State Representative Marcie Maxwell @ Somerset Elementary
Wednesday, April 25th, 6:30-8:00 PM

Somerset PTSA is pleased to present State Representative Marcie Maxwell, Wednesday, April 25th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Somerset Elementary School Library. Childcare will be provided.

In addition to discussing issues of interest to our Somerset community, Representative Maxwell will provide insight on current and recent issues that impact K-12 public schools, early learning, and higher education, including:
* Funding task force legislation for basic education
* New teacher/principal evaluation system, training, funding, and implementation
* Innovative schools and programs
* Legislation that may affect health benefits and retirement for teachers and staff
* Kids, families, and communities ready to learn

Representative Maxwell serves in House leadership as the Deputy Majority Leader for Education & Opportunity. She is on the Education Committee; Education Appropriations Committee; Community & Economic Development & Housing Committee; Rules Committee; and the QEC/Quality Education Council. Marcie has been a PTA member since 1985, and is the former Renton Area PTA Council President serving 20 PTA local units. She has earned many PTA honors - WA State PTA 2011 Friend of Children Award, National PTA Life Membership Award, WA State PTA Outstanding Advocate Award, WA State PTA Outstanding Service Award and the Golden Acorn Award.

Spring Campaign
March 26, 2012

Each year our Somerset PTSA has fall and spring fundraisers. Our major fundraiser, the PTSA auction, is held every two years, but our programs need to be funded every year. This is a non-auction year. To support Somerset PTSA programs and activities for the entire school year we are holding a Spring Fundraising Campaign.

To reach our budgeted goal and continue funding programs, we are requesting a financial contribution from each Somerset family. We thank you for your past and continued generosity towards the best possible education for our children. Without your support, many of the PTSA sponsored programs would not be available to our students.

Some Programs Funded by Somerset PTSA:

* Grade level activities (fieldtrips, guest speakers, graduation): $12,600
* Math, Literacy, Writing, and Technology/Research skills support: $25,000
* Classroom materials ($300 per teacher): $10,000
* Young Scientist Week: $6,000

In addition, our PTSA also funds and supports the Fall Festival, Childcare for Curriculum night, PE Juggling and Family Fun Night, Roots of Empathy, Art Imagination, Reflections, PhD (Parenthood Development), Young Authors assemblies, Staff Appreciation, Benevolent Fund, Movie and Game nights, Talent/Variety Show, Class Potlucks, Yearbook, Safety Patrol, Walkabout, and Field Day along with many other programs and activities. In order to maintain these important programs, a collective effort from all our Somerset families is needed.

How You Can Help

Everyone's contributions count. Please donate what you are able to support these programs for our students. As a guide, consider $100 per family. Your gift to our Spring Fundraising Campaign should be made before April 6 and can be made online by clicking the DONATE button above or by sending a check to Somerset PTSA at the address below. Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you so much. Your commitment to an enriched and diverse public school education is deeply and genuinely appreciated by the students, parents, and staff at Somerset Elementary School.

Sincerely,
Francine Wiest, PTSA President
Irene Endow and Verna Yee, PTSA Co-VPs Ways and Means

Superintendant Search Update
Posted 24 February 2012

The Bellevue School Board took large steps forward Thursday night to define an interview process for candidates for superintendent. This comes after days of receiving feedback from the public through e-mails to the board and four community input sessions. The board is using that input to shape criteria and a process. For details of the meeting Thursday night and what the board will do next and when, visit the front page of the district web site.