January 10, 2014
Issue 15
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Upcoming Events
Dear Catharine Blaine Parents and Community,
FEAT General Meeting
6:30pm in Library
Jan 14
2 Hour Early Dismissal
Jan 15
No School - MLK Jr Day
Jan 20
PTA grounds clean up
Jan 25
Coffee Chat with the Principal
Jan 27
Variety Show
Jan 30
Friday, 1/31, no school, day
between semesters
Jan 31
Happy New Year! I trust you had a relaxing and joyful time with your families over
the holidays! Our students were eager and excited to be back at school this week!
I’m sure they’ve missed their friends and the daily routines that school has to offer.
BLAINE’S CHARACTER EDUCATION
January’s character education traits are TOLERANCE and PATIENCE. Teachers
will be reading aloud Dr. Seuss’ book, The Sneetches and focus class discussions
around respecting individual differences, views and beliefs of other people – even
when you don’t agree with them.
CAPACITY AT BLAINE – UPDATE
This week a team of teachers, parents, and I met with Assistant Superintendent Flip
Herndon and Educational Director Sarah Pritchett to discuss capacity at Blaine.
Knowing that it’s virtually impossible for us to create a plan when we have no control
over enrollment or projected budget, we invited these central administrators to talk
about next steps for Blaine. More information will be forthcoming on this topic.
2014-2015 ENROLLMENT AND BUDGET WORK
In the next two months we will receive our projected enrollment and staffing for the
2014-2015 school year. Yep, time to plan! The process is as follows:
BLT reviews budget process, timelines and establishes guiding principles (1/13/14)
BLT reviews projected enrollment and budget (When data arrives)
BLT creates a series of possible budget scenarios
BLT shares out to staff and gathers feedback
BLT continues the work and again shares out to staff
Staff votes on Budget (If it does not pass, the BLT begins the process again.)
Communication to parents is sent out
Budget is submitted to District
BLT works in collaboration with PTA to establish spending priorities
After School Drama
classes for all-school play
A MIDSUMMER
NIGHT’S DREAM
pushed to week of Jan 20!
SIGN UP NOW!
Follow Blaine PTA online!
Facebook: Catharine Blaine PTA
Twitter: @CatharineBlaine
Website: www.BlainePTA.com
NEW SECURITY DOORS AT BLAINE!
Some of you may have noticed the first installation of the safety project is complete
in the south hallway! The project team is now shifting focus to the office to complete
the safety improvements for students and staff. The primary hurdle left is coordinating our fantastic group of Parent Volunteer Professionals. The best construction
professionals are always busy and our volunteers are no different! We have the city
construction permits, approval from the district and the new door to be installed. Next
up is scheduling a time that minimizes disruption to the office and will give us time to
communicate the entry changes to the school community.
It’s hard to believe, but planning for the 2014-2015 school-year begins in January!
On thing that was mentioned in December, is the fact that currently we are without
funding for middle school band for the 2014-2015 school year. Our goal is to preserve this program. If you are interested helping us come up with solutions to save
this program, please let me know.
With kind regards,
Julie A. Cox
January 10, 2014
Page 2
HAPPY NEW YEAR from
your FEAT Committee!
Are you wondering
what FEAT is about?
Have you heard of it,
but you really have
no idea what we do
at Blaine? Do you
love the school and
want to find a way that you can get more involved? If so, then please
come to our next General Meeting!
ALL ARE WELCOME ... Please plan to join us next Tuesday, January
14 from 6:30-8pm in the Catharine Blaine Library for our FEAT General
Meeting. We’ll give you an update on many of the fun projects FEAT
has in the works! You’ll hear from our steering team on the exciting
business we’ve already been taking care of, we’ll tell you many ways
we know of to get involved at our school, and we’ll answer any questions you might have.
There are no dues for FEAT. Anyone can attend, and all are welcome.
We are sorry we are unable to provide childcare at this time.
Go Tigers!
Wendy Hoff and Don Schindler
Co-Chairs, FEAT at Blaine
[email protected]
SCHOOL TOURS / OPEN HOUSE
CATHARINE BLAINE K-8
K-5 Focus Tours:
Tuesday, January 28 – 9:30 – 11:00
Thursday, February 27 - 9:30 – 11:00
K-5 Open House:
Thursday, February 6 – 6:30 – 8:30
Middle School Open House:
Tuesday, February 11 – 10-11:30am
Issue 15
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
FROM THE OFFICE
Welcome to the New Year!
• Copy paper is running low! Donations
gladly accepted, please drop off near the
front entrance table. Our school uses approximately 160 reams a month!
