Dear Alcott Families,

Every year, your PTSA membership helps bring programs to life that enrich the educational experience of all our children. We warmly invite you to join the Alcott PTSA and continue making a difference in our school community.

Being a PTSA member means you are directly supporting the programs and events that make our school a vibrant and enriching place for every child. Membership dues fund enrichment opportunities in art, science, math, and STEAM - opportunities that simply would not exist without PTSA support. They also make possible the fun and memorable events our kids look forward to each year, such as the Back-to-School Bash, End-of-Year Party, classroom celebrations, the Science Fair, Culture Fair, and Family Movie Nights.

In addition, PTSA brings unique learning experiences to our students, like Science on Wheels from the Pacific Science Center, giving children hands-on opportunities that spark curiosity and creativity.

Your membership truly makes a difference in our children’s education. It also strengthens the PTSA, amplifying our collective voice as we advocate for the needs of students at the school, district, and state level. When you join, you are not only supporting events and programs - you are helping build a stronger, more connected school community for every child.

Without the support of members like you, these enriching opportunities simply wouldn’t be possible, and all of our children would feel the impact. That is why your membership truly matters.

The cost of the memberships are as follows:

• Individual:  $25
• Dual: $35

Please consider joining the PTSA today - together, we can ensure every child continues to learn, grow, and thrive.

Your PTSA

www.alcottptsa.org

Become a PTSA Member Today!

Hello Alcott Families:

Flyers with information of school pictures went home with students last week. In case you did not get the information, ordering is taking place on-line only. O'Connor Photography Studio has made it easy to order. Just click the link below and you will be guided through the process of ordering and paying on-line. 

Picture Day is Right Around the Corner...
Students will be photographed by O'Connor Photography Studio for their school record on 10/6/2025
If you would like to purchase your student's portraits, click below to pre-order their portraits today!
 
https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001276926
 
You can also purchase by visiting our website at: www.oconnorphotographystudio.com
If you have any questions or need assistance
please give our studio a call at 1-800-993-4929
 
Thank you!

The PTSA offers enrichment classes three times a year - fall, winter, and spring. Fall enrichment registration opened on Monday (9/22/25), and 127 students have already signed up. Only a few spots are left, so don’t wait too long if you’re hoping to join.

We’re so excited for our kids to dive into these fun and enriching after-school activities, and we can’t wait to see their happy little faces starting the week of October 6th!

Important Details:

• Registration Closes: 10/03/25

• Classes Begin: Week of 10/6/25

• Limited Spots: Spaces are limited, so be ready to sign up early.

• PTSA Membership Required: Only PTSA members can enroll. If you haven’t joined yet, now’s the perfect time to become a member and secure your child’s spot. Become a PTSA member.

Upcoming Fall Enrichment Classes

Persuasive Communication (Grades 3-5)  FULL

Mondays 4-5pm | 9 Sessions | $225

This Persuasive Communication Bootcamp teaches the essentials of compelling communication through games and activities. Taught by the champion of Harvard University's 49th Annual Speech and Debate Tournament, students will learn how to form a thesis, research arguments, and use body language to effectively communicate their points of view. The course culminates in each student presenting the speech they have developed on the topic of their choice to fellow students, coaches, and parents at our showcase. Our camp's personalized instruction is designed to teach the power of persuasion, whether they are beginner or seasoned speakers. 

Science Club (Grades 4-5) FULL

Mondays 4-5pm | 10 Sessions | $50

The Science Olympiad Club is an after-school program to facilitate students to explore the frontiers of science through hands-on challenges and tests, while learning the secrets of earth science and life science. You will learn how to design bridges, identify fossils, launch rockets, decrypt ciphers, conserve the environment and bring positive change in your community. We will be introducing topics from real Science Olympiad tournaments ranging from anatomy and astronomy to engineering and environmental science. So, bring your curiosity, your passion, and your team spirit. Let’s make science unforgettable.

Snapology I (Introduction to Robotics) (Grades K-2) FULL

Tuesdays 4-5pm | 10 Sessions | $200

In this course, your builder will begin their exploration into the world of robotics by building simple, animal-inspired machines that are controlled by icon-based program codes. We will teach your little learner some fundamental engineering and programming concepts as they build goofy animals and design perfect habitats to protect their new robotic friends. Maybe you can't have an alligator as a pet at home, but you can definitely build one in our classroom at Snapology!

