We are so excited to welcome our newest Owls to the STEM community! There are two sessions for this year’s PTA-sponsored kindergarten play dates during Jump Start Week of August 20-24. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other incoming …
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Welcome to the annual STEM K-8 Direct Give Campaign, our first fundraiser of the year. During October we aim raise $35,000 to support the STEM community.
Background
The STEM K-8 PTA serves as the roots of the STEM community and supports funding for every aspect of our unique school. State and local funding is terribly inadequate to support the vision of our school and provide the level of services, support, and materials we need for all of our students.
With the support of families and local businesses, STEM K-8 PTA has enriched the baseline curriculum by investing in technology, art, literacy, engineering, Project Based Learning, playground equipment, science fair projects, scholarships, emergency equipment, teacher training, field trips, and community events. It’s only with your financial support that STEM K-8 PTA can continue to create opportunities for every student.
Our goal is $35,000.
The Direct Give Campaign ensures that each dollar you donate goes directly to the school. Each donation is tax deductible, and many employers will match donations, increasing your gift to our school and community.
The PTA invites everyone in our community (including friends, neighbors and relatives) to give what they can today.
Every dollar makes a difference.
- $5 buys 1 polo shirt for the uniform closet for a student in need.
- $0.83 every month for 12 months pays for a scholarship for a student to attend a field trip.
- $25 buys 2 books for school library about women of color in technology.
- $4.16 every month for 12 months Buys 4 safety vests for safety team.
- $65 buys math consumables for one classroom.
- 12 payments of $8.33 buys the jump ropes, hula-hoops and balls for recess.
- $100 buys soil planters and seeds for life sciences project.
- $110 purchases microscope slides for Middle School Project Based Learning.
- 12 payments of $12.50 buys one Kindergarten classroom an alphabet sounds teaching tub.
- $150 gets one 3rd grade classroom an engineering kit.
- Two payments of $100 pays for an owl expert to bring a real owl to school.
- $500 pays for a classroom teacher to buy a specialized piece of equipment for their classroom.
- 12 payments of $83.33 buys chapter books for a grade band for reading book groups.
- $2000 pays for student learning software – Learning A-Z.
To Donate
You can donate online, either as a one-time donations or set up recurring payments, or you can pay by check
- Submit a payment online
- Did you want to setup recurring, online payments?
- Checks can be made out to: Louisa Boren STEM K-8 PTA.Return the donation form to the STEM K-8 PTA mailbox at STEM or mail to: STEM K-8 PTA, 5950 Delridge Way Seattle, WA 98106
Thank you for supporting Louisa Boren STEM K-8.
Give. Grow. Fly.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/10/01/2017-direct-give-donation/
The goal of the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 CTE Advisory Committee is to promote the long-term efficacy of its program by inspiring students to examine career pathways in STEM fields. We are seeking community members willing to serve a two-year term on our CTE Advisory Committee. Parents of current 8th grade students may apply for a one year term.
Are you employed in one of the following STEM fields?
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Geotechnical Services
- Sustainable Business Practices
If so, please consider joining Craig Parsley on Wednesday, October 4 at 6:30 pm in Room 117 (Louisa Boren STEM K-8) for an exploratory meeting of the Green Technologies and Geosciences CTE Advisory Committee. At this meeting, Mr. Parsley will provide information about membership on the Louisa Boren STEM K-8, CTE Advisory Committee and the purpose of the committee.
Initial goals of Louisa Boren STEM K-8 Advisory Committee are as follows:
- Guide Boren STEM K-8 in planning an integrated STEM/CTE Curriculum
- Suggest modifications and updates to Boren STEM K-8 classroom practices
- Consult program on current and future trends in Washington career possibilities
- Bring together experts from around the Puget Sound as on-call experts and troubleshooters
- Support business and academic partnerships to strengthen Boren K-8’s program and value
- Suggest occupational competencies to integrate into the Middle School curriculum
- Communicate with School Board members to advocate for CTE funding
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/09/27/call-for-cte-advisory-committee-members/
The Chinook Book contains hundreds of coupons for local places you love, like Elliot Bay Brewing, PCC, Woodland Park Zoo, and Cupcake Royale!
STEM K-8 PTA is offering 2 ways to support the PTA and get access to some sweet deals!
