Print Making Workshop!

Thursday, January 23rd, 9-11am

Holly Ellis-Brown will be teaching fellow Art Appreciation volunteers about block printing. We will be trying different printing techniques and discussing ways to teach block printing in the classroom, at different grade levels. If you have done printing projects in the past, please bring your examples to share with the group. Please sign in in the main office after drop off and meet in the STEAM room for the workshop. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact Natalie at artappreciation@puestadelsolpta.org

Cross-Cultural Night: Diwali & Hanukkah

Friday, January 24th, 5-7pm

Puesta del Sol Elementary

You are invited to Puesta del Sol's Winter Cross-Cultural Champions event! Learn about and celebrate two culture's traditional festival of lights, Diwali and Hanukkah. Event will include student presentations, cultural displays, crafts and snacks. Sensory-friendly space available. This event is part of City of Bellevue's Cross-Cultural Center without Walls. Contact: diversity@puestadelsolpta.org.

Please RSVP: https://forms.gle/x4f1cn4Hk6XxMip58

Passport Check

January 28th, 1:00-3:30pm

STEAM room

Passport Check Days are fast-paced and fun-filled and a great way to volunteer at school. As a checker you'll have the opportunity to work with students from first to fifth grade quizzing them on their geography knowledge. Our volunteers take turns bringing snacks for the teachers and volunteers. Sigh up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084FA5AB2DA2F94-51294627-passport#/

Please indicate in the comments section if you need to come late or leave early, or are a first time checker. If you sign-up for a slot and can't come to check, please take yourself off the sign-up or let us know at passport@puestadelsolpta.org. Thanks!

January Passport Check is China

https://puestadelsolpta.org/Doc/PassportSI/China.pdf

Academic Challenge is BACK!

Academic Challenge is back! This is a free enrichment program for all students in K-5 at Puesta del Sol. This is an optional, non-competitive program for students to challenge themselves, and foster a love of learning and exploration beyond the classroom. Activities can be completed in Spanish or English. Each student can earn an Academic Challenge Award and/or the Principal's Medal depending on what activities are completed. Awards will be granted at a school-wide assembly in June.

The challenges have been updated and some are different or NEW. Check out the PTA website for more information!

STEM Fair 2025

STEM Fair will be back this school year!! After a long hiatus, STEM Fair returned last year in 2024. We had a successful showing with over 40+ projects. We will be back this school year on April 23rd, 2025.

STEM Fair is a student-led project-based fair using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Come learn about the STEM Fair in one of our Info Nights!!

February 5th at 7:00pm (In Person, Library)

Learn more about the fair at the Puesta del Sol STEM Fair page.

Amity Host Families for 2025-2026

The Amity Program offers interns a unique cultural and teaching experience at Puesta del Sol. We have three amazing interns this year who are serving in various classrooms. We are looking for new host families for the 2025-2026 school year. Hosting can be 3-6-9 month experience. If you are interested in learning about the program or hosting, or connecting to a current host family, please contact amity@puestadelsolpta.org.

Co-President: Aubra Moore

Co-President: Sarah Moon

Treasurer Deposits: Michele Snydsman

Treasurer Payables: Aly Cohen Droker

Secretary: Lymari Pinkston

Member at Large: Andrew Schnickel

VP of Membership: Jodi Sternoff

Director of School Relations: Carla Merkow

Co-Director of Educational Enhancements: Holly Ellis-Brown

Co-Director of Educational Enhancements: Bianca Coats

Co-Director of Educational Enhancements: Stacy Ruegilin

Co-Director of Fundraising: Jim Simmons

Co-Director of Fundraising: Lisa Schreiner

Co-Director of Special Events: Julie Keeney

Co-Director of Special Events: Rochelle Archer

Director of Communications: Annie Perry

Nomination Committee Looking for Board Members

Want to get more involved at Puesta Del Sol? The PTA has a great opportunity for you!

For the 2025-2026 school year, PTA Board positions available will be:

• Co-President: (1 person to co-lead with returning co-president Sarah Moon)
• Payables Treasurer
• Deposits Treasurer
• Secretary
• VP of Membership
• Director of School Relations
• Educational Enhancement Team Member (2 people to join a team of 3)

Please contact the nominating committee if you are interested or would like to nominate someone. We are happy to answer questions. A conversation does not equal a commitment, so feel free to just inquire.

Thank you for considering serving!

Nominating Committee:

• Bianca Coats: bianca.coats@gmail.com
• Scott Bailey: sbailey.home@gmail.com
• Elly McKenzie: ellymckenzie@windermere.com
• Jim Simmons: jim@jbstrading.org
• Jodi Sternoff: Membership@puestadelsolpta.org

BSD District Calendar

Transportation Information

Family Resources

Nutrition Services

BSD Elementary Lunch Menu:

January 2025

Technology Support

Be a Bellevue School District Volunteer

Now Available: Open Transfer, Choice Schools and Language Programs Applications

The Open Transfer and Choice Schools and Language Programs application period for the 2025-2026 school year is now open through TODAY - Friday, January 17th at 4:30pm.

Have an incoming kindergartener, or know someone interested in attending Puesta del Sol? Apply for Spanish Dual Language Immersion at Puesta del Sol.

From wastatepta.org:

Your voice matters!

We need your stories, we need your voice, and we need you! Help make PTA’s grassroots advocacy a success by connecting with legislators about our priorities during Focus Day and Focus on Advocacy Week.

Focus on Advocacy Week is scheduled for February 10-14, 2025. During this week, members can participate in daily email calls to actions. Subscribe to WSPTA Action Alerts.

Focus Day will be Monday, February 17, 2025 in Olympia and members are encouraged to meet with their legislators.

National PTA 2024-2025 Multicultural Calendar