May 12, 2017                            www.blainepta.com                                             Vol. 2016-17, Issue 32
Upcoming Dates 
May 17
Tiger Trail Club - volunteers needed ( Sign-Up Genius here)
May 19
Blaine's Spring Family Dance @ 6:30pm  - 4th Grade Fundraiser Tickets here
May 23
PTA General Meeting (Budget and Board Elections) @ 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
May 29
Memorial Day - No School
June 2-4
Into the Woods JR. - Musical Performance Presented by Blaine Middle School
June 8
Variety Show (details below - Auditions May 23rd & 24th.
June 9
Move-a-Thon - More details soon.
Jun 15
Incoming Kindergarteners - Popsicles on the Playground @ 4:15
June 26
Last day of School - 1 hr early release
 
In this Issue

PTA NEWS
  • Blaine's Spring Family Dance Friday, May 19 @ 6:30pm  - 4th Grade Fundraiser Tickets here
  • Gala - Big Thanks
  • Variety Show - June 9th (auditions May 23rd and 24th after school) more info here.
  • Into the Woods JR. - Musical Performance Presented by Blaine Middle School June 2 -4
  • 2017-18 PTA looking for Outreach Coordinators for family nights: Literacy, Math, & Cultural
  • Popcorn Fridays/Menchies Mondays
  • Tiger Trail Club - Volunteers Needed

SCHOOL NEWS

  • School Nurse - Free Dental Care Info
  • Office Reminders - No Student Drop Off/Pickup in Staff Parking Lot; Be mindful of the fire lanes and handicapped parking. Pop Mounger Pool Parking Lot is not a school parking lot.
  • SPS on-line resources for Middle School parents: Source and Schoology
  • Job Board - for parents to post for babysitting requests, etc.
  • Attendance Reminders.
COMMUNITY NEWS
  • Free Creative Writing and Poetry program for 3-5th grade students at Magnolia Library
  • Ballard Girls/Boys Basketball - Summer Camps

PTA NEWS
Staff Appreciation Week - A BIG Thank You!
 
Thank you to all the families who contributed food, helped to prepare gifts and/or volunteered at the luncheon! The staff appreciated every bit of it!
 
We would also like to thank the following local businesses for donating gift cards to the "gift card giveaway" - Queen Margherita Pizzara, Rogo's, Citizen Six, Vixen's Day Spa and Boutique and Julia Christenson, LMT.
 
Sharon Paul, Catharine Blaine PTA, Outreach Coordinator
You and your family are cordially invited to the 2017 Spring Fling Family Dance, hosted by the Catharine Blaine 4th Graders!
Friday, May 19, 2017 in the Blaine Cafeteria, 6:30 to 9 PM.
 * Music and dancing * Delicious baked goods and beverages * Family portrait photography sessions * Games and prizes, including a chance to win a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge*
The Spring Fling is a super fun event where you can make great family memories while supporting a worthy cause!
Tickets are $25 per family and ticket sales are ONLINE ONLY. Buy your tickets today! This is a popular event and there are a limited number of tickets available.
Buy dance tickets, photography sessions and sweet floral crowns for your little dancers here.
Please consider volunteering to help out- All jobs will be fun and rewarding, and we promise that you will be able to spend time with your family at the dance!
There are a variety of options for time commitments from 30 minutes to 2 hours as well as a variety of kinds of jobs to do from set-up to tear down, from checking in families to helping out at the bake sale.
Sign up to volunteer at the Spring Fling at:
Sign up for the bake sale at:
  What are we raising money for? 
Next year's 5th grade students will go to IslandWood Camp. IslandWood is a four-day, three-night educational immersion program for students and faculty, held at a beautiful 225 acre outdoor campus on Bainbridge Island. It is a huge highlight for every 5th grader at Blaine! The camp costs just over $300 per student, so our students and their families hold fundraisers for the twelve months prior to help reduce the expense for all students, so your support is needed and appreciated greatly!
Any questions please contact Nicole at nvreid@hotmail.com or Candy at candy2100@comcast.net.
Gala Update

The auction team wants to extend our deepest thanks to the Blaine community for attending the Blaine gala last week. We had such an amazing time with you- (including Representative Noel Frame!) So many showed up for our kids and were beyond generous.
 
Please stay tuned for our final numbers. We raised a great deal for the general fund, as well as the arts fund (which was our "Fund an Item" this year)
 
If you missed the auction, or were hoping to sign up for one of the parties, you'll have the chance next week. We will be posting them online.
 
Special thanks to the volunteers who helped set up, work the event and tear down on auction day. Thank you to our Blaine families for your incredible donations of vacation homes, parties, services and time.  Thank you to our auction committee- you have worked non-stop to create an amazing night.
 
With so much gratitude,
Sara Willy
Auction Chair
Sign-Ups
Thursday, May 18th and Friday, May 19th on the cafeteria bulletin board.
Audition time slots are on a first come, first serve basis.
 
Auditions
Tuesday, May 23rd and Wednesday, May 24th (4:15-6 pm)
Your performance must be 2 minutes or under in length and rehearsed in advance.
Everything presented must be family friendly and school appropriate. Please no lip syncing.
 
