Echo Lake Elementary PTA

Dr. Gak says: COME TO PTA SCIENCE NIGHT! Thursday, February 9, 6:30-8:30pm

2012-01-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

Bring your family and form a discovery team! Explore hands-on science activities from scientists and science-fans from local universities, companies, and organizations.

Featuring: Bats Northwest * Audubon Society * UW Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering * Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center * Kings HS Robotics * UW Materials Science & Engineering * National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) * Shoreline Solar Project * Cascade Bicycle Club * North Seattle CC Nanotechnology* UW Atmospheric Sciences* Shoreline CC Biotech* Washington Butterfly Association and more!

Volunteers are still need for people power for exhibits and to help with setup – to sign up, contact Terry Stevens-Ayers at echolake.pta.president@gmail.com or (206) 542-9938

PTA MOVIE NIGHT

2012-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

Friday, January 27th at 7:00 pm in the Echo Lake gym

-We’ll be sitting on the floor so bring a blanket or pillow!-

-Concessions for sale to benefit sixth grade Camp Orkila scholarships-

All children must be accompanied by an adult. No drop offs.
There will also be a book exchange at movie night, so bring books (adults and kids) to trade!

A short PTA general membership meeting will take place before the movie begins. Questions? Contact Shannon McMaster 206-769-7192 or
mcshannon79@hotmail.com

PTA Reflections: What's Next?

2012-01-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Shoreline PTA Council held its annual PTA Reflections reception on January 11, 2012 at the Shoreline Center. There were beautiful and creative displays of artwork from the Shoreline School District’s pre-school to grade 12 students. Congratulations to Kaitlyn Amundsen as one of the finalists moving on to the Washington State level competition with her photography artwork.

Echo Lake Eagles . . . start thinking for next year’s PTA Reflections. The theme for 2012-2013 is “The Magic of the Moment”. Start your creativity early, during spring or summer break. It’s never too early!

Thank you to our wonderful baker volunteers, Kim Maczko, Julie Amundson, Reiko Shigemoto and Shannon McMaster, in helping to provide some of the refreshments for the reception!!!

Time to plan our spring auction - meeting Thursday, January 12

2012-01-07T18:24:00.000-08:00

The Spring Fling auction is scheduled for Friday, May 4 this year. There will be two PTA auction planning meetings on Thursday, January 12, on at 9:15 am and the other at 7:00pm in the school library. Please come help us plan this fun event at either meeting- many hands and ideas are needed! For questions or to get involved if you can't attend, contact our fundraising chairs at echolake.pta.funds@gmail.com.

Let's Put Kids First

2012-01-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

MEET WITH STATE LEGISLATORS at Shoreline PTA Council presents: Let's Put Kids First
Wednesday, January 4th, 6:30pm, Windemere Lake Forest Park, 17711 Ballinger Way (just north of LFP mall). Come talk with our state legislators about the pending budget cuts and their impact on kids throughout the district.

Thank you Echo Lake families!

2011-12-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Shoreline PTA Council Holiday food and teen gift drive was a success, and Echo Lake contributed more than HALF A TON of food, and 292 bags of beans, as well as about 50 teen gifts. Thanks to everyone who participated by donating or volunteering - because of you, 531 Shoreline families with almost 1300 children will have a brighter holiday.

Enjoy your winter break!

Looking for a great gift idea?

2011-12-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

Try “Happiness is…” note cards
from the Room 9 First graders!

The room 9 first graders have created unique and heartwarming note cards combining original artwork with reflections on what makes them happy. Samples are available in the school office and can also be viewed here on the website.

A limited number of I Believe… and Good Idea… cards sets from previous years are also available.

To order notecards, please return this form to school with payment. Cards will be delivered to you at the place selected below. All proceeds will benefit Echo Lake PTA.

Each set of 12 cards is $12. Please make checks out to Echo Lake PTA.

Holiday Food & Teen Gift Drive

2011-12-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

Echo Lake's School Goal is to collect and donate

350 bags of DRIED BEANS (kidney, lentils, pinto, etc).

and

“Most Wanted” suggested items:

• Peanut Butter • Condiments (mayo, mustard, ketchup)

• Pasta • Beans (canned, refried, pork & beans)

• Canned soup & vegetables • Cereal (hot/cold)

• Canned tomato products • Granola bars, snack items

We are also collecting Teen Gifts for Kids 11-16 yrs.

