Hello Parents!
As a volunteer with the PTSA I have been fielding many questions about the
current strike. I would like to make clear that while the PTSA as an
organization does not have a seat at the bargaining table, we are an
organization made up of parents who are obviously all effected by the
strike, and it's outcome.

That said, I think it would be fruitless for any of us that are not privy to
the intricacies of the negotiation to argue over details within it. Rather,
my feeling is that we should push for resolution.

Most of you know that the main reason I volunteered to serve as PTSA
President this year was the goal of bringing more resources to our teachers
in class. I feel very fortunate to have an Executive team that is as
passionate as it is competent, and am looking forward to some of the great
changes we hope to bring to Bennett.

Regardless of the outcome of this strike, my hope is that we can rally as
parents, teachers, and citizens to give our schools and teachers the tools
necessary to empower our children with a world class education. Beyond
shelter and food, there simply is not a higher priority, and all agendas
aside, our kids do not get that with our Teachers picketing.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said "We cannot always build the future for our youth,
but we can build our youth for the future." I hope you will join me in
helping do all we can in order to get them back in class. Then we can work
on improving what happens in that classroom.

Here is to hoping I will see you all at the first day of school soon.

PTSA Committee News

FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL ART CLASSES!!

Art for Kids School is proud to introduce after school art classes at Bennett Elementary for the fall semester, sponsored by the PTA. These are ongoing classes, and projects are not repeated. Classes will meet weekly on Fridays. The program is process oriented to enhance your child's enjoyment of art and creative expression. The emphasis in the program is to acquaint children with various materials to enhance their self-esteem in regards to their creativity and to develop skills (in a sequential-learning program, similar to piano lessons). Children have an opportunity to explore their creativity through a variety of materials including pen and ink, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, clay, and plaster. Drawing techniques are incorporated in these classes, as well as painting and sculpting techniques. Classes will be taught by a professional degreed artist.

Classes will take place after school on Fridays from 3:30-4:30 pm for younger children (ages 5-8) and 4:45-5:45 pm for older children (ages 9-12). The 2008 fall semester begins September 26th and continues through December 12th. Please note a commitment is required for the entire semester. Payment is due the first art class of each month ($46 per month).

To enroll your child, please visit www.artforkidsschool.com to download and print a registration form. Mail the registration form along with a check for the first month ($46) to secure a space for your child (check should be made payable to Art for Kids School).

If you do not have internet access please call the Assistant Director, Keyan Meymand at (206) 774-9970.

Registration Ends September 17th!
Classes are small and prompt registration is essential to reserve a space!
(A limited number of scholarships are available, please call the above number for info)

From The Office

*    Thanks to the PTA from the Bennett Staff for arranging our room and wonderful lunch at the Tamoshanter Clubhouse on our first day meeting in August.

*    Please remember to return your forms to the office or your child's teacher. (Updated profile sheet; confidential health form; PTA directory/membership forms)

*    Bennett School supplies available in the gym on the first day.

K/1st   Blue Envelope                   $1.00
2nd/3rd Assignment Calendar     $1.50
Dividers                                       $1.50
4th/5th Planner                            $2.50
Dividers                                       $1.50

Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF)

Bellevue Schools Foundation

Welcome back to School!

It's been a busy summer! Teachers from across the district have spent time together revising their curriculum in Math, Science and Social Studies and preparing their new lessons for students this coming year. Your students will reap benefits from this work. Thanks to your generous ongoing support of the Bellevue Schools Foundation, much more will be possible this year.

Phonathon is coming - Answer the call!

Bellevue Schools Foundation's (BSF) Phonathon is coming - October 20, 21, 22, 2008. Every gift matters.

You can make a difference for the children in our schools. Please make a generous donation when volunteer parents from our school call.

This year, BSF is raising $1.4 million for world-class, district-wide academic programs and support services for teachers and students in Bellevue 's schools. BSF relies on financial support from parents like you to provide these valuable programs for our students. Your dollars also support teacher training, book purchases, middle school science, and VIBES mentoring. Funds raised during Phonathon benefit all students in all Bellevue schools.

Donate online at www.bsfdn.org/donate by October 8 and we won't need to call you.

For more information on Phonathon, see the BSF website: www.bsfdn.org/Events/phonathon.asp.

Want to Volunteer at Phonathon?

Volunteers (parents & high school students) call parents in our school during the Phonathon evenings of Oct. 20-22 and prepare the follow-up mailing on Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2008. Volunteering is a great way to meet other parents and learn about BSF's work. Please contact the either the Phonathon Chair or our school's BSF rep to volunteer:

Phonathon 2008 Chair - Diane Paukstis (dpaukstis@comcast.net)

Back to School Shopping on Amazon.com?

Simply go to the BSF website home page (www.bsfdn.org), click on the Amazon.com link, and BSF will receive over 7% of each sale. Please note you must go through the BSF site (www.bsfdn.org) for BSFto get credit for the order. Unfortunately, bookmarking the link or going directly to Amazon.com won't identify the purchase as a BSF order.

Thanks for shopping on Amazon.com via the BSF website - we've raised over $2,000 for our kids this year!

For further information on any of the above, please contact:

Gillian Doyle, Bellevue Schools Foundation

tel: 425.456.4199

email: gillian@bsfdn.org

The Friday Flyer Newsletter | Bennett Elementary PTSA 2.3.22

www.bennettelementary.org | TheFridayFlyer@yahoo.com

2008-2009 Editor: Meg Mylan

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Bennett PTSA Executive Board 2008/09

Joe Mehlholff, President

Cynthia Coron, Vice President

Christie Allemand, Vice President

Vanessa Swanson, Treasurer
Kristin Nash, Secretary

Bennett Elementary PTSA | 17900 NE 16th Street | Bellevue | WA | 98008