Dear Alcott Community,

 

As we sit down to write this final newsletter of the school year, we find ourselves feeling both grateful and emotional.

 

This Wednesday, the halls of Alcott will grow quiet as another school year comes to an end. Backpacks will be emptied, classrooms packed away, and students will race out the doors ready for summer adventures. And with the closing of the school year comes another milestone - this will be the final newsletter from the 2025-2026 Alcott PTSA Board.

 

What a year it has been.

 

When we began this journey together last summer, we set goals, made plans, and created calendars filled with ideas. We hoped to strengthen our school community. We hoped to bring families together. We hoped to create meaningful experiences for our children.

 

What we could not have anticipated was how much this community would give back to us.

 

Over the course of this year, we have had the privilege of getting to know so many of the families who make Alcott such an extraordinary place. We have met parents who quietly volunteer behind the scenes, teachers who give endlessly of themselves, students whose curiosity and kindness inspire us, and families who consistently show up for one another. It is these relationships - not the events, programs, or accomplishments - that we will carry with us long after this school year ends.

 

We still remember standing outside last August during our Kindergarten and New Family Play Dates. The temperatures climbed into the 90s, but the children didn't seem to notice. They ran across the playground, laughed with new friends, and began forming the connections that would shape their year. Nearby, parents introduced themselves, exchanged phone numbers, and discovered the first threads of what would become a stronger community.

 

That spirit continued throughout the year.

 

We welcomed families at orientation and on the first day of school. We greeted our teachers and staff with a simple meal of pizza and salad, and a heartfelt thank you as they returned to another year of caring for our children. We hosted celebrations, parties, fairs, enrichment programs, community events, and fundraisers. We gathered in classrooms, hallways, gyms, playgrounds, and parking lots. We celebrated successes, solved problems, shared ideas, and worked together toward a common goal: creating the best possible experience for every child at Alcott.

 

Along the way, something remarkable happened.

 

We set a goal of reaching 50% PTSA membership. Thanks to all of you, we not only achieved that goal - we surpassed it, ending the year at 55% membership. To some, that may seem like a number. To us, it represents something much more meaningful. It represents families who chose to invest in their school community. It represents trust. It represents partnership. It represents hundreds of people coming together because they believe our children deserve every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

 

There were so many memorable moments this year.

 

The creativity and innovation displayed at the Science Fair. The joy of watching students race their rubber-band-powered cars. The generosity shown by our Leadership students as they partnered with us to support The Sophia Way and learned the importance of serving others. The wonder and discovery brought by Science on Wheels. The inspiration shared by author Jessixa Bagley. The beauty of our International Culture Event. The laughter and gratitude that filled Staff Appreciation Week. The pride students felt while creating clay art and learning hip-hop dance. And the smiles, hugs, and celebrations shared at our End-of-Year Party.

 

Yet these visible moments tell only part of the story.

 

Behind every event was a volunteer who gave up an evening with their family. Behind every program was someone who sent emails, attended meetings, balanced budgets, coordinated schedules, or quietly stepped forward to help when help was needed. There were countless acts of generosity that may never appear in a newsletter but made a lasting difference nonetheless.

 

This year was not without challenges. There were moments when the road ahead seemed uncertain. There were difficult conversations and obstacles to overcome. But through it all, we were reminded of the strength of this community. We were supported by dedicated families, caring staff, fellow PTA volunteers, district PTSA leaders, and the Washington State PTA. Their guidance, encouragement, and commitment helped us navigate every challenge and continue moving forward.

 

If there is one lesson we will take away from this year, it is this:

 

It truly takes a village.

 

Not just to organize events or raise funds, but to raise children.

 

It takes teachers who believe in them. Parents who advocate for them. Volunteers who support them. Neighbors who encourage them. Friends who stand beside them. And a community that chooses, every day, to invest in their future.

 

Our children are watching us. They are learning from how we treat one another, how we solve problems, how we show kindness, and how we come together in service of something larger than ourselves.

 

As this school year draws to a close, all the members of this PTSA Board will return to our careers, our families, and the many responsibilities waiting for us beyond the school walls. Soon, new volunteers will step forward.

 

The crew may change, but the voyage continues.

 

The Alcott PTSA is bigger than any one board, any one volunteer, or any one year. It is a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. Families supporting families. Adults coming together to create opportunities for children.

 

And that tradition will continue.