Suggested Items: Gift cards ($10 plus; Fred Meyer, Old Navy, Target, Best Buy, etc.)

CDs/MP3 players, sports equipment, pajamas, tool kits, fun boxer shorts, bath sets, books, iPod speakers, alarm clocks, radios, purses, blow dryers, craft kits, earbuds, electric razors, cosmetic kits, hand-held games, board games, ski gloves, sweatshirts, jackets, flannel pants, tennis shoes. Please do not wrap gifts.

Monetary donations: Checks should be made out to Shoreline PTA Council and note “Holiday Baskets-Teen Gifts” mail to: PO Box 55784, Shoreline, WA 98155. Mail by December 12^th. You can also donate through the Shoreline PTA council website.

Thank You for Caring Enough to Share

Families needing assistance this holiday season, call Nurse Shelly, 206 393-4338.

Food Drive Questions? Please contact Julie Amundson at jula2@comcast.net

All hands on deck for auction planning! Nov 30 meetings

2011-11-29T14:28:00.001-08:00

It is time to start planning for our 2012 Spring Fling PTA Auction - scheduled for the evening of Friday, May 4. This fun event needs a lot of volunteers to make it happen, and WE NEED YOU! Many of our past auction volunteers are no longer at the school this year.

Our first planning meetings will be the Wednesday, November 30 at 9:15 am and 7:00 pm in the school library, so please join us for whichever fits your schedule best. Come on in and bring a friend - it's more fun when we all pitch in!

Questions, or perhaps you'd like to help but can't make either meeting? Contact Teresa Berish or Kelley Fackler at echolake.pta.funds@gmail.com

Innisbrook & Helen Grace Chocolates Delivery Date ~ Monday November 21st

2011-11-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

Students will be bringing home their orders from Innisbrook and Helen Grace Chocolates fall fundraiser on Monday November 21st. Parents with students who placed large orders may need to make arrangements to pick-up students after school.

As our Fall Fundraiser comes to an end, we want to thank all of the families that participated in our Direct Donation and Innisbrook/Helen Grace Chocolates fundraiser. We appreciate the time and efforts put forth to help support our school and the students and families of Echo Lake Elementary. Thank you!

PTA Dads and Doughnuts is Friday Nov 18

2011-11-11T14:14:00.001-08:00

PTA invites Echo Lake kids and their Dads or other special adults to come enjoy free doughnuts and get a free family picture in the Echo Lake lunchroom, Friday morning, Nov 18, from 8-9am

Donations of new socks and underwear for the Works clothing bank will be collected at the event and are much appreciated!

Come take your family/holiday portrait at Echo Lake this Saturday, November 12

2011-11-09T16:25:00.000-08:00

For a $25.00 sitting fee, you get:

15 minutes session (max of 10 in a party)
3 to 5 poses
A FREE 8X10 print
15% discount on additional prints
CD will with all poses available to purchase for $50.00

The event is sponsored by emily a kelton photography, www.eakweb.com. All proceeds will benefit 6th grade Camp Orkila.

To sign up, go to:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AjGZEYEhwK_1dGhpajZ6NHI3NzlHSElWVDQ0N1lTOXc&hl=en_US#gid=0

THE GAMES2U TRUCK IS COMING!

2011-11-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

Wednesday November 9^th during lunch recess

If you sold 15+ items during the Innisbrook sale or your name was drawn in the direct donation raffle, you are guaranteed a spot on the Games2U truck and should have already received notification.

Thank you for supporting our school. All money raised helps to promote a rich academic and social community for our students and their families.

Questions? Contact Fall Fundraising chair Teresa Berish at echolakepta.funds@gmail.com or 206.714.5207

Sunday Nov 6 - SPSF will be calling for kids!

2011-11-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

November 6 from 4-6:30pm volunteers will be “Calling for Kids” to raise money in support of our Shoreline school children! When the phone rings please answer and make a quick and easy donation to support the work of the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation

Every year your generous donation supports the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation efforts in the classroom to improve: reading proficiency, writing creativity, science enthusiasm, math confidence, musical ability, art participation, teacher effectiveness, and much more! Last year our summer school scholarships made it possible for every student in need to get the education they deserve.

