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. Of course, we must continue the work of social justice, not just during this month, but always. 

Visit our Black History Month page for more information and resources for your students. 

Click the image below to access wonderful read-alouds. Thank you, Keri Morgan, for creating this read-aloud resource for Bell families.

The ballots have arrived in the mail and it's time to VOTE! There are three levies on the ballot. It's imperative that these levies pass. This is how we fund the gap between state funding and what LWSD students need. Please vote yes and get those ballots in by February 8. 

• Educational and Programs Operations Levy 
• School Technology and Capital Projects Levy 
• Building Excellence Construction Levy 

One of Bell PTSA's core focus areas is educational enrichment. Art with Mrs. Lustgarten is one of the enrichment programs the Bell PTSA funds and organizes. It has been so wonderful having Michelle Lustgarten back in the classrooms! Click the video link below to learn more about the lessons and to see some of the wonderful creations from this month.

Student mental health and the lack of school nurses and other professionals focused on student social and emotional health has been the topic of work sessions, public hearings, and executive action during the first two weeks of Washington State's Legislative Session. Read the full report from WSPTA.

We encourage all of our families to get involved and advocate for our students. One simple way to get involved is to subscribe to WSPTA’s Action Network Group. During the Washington State Legislative Session, WSPTA will send action alerts to all subscribers. These action alerts are quick, easy ways to communicate with your legislators on topics they are actively working on. 

Visit our advocacy page for more information.

As indicated in recent communications from the district and school, there have been a number of changes to the quarantine requirements (See table below. Contact Sara Schmied with any questions, sschmied@lwsd.org). 

Calling all students! Help create our cover for this year’s Yearbook!

This year’s theme is: Expect the Unexpected

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. Be sure to keep the original art, as we may need it. The winner will receive a free yearbook and other entries may be featured in the yearbook as well. Visit the Yearbook Cover Contest page for more information.

Entries due by March 1 

Please ensure the entry meets the following specifications:

• 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, vertical orientation
• Include our school name and school year: 2021-22
• Use lots of color, including the background, limit white space
• Do not add text too close to the edge of the page

Questions: email yearbook@agbellptsa.org

The PTSA's exclusive interest is the health, welfare, safety, and education of your children. Your membership, donations, and involvement with our school have a direct impact on your children and the quality of our school. 

The more engaged and involved we are as a school community, the more our students and our school will thrive.

Bell PTSA Membership Goal: 300

Current Bell PTSA Members: 184

Why join the PTSA?

• Your membership actively supports the work the Bell PTSA does.
  
  
• Your membership gives you the ability to vote on important decisions affecting Bell students (voting is done during PTSA membership meetings).
  
  
• The more members we have, the more powerful and persuasive our voice is when we are doing advocacy work that directly impacts our students, our teachers, and our school.
  
  
• Being a member opens the doors to greater levels of involvement within our community (e.g., the ability to be on committees, chair events, join the board, vote on important issues, etc).
  
  
• When you become a member of Bell PTSA, you also become a Washington State PTA and National PTA member. National PTA  offers exclusive discounts, including LifeLock, Quicken Loans, AARP and others. Washington State PTA offers exclusive discounts as well, including FedEx, Silverwood, Wild Waves and others.
  
  

Join today to be part of the largest child advocacy group in the nation, and the largest non-profit volunteer organization in Washington State.

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Alexander Graham Bell PTSA

11212 NE 112th St

Kirkland, WA 98033