 

As we pass the torch to those who follow, our hope is simple: that we all continue to care for this community with the same generosity, grace, and commitment that have defined it for so many years. That we will continue to support one another, welcome new families, show up when help is needed, and that we never lose sight of why we do this work in the first place.

 

For the children.

 

Thank you for allowing us the honor of serving this community.

 

Thank you for your trust, your encouragement, your patience, your partnership, and your friendship.

 

Most of all, thank you for sharing your children with us. It has been a privilege to spend this year alongside them as they learned, grew, stumbled, succeeded, laughed, and became a little more of who they are meant to be.

 

We leave this year with full hearts, immense gratitude, and tremendous hope for the future.

 

Have a beautiful summer, Alcott families.

 

We will see you again soon.

 

With heartfelt gratitude,

 

Your Alcott PTSA Board
2025-2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Math Is Cool Masters Champions!

 

We are thrilled to share that the Alcott Elementary 4th graders achieved an extraordinary result at the Math Is Cool Masters Competition on May 16 in Moses Lake, earning 1st Place Overall among the top teams from across Washington State.

 

Representing Alcott on the championship team were Sparsh Jambhekar, Matei Isac, Rudved Naik, and David An. Their teamwork, dedication, and mathematical talent led to an outstanding performance against the state's strongest competitors.

 

We are especially proud to recognize Sparsh Jambhekar, who earned 1st Place Overall in the Individual Competition, a remarkable achievement among the top math students from across Washington.

 

This success reflects months of hard work, perseverance, and a love of problem-solving. Congratulations to all our students who participated, families, coaches, and volunteers on a great year. We are proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement and the example these students have set for our school community.

 

 

 

 

 

Math Challenge Tournament

 

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our Alcott students in the 2026 National Math Challenge Tournament (MCT).

 

The MCT is a national mathematics competition that engages thousands of students across the country in mental math and rigorous problem-solving. 

 

This year, 20 Alcott students earned Top 10% recognition nationwide, an outstanding achievement that reflects their dedication, perseverance, and hard work throughout the competition season.

 

The following students earned Top 10% recognition nationwide:

 

Aaryav Aggarwal, Kabir Agrawal, Akshara Surya, Ruhi Wadhwani, Achintya Udupa, Dhruv Somawar, Matei Isac, Lisa Korotkova, Vibha Karthik, Reyansh Aggarwal, Neythra Gopalan, Sparsh Jambhekar, Angela Dai, Romil Prasad, Rudved Naik, Vihaan Charugundla, Jialin Tan, Mahith Singitham, Jay Gao, and John Tang.

 

We are especially proud to recognize Matei Isac and Sparsh Jambhekar, who earned National Champion Honors in the 3rd Grade and 4th Grade respectively.

 

Congratulations to all of our students who participated in this year's tournament. Competitions like MCT help spark excitement for mathematics, encourage creative thinking, and build confidence through challenging problem-solving experiences. We are proud of every student who took part and represented Alcott with enthusiasm, perseverance, and excellence.

 

Thank you to our families, volunteers, and school community for supporting our students throughout the year and helping make these opportunities possible.

 

 

 

 

ORCAS FOREVER!

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Alcott End-of-Year Party! Families came together for an evening of fun, laughter, and celebration, enjoying food, live music, games, and more! It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students' hard work and accomplishments while connecting with friends, neighbors, and members of our school community.

 

A heartfelt thank-you to all of the volunteers and organizers whose time and dedication made this event possible. We are also especially grateful to Mr. Rabitoy, Mrs. Deming, and our amazing custodial substitute, Jose, for their support in helping the event run smoothly. Your efforts helped create a memorable evening and a fitting celebration of another fantastic year at Alcott! Orcas Forever!

 

  

 

 

Thank You Volunteers!

  

Your generosity, time, and commitment help make our school an amazing place for our students, teachers, and staff. Thank you volunteers!

 

 

 

 

Dance Education

 

Students had a fantastic time participating in our PTSA-sponsored Dance Education Week! Throughout the program, students stayed active, built confidence, learned new dance skills, and expressed their creativity through movement. The experience encouraged teamwork, self-expression, and plenty of fun along the way!

 

 

 

 

Art Enrichment

 

Over the last couple of weeks, students have enjoyed PTSA-sponsored art enrichment classes with Smart with Art, creating unique clay projects and exploring their creativity through hands-on learning. These special experiences would not have been possible without the many volunteers who generously donated their time.