At Echo Lake, SPSF grants have funded the Writers in Residence Program and last year's sixth grade glass artist-in-residence, as well as provided money for technology for classrooms and more.

Chances are that your student has directly benefitted from SPSF funds, so please consider giving back to help them do more.

You can also donate now at www.shorelinefoundation.org

If you would like to volunteer on November 6, please contact the SPSF Foundation office at 206-393-4107 or send an email to: charlene.carlson@shorelineschools.org

Fall Weed N Feed - Saturday, Nov 5

2011-10-31T13:09:00.001-07:00

This Saturday, from 9am-12pm, PTA invites you to join us at school to help clean up the school grounds. We'll pull weeds and collect trash. All families are welcome to participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult (no drop-offs). Bring tools if you have them, especially garden gloves and weed pulling tools. We'll provide water and snacks. Join in the fun and help beautify the school!

Questions? contact Susan Miskovsky

Echo Lake PTA Board votes to endorse a YES vote on Prop. 1

2011-10-23T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ballots for the November general election should be arriving in your mailboxes. On the ballot, the Shoreline School Board has placed a supplemental levy proposal to support class size in response to state budget reductions on the Nov 8, 2011 general election ballot. For more details, please visit the Shoreline Public Schools website and look for related news updates.

Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow the levy of $1.3 million of property taxes in 2012, the levy of $1.4 million in 2013, and $1.5 million in 2014. If authorized by the voters and based upon current assessed valuation information, the estimated levy rates per $1,000 of assessed value would be $0.09 in 2012; $0.09 in 2013 and $0.10 in 2014.

The measure would require a simple majority for passage. Current estimates suggest that such a measure would increase rates about $36 a year for a home valued at $400,000. Voters in the neighboring districts of Edmonds, Northshore and Seattle have approved similar supplemental levy measures.

PTA Ice Skating Night - Friday, Oct 21

2011-10-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Come skate with your friends at Highland Ice Arena from 7-9pm on this Friday, Oct 21! Cost is $3 per person to skate (which helps cover the cost of renting the rink) and an additional $3 to rent skates. Cash or checks accepted. We will also have cocoa and baked goodies for sale! Donations of new socks or underwear, or new or gently used hats, gloves, mitten s and scarves will be collected for the Works clothing bank. For questions or if you'd like to help out at the event, contact Karen Kessinger or Shannon McMaster at echolake.pta.socials@gmail.com.

Fall fundraiser deadline extended to Tuesday Oct 25

2011-10-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

To give families more time to connect with interested buyers, we have extended the due date for the Innisbrook sale/fall donation drive to Tuesday, Oct 25. A copy of the fundraising flyer and a direct donation form can be downloaded here.

We hope you will pick one and join us in raising funds to support the programs of PTA at Echo Lake!

PTA Fall fundraisers end Tuesday Oct 18

2011-10-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

A copy of the fundraising flyer and a direct donation form can be downloaded here.

We hope you will pick one and join us in raising funds to support the programs of PTA at Echo Lake!

Halloween Costume swap – Clean out your costume bin and help families at the same time!

2011-10-12T16:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 15 from 9:30-11 am in the Echo Lake playfield covered playshed.

Drop off your clean costumes (in good condition) anytime before Oct 15 in the bin by the front school office, and then come on the morning of Oct 15 to pick out a new costume for $10 or less. All proceeds will go directly to the upcoming Shoreline PTA Holiday Teen Gift Drive, which provides holiday gifts for families experiencing resource shortages. If you prefer to receive a costume credit for your donation, bring your costumes the day of the event and receive a coupon for up to $5 off your costume bill.

If you don’t find anything you like, you can take your costumes home (if no one else has taken them), or you can leave them for someone else. All leftover costumes will be donated to the Works.

