Warm weather has finally arrived in Seattle and students are shedding their coats, and they all ended up in the Bryant Lost and Found! We have over 300 coats in the lost and found. Please come by and claim lost property. All unclaimed items will be donated on June 14th
Author: Kathy Austin
2018 Auction Fast Stats
- Auction Donation Deadline: February 1
- Auction Date: March 5-12
- Online Auction Total Page Views: 24,975
- Auction Goal: $18,000 (to begin with, then upped to $28,500)
- Number of auction items/spots: 714
- Total Auction Participants: 241
- # of Bids: 1,774
- Amount Raised (approx.): $34,472
- Percentage of Goal Raised: 120%
- Total Fair Market Value of Auction Goods (390 items with FMV): $48,998.04
- Bids to Fair Market Value Ratio: 5%
Auction Analysis:
- We continued this year with the stand-alone auction week in early March; it works very well. Beneficial to allow us to promote for the auction with minimal overlap with other events.
- Auction communications were augmented this year to fully utilize all channels available: Bryant Weekly, Big List, PTSA website, PTSA Facebook, school signage and kid mail. Frequency was increased, and we garnered 37 more auction bidders this year.
- We were asked not to directly solicit teachers (not including Mr. Sanger and Ms. Pearson) for teacher experiences. In the end, we had seven teacher-sponsored events volunteered entirely on the teachers’ own accord.
- We worked to make up for a potential short-fall in revenue with the loss of teacher experiences by offering more parent experiences. We had 16 events hosted/sponsored by Bryant parents this year, which was more than last year.
- Would like to form committee in May or June so that auction committee can meet and get started in September. Some businesses require solicitation in September.
- Please include Online Auction Committee in first-day packet as a volunteer opportunity.
- We had eight active committee members this year. That was three more than 2017, but the load is still extremely large. It would be better to have 10-12 people on the committee. We could use help recruiting volunteers for next year.
Bryant PTSA Board Meeting Minutes – April 2018
Bryant PTSA Board Minutes
April 3, 2018 7:00pm
Bryant Library
Notice of Meeting
Bryant Weekly, Bryant Calendar, School Posters
In Attendance: Kim Love, Julie Ohrazda, Brita Willis, Whitney Griesbach, Leeann Huntington, Sara Fenzl, Tammy Shorr, Shelley Prosise, Jean Charette, Mary-Britt Love, Ann Sonnen, Michelle Ireton, Jennifer Mahlum, Kaie Salisbury, Dan Sanger, Julie Pearson, Anne Vold, Sam Fogg
Welcome and Introductions
Approved February Meeting Minutes – no changes
Officer/Standing Committee Reports
Treasurer’s Report — Brita Willis & Nelly Goodnoe
- Have collected $145K toward $150K of the annual campaign donations
- Collected $32K from the 2018 auction
- Awarded First Grade Community Builder event grant
Auction Report — Kim Love
- Original goal was 12K, but ended up doing 34K. Netted $32K after credit card fees.
- See Auction Fast Facts
Legislative Chairs — Shelley Prosise & Jean Charette
- March 14th and March 24th – Bryant participated in marches against gun violence
- Bryant Elementary was second school to pass resolution against violence, now in 30 area schools
Bryant Leadership Team — Kim Love
- No report as the BLT had not yet met
Principal’s Report — Dan Sanger
- SBAC April 24th – June 1st
- Full time counselor position has been posted for 2018-19
- Art Position will be 1 FTE – will help lead Artist in Residence & Art Docent
- Global Reading group won 1st place
Special Committee Reports — None
Special Orders — None
New Business
PTSA fiscal sponsor of playground proposal — Kim Love
- Community group must apply for City of Seattle Neighborhood Matching grant. PTSA would act as fiscal sponser of project to renovate Bryant’s current playgroup. Minimal to no risk for PTSA.
- Motion Approved: PTSA will be the fiscal sponsor for the City of Seattle Neighborhood grant
7:50 Meeting Adjourned
Bryant PTSA Board Meeting Minutes – March 2018
March 13, 2018, 7:00pm
Bryant Library
Welcome and Introductions, Kim Love
Approve October Meeting Minutes
One correction/meeting minutes will stand
Officer/Standing Committee Reports
- Treasurer’s Report (7:10 – 7:15) Brita Willis & Nelly Goodnoe
- Collected 140k in Annual Campaign so far, 5k per month roughly
- Closed Bank of America Certificate of Deposit
- Silent Auction wrapped up, very successful.
