PTA Meeting/ATOD Presentation - Wednesday, February 25th, 7:00 p.m. NHS Library
Wednesday night’s PTSA meeting will feature a presentation starting at 7:00 p.m. from our school resource officer Greg Mills and school district substance abuse resource officer Trevor van den Acker. This is a great opportunity to learn what’s really going on with Newport students and alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The business meeting will begin at 7:30 which includes among other things, a report from our Principal, our Treasurer and many of our committees. Hope to see you there!
Knight Valor - Knight Valor representatives will be at school on March 5th during both lunches, outside the office. Students can get forms, turn in hours and check their hours. All KV hours must be turned in by April 24th.
Go Newport Girls Basketball! - Revenge - this afternoon the Knights ended Inglemoor's season with a 54-38 win! The Newport Girls Basketball team has another tournament game coming up at the Juanita Fieldhouse on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Newport will play Garfield in a 3rd/4th contest and both teams will advance to play the #1 or #2 teams in the Greater St. Helens League on Saturday. The winners of the Saturday games advance to State.
Housekeeping
If you have a new email address, phone number, or any other new contact information, please let me know as well as contacting the Newport Registrar, Shelby Dawes, in the main office dawess@bsd405.org
--
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Your "stay-cation" is almost over! Hasn't it been relaxing and wonderful? Two more spirit filled days left for your student!
Thursday: "We should be in Hawaii Day" or Luau Day
Friday: "We should be in Disneyland Day" or Disney Day AND Mixed up Lunch Day!
------------------------
Visitors on Campus
School Dance
Cisco's LAN Party
Girls Tennis Meeting
Bellevue Community College Visit
WSPTA Focus Day
Counseling Center/Community Service Opportunities
Yearbook Privacy
Newport Jazz Band News
Upcoming Elementary School Auctions
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com
------------------------
Visitors on Campus:
Students are not allowed to bring a visitor to class with them without prior approval by an administrator. This generally happens while we have school, but the rest of the world actually has days off, and again at the end of the school year when we are still in class and everyone else has long started their summer...
All other adult or parent visitors need to sign-in and get a visitors pass in the main office.
------------------------
Valentine's Dance/Tolo make-up is this Friday, February 20th from 9:00-12:00. Tickets on sale this week. Chaperones still needed! contact Andrew West if you can volunteer 8:30 p.m.-12:00 adiegowest@yahoo.com
------------------------
Cisco's LAN Party
It's time to get your game on again Newport! Come for 9 hours of fun and games, food, tournaments, and win cool prizes. Play RockBand, Left for Dead, Day of Defeat, CS Source and much more. Friday, February 20th from 3:00 to Midnight in the CTE Wing.
------------------------
GIRLS TENNIS
For students interested in trying out for Girl's tennis there will be an information meeting at 3:05 on Tuesday, February 24th in Ms. Zavaglia's room, 1113.
------------------------
Bellevue Community College Visit
BCC will be here on Monday, February 23rd, during both lunches in the large conference room in the main office.
------------------------
WSPTA's FOCUS DAY – FEBRUARY 26, 2009 There's still plenty of time to register (it's free!) for this year's Focus Day to be held February 26th at the State Capitol in Olympia. The Rally for Basic Education Funding, to be conducted on the steps of the Capitol at noon, will be an important opportunity to remind our legislators of the importance of fixing the state's antiquated funding system for K-12 education, and we really need to have as many members with us as possible. To find out more information about WSPTA's legislative agenda and Focus Day, click on the following link. http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm
To reserve a place on the Bellevue PTSA Council bus (also free!), which will leave the old K-Mart lot at 9:30 on the morning of the 26, email Connie Gerlitz at gerlitz2@comcast.net.
------------------------
Counseling Center Information/Community Service Opportunities
Attention all students looking for fun and interesting volunteer opportunities to fulfill your service learning requirements! Cascade Land Conservancy has volunteer opportunities in February, March, and April for students who like to get outdoors as well as for those that like to support environmental issues and open space conservation without the risk of getting muddy.
The Museum of Flight has the event for you if you are female and love to fly or want to learn about careers in aviation. Women Fly provides opportunities to explore a variety of aviation and aerospace careers first hand from professionally active women. This event will be held on Friday, March 13th at the Museum of Flight.
On Friday, February 27, 2009 Seafair is offering an educational symposium for high school sophomores and juniors. The Seafair BECU Ambassador Program Youth Leadership Symposium will provide students with the opportunity to hear first hand from top business executives in the Greater Seattle area discuss topics affecting our world today. In addition, the Youth Leadership Symposium will feature a volunteer expo where students can meet with local nonprofit organizations to learn how they can become involved and earn volunteer hours for graduation. Following the symposium, 6 students will be selected to serve as Seafair Ambassadors, each winning a $1,000.00 college scholarship and a trip to Kobe, Japan in the Fall.
------------------------
Yearbook Privacy
If you received a letter to your home regarding being a privacy student, and you want your picture to appear in the Yearbook, you need to return the signed form (parent signature required) by Friday to give permission. If you don't take action, your students picture will not be published.
------------------------
Newport Jazz Band News
First Annual Newport Jazz Festival - Newport is hosting a jazz competition on Saturday, March 21st. The competition will begin around 8am and will culminate with the winners concert at 6pm. Newports Jazz 1 will also perform with a guest soloist.
Newport Jazz 1 Band has been invited to perform at the Starbucks "Hot Java Cool Jazz" concert at the Paramount Theater - March 27th. This invitation is a great honor as they will be performing along with 4 of the top high school jazz bands in the region. Your Newport Jazz Band recently competed and placed among the top four at the Clark College Jazz Festival and the Bellevue Community College Jazz Festival. Hot Java Cool Jazz is a great opportunity for your family to enjoy an evening of great music, incredible talent, and to show your support for the band.
We want to fill the theater and throw our support behind the band. Starbucks has offered a grant to the band program if more than 200 adult tickets are purchased by Newport supporters.
Prices are as follows: $18-Adult, $11-Student, $11-Senior There are two ways to purchase tickets:
1. Contact Coya and Norm Kirby at 425-643-8190 or email: kirbyco@comcast.net
2. Purchase the tickets online at the Paramount website: http://www.theparamount.com/artists/?artist=934 (if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it to your browser). If you do decide to purchase the tickets online, please keep a copy of the receipt and forward to Coya so that they can keep track of Newports ticket purchases for the grant offer.
Save the Date! Newport Jazz Gala, April 24th - Tickets available now. The guest soloist for the evening is Lew Soloff. See the Newport Band website for more information. http://www.newportband.org/
------------------------
Upcoming Elementary School Auctions- support your neighborhood schools!
Newport Heights Elementary- Saturday, March 21st. Please contact Sondra Richards at sondrar@westseattle.com or www.nhe-pta.org/2009auction
SOMERSET'S SPRING AUCTION - SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH FROM 5:30-11:00 AT THE HYATT IN DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE. THIS IS ALWAYS A FUN AND LIVELY EVENT AND A GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL! Proceeds from the auction supplement the funds received from Washington State and the Bellevue School District, making tangible differences in every classroom for every student every day.
Interested in getting involved?
If you would like an invitation to the auction, email Chris Bradley at bradfamly@comcast.net.
If you would like to donate an item, advertise and promote your business or volunteer to help at the auction, go to http://somersetptsa.org for further information. Procurement forms are due by Feb. 27th. Community service hours will be available to those students who would like to work the night of the event. Email bradfamly@comcast.net to volunteer.
Thursday: "We should be in Hawaii Day" or Luau Day
Friday: "We should be in Disneyland Day" or Disney Day AND Mixed up Lunch Day!
------------------------
Visitors on Campus
School Dance
Cisco's LAN Party
Girls Tennis Meeting
Bellevue Community College Visit
WSPTA Focus Day
Counseling Center/Community Service Opportunities
Yearbook Privacy
Newport Jazz Band News
Upcoming Elementary School Auctions
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com
------------------------
Visitors on Campus:
Students are not allowed to bring a visitor to class with them without prior approval by an administrator. This generally happens while we have school, but the rest of the world actually has days off, and again at the end of the school year when we are still in class and everyone else has long started their summer...