• With the FLU season here – please
check with your Doctor about getting flu
shots for your family.
• Please remember students should not
return to school until they have been fever
free from 24 hours without fever reducing
medicine.
• Please call the ATTENDANCE LINE at
206-252-1924 if your child will be sick or
late.
• Brown Bear carwash tickets are available year round in the office. Proceeds
benefit the ASB general fund.
• With the arrival of new coats and sweaters, PLEASE make sure to write your
CHILD’S NAME on these clothes.
• Visitors/Volunteers, please remember to
sign in at the office upon arrival. While in
the building, be sure to wear a VISITOR
BADGE or STICKER.
SPS District news:
DISTRICT: Open enrollment Feb. 24 to March 7; kindergarten events to be held at various locations
Families wishing to change their student’s school or
program assignment for the 2014-15 school year may
apply from Feb. 24 to March 7. Seattle Public Schools
will be also holding kindergarten enrollment events at
various locatons.
Find more info at: http://seattleschools.org/modules/
cms/pages.phtml?pageid=306772&sessionid=9e7230b
935aac188404a7b0437432be6
January 10, 2014
Page 3
A Note From the Nurse
Dear Families:
Welcome back! It is great seeing everyone return to school
from the holiday break.
We are starting to see absences
due to flu like symptoms both
with students and staff. According to the King County Department of Public Health, “seasonal
influenza has gone from barely
detectable levels in early December to widespread in King County”. The predominant
strain is the A H1N1, which is the same one that was present
in 2009. King County Public Health also adds that unlike
other viruses this strain causes a higher rate of illness and
death among young and middle aged adults, including those
with no history of underlying health conditions.
Public Health recommends that if you haven’t already done
so to get a flu shot for yourself and child (over six months
of age) because it will reduce chances of getting the flu.
Pregnant women, people with long term health problems
(asthma, diabetes, and heart and / or lung problems) and
elderly are strongly encouraged to be the vaccinated.
Anti-viral drugs, prescribed by your health care provider can
be used if you” have severe influenza symptoms or are in a
high risk group” (King County Public Health).
Issue 15
PTA NEWS
Happy New Year, Blaine Watch D.O.G.S.!
Did you resolve to commit one day between
now and June to be a
D.O.G.S. volunteer for a
day? If you are a Blaine
dad, father figure, uncle,
grandpa, etc., please
consider volunteering
one day at Blaine between now and June
helping out our kids
and teachers. You will need to complete the volunteer
screening form and provide a copy of your driver’s license in advance of your service day.
Have you already volunteered - come on in again, there
is no limit to the help you can provide!
Now is a great time to check out the Sign Up Genius and
grab a date. When you sign up let us know your child’s
name(s) and their teacher’s name. Class time with your
child is priority, but not guaranteed.
Contact co-chairs and Blaine dads Phil Galante at phil.
[email protected] or Ben Anderson-Sanford at [email protected] to receive more information and a link
to the Sign up Genius.
Contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy about
the vaccination. Visit http://flushot.healthmap.org for locations. If you do not have insurance, you can find free or low
cost insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder or you
can call the Family Health Line at 800-322-2588.
Visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/flu for more information.
Remember the basics:
• Wash hands frequently.
• Keep your child home if they are ill with the following:
1. Sore throat.
2. Vomiting and diarrhea (within the past 24 hours.)
3. Fever over 100 degrees-oral temperature. Their temperature should remain normal (98.6) without fever reducing
medication 24 hours before returning to school.
4. Nasal discharge (yellow or green) and accompanied by a
fever or not feeling well.
5. Unusually tired, pale, poor appetite, difficult to awake,
confused.
6. Body rashes not associated with heat or reactions to
medications.
Sincerely,
Merilee Corbit, School Nurse
[email protected]
Sing with Glee!
Now is the time to join the Blaine Glee Club for the Winter/Spring
session! We will be singing in the All School Musical in April, Evening of the Arts and more! Please pick up the registration form in
front of the office and return it to the office folder marked “GLEE”.
Mrs. Giles is very excited to see you this Wednesday for a fun hour
of music and singing! If you were in the Glee Club this fall, you still
need to register for the Winter/Spring session. All students from
grades K-3 are welcome, even if you’ve never tried it before. Please
send a snack for your child to eat after school in the lunchroom
before we start our class at 3:45.
Sing with Glee!
Mrs. Giles
January 10, 2014
Page 4
Issue 15
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SESSION II of WORLD LANGUAGES
Registration is OPEN through January 31, 2014: Go to www.thelanguagelinkllc.com
Register now to secure your child’s space in a world language class for Session II which runs
the week of February 24 through June.