Questions? Contact Terry S-A at (206) 542-9938, echolake.pta.president@gmail.com

Shoreline Candidates Forum announced for October 13th, 6:30 to 9:00pm

2011-10-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

Organized by the Neighborhood Associations of Echo Lake, Meridian Park, North City and Ridgecrest, the Shoreline Candidates Forum will take place at Meridian Park Elementary School Cafeteria; 17077 Meridian Ave N.

Join your neighbors for a chance to meet and chat with all candidates running for office in Shoreline. Positions include City Council, School Board, Fire Department Commissioner, Shoreline Water District Commissioner and Ronald Wastewater Commissioner.

The evening will begin with all candidates at assigned tables to speak with you one on one. Followed by a City Council Candidate Q & A, where all 6 candidates will be asked to respond to 6 predetermined questions selected by the sponsor Neighborhood Associations. Finally, all candidates will again be available for individual wrap-up questions.

Light refreshments will be served.

Contacts:
Echo Lake
http://echolakeneighborhood.com/
Diane Hettrick 365-8442

PTA Fall fundraisers - pick one and participate!

2011-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

This year we are trying a slightly new approach to our fall fundraiser, which will be a joint Innisbrook gift wrap/sweets sale and Direct Donation Drive. You decide which method is a better fit for your family. All students who take part will have the chance to win fun prizes. Participation in fundraisers is completely voluntary. If you value the contributions of PTA to the school environment, we hope that you will choose to pick one and participate!

All money raised helps promote a rich academic and social community for our students and their families.

Both fundraisers will run from Oct 5 to 18. These dates were necessary to ensure delivery of items by Thanksgiving.

Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Innisbrook sale and direct donation drive.

PTA – Join us!

2011-09-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

We hope that you will take a moment to send in your membership envelope and join PTA this year. PTAs are important advocates for children, families and education. Echo Lake PTA is actively involved in enriching the educational environment of our school, and we hope that you will show your support of the work PTA does by becoming a member.

If you join by Oct 6, you may help your student’s class win a special treat!

If you can't find your envelope, download a membership form and join today!

Get ready to express your creative self in the 2011-2012 PTA Reflections Art competition!

2011-09-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

The 2011-12 theme is "Diversity means...."

The deadline for Echo Lake submissions is October 19.

Everything you need to know can be found right here on the website.

Questions? Contact Lisa Fung-Amundsen, our Reflections chair, at echolake.pta.reflections@gmail.com

General Membership PTA Meeting at Curriculum Night, Sept 20

2011-09-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Please join us at school on Tuesday, Sept 20 for information about your child's classes and a brief PTA general membership meeting. This is an event for adults only, so please plan to leave your students at home. The PTA meeting will include a brief introduction to PTA, approval of the annual budget and election of new officers.

6:00 - 6:45pm K-3 teachers present in classrooms
6:45 - 7:15pm Principal presentation and brief PTA meeting
7:15 - 8:00pm 4-6 teachers present in classrooms

Hope to see you there!

Back to school!

2011-09-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

Come to the Echo Lake Open House from 3-4pm on Friday, Sept 9 to find out who your teacher is, turn in forms, and say hello! Be sure to stop by the PTA table to ask questions, join PTA, and sign up to volunteer for the year.

Then, on Monday, Sept 12, the first day of school, join us for coffee and conversation from 9:10-10:00 am in the Echo Lake library. Hope to see to see you there!

Kindergarten parents are invited to join us in the library on Monday, Sept 12 and Tuesday, Sept 13 at 9:10am for Tea and Tissues. Come meet other parents and start off the school year with new friends!

Registration open for Back to School Event

2011-05-17T21:17:00.000-07:00

The Back to School Event provides school supplies, haircuts, and clothing assistance to families who are living with a low income or who are experiencing circumstances that make it challenging to prepare their children for going back to school.

For more information on how to register, or how to donate gently used clothing or new school supplies, go to http://www.btsconsortium.org.

Embrace Shoreline Weed & Feed on May 14

2011-05-08T18:41:00.001-07:00

Spring is here and the weeds are growing! We need your help tidying up the school grounds, pulling weeds, and spreading mulch. This is a district-wide event, so bring your kids, your neighbors, and the whole family over to Echo Lake on Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Please bring gardening gloves and weeding tools if you have them. Snacks and water will be provided by the PTA, and the Green Thumb Club will be selling native plants to support the school native plant garden. Free literature on native plants from the Washington Native Plant Society will also be available.