Option 1: BOOK + MOBILE APP
Get a print book plus a 12-month full access subscription for Chinook Book app!
- Total cost $25
- To Order: Make out checks to “STEM K-8 PTA” or pay by cash for $25. Cash or check payment due by September 29th. Return the completed form to teachers / PTA mailbox or send info to: robingraham26@gmail.com. Books out Oct 1.
Parent Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Email or Phone #: ___________________________________________________________________________
Student Name(s): ____________________________________________________________________________
Student Grade(s) & Teacher(s): ____________________________________________________________
Option 1: MOBILE APP
Get 12-month full access subscription via the Chinook Book app!
- To Order: Download the app using your phone at https://chinook.co/k8stemelementaryschool. After purchasing the app you can “promote” year-round and STEM K-8 will continue to get 50% of the proceeds of any sale through our link.
- Total cost $15
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/09/25/chinook-book-two-options-for-purchase-all-sales-benefit-pta/
Kindergarteners
For all incoming kindergarten families, SPS is hosting a weeklong Jump Start from Aug. 21-25 from 9am to 12pm daily. All kindergarten families *should* have gotten information via email about Jump Start (check your junk mail if not). You can also visit the Seattle Public School Jump Start page to learn more and/or to register your littlest owl.
Additional info
- Sept. 6-8, 2017 will be Family Connections. Each family meets with their Kindergarten teacher
- Sept. 11, 2017 will be First day of school for Kindergarten students
Transportation
Bus schedules come out late August via postal mail. Parents may also call SPS’s transportation office at 206-252-0900
Teacher Assignments
Teacher assignments will come out via e-mail the THURSDAY before school starts (August 31). You can call the office starting September 1 for class assignments.
Student Orientations
Orientation for all NEW students in grades 1-5 will be August 31 from 5:00-6:00 pm.
Orientation for ALL middle school students will be August 31 from 6:00-7:00 pm. Students will have the opportunity to meet teachers, register for Pathway classes, sign up for athletics, and learn about school expectations.
STEM K-8 PTA
The first PTA meeting will be Wednesday, September 13 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Library
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/08/20/jump-start-for-ks-bus-information-orientation-the-pta-and-more/
STEM K-8 does not distribute school supplies lists. In lieu of an extensive list of supplies, we ask K–5 students bring only a backpack (and lunch box if they don’t eat school lunch) and a check for $45.
Middle school students should bring a backpack (and lunch box if they don’t eat school lunch) and check for $85. Middle school fees help cover additional technology and science supplies used at the middle school level.
The check should be written out to “STEM K-8” and the check can be left with teachers or the school office the first week of school. Payment can be spread out over multiple months if needed.
The supply payment is not required and all students will receive the same supplies ordered by their teachers in each classroom. Please do contribute at the level and in the way that best works for your family.
Also – teachers may have additional requests like snacks, water bottles, or other classroom / grade level specific needs.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/08/18/school-supplies/
On Thursday, June 1, Flip Herndon, Associate Superintendent for Facilities and Operations at Seattle Public Schools will lead a STEM K-8 community meeting to discuss capacity and enrollment issues that impact our school.
Why should I attend this meeting?
Seattle Public Schools has formed a Capacity Management Task Force to address increases in current and projected enrollment and this task force has been given a charter to prepare a set of recommendations for the Superintendent of Schools. An option currently under consideration by this task force is the relocation of Louisa Boren STEM K-8 to the Schmitz Park elementary school building.
Download this sheet: STEM K8 PTA Concerns to learn why the STEM K8 PTA opposes such a move
More information about the SPS proposal will be presented by Mr. Herndon on June 1. Please clear your calendars in order to be at this meeting. It’s important that SPS understand the STEM community is involved and concerned about any plans to relocate our students.
- Date: Thursday, June 1 at 6:30 PM. District Capacity Planning and School Location Meeting
- Location: STEM K-8
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/05/24/district-capacity-planning-and-school-location-meeting/
Join STEM families for a fun night out and to support next year’s 5th grade trip to Islandwood.
- Date: Friday, May 12
- Time: 6:00-8:30 pm
In addition to a movie, there will be concessions and a bake sale to help fundraising efforts. Join us in the STEM cafeteria from 6:00-8:30 pm!
