Washington-Hoyt PTA

Date Correction for School BBQ

2012-05-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

The green flyer that went out in last Fridays Folder had an incorrect date on it. The BBQ will be held on June 14th starting at 11am.

Evening of the Arts

2012-05-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual Evening of the Arts is coming up!! Every class in Washington-Hoyt is working hard to finish up their art piece to put up for auction on Friday the 18th. There are some incredible pieces already finished. We have several art professionals in our school community who have worked with the kids to develop some really beautiful work. Don't miss your opportunity to view and bid on these original artworks.

DATE: Friday, May 18
TIME: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Bidding from 6:45 to 7:45

- Student musicians will be providing background music.
- Family friendly: kids can make a button and make artist trading cards
- Bake sale
- Wall calendars, note cards and posters for sale

Proceeds benefit In Touch with Art, the PTA program that brings art education into the classroom. Put it on your calendar so you don't miss this amazing event!

Before School Spanish Class! - date changes

2012-05-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Registration for the before school Spanish classes are not due until Tuesday, May 15th. The classes will take place before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 17th through June 12th. The fee is $20.00 for the 8 classes. Enrollment is limited to 15 students and is open to all grade levels. The enrollment form is available for download here. Completed enrollment forms and checks payable to the Washington-Hoyt PTA are due in the PTA mailbox before the end of the school day on May 15th. We have a new PTA Spanish teacher, Jessica Orr. Jessica received a degree in Spanish Literature at UPS last year. She spent 6 months Oaxaca, Mexico, where she enjoyed the rich culture and traditions of Southern Mexico. Jessica has taught Spanish to beginning learners of all ages, and hopes to share both the essential vocabulary and vibrant culture of Latin American Spanish with her students. Please email or call her with questions at jorr20@gmail.com or 253-720-6345.

Spring French 2012 - Date Change

2012-05-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Our PTA sponsored sessions of before-school French classes will begin on May 30th (note new date!) This Short French Session will be on May 30th, June 1st, June 6th and June 8th from 8-8:45am in Washington Hoyt Art Room. Cost $20 Registration forms on web site or in front hallway. Please turn registration forms to front office. All sessions will be on Wednesdays and Fridays 8-8:45 am (before school). This will be a fun and informative class for all age levels. There will be lots of games, activities and French treats! Please print out the enrollment form attached (one for EACH student) and send it with your check mad out to the Washington-Hoyt PTA. The enrollment deadline is Monday, May 14th. If you have any questions, please contact Yvonne Beardemphl at (253) 241-6914 or email Yvonne.

3rd Annual Uniform Sale

2012-05-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

The Washington-Hoyt 3rd Annual Uniform Sale is coming up - June 15th 3:30 to 5pm!

The purpose of this event is to:
1. Recycle and reuse clothing items
2. Raise money for 5th grade camp for the current 4th graders. This event typically raises $300-$400.

Donate your outgrown, gently used uniform items to the PTA uniform sale. A laundry basket will be placed near the front office for deposit of the items. School pants, jeans, shorts, polos, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other school uniforms can be donated. Clothing needs to be in good condition.

The uniform items will be sold for very low prices: Jeans and pants for $2, polos for $1, sweaters and sweatshirts for $2, and school sweatshirts for $5. If you can volunteer to help with the sale, please email Alison Hoseth.

Camp Invention!

2012-05-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

Camp Invention has a few spots left!!!! Camp Invention is a weeklong summer enrichment program for children entering grades one through six. The Camp Invention program instills vital 21st century life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on fun!!!! Look for your spot from June 25-June 29th. The hours are 9-3:30!!!! Inquire with Stephanie Lawrence for more information! There are a few scholarship spots available! Stephanie (253) 571-5736

Golden Acorn Award Nominations

2012-05-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

We all know that our school wouldn't survive without the hours and hours of hard work by our many volunteers and dedicated educators. Now you have a chance to let those extra special ones know you've noticed all they've done. If you know of a volunteer and/or educator who has consistently gone the extra mile for our school and community, be sure to nominate them for the Golden Acorn Award. This extraordinary award only comes along once a year and the nomination form is your opportunity to shine a light on a deserving person. The benefit of present a Golden Acorn Award is two-fold. First, it recognizes an individual who has given outstanding service to children. Secondly, it supports financial grants for students pursuing post-secondary education. Donations are made in each recipient's name to the fund, which in turn contributes to the future of youth by awarding grants to students who are freshmen entering post-secondary education.