Moms and Muffins this Friday at 8 a.m.

2011-05-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Echo Lake PTA invites kids to bring their moms, grandmoms, aunties, or other special adults to Moms and Muffins! Friday, May 6, 8-9 a.m.

Also, please consider bringing a hygiene item to help support our Shoreline families through The Works. Shampoo, toothpaste, conditioner, soap, and deodorant are much appreciated!

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, May 2-6

2011-04-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

This year our school is celebrating “Teacher Appreciation Week” together. This means that the entire school will be doing the same thing for each of our teachers, instead of each classroom doing different things as we've done in the past. We hope this makes it easier on you as a parent, especially if you have more than one student at the school. The goal of “Teacher Appreciation Week” is exactly that: To appreciate our teachers!

Here's the plan:

Monday ~ Flower Day – each student can bring one flower for their teacher. Vases will be provided in each classroom.

Tuesday ~ School Supply Day – each student can bring a school supply for their teacher. Such as: pens, pencils, sticky notes, paper clips, etc.

Wednesday~ The PTA will provide lunch for the teachers.

Thursday ~ Special Surprise Day – each student can bring something small for their teacher. Such as: a joke, treat, snack or beverage.

Friday ~ Thank You Note Day – each student can bring a card or handmade note to their teacher.

The goal is to do something little each day to appreciate the teachers. Please do not feel obligated to spend a lot of money or to do everything everyday. Whatever you can do is great! If you need some ideas of your teacher's favorite things, there is a notebook in the school office that has a lot of great information about your teacher in it.

We also want to thank all of the other teachers and staff members who make a difference in our students' lives, such as: P.E. Teachers, Arts Teacher, Music Teachers, Librarian, etc. Please ask your student about who they would like to thank during this week.

Spring Fling Auction & Spaghetti Dinner

2011-04-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all to the Echo Lake Spring Fling Auction and Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, April 29. It's all happening in the Echo Lake gym!

This year’s auction is shaping up to be great, with some creative and fun baskets, more classroom art projects than ever before, and outstanding donations from our families and area businesses. Below is one of the priceless projects made by Mrs. Holmes' kindergarten class.

The Spaghetti Dinner begins at 5:45 p.m. Limited dinner tickets — $5 each — will be available for those who didn't preorder. Entrance to the auction is free! Hope to see you there.

Preparing for a new principal

2011-04-09T17:17:00.000-07:00

At the end of April, the school district will interview candidates to replace our outgoing principals. Mrs. Koontz is retiring this year, and Mr. Shanahan is relocating to be closer to family. PTA would like to invite you to participate in the interview process in two ways:

1. Apply to participate on the interview panel.

Echo Lake PTA has been asked to provide two parents to serve on the interview panel for our new principal. Interviews will take place at the Shoreline Center on Tuesday, April 26, from 12:00pm into the evening. Childcare will not be provided.

2. Tell our parent representatives what is important to you.

We are lucky to have a richly diverse school community, and the parent representatives need to be well informed about the concerns of all of our families during the interviews.

To apply for a panel position or give feedback, please fill out the survey below and return to school by Friday, April 15. The PTA board will review all applicants and select two representatives and two alternates.

You do not need to be a PTA member to provide feedback or serve on the interview committee. All parents are invited to respond to this request.

Download the Survey

Questions or prefer to submit answers by email? Send to echolake.pta.president@gmail.com.

Outstanding Educator and Golden Acorn Awards Announced

2011-03-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our 2010-11 Outstanding Educators, Christy Smullin and Jenny Christensen, and our Golden Acorn Awardees, Jocelyn Hudson and Bess Tanaka! These individuals have been recognized by Echo Lake PTA for their extraordinary contributions to the making Echo Lake a place where every student can thrive.

Golden Acorn honorees Bess Tanaka and Jocelyn Hudson

Outstanding Educators Christy Smullin and Jenny Christensen

Ice Cream Social, Open House & Book Fair on March 15!

