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!

 

 

 

 

Field Day Volunteers Needed!

 

It’s that time of year where we need many parent volunteers to help with Field Day.  With the construction going on we will have two separate Field Day events – one in the morning and another in the afternoon.  We will need many parent volunteers in the afternoon to run activity stations and a few in the morning to help with a few stations and help supervise.

 

Field Day is on Tuesday, June 9th.  We need 40-50 volunteers for the afternoon (2:15 – 3:40) and a few for the morning (9:45-11:15).  All volunteers need to be approved through the Lake Washington School District

 

If you would like to volunteer for Field Day on the 9th, please complete the attached form.

 

 

Field Day Volunteer Sign-Up – Fill Out Form

 

 

Thank you!

Mr. Rabitoy

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Running Club Tuesday Mornings 

 

Lace up your sneakers and join us for a refreshing start to your Tuesdays! Running Club meets every Tuesday morning for a fun, energizing run with great company. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, all paces are welcome! Come build community, boost your mood, and enjoy the refreshing spring air!

 

Sign up now and let’s hit the ground running!

All students must have a completed registration form in order to participate. 


When: 
Tuesday mornings (8:30 - 9:05am)
Check-in begins at 8:20am
Dates: April 28th - June 2nd

Where: 
Students check in at the small gym and run around the school (new loop this spring due to construction). 
Students are dismissed from Running Club directly to their morning line-up spot.

Who: 1st - 5th Graders

Cost: Free

How: 

Students will run or jog laps at their own pace and track the miles they complete as volunteers scan a QR code that students wear. 

As they reach different mileage milestones, they’ll earn prizes and rewards, adding extra motivation and fun to their fitness journey! 

 

Any questions? Feel free to reach out to Ms. Guptil nguptil@lwsd.org or Mr. Rabitoy mrabitoy@lwsd.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.