We would like you to participate in the selection of our award recipient(s) through your recommendation. The Golden Acorn Award Committee will make the final decision. Be sure to fill out the nomination form and turn it in to the office by Friday, May 11th. Pink forms were also sent home with your student's Friday Folder last week.

You may also email us with your nominations to pie.alamode@yahoo.com
We will be presenting the award at the June PTA Meeting.
Questions? Contact Deb Llewellyn at 752-1494 or Cindy Harkness at 571-5744

5th Grade Camp Fundraiser

2012-05-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

The current 4th grade class is trying to raise money for their 5th Grade Camp experience coming up in the Fall of 2012 by selling Sally Foster "Classic Recipes" Cookie Dough! Yum! If you are interested, please fill out the order form that came home in last week's Friday Folder and returning to school by Monday, May 7th! Money raised will help pay for the teachers to attend camp as well as reduce the cost for all of the students to attend!! Cookie dough will be delivered to school on June 6th. Thank you for your support!!
If you have any questions, please contact Jean Hughes at (253) 752-0248.

Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

2012-04-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Washington Hoyt Families! Wed., May 9th is our annual PTA TEACHER APPRECIATON BREAKFAST! This is a wonderful morning where all of the teachers and staff at WaHoyt get to enjoy a delicious homemade buffet breakfast while dining at beautifully decorated tables - all provided by parent volunteers!

Thank you to all that have volunteered to help out with the Teacher Appreciation breakfast this next Wednesday. It's going to be fabulous! We are still looking for a few more food items. Here's what we need...

1 - egg dish
4 - baked goods
3 - fruit plates

Hoping there are a few more of you who might be able to help out! Remember - you can get the food to me the day before (Tuesday) if that works best for your schedule.

All food can either be dropped off in the health room the day before (Tuesday 5/8), brought in NO LATER than 7:30am on the morning of the breakfast (Wednesday, 5/9) or brought to my house anytime and I'll take it the morning of. To those of you who have already committed yourselves to helping, THANK YOU and I'll send you a reminder email next week.

Warmly, Shannon Rojecki and Wendy Blair 686-6974

Wa-Hoyt at the Rainiers!

2012-04-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Join your school friends and their families at the Washington-Hoyt goes to the Tacoma Rainiers Day on June 3rd! To buy tickets for this fun filled day, print out this form and hand it in to your teacher or in the Front Office by May 11th along with check or cash.
Tacoma Rainiers vs. Sacramento River Cats
Game time: Sunday, June 3rd at 1:30 PM

- You get a choice of two different packages
- Pre-game player autographs on the concourse
- Our school will be featured during the 7th Inning Stretch
- In-game group recognition on the HD video board
And more...

Girl Scout's Earth Day Project!

2012-04-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Girl Scout Troop #41577 enjoyed Earth Day on April 22nd by planting a Japanese Snowbell tree and flowers at the Anna Wheelock library. The tree and flowers were donated by the troop to celebrate Earth Day, to help with the Lorax project and to continue their mission of community service. Cheryl, the library manager, was there during the plantings to meet the troop and to say thank you to the girls. In addition, the girls gave an Earth Day recycling bag with a copy of the Lorax project inside it, to Mr. Mason, "the library statue". Vera, Elise, Grace, Molly and Ali found this project to be very meaningful and look forward to seeing their tree and flower gift grow for many years to come. Check out our gallery of photos from our Earth Day Project!

Washington Renovation Information Facebook Page

2012-04-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Follow and discuss the Washington Renovation Project with the new Washington Renovation Information facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/WashingtonElementaryRenovation . The site currently has about 20 documents such as meeting notes, timelines, photos and blueprints of the existing site. As documents are released by the Architects and the District, they will be added to the site. Anyone can view the information, but you'll need a facebook account to leave comments, or you can direct comments or questions to Gerrit Nyland at (253) 304-5105 or gnyland@drizzle.com .

Your PTA Needs You!

2012-04-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Want to get involved? Following is a list of all the open committee chair positions for next year. If you are interested, please contact our PTA Presidents Amy Mackey or Catherine Feeney.

Academic Triathlon: Coordinate Academic Triathlon in March or April.
Back to School Night Social: September
Golden Acorn: Coordinate with a teacher the process of selecting the Golden Acorn award.
Fund Drive Assistant: Help VP of Fundraising input data and write thank you note cards.
Rainier Game: Coordinate with the Tacoma Rainiers a date and time for Washington-Hoyt families to attend the game together.
Celebration of Learning: Coordinate an Ice Cream Social for the night of the Celebration of Learning in May or June.
Holiday Card Party / Workshop: Organizing the Green Schools Holiday Card Workshop in December, this includes: Advertise event, set-up and clean-up. All materials and supplies are provided. There is a folder with a complete explanation regarding this event.
Litter Pick-up/Plant Sale: Organizing this event. Event takes place in May. Advertise event, set-up, clean-up. All materials and supplies are provided. There is a folder with a complete explanation regarding this event.