2011-03-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

The Ice Cream Social is coming Tuesday, March 15! The PTA will be selling ice cream with your choice of a variety of toppings in the gym from 6 – 7 p.m. Stop in and enjoy some ice cream on your way to the Book Fair and the classroom Open Houses! The schedule for the evening will be:

Ice Cream Social: 6:00-7:00 in the gym
PTA Meeting: 6:30 in the gym
Book Fair: 6:00-8:30 in the library
Classrooms Open 6:45-8:00

Congratulations to Reflections Finalists

2011-03-06T21:56:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the Echo Lake students who moved on to the next level of the state Reflections contest: Greg Ayers (Film/Video), Muriel Jane Cacawa (Visual Arts), Maya Sioson (Visual Arts), and Shahrukh Yousuf (Literature).

We also had two students awarded with Honorable Mention. They are Kate Lydin (Visual Arts) and Jade Ramsay (Photography).

There was a great turnout at the Council Reception held on January 12, 2011, at the Shoreline Center where entrants and their families celebrated the outstanding work of students throughout the Shoreline School District. We also would like to thank our bakers who donated delicious goodies for the reception. It was greatly enjoyed and appreciated throughout the evening!!!

State winners will be announced/notified mid-March, and the state awards ceremony is scheduled for May.

Get ready and start thinking about participating in next year’s PTA Reflections.
Next year’s theme (2011-2012): “Diversity means . . .” This is a great conversation piece for home and school, let’s start the ideas rolling!!!

Again, congratulations to all participants from Echo Lake Elementary. We are proud of the pieces you had expressed through written work, photography, videos and visual arts.

Golden Acorn & Outstanding Educator nominations needed

2011-02-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Your nominations are needed to help decide who will receive Golden Acorn and Outstanding Educator awards this year.

The Golden Acorn is offered by the Washington State PTA for recognition of a volunteer who has given outstanding service to all children in the school community. Our PTA also recognizes an Outstanding Educator each year for their exemplary dedication and support of our children. See the Golden Acorn Hall of Fame and the Outstanding Educator Hall of Fame to see who was honored in past years.

Nomination forms will come home after mid-winter break, but you can nominate someone for either award anytime by emailing the following information to Terry at echolake.pta.president@gmail.com:

• Your name and contact info
• The name of the person you are recommending for an award and why you think they are deserving of the award.

2011 Legislative Focus Day on Feb. 21 in Olympia

2011-02-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

Join PTA advocates for Focus Day as they march and rally on the Capitol steps and meet with legislators and staff, leave notes, receive updates from policy-makers on key issues and network with other PTA advocates. PTA volunteer advocates can make a difference when they come to the Capitol in large numbers.

Go to the Washington State PTA website for more information

PTA Movie Night on February 11

2011-02-06T21:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves PTA Movie Night and this year should prove to be a lot of fun! On February 11 at 7 p.m., we are showing Toy Story 3. The movie will be shown in the Echo Lake gym, so bring blankets and pillows and get comfortable because it’s time to relax and have a good time.

We will have popcorn for sale, along with sweet treats, so save your quarters for snacks. There is no cost for entry. We would also appreciate no drop offs – kids must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

Volunteers are needed to help pop popcorn and sell treats! Please email Susie O’Donnell, susodonn@hotmail.com or Jocelyn Hudson at jlhudson7@hotmail.com.

Native plant salvage in Black Diamond on February 5

2011-01-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

Help restore habitat and get native plants for your own yard by participating in a King County native plant salvage. King County needs volunteers to help collect native plants from construction sites to use for habitat restoration projects. After working digging for the county, you get to collect plants for yourself! The next salvage will be on February 5.

For more details go to: King County's plant salvage web page or contact Susie O’Donnell at echolake.pta.environment@gmail.com.

To get inspired and learn more about native plants, check out Echo Lake's native plant garden web site. It features a history of the garden with photos of the progress made over the last two years, a list of the names of all the plants in the garden, and much more.

This fall, Echo Lake School became certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a schoolyard wildlife habitat! With the establishment of the native plant garden, the school grounds now provide shelter (birdhouses and shrubs), a water source (birdbath), and food sources (nectar, seeds, berries) for local wildlife. Congratulations to Echo Lake for achieving this distinction!

