SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 * ISSUE 091815

Upcoming Important Dates

9/21-9/25Scholastic Book Fair at Puesta del Sol
9/22Dining for Dinero Event - Wayback Burgers
9/23Room Parent Kick-off Meeting
9/25Deadline: First Day Forms Due
9/25Walkathon
9/26Spirit Wear Orders Due by midnight!
10/2Last Day for online Scholastic Book Fair sales
10/6Picture Day for Individuals
10/6WatchDOGS Pizza and information night
10/9 NO SCHOOL: Teacher Professional Development Day
10/21Spirit Wear Wednesdays Begins
2015 WALKATHON
Friday, September 25, 2015   3:30 to 6:00pm, Rain or Shine

Raise Funds for our Kids: Has your child started gathering per lap and/or flat-rate pledges from family and friends yet?   For more information and pledge resources please go to PTA Walkathon.


PARENTS: DONATE ONLINE (requires PTA login)
CORPORATE MATCHING PROGRAMS (Double your donation value!)

PARKING WILL BE A CHALLENGE. Please consider parking in the Tyee Middle School neighborhood. and walking the trail. Signs will be posted to direct you to Puesta del Sol.

WALKATHON: RSVP 
RSVP by Tuesday, September 22nd

Parents must RSVP every Puesta del Sol student by next Tuesday, September 22nd to ensure they arrive at the right location after school (i.e. Walkathon, buses, pick-up line, etc.).  Classes with 100% response by Monday, September 21st will get an extra recess!

RSVP TODAY - YES OR NO (requires PTA login)
We will start calling parents that haven't RSVP'd on September 23rd.  Thank you! 

WALKATHON: Volunteers Needed
RSVP by Tuesday, September 22nd

We still need lots of help before/during/after the event!  You can sign up to volunteer when you RSVP or go directly to the link below.  (Right now we really need help with "check in.")  

Check In
Lap Counting
Concessions 
Student Volunteers (Mid School & HS Students)

Please email volunteer questions to Mendi Carroll at walkathonvolunteer@puestadelsolpta.org. Thank you!

WALKATHON: Bake Sale Items Needed
We all love the Bake Sale and we need your baked AND store bought goodies! 
  • Please NO NUTS, peanut butter, or nut butter in any of the homemade baked goods.
  • We also need gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free store-bought snacks for those with severe allergies.
  • Items need to be individually wrapped, and keep in mind they will only be sold for $1 each 
  • Items can be dropped off in the PTA office any time after September 22nd (look for the big labeled bin). Items can also be dropped off at the Bake Sale Table on the day of the event. 
Please email Annie Robinson at arobinson105@yahoo.com if you plan on bringing items. Thank you!

WALKATHON: Please Donate Items for the Raffle!
We still need items and experiences to raffle off at the Walkathon. We are accepting kid- and adult-friendly items.  A few idea starters:
  • iPad, iPod, Kindle
  • Xbox, Xbox games
  • Legos, board games, books
  • Experience packages
  • Sports gear, sports apparel (UW, WSU, Seahawks, Sounders),
  • Kits, crafts, gift cards
Please contact Stacy Weigel at walkathonraffle@puestadelsolpta.org if you have any questions or items to donate. Thank you!

PTA Membership! Have you joined yet?
We need your support so please join our PTA today!  Click on First Day Forms then Join the PTA after you update your account information. Although you may still participate in PTA activities without a formal membership, by joining you gain the right to vote on PTA issues - from board members to budgets! There are also some terrific discounts available to PTA members! Any questions? Email Alison & Jana at membership@puestadelsolpta.org.

Find out all about the great benefits of being a PTA Member on our new Member Benefits page.
Please join us for our first Dining for Dinero Event!
When: Tuesday, September 22, 2015, 3pm - 9pm
Location:  1645 140th Ave. NE, Bellevue (next to Safeway and Staples)

Dine at Wayback Burgers on September 22nd from 3:00 to 9:00pm.  The restaurant has agreed to donate 15% of ALL sales to the Puesta del Sol PTA! No need to mention Puesta del Sol.  Be sure to invite family and friends!

Stay tuned for information on other upcoming Dining for Dinero Events! 

Room Parent Meeting
September 23, 9:20am, PTA office
Did you sign up to be a class Room Parent this year? We are having a Room Parent kick-off meeting on September 23rd at 9:20 am in the PTA office. Laura Dooley, VP School Relations, will be updating all Room Parents on School Policies they need to follow and answering questions. We will also be looking for a Room Parent coordinator at that time to field future questions, usually over email so the commitment is minimal. Please RSVP to SchoolRelations@puestadelsolpta.org and include your teacher's name. 
The Scholastic Fall Book Fair is Coming!
September 21-25 in the Library and Online until October 2

The Scholastic Book Fair is next week!  Stop by for a broad selection of books in English and some in Spanish. Can't make the book fair at school?  Purchase online and books will be delivered to Puesta del Sol.