PTA Board Positions available for 2012-2013 school year:
Presidents
Treasurer
Secretary

See our Activities and Fundraiser page for more information.

MSP Testing Tools and Dates Grades 3-5

2012-03-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents & Students,

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING ON-LINE-TESTING FOR GRADES 3-5 FOR THE STATE ASSESSMENT:
THE MEASUREMENTS OF STUDENT PROGRESS (MSP) ASSESSMENT WINDOW:

Paper/Pencil Window: Wednesday, April 25th – Friday, May 17th, 2012
o 3rd: Paper/Pencil: Math Reading

On-Line Window : Wednesday, April 25th – Friday, June 1, 2012
o 4th: On-Line: Math Reading
o 5th: On-Line: Math Reading Science

HOME COMPUTER ACCESS FOR PRACTICING THE ON-LINE-TOOLS TRAINING (OTT) FOR GRADES 3-5
THE MEASUREMENTS OF STUDENT PROGRESS (MSP):
• Students will practice the Online-Tools-Training multiple times on laptops with their classroom teacher.
• You and your child are welcome to download and install the On-Line Training Tools (OTT) and Demo at home.
• Students can use the OTT to practice answering the types of questions they will see when taking the online MSP. The practice at home in support of the practice at school, will bring a higher comfort level and secure knowledge of computer use and test program input.
• Go to: http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/OnlineTesting.aspx
• The Online Demo (tutorial) is available without download through the “MSP Online Demo (tutorial) Only” link. The Demo gives an overview and introduction to the features of the OTT. We recommend you acquaint yourself by watching the Demo with your child prior to using the OTT at home for the first time.

Please try to schedule appointments and trips outside this window. A final MSP Assessment Schedule will be posted on the office door the first week of May, and indicate specific test dates for specific teachers, grade 3-5. If you have any questions or need assistance to the link above, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.

Steph Seberson & Holly Fitzgerald
2011-12 Test Coordinators

Washington-Hoyt PTA on Facebook

2012-03-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Washington-Hoyt PTA has started our own Facebook page. You do not have to have a Facebook account to view the page, it is open to the public. If you'd like to received updates from the Facebook page, you need to sign up for a Facebook account and then "Like" our page. Check it out here!

Results from Pennies for Patients

2012-03-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

With great pleasure we announce that our school raised $1,691.39 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We surpassed the school goal of $1,500.00 and earned all three school wide incentives. Next week, March 26th-30th, will be a “free dress” (non-uniform) week at Washington-Hoyt. Students have also earned an extra recess on Friday the 30th and the opportunity to play their favorite game in PE during that week. Excellent job Washington-Hoyt!!

Mason Booster Club Needs Your Help

2012-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

A message from Mason Booster Club President to Washington-Hoyt parents:
Hello, My name is Amy Waller and I am the President of the Mason Booster Club. The booster club contributes greatly to the support of the students at Mason Middle School even so, the booster club at Mason has suffered from lack of parent involvement for many years. This is the last year for both myself and for Carolyn Lowe who serves as the Vice President.

I would appeal for some parent or parents to step forward and lead the Mason Booster Club. The booster club is an important part of the support at Mason for the students, teachers and staff. If parents do not step forward to continue the booster club the whole Mason community will suffer. Please feel free to send me an email or my phone number is (253) 759-3296 to anyone who is interested. Thank you for your time. - Amy

Tacoma Public Schools Online Budget Calculator

2012-03-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

If you missed the Budget Polling Community Meeting, you can still go online and use their dynamic Budget calculator and share your plan with the Tacoma Public Schools!
http://www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/information/pages/budget-calculator.aspx
____________________________________________________________
Tacoma Public Schools faces an estimated $15 million to $16 million budget deficit for the 2012-2013 school year based on proposed cuts in state funding under consideration by the Governor and Legislature. The state’s nearly $1.4 billion shortfall – due in large part to the economic recession that has plagued the country – has caused legislators to consider dramatic cuts to a wide range of programs, including K-12 education.