You won't want to miss PTA Science Night! 6:30-8:30pm on Thursday, Jan 27 at school

2011-01-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

So much to see and do -- snakes, rocks, robots, fluorescent bacteria, owls, nanotechnology, termites, brain science, DNA precipitation, solar powered ovens, aeronautics, oceanography, gak, jelly bean science and more! Be sure to bring the whole family and form a discovery team! For everyone's safety, adults must stay with their students at all times.

Questions or want to help out with setup or people power at the event? Contact Terry Stevens-Ayers, jtsayers@pacifier.com, (206) 542-9938.

Food Workers card class Jan 26 - register by Monday!

2011-01-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

Ever wanted to get your food handler's permit? To help encourage PTA volunteers to obtain food handlers permits, Shoreline PTA council is offering a Food Workers card class on Wednesday, Jan 26 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Mt. Rainier room of the Shoreline Center (18560 First Ave NE, Shoreline). Bring $10 cash and picture ID. Cards will be mailed out after class.

Please pre-register to secure a seat by emailing name and phone number to shorelinepta@gmail.com. Registration deadline is Jan 24. You must check in by 6:30pm to keep your spot in the class. Walk ins will be accepted on a space available basis at 6:45pm.

More details available here: http://www.shorelinepta.com/PTA/Home.html

Future Fest this Saturday

2011-01-18T07:21:00.000-08:00

Future Fest is an information fair for families of 6-12th graders focused on programs available during your student's high school years. This Shoreline PTA-sponsored event will be held on Saturday, January 22, from 10am-1pm at Shoreline Community College. More details at: http://www.shorelinepta.com/PTA/Home.html

Food & Gift Drive Thank You!

2011-01-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

A huge THANKS for all your generous donations. Echo Lake has collected:

1. 564 canned meat items
2. 1,110 pounds of food
3. 110 items of toys and teen gifts
4. $150 cash/gift card donation

You have helped over 500 Shoreline families during the holiday seasons.

A shout out to the Echo Lake staff, Jerry Quimby, Rachel Snyder, the Fackler family and the Hozjan family for helping the food drive. We couldn't have done it without you all.

Please donate to the Food, Toys and Teen Gifts Drive!

2010-12-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Shoreline PTA Council is partnering with the Shoreline Fire Department & Hopelink to provide quality food & gifts support to Shoreline School District families needing assistance this holiday season.

Please bring your donations to school by Friday, December 17. Collected foods, toys and gifts will be distributed to families the following day.

A specific item is targeted from each school to ensure that holiday meal basics are in each of the Holiday Baskets given to the families. Echo Lake's target item for 2010 is CANNED MEAT -- including canned chicken, turkey, spam, roast beef, tuna, etc. All donations of nutritious food of any kind are welcome. And a great option for the Teen Gifts drive is a $10 gift card. Thank you for supporting Shoreline district families!

Reflections Art on Display at Shoreline Center

2010-12-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who participated in the 2010-2011 PTA Reflections Program. There were many creative entries submitted for this year’s theme of “Together we can . . .”

Submissions will be on display at the Shoreline Center from November 30, 2010 to January 12, 2011. The District viewing reception will be on January 12, 2011, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Come see our Echo Lake Elementary students as well as other Shoreline School District students’ artwork on display.

This year’s finalist are as follows: Visual Arts/Primary: GRANT HANSSEN; Photography/Intermediate: MAHLI MAR, JADE RAMSAY; Visual Arts/Intermediate: KAITLYN AMUNDSEN; Photography/Middle: KYAN FELLER, SAMUEL LIPPERT; Film Prod/Middle: GREG AYERS; Literature/Middle: ALLEN SAEWONG, SHAHRUKH YOUSUF; Visual Arts/Middle: MURIEL JANE CACAWA, KATE LYDIN, STELLA OH, MAYA SIOSON, SARA WARREN.

Congratulations to ALL participants for a job well done!!

Innisbrook orders to be distributed Nov. 30

2010-11-29T13:58:00.000-08:00

Orders will be distributed on Tuesday, November 30!

If your student has a LARGE order, please come to the lunchroom for pick up between 3:00 pm and 4:30 p.m.

