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- Somerset Playgroup
(UPD 7/1/09)
Summer schedule: Mondays 10am-12pm
July: Newcastle Beach Park
August: Robinswood Park
Click here for more info.
- Foreign Languages
(UPD 6/23/09)
Which foreign languages would you like to see offered after school at Somerset? We would like to gauge the interest in French or Japanese among students entering kindergarten through 2nd grade in fall 2009. Please email Lisa Frumkes (lfrumkes@hotmail.com) to express your interest in these (or other) languages.
- Character Education Partnership Award Winner
(UPD 6/19/09)
We are very pleased to announce that Somerset has been selected as a 2009 National Schools of Character Promising Practices award winner! This award is given by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) to schools that demonstrate “unique and exemplary practices that encourage the ethical, social and academic growth of K-12 students through character education”.
CEP chose to recognize Somerset’s PhD (Parent Development) Program as a model for other schools to include in their character education programs. Information about our PhD program will be published in the 2009 National Schools of Character book, and featured on the CEP’s website, www.character.org. As an award winner, our school will be honored at the CEP National Forum on Character Education in Washington, D.C. to be held in October 2009.
Thanks go to Joelle Campbell, Karen Ruby and Natasha Nimmo for their work in applying for the award!
- 5th Grade Slideshow 2009
(UPD 6/9/09)
Click here to see the slideshow.
- Internet Safety Recap
(UPD 6/5/09)
We recently had two events at school about Internet Safety: a Ph.D. parent presentation, and a 5th Grade assembly with an undercover FBI Agent. For more information on this topic, visit www.netsmartz.org or click here to download the Internet Safety Hints & Tips.
- Year of Authors and Illustrators
(UPD 6/5/09)
Local author Brandon Kyle Rudd will round out our "Year of Authors and Illustrators" by visiting the 3rd graders on Friday, June 12th, at 10:40 in the library. He is the author of Cooper's Pack, a fun series of travel guides written for children, and will be sharing his writing, research and travel tips from his adventures around the world and here at home in Seattle. This author event is our sixth of the year, and means every grade has been visited at least three times! We look forward to continuing these enriching visits next year. This event is brought to us by University Book Store (Bellevue). Books are available to order (forms in the library) and at the event. Please contact maryjohuelsemann@aol.com with questions or comments. As always, all are welcome -- come join the fun one more time!
- Survey Summary
(UPD 6/2/09)
Thank you all for taking the time to submit your survey responses. The PTSA received great input and suggestions from nearly 250 responses to help us in our planning for next year. Thank you especially to those who submitted kind words of support and appreciation for all of us who volunteer in the PTSA. The results of the main survey questions can be downloaded Here.
- May General Meeting Results
(UPD 6/2/09)
At the General meeting last week, the 2009-2010 budget was approved, and the Standing Rules changes were adopted.
Mechelle Cheng and Ruth Raskind were voted in as co-Vice presidents for the 2090-2010 year.
- School Supply List for 2009 - 2010
(UPD 5/28/09)
It's school supply time again. Spend your summer relaxing instead of fighting the crowds for flair pens and pink pearl erasers. The PTSA has once again teamed up with School Pak to provide pre-packaged school supply packs. Free school delivery for orders placed before June 15th. You can continue to order up until July 31st, but you will incur shipping charges to have them delivered to your home. Supplies ordered for school delivery will be in your child's classroom on the first day of school.
Download supply List
Order Online
- Coming to Somerset
(UPD 5/15/09)
Dear Somerset Families:
With the current prediction of student numbers for next year, Somerset is projected to have a loss in staffing this fall.
If you know of any families who are intending to register for Somerset next year, please have them contact the office immediately at 425-456-5800 so that an accurate number of students can be recorded.
We do not want to lose any of our wonderful teachers!
- Somerset Spring cleaning sale!
(UPD 5/7/09)
Plans are underway for a Somerset Spring cleaning sale! You can clear out your garages, get rid of unwanted items, and help Somerset in the process!
We are still in the planning stages for the event this June, but in the meantime, please start collecting items around your house to donate for the event.
As we get more information, we will keep you informed, so please look out for upcoming announcements!
- FAQ about District Budget Reductions
(UPD 5/27/09)
The Bellevue School District has put out a Frequently Asked Questions document regarding the budget and staff reductions for the coming school year. To view this document, please click here.