Mon./Tues./Thurs:  8:30-9:30am, 3:00-4:15pm
Wed:  8:30-9:30am:11:30am-2:00pm
Fri:  8:30-9:30am: 11:30am-2:00pm, 3:00-6:00pm during Walkathon

NEW this year:  Cash or credit card only. No checks. All sales are final. No returns.

VOLUNTEERS ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED!  Online volunteer registration shows available shifts. Put your literary passion to work and help raise money for the Puesta del Sol library.

They're Back...PTA Cookbooks!
We have have a few of the "The Family Table" PTA Cookbooks, left over from last spring.  If you didn't get one of these beauties last year, we are selling them at the Book Fair in the Library!  (Cash or Check only please)
 
Cost: $25/Cookbook

Passport Club News
The Passport Club is a PTA-sponsored school-wide geography enrichment program for 1st through 5th grade students. The Passport Club's main purpose is to help students learn the continents, main bodies of water, and the locations of some or all of the world's countries and capitals over the course of the school year. With this fun and engaging program, students learn to use maps and start to understand how a map is used to communicate information.
 
First grade students may have brought home their Passport Club packets today, otherwise they will do so on Monday. Likewise, 2nd-5th graders may have brought home their welcome letters today, otherwise they will do so on Monday.
 
The September Passport Check day will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 from 9:15-11:45am in the library. Students will be tested on the September material.
 
Passport Club information is online. We're looking for volunteers to assist with our Check Days.  If you want to volunteer or to learn more email:  passportvolunteer@puestadelsolpta.org
Math Enrichment Opportunity: Hands on Equations
Begins Monday, October 5, 3:30-4:30, in the Library

Learn algebra the fun way and strengthen basic math skills! Hands-On Equations is a program designed to introduce younger children to concepts usually not introduced until Algebra I. The program uses manipulatives so that students have a stronger understanding of algebraic concepts.  The class is open to all 4th and 5th graders.  Third graders are welcome, with instructor permission. Please visit the  Math Enrichment webpage for more information.
Join the rhythm of Bomba del Sol! 
Fridays 3:30- 5:00pm beginning October 2, Puesta del Sol gym

Bomba is a traditional music style, of Puerto Rican and African origin, featuring dance and percussion. It is described as a dialogue between dancer and drummer -- as if the drummer were challenging the dancer to a rhythmic duel.  Once per month, students will focus on designing costumes and instruments.
  • Classes will be held on Fridays from 3:30-5:00pm in the Gym, starting on Friday, Oct 2nd.  
  • There will be 10 classes in the Fall Session ($20/class/student), with a mini-performance on the last class.  

This class is open to all grades with a cap at 25 students. It is held in Spanish and sponsored by Puesta del Sol PTA. More details and registration are available on the Bomba del Sol webpage.


Join Tambores del Sol 2015-2016
Begins Monday, October 5, 3:30-4:30pm, School Gym

Be a part of the International Festival on March 12th, 2016 and join Tambores del Sol! Your child will learn a variety of rhythmic patterns and language styles associated with the hand drum (el tambor). In addition, we will present drums from different regions of the world, such as bata drums from Africa, garawoun drums from the Garifunas in Central and South America, and drums from the Caribbean, as an added bonus to expand their appreciation of culture and diversity. The classes are taught by Maestro Ricardo Guity, an experienced musician, educator, and member of our school community. We all know and adore him! The kids have a lot of fun and this is a great way for students to receive additional S.O.S/E.F.E.!! This is a PTA-sponsored program and is taught in Spanish.

Who May Participate? This is open to all Puesta del Sol 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. Exceptions may apply for younger students if they have experience with Tambores. Please contact us at tambores@puestadelsolpta.org. Beginners and Intermediate students will be taught together. Please plan on committing to all three sessions so that your child can perform with the Tambores ensemble in the International Festival in March, and at a School Assembly in early 2016. Participants must have or purchase their own hand drum. Class size is limited.

What is the Timing of the Activity? We will meet at 3:30-4:30pm on Mondays in the Puesta del Sol school gym.

What are the Dates and Cost?        
Session 1, Fall 2015: October 5, 12, 19 and 26, November 2, 16, 23 and 30, December 7 and 14 (and then Winter Break)
Session 2 and 3: See Tambores webpage for more info.

Cost: 10 classes in Session 1, $170 per student ($17/class)
More information can be found on the Tambores del Sol webpage. If you have any questions, please email us at tambores@puestadelsolpta.org.
We look forward to seeing your children on Monday, October 5th! REGISTER NOW! Please email us know if you have a gently used drum you would like to sell to incoming Tambores families.
Pizza with WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students) 
Tuesday, October 6, Puesta del Sol gym

Dads and Puesta del Sol kids! Come and learn about the 2015-2016 WatchDOGS (Dads Of Great Students) program at Puesta del Sol.