- Bryant Blast coming up
- Art Programs coming up
- Grade Level Community Grants are still happening, need to put tout word to get those up and running
- Total Cash: 400k
- Total cash saved to be allocated- 185k in expenses still coming up this year
- 82k budget reserve
- 5k holding for clubs
- Unallocated buffer to be determined
- Bryant Leadership Team, Kim Love
- Building Leadership Team meets first Thursday of each month. This month was staffing numbers. See Dan’s report below for more details.
- Legislative Chairs, Jean Charette & Shelley Prosise
- Advocacy week:
- Postcard campaign was very successful. Roughly 300 postcards sent out. Will likely do one more push before school year ends. A lot of focus now is on gun violence measures. Also have a few weeks to advocate for the budget for the teacher’s salaries.
- Resolution for Advocating for Gun Violence Prevention Measures:
- Put out by SPS; ask for Bryant Elementary to add its name to one of the several schools that have passed this resolution.
- Two key events are the National Walk Out and March for our Lives. Desire for all students to feel safe and secure in their school environment. This resolution is in following with Washington State National PTA and lists several criteria. (See document distributed in the meeting).
- Motion made to adopt the resolution above. Motion seconded and passed.
- Advocacy week:
- Principal’s Report, Dan Sanger
- This year our projected numbers are a little lower than currently
- Most of north end schools are undergoing concerted effort to lower enrollment.
- This year there will be no displacement, class size down to 20-22 all the way to 3rd grade. Additional state funding was allocated, but may only last for this year. Mr. Sanger’s waiver for this year was approved; so next year there will be a full-time counselor at Bryant.
- Other highlights:
- We currently have two student newspapers!
- Math Champ students came in 3rd place.
- Bryant Play is about to begin.
- Global Reading team won semi-finals! Proceeding to finals on Tuesday.
Special Committee Reports
None
Special Orders
None
New Business
- Partnership Award – HIP, Jerry Berger
- Bryant was the first school that asked to give food instead of takes food. There are now three schools doing this. Presented Bryant with a plaque to honor the Bryant Community for being a part of the Hunger Intervention Program. Presented to Julie and LeAnn.
- Volunteering opportunities are available through the Hunger Intervention website: hungerintervention.org
- Playground Improvement – City of Seattle Grant, Julie Pearson & Kevin Gallagher
- Plan to revise the playground from a community standpoint. The first phase of several is to look at the play structure, then the “green” space, then playground surface. There are City of Seattle monies available. Looking for a sponsor for this project, namely the PTSA. Only basics are in place at this point, but sponsor is required to put in a proposal. Looking at forming a steering committee then ancillary support from community and Bryant families. The grant is a matching grant, largest available is 100k. Another possibility is a sponsored playground by Alaska Air or another airline. Volunteer Coordinator will put out ask to get a few parents on board in these early stages.
- Likely to wait to get PTA buy-in until next year when the project is already underway.
- Three meetings have happened so far towards this goal- grant making, steering committee formation, and project management meetings.
- ADA accessibility is a top priority. Please provide feedback to the committee as it arises about other playgrounds in the city!
- Staff First Aid Training, Tate Loftin
- Ms. Loftin serves as back-up to School RN, involved with safety amongst students and has extensive First Aid/CPR training. This type of training is not required in SPS by anyone but LASER and PE staff, not other staff/teachers. Ms. Loftin feels this is a safety concern: more and more students with serious medical concerns. Many staff would like to be trained; yet time and cost get in the way of this desire. Ms. Loftin has conducted trainings with funding from her own pocket and pockets of participants. She selected a company for this year’s training after many hours of research-procpr.org. This company combines videos, instruction, and practice time. First Aid and CPR training materials will be led by Ms. Loftin, videos and on-line certification/testing provided by this company. Once paid, certification and access to training materials is available f or two years. Ms. Loftin talked the company into a reduction to $20/per person. Asking for money to pay for staff to do this training- it will be conducted on an early release day to provide greater access to teachers. 28 staff members have signed up, but nine more staff are critical to be at this training, totaling $740. Funding required up front.
- Idea discussed to have this as a line item in the budget- will discuss this at a later time.
- Motion to cover up to $800 to cover First Aid/CPR for all staff. Motion passed.
- Proposal to move remaining Global Reading funds, Anne Aliverti
- Typically funds are used for a field trip for Global Readers to downtown SPL, but representative there has retired and filed trip not an option, Suggestion to move those funds to purchase more fiction books and an ice cream party for Global Readers. Motion to take $475 of unallocated funds to Bryant Library funds.
- Selection of Nominating Committee, Kim Love
- Required to nominate members of the nominating committee- three members:
- Tammy Shorr/Ann Sonin/Yvonne Roberts
- Motion made to nominate the three members. Motion seconded and approved.