All other adult or parent visitors need to sign-in and get a visitors pass in the main office.
------------------------
Valentine's Dance/Tolo make-up is this Friday, February 20th from 9:00-12:00. Tickets on sale this week. Chaperones still needed! contact Andrew West if you can volunteer 8:30 p.m.-12:00 adiegowest@yahoo.com
------------------------
Cisco's LAN Party
It's time to get your game on again Newport! Come for 9 hours of fun and games, food, tournaments, and win cool prizes. Play RockBand, Left for Dead, Day of Defeat, CS Source and much more. Friday, February 20th from 3:00 to Midnight in the CTE Wing.
------------------------
GIRLS TENNIS
For students interested in trying out for Girl's tennis there will be an information meeting at 3:05 on Tuesday, February 24th in Ms. Zavaglia's room, 1113.
------------------------
Bellevue Community College Visit
BCC will be here on Monday, February 23rd, during both lunches in the large conference room in the main office.
------------------------
WSPTA's FOCUS DAY – FEBRUARY 26, 2009 There's still plenty of time to register (it's free!) for this year's Focus Day to be held February 26th at the State Capitol in Olympia. The Rally for Basic Education Funding, to be conducted on the steps of the Capitol at noon, will be an important opportunity to remind our legislators of the importance of fixing the state's antiquated funding system for K-12 education, and we really need to have as many members with us as possible. To find out more information about WSPTA's legislative agenda and Focus Day, click on the following link. http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm
To reserve a place on the Bellevue PTSA Council bus (also free!), which will leave the old K-Mart lot at 9:30 on the morning of the 26, email Connie Gerlitz at gerlitz2@comcast.net.
------------------------
Counseling Center Information/Community Service Opportunities
Attention all students looking for fun and interesting volunteer opportunities to fulfill your service learning requirements! Cascade Land Conservancy has volunteer opportunities in February, March, and April for students who like to get outdoors as well as for those that like to support environmental issues and open space conservation without the risk of getting muddy.
The Museum of Flight has the event for you if you are female and love to fly or want to learn about careers in aviation. Women Fly provides opportunities to explore a variety of aviation and aerospace careers first hand from professionally active women. This event will be held on Friday, March 13th at the Museum of Flight.
On Friday, February 27, 2009 Seafair is offering an educational symposium for high school sophomores and juniors. The Seafair BECU Ambassador Program Youth Leadership Symposium will provide students with the opportunity to hear first hand from top business executives in the Greater Seattle area discuss topics affecting our world today. In addition, the Youth Leadership Symposium will feature a volunteer expo where students can meet with local nonprofit organizations to learn how they can become involved and earn volunteer hours for graduation. Following the symposium, 6 students will be selected to serve as Seafair Ambassadors, each winning a $1,000.00 college scholarship and a trip to Kobe, Japan in the Fall.
------------------------
Yearbook Privacy
If you received a letter to your home regarding being a privacy student, and you want your picture to appear in the Yearbook, you need to return the signed form (parent signature required) by Friday to give permission. If you don't take action, your students picture will not be published.
------------------------
Newport Jazz Band News
First Annual Newport Jazz Festival - Newport is hosting a jazz competition on Saturday, March 21st. The competition will begin around 8am and will culminate with the winners concert at 6pm. Newports Jazz 1 will also perform with a guest soloist.
Newport Jazz 1 Band has been invited to perform at the Starbucks "Hot Java Cool Jazz" concert at the Paramount Theater - March 27th. This invitation is a great honor as they will be performing along with 4 of the top high school jazz bands in the region. Your Newport Jazz Band recently competed and placed among the top four at the Clark College Jazz Festival and the Bellevue Community College Jazz Festival. Hot Java Cool Jazz is a great opportunity for your family to enjoy an evening of great music, incredible talent, and to show your support for the band.
We want to fill the theater and throw our support behind the band. Starbucks has offered a grant to the band program if more than 200 adult tickets are purchased by Newport supporters.
Prices are as follows: $18-Adult, $11-Student, $11-Senior There are two ways to purchase tickets:
1. Contact Coya and Norm Kirby at 425-643-8190 or email: kirbyco@comcast.net
2. Purchase the tickets online at the Paramount website: http://www.theparamount.com/artists/?artist=934 (if the link doesn't work, copy and paste it to your browser). If you do decide to purchase the tickets online, please keep a copy of the receipt and forward to Coya so that they can keep track of Newports ticket purchases for the grant offer.
Save the Date! Newport Jazz Gala, April 24th - Tickets available now. The guest soloist for the evening is Lew Soloff. See the Newport Band website for more information. http://www.newportband.org/
------------------------
Upcoming Elementary School Auctions- support your neighborhood schools!
Newport Heights Elementary- Saturday, March 21st. Please contact Sondra Richards at sondrar@westseattle.com or www.nhe-pta.org/2009auction
SOMERSET'S SPRING AUCTION - SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH FROM 5:30-11:00 AT THE HYATT IN DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE. THIS IS ALWAYS A FUN AND LIVELY EVENT AND A GREAT WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL! Proceeds from the auction supplement the funds received from Washington State and the Bellevue School District, making tangible differences in every classroom for every student every day.
Interested in getting involved?
If you would like an invitation to the auction, email Chris Bradley at bradfamly@comcast.net.
If you would like to donate an item, advertise and promote your business or volunteer to help at the auction, go to http://somersetptsa.org for further information. Procurement forms are due by Feb. 27th. Community service hours will be available to those students who would like to work the night of the event. Email bradfamly@comcast.net to volunteer.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
New Semester News!
Jumping right into the new semester with a lot going on!
REMINDER - Parent Information Night - Registration Info for 11th Grade
Washington State PTSA - Survey for Parents of Special Education Students
Bellevue Schools Foundation - Valentine's Gift
Spirit Week - "Stay-cation"
Valentine's Day Dance - February 20th
Follies Tryouts
Washington State PTSA Focus Day
Parking
NHS PTSA-Officers for 2009-2010
Reflections 2009-2010
Class of 2013 Email List
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
Parent Information Night - Registration for 11th Grade
Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m. Look for signs for our meeting location!
------------------------------------------
INFORMATION SOUGHT FROM PARENTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
The Washington State PTSA Special Education Support Center is surveying parents so that to better address the needs of families of special education students. Please ask your members who are parents of children in special education programs to go to the link below and complete Survey #2. It will only take a few minutes of your time. They would like to have at least 100 responses by February 15, 2009. To take the survey, click on the following link: http://www.specialeducationsupportcenter.org/families_caregivers/parentsurvey.html
------------------------------------------
Bellevue Schools Foundation- Honor your favorite Teacher for Valentine's Day!
Looking for a way to express your heartfelt sentiments to your child's teacher? Honor your favorite teacher with a gift to Bellevue Schools Foundation this Valentine's Day. We'll send your teacher a Valentine's card notifying him/her of your support and appreciation. Meanwhile, your gift will join with others to support great teaching across the District, helping BSF to fund programs like National Board Certification and new teacher support. It's quick, green, calorie-free and it helps Bellevue students while thanking excellent teachers! Honor your teacher with a gift to BSF Click here to give
------------------------------------------
Spirit Week!
Since we aren't having Mid-Winter break, Newport will be celebrating "Stay"-cation week! Each day we will dress up for something we should be doing, if we were on break.
Tuesday: "We should be sleeping in Day" or Pajama Day
Wednesday: "We should be Skiing Day" or Snow Day
Thursday: "We should be in Hawaii Day" or Luau Day
Friday: "We should be in Disneyland Day" or Disney Day
Come spirited and ready to have a great week of fun!
------------------------------------------
Valentine's Day Dance/Tolo Make-up Dance
The Valentine's Day Dance is on February 20th.
Guest passes are available on the Newport website. They are due in the office by Wednesday, February 18th. Tickets can be purchased next week.