When: Tuesday, October 6, 2015; 6:00-7:00PM
Where: Puesta del Sol gym
Who is invited: Dads, Stepdads, Granddads, Uncles and Puesta del Sol kids
Agenda: Dads and their students share some quality time over pizza for the first half-hour; students are then chaperoned for the final half-hour as they enjoy some kid-related entertainment in the library while the dads receive information about the WatchDOGS program and can sign up for their volunteer days at school. 
                  RSVP: Please contact Puesta del Sol parent Tony Guidotti: Watchdogs@puestadelsolpta.org or (425) 785-0275.  Please respond with your attendance by Sunday, October 4. 

Spirit Wear Wednesdays
Show your Puesta del Sol pride by wearing your Spirit Wear on Wednesdays starting October 21st.

The Fall Spirit Wear Sale is going on now! We'll have a display booth at the Walkathon if you want to see and feel the shirts and sweatshirts. You may order on-line between now and midnight on September 26.
 
Additional information and Spirit Wear online ordering are available on the PTA website.
 
The Fall Spirit Wear Sale will end at midnight on September 26, 2015. Orders will be delivered to your child's teacher during the week of October 12. 

Be a Part of the Puesta del Sol Equipo Verde!
Applications due Monday, September 21
 
The Puesta del Sol Equipo Verde (Green Team) is a school club made up of 4th and 5th grade students, teachers and parents. We are looking for new parent members interested in helping support our students in their green initiatives in our school community. If this is something that you would like to be a part of, please contact Srta. Zelda - menardz@bsd405.org. Also note, 4th & 5th graders can join the Equipo Verde by filling out an application (found outside their pod doors), and returning it by Monday, September 21.

School Garden Volunteers Needed
Please help your new teachers get their classrooms into the school garden regularly and often! As a volunteer, you can help with the Thursday 2nd recess Garden Club for kids (K-2 and 3-5) to work in the garden every week under teacher and parent volunteer supervision. We plant, weed, water, and compost, discussing what we do in both Spanish and English.  For more volunteering options, please see the Garden Club web page, send email to schoolgarden@puestadelsolpta.org or join the Facebook group.
 
Each teacher uses a dedicated plot with their classroom to plan and execute on their lesson plans in the gardens - life science, physical science, and environmental science. Garden activities include: planting seeds, growing worms, measuring growth, soil temperature and pH, doing art and math in the garden, and tending to their teacher's classroom garden plot, including harvesting their bounty for their classroom use!

Occasionally we have guests from local farms and Seattle Tilth who share their expertise. Garden Club is free, open to all students/all grades, and they just "show up" - no registration needed! We have anywhere from 15 to 60 kids in the garden every Thursday afternoon in fall and spring. 

Cub Scouts Grill-Out and Meet and Greet
Friday, September 18, 6pm-8pm, Lewis Creek Park
 
Grill-out and meet and greet tonight, Sept 18 from 6-8 at the "Picnic Area," Lewis Creek Park, Bellevue (separate driveway just northeast of main entrance). We will have interactive games of kids vs. parents and share some skits and songs, along with hot dogs, etc. for dinner, and a special dessert. We hope you can make it. Questions? Crystal_Coldiron@Hotmail.com

Community Events
  • Interlake Girls Select Basketball Team Tryouts start Monday, September 14th
     
  • Check out the other great community events on the PTA website.


We would like to say a big thank you to all 400 Puesta del Sol families and friends who attended last Friday's Ice Cream Social. What a great time we all had getting to know each other and watching all of our children go a bit crazy on the playground from the sugar high. Also, a BIG thank you to all of those who volunteered for the event. Your assistance is always greatly appreciated!

See you all at the Walkathon!!

Sabrina Pinto
James Kwon



First Day Forms
Deadline: September 25



Start CLIPPING and
SAVING Box Tops!



Each Box Top is worth
10 cents for our school. 
That adds up Fast! 
Last year at this time we raised $365.00.
Let's beat that this year!

 Clip, Save and Drop them in the Box Top box located in the school office. 

We are no longer collecting
Labels for Education.





Please welcome our new Amity Interns!
Learn more about the
Amity Program that augments the Puesta del Sol experience with
native Spanish speakers.
 



VP of Special Events
(PTA Board Position)
Looking for someone energetic and organized to oversee chairpersons who plan fun events such as International Festival, Family/Themed Nights, Mariners Night, 5th Grade Events, and Field Day.  The average time commitment is 1-4 hours per week. Please contact GG at gg@dizzybus.com if you would like to learn more about the position. If you already know you are interested in the position please email president@puestadelsolpta.org.
 


 



 

 

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Puesta del Sol PTA   Unit 2.3.95, Bellevue, WA
James Kwon, Co-President
Sabrina Pinto, Co-President
425.456.6143 PTA Office
425.456.6100 School Office

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