Volunteers Make the Difference for Students at West
Woodland
| There are many opportunities to be involved before, during
and after school hours at West Woodland Elementary. To volunteer
directly in your child's classroom, please speak with your child’s teacher
as they usually do their own planning and organizing. In
addition, we would also like to know your interests and talents for
whole-school programs and projects or to help fill gaps in classrooms
needs. Please fill out the on-line Volunteer form and return it to the office via
email, U.S. mail, or kid mail. (PTA-sponsored events are marked with an asterisk.) Don’t hesitate to call the program contacts for an activity if you have questions. If you have ideas for programs not listed or general volunteer questions, please contact any member of the PTA Board or the Volunteer Coordinators Debbie Gotchef and Martha Gizinski, 252-1589, Room #200. |
After and Before School Programs
Assist, instruct or organize an extra-curricular club or fee-based program.
Programs have included Team Sports, Drawing, Roller Skating, Study club,
Choir, Drama, Drumming, Mad Science, young Artists’ Academy, Chess, Language
Clubs and World Language program. Parents are welcome to bring new ideas
to enhance our children’s education. Contact the Volunteer Coordinators to
schedule. See also “Wacky
Wednesdays”
Annual Appeal
Coordinate annual fundraising drive for the PTSA. Produce brochures and direct mailings. The PTSA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Your donations benefit many special programs at West Woodland and help to enrich the educational experience for all of our students.
Contact Carol Borgmann (784-6289)
Art Docent Program*
Anyone can do this! Present great works of art and teach principles and elements of art in monthly, one-hour lessons. Work with your child’s teacher or multiple classrooms in bringing Art enrichment. Excellent training through the Frye Art Museum, lesson plans and materials are provided. Help plan an annual art night at West Woodland. Karen Hirsch (784.3904, karen@karenhirsch.com ) is the chair.
Auction*
Our auction committee went all out in 2005 to provide a wonderful event that raised over $90,000! This year's auction is scheduled for April 28th and we are working on a Hawaiian theme. We will try do our best to top the fun we had in 2005 and hopefully match the funds as well.
Bake Sales*
Donate goods or take a shift at a sale table, selling baked goods donated by West Woodland families on election days and other special school events. This fund-raiser brings in over $1,000 per year and is delicious! Contact Annie Hayward (789.1310)
Ballard Market Receipts*
Join the team of Ballard Market receipt “tally professionals”. This fundraiser earns an average of $2,000 each year for our PTSA! Collect, tally and submit receipts. Contact Sue Miller, suemiller@covad.net
Banking at School
Washington Mutual sponsors the Young Saver’s Program. Help receive students' deposits at school and deliver deposits to the bank. Kay Stelter (781.4559, stelt@integrity.com) and Leigh Anne Hagar (783.6023, la@vain.com) are the program organizers.
Blast!*
Our annual end-of-year after-school volunteer appreciation celebration. Free food and games for the whole family. Pat Johnson is willing to train a new chairperson and hand over her impeccable notes! Contact Pat Johnson patdjohnson@earthlink.net to learn more about becoming this year's chairperson or the Volunteer Coordinators to volunteer your help in other ways.
Book Fairs
Assist students in selecting and purchasing books and educational accoutrements at sales held for a few days each Fall and Spring. Sales earn extra purchase funds for LRC (Library Resource Center) materials. Help with set-up, work the cash register, or assist kids in making choices. WW Librarian Paula Wittmann (252.1581, pswittmann@seattleschools.org) is the chair.
Book It Drama Program*
The Book-It All Over! Education and Community Outreach Program is a great literary and theatrical learning experience. This winter Book-It's teaching artists will conduct a four-week workshop with our 4th and 5th grade students. Third, Fourth and Fifth grade parents are invited to help organize this years program. Pam DeKeyser (782.5866, tomandpam@comcast.net) and Zara Kublin (352.5802, jkublin@fhcrc.org) are the chairs.
Boxtops for Education*
Families are urged to turn in their boxtops to the school office or the drop bin near the elevator at the front entrance. Help collect, count and submit logos from General Mills, Yoplait and Betty Crocker products to receive funds for the school. Rebecca Hoffman is the chair (781.0366, hamlinhoffman@mindspring.com ).
Cafeteria Helpers *
Revisit the hot lunches of your youth! Do you have an hour to spare once a week or once a month? You are needed to help serve lunch from 11:40-12:30. Find a friend and switch off every other week or come in weekly and have fun getting to know the kids and assisting Kay. Kay Plommer, Food Service Manager (252.1584) is the contact. Free lunch for you included.