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/05/09/movie-night-fundraiser-on-may-12/
Music teacher Casey Cheever is inviting all families to the spring STEM band concert!
The concert will be held on June 13th at 6:30 pm at the Auditorium of Chief Sealth High School (2600 SW Thistle St, Seattle, WA 98126). All of the band students will be performing, including 4th-7th grade student musicians. Come and applaud our busy musical owls!
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/05/09/spring-concert-to-feature-musicians-from-grades-4-7/
All are invited to our first ever GGLOW OWLS Dance Party celebrating our LGBTQIA families, staff and students, on Friday June 2nd from 6:30-8:30 pm at Louisa Boren STEM K-8. Papa Bois & Full Tilt’s food trucks will be parked out front. Yum! We will have dancing, crafts, a photo booth and popcorn!
We are raising money to purchase more LGBTQIA books for our school through a t-shirt campaign. Please check it out. You have until 5/13 to purchase an Owl Pride t-shirt. Youth and adult sizes available.
Watch for an Amazon Book Wish List coming soon.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/05/02/gglow-dance-party-t-shirt/
K-8 STEM Student Council & PTA are happy to announce the 1st ever Spiritwear Design Contest! DESIGNS ARE DUE MAY 5th! Help the council design a logo for new spiritwear shirts!
You can use this template or use a blank piece of paper or use a print out of your design. Turn all submissions in to the box in the STEM front office.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/04/24/calling-all-designers-stem-k-8-spiritwear-design-contest/
Each year the PTA needs to fill the empty seats on the Executive Committee and our Board and now is the time to step up for next year. It is an opportunity to run this small non-profit that helps to make our school what it is today. Anyone can do it and it is a rewarding way to give back to STEM.
If you are interested in helping to find our next PTA leaders you can step up to be on our Nominating committee. It is a small time commitment to help reach out to our community and find people interested in getting more involved.
OR if you are interested in the open executive committee roles of Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Co-Treasurer just reach out to get more info. There are many openings on our board as well so please get in touch if you are interested in being more involved. Contact Rebecca at president@stemk8pta.org.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/04/21/the-pta-needs-you/
One of our very own robotics teams took home the highest honors at the Washington State VEX IQ Robotics Championship last month and is headed to the world championship event in Kentucky on April 22nd! The VEX program is terrific in that it emphasizes communication, collaboration and leadership skill development in addition to the technical skills that come with designing and operating robots.
The STEM team is the only team from a Seattle elementary school going to the world championships, and they need your help to get there. A YouCaring account has been set up to cover the cost of travel for the kids, parent chaperones, and Ms. Schmick. Any size contribution will be greatly appreciated.Thank you for your support! Go STEM K- 8 Bots!
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/04/18/help-stem-robotics-team-in-the-advance-to-world-championships/
Find classes and class information at our enrichment home page and register your owls now! Drumming, carpentry, Beauty & the Beast, Chess, Circuitbending and more!
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/04/05/spring-2017-before-and-afterschool-classes-now-registering/
Enjoy the auction video celebrating 5 years of our school! And, if you missed the auction, there’s still time to donate.
Donate to our Keeping the Gears Turning campaign.
There are still auction items available in the online auction catalogue where you’ll find fun teacher experiences.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/04/03/steampunk-auction-video/
Advocacy chair and STEM momma Shawna Murphy has shared an excellent and comprehensive Seattle Times article about the current school funding crisis, the connection to the McCleary decision, and a rundown on how public education is currently funded across the state. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and learn more about this important issue: http://projects.seattletimes.com/2016/education-funding/
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/04/03/homework-for-the-ptas-april-5th-upcoming-meeting/
Middle School Athletics: Spring Sports has begun.
Girls’ Volleyball
Practice are Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the gym. Practice begins at 4:15 p.m. We are lucky to have all of our games, here at STEM! The first game of the season is this Saturday, March 25th at 9:30 a.m., against Pathfinder. For more information, please contact Ms. Paulson, volleyball coach or Mrs. Noble, Assistant Principal.
Boys’ Soccer
Practice are Tuesday and Thursdays. Please contact Mr. Des for the times and location of soccer practice. The first game of the season is this Saturday, March 25th at, against Hazelwolf, at Rainier Beach High School. For more information, please contact Mr. Des, soccer coach or Mrs. Noble, Assistant Principal.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/03/19/middle-school-athletics-for-spring/
Thanks to the following businesses for sponsoring the STEM K-8 PTA’s 2017 auction, SteamPUNK! With their support, the PTA reduces event costs and can direct more $$ to activities that impact our students, from PBL supplies to scholarships to books and equipment!