Tacoma Public Schools created a polling tool to find out what you value most that the district provides. We want to know what programs and services provided by the district are most important to you and the broader community. The District values your input. Ultimately, District leaders and the Board of Directors will make the final decisions on how to deal with the district’s budget deficit, including which programs and services to reduce or eliminate and which revenues to increase, if any.

Kindergarten Registration

2012-03-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Enrollment for kindergarten at all Tacoma Public Schools begins March 1st. Registration times at Washington-Hoyt are from 10:00am - 2:30pm in the Front Office. Please stop by and pick up the registration packet during these times. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Green at (253) 571-5700.

Kindergarten Chess Champs!

2012-02-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

Adam Gaimster and Conor Dunn placed first and second among Kindergartners at the chess tournament at Charles Wright Academy on February 11. Kevin Dinicola placed sixth among Third Graders. Six team members were specially recognized for completing their first-ever chess tournament: Owen Chamberlin, Owen Seiwerath, Owen Parker, Olivia Parker, Devon Yann, and Ty Woodard.

We now have six players who have qualified for the state tournament: Collin Bagley, Cameron Showalter, Jonathan Showalter, Kevin Dinicola, Adam Gaimster, and Conor Dunn. Many team members will spend more upcoming Saturdays competing at chess tournaments to improve their skills and have a chance at qualifying for state. Go Cougar Chess!

WHAM! Art Showcase

2012-02-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

3 new WHAM galleries are now up with amazing art from our students:
http://web.me.com/pcblanchard/WHAM/Galleries_2011-12/Galleries_2011-12.html
Fall session: Klimt portraits.
Winter session: Fauvism, and Buttonmania.

Thank you for supporting the arts in school.

Paul Blanchard
WHAM coordinator 759-9669
web.me.com/pcblanchard/WHAM
Tues/Wed: 3:30-5:30pm
Washington North Basement

Reflections Artists!

2012-01-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all of our talented artists here at Washington Hoyt! Before our snow storm twelve children received recognition on the district level for their outstanding entries in the PTA reflections art contest. It was wonderful to see our students showcased for their efforts. Hayden Feeney received an honorable mention for his work in Visual art and Brianna Benner also was awarded an Honorable mention for her Photography entry. Ella Boers was honored with an award of excellence in photography, this means that her photo has been forwarded to the state level and will be representing Washington-Hoyt at the state competition. Congratulations to all of our students!

If you would like to see what your fellow students have done they will be on display at school for all to see. " How can I do this?" you might ask, get started now on your entry for next year. Entries will be due in late September but work can be done any time from now until then. Next years theme is, "The Magic of a Moment", you can find contest details at the PTA website. We are looking forward to a very strong representation next year.

Our Chess Team Rocks!

2012-01-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

Impressive Showing by Cougar Chess Team at Bellarmine Tournament
On January 14 four of five Cougar Chess players representing Washington-Hoyt qualified for the State Chess Tournament. Collin Bagley won 4 of his 5 matches, and Cameron Showalter, Jonathan Showalter and Kevin Dinicola each won 3 of their 5 matches. Jonah Gaimster won two of his five matches. Three wins are required to qualify for the State tournament which will be held April 21 in Tri-Cities. On February 11 many more Cougar Chess Club members will participate in the tournament at Charles Wright Academy. Go Cougar Chess players!

Washington Construction Update

2012-01-14T08:28:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, the Washington-Hoyt buildings will be closed during the 2013-14 school year for major renovation. The Washington remodel is funded through designated levy funds. Hoyt may undergo some remodeling, but it will be done with other capital funds not yet committed. Classes will be relocated to the recently closed Hunt Middle school, where we will be the sole occupants.

The Tacoma School District has selected BLRB Architects for the remodel of our Washington Elementary building. Here is the Press Release regarding the selection. The design process will begin in mid-February or early March. The architects' design processes will involve the whole community - parents, teachers, students, neighbors - in the decisions about changes at the school. I think it will be a great process. Everyone in the District and at the Architecture firms has a keen appreciation for the special place Washington-Hoyt has in the community - as a beautiful, historical building, a premier educational institution, and as a part of the fabric of our families. I'm very excited about this project and the role we all get to play in shaping the improvements to our school. I will continue as the PTA representative for this project, so please contact me with any questions or concerns - Gerrit Nyland gnyland@drizzle.com or by phone (253) 304-5105.

Thank you!

2012-01-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the many families who donated to the PTA this fall to support the students and teachers at our school. You helped us raise $4000 for classroom grants, field trip and uniform support, school-wide events, and even this website. Thank you!