Originally delivered on 2/5/2021 4:01 pm

SUBJECT: Bulldog Blast 2-5-2021

February 5, 2021

February is nationally recognized as Black History Month - a celebration of the substantial contributions Black Americans have made to our nation and each of our communities. It's not only a time for celebration, but also an opportunity for all of us to reflect, educate ourselves, educate our children, and continue the work of racial justice. Here are a few ideas on how to do just that:

We hope each of your families will celebrate, reflect, educate, and continue the work of social justice.

Have you and your Bell Bulldogs decorated rocks and dropped them off at Bell in the Garden of Friendship? If not, we hope you will! 

In an effort to stay connected and celebrate Valentine's Day during these challenging times, Bell PTSA is hoping we can all come together to create a Garden of Friendship through art and creativity. To participate, have your family paint or write words on rocks about friendship, love, and kindness. Then, head to Bell Elementary and place your rocks in Bell's Garden of Friendship (there is a sign posted at the school. Place your rocks below the sign). 

Please take a photo of your Bell Bulldog with their decorated rocks and either upload them on TreeRing or email them yearbook@agbellptsa.org (include student's name, grade, and teacher).

If you need paint or markers, please reach out to your teacher or to Bell PTSA at communityevents@agbellptsa.org. We have also left a box of markers next to the garden.

The PTSA continues to fund art enrichment programs at Bell and we are thrilled to continue these lessons virtually with Mrs. Lustgarten. Michelle Lustgarten is creating two more lessons this month, both by black artists to celebrate Black History Month. The first lesson is now available on the Art with Mrs. Lustgarten page. The second lesson is coming out next week!

We would LOVE to see your finished art, Bell Bulldogs! Email a picture of yourself with the art you created to art@agbellptsa.org (include the student's name, grade, and teacher). If you need art supplies, please reach out to your teacher or to Bell PTSA at art@agbellptsa.org.

Calling all students! Help create our cover for this year’s Yearbook! This year’s theme is, "Oh, the Places We've Been." What does that look like to you? Create your artistic vision, take a photo of it (or scan it) and email it to yearbook@agbellptsa.org. All entries are due by March 15th.

The winner will receive a free yearbook and other entries may be featured in the yearbook as well. Good luck! If you have questions or need art supplies, please email yearbook@agbellptsa.org.

Make sure to order your yearbook on TreeRing prior to 4/24/21, and please continue uploading photos!

Mark your calendars! Bell PTSA's next general membership meeting is on Thursday, February 25th at 7pm via Zoom (a link will be sent out via this newsletter the week prior). Brian Story will be answering questions from the Bell community. Additionally, Officer Davidson, Bell Elementary's School Resource Officer (SRO), will discuss the role of an SRO, introduce himself, and answer questions.

Please email president@agbellptsa.org with any questions for Brian Story or Officer Davidson.

It's already time to start looking for Bell PTSA's Executive Board for next year! Be part of the wonderful work we do and make a difference in your community. Are you interested? Is there anyone you know who would be a great fit? If so, nominate them or nominate yourself! Simply complete this nomination form. If you nominate someone else, we will reach out to them to gauge their interest in the position.

The elected board positions are listed below. Nominations will be accepted for all elected positions until April 13th. Elections will be held on Thursday, May 6th during our last PTSA Membership Meeting of the year. Click on the position below to learn more about the role, or reach out directly to our nomination committee or any current board member with questions about the position(s). We'd love to connect and we'd love to hear from you.

President

Co-President

Co-Treasurer (2)

Secretary 

VP - Fundraising

VP - Community Events

VP - Student Enrichment

Advocacy is at the core of everything we do. Take a look at our advocacy page to learn more about the current legislative session, advocacy work at Bell, and how YOU can get involved and be part of the change! Here are some recent legislative highlights:

We have a number of ways to get involved with our school community:

  • Calling on all 5th grade parents! We need a few of you to organize the 5th grade graduation this year. Email president@agbellptsa.org if you can help!

  • The school is looking for about 8 volunteers to help in the morning during drop-off (starting Feb 18th) from 9:00-9:30am for 1-2 days per week for a few weeks. Volunteers would assist with directing traffic, helping our students stay socially distanced, helping families understand the new processes, etc. If interested, please reach out to Brian Story at bstory@lwsd.org

  • As noted above, we are looking to fill the executive board for next year. Simply complete this nomination form. Email nominations@agbellptsa.org with feedback/questions.

  • We are still in need of an Emergency Preparedness volunteer. More info

  • Other volunteer opportunities can be found on the volunteer page of our new website.

All volunteers must be approved through Lake Washington School District. Please complete the volunteer application if you have not already done so.

How to Translate the Newsletter
Ways to Support Bell PTSA
Get Involved!

With the launch of Bell PTSA's new website, we will now be sending our newsletter direct from our website, as opposed to going through the school registrar. Please make sure to register on our new site so your information is up to date! 

Looking Ahead
Monday, February 8
Class lists and teacher assignments will be published
7:00p LWSD School Board Meeting
Thursday, February 11
No School- Mid-Winter Break
Friday, February 12
No School- Mid-Winter Break
Monday, February 15
No School- Presidents Day
Thursday, February 18
K-1 Return to Campus (rescheduled from 2/4)
Quick Links
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