Programs

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PTA Programs & Chairs

The programs below are made possible with your PTA membership. The Eastgate PTA does much of its work through the collaboration and volunteer effort of our exceptional Eastgate Parents!

Below is a description of the program, important roles, current chairpersons and their contact information. If you would like to help with any of the events or activities listed or fill an open role, please contact the appropriate chairperson listed or contactus@eastgatepta.org and we can help.

  • Programs
  • Fundraising
  • Communications
  • Hospitality
  • All (Contact List)
ART DOCENT

CHAIR     Megan Hedges    CONTACT          MeganHedges@msn.com

The Art Docent Program is a PTA sponsored program that exposes our children to different types of artists from all over the world. Students get an opportunity to create their own work inspired by the artists.

Parent volunteers get the opportunity to interact with the children in the classroom and learn about artists and different styles of art themselves. The goal is for each class to have 4 projects a year. We make it easy!

• Your own book with age appropriate projects planned out
• Access to projects and Power Points created by previous docents
• Experienced docents to offer advice, answer questions, or help with a presentation
• An art closet with art prints, books and materials
In an auction year projects are especially unique and involved

Roles & Responsibilities

• Purchase supplies and keep art closet stocked and organized
• Submit receipts for reimbursement
• Work with PTA to decide the next year's budget
• Recruit docents by sending out school flyers/emails about the program
• Keep track of which classes have docents and try to find help for those who don't
• Train docents and occasionally fill in for classes without docents or help new docents with projects
• Put together informational files on artists and add new projects to the files
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program
• Encourage docents to display the art around the school or consider an art show for families at the end of the year


WALK-A-BOUT

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             
CHAIR     Tracey Cook-Lee    CONTACT          tcooklee@gmail.com   

The Walkabout Program allows parents to volunteer their time during the school recess hours to assist the playground staff. All parents and having children at Eastgate and registered as volunteers are welcome to join the Walkabout program. This Chair works with the principle and coordinates the volunteers.


VIPP COMMITTEE

CHAIR     Abby Stanton    CONTACT          abbystanton@msn.com   

A PTA funded program that provides additional staffing in the classroom to support core subject area instruction.

Roles & Responsibilities

Leads the VIPP Committee, facilitating periodic meetings and overseeing communication and publicity to Eastgate families.


CHESS CLUB

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013 CONTACT              

Adult needed for supervised chess games at lunch recess option in one of the classrooms.


CONSTRUCTION CLUB

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             

This is an adult supervised indoor activity provided during lunch recess. Children can build with Legos and K’Nex.


PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET (PNB) 4th GRADE RESIDENCY

CHAIR     Emily Browder    CONTACT          emily_browder@yahoo.com   

PNB opens their stage to our school and several others for special performances. Grades participating from the collection of schools range from 3rd grade through 8th grade. The Eastgate PTA offers this program to our 4th grade students each year. Each school selects a specific theme for their performance and has many practices with the PNB choreographer prior to the big event. This residency creates a unique opportunity to foster the performance arts and creative abilities of all our students. It’s amazing!

Roles & Responsibilities

• This Chair schedules and attends planning meetings with PNB teaching artist, 4 grade teachers, and PE teacher
• Sends correspondence to 4th grade parents about the program
• Coordinates ticket orders
• Communicates with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program
• Ensure pictures for yearbook.


BACK TO SCHOOL SOCIAL

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             

The first family social event of the year! This event takes place on the first Friday of the first week of school. This is a great chance to meet those involved in the Eastgate PTA, reconnect with friends and allow families/students to get to know one another.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Brainstorm games, activities, music and or crafts
• Coordinate with principal and facilities to ensure tables, garbage cans, chairs
• Coordinate volunteers
• Coordinate set up and take down
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program
• Ensure pictures for yearbook


MULTICULTURAL WEEK

CHAIR     Kathy Takahashi    CONTACT          kathytakahashi@hotmail.com   

A week of celebrating the rich diverse cultures in the Eastgate Elementary Community. There are a variety of activities during the week to demonstrate the many cultures within our ommunity. Eastgate families may host stations/booths representing a country and/or culture from around the world through games, activities and snacks. Other events during the week will include cultural dance or music performances, an international lunch menu and Eastgate students making morning greetings in their respective languages during the principal's morning announcements. Eastgate's educational specialists (art, P.E., music and library) will also incorporate the multicultural theme throughout the week. It is a wonderful celebration in cultural diversity.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Work with the principal in May the previous year to set the Multicultural Week dates
• Solicit parent volunteers to help with and or host culture/country booths on It's a Small World Day and assist with booth set up if necessary
• Coordinate with facilities with tables and chairs
• Contact the BSD Nutrition Department head to schedule international meal menu for Eastgate
• Secure an individual or group to perform a musical or dance performance on the first day of Multicultural Week
• Work with art, PE, library, music to incorporate the multicultural theme into their instruction during the week
• Coordinate, schedule and communicate of children participating in morning greeting
• Advertise the event (posters, signs, kid mail, e-newsletter, and reader board, and Web)
• Distribute "My ______ Costumer" handouts to all students and staff with instructions for decorating them
• Coordinate hanging (staple) all submitted works of "my ______ costume" art on school walls
• Arrange for photographs to submit to yearbook coordinator
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program
• Ensure pictures for yearbook