- Required to nominate members of the nominating committee- three members:
- Replacement solution for Sumac/ Chosen Payment, Nelly Goodnoe & Sara Fenzl
- Sumac is currently being used for Annual Campaign and Island Wood, and it is tied into the credit card payments. Request to change on-line payment software from Sumac/Chosen Payment to Giving Fuel effective immediately, with the first project being Island Wood. Motion made, seconded, and approved.
- Disinfecting School procedure, Sara Fenzl
- Question about enrollment during January with illnesses, second question about whether or not disinfecting a school is a possibility. School District does a once yearly per budget, over the summer. Idea is to create a Sign-Up genius and volunteer effort to disinfect school. There are only certain types of chemicals that can be used.
- Will research it and report back.
Bryant online auction an amazing success
The final numbers are in…and the Bryant online auction raised $34,472! That’s a huge win for our school, and it will make a big difference in funding the important programs sponsored by the PTSA.
We want to thank each and every person who participated in the auction. Together, we built our community and made a difference for our students.
On behalf of the entire auction committee, thank you for making this auction such a success. We sure had fun putting it together for you! If you’re interested in helping us assemble next year’s auction we’d really love to hear from you at bryantonlineauction@gmail.com! The auction is a big undertaking, and having a larger team would help spread the load. And of course, it’s a ton of fun and very rewarding. Please join us!
Bryant PTSA Board resolution: Advocating for Gun Violence Prevention Measures
The Bryant PTSA is joining the Seattle Council PTSA Board and the National PTA in its demands that Washington State and federal governments adopt legislation to accomplish policy goals that would protect our schools and families from gun violence.
Approved by the Bryant Elementary PTSA Board on March 13, 2018
Whereas, in the 5 years since the December 2012 mass shooting in Sandy Hook Elementary School, there have been more than 1,600 mass shootings in America, with at least 1,829 people killed and 6,447 wounded as of February 2018, and more than 400 people have been shot in over 200 school shootings; and
Whereas, in the past five years, eight school shootings have occurred in Washington state, four of which resulted in injury or death, and facilities in the Seattle School District, and districts around Washington State, have far too often been the scenes of gun violence and threats of gun violence; and
Whereas, gun violence presents a clear and present danger to the students, parents, educators, paraeducators, administrators, and support staff of the Seattle School District; and
Whereas, more guns result in more homicides, children of color are victims of homicide by firearms at a higher rate than white children in King County, and our nation is now aware that persons of color are more likely to be wrongfully shot by persons in positions of power, and these facts lead to the conclusion that arming educators could have a disproportionately adverse and lethal impact on students of color; and
Whereas, the National PTA has advocated for a variety of measures to address gun violence, including mental health education, early intervention, prevention and access to school and community-based mental health personnel and services, measures to educate students, educators and community members on firearm safety and violence prevention, as well as laws and regulations in the areas of gun safety and violence prevention; and
Whereas, a National School Walkout has been organized for March 14th at 10AM, and a National March for Our Lives will be held by student leaders on March 24th, and both of theseevents are intended to bring attention to this important issue and to demand action from our legislators; and
Whereas, gun violence, and threats of gun violence, in schools undermine the sense of security that all students should have in their learning environments; and
Whereas, we believe that every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe and to have the opportunity to grow into a happy and healthy adult.
Therefore, be it resolved that the Bryant Elementary PTSABoard joins the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, and the WA State and National PTA in its demands that Washington State and federal governments adopt legislation to accomplish the following policy goals:
– Require universal background checks and a license to purchase a firearm.
– Re-enact a federal ban on the sale and possession of military-style assault weapons.
– Lift any ban on research that studies the causes and effects of gun violence; and
Therefore, be it further resolved that the Bryant ElementaryPTSA Board also supports laws and regulations that would accomplish the following:
– Increase the Federal minimum purchase age to 21 for all long-guns (rifles) to match current federal regulations for handguns.
– Implement Enhanced Background Checks and waiting periods for assault weapons.
– Ban the purchase and sale of any accessories designed to increase a gun’s rate of fire.
– Eliminate private gun sale loopholes.
– Restrict non-Washington state residents from purchasing any firearms in Washington state.
– Require firearm safety training prior to the purchase of a firearm.
– Develop a state registry that allows one to voluntarily opt-out of the ability to purchase a firearm.
– Support prevention, intervention and community re-entry programs that reduce community and gun violence.
– Increase funding for programs and school staffing that support student mental health, social and emotional learning, and bullying.