 

Thank you to everyone who helped to prep clay, assisted in classrooms, scraped glaze from pottery pieces, and loaded and unloaded boxes throughout the last two weeks. Your support behind the scenes helped make this enrichment opportunity a success for our students. We can't wait to see the finished pieces!

 

A special thank-you to Pan Pan and Robin Shealy for their tremendous dedication and leadership in coordinating and supporting the program from start to finish. We are grateful for all who helped bring this creative experience to Alcott!

 

 

 

 

 

It's Not Too Late to Purchase Your Yearbook!

 

Yearbooks can be purchased without shipping charges to be delivered straight to your student in time for yearbook signing! A limited number of Yearbooks are available for purchase online through the PTSA website - see the link below:

 

Click Here to Purchase Yearbook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YMCA Before & After School Program

 

Register Interest to Save Program!

 

 

The Alcott YMCA Before & After School Enrichment (BASE) program is currently the only on-site childcare option available at our school.

 

Unfortunately, due to low enrollment, the before-school (AM) program has been canceled for the next school year. This decision affects six currently enrolled students and their families. To reinstate the program, the YMCA needs enrollment to reach at least 10 students.

 

If before-school care would be helpful for your family—either now or in the future—we encourage you to contact the program director, Meredith Parker, directly at MeredithParker@seattleymca.org to express your interest or complete the YMCA interest form.

 

Your response can help ensure that this important childcare option remains available to Alcott families. Thank you for your support!

 

 

 

 

Free or Low-Cost Food Assistance

 

We want to help ensure that all families have access to the support they need during these challenging times. If your family is experiencing food insecurity or could benefit from additional resources, there are several community programs available that offer free or low-cost food assistance.
 
 Here are a few options you may find helpful: 

  • Hopelink – operate 5 food markets with locations in Redmond, Bellevue, Shoreline, Kirkland, and Carnation. At no cost, families can shop at the market as they would in a typical grocery store. To participate you need to enroll in their Food Assistance Program. More information can be found here.

 

  • Woodinville Store House - operated by a coalition of churches and denominations serving the local community. They are open Tuesday evenings 6:00—7:20 pm and Saturday mornings 9:00—10:20 am. Walk-in clients are welcome. Bring ID for all family members and proof of residency (such as utility bill or rental agreement) for Redmond, Woodinville, or Kirkland. Regular appointment times can be scheduled after your first visit. More information can be found here.

 

  • A Plate Full - housed at the Salt House Church across the street from Lake Washington High School. They provide some good food options (a food box that includes bread, meat, cheese, snacks, juice canned goods, fruits) and some hygiene items. Pick-up starts at 10:00 am every Monday. They allow participants to pick up every week if they need the resource. To participate you need to contact Lisa Firebaugh on 206-822-4038 with the number of people in your household and they will prepare enough food for everyone in the household. More information can be found here.
     
     

Other support resources:

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to our school counselor Keeley Skone kskone@lwsd.org with any questions or concerns. You can also reach out to her to determine if your student is eligible for the Lake Washington Schools Foundation Pantry Pack program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank You Alcott PTSA Members!

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

READ THE LATEST Q&A HERE

 

 

 

Dear Alcott PTSA Members,

 

We are reaching out at a critical moment for our PTSA.

 

Over the course of this year, a small number of former PTSA board members who have since resigned have continued to contribute to challenges that make it difficult for the organization to function effectively. While differing perspectives are a natural and healthy part of any community, the current situation has reached a point where it is impacting our ability to serve our students, families, and school.

 

Without the support and engagement of our broader membership, this difficulty may continue, affecting the important work we do together. Now more than ever, we need the steady voices, participation, and collaboration of our PTSA community to help keep our focus on what matters most - our shared mission to support our school.

 

We remain committed to addressing these challenges in a constructive, respectful, and solution-oriented way. As we move forward, your involvement is essential to ensuring that the PTSA can continue to operate effectively and stay centered on its purpose.

 

We are deeply appreciative of your continued support. It is through collaboration and shared commitment that we strengthen our school community and best serve our students and staff.

 

Thank you for being part of the PTSA and for supporting its mission.

 

Sincerely,


Your PTSA

 
 

 

Why is the PTSA Sending This Communication?