Chess Club
Sponsored by the PTA, this club meets on Mondays after school and is open to all ages and abilities. Learn to play chess with students of varying abilities from 3 instructors, including Chess Master Dr. Leo Stefurak. (Check out the Chess Club Web page at the WW site). Beth Dennis (783.1234, rnbdennis@msn.com) heads the Chess Club team and needs involved parents this year who can help check in/out and supervise players on Monday afternoons, arrange tournaments, and take photos.
Choir*
The before school (tuition supported) Choir Program is in its third year and going strong, due to the terrific help from parents. Parents are needed to assist with registration, treasurer duties, chair set-up, and field trips. The program is directed by a board of parents, contact Sean Kennedy (390.3935, wwchoir2@yahoo.com) for details.
Classroom Support*
Assist in academics, art, science, field trips, and material preparation. Your child’s teacher or your Room Representative (homeroom parent) will be connecting with you (or you of course could talk with them in the hall) with ways in which you can help both inside the classroom and directly with kids and/or at home on your own time.Composting*
Be part of the solution by forming the new team
of composters who, if they can’t force the West Woodland kids to eat all of
their vegetables, will at least have the satisfaction of transforming the
leftovers into usable, nutrient-rich soil to augment the plantings around the
school. Training and tools provided, plus you’ll learn the words to
“Breakdown.” Grover Nogawa, (789.6284, groverjoji@att.net) is the lead.
Computer Docent
Assist with classes and labs, help with students' projects, research, and scan student artwork for the Web site. Officially part of the tech committee, you can volunteer for this role separately from serving on the tech committee. Steve Sorensen, computer classroom instructor, (252.1616, sdsorensen@seattleschools.org ) is the contact.
Directory
Sign up now to help enter data to produce and maintain the annual printed school directory of faculty, staff, students, parents, volunteers, and other school affiliates. Ad sales and binding skills are also needed – training provided. The directory is a vital contact resource (inclusion is voluntary). Monica Petersen leads this group in the fall (789.9384, monica@us.ibm.com).
Environmental Education Committee
Work with other interested parents and teachers to create ongoing projects, programs, fieldtrips, presentations, and other opportunities to educate our children about the environment and how to protect it. Zara Kublin zkublin@hotmail.com is coordinating.
Family Events*
Help with PTA events like Spirit days, the Fall Festival, Family Movie Nights, Winter Faire, International Potluck, Science Night, and the end-of-the-year Blast. We are always looking for people to help set-up, serve, organize, direct traffic, collect monies, etc, etc. Help where you can, every little bit is worthwhile. There are fun events scheduled throughout the year, please pick one to help with or chair! Contact the Volunteer Coordinators.
Field Day
This year-end all-school during-school event is really FUN! Help set up and run events in the play field with our PE teacher. Events include sack race, water relay, tug of war and dunk tank, just to name a few. P.E. Teacher Katie Barrett is the chair (252.1585, klbarrett@seattleschools.org ).
Flea Market/Rummage Sales*
no flea market this year - alternates years with the auction
Food Bank
West Woodland Cares! Our Food Drive benefits our local food bank. Northend Emergency Fund/Ballard-Magnolia Food Bank is a wonderful program in our area and offers elementary students an opportunity to learn more about social service agencies. Donate canned good items or non-perishable foods in the classrooms and at various school events to help someone in our community in need. We could use help coordinating this event. Contact the Volunteer Coordinators.
Gift Wrap
Sally Foster fundraising sales from mid-September to early October. Jenny Daves jenniferd@w-link.net chairs this year.
Grant Writing
Help teachers and staff to identify and match funding opportunities with special school projects and to get applications into shape. Help the PTSA develop an organized procurement system to capture the funds and donations already available. If you have grant writing experience, please let the Volunteer Coordiantors know!
Hospitality Committee
Assist PTA in doing all the little things that make our school friendly and inviting - from posting notices to providing treats at meetings. Contact PTA board member or Volunteer Coordinators.
Kids Care Club
Help your youngsters tap into their innate sense of giving and caring. Kids Care Club members get together once a month after school to plan and participate in activities that help the community. Potential projects include: a food drive, an animal shelter supply drive, the holiday giving program, and whatever else the kids think of. A new chairperson is needed. Contact the Volunteer Coordinators.
Kindergarten Ice Cream Social*
This end-of-year event welcomes incoming Kindergarten families to West Woodland, and is a chance for them to meet the staff, families, teachers, and new friends. Help set up, scoop, and greet. Linda Joss linda@jossfamily.com and Cheri Guthrie pongo@seanet.com will lead with the Kindergarten teachers.
Kindergarten Tours January- February
This important team organizes tours of West Woodland for prospective students and their families. Help assemble materials, show off our fabulous facility and answer questions. Linda Joss linda@jossfamily.com and Cheri Guthrie pongo@seanet.com will lead with the Kindergarten teachers.