– Establish safety programs in schools that do not include arming educators or staff; and
Therefore, be it further resolved that the Bryant ElementaryPTSA Board wholly rejects the misguided suggestion by local, state or federal officials, organizations or individuals that it is either desirable or appropriate to arm teachers in schools for any purpose, and supports existing prohibitions of firearms in Seattle schools and will not support any effort to arm educators or staff; and
Therefore, be it further resolved that the Bryant ElementaryPTSA Board supports legislation currently under consideration by the Washington State Legislature that would enact some of the above measures, including, but not limited to, Engrossed Senate Bill 5992, Senate Bill 6620 and House Bill 3004; and
Therefore, be it further resolved that the Bryant ElementaryPTSA Board supports solidarity activities on the National School Walkout scheduled for March 14th and the National March for Our Lives scheduled for March 24th, 2018.
Bryant auction closes TODAY!
The Bryant online auction will close TONIGHT at 10 p.m. Just a few more hours to participate, if you haven’t already, and check your bids. Don’t lose out on your favorite items!
Please support the PTSA, and have some fun while you’re at it!
Bryant PTSA Board Meeting Minutes – February 2018
Bryant PTSA Board Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2018 7:00pm
Bryant Library
Attendance: Kim Love, Julie Orazda, Nelly Goodnoe, Brita Willis, Whitney Griesbach, Sara Fenzl, Tammy Shorr, Jean Charette, Mary-Britt Love, Ann Sonnen, Michelle Ireton, Jennifer Mahlum, Kate Salisbury, Anne Alverti, Dan Sanger, Julie Pearson, Kevin Stordahl, McKenna Cowert, Sam Fogg, Ashlee Nelson, Amy Morris, Inge Schulz, Jen Drake, Greg Toledo, Kim Larsen, Sara Dunn, Amy Hughes, Adele Kulisevra, Katie Blanch, Kate Speizer
Welcome and Introductions
Approve January Meeting Minutes
Approved with corrections: December & January minutes reported the incorrect date for the Fundraising committee
Officer/Standing Committee Reports
- Treasurer’s Report (7:08 – 7:13) Brita Willis
Completed Mid-Year financial review – addressing improved budget synopsis and improved receipts - Auction Report, Jen Kennedy
8 people on Auction team. Auction starts March 5th.
Currently have 244 items @ $37K fair market value.
If all parent parties sell out, will make $8000. - Bryant Leadership Team Kim Love
CSIP – working through each section - Principal’s Report Dan Sanger
Black Lives Matters Week – teachers met week before to discuss activities/ conversations appropriate to age
Budgeting for next year is beginning
Upcoming Principle Search – interviews will be held mid March. An advisory committee made up of parents, teachers, and staff will have the opportunity to interview candidates and forward selection
Special Committee Reports
None
Special Orders
None
New Business
- Tech Lab printer cost Nelly Goodnoe
Motion to move $100 from unallocated funds to support Tech service for printer cost
Motion by Nelly Goodnoe
Seconded by Sara Fenzel
Approved
Meeting Adjourned (7:29)
7:30 –9:00
Bryant Speaker Series: Kids and Bullying
Kathy Slattengren
Here’s the Bryant auction link!
The Bryant online auction is now OPEN! It will be open all week and close at 10 p.m. on Monday, March 12. That gives you plenty of time to check out all of our offerings and bid, bid, bid. Remember, it’s all in support of Bryant’s PTSA. So get in there and have some fun! You can also share this link with your friends and family, even if they’re not Bryant families. Everyone is welcome to participate!
Calling all K-3 Scientists!
Do you like to figure out how things work? Are you interested in plants and animals? Do you ask your parents a lot of questions about the world around you? Do you like to mix things together, touch things, and perform experiments at home? Then, get ready to be a scientist at K-3 Science Night!
K-3 Science Night is an opportunity for children (not their parents) in kindergarten through 3rd grade to present science experiments or demonstrations to their peers.
K-3 Science Night will be held on Thursday, March 29th in the Bryant gym/cafeteria from 6:30-7:30PM. Parents of young scientists should reserve a spot for their child by emailing maryjeanstrazer@gmail.com with their child’s name and grade. Due to space constraints, we have to limit the total number of presentations/demonstrations to 95, so sign up early to reserve a spot for your child or group. The deadline for sign ups is Monday, March 22nd.
If your child doesn’t want to present an experiment, that’s no problem — everyone is welcome to attend K-3 Science Night to see what all the fun is about, and you don’t have to sign up to attend!
Stay tuned to the Bryant Weekly for weekly suggestions for fun experiments to try at home with your child. I hope to see as many young scientists as possible, and look forward to an evening of science excitement!
Thanks and look forward to seeing all the young scientists on March 29th.
The K-3rd Science Night Team