Those who attended Tolo need to pick up a coupon for admission to the Dance next week. If you are bringing the same guest to this dance that you took to Tolo, you will be able to get a coupon for them. If you are bringing a different guest, you will need to get a guest pass from the website and have it turned in by February 18th. You will need to buy a ticket for the guest next week.
------------------------------------------
Follies
Tryouts are two weeks away. Sign up for a time and pick up a packet in front of the ASB Secretary Office. Any question, see Mr.Richards or a student from the Technical Theatre class
------------------------------------------
WSPTA's FOCUS DAY – FEBRUARY 26, 2009
There's still plenty of time to register (it's free!) for this year's Focus Day to be held February 26th at the State Capitol in Olympia. The Rally for Basic Education Funding, to be conducted on the steps of the Capitol at noon, will be an important opportunity to remind our legislators of the importance of fixing the state's antiquated funding system for K-12 education, and we really need to have as many members with us as possible. To find out more information about WSPTA's legislative agenda and Focus Day, click on the following link. http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm
------------------------------------------
Parking
I know a lot of our kids have turned 16 and have licenses and are driving. The unfortunate situation at Newport is there are not enough parking spaces to accommodate all of the students (especially the Sophomores that turn 16 throughout the year). I have seen a lot of parking tickets being issued since the first of the year. Students are not allowed to park on campus without a parking pass. St. Margaret's is not an option as they will be towing cars. The waiting list is about 40+ students. Our kids will have an opportunity to get parking passes in the fall at the August back to school days (for the 2009-2010 school year). That will be the best opportunity to get a pass otherwise it is the luck of being on a waiting list. Tickets are $20 for parking illegally.
------------------------------------------
Newport PTSA 2009-2010
Interested in being an officer next year or know someone who would be a great candidate? I will put you in contact with those in the know. Our PTSA does outstanding work, but can't do any of the work without you, the incredible Newport parents helping out!
------------------------------------------
Reflections Program 2009-2010
For those students who like to really plan ahead, the National PTA has announced the theme for next year – "Beauty Is …." The PTA will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Reflections program next year.
------------------------------------------
Class of 2013 Mailing List
Do you have a student in the incoming Freshman class? Friends or neighbors bound for Newport? Make sure that I have your student's name and your email. Encourage them to email me as well. I am compiling the email list for the Class of 2013 Liaison (TBD). We want to offer a warm welcome to all Newport students and families!
REMINDER - Parent Information Night - Registration Info for 11th Grade
Washington State PTSA - Survey for Parents of Special Education Students
Bellevue Schools Foundation - Valentine's Gift
Spirit Week - "Stay-cation"
Valentine's Day Dance - February 20th
Follies Tryouts
Washington State PTSA Focus Day
Parking
NHS PTSA-Officers for 2009-2010
Reflections 2009-2010
Class of 2013 Email List
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
Parent Information Night - Registration for 11th Grade
Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m. Look for signs for our meeting location!
------------------------------------------
INFORMATION SOUGHT FROM PARENTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
The Washington State PTSA Special Education Support Center is surveying parents so that to better address the needs of families of special education students. Please ask your members who are parents of children in special education programs to go to the link below and complete Survey #2. It will only take a few minutes of your time. They would like to have at least 100 responses by February 15, 2009. To take the survey, click on the following link: http://www.specialeducationsupportcenter.org/families_caregivers/parentsurvey.html
------------------------------------------
Bellevue Schools Foundation- Honor your favorite Teacher for Valentine's Day!
Looking for a way to express your heartfelt sentiments to your child's teacher? Honor your favorite teacher with a gift to Bellevue Schools Foundation this Valentine's Day. We'll send your teacher a Valentine's card notifying him/her of your support and appreciation. Meanwhile, your gift will join with others to support great teaching across the District, helping BSF to fund programs like National Board Certification and new teacher support. It's quick, green, calorie-free and it helps Bellevue students while thanking excellent teachers! Honor your teacher with a gift to BSF Click here to give
------------------------------------------
Spirit Week!
Since we aren't having Mid-Winter break, Newport will be celebrating "Stay"-cation week! Each day we will dress up for something we should be doing, if we were on break.
Tuesday: "We should be sleeping in Day" or Pajama Day
Wednesday: "We should be Skiing Day" or Snow Day
Thursday: "We should be in Hawaii Day" or Luau Day
Friday: "We should be in Disneyland Day" or Disney Day
Come spirited and ready to have a great week of fun!
------------------------------------------
Valentine's Day Dance/Tolo Make-up Dance
The Valentine's Day Dance is on February 20th.
Guest passes are available on the Newport website. They are due in the office by Wednesday, February 18th. Tickets can be purchased next week.
Those who attended Tolo need to pick up a coupon for admission to the Dance next week. If you are bringing the same guest to this dance that you took to Tolo, you will be able to get a coupon for them. If you are bringing a different guest, you will need to get a guest pass from the website and have it turned in by February 18th. You will need to buy a ticket for the guest next week.
------------------------------------------
Follies
Tryouts are two weeks away. Sign up for a time and pick up a packet in front of the ASB Secretary Office. Any question, see Mr.Richards or a student from the Technical Theatre class
------------------------------------------
WSPTA's FOCUS DAY – FEBRUARY 26, 2009
There's still plenty of time to register (it's free!) for this year's Focus Day to be held February 26th at the State Capitol in Olympia. The Rally for Basic Education Funding, to be conducted on the steps of the Capitol at noon, will be an important opportunity to remind our legislators of the importance of fixing the state's antiquated funding system for K-12 education, and we really need to have as many members with us as possible. To find out more information about WSPTA's legislative agenda and Focus Day, click on the following link. http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm
------------------------------------------
Parking
I know a lot of our kids have turned 16 and have licenses and are driving. The unfortunate situation at Newport is there are not enough parking spaces to accommodate all of the students (especially the Sophomores that turn 16 throughout the year). I have seen a lot of parking tickets being issued since the first of the year. Students are not allowed to park on campus without a parking pass. St. Margaret's is not an option as they will be towing cars. The waiting list is about 40+ students. Our kids will have an opportunity to get parking passes in the fall at the August back to school days (for the 2009-2010 school year). That will be the best opportunity to get a pass otherwise it is the luck of being on a waiting list. Tickets are $20 for parking illegally.
------------------------------------------
Newport PTSA 2009-2010
Interested in being an officer next year or know someone who would be a great candidate? I will put you in contact with those in the know. Our PTSA does outstanding work, but can't do any of the work without you, the incredible Newport parents helping out!
------------------------------------------
Reflections Program 2009-2010
For those students who like to really plan ahead, the National PTA has announced the theme for next year – "Beauty Is …." The PTA will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Reflections program next year.
------------------------------------------
Class of 2013 Mailing List
Do you have a student in the incoming Freshman class? Friends or neighbors bound for Newport? Make sure that I have your student's name and your email. Encourage them to email me as well. I am compiling the email list for the Class of 2013 Liaison (TBD). We want to offer a warm welcome to all Newport students and families!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
End of Semester & Other News!
End of Semester
Last Chance to buy a Yearbook
Dessert Knight
Girls Water Polo Pre-Season Meeting
Registration-Parent Info Night
Valentine's Dance
Spring Sports Packets
Student School Passwords
Community Service Opportunities
Education Road Show-Save the Date
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up - Reminders!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
----------------------------------
End of Semester/Grades
The semester will end on Friday, February 6. Parents are advised that:
Teachers will be working on final grades through Wednesday, February 11th.
Please be patient as student on-line grades may change significantly while teachers complete their work.
As usual, official grades will arrive at home via US Mail.
--------------------------------------------
Last Chance to buy a Yearbook
The deadline for purchasing a yearbook is February 6th. Do not miss out! Buy your yearbook now. If your student has any question about whether or not they have already purchased a book, they can check the list outside of the accountant's office.