Library Support
Shelve books to keep one of the most utilized libraries in the district organized and ready for student use. Explore all the wonderful resource materials and, literally, check them out! Regular help will allow more student and teacher support time in the library. Assist Paula Wittmann, Librarian (252.1581), with this and other rewarding tasks.
Marathon*
Help with registration, awards, signage, and tallying miles at recess as west Woodlanders run each day through the fall, leading up to the Seattle Marathon Finish in late November. Katie Barrett is the lead (252.1585, klbarrett@seattleschools.org).
Movie Night
Join our team of parents who bring monthly movie nights for the whole family live to the cafeteria. Help with refreshments and logistics. Ed Gore (784.8540, kgore@nwlink.com) is the chair.
Music Docents
Several teachers are asking for parents to lead their classroom in a monthly 30-minute lesson on classical composers. Docent training is provided in late September. Contact Heidi Bennett heidi@bennettdirect.net to volunteer for this new program.
Music Recorder Program
Every 3rd grade student at West Woodland will be introduced to instrumental music through our PTA-sponsored in-school recorder program which will run for the second year this spring. Volunteers are needed to help keep this program going and assist during classes and the spring performance. Contact Heidi Bennett heidi@bennettdirect.net for more information.
Nurse's Office
Assist in the nurse’s office part-time when the nurse is off-site. Help on screening days, or give that extra TLC to children with bumps and scrapes. Training provided. Marie DeBell (252-1607, mdebell@seattleschools.org ) is our nurse
Photography
Let’s make sure we capture the great moments of the school year ahead! We could use a chair to organize the photographers among us so school events are covered, and to get your great pics to the Web master, Yearbook Editor, and others who need them.
Plant Swap - Spring
A great chance for us all to enhance our gardens—bring your plant starts, dividing leftovers, unwanted volunteers (plant variety) to swap. Our busy recess gardeners will have some wares to sell. Linda Caron (782.3164, pemicoli@aol.com) gets it together.
Playground and Cafeteria Support
Assist staff with recess supervision at mid-morning (10:40-10:55) and lunchtime (12:00-1:00). Help keep our playground safe and clean. Get to know the kids and help to foster safe and fun play, or just be a great listener. Come once a day, once a week or whenever you can. Shannon Frizzell kryzzell@drizzle.com is organizing a calendar to ensure coverage every day.
PTSA Committees
Work with the PTA Board and other members of our school community on any one (or more) of the following teams. Contact Board President Elizabeth Anderson elizabethanderson7@comcast.net.
* Audit * Membership * Scholarship
* Budget * Newsletter * Fundraising
* Hospitality * Nomination
PTSA Newsletter
The "Wildcat News" is a PTSA newsletter distributed quarterly to all West Woodland families. This is a wonderful volunteer position for someone with word processing skills who is seeking a way to volunteer outside of school hours. Work with Charlotte Trelease charlotte@nwlink.com. View the latest Wildcat News*. (*Requires Adobe Acrobat Viewer 4.0 or newer, download latest viewer.)
Reading Challenge
West Woodland students are encouraged to read, through this exciting fall program! This committee works with West Woodland staff to develop incentives to read. Volunteers tally minutes read and assist with parties or prizes that reward students for their efforts! Contact Paula Wittmann in the Library, 252-1581.
Reading Promotion
Join a team to support reading promotions such as Children's Book Week, Read Across America, Turn off the TV Week, or other special events. If you would like to work toward getting kids excited about reading, books, authors, and illustrators, let us know. Contact Paula Wittmann in the Library, 252-1581.
Recess Garden Club
This is a great opportunity for students and volunteers to experience the wonderful and fulfilling world of gardening. This program involves cultivating and nurturing plants on school grounds during recess, plus litter clean up and sweeping. Because it is seasonal and weather dependent, the exact times and dates are to be announced. Look for our wish list in an upcoming issue of the Volunteer Newsletter! Contact Linda Caron at 783-3164.
Reflections Art Program*
Help facilitate this nationally sponsored arts competition in the fall. Entries in visual art, literature and music are accepted, and we need helpers to organize and display. Derin Smith (781.1587) is the chair and is looking for a co-chair.
Room Representatives/Homeroom Parents
Assist teachers and the volunteer coordinators with organizing and recruiting other classroom parents for special events, class prep, parties, field trips, staff appreciation, and science kits. Act as an important communication link between other parents in the classroom. This role definitely helps tighten fabric of our classrooms. Much of it can be done from home. Speak with your child’s teacher if you are interested or contact Kathy Gore, the Room Rep Coordinator (784.8540, kgore@nwlink.com).
