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 |