Silver
Grocery Outlet Bargin Market SODO
Bronze
Ventana Construction and iD Tech
In-Kind
- Heidi Baughman Design
- Hunt Jackson PLLC
- Industry Sign and Graphics
- Georgetown Brewing
- Live Oak Audio Visual, Inc.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/03/19/thanks-to-our-steampunk-auction-sponsors/
When: April 1st from 5:30pm – 11:00pm
Where: Hall at Fauntleroy 9131 California Ave SW
Through fundraising activities, the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 PTA supports both basics (library books, gym equipment, art supplies) and “extras” (Project Based Learning supplies, scholarships for before & after school clubs, technology equipment, PTA events like Back to School Bash, and Pi Day). With your support, our students get the basics AND the extras which is what makes STEM awesome!
Lean more about this event, including information on tickets, volunteering, and sponsorship at the SteamPUNK auction page.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/02/17/steampunk-2017-auction-ticket-available-now/
This Friday, Feb. 3, the STEM K8 community is holding a Unity Day at 9:15 am in front of the STEM playground. The purpose of Unity Day is to show that STEM K8 is a welcoming community that supports our immigrant and Muslim families, and by extension, all immigrants and Muslims in the Seattle area. Coffee and pastries will be provided by the fine folks at Circa.
You can get ready for this event via 3 different poster-making opportunities:
- DELRIDGE UPTOWN ESPRESSO, Thursday 6:00-8:00 pm
- SOUTHPARK LIBRARY, Thursday, 4:00-6:00 pm (with the Concord PTA)
- HIGH POINT LIBRARY, Thursday 4:00-6:00
Or, stop by the PTA desk at the school anytime, to get poster-making supplies.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/01/30/louisa-boren-stem-k8-unity-day/
WHAT IT IS
Focus Day is a statewide event sponsored by the PTAs across Washington. It is an opportunity for all communities to get together and share our concerns and priorities for public education and to share this information with our elected representatives in the Washington State Legislature.
THE AGENDA FOR THE DAY
See the WSPTA link for a full agenda of Focus Day: http://www.wastatepta.org/meetings/focus_day/index.html. The rally takes place on Capitol steps at 10:30am. Our regional Advocacy lead Susan Saffrey has arranged for one meeting with all three of our local legislators at 12:45 pm. Senator Nelson and Representatives Cody and Fitzgibbon will meet with us at 12:45 sharp in the Senate Democrat Caucus room, located just off the Senate Chamber. Please RSVP with Shawna if you will be attending the 12:45 meeting.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Car: STEM families who can drive are invited to meet in the STEM K-8 parking lot at 8:00 am and caravan to the Capitol. We will park and meet up in the Visitor Center Parking Lot at 10am and walk over to the steps. Here is the meeting place: http://www.des.wa.gov/…/public/documents/campus-map.pdf
By Bus: Seattle Council PTSA has also arranged a free bus for those families that do not have their own transportation. Sign up for this bus here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4faca722a1fb6-ride/. Seats will fill quickly.
WHAT TO WEAR
We encourage everyone to wear Red, STEM Gear or other Fund Our Schools gear. If you would like to have a sign or t-shirt printed, the “Fund our Schools” graphic is available at Zebra Printing here in West Seattle. You can just call ahead and let them know you would like to come in and have a t-shirt printed, let them know its the STEM K-8 graphic. Bring your own shirts. Phone is 206-933-5900 and address is 4151 Fauntleroy Way, near the West Seattle bridge.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/01/08/wanting-to-participate-in-ptsas-jan-16-rally-at-the-state-capitol-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
Have you been seeing Facebook posts about a rally in Olympia on Monday, Jan 16 or read stories about the Gov Jay Inslee’s budget proposal to fully fund K-12 education in the state? Confused about the levy cliff and the huge cutbacks in staff and services that it will bring to Seattle Public Schools in the 2017/18 school year?