Shows
June 8th 2:30 pm K-4 assembly
June 8th 3:30 pm 5-8 assembly
June 8th 6:30 pm (show will run 2 hours approx.) - Doors Open at 6:00 for food
 
COME HUNGRY: pizza, hot dogs and lots of sweet treats available for purchase. All proceeds from the food sales go towards next year's 5th Grade ISLANDWOOD Camp experience.

Please download and complete this form. Bring to Audition.
Catharine Blaine's Middle School Musical

Catharine Blaine K-8 Presents  "Into the Woods, JR"
Friday, June 2 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 3 @ 7:00 pm
Sunday, June 4 @ 2:00 pm
 
Directed by Blaine's own Garrett J. Lander and to be performed by Blaine M.S. students, Into the Woods JR is the first Act of the Broadway play by the same name.  
 
"Be careful what you wish for as Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters - Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables."
 
Suggested Donation at the Door: Just $5 per person or $20 per family.
 
Proceeds supports the Arts@Blaine.
 
Contact: Ben Eckhart beckhart@outlook.com
Legislative Updates
Education Funding:
Lead budget negotiators are meeting regularly in Olympia about education funding, however there is little to report at this time on this process as it is all being done behind closed doors. McCleary decision negotiations are ongoing in order to define and agree upon what K-12 basic education services are required for funding in 2018. What comes out of the McCleary decision negotiations will be a pivotal component for the overall 2017-19 operating and capital budget negotiations. It was thought that House members would be called back to Olympia on May 17, but that didn't happen because there has not been enough progress made in the negotiation to pass legislation. The first special 30 day legislatives session is scheduled to end on May 23, and consensus is that they will be called back almost immediately for another Special Session. Stay tuned for more updates.
Magnolia Elementary School:
Seattle Public Schools has posted their proposed boundary maps for Magnolia Elementary School which is scheduled to open in fall 2018. You can view the information here ( http://www.seattleschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=627&pageId=24648883). The school district is looking for feedback on these proposals. You can submit your feedback by filling out a comment card (available in the school office) or you can send an email to growthboundaries@seattleschools.org.
Questions: Email us at Legislative@blainepta.com.

2017-2018 Incoming Kindergarten -
Popsicles on the Playground
Thursday, June 15th @ 4:15
 
Sharon Paul, Catharine Blaine PTA, Outreach Coordinator
The PTA Wants You!!
THE PTA WANTS YOU!
 
The nominating committee has been working hard to fill the 2017-2018 PTA Board Slate.
 
If you've been thinking about how you could get more involved at Blaine, this is the perfect opportunity!
 
The nominating committee is looking for a candidate for:
 
Outreach (family nights):
-          Coordinates and oversees non-fundraising Blaine Family Night events such as: Cultural Night, Literacy Night, Math/Science Night.  Responsible for finding a chair for each night and helping to assist and oversee the events.
-          Works closely with the volunteer coordinator to arrange for the appropriate parent volunteers
  If you would like to learn more about this position, email Becky Shields at volunteering@blainepta.com
POPCORN FRIDAYS!!!!
EVERY FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL!
Fundraiser for next year's Islandwood Adventure.
Hallway across from Lost and Found
$1.00/bag (suggested donation)
Menchie's Mondays are back!!
 
Every Monday in May after school!  $3 - Cash only.
 
A portion of all proceeds go towards Catharine Blaine ASB.
TIGER TRAIL CLUB
Wednesdays
Lunch Recess K-5th
 
Students will get a chance to run or walk the "Tiger Trail"- the Tiger paw prints that encircle the Blaine playground every Wednesday moving forward at lunch recess. If your student(s) wish to participate, please make sure they are wearing sneakers- it makes it much easier on their feet!
 
Students can earn "feet" at milestones such as 1 mile, 5 miles, 10 miles and so on. All students that ran last year have their laps and mileage carried forward.
 
Volunteers are appreciated (sign up here). Tiger Trail Club is every Wednesday (12:05pm-1pm) through the end of the year so lots of opportunities to help! And of course- if you aren't able to commit for the whole hour- we really need help during the K-1 recess (12:05-12:30pm).
Thanks, and Go Tigers!  Becky Shields
SCHOOL NEWS
Parking Reminders

Pop Mounger Pool opens this weekend!
 
As a reminder to our families, please do not park in the Pop Mounger Pool parking lot at any time during the school day. This lot belongs to the City of Seattle. You may be towed if it is determined that you are not a pool patron.
 
Please do not park in marked fire lanes. Emergency vehicles need to be able to get into and out of the community center parking lot in front of the school. This lot belongs to the City of Seattle. It is NOT the school parking lot. You may be towed if you are parked illegally.
 
Please do not park in marked disabled parking spots. If you do not have the appropriate parking permits (placards, license plates, and tabs), you may be towed if you are parked illegally.
 
Please do not pick up or drop off in the 32nd Ave W Bus Zone during designated times. These spots need to be available for the safe arrival and departure of our bus students.
 
While we understand that parking can be difficult, we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Music News
Incoming Ballard Freshman Meeting. 
Tuesday, June 20th at 7:00 PM, Ballard High School Performing Arts Center. 

