Author: Lily Chan

Bryant PTSA Volunteer Awards

Lily Chan

Each year, the Bryant PTSA gives several special awards to those that have provided exemplary volunteer service to our children and school community. Please submit nominees and a short note of appreciation for their efforts at the form here. The deadline to submit is Friday, May 30th. Awards will be presented at the final general membership meeting on June 10th. Categories include:

  • Golden Acorn Award – Bryant PTSA’s highest recognition of dedication and service to our school community.
  • Volunteer Extraordinaire – recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to Bryant Elementary during the past school year.
  • Unsung Hero – recognizes people who quietly, consistently, and reliably do one job over a long period of time. Often they work behind the scenes, but they make incredibly valuable contributions to Bryant.
  • Room Parent Champion – recognizes an outstanding room parent who goes above and beyond in fostering connection, organizing events, and supporting both teachers and families.

Huge Thanks for a Fantastic Final HIP Packing Party!

Lily Chan

Thank you, Bryant community, for stepping up to support the Hunger Intervention Program! Thanks to your generosity, we packed over 300 weekend food packs—well beyond our goal of 250—and donated extra food as well. HIP was incredibly grateful for the support.

Special thanks to our amazing 3rd and 4th grade families for contributing to the food drive and showing up in force to pack! It was heartwarming to see so many Bryant Hawks and parents in action.

We look forward to continuing this important work next school year. If you’re interested in joining as a HIP Co-Chair for 2025–26, please reach out to: kate.sortun@gmail.com or ninamettler@yahoo.com. 

Help Keep the Bryant Play Alive—Lead Volunteers Needed

Lily Chan

The Bryant Play is a cherished tradition that fosters creativity, teamwork, and lasting memories for our students. Next year’s 4th and 5th graders are eager to participate, but we need parent leads to make it happen!

We’re looking for 1-3 volunteers to step up and take on the organizing role. You don’t need prior experience—this is a team effort with plenty of support available, including materials and insights from past productions.

Without committed leads before summer break, the play will not be able to move forward. If you’re interested or want to learn more, reach out to Caroline Stanford (this year’s Play Lead Producer) at caroline.stanford@outlook.com. 

Let’s work together to keep this beloved tradition going for our kids!

HIP needs our support more than ever!

Lily Chan

Following the termination/unpaid leave of all six AmeriCorps staff by DOGE and the Trump administration, the Hunger Intervention Program (HIP) reports severe disruptions to their meal delivery for homebound seniors and Healthy HIP Packs/afterschool meals for students. HIP is heartbroken and urgently needs community support. Read their full statement and find ways to help here: Urgent Update: Cuts to the AmeriCorps Program and the Harms to Our Community – Hunger Intervention Program.

An immediate need is food donations for Bryant’s final packing party on 5/20. Due to increased demand (400-450 packs/week) and the HIP news, all families are urged to contribute by volunteering and with food donation sign-ups , not just 3rd and 4th grade.

How to Help with the Food Drive:

About HIP: A local non-profit increasing food security in North King County through meals, education, and advocacy.

About Healthy HIP Packs: Weekend food program providing six meals and two snacks for food-insecure children.

About Packing Parties: Watch this fun video with your kids!

Murals at Bryant – One Month Only

Lily Chan

Be sure to check out the fence murals on the playground! There is a “Bryant hawk” (placed so that students can stand in front and have wings!) and a sunset over the Olympics and Salish Sea. Bryant 5th graders made these along with Kari Westphal (PTSA funded Artist in Residence teacher for grades 3-5) as part of their final session together. Ms Kari has being doing this project with 5th graders since 2018, creating different murals every year. 

Hurry, the murals are temporary, and will come down the first week of June! 

If you want to see more of Ms. Kari’s art, check out DaisySky.com or www.instagram.com/daisyskystudio .

Bryant Bound Volunteers Needed!

Lily Chan

Please join us in extending a warm Bryant welcome to incoming families by becoming a “Bryant Bound” Volunteer (formerly known as Bryant Buddy)! As a volunteer, you’ll be paired with 1-2 new Bryant families and reach out to them in June/July to introduce yourself either via email or phone. You’ll be their go-to person for questions they might have about Bryant, and we’ll even provide you with a handy template message to kickstart your communication. This volunteer opportunity is both fulfilling and flexible, requiring just a small amount of your time while leaving a lasting positive impact on new Bryant families.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up here!

Feel free to reach out to Gina Baird at bryantbound@bryantschool.org with any questions.

LASER After School Registration Opens May 16

Lily Chan

Dear LASER Families,

We’re excited to announce that registration for the 2025–26 after-school program at Bryant and Laurelhurst will open Friday, May 16 at 12:00 a.m. through Friday, May 30 at 11:59 p.m. Registration is open to current and new students, including incoming kindergartners. Please note that enrollment does NOT automatically renew. All families must register to be considered. There is no priority given for when you register in the two-week window.

How to Register:

Once you submit your application, a confirmation in your internet browser will appear on your screen. You may also email billing@laserchildcare.org to verify receipt of application.

You’re invited! Art committee hangout 5/8

Lily Chan

You are invited to a casual end of the year get together for anyone who has been involved, or wants to get more involved, with the Bryant PTSA art committee. Grab something to eat at the Project 9 food truck or from a restaurant nearby or bring a picnic dinner and have a drink with the art committee. We are always looking for more people to get involved with current and new initiatives including Reflections, Art Adventures field trips, Family Art Night, Creative Advantage, and supporting Bryant’s Artists-in-Residence. 

Thursday, May 8, 5:30-7:30pm
Project 9 Brewing Company
1409 NE 80th St

Please RSVP to Vanja at silvervanja@yahoo.com. Families are welcome to join!