- Waste Free Wednesday
(UPD 1/28/09)
Starting February 4th, the Green Team at Somerset Elementary is starting an exciting new program where each Wednesday is “Waste Free Wednesday” in the cafeteria. Our goal is to have nothing go into the garbage (excluding our unfortunate Styrofoam trays and plastic silverware). Students can do this by packing lunches with reusable containers, thus limiting plastic baggies/excess packaging, and bringing home uneaten food to eat as a snack or compost in the yard waste. Students who buy lunch are encouraged to take a realistic amount of food they will actually eat. Our hope is to teach students that when we all work together, we can send less waste to the landfills and help our community be green. In one year, our school has been able to reduce our garbage by half and double our recycling, so just think what this will help us accomplish!
Other exciting news is that Somerset El. was selected as the elementary school to pilot a new food-composting program with Cedar Grove Recycling. Starting this March, our school will begin composting food scraps in the cafeteria. Our efforts and success will hopefully then be replicated around the district as a model to follow in a way to reduce unnecessary waste and save money on garbage cost. This is a very exciting opportunity and we thank you for your continued efforts to continue the “Green Thinking” at home (and washing all that Tupperware each night!)
If you have any questions/comments, please contact: Stephanie Wright, 3rd grade teacher
- Newport HS boys basketball summer camp
(UPD 5/15/09)
The Newport High School boys varsity basketball coaching staff and players are running a summer boys basketball camp as a fundraiser for the Newport High School boys basketball program.
This will be a fun, well run camp for incoming grades 4-8 in the Newport HS Main Gym.
July 20 - 23, 8am—4pm (players should bring lunch/snack/drink)
For more information or to register, please go to www.Newporthoops.net
- Grand Slam Baseball Camp
(UPD 5/15/09)
Grand Slam Baseball Camp will be in Bellevue at Wilburton Park July 6th - 9th. This is the 17th year Grand Slam has been here, providing great instruction, baseball fun and positive role models. The camp is run by current high school coaches and college players, providing a fun and safe environment. Learn more about this unique experience provided by this non-profit organization at www.grandslamcamp.com.
Download Flyer
- Legislative Corner
(UPD 4/24/09)
Education Reform Passed in Olympia
Calling All You Education Angels
Comparison of the Two Bills Which Address the Work of the Basic Education Finance Task Force
Model Schools Bill (The Bellevue PTSA has endorsed this bill.)
What is the Model Schools Bill? And will it do? (The Bellevue PTSA has endorsed this bill.)
Meet Our 41st District Legislators
Legislative Updates for 1/22/09
State Income Tax Legislation
Are you concerned about education funding in our state?
Looming Budget Deficit
Impact of State Budget Deficit on Education Funding
- Governor Proposes Large Cuts
(UPD 1/8/09)
Governor Gregoire’s 2-year budget proposal reduces I-728 funding by 21% next year and 23% the following year. This is money Bellevue uses for class size reductions, extra teacher days and academic support programs. The first year cuts would represent $1.5 million out of a total of $7.4 million the district receives. In addition, the Governor recommends that I-732 (Cost of Living Allowance for teachers) be suspended next year. The Legislature has not yet convened, so the budget is far from settled. Keep informed by accessing http://www.governor.wa.gov/priorities/budget/default.asp
- Snow make-up dates set
(UPD 1/8/09)
Two snow make-up days, June 19 and 22, were built into the original 2008-09 calendar. Additional days will be made up on June 23-25, 2009. View 2008-09 School Calendar Revised Jan. 2009 (PDF)
- Preparing for next school year starts in January
(UPD 1/8/08)
Elementary, middle and high schools have announced the dates and times they will be hosting information meetings for the parents of fall 2009 incoming Kindergartners, 6th graders and 9th graders. If you have a neighbor planning to send a first child to kindergarten, please share this information. Access additional details on informational meetings for:
Kindergarten |
Middle School |
High School
- Bellevue Schools Foundation Newsletter
(UPD 1/7/09)
Wonder how the BSF supports Bellevue students? You can access the latest news from the BSF here.
Download Newsletter
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Looking for ways to get involved? The PTSA is looking for help in the following areas:
Field Day helpers June 19 -- contact Vicki Orrico veorrico@yahoo.com
Rummage sale helper June 20 -- contact Marla Seaton coastie1992@msn.com
Yearbook distribution helpers June 22 lunchtime - contact Mechelle Cheng zarilla123@gmail.com
Sister Schools committee planners -- collecting school supplies for Ugandan children -- contact Judy Brison brisonj@bsd405.org
PTSA Committee Chair opportunities for 2009-2010
(UPD 5/28/09)
The Somerset PTSA is looking for volunteers to fill a few Committee Chair positions for next year. Are you looking for a more active role at Somerset? Getting involved with the PTSA committee is a great way to get to know families in our community and meet great people. We are a group of motivated parents and teachers who aim to make our children’s experiences at Somerset the best it can be. More...