Art, music, drama, games, and fun guide the curriculum for The Language Link’s world
language classes. Beginning and intermediate levels from kindergarten through 8th grade are
offered. The focus is on development of oral proficiency.
Small Classes sizes - Classes are capped at 12 students and requires a minimum of 8 students per class – you will be notified by email of schedule changes due to class sizes. If you
do not have internet access, please call Justine Connelly at 206-282-0162.
2014 Youth Girls Lacrosse Program
Basketball Schedule
Dec. 5 ORCA at BLAINE
Girls won 47-8; Boys won 53-40
Dec. 12 BLAINE at SOUTHSHORE
Girls won 55-8; Boys lost 54-51
Dec. 19 JANE ADDAMS at BLAINE
Girls won 39-19;Boys won 65-28
Jan. 9 MADRONA at BLAINE
Girls won 44-6;Boys won 56-45
Jan. 16 BLAINE at BROADVIEW T.
(Boys at 4:00, Girls after)
Jan. 23 PINEHURST at BLAINE
(Boys at 4:00, Girls after)
Jan. 27 BLAINE at PATHFINDER
(Boys at 4:00, Girls after)
Jan. 30 SALMON BAY at BLAINE
(Boys at 4:00, Girls after)
Feb. 6 TOPS at BLAINE
(Boys at 4:00, Girls after)
LOCATIONS:
SOUTHSHORE
4800 S. Henderson St. 98118
BROADVIEW THOMSON
13052 Greenwood Ave. N. 98133
PATHFINDER
1901 S.W. Genesee St. 98106
Grades 2nd through 8th
Join the fastest growing sport in the Northwest
Girl’s lacrosse is a fast paced, exciting, and finesse driven game where we emphasize sportsmanship and fun.
Roster spots for the spring 2014 season will be limited
If you would like to participate, join our growing wait/contact list, or have questions
please contact George Bergeron at [email protected].
Programs for 2014: 7th/8th Grade (U-15), 5th/6th Grade (U-13), 3rd/4th Grade (U11), 2nd Grade (U-9)
Spring Season: March through early June
Registration costs between $60 and $210 depending on program level, plus$25 US
Lacrosse Membership fee.
Equipment Needed: Stick (Crosse), Eye Protection (Goggles), Colored Mouth
Guard, Gloves (Optional)
Registration information is available at the Queen Anne Quick Styx website: http://
queenannequickstyx.usl.la/
Winter 2014 Enrichment Registration
Register online for:
Lego Engineering at www.classes.play-well.org
Mad Science at www.madscienceregistration.com
Language Classes at www.thelanguagelinkllc.com
Debate Club at www.debateablekids.com
Jump Rope at learntojumprope.com/classregistration
Registration forms for French, Yoga, Japanese and Glee Clubs are posted on
the Enrichment Board in the office lobby. The winter schedule is posted on the
PTA and school websites. No Girls on the Run (GOTR) for the winter session. It
will return for the spring session.
Seattle Public Schools has a no tolerance policy towards weapons, drugs, or alcohol
on its campuses and at District-sponsored activities.
2550 34th Avenue West Seattle, Washington 98199 Office: 252-1920 Attendance: 252-1924
Visit the Catharine Blaine school website: blainek8.seattleschools.org
Tiger Tracks submissions due Tuesdays by 7 p.m., please email Eric Souza at [email protected]
Visit the PTA website: www.blainepta.com
January 10, 2014
Page 5
Issue 15
Blaine PTA Raising
Funds with Help from
Amazon, Bartell Drugs
Just in time to finish your
holiday shopping!
We are excited to share an easy new fundraising opportunity through AmazonSmile.
About AmazonSmile
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide
selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The
difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers.
How does AmazonSmile work?
When first visiting AmazonSmile, you will be prompted to select a charitable organization.
PLEASE NOTE, at this time our name is listed incorrectly as Catherine Blaine. A request
has been submitted to have this corrected to Catharine Blaine.
In order to browse or shop at AmazonSmile, customers must first select a charitable organization. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate
0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization.
Go there now! http://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1116257
If you have any questions, please contact Carolyn Dunn at [email protected]
Also, just a reminder to use your Bartell
Drug “B-Caring” Card when making your
purchases at any local Bartell Drug.
So far in 2013, our Blaine community has
earned $1,057.53 simply by having them scan
our “B-Caring” cards upon check out. If you
don’t have a “B-Caring” card, you can sign-up
at any local Bartell Drug.