REFLECTIONS

CHAIR     Katrina Marier    CONTACT          katrina.marier@gmail.com   

Reflections is a state PTA sponsored, district wide contest which promotes creativity in the arts through literature, photography, visual arts, dance, film/video, theater and music. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Set our schools timeline (deadline, judging and showings) to be in sync with the Bellevue council dates
• Attend council level meetings so as to be aware of any changes to rules from year to year
• Publicize the contest and any related shows, deadlines, etc
• Provide entry forms, summarize basic rules and point families to the extensive rules at website
• Provide safe storage of entries, both at school and after deadline
• Photograph all art that is going on to next level
• Insure art is wrapped appropriately, if showing or going on to next level
• Recruit judges
• Determine judging format
• Review entry forms for required info, as omissions can disqualify at a later level
• Keep record of all entries
• Fill out required on-line forms for next level
• Set up for Crossroad Art Show in January
• Provide Eastgate volunteers to take a turn "babysitting" the Crossroads art displays
• Represent Eastgate at any award ceremonies were our students will receive an award
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program
• Ensure pictures for yearbook

For more information on specific projects please visit the Washington State PTA at: http://www.wastatepta.org/programs/reflections/index.html


FAMILY FUN NIGHT

CHAIR     Nicole Benson    CONTACT          nicbphotography@yahoo.com   

This is a super fun event to wrap up the school year and kick off summer. The event generally has a theme (TBA) and is full of fun filled, games, activities, crafts, snacks, music and more. The event generally runs from 6:00-8:30 on a Friday evening near the end of school and is free for all Eastgate families. This event is only possible with help from many volunteers. Any and all assistance is GREATLY appreciated.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Come up with theme, games, activities, music and or crafts
• Coordinate with principal and facilities
• Coordinate volunteers
• Coordinate set up and take down
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program
• Ensure pictures for yearbook


YOUNG AUTHOR'S DAY

CHAIR     Kathy Takahashi    CONTACT          kathytakahashi@hotmail.com   

This is an Eastgate Elementary tradition. This wonderful program has been offered for over 20 years. Eastgate has set aside a special day for students to celebrate the skill and art of writing. Eastgate PTA in partnership with the Bellevue Schools Foundation host an author as our guest of honor. All Eastgate students are introduced to that author's work in class.

Every spring every child at Eastgate writes their own book. Your child will share their book in a group of multi-age students, listen and interact with the ‘author of honor’ and watch the drama students of Tyee Middle School perform some of the stories written by Eastgate students. After festivities, there is an all school barbeque lunch. It's a very fun day – Volunteers are needed to be small group leaders the morning of Young Authors Day. Please plan to join us!

Roles & Responsibilities

• The Young Author's Day chairperson's role involves the management of the entire YAD committee. The committee consists of the following positions: Author Liaison; Book Wrangler; Drama Coordinator; Food Coordinator; Librarian; Principal; Student Coordinator; and Parent Volunteer Coordinator
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program
• Ensure pictures for yearbook


TALENT SHOW

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             
CHAIR     Lynda O'Byrne    CONTACT          skilindaski@yahoo.com   

Everyone is welcome to join in and share their talents! The Eastgate Talent Show is a fantastic FREE evening of performances by our own Eastgate Students and sometimes, Teachers too. There is always a bit of everything...singing, dancing, skits, piano, violin, jokes and more! It’s a great night to come see our Eastgate Stars of all ages!

Roles & Responsibilities

• Coordinate with principle for date and facility use, including piano, etc.
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program, rules and rehearsal times
• Coordinate, rehearsals, schedule of acts & volunteers
• Ensure pictures for yearbook


SCIENCE FAIR

CHAIR     Kristine VanBuskirk    CONTACT          ekvanbuskirk@netscape.com   
CO-CHAIR     Tracey Cook-Lee    CONTACT          tcooklee@gmail.com   

The Eastgate Elementary science fair is held once a year and is a way for children in all grades to explore through the scientific method the world of science! This event allows students to test and prove scientific methods and create projects that will demonstrate and display their findings.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Coordinate date with principle and facilities
• Coordinate volunteers
• Coordinate set up and take down
• To plan and order guest programs (Seattle Science center), Science on wheels etc.)
• Copy and send out the applications and monitor web site information regarding science fair projects and how to correctly prepare one using the scientific method
• Coordinate judging, prizes, cerificates and ribbons
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program.