Matching Funds
(UPD 6/2/09)
Many employers, such as Microsoft and Boeing, will match your donations to the PTSA. Sometimes this even includes the volunteer time that you have donated! Please remember to submit the matching funds forms to your employer if they participate in this.
Click here for a list of some companies who match employee donations.
Calling all Microsoft employees!
(UPD 12/1/08)
Please remember that Microsoft will donate to Somerset PTSA $17 for each hour that you volunteer. You must have volunteered at least 10 hours each calendar year to apply. For more information on the Microsoft program, please click here.
Easy Money for Somerset School
Safeway Club Card and E-scrip
Register your Safeway Club Card and receive up to 4% donation on everyday purchases. Go to www.escrip.com or email ruthraskind@yahoo.com with your Safeway Club Card number and we’ll take care of it for you. There is also the opportunity to register your credit cards for both in-store and on-line shopping at major retailers.
PACE
Did you know? PACE is a program Somerset participates in where your credit card purchases give you up to 20% back, and Somerset 5%. No coupons needed! Please check PACE website for more information on how to register, or Shelly Taylor shelly@taylorama.com if you have further questions. Information booklets will also be coming home when school starts. more...
UPromise
This one is a win-win for both or school and parents! You can raise money for our school by grocery shopping, dining out or shopping online with participating retailers. And you can save for your child’s college education at the same time. Register and learn more about this program by visiting
www.upromise.com/schools today!
WaMoola from Washington Mutual
Register your WaMu Mastercard and designate Somerset Elementary, then use your card for everyday purchases. You earn points for our school which will be converted to a cash donation. Get started today at www.wamoolaforschools.com
Target’s Take Charge of Education Program
Use your Target Card or Target Visa and we will receive a percentage of the amount of each purchase through the Take Charge of Education program. Just visit
www.target.com/tcoe to designate Somerset .
Albertson’s Community Partners
Register your Preferred Savings Card and designate Somerset for up to 4% donation.
www.albertsons.com/cp
Office Depot
Somerset will receive a 5% rebate on purchases by just mentioning Somerset at the checkout stand. This is a national program so let your friends, relatives and office coordinators know. Our school code is 70105935.
Matching Funds
Many employers, such as Microsoft and Boeing, will match your donations to the PTSA. Sometimes this even includes the volunteer time that you have donated! Please remember to submit the matching funds forms to your employer if they participate in this.
Box Tops for Education and Campbell’s Labels for Education
Collect your box tops and labels and submit them to the PTSA box in the school office for us to redeem for cash and equipment!
www.boxtops4education.com and
www.labelsforeducation.com
Ink Cartridge Recycling
Turn in your used ink cartridges to the Somerset Office and the school will receive $1-$2 credit per cartridge. Bring used cartridges in a sealed plastic bag and give them to Muriel in the front office.
Mabel’s Labels
Are you tired of digging through the lost and found? Check out
www.somerset.mabel.ca for their great line of labels for everything from coats and shoes to backpacks and supplies. When you purchase these fun personalized labels a donation will be made to Somerset Elementary.
Cell Towns
This is a Verizon & T-Mobile dealer at 4605 NE 4th St , Renton . Mention that you are from Somerset and they will donate 10% for every new line activation!
www.celltowns.com
Please feel free to contact us as you come across other ways for Somerset to raise easy money through corporate donations.
Ruth Raskind
RuthRaskind@yahoo.com
PTSA Gratefully Acknowledges our Auction Sponsors
Please Thank Them With Your Support
Live Auction Sponsors
John Hutson,
Hutson Resource Group LLC
Silent Auction Sponsors
Jeff Kendall, Steel Icon LLC
Table Sponsors
Dr. Jacqueline Bunce, Bellevue Family Orthodontics
Bunco Bunnies
Kevin Caskey, Photographer & John L. Scott Real Estate
Dizzy's Tumblebus
Henry Bischofberger Violins
Hardy Remodeling & Design Inc
Stephanie Kristen, Realtor
Lotus Landscape Design
Tony Marrese, Windermere Real Estate
Yanin Lee Peng, Asia Translation Inc.
Ann Pierson, John L. Scott Real Estate
Mary Lee & Jeff Shaffer, Realtors
Somerset Readers' Guild
Fred Toy, Prudential Real Estate
In Honor of Sue Ung for her PTSA President Work in 2009-10
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