If your student has a SMALL order, it will be delivered to his/her classroom by the end of the school day (3:30 pm).

If you have any questions or concerns, please email echolake.pta.waysandmeans@gmail.com. Thanks for supporting Echo Lake Elementary PTA!

Great gift idea: "Good Idea" notecards

2010-11-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

Room 9 first graders have created unique and heartwarming note cards combining original watercolor artwork with statements of valuable advice. Samples can be viewed online and are available in the school office. A limited number of I Believe… and Friends… cards sets from previous years are also available.

To order notecards, please return this form to school with payment. Cards will be delivered to you at the place indicated on the form. All proceeds will benefit Echo Lake PTA. Each set of 12 cards is $12. Please make checks out to Echo Lake PTA.

Come to the Fall Weed and Feed this Saturday!

2010-11-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, November 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, the PTA will be holding the annual Fall Weed and Feed. Everyone is invited to help clean up the school grounds, pull weeds, and remove trash. All Echo Lake families can participate, and kids must be accompanied by a parent (no drop-offs, please). Please bring tools if you have them, especially gardening gloves and weed pulling tools.

We will provide water and snacks. Join in the fun and help beautify the school! Questions? Contact: Susie O’Donnell at 206-365-4163 or echolake.pta.environment@gmail.com.

Ice Skating Night on October 22

2010-10-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all to the Echo Lake PTA’s annual ice skating night! This is always a fun evening and a great way for our kids to enjoy their friends. It is Friday, October 22, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Highland Ice Arena in Shoreline. The cost is $3.00 per skater plus $3.00 for rental of skates.

Fall PTA Fundraiser!

2010-10-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Our Fall gift wrap sale is in full swing! Place your order now to support our PTA fundraiser. Funds raised through this sale will help us to continue to provide activities such as Science Night, Moms and Muffins, Dads and Doughnuts, Emergency Packs, and school Field Trips.

Parents, use the link below to enter your student's orders online. Remember, when you enter your order you will receive your Secret Max Code. The Max Code gives you access to helpful organizational tools like a homework checklist, baby sitter note, weekly meal planner, and more.

Don't forget to use our school number when you place your order.
Our school number is: 103894
http://www.innisbrook.com/

Sale ends: Wednesday, October 20th.

Thanks for your support!

PTA Board meeting tonight at 7:30!

2010-10-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

The PTA board will mee Tuesday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m., in room 14 off the library. All are welcome to attend. If you'd like more information about the meetings, minutes are available in the Echo Lake office in the PTA wall pocket, and on the PTA bulletin board. You can also contact Terry Stevens-Ayers, echolake.pta.president@gmail.com.

Reflections Theme: "Together We Can..."

2010-09-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Echo Lake PTA is proud to participate in this year’s PTA Reflections program. Each year, the PTA Reflections Program challenges students to create art inspired by a specific theme.

Students participate in the Reflections Program by submitting entries to a local PTA or PTSA. Nationally, the program has six arts areas—dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts—and four grade divisions—primary, intermediate, middle/junior, and senior.

The deadline for this year’s Echo Lake’s Reflection submission is October 22, 2010. Here are some important forms:

Guidelines
Student Entry Form
Consent Form

PTA Reflections contact person is Lisa Fung-Amundsen (206-546-2941).

Curriculum Night & General PTA Meeting on Tuesday

2010-09-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Please come to Echo Lake Elementary's Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 14, to visit your child's classroom and hear more about plans for the year. The general PTA board meeting will be held from 7:15-7:30 p.m. in between the K-3th and 4th-6th grade sessions. We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome to a new school year!

2010-08-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

The Echo Lake PTA is launching a new blog to keep Echo Lake families up to date on school activities and fun ways to get involved. We're still in the process of adding content, so keep checking back as we make improvements. You can help by sending photos or articles on student life at Echo Lake to Anne Avery.

Wanted! Website & Internet Experts

2010-08-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Are you a fan of Facebook or Twitter, or otherwise Internet-savvy? If you like tinkering with blogs, websites, photo-sharing, etc., the Echo Lake PTA would love to hear your advice on how we can use all of these awesome electronic communication tools to reach parents and get them involved in the school. Contact Anne Avery if you're interested.