Snapology II (Foundational Engineering) (Grades 3-5)

Tuesdays 4-5pm | 10 Sessions | $200

Snapology’s Foundational Engineering: Machines and Contraptions program challenges students to think like real engineers. Through hands-on exploration of gears, pulleys, and other simple machines, campers build sophisticated models and investigate how mechanical systems work. They’ll apply physics concepts, iterate on their designs, and collaborate with peers to solve engineering challenges. This program encourages deeper problem-solving, creativity, and STEM fluency—perfect for curious minds ready to go beyond the basics. 

Ukulele 101 (7+ yrs.) FULL

Thursdays 4-5pm | 8-9 Sessions | $39

Students will learn the basics of ukulele in an interactive group setting. Starting with the fundamentals of ukulele and music theory, students will learn everything they need to start playing songs quickly. Students will learn and play together in a team-like atmosphere, motivating and encouraging each other to practice and perform.

Crave4Art (Grades 2-5) FULL

Thursdays 4-5:15pm | 8 Sessions | $200

Kids will enjoy learning acrylic painting techniques on pre-traced canvases with guided instruction, making it fun and approachable. Creative mixed-media elements may also be included, such as collage, stencils, sponges, palette knife, or tape art. Each project features age-appropriate themes like animals, nature, seasonal designs, and abstract art, ensuring students stay engaged while building confidence and creativity. 

Math Club I (Grades 1-2) FULL

Fridays 4-5pm | 10 Sessions | $20

Stay tuned for more information.

Math Club II (Grades 3-5) FULL

Fridays 4-5pm | 10 Sessions | $20

Stay tuned for more information.

We’re excited to announce the return of Alcott’s Math Challenge program! Open to all students, this fun and engaging enrichment activity encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and a love of math through a series of age-appropriate challenges. Participation is free, flexible, and designed to spark curiosity while building confidence in math. We can’t wait to see our Alcott students take on the challenge!

*Winners each week will receive a prize and be recognized in our Orca Waves newsletter.

Don’t forget to upload your first day back-to-school photos for the Alcott Yearbook! The yearbook is more than just a collection of pictures - it's a keepsake filled with the moments, friendships, and milestones that define your child’s school years.

By sharing your photos, you’re helping capture memories that your kids will treasure for a lifetime. One day, when they’re all grown up, they’ll flip through these pages and thank you for preserving their childhood story.

Help us make this year’s yearbook unforgettable - upload your photos today and give your child the gift of memories that last forever.

📘 What is the Yearbook?

The Alcott Yearbook is a beautiful collection of memories from throughout the school year. The PTSA gathers photos of activities, events, students, teachers, and staff, and at the end of the year, all of these moments are compiled into one special keepsake book.

This is more than just a book - it’s a gift of memories you can give your child. Years from now, they’ll look back at their yearbook and remember their friends, teachers, and the experiences that shaped their childhood.

Yearbooks can be pre-purchased here. Once complete, they’ll be delivered to you at the end of the school year. Order now to enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase!

Lace up your sneakers and join us for a refreshing start to your Tuesdays! Running Club begins soon, meeting 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 crisp fall air!

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

When: 
Tuesday mornings (8:30 - 9:05am)
Check-in begins at 8:20am
Dates: September 16th - November 25th

Where: 
Check-in: Small Gym Running Loop: Around the Fields and Portables
Students are dismissed from Running Club directly to their morning line-up spot!

Who: 1st - 5th Graders

Cost: Free

How: Open the Registration Form and complete for EACH student being registered.

Volunteers: We need 4-5 volunteers for each session to assist with ensuring child safety, managing check-in/out, and scanning mileage counting QR codes for our runners. All volunteers must pass LWSD screening and be an approved volunteer. Your involvement is crucial to our success! You can sign up to volunteer on the Running Club Parent Square page.

If you’d like to learn more about being a Classroom Connector - or if you’re ready to sign up - just click the button below!

The Alcott PTSA is powered by amazing parent volunteers like you. We currently have open positions and would love for you to consider joining us! Volunteering with the PTSA is a meaningful way to support our school, connect with other families, and make a real difference in our children’s educational experience.

Whether you have just a few hours to give or want to take on a bigger role, there’s a place for you. Training and support are always provided - no experience needed, just a willing heart.

The PTSA is in urgent need of volunteers to fill the following lead positions. These roles are essential - without leads in place, the events and programs connected to them cannot take place this year. 

UrgentOpen Lead Position

Spelling Bee:  Bring the Scripps National Spelling Bee to Alcott! Need a volunteer to make the Bee happen.  

Contact president@alcottptsa.org if you are interested or have questions about these lead positions.