 

On February 27, 2026, the PTSA held our Winter General Membership Meeting (Winter GMM) online during which members voted on and approved four important items:   

  • Adoption of our Standing Rules
  • Election of new officers
  • Approval of the revised budget
  • Election of the Nominating Committee

This budget approval was a meaningful moment for our children, teachers, staff, and school community. The approved budget directly funds critical programs and support, helping to bridge the gap following funding cuts from the State and the Lake Washington School District. These include:

  • Emergency preparedness supplies
  • Sensory room and special needs resources
  • Kindergarten support (field trip bussing, art supplies)
  • 5th Grade camp
  • School-wide assemblies (e.g., anti-bullying)
  • Support for low-income families and counseling services
  • Social-emotional learning
  • Dance education
  • STEAM enrichment
  • Ongoing PTSA administrative, school and teacher support

These programs are now possible because members like you showed up and voted. 

 

For more information about the PTSA budget, mid-year budget review, revision process, and nonprofit considerations, click HERE.

 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT THE PTSA BUDGET

On March 10, 2026, 11 days after the GMM, the PTSA received a formal letter from the spouse of a former PTSA member demanding a Special Member Meeting to address invalidating the budget that was approved by the majority of members at the 2/27/26 Winter GMM. 

 

Under Washington State law, only 5% of the membership is required to demand such a meeting. On March 10, the PTSA had 311 members, meaning just 16 members out of 311 are required to call a Special Member Meeting.

 

To meet this 5% threshold, a petition was circulated within the school community to gather the required signatures.

 

If a Special Member Meeting is held:

  • Only 10 members are required to establish quorum
  • Only a simple majority of 6 out of 10 members could overturn the entire budget that was approved by the membership

This means that just 6 members out of 311 could invalidate the budget that was voted and approved by the majority of members at the 2/27/26 Winter GMM.

 

 What Happens If the Budget Is Invalidated?

 

According to WSPTA guidance, a PTSA cannot operate without an approved budget. The PTSA board is responsible for preparing and presenting a proposed budget, and the membership votes to adopt or not adopt that budget.

 

At the February 27, 2026 Winter General Membership Meeting (GMM), the PTSA presented a revised budget, and the membership voted to adopt it. Since that time, the PTSA has been operating under that approved budget.

 

If this budget were to be invalidated, the PTSA would no longer have an approved budget in place. Without a member approved budget, the PTSA does not have the legal authority to spend funds.  This would mean that the PTSA would face significant limitations in its ability to operate and fund programs.

 

Programs impacted would include:

  • Emergency preparedness and safety supplies
  • Special education and sensory resources
  • 5th grade camp (6/10/26)
  • Low income student support
  • Field trip bussing and enrichment programs for kindergarten
  • Upcoming hip-hop dance education for the entire school
  • Administrative support
  • Kindness & antibullying assemblies (5/26)
  • Staff Appreciation Week (5/4/26 - 5/8/26)
  • STEM and art education
  • Classroom teachers materials funding
  • After-school enrichment programs
  • International culture event (5/14/26)
  • Music and PE support
  • Student clubs (math, science, student leadership, green team, safety patrol)
  • 5th grade promotion (6/26)
  • End-of-year party (6/26)
  • Yearbook support for low-income students
  • Library funding from the book fair
  • Playground and school-wide support
  • Curriculum enrichment grant
  • And many more

If the budget is invalidated, our PTSA will be unable to serve our students, teachers, and school.

 

 

What the PTSA is Asking You to Do

 

The PTSA is calling a Special Member Information Session to support and ratify the budget approved on February 27 at the Winter GMM. By voting to ratify the member-approved budget, you are expressing your support for this budget and helping to affirm the decision made by the membership.

 

We are also asking members to vote on important updates to strengthen transparency and help safeguard the organization’s ability to serve the broader community.

 

At this Special Member Information Session that will take place on 4/20/26, members will discuss the following items:

  • Ratifying the revised budget approved at the Winter GMM (2/27/26)
  • Amending the Standing Rules to ensure budgets are shared with members in advance
  • Amending Standing Rules to ensure meeting minutes are shared in advance
  • Providing a mechanism to safeguard the PTSA from ongoing efforts to undermine its mission

After the meeting is closed, the members will have a chance to vote on these items.

 

Members do NOT have to attend the information session on 4/20/26 to vote.

 

Key Dates and Voting Method

 

Here is how you can vote:

  • Special Member Information Session called by the PTSA will be held on April 20, 2026 at 12:30 PM

  • Voting window will open: April 22 at 8:00 AM 
    Voting window will close: May 2 at 8:00 AM

  • Voting Method: Electronic ballot transmission
    All members will receive an email with a voting link by April 22 at 8:00AM.
    Members do NOT need to attend the 4/20/26 session to vote 
     

Please see below for the official notification letter from the Alcott PTSA calling a Special Member Information Session.