It is a time to meet the teachers, learn about the program, hear from current students, and meet other 8th graders that will be in the program next fall!  We will also be talking about next year's calendar of events and answering many questions that people often have as they enter the music program.  
 
Courtney Rowley, Director of Choirs, Ballard High School
From the School Nurse
Online Tools to Support Student Academics for Middle School Students and Parents

the source logo
Login to The Source
Through The Source parents, guardians, and students may view student schedules, assessment scores, attendance, library information, and secondary student grades.  Read more about the Source.

schoology icon
Login as a Student 
Login as a Parent or Guardian 
Log in as a Staff Member
Schoology is a Learning Management System (LMS) tool that teachers may use to communicate with parents, guardians, and students about day-to-day coursework, such as dates, assignments, and homework submission. Read more about Schoology.

JOB BOARD for Parents to Post & Students to find work.

Parents looking for extra help can now post their needs on the Student Job Board. Yard work, pet sitting, before/after school child help, babysitting, etc. If you have a need, a student will be looking for ways to help you and earn some extra money.
 
The Job Board is located across from the office.
 
If you want to post a job, please use the provided 5x7 index card to write your FULL NAME, job description and contact information and post to the wall.

Attendance

If you need to report your student late or absent, please call the Attendance number at 206-252-1924 or email  CatharineBlaine.Attendance@seattleschools.org.
We appreciate your cooperation as we are required to call on all students absent to ensure their safety.  
Catharine Blaine Office Staff
ENRICHMENT
Latest Enrichment News

An updated schedule can be found here as well as posted on the Enrichment Board outside the main office. 
 
Space still available in Glee club, French Club and Mud Club! 
COMMUNITY NEWS
The Magnolia Library has a free Creative Writing and Poetry program for 3-5 th grade students coming up.

Four Teen Service Learners are running this workshop on creative writing and poetry. They will teach some poetry and creative writing basics as well as help the participants discover their voice through prompts and activities.
Poetry and Creative Writing will be an option for all four dates which are:
  April 29th from 2 PM to 4 PM
May 13th from 2 PM to 4 PM
May 27th from 2 PM to 4 PM
June 10th from 2 PM to 4 PM
 
Come to one or all four, but please register by visiting or calling the branch at 206-386-4225 so that we know how many to expect each week.
Thank you-
Teen Services Librarian I Magnolia Branch
2801 34th Avenue W, Seattle, WA 98199
P: 206.386.4225 I F: 206.733.9825 .
Ballard HS Band: Wind Ensemble
The Ballard High Wind Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall for the New York International Music Festival on April 11th. They brought home a Gold Award (the highest level available) for their inspired performance.  The level of musicianship they have shown and their hard work and dedication have brought them to this pinnacle. Memories for a lifetime and a place in Ballard Performing Arts history are theirs.
 
Director Michael James said, "It is hard to put into words the enthusiasm of the audience who heard the Wind Ensemble's performance and the spirits of the students after our final cutoff.  We received a very long ovation and we are all extremely proud of the performance that we brought to the stage at Carnegie Hall and the manner in which we represented Ballard High School and the Ballard Performing Arts program."
Ballard Girls Basketball Summer Camp July 10-14
Registration is now open for the Ballard Girls Basketball Summer Camp: July 10-14 from 9am-3pm!
 
For girls 3rd through 9th grade (beginner to advanced), this camp is a fun way to improve your ball handling, shooting, passing and defense. Lots of games and inspiration provided!
 
 
Questions? Please send email to Sara Wetstone at wetstonesara@yahoo.com
Ballard Boys Basketball Summer Camp July 17-21
Registration is now open for the Ballard Girls Basketball Summer Camp: July 17-21 from 9am-3pm!
 
For boys entering grades 3rd through 8th grade), this camp is designed to provide individual skill instruction and team concepts in a fun and safe learning environment. Camp with be enthusiastically directed by Ballard High School coaching staff and players.
Cost: $190 (t-shirt, camp photo & certificate); Early bird $160 register before May 1st.
 
Register at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2902344 (not available on mobile devices)
Questions? Please email Mike Broom mrbroom@seattleschools.org
UW Summer Youth Program

This summer we are offering a variety of STEM-focused courses (Green Energy, Engineering Design, Robotics, Microbiology, 3D Printing, Coding in Java, Web Design) as well as a variety of arts and humanities classes, creative writing classes, fashion, mosaic arts and more. 
 
For dates, times, locations and other logistics please visit our website at: http://www.summer-camp.uw.edu/
Please note that limited financial aid is available while funds last.
2550 34th Avenue West Seattle, Washington 98199 Office: 252-1920 Attendance: 252-1924 or  email
Visit the Catharine Blaine school website:  blainek8.seattleschools.org
Tiger Tracks submissions due Wednesdays at 5 pm . Please email Tiger Tracks Editor at  tigertracks@blainepta.com
Visit the PTA website:  www.blainepta.com  * Catharine Blaine PTA on Facebook  * @CatharineBlaine on Twitter


This email was sent on behalf of the Catharine Blaine K-8 PTA 
  
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