on all things Whitman. You will receive a message asking you to reply with your email. Respond and you’re done.
GET INVOLVED – EVERYONE IS WELCOME! If you’re interested in any of the open positions listed or need a little more information, please contact our current President at whitmanptsapresident@gmail.com
2021-22 OPEN POSITIONS (all positions can be done with a friend)
PTSA President
VP Fundraising (AGC/Passive)
VP Volunteer Coordinator
VP Whitman Equity
Treasurer
Asst. Treasurer
Auction Chair
Hall Parent Coordinator
Building Improvements
Bulletin Boards & Display Cases
LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED AT WHITMAN?
Here are some fun programs run by volunteers that support our students
FRIENDS OF WHITMAN (MUSIC)
The Whitman Music Program is known for its high level of musical and performance excellence. Whitman provides one of the most complete middle school music programs in Seattle - offering instruction in wind, string, brass and percussion instruments spanning jazz and contemporary to classical. This robust music program is led by our phenomenal Music Director, Joel Orsen.
Coming in as a 6th grader you can enroll in either 6th grade Band or Orchestra and then advance on to Junior Band, Senior Band, Senior Orchestra or Jazz Band.
During a typical school year, we hold several concerts at Whitman and a spring performance at Peddler Brewing for some students to showcase their hard work and talents. We have a few fun fundraising events, such as wreath sales during the holidays and bake sales during the concerts, and in past years, 8th graders have gone on a trip to Silverwood Amusement Park to commemorate their musical journey at Whitman!
Whether you are new to playing a musical instrument or are continuing your path in music from elementary school, we look forward to you joining us at Whitman Music!
EQUITY PARENT TEAM
The Whitman Equity Team is a diverse group of Whitman Middle School families committed to promoting equity at Whitman Middle School. We partner with the PTSA and the school to offer learning and sharing opportunities that highlight racial equity and other forms of equity. Over the past year we've hosted book club discussions, organized Black Lives Matter at Whitman clothing orders, invited Whitman families to attend other racial equity events online with us, and shared ways to learn and contribute towards equity at Whitman Middle School. Next year we hope to have guest speakers, skill building workshops, and other fun events. Participating in this work is engaging, inspiring, and educational. We hope you will join us!
WHITMAN THEATER
Whitman’s new Theater Group began last year and engages students in the creative process- not just singing, dancing or acting. Students will be able to try out stage management, costume and set design as well as sound and lights operation. This year’s production was a Zoom Radio Play featuring student created advertisements as well as student art displayed onscreen during the live broadcast. See the club’s website for more information - PAW website
Join the PTA!
Make your voice heard! The NBE PTA provides advocacy and funding for our students. By joining the PTA you say YES to counselors, tutors, art supplies, classroom technology, library books, and more. JOIN TODAY and while you’re at it donate to the school supplies fund!
Join the PTA here!
School Board Meetings are online!
Attending School Board Meetings no longer requires driving and parking downtown! The board meets for regular meetings twice a month, and special meetings throughout the month. Reopening plans, construction projects, curriculum - decisions are discussed and made. Email klabelle@gmail.com to learn more about attending a meeting to help us track what is happening. You can find out more here.
Support North Beach Elementary When You Shop!
Amazon Smile: 0.5% of eligible purchases back to North Beach!
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1320831
Shutterfly: 8% of Purchases come back to North Beach!
Shop for cards and photos at www.NorthBeach.ShutterflyStoreFront.com and help contribute 8% to the North Beach PTA!
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Community News & Events (The programs below are not endorsed by either North Beach PTA or SPS, and are posted for informational purposes only.)
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Ballard High School music performances coming up!
Ballard Performing Arts Booster concerts air online starting with choirs on Thursday, June 3, continuing with bands on Saturday, June 5, and concluding with orchestras on Thursday, June 10. See details in the attached press release, and the attached images are also available for you to use in sharing out about these events. Feel free to link to the Ballard Performing Arts Boosters' home page, where we will post up-to-date links to recordings: HOME | BPA Seattle WA (ballardperformingarts.org)
Our students and directors have worked hard to make the most of a mostly-remote school year, leaning in to opportunities that the online format presented to work with clinicians, learn from other educators, and collaborate with other schools and ensembles. You will see evidence of their innovations in the combined choirs' collaboration with several area high schools and the bands bringing virtual audience participation into the fitting This Too Shall Pass number. The orchestra program's deep-dive into fiddle repertoire and technique culminated in a collaborative project with two other high schools plus Seattle Pacific University as the Wintergrass Youth Orchestra and will air as part of the Wintergrass 2021 festival's Pocketgrass series.
Each of the concerts will pay tribute to graduating Seniors, and awards will be presented, in keeping with end-of-year traditions.
Pre-orders for the Tom Douglas takeout open today, June 2. The $55 dinners feed 2, and $5 from each sale benefits the performing arts program at Ballard High School. See the Tom Douglas events page for more info: Tom Douglas Seattle Kitchen | Al Pastor Dinner for Two - Tom Douglas…
School Programs
Boys & Girls Club
Questions? 206-582-3512 or choover@positiveplace.org.
Registration Information and enrollment paperwork is available at: http://positiveplace.org/locations/childcare/Pages/northbeachchildcare.aspx
Small Faces
The school-aged program at Small Faces serves kindergarten through fifth grade children. At the end of the school day, a school bus takes kids to Small Faces Center where they are greeted by teachers and offered a snack before the program activities begin. Doors close at 6pm. Contact Kathy Brockman with questions and to enroll: kbrockman@smallfaces.org
Illumination Learning Studio
Illumination Learning Studio provides After School Programs for children K-5. We provide transportation after school each day. This is an arts-focused educational program. Please visit our website for more information https://www.illuminationlearningstudio.com/.
Beachcomber Email
Article submissions for this newsletter are due by 5:00pm Wednesdays. Please send articles to beachcomber@northbeachpta.org
About North Beach Elementary
PTA website: northbeachelementary.org
School website: northbeaches.seattleschools.org
Email: beachcomber@northbeachpta.org
Website: northbeachelementary.org
Location: 9018 24th Avenue NW Seattle, WA 98117
Phone: (206) 252-1510
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northbeachpta/
Twitter: @sealsnorthbeach