Your Voice Is Critical

 

Please vote to standup for our budget. 

 

This is an important moment for our children's education.

 

Your participation ensures that:

  • The programs our students rely on continue
  • The will of the majority is upheld
  • Our PTSA remains functional and focused on supporting our school

 

✅ Vote yes to stand up for our children's education.
✅ Vote yes to support our budget.
✅ Vote yes to support our kids, our teachers, and our school.

✅ Vote yes to send a clear message that your vote matters.

  

Thank you for standing up for our children, our teachers, and our school community.

 

Sincerely,

 

Your PTSA

 

Here is the announcement calling for a Special Member Information Session by the PTSA, to support our budget:

 

Notice of Special Member Information Session – April 20, 2026
- Called by the PTSA -

 

Dear PTSA Members,

 

This notice is to inform you that a Special Membership Information Session has been called by the PTSA.

 

Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Online (session link will be shared upon request to website@alcottptsa.org)

 

The purpose of this session is to discuss the following items:

  1. Ratification of the 2/27/26 Member Approved Budget
    To ratify the budget that was presented and approved by the membership at the February 27, 2026 Winter General Membership Meeting.

  2. Standing Rules Amendment – Budget Distribution to Membership
    To amend the standing rules to require that the proposed budget be emailed to members 5–10 days prior to any membership meeting at which the budget will be considered.

  3. Standing Rules Amendment – Minutes Distribution of Membership
    To amend the standing rules to require that previous meeting minutes be emailed to members 5–10 days prior to any membership meeting.

  4. Standing Rules Amendment – Membership Termination Procedure
    To amend the standing rules to allow membership termination: An individual’s membership in Alcott PTSA may be terminated by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its board of directors for conduct that may damage the value and goodwill associated with PTA, or that violates the purposes, policies, or standing rules of Alcott PTSA, including the bylaws of WSPTA and National PTA. Details on the process for termination of membership are included in current WSPTA policy. Alcott PTSA shall notify the WSPTA board of directors within 5 business days if a membership has been terminated.

    *The wording in Purpose 4 is derived from a template provided by the Washington State PTA to local PTSAs regarding membership termination. It is intended to ensure alignment with the WSPTA Uniform Bylaws, Article IV, Section 7, and WSPTA Policy 2.6.2 (Section 10, 2024–25 Sample Local Standing Rules Template).
    **If initiated, the process would follow strict procedures outlined in WSPTA policy (including Section 2.6.2 of the WSPTA Policy Manual) to ensure fairness, due process, and an impartial review. This includes the WSPTA Bylaw requirement to follow WSPTA Policy 2.6.2, which includes the requirement that WSPTA provide two members of the three‑person review committee before any member can be terminated.  The PTSA board does not have the authority to remove membership unilaterally.

Voting on the above items will take place by electronic ballot transmission.

  • Voting Opens: April 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM
  • Voting Closes: May 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM
  • A secure voting link will be emailed to all members prior to the opening of the voting period.
  • Members do NOT have to attend the discussion session on April 20, 2026 to vote.

* The Tellers Committee will oversee the counting of all votes.

**Alcott PTSA has requested support from WSPTA for the Tellers Committee. WSPTA has offered to provide an Inspector of Elections to assist with the process. The Inspector of Elections is a neutral party responsible for verifying that ballots are properly prepared, distributed only to eligible members, and accurately counted.


Vote results will be announced after full verification by the Tellers Committee (with WSPTA support).

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our PTSA.

 

Sincerely,


PTSA Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the announcement calling for a Special Member Meeting by 5%, in an effort to invalidate the budget that was approved by the majority of our members at the 2/27/26 Winter General Membership Meeting: 

 

Notice of Special Member Meeting – June 3, 2026
- Can Be Called by 5% of Members -

 

Dear PTSA Members,

 

This notice is to inform you that a Special Membership Meeting has been called by at least 5% of members.

 

Date: June 3, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Online (meeting link will be shared upon request to website@alcottptsa.org)

 

The purpose of this meeting is the following items:

  1. Addressing the validity of the budget vote at the membership meeting that took place virtually at 12:30pm on February 27, 2026.

  2. Introducing a motion to amend the Standing Rules to specify that proposed budget votes shall be announced in advance, and proposed budgets shall be shared with general members in advance of the meeting when a vote is expected to take place.

 NOTE: Voting for purpose #2 will take place at the Special Member Meeting.