--------------------------------------------
Dessert Knight
On Saturday February 7 at 6:30 PM Newport Choir will host Dessert Knight, a spectacular evening of vocal stylings and calories galore! Please purchase a ticket to Dessert Knight from a choir member who might return the favor by serenading you at table side! It's a great deal for a terrific Knight of food and entertainment.
See Ms. Fisher or Ms. Jones in room 1111 for more information about how you can purchase a ticket to this fantastic event, and thanks for supporting Newport Choir!
--------------------------------------------
Girls Water Polo- come join the fun!
Girl's Preseason Waterpolo team meeting is on Monday February 9th at 3:10 in room 1112.
--------------------------------------------
Registration - Parent Information Night- Thursday, February 12th
Our students will be Juniors next year! Plan on attending the informational meeting from our counseling staff at 7:00 p.m.
Check-in with your student. Their PLAN test results have been distributed and the kids are already hearing from colleges via email.
--------------------------------------------
Valentine's Dance - rescheduled!
Has been scheduled for February 20th. This is an all-school dance (non-date dance). Students that bought Tolo tickets will be given tickets no charge to this dance. More information to follow.
--------------------------------------------
Spring Sport Packets
First time gray packets (if this is the first time you have played a sport this year) and yellow "repeat" packets (if you were already in a fall or winter sport this year) are available outside the ASB secretary's office. Due by February 27th, 2009.
--------------------------------------------
Student School Passwords
Students, it's time to change your school password. Passwords not changed by March will no longer work. Students can do this on the library or classroom computers.
--------------------------------------------
Looking for Community Service Hours?
Newport Heights Elementary PTSA is holding an auction on Saturday, March 21, 2009. They are looking for students to come and babysit elementary age students during the auction. They will need at least 10 volunteers from 5pm-10:30pm (at the latest). Your student can work the entire night for a total of 5 1/2 hours or if there are enough volunteers, there will be 3 hour shifts. Please contact Sondra Richards at sondrar@westseattle.com by February 10th, if you are interested and available! It's a great opportunity to help your local elementary school, meet new families and get more babysitting jobs!
The Mountains to Sound Greenway is having a volunteer service day for high school students on Presidents' Day, February 16th!! There are two different locations and different time commitments available. Please see the counseling center for more information.
--------------------------------------------
Education Road Show - Save the Date
The third annual Education Road Show, entitled "Parents Always Matter," will be held Monday, March 16, at Sammamish High School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. James Mazza, University of Washington Psychology Department. There will be workshops on the AVID program; Parent-Teen mediation; on-line grades, attendance, and curriculum; and information booths representing programs that support parents and students
--------------------------------------------
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Areas (this is the kinder and gentler version of what I would like to say)
Visitors to campus before and after school have reported to us that parents aren't using our new Pick Up and Drop Off areas.
When the building was designed, the architects went to great lengths to add spaces for parents to safely line up to pick up and drop off students that wouldn't cross paths with anyone who was attempting to park or walk into the building. Ironically, neither one of these areas is being used much – instead parents are using one of the parking lots…..and are in the way of people who need to use visitor parking.
Flagpole Pick Up/Drop Off Area
One of the Pick Up/Drop Off areas is on the east side of the building, and is accessed from Factoria Boulevard at the traffic light. It circles the flagpole. There's even a covered waiting area nearby so that students don't get wet on rainy days. Students who get out here in the mornings have easy access to the Commons, and in the afternoons students can walk directly out of the east end of the classroom wing to meet up with parents.
South Ball fields Pick Up/Drop Off Area
The other Pick Up/Drop Off area is on the south side of the building, and is accessed from Coal Creek Parkway. This is the turnaround between the baseball field and the new softball field. It's particularly handy in the mornings for parents on their way to work who will exit the driveway & proceed west on Coal Creek Parkway. It's also really, really large, and can hold dozens of cars. It's the ideal place to wait to pick up a student after school.
Last Chance to buy a Yearbook
Dessert Knight
Girls Water Polo Pre-Season Meeting
Registration-Parent Info Night
Valentine's Dance
Spring Sports Packets
Student School Passwords
Community Service Opportunities
Education Road Show-Save the Date
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up - Reminders!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
----------------------------------
End of Semester/Grades
The semester will end on Friday, February 6. Parents are advised that:
Teachers will be working on final grades through Wednesday, February 11th.
Please be patient as student on-line grades may change significantly while teachers complete their work.
As usual, official grades will arrive at home via US Mail.
--------------------------------------------
Last Chance to buy a Yearbook
The deadline for purchasing a yearbook is February 6th. Do not miss out! Buy your yearbook now. If your student has any question about whether or not they have already purchased a book, they can check the list outside of the accountant's office.
--------------------------------------------
Dessert Knight
On Saturday February 7 at 6:30 PM Newport Choir will host Dessert Knight, a spectacular evening of vocal stylings and calories galore! Please purchase a ticket to Dessert Knight from a choir member who might return the favor by serenading you at table side! It's a great deal for a terrific Knight of food and entertainment.
See Ms. Fisher or Ms. Jones in room 1111 for more information about how you can purchase a ticket to this fantastic event, and thanks for supporting Newport Choir!
--------------------------------------------
Girls Water Polo- come join the fun!
Girl's Preseason Waterpolo team meeting is on Monday February 9th at 3:10 in room 1112.
--------------------------------------------
Registration - Parent Information Night- Thursday, February 12th
Our students will be Juniors next year! Plan on attending the informational meeting from our counseling staff at 7:00 p.m.
Check-in with your student. Their PLAN test results have been distributed and the kids are already hearing from colleges via email.
--------------------------------------------
Valentine's Dance - rescheduled!
Has been scheduled for February 20th. This is an all-school dance (non-date dance). Students that bought Tolo tickets will be given tickets no charge to this dance. More information to follow.
--------------------------------------------
Spring Sport Packets
First time gray packets (if this is the first time you have played a sport this year) and yellow "repeat" packets (if you were already in a fall or winter sport this year) are available outside the ASB secretary's office. Due by February 27th, 2009.
--------------------------------------------
Student School Passwords
Students, it's time to change your school password. Passwords not changed by March will no longer work. Students can do this on the library or classroom computers.
--------------------------------------------
Looking for Community Service Hours?
Newport Heights Elementary PTSA is holding an auction on Saturday, March 21, 2009. They are looking for students to come and babysit elementary age students during the auction. They will need at least 10 volunteers from 5pm-10:30pm (at the latest). Your student can work the entire night for a total of 5 1/2 hours or if there are enough volunteers, there will be 3 hour shifts. Please contact Sondra Richards at sondrar@westseattle.com by February 10th, if you are interested and available! It's a great opportunity to help your local elementary school, meet new families and get more babysitting jobs!
The Mountains to Sound Greenway is having a volunteer service day for high school students on Presidents' Day, February 16th!! There are two different locations and different time commitments available. Please see the counseling center for more information.
--------------------------------------------
Education Road Show - Save the Date
The third annual Education Road Show, entitled "Parents Always Matter," will be held Monday, March 16, at Sammamish High School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. James Mazza, University of Washington Psychology Department. There will be workshops on the AVID program; Parent-Teen mediation; on-line grades, attendance, and curriculum; and information booths representing programs that support parents and students
--------------------------------------------
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Areas (this is the kinder and gentler version of what I would like to say)
Visitors to campus before and after school have reported to us that parents aren't using our new Pick Up and Drop Off areas.
When the building was designed, the architects went to great lengths to add spaces for parents to safely line up to pick up and drop off students that wouldn't cross paths with anyone who was attempting to park or walk into the building. Ironically, neither one of these areas is being used much – instead parents are using one of the parking lots…..and are in the way of people who need to use visitor parking.
Flagpole Pick Up/Drop Off Area
One of the Pick Up/Drop Off areas is on the east side of the building, and is accessed from Factoria Boulevard at the traffic light. It circles the flagpole. There's even a covered waiting area nearby so that students don't get wet on rainy days. Students who get out here in the mornings have easy access to the Commons, and in the afternoons students can walk directly out of the east end of the classroom wing to meet up with parents.