School Photos
Spend a few days in the October and in the spring to help classes get organized for single and group pictures. Kay Stelter is the organizer (781.4559), stelt@integrity.com)
Science Night/Science Committee
Help vitalize school science programs,
bringing your expertise into the classroom. Do you have an area of interest to
share with teachers and staff? Want to help liven up the front foyer this
year? Also help organize our terrific Science Night (Spring’07). Bess Melby
(789.4924) is the chair, and welcomes a co-chair.
Scrip Sales
This program heads into its 3rd year as a developing fundraiser, popular because it’s no-cost to parents and no-sales by kids! Help cover the scrip sale table and develop ways to make this even more painless.
Ed Gore (784.8540, kgore@nwlink.com)
Staff and Teacher Appreciation Committee*
This committee recognizes the hard work of our teachers and staff throughout the year. A special week in May is devoted to providing special support, thank you gifts and a staff luncheon. Annie Hayward davidanniehayward@earthlink.net chairs this year.
Technology Committee
Work with the tech team to upgrade systems, load software, assist teachers, and trouble shoot. This is a great role for someone with time outside of the school day. Steve Sorensen, our computer lab guy. Contact Steve Sorensen (252-1616).
Tile Project*
Your child makes a lasting impression on our school through this special tile project! First grade parents assist kindergarten parents in helping their child create a kid's art tile that decorates the walls of West Woodland. Arrange for the completion of tiles and professional tile setting. Volunteers are needed in April and May for this major Kindergarten Art Event. Chair Christina Tom ctom98@hotmail.com would like to train a new chairperson.
Tool Time
Help with ongoing small repairs all year round- indicate your area of expertise and we’ll call as projects arise. Be a handy person for our teachers and events! Contact Steve Sorensen (252-1616).
Tutoring
Work with students individually or in small groups in class. Help with reading, math, writing, spelling and science. Communicate with teacher on student's progress. Extra attention and time brings higher potential and self-esteem! On-the-job training and handbooks provided. Contact the Volunteer Coordinators for more information (252-1589).
Wacky Wednesdays*
Organize or assist bringing fun activities and special classes to our school on the 2-hour early dismissal days: 9/27, 10/25, 2/7, 3/7, and 5/16. We need your talent and ideas! You have the option to offer your class for free or by fee. Please help make this program an ongoing success. The Volunteer Coordinators, Rebecca and Carriann (252.1589) are looking for a volunteer to recruit instructors and make this program a success.
Walk to School Day
Help organize our 4th annual walk to school day, October 4, 2005. Use this opportunity to highlight safe walking while we minimize school traffic, if only for a day. Plan gathering spots, make banners and signs, think up ways to advertise and recognize!
Malva
Slachowitz is the chair (782.4206, bmsj4@msn.com).
Website Committee
Help bring our on-line presence alive. Assist teachers in creating classroom web pages, posting classroom art, etc. Be a watchdog for updates and work with the committee and web master in design and maintenance of our great site! This is a great way to volunteer electronically. Contact Steve Sorensen (252-1616) with your talents and ideas.
Wild Garden*
Help nurture our Native Northwest Plants by identifying and caring for the beautiful greenery surrounding our school grounds. Participate in two major work party events held at school in the fall and the spring -- a great chance to get your hands dirty and build community. There is nothing like the smell of mulch on an early morning…. Or contact Julie Park (781.0810) or Linda Caron (782.3164) about areas in need of weeding. Also, “Adopt-a-plot” spaces are available, or help your child’s classroom with theirs!
Winter Faire*
An evening family event held this year on December 8th , the Winter Faire features hands-on crafts activities, craft sales by parent and community artisans, and a bake sale fundraiser. This event brings a warm welcome to the holidays. Rachel Granata (425.743.1402, rachelgranata@comcast.net) & Lisa McKenny (363.0156, tlcmckenny@gocougs.wsu.edu) are heading up this fabulous event and are looking for a third leader and lots of eager helpers.
WW Logo Clothing Sales
Pat Johnson patdjohnson@earthlink.net will manage the sale of West Woodland gear at various events. Help during sales is needed.
Yearbook
Help produce the annual yearbook (layout, photography, journalism, advertising sales, printing coordinator, etc.). The yearbook is a reflection of culture and spirit of the school year, and a keepsake for students and their families to treasure for years to come. We need a team of people to make this happen! Regan Hagar regan3@gmail.com and Annick Imogen aimogen@alphagraphics.com will lead.
Required disclosure and background check forms (for all volunteers).
- To print disclosure form , complete, and return to the main office. To view form.
- Background check form. This form is available in the main office. Once completed, it is valid for two years.