K-STEM’s Advocacy meeting presented several items at the Jan 4 PTA meeting, some of which helped attendees make sense of the issues at hand. You can download the following presentations/ educational materials
Or print out the postcards below to complete and send to your elected representatives, asking them to fully fund K-12 education across the state
And above all, if your plans allow, consider joining your fellow STEM families that will be traveling to the state capitol in Olympia on Monday, January 16 to encourage the Washington State legislature to fulfill its duty by fully funding education in our state. Plan to meet in the STEM parking lot at 8:00 am and, from there, families will caravan to the Capitol in Olympia. Families will meet at Visitor Center parking lot and walk to the steps of the Capitol where the rally will begin at 10:30.
Attendees are encouraged to wear Red, STEM Gear or other Fund Our Schools gear. You may want to pack a lunch and definitely bring water, dress comfortably, walking shoes, etc.
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2017/01/06/jan-16-rally-to-fully-fund-education-in-olympia/
Steam·punk ( ˈstēmˌpəNGk)
noun
- an inspired movement of creativity and imagination with a backdrop of either Victorian England or America’s Wild West at hand – modern technologies are re-imagined and realized as elaborate works of art, fashion, and mechanics;
- modern technology – iPads, computers, robotics, air travel – powered by steam and set in the 1800’s; or
- a genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.
When/Where
- April 1 from 5:30pm-11pm
- Hall at Fauntleroy 9131 California Ave SW
Why does STEM have an Auction?
PTA’s support basic education in Washington State. The Louisa Boren STEM K-8 PTA supports both basics (library books, gym equipment, art supplies) and “extras” (Project Based Learning supplies, scholarships for before & after school clubs, technology equipment, PTA events like Back to School Bash, and Pi Day). With your support, our students get the basics AND the extras which is what makes STEM awesome!
Tickets
Available in 2017.
Volunteer & Dessert Dash
We couldn’t pull this off without volunteers! Help is needed in the days leading up to the auction, for event setup, and during the auction itself. Sign up will be available in 2017.
Upcoming Auction Committee meetings are 7-8pm Uptown Espresso in the Junction Feb 9, March 2, March 16, and March 23.
We need 25 donated desserts to cap off the evening. Don’t like to bake? Purchased desserts are welcome. Each dessert must serve 8-10. To donate a dessert, send us an email.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship is another great way to support the auction! Levels range from $100 to $5,000 and include a variety of great benefits. Contact auction@stemk8pta.org for information on becoming a sponsor or in-kind donor.
Donations
We are on the lookout for wine donations and color printing services.
Room parents: Feel free to organize (or ask for a parent to organize) a class basket. Pinterest is full of ideas, or contact us for ideas about class gifts – it’s an easy, fun way for classes to contribute to the auction.
Fill out a procurement sheet and return it to us by February 28, 2017.
Attire
Little black dress, anything steampunk, jeans – everything welcome.
Questions?
Contact auction@stemk8pta.org
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2016/12/21/announcing-steampunked-the-2017-stem-k-8-auction/
Potential K-5 parents and incoming middle-school parents, please click on your preferred date to sign up for STEM K-8 elementary and middle school tours today.
Tours for the elementary portion of STEM K-8 are :
Tours for the middle-school portion of STEM K-8 are :
The STEM K-8’s Open House, where attendees can learn more about the elementary and middle-school programs, will be held on Thursday, Feb 9. Hours for each are as follows:
- Elementary 6:00 –7:00pm
- Middle School 7:30-8:30pm
Questions? Please contact the STEM K-8 front desk or tours@stemk8pta.org
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2016/12/16/school-tours-and-open-house/
The weather forcasts are saying that light snow may begin at 7-8 PM tonight, with heavier snow possible late evening from 9-11. It is expected to turn to rain and not affect school schedules tomorrow. In consideration of the forecast, we will operate PBL Extravaganza 30 minutes earlier from 6:00-7:30 pm
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2016/12/08/pbl-night-to-begin-at-6pm-thurs-dec-8/
Join us for the Sing Out Seattle Production of
Shrek! the Musical
December 5th at 6:30 pm
K8 STEM Elementary Cafeteria
Permanent link to this article: http://stemk8pta.org/2016/12/02/youre-invited-to-shrek/
Welcome to the annual STEM K-8 Direct Give Campaign, our first fundraiser of the year. During October we aim raise $35,000 to support the STEM community.