South Ball fields Pick Up/Drop Off Area
The other Pick Up/Drop Off area is on the south side of the building, and is accessed from Coal Creek Parkway. This is the turnaround between the baseball field and the new softball field. It's particularly handy in the mornings for parents on their way to work who will exit the driveway & proceed west on Coal Creek Parkway. It's also really, really large, and can hold dozens of cars. It's the ideal place to wait to pick up a student after school.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Education Funding
This is an exciting time for Education in Washington. For the first time in about 30years, there's finally a plan in front of our Legislature to change the way education is funded in our state. Below is some information that I encourage you all to read. Those of you who can participate in any or all of these activities will make a huge impression. I apologize for the late information and notice.
Want even more information on these topics? Visit http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm.
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
--------------------------------------------------------
Basic Education Funding
The Basic Education Financing Task Force (BEFTF) has released their report on what the Washington State education system needs. Now the legislature will be taking action on this report (available here: http://www.leg.wa.gov/documents/joint/bef/FinalReport.pdf) and they need to hear from you.
Take 5 minutes right now and do something that will make a difference for your children, for all the children of Washington! http://capwiz.com/npta2/wa/home/
Ask them to support the recommendations of the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance! Remind them to keep education at the top of their thoughts this session. Remind them that funding education is the State's paramount duty stated directly in our State's constitution!
If you have any questions on either of these items, please contact Newport PTSA Leg Chairs Sally Caplan at sallycaplan@msn.com or Scott Allen at scottallen1@comcast.net.
Please read the information below From Kim Howard regarding hearings this week January 26-28th.
-------------------------------------
Bellevue Council Meeting – Barb Billinghurst
On February 2, 2009, at 7:00 PM, the Bellevue PTSA Council will have its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at the Bellevue School District offices in the Board Room.
This is important for you because we will have Barb Billinghurst speaking to us about HB 1410 and SB 5444--the two new critical-to-education bills that are being considered in Olympia right now. Ms. Billinghurst has been instrumental in the education reform process for years and will be able to answer all your questions about the bills and the process. This meeting is normally attended by our PTSA officers, but everyone is welcome.
The District office is at 12111 NE 1st St., Bellevue. Do not miss this time to have your questions answered. Connie Gerlitz, Council Leg. Chair
----------------------------------------
Washington State PTA Legislative Update
January 18, 2009
Welcome to the 3rd edition of the Grassroots Connection for the 2009 Legislative Session!
This week I am going to send you the Grassroots Connection in two parts in order to quickly make you aware of hearings regarding our top priority issue next week and how you can participate.
This past week companion bills (meaning that the language is the same in each one) were dropped in the House and HB 1410 the Senate SB 5444 which translate the report of the Basic Education Finance task force into bill language. The first committee hearings about these bills are scheduled for this week. PTA is in the process of reviewing the 100+ page bill and will provide testimony from the organization during these hearings. Legislators need to hear from you as well! Hearing schedules are at the end of this email. Please note that you would only testify at one of the two K-12 and Early Childhood education hearing times, although we would encourage attendance at all hearings as a show The second hearing of that group is simply a continuation of the first hearing.
1. We are encouraging as many members as possible from across the state to actually come to Olympia to attend these hearings in order to show legislators that many folks care about following up on the work of the task force. Legislators need to see and hear from their constituents.
2. Members are encouraged to briefly testify at these hearings. Tips for testimony are below.
3. Members who can not come to Olympia are strongly encouraged to write a note to their legislators and the Governor expressing why you care about developing a better funding system for public education. You can use our Cap-Wiz email system to send messages to your legislators. To very easily pull up all of the email addresses for your district, all you will need is your zip code. Follow the link. State Legislative Directory
4. You are also highly encouraged to call your legislators directly. If you can not speak to your legislator, leave a message with the staff person who answers. If you go to the link above to find your legislators, you will also find phone #s.
Again, members are encouraged to come to testify about why they see the need for education finance reform. I have attached the WSPTA position statement which includes WSPTA endorsement of the report from the task force, released this week. Here are a few suggestions for your testimony:
1. Members who wish to testify will need to show up early and sign in on a sheet which will be on a table just inside the hearing room. Look for the line-up to sign in.
2. When you are called to the front of the room, thank the chair of the committee and committee members for the opportunity to testify. (You will hear all others do this as well.)
3. Introduce yourself, by stating your name, that you are a PTA member and where you have come from. (It would be great if many areas of the state were represented.)
4. Provide brief testimony – prepare up to 90 seconds about why you feel that the education finance system needs reform. (We expect many people to want to testify. Brief testimony is the most effective way to maintain the attention and interest of the legislators.)
5. During your testimony, give specific examples of cuts your district has had to endure or program deficiencies and how this has affected your children.
6. Thank the committee at the end of your testimony.
7. Type up your testimony and bring 20 copies if possible. Hand the copies to committee staff (along the side of the room) after your testimony.
8. Please send me an email to let me know that you are coming. It will help our efforts to know who you are and where you are coming from. If you wish, share your testimony with me in advance via email.
Early Learning & K-12 Education* - 01/26/09 1:30 pm
Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA
REVISED 1/23/2009 4:55 PM
Public Hearing:
1. SB 5410 - Regarding the digital learning commons.
2. SB 5378 - Regarding accreditation of digital learning programs.
3. SB 5444 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Executive Session:
1. SB 5248 - Enacting the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children.
2. SB 5491 - Requiring school districts or educational service districts to purchase employee health insurance coverage through the state health care authority.
Early Learning & K-12 Education - 01/28/09 8:00 am
Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA
Public Hearing: Continuation from Monday's Hearing:
1. SB 5444 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Education Appropriations - 01/28/09 6:00 pm
Full Committee
House Hearing Rm A
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA
Work Session: Basic Education Finance Task Force report.
Public Hearing: HB 1410 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Thank you for all that you do on behalf of the children of our state. Kim
Kim Howard
Government Relations
Washington State PTA
2003 65th Ave. West
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-565-2153
253-241-7187 (cell)
khoward@wastatepta.org
Want even more information on these topics? Visit http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm.
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
--------------------------------------------------------
Basic Education Funding
The Basic Education Financing Task Force (BEFTF) has released their report on what the Washington State education system needs. Now the legislature will be taking action on this report (available here: http://www.leg.wa.gov/documents/joint/bef/FinalReport.pdf) and they need to hear from you.
Take 5 minutes right now and do something that will make a difference for your children, for all the children of Washington! http://capwiz.com/npta2/wa/home/
Ask them to support the recommendations of the Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance! Remind them to keep education at the top of their thoughts this session. Remind them that funding education is the State's paramount duty stated directly in our State's constitution!
If you have any questions on either of these items, please contact Newport PTSA Leg Chairs Sally Caplan at sallycaplan@msn.com or Scott Allen at scottallen1@comcast.net.
Please read the information below From Kim Howard regarding hearings this week January 26-28th.
-------------------------------------
Bellevue Council Meeting – Barb Billinghurst
On February 2, 2009, at 7:00 PM, the Bellevue PTSA Council will have its regularly scheduled monthly meeting at the Bellevue School District offices in the Board Room.
This is important for you because we will have Barb Billinghurst speaking to us about HB 1410 and SB 5444--the two new critical-to-education bills that are being considered in Olympia right now. Ms. Billinghurst has been instrumental in the education reform process for years and will be able to answer all your questions about the bills and the process. This meeting is normally attended by our PTSA officers, but everyone is welcome.
The District office is at 12111 NE 1st St., Bellevue. Do not miss this time to have your questions answered. Connie Gerlitz, Council Leg. Chair
----------------------------------------
Washington State PTA Legislative Update
January 18, 2009
Welcome to the 3rd edition of the Grassroots Connection for the 2009 Legislative Session!
This week I am going to send you the Grassroots Connection in two parts in order to quickly make you aware of hearings regarding our top priority issue next week and how you can participate.