DOUGHNUTS WITH DADS

CHAIR     Eric Dawson    CONTACT          eric.dawson@gmail.com   

All Eastgate Dads and other significant men in your child's life are invited to a fun Donuts with Dad generally held in the Eastgate gym Come with your child(ren) and enjoy donuts, coffee, and juice, along with meeting other Eastgate dads and friends.


ROOTS OF EMPATHY

CHAIR     Deb Grover    CONTACT          deb@bellysock.com   

Our school is one of 40+ schools in the region who offer the Roots of Empathy program. Students have the opportunity to see a baby up close, hold him/her, and to ask the parents questions about the baby’s life. Building connection with the baby and with each other through the program teaches our students how they are similar to one another and how they are unique. Understanding these relationships is the first part of building empathy. For more information about the program, visit http://www.rootsofempathy.org/.

EASY MONEY PROGRAMS

CHAIR     Susan Han    CONTACT          Hanwong@comcast.net   

Easy Money programs are ways in which Eastgate PTA can benefit from the products you purchase.

Roles & Responsibilities

This chairs responsibility is managing all of the pieces that comprise the Easy Money programs including:
• Setting a Easy Money Program fundraising goal
• Monitoring our goal
• Managing the escrip and Amazon online shopping
• Collecting and submitting Box Tops and Labels for Education for reimbursement
• Facilitating interesting contests to keep the kids interested and reporting totals to goal throughout the year
• Communicate to the Eastgate community using Talon and the Web about the program


AUCTION

CHAIR     Shauna Backus    CONTACT          slbackus@comcast.net   
CO-CHAIR Jason Cook    CONTACT          Jason@JasonECook.com   

This chair and co-chair responsibility is coordinating planning and coordinating the volunteers required to host Eastgate’s biannual auction. The PTA hosts an auction every other year. It is by far our largest fundraiser. The auction starts with a theme and features items created by our own Eastgate students as well as additional items donated from large corporations, our local community and Eastgate parents.

There are numerous ways to support the auction including donating items, decorating, checking in guests and, of course, by attending and bidding.

Our biannual auction affords the Eastgate PTA the ability to provide the programs and opportunities supporting our Eastgate Student Community. All of the PTA listed programs will benefit from this fabulous fundraiser during the next two years!

Roles & Responsibilities

• Set a date, theme, color scheme & select a location
• Decide auction format such as number of silent auctions, live, dessert dash, best of live, raffle tickets, wine toss etc.
• Detail timeline for day of as well as the length of the auction preparation
• Select auctioneer
• Host kick off
• Maintain regular status meetings
• Form a committee and group of volunteers to coordinate:      o Procurement (Corporate donations, family & friend donations, Class art projects and teacher experiences)
     o Catalogue
     o Decorations
     o Day of Volunteers
     o Coordinating items to facility and tagged appropriately
     o Recording bidding and donations
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program


GRANT WRITING

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             

Description


MEMBERSHIP

CHAIR     Laura Beth Gilbert    CONTACT          laurabethgilbert@gmail.com   

Getting fliers out, coming up with interesting ways to increase membership, printing cards, updating membership forms and updating the database.


LOGO SALES

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013 CONTACT              

Description


WALK-A-THON

CHAIR     Beth Aigbe    CONTACT          e.aigbe@comcast.net   
CO-CHAIR OPEN 2012-2013 CONTACT         

This Chair’s responsibility is to organize the volunteers supporting this fundraising effort. This annual event is Eastgate’s second largest fundraiser and hoot for the kids. This is your child’s opportunity to raise funds for programs that benefit Eastgate while having fun walking laps and listening to music with their friends. There are prizes for most individual and class funds raised as well number of laps walked and much much more.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Contact & secure sponsors and activities
• Secure and coordinate volunteers
• Create event timeline
• Manage donations and coordinate team to tally for treasurer
• Coordinate with principle and facilities to secure, tables, chairs and additional support for event
• Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program


SKATE KING

CHAIR     Janice Rios    CONTACT          Janice.rios@gmail.com   

This event that serves as an opportunity for the kids to get out with their friends, learn to skate and have fun. This event is always a favorite. This role coordinates our two Skate King events.


