The Eckstein Weekly
March 13, 2020
PTSA Message
Dear families,
This week we will use the newsletter to share resources available to our school community during this difficult time. Please read on for messages regarding the many ways we can give and receive support. Be well, do good work, and take care of each other!
Receive Support
Student Lunches Available Starting Monday
Beginning Monday, March 16, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) will distribute lunches every weekday at 26 school sites throughout the city from 11 am to 1 pm. All SPS students can participate. Eckstein Middle School is a distribution site. Additional sites can be found here . These 26 sites will become a central location for family and student resource distribution. Grab and go meals are available for students, but students can not stay at the school to eat them because of social distancing guidance from state and local health agencies. At Eckstein, enter and exit from courtyard area near portables through cafeteria doors on east side of building.

Unemployment Benefits for Workers
Many businesses and workers are being affected by COVID-19. For employed persons who are experiencing a decrease in wages, the Governor's office and the Employment Security Department have greatly increased opportunities to access unemployment benefits due to COVID-19. You can call the direct line at 1-800-752-2500 or get more information at their website:  https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19 .

Grants Available for Community Organizations
Several corporations in Seattle have come together to create a relief fund for community organizations whose resources are being depleted by the increased demand for services. This fund is coordinated by the Seattle Foundation and is also accepting private donations. Read more about the initiative here . Donate or apply for a grant here .

Space Between Mindfulness Sessions
Space Between provides the optional PE class "Yoga and Mindfulness" at Eckstein. They reached out to offer their free services to the Eckstein community. Space Between teachers are offering mindfulness, compassion, and intentional movement sessions Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings via Facebook live, starting tomorrow.
  • 9:00 am practice for adults, including young adults
  • 9:30 am practice for elementary and middle school students (all family members are welcome.)
Join them on Facebook live:  https://www.facebook.com/spacebetween.community
Give Support
Blood Donations Needed
Blood donations are in short supply. Please donate blood - it’s easy and still very safe. You can find more information about safety and make an appointment at the Bloodworks NW website.

Mercy Magnuson House Community Pantry needs donations
They will accept items Monday-Friday 9:30 am - 5 pm in the coming weeks. Families can drop off items to Education Liaison Brittney Friend in her office. To find her, go in the front door of Mercy Magnuson, turn right, and then find her office near the mailboxes. Any non-perishables would be appreciated. This pantry supplies food to our greater NE Seattle community. The agency is working on a plan for how this food will be distributed/delivered to families in need.

Food Banks Need Supplies
Area food banks are short on toiletry supplies, food, volunteers, and money. Here’s a list of local food banks that need help:
The University District Food Bank https://www.udistrictfoodbank.org/donate/food/
FamilyWorks Family Resource Center and Food Banks https://familyworksseattle.org/coronavirus-response/
North Helpline Emergency Services and Food Bank https://www.northhelpline.org/
Mary’s Place Seattle https://www.marysplaceseattle.org/
Resources from the Library
Access to Seattle Public Library's Digital Resources
Free eBooks and audiobooks through Seattle Public Library – yes, students already have a digital library card!  Libby is a free app through the Seattle Public Library and students already have a digital library card that they will never get fines on. Follow steps below, but the digital card # is 990000 followed by the 7-digit student ID # which can be found on The Source. Their pin is their birthdate without the year. All students in middle and high schools have one of these! This digital library card can also be used to access some other digital resources as well – see below!
Send Love to a Senior
Eckstein Library is starting a campaign to send letters, cards, artwork, short videos, or other creations to senior centers in the area as they are the most adversely affected by COVID-19. We will be making a video compilation of items as well as sending physical items depending on the senior center and cleaning protocols. While we are closed, send an email to  emsterling@seattleschools.org  with a picture of the item you or your student made!
#WhereIRead Campaign
Find the perfect place to read, read a book, snap a photo or draw a picture, share on social media with “WhereIRead, and email picture to Ms. Sterling . We’ll post on the Eckstein Library Instagram! Follow Eckstein Library on Instagram  @ecksteinlibrary for book reviews, articles, and more!
If You're Still Thinking About Summer . . .
Middle School Boys' Basketball Camp at Roosevelt High School
July 13-16, 9 am-3 pm
We'd love to have your player on the court this summer with 2020 Metro Coach of the Year Bruce Richardson and the Roosevelt boys' basketball teams. It's a great opportunity to have FUN, learn new skills and improve your play. All skill levels welcome for players entering grades 6th-9th. Email here with questions. Register here .

Middle School Boys' Basketball Camp at Ballard High School
July 13-17, 2020, 9 am-3 pm
Beaver Hoop Camp is designed for boys entering 5th through 8th Grades who enjoy basketball, have previous experience playing basketball and want to improve as a basketball player. Campers will receive individual skill instruction and learn team concepts in a fun and safe environment. Camp will be directed by Ballard High School Basketball Coaches Michael Broom and Tyler McClenahan and enthusiastically staffed by current and former Ballard High School basketball players. Tuition is $195. Registration opens on March 14; space is limited.To register or for more information, please visit this website or email Camp Director Mike Broom.

Roosevelt High School Engineering Summer Enrichment
July 6 - July 31, Monday through Friday, 11:30-4:15 pm. 
Open to Roosevelt bound incoming 9 th  graders. High School level content. Industry standard software. No cost. Allows incoming RHS freshman to bypass the prerequisite introduction course and start freshman year with specialty courses in Architecture, Robotics, Aerospace, Digital Electronics, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Project Management. Enrollment is limited. For questions, contact Karl Ruff . To preregister, fill out the summer program interest form .
The Weekly is distributed on Fridays during the school year. Please send submissions by *Wednesday at 5PM* to Eckstein Weekly Inclusion is at the discretion of the Eckstein PTSA and Administration. Your 2019-20 Eckstein Weekly is edited by the PTSA Communications Team. Sign up for the Eckstein Weekly here!