This past week companion bills (meaning that the language is the same in each one) were dropped in the House and HB 1410 the Senate SB 5444 which translate the report of the Basic Education Finance task force into bill language. The first committee hearings about these bills are scheduled for this week. PTA is in the process of reviewing the 100+ page bill and will provide testimony from the organization during these hearings. Legislators need to hear from you as well! Hearing schedules are at the end of this email. Please note that you would only testify at one of the two K-12 and Early Childhood education hearing times, although we would encourage attendance at all hearings as a show The second hearing of that group is simply a continuation of the first hearing.
1. We are encouraging as many members as possible from across the state to actually come to Olympia to attend these hearings in order to show legislators that many folks care about following up on the work of the task force. Legislators need to see and hear from their constituents.
2. Members are encouraged to briefly testify at these hearings. Tips for testimony are below.
3. Members who can not come to Olympia are strongly encouraged to write a note to their legislators and the Governor expressing why you care about developing a better funding system for public education. You can use our Cap-Wiz email system to send messages to your legislators. To very easily pull up all of the email addresses for your district, all you will need is your zip code. Follow the link. State Legislative Directory
4. You are also highly encouraged to call your legislators directly. If you can not speak to your legislator, leave a message with the staff person who answers. If you go to the link above to find your legislators, you will also find phone #s.
Again, members are encouraged to come to testify about why they see the need for education finance reform. I have attached the WSPTA position statement which includes WSPTA endorsement of the report from the task force, released this week. Here are a few suggestions for your testimony:
1. Members who wish to testify will need to show up early and sign in on a sheet which will be on a table just inside the hearing room. Look for the line-up to sign in.
2. When you are called to the front of the room, thank the chair of the committee and committee members for the opportunity to testify. (You will hear all others do this as well.)
3. Introduce yourself, by stating your name, that you are a PTA member and where you have come from. (It would be great if many areas of the state were represented.)
4. Provide brief testimony – prepare up to 90 seconds about why you feel that the education finance system needs reform. (We expect many people to want to testify. Brief testimony is the most effective way to maintain the attention and interest of the legislators.)
5. During your testimony, give specific examples of cuts your district has had to endure or program deficiencies and how this has affected your children.
6. Thank the committee at the end of your testimony.
7. Type up your testimony and bring 20 copies if possible. Hand the copies to committee staff (along the side of the room) after your testimony.
8. Please send me an email to let me know that you are coming. It will help our efforts to know who you are and where you are coming from. If you wish, share your testimony with me in advance via email.
Early Learning & K-12 Education* - 01/26/09 1:30 pm
Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA
REVISED 1/23/2009 4:55 PM
Public Hearing:
1. SB 5410 - Regarding the digital learning commons.
2. SB 5378 - Regarding accreditation of digital learning programs.
3. SB 5444 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Executive Session:
1. SB 5248 - Enacting the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children.
2. SB 5491 - Requiring school districts or educational service districts to purchase employee health insurance coverage through the state health care authority.
Early Learning & K-12 Education - 01/28/09 8:00 am
Full Committee
Senate Hearing Rm 1
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA
Public Hearing: Continuation from Monday's Hearing:
1. SB 5444 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Education Appropriations - 01/28/09 6:00 pm
Full Committee
House Hearing Rm A
John L. O'Brien Building
Olympia, WA
Work Session: Basic Education Finance Task Force report.
Public Hearing: HB 1410 - Creating a comprehensive system of public education programs, finance, and accountability.
Thank you for all that you do on behalf of the children of our state. Kim
Kim Howard
Government Relations
Washington State PTA
2003 65th Ave. West
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-565-2153
253-241-7187 (cell)
khoward@wastatepta.org
Monday, January 26, 2009
On Thursday, January 15, Kate O'Sullivan, the wife of Newport Chemistry teacher Tim O'Sullivan and mom of Newport freshman Amanda O'Sullivan, lost her battle with cancer. I am certain that the family would be comforted to know that others in the Newport family are grieving with them. Messages of condolence and support can be sent to:
Tim O'Sullivan and family
12617 SE 42nd Street
Bellevue, WA 98006
-------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair and Assembly
Spring Sports Packets
January PTSA Meeting
Dessert Knight
Parent Information Night
BSD Calendar/Finals Schedule
Yearbook Announcement
Late AP Testing/Payment
Newport Reflection's Honorees
PTSA Focus Day
-------------------------------------------------------
Let me know if you have any questions!
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair & Assembly
Elective Fair Thursday, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to tell you about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
Elective Assembly schedule: On Friday, January 23rd, Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors will have the opportunity to visit four ten-minute presentations of the elective classes of their choice. Seniors should report to the Theater for a presentation regarding the transition to college.
--------------------------------------------------------
Spring Sport Packets
Spring Sport Packets are now available for pick-up.
First time gray packets (if this is the first time you have played a sport this year) and yellow "repeat" packets (if you were already in a fall or winter sport this year) are available outside the ASB secretary's office. Deadline February 27, 2009.
--------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
Wednesday, January 28th at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library. General Membership Meeting. We will vote on our Nominating Committee.
-------------------------------------------------------
Dessert Knight is coming!
Mark your calendars now! On Saturday February 7 at 6:30 PM Newport Choir will host Dessert Knight, a spectacular evening of vocal stylings and calories galore! Please purchase a ticket to Dessert Knight from a choir member who might return the favor by serenading you at table side! It's a great deal for a terrific Knight of food and entertainment.
See Ms. Fisher or Ms. Jones in room 1111 for more information about how you can purchase a ticket to this fantastic event, and thanks for supporting Newport Choir!
-------------------------------------------------------
Parent Information Night
Thursday, February 12th, 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Main Gym for a grade level (Junior) counselor presentation.
-------------------------------------------------------
New BSD Calendar/First Semester Finals Schedule
First Semester Finals Schedule for February 4, 5, and 6. The last day of school is June 25th. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar.
-------------------------------------------------------
Yearbook Announcement:
Students who wish to substitute their English names for their Ethnic names in the Yearbook need to complete a name change list in the main office by January 23rd.
-------------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
If your student has not yet registered for their AP exam, have them see Ms. Suppes in the Main Office. If your student has registered but not paid, please send payment in ASAP.
-------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
PTSA FOCUS DAY
Washington State PTA is sponsoring its annual Focus Day activities Thursday, February 26th.
This is the day that PTA members across the state gather in Olympia to "focus" on the child advocacy issues that were selected at Legislative Assembly. This is an unusually important year for parents to participate. Our Legislative representatives have been given the task of revamping our educational system -- primarily the way in which it is funded. It has been obvious for years that the funding amount has been inadequate (districts have to raise levy money to provide basics) but even more obvious that the funds are unfairly distributed. Combine the ever-growing needs of our underfunded educational system with the current budget crisis and one simply cannot deny the need to keep our legislators FOCUSED on our kids. Focus Day this year will take on a different form than in years past. This year, the main activity will be a massive rally on the Capital steps at noon. We need everybody possible to attend for this easy, fun, and effective advocating party.
Organize car pools -- we need at least four cars of four people from every school. Drive to Olympia, rally on the steps, drive back home. How easy can it get? Bellevue PTSA Council also has rented two busses for the day. The trip is free to Bellevue PTA members and almost free to other Council members. We will leave at about 9:30 on February 26 from the old K Mart parking lot on 148th and return there by 3 or 3:30. Reservations are required for the bus. Contact me with your name and e-mail address if you want to ride the bus. I need to have these names by the first part of February.
Connie Gerlitz (dgerlitz2@comcast.net),
Bellevue Council and Region 2, Legislative Chair
Tim O'Sullivan and family
12617 SE 42nd Street
Bellevue, WA 98006
-------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair and Assembly
Spring Sports Packets
January PTSA Meeting
Dessert Knight
Parent Information Night
BSD Calendar/Finals Schedule
Yearbook Announcement
Late AP Testing/Payment
Newport Reflection's Honorees
PTSA Focus Day
-------------------------------------------------------
Let me know if you have any questions!