YEARBOOK

CHAIR     DeeDee Blumenstein    CONTACT          All4blumers@msn.com   
CO-CHAIR OPEN 2012-2013 CONTACT         

This chair is responsible for working with head room parents and student parents to assemble and create the annual yearbook. In addition, they assist with the planning, printing and sales of the Eastgate yearbook. Photos due to Chair by end of January.

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             
CHAIR     Micki Larimer    CONTACT          mickilarimer@gmail.com   

BSF is committed to preparing all students for success in college, career and life regardless of their learning style. In years past, contributions from Bellevue Schools Foundation has provided Eastgate PTA the ability to host Young Author’s Day the 5th grade marine science experience on Puget Sound and several additional National Board Certified teachers – they are an important advocate for Eastgate.

Roles & Responsibilities

This chair’s responsibilities act as a liaison and keep Eastgate informed of all of the activities on which Bellevue Schools Foundation is working. This position also recruits volunteers for the phone-a-thon and mailing campaign that happens in November every year. Communicate with the school and Eastgate community using eNews, Talon and the Web about the program.


DIRECTORY

CHAIR     Abby Stanton    CONTACT          abbystanton@msn.com   
CO-CHAIR Robyn Fuller    CONTACT          rfuller@hoarch.com   

This position collects formats and publishes the information necessary to create the Eastgate Elementary School wide directory.


TALON NEWSLETTER

CHAIR     Eli D’Alessandro    CONTACT          elisletters@hotmail.com   
CO-CHAIR Deb Grover    CONTACT          deb@bellysock.com   

Moving to quarterly publications. Providing a summary as to accomplishments of the prior month(s), a look forward to the coming month’s activities or events with more lengthy features on specific PTA or educational programs.

Roles & Responsibilities

This position emails chairs mid month to request information to be included with a possible list of topics based on PTA calendar, eNews and communication with the Principle. Items for the newsletter are due by the 25th of the month with the Newsletter to be published on the Web by the 1st Monday of the month. Some re-writing or restructuring of articles may be necessary.


eNEWS

CHAIR     Monica Privat    CONTACT          mprivat@comcast.net   

Information is provided by chairs of programs or members by Thurs for the following week. The communication is sent by Monday morning. This communications serves to remind Eastgate Families of those activities or events happening throughout the next few weeks.


VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             

This is very important position as this position evaluates our volunteer list and helps match interests of members with open volunteer positions to make sure we can offer all of the programs we have interest for – Many of which are only possible through the volunteering of our wonderful Eastgate Parent community.


PRESCHOOL LIAISON

CHAIR     OPEN 2012-2013     CONTACT             

This position keeps the preschool community informed of what is happening in the elementary school. Auction years coordinate preschool art projects.


LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

CHAIR     Jill Kirkpatrick    CONTACT          dennisjill@comcast.net   

This position recruits and trains the library volunteers that go to the library with each of the classrooms assisting with finding books, checking books out and in and individually reading with the children.


LEGISLATION

CHAIR     Lisa Shank    CONTACT          lisashank@comcast.net   

Description


HEAD ROOM PARENT COORDINATOR

CHAIR     Sarah Howard    CONTACT          eastgatehrp@gmail.com   

Every classroom needs a room parent or two. To assist teachers with classroom parties, a volunteer schedule and other class-related items that come up during the year.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Organizes, supports and communicates amongst all room parents
• Recruit prior year for next year room parent
• Coordinate production of HRP training packet
• Compile HRP list
• Hold HRP Trainings
• Send party ideas
• coordinate communication to HRPs
• Coordinate staple schedule & staple reminders
• Assist auction classroom project coordinator in auction year


PTA Website

CHAIR     Eli D'Alessandro    CONTACT          elisletters@hotmail.com   

Maintain PTA Website.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Maintains online calendar
• Modifies text on specific webpages when Chairs need
• Post weekly eNews and Talon Newsletters for reference
• Keep program information and chair contacts current
• Post meeting minutes and agendas
• Maintain relevant info


NEW FAMILY WELCOME

CHAIR     Katrina Marier    CONTACT          katrina.marier@gmail.com   

This position works with the school to identify new kindergarten families or new school families and welcomes them into the Eastgate Community.


SCHOOL PICTURES

CHAIR     Deb Grover    CONTACT          deb@bellysock.com   

Coordinate parent volunteers to assist with hair combing, outfit straightening and generally organizing each of the classes to assist for smoother and faster transition between class and individual photo shoots. Picture day is a big day and we want to look our best!


TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION

CHAIR     Megan Clarke    CONTACT          meganhclarke@comcast.net    

This chair coordinates a welcome back teachers and staff for the first week of school. As well as a ‘Staff Appreciation Week’ in the late spring to thank our amazing Eastgate teachers and staff for their outstanding work throughout the year.


THANK YOU COORDINATION

CHAIR     Deb Grover    CONTACT          deb@bellysock.com   

This chair organizes our Eastgate Students to thank our largest contributors.


1st DAY COFFEE

CHAIR     Micki Larimer    CONTACT          mickilarimer@gmail.com   
CO-CHAIR Lynda O'Byrne    CONTACT          skilindaski@yahoo.com   

Arrange coffee, light refreshments in a meet and greet setting for parents to meet and talk with the board and or just get acquainted and reacquainted.


HEARING & VISION SCREENING COORDINATOR

CHAIR     Deb Grover    CONTACT          deb@bellysock.com   

Students are tested at the beginning of the school year and many volunteers are needed for the testing.


PARENT EDUCATION

CHAIR     Deb Grover    CONTACT          deb@bellysock.com   

This is a program the PTA has begun incorporating a parent education once a quarter (or as suggested) immediately following the General PTA meeting. The PTA invites a speaker of interest to present important topics affecting our children or potential resources for us parents. We want to hear from you! Always open to interesting topics.

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY NAME CONTACT PAGE
Art Docent Megan Hedges meganhedges@msn.com GO
Auction Shauna Backus slbackus@comcast.net VIEW
  Jason Cook Jason@JasonECook.com VIEW
Back to School Social   OPEN    
Bellevue Schools Foundation   Micki Larimer mickilarimer@gmail.com GO DOC
Chess Club OPEN    
Construction Club OPEN    
Directory Abby Stanton abbystanton@msn.com  
  Robyn Fuller rfuller@hoarch.com  
Doughnuts with Dad Eric Dawson eric.dawson@gmail.com  
  Nicole Benson nicbphotography@yahoo.com  
Easy Money Programs Susan Han Hanwong@comcast.net VIEW
  Robyn Fuller rfuller@hoarch.com VIEW
eNewsletter Monica Privat mprivat@comcast.net VIEW
Family Fun Night Nicole Benson nicbphotography@yahoo.com  
First Day Coffee Micki Larimer mickilarimer@gmail.com  
  Lynda O'Byrne skilindaski@yahoo.com  
Grant Writing OPEN    
Head Room Parent Coordinator Sarah Howard eastgatehrp@gmail.com  
Hearing & Vision Screening Deb Grover deb@bellysock.com  
Legislation Lisa Shank lisashank@comcast.net VIEW
Library Volunteers Jill Kirkpatrick dennisjill@comcast.net  
Logo Sales OPEN      
Membership Laura Beth Gilbert laurabethgilbert@gmail.com VIEW
Multicultural Week Kathy Takahashi kathytakahashi@hotmail.com VIEW
New Family Welcome Katrina Marier katrina.marier@gmail.com  
Newsletter (Talon) Eli D’Alessandro elisletters@hotmail.com VIEW
  Deb Grover deb@bellysock.com VIEW
PNB 4th Grade Residency Emily Browder emily_browder@yahoo.com  
Parent Education Deb Grover deb@bellysock.com  
Preschool Liaison OPEN    
Reflections Katrina Marier katrina.marier@gmail.com VIEW
  Micki Larimer mickilarimer@gmail.com VIEW
Roots of Empathy Deb Grover deb@bellysock.com GO
School Pictures Deb Grover deb@bellysock.com  
Science Fair Tracey Cook-Lee tcooklee@gmail.com VIEW
  Kristine Van Burskirk ekvanbuskirk@netscape.com VIEW
Skate King Janice Rios Janice.rios@gmail.com  
Talent Show Lynda O'Byrne skilindaski@yahoo.com VIEW
Teacher Representative to PTA Alex Rea 4th/5th Grade ReaA@bsd405.org  
Teacher & Staff Appreciation Megan Clarke meganhclarke@comcast.net  
Thank You Coordination Deb Grover deb@bellysock.com  
VIPP Committee Abby Stanton abbystanton@msn.com  
  Lynda O'Byrne skilindaski@yahoo.com  
Volunteer Coordinator OPEN    
Walk-a-Bout Tracey Cook-Lee tcooklee@gmail.com  
Walk-a-Thon Beth Aigbe e.aigbe@comcast.net VIEW
  Lynda O'Byrne skilindaski@yahoo.com VIEW
Website Eli D’Alessandro elisletters@hotmail.com VIEW
Yearbook DeeDee Blumenstein All4blumers@msn.com  
Young Author's Day Kathy Takahashi kathytakahashi@hotmail.com VIEW