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
------------------------------------------------------
Electives Fair & Assembly
Elective Fair Thursday, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to tell you about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
Elective Assembly schedule: On Friday, January 23rd, Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors will have the opportunity to visit four ten-minute presentations of the elective classes of their choice. Seniors should report to the Theater for a presentation regarding the transition to college.
--------------------------------------------------------
Spring Sport Packets
Spring Sport Packets are now available for pick-up.
First time gray packets (if this is the first time you have played a sport this year) and yellow "repeat" packets (if you were already in a fall or winter sport this year) are available outside the ASB secretary's office. Deadline February 27, 2009.
--------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
Wednesday, January 28th at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library. General Membership Meeting. We will vote on our Nominating Committee.
-------------------------------------------------------
Dessert Knight is coming!
Mark your calendars now! On Saturday February 7 at 6:30 PM Newport Choir will host Dessert Knight, a spectacular evening of vocal stylings and calories galore! Please purchase a ticket to Dessert Knight from a choir member who might return the favor by serenading you at table side! It's a great deal for a terrific Knight of food and entertainment.
See Ms. Fisher or Ms. Jones in room 1111 for more information about how you can purchase a ticket to this fantastic event, and thanks for supporting Newport Choir!
-------------------------------------------------------
Parent Information Night
Thursday, February 12th, 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the Main Gym for a grade level (Junior) counselor presentation.
-------------------------------------------------------
New BSD Calendar/First Semester Finals Schedule
First Semester Finals Schedule for February 4, 5, and 6. The last day of school is June 25th. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar.
-------------------------------------------------------
Yearbook Announcement:
Students who wish to substitute their English names for their Ethnic names in the Yearbook need to complete a name change list in the main office by January 23rd.
-------------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
If your student has not yet registered for their AP exam, have them see Ms. Suppes in the Main Office. If your student has registered but not paid, please send payment in ASAP.
-------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
PTSA FOCUS DAY
Washington State PTA is sponsoring its annual Focus Day activities Thursday, February 26th.
This is the day that PTA members across the state gather in Olympia to "focus" on the child advocacy issues that were selected at Legislative Assembly. This is an unusually important year for parents to participate. Our Legislative representatives have been given the task of revamping our educational system -- primarily the way in which it is funded. It has been obvious for years that the funding amount has been inadequate (districts have to raise levy money to provide basics) but even more obvious that the funds are unfairly distributed. Combine the ever-growing needs of our underfunded educational system with the current budget crisis and one simply cannot deny the need to keep our legislators FOCUSED on our kids. Focus Day this year will take on a different form than in years past. This year, the main activity will be a massive rally on the Capital steps at noon. We need everybody possible to attend for this easy, fun, and effective advocating party.
Organize car pools -- we need at least four cars of four people from every school. Drive to Olympia, rally on the steps, drive back home. How easy can it get? Bellevue PTSA Council also has rented two busses for the day. The trip is free to Bellevue PTA members and almost free to other Council members. We will leave at about 9:30 on February 26 from the old K Mart parking lot on 148th and return there by 3 or 3:30. Reservations are required for the bus. Contact me with your name and e-mail address if you want to ride the bus. I need to have these names by the first part of February.
Connie Gerlitz (dgerlitz2@comcast.net),
Bellevue Council and Region 2, Legislative Chair
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
News & Updates for the New Year!
Who would have thought that after all of the snow we would be dealing with so much rain...
Lots of news and updates to start the new year!
Class of 2009 Fundraisers
Late AP Testing Registration
Tolo Pictures
ASPEN Team Information Meeting
Knights in Vienna
Elective Fair
January PTSA Meeting
New Action Alert from the Governor - Education Funding
BSF News
New school Calendar
-------------------------------------------------
With all of this rain, do you need an umbrella? Consider ordering one to help the Class of 2009 fundraising efforts for GradKnight while showing Newport spirit!
You can even help out for free by signing up for the Albertson's and Safeway e-script program. Visit http://www.nhsgradknight2009.myevent.com/3/events.htm
Both of these fundraisers will be ours when our kids are seniors, so please support the efforts of the Class of 2009.
--------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
The final deadline for students who have not registered and/or paid for their AP Exams has been extended to this Friday January 9th due the recent snow days. To register, go to the Newport Web site. To pay, bring payment to the NHS accountant. Exams cost $86.00 per exam. Students seeking financial assistance should speak with the Dean of Students in the main office.
------------------------------------------------------------
Tolo Pictures
Tolo pictures will be handed out on Friday, January 9, during both lunches.
---------------------------------------------------
ASPEN
Is your student interested in being on the ASPEN Team for the 2009-2010 school year? Save the date of January 15th, 3:10 to 3:45, in room 3119, for a mandatory information meeting. You must attend to apply. If you can't make the meeting, you must see Ms. Velategui in 3119 at 12:40 on January 14th. ASPEN: AIDS Peer Education at Newport is an advanced Health class that focuses on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the world community. After extensive training, students deliver HIV/AIDS lessons to 9-12 graders at Newport and 10th graders at other high schools.
----------------------------------------------------------
Knights in Vienna
The Friends of Newport Orchestra are pleased to present Knights in Vienna, a spectacular evening of waltz and swing music, delicious desserts, and professional dance instruction.
The event will be held Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 pm in the Newport High School Commons and will feature performances by talented students from Newport High School and the Newport High School orchestra for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Dance instruction will be provided by Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Bellevue.
A silent auction will be held in addition to the traditional raffle baskets. Some fabulous items have already been donated by local businesses and students:
Two nights at the Larkspur Landing Hotels in Bellevue
Dinner for six at the Outback Steakhouse
ACT theatre tickets
Dominos Pizza for one year
Amore gourmet chocolates
Dinner for 2 at Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue
One night at the Hilton Garden Inn at Issaquah
Bow rehairing from David T. Stone Violins
University Book Store $25 gift certificate
Pasta & Co., cookbook & $25 gift certificate
And ... a string quartet for your event!
Knights in Vienna is incredibly fun every year for students and adults; you won't want to miss it!
Desserts and beverages will be served. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.newportorchestra.com through Saturday, January 10 for $25 (general admission) and $10 (student). A special table for eight next to the dance floor may be reserved in advance for $250. Tickets will be sold at the door for $30 (general admission) and $12 (student).
Proceeds from this event will benefit the outstanding Newport High School Orchestra Program.
--------------------------------------------------------
Electives
Students can come to the Elective Fair on January 20th and 22nd, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to talk about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
---------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
The January PTSA meeting will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library.
------ ------------------------------------------------
New - Action Alert Message for the Governor – Follow the link below to take action today
After the Governor released her budget proposal, we shut down our earlier education funding alert, recognizing that we needed to update our message. (Approximately 350 people responded to this first alert.) We have created a new message (linked below) and again strongly encourage all, (even those who responded to the first alert) to complete it and to forward it on to your email lists.
We want to let our elected officials know that despite these very difficult times, there is work that can be done to lay the groundwork for a better education finance structure in the future. We are also expressing specific concern about the proposed 33% cuts to levy equalization money which would adversely affect those districts that already have less ability to raise local levy dollars. Click on the following link and Respond to the Governor's Budget Proposal Today!
State Launches Searchable Budget Website
Last week, following a press conference at the state capitol, the state released a new website that puts all state spending online in a searchable, easy-to-use format. Fiscal.wa.gov is an unprecedented step towards transparency and interactivity in government, and was called for by legislation passed during the 2008 legislative session. The legislation was based on WPC's research and recommendations in Creating a Free, Searchable Website of State Spending, published in December 2007. Read more about this in WPC's press release on the searchable budget website.
----- ---------------------------------------------
Bellevue Schools Foundation News
Your donation making an impact across the district
Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, your generosity is impacting all students throughout the district. Here's an example of how your gift is making a difference in both mathematics and science this year…
Math Expressions: Every K-5 student is benefiting from the new Math Expressions curriculum that emphasizes math concepts, computational fluency and problem solving skills. Every student will be challenged to achieve in math with supplementary leveled instruction to support the spectrum of learners from ESL students to gifted young mathematicians.
Thanks to your support, BSF is providing $170,000 towards Math Expressions this year.
Today's Science: All middle and high school students are benefiting from an improved science curriculum, based upon the latest scientific and learning research, and professional development for teachers. Curriculum improvements to the science courses, including Physics in 8th Grade, Biology in 9th Grade and Chemistry in 10th Grade, will prepare every student to complete a college preparatory physics/biology/chemistry sequence by Grade 10 and be ready for Advanced Placement (AP) or college-level science courses by Grade 11.
With your help, BSF is providing $150,000 towards the science curriculum advancements this year.
Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon
Mark your calendars now! The 21st Annual Bellevue Schools Foundation Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Meydenbauer Center, from 11:30am – 1:30pm. More details to follow…
Amazon.com
It's easy to raise money for our schools while you shop at Amazon.com. Just go to the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) website home page,www.bsfdn.org and click on the Amazon link. Amazon will donate over 7% of each sale to support Bellevue schools. Remember, you must go through the BSF website link for BSF to get credit for the order.
Thanks to you, Amazon donated over $4,790 to BSF for our students in 2008!
-------------------------------------------------
New School Year Calendar
The Bellevue School District has published a new calendar, adding the snow days to the end of the school year. First semester finals will be rescheduled (see below), and the semester will end on February 6. The last day of school is June 25. Other changes will be announced as we learn them. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar. www.bsd405.org
--
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
Lots of news and updates to start the new year!
Class of 2009 Fundraisers
Late AP Testing Registration
Tolo Pictures
ASPEN Team Information Meeting
Knights in Vienna
Elective Fair
January PTSA Meeting
New Action Alert from the Governor - Education Funding
BSF News
New school Calendar
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With all of this rain, do you need an umbrella? Consider ordering one to help the Class of 2009 fundraising efforts for GradKnight while showing Newport spirit!
You can even help out for free by signing up for the Albertson's and Safeway e-script program. Visit http://www.nhsgradknight2009.myevent.com/3/events.htm
Both of these fundraisers will be ours when our kids are seniors, so please support the efforts of the Class of 2009.
--------------------------------------------------
Late AP Test Registration/Payment
The final deadline for students who have not registered and/or paid for their AP Exams has been extended to this Friday January 9th due the recent snow days. To register, go to the Newport Web site. To pay, bring payment to the NHS accountant. Exams cost $86.00 per exam. Students seeking financial assistance should speak with the Dean of Students in the main office.
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Tolo Pictures
Tolo pictures will be handed out on Friday, January 9, during both lunches.
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ASPEN
Is your student interested in being on the ASPEN Team for the 2009-2010 school year? Save the date of January 15th, 3:10 to 3:45, in room 3119, for a mandatory information meeting. You must attend to apply. If you can't make the meeting, you must see Ms. Velategui in 3119 at 12:40 on January 14th. ASPEN: AIDS Peer Education at Newport is an advanced Health class that focuses on HIV/AIDS and its impact on the world community. After extensive training, students deliver HIV/AIDS lessons to 9-12 graders at Newport and 10th graders at other high schools.
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Knights in Vienna
The Friends of Newport Orchestra are pleased to present Knights in Vienna, a spectacular evening of waltz and swing music, delicious desserts, and professional dance instruction.
The event will be held Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 pm in the Newport High School Commons and will feature performances by talented students from Newport High School and the Newport High School orchestra for your dancing and listening enjoyment. Dance instruction will be provided by Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Bellevue.
A silent auction will be held in addition to the traditional raffle baskets. Some fabulous items have already been donated by local businesses and students:
Two nights at the Larkspur Landing Hotels in Bellevue
Dinner for six at the Outback Steakhouse
ACT theatre tickets
Dominos Pizza for one year
Amore gourmet chocolates
Dinner for 2 at Mediterranean Kitchen in Bellevue
One night at the Hilton Garden Inn at Issaquah
Bow rehairing from David T. Stone Violins
University Book Store $25 gift certificate
Pasta & Co., cookbook & $25 gift certificate
And ... a string quartet for your event!
Knights in Vienna is incredibly fun every year for students and adults; you won't want to miss it!
Desserts and beverages will be served. Advance tickets may be purchased at www.newportorchestra.com through Saturday, January 10 for $25 (general admission) and $10 (student). A special table for eight next to the dance floor may be reserved in advance for $250. Tickets will be sold at the door for $30 (general admission) and $12 (student).
Proceeds from this event will benefit the outstanding Newport High School Orchestra Program.
--------------------------------------------------------
Electives
Students can come to the Elective Fair on January 20th and 22nd, in the Commons during both lunches. Teachers will be available to talk about the courses and programs they are offering in the coming year.
---------------------------------------------------------
January PTSA Meeting
The January PTSA meeting will be held Wednesday, January 28 at 7:00 pm in the NHS Library.
------ ------------------------------------------------
New - Action Alert Message for the Governor – Follow the link below to take action today
After the Governor released her budget proposal, we shut down our earlier education funding alert, recognizing that we needed to update our message. (Approximately 350 people responded to this first alert.) We have created a new message (linked below) and again strongly encourage all, (even those who responded to the first alert) to complete it and to forward it on to your email lists.
We want to let our elected officials know that despite these very difficult times, there is work that can be done to lay the groundwork for a better education finance structure in the future. We are also expressing specific concern about the proposed 33% cuts to levy equalization money which would adversely affect those districts that already have less ability to raise local levy dollars. Click on the following link and Respond to the Governor's Budget Proposal Today!
State Launches Searchable Budget Website
Last week, following a press conference at the state capitol, the state released a new website that puts all state spending online in a searchable, easy-to-use format. Fiscal.wa.gov is an unprecedented step towards transparency and interactivity in government, and was called for by legislation passed during the 2008 legislative session. The legislation was based on WPC's research and recommendations in Creating a Free, Searchable Website of State Spending, published in December 2007. Read more about this in WPC's press release on the searchable budget website.
----- ---------------------------------------------
Bellevue Schools Foundation News
Your donation making an impact across the district
Whether your child is in elementary, middle or high school, your generosity is impacting all students throughout the district. Here's an example of how your gift is making a difference in both mathematics and science this year…
Math Expressions: Every K-5 student is benefiting from the new Math Expressions curriculum that emphasizes math concepts, computational fluency and problem solving skills. Every student will be challenged to achieve in math with supplementary leveled instruction to support the spectrum of learners from ESL students to gifted young mathematicians.
Thanks to your support, BSF is providing $170,000 towards Math Expressions this year.
Today's Science: All middle and high school students are benefiting from an improved science curriculum, based upon the latest scientific and learning research, and professional development for teachers. Curriculum improvements to the science courses, including Physics in 8th Grade, Biology in 9th Grade and Chemistry in 10th Grade, will prepare every student to complete a college preparatory physics/biology/chemistry sequence by Grade 10 and be ready for Advanced Placement (AP) or college-level science courses by Grade 11.
With your help, BSF is providing $150,000 towards the science curriculum advancements this year.
Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon
Mark your calendars now! The 21st Annual Bellevue Schools Foundation Spring for Schools Benefit Luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Meydenbauer Center, from 11:30am – 1:30pm. More details to follow…
Amazon.com
It's easy to raise money for our schools while you shop at Amazon.com. Just go to the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) website home page,www.bsfdn.org and click on the Amazon link. Amazon will donate over 7% of each sale to support Bellevue schools. Remember, you must go through the BSF website link for BSF to get credit for the order.
Thanks to you, Amazon donated over $4,790 to BSF for our students in 2008!
-------------------------------------------------
New School Year Calendar
The Bellevue School District has published a new calendar, adding the snow days to the end of the school year. First semester finals will be rescheduled (see below), and the semester will end on February 6. The last day of school is June 25. Other changes will be announced as we learn them. Please go to the BSD website for the new calendar. www.bsd405.org
--
Julie Rooney
PTSA Class of 2011 Liaison
http://newport-ptsa-2011.blogspot.com/
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