The
Wolverine Track
Wellington PTA
6.10.43
Inside this issue:
PTA Dollars At Work
Golden Acorn Award Form
Open PTA 09-10 Positions
Colonial Day Gratitude
Banking Program Ends
Wellington Walks
Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Dates to remember
April 22: BOD mtg, 1pm
23: PTA Wine Night
@ Fortunato’s
6:30pm-10pm
May 1 & 21: “Meet & Greet”
with Marsha Moore
1: Popcorn Friday &
Last day for Banking
12: PTA General Membership
Meeting - 7pm in Library
15: Wellington Walks!
25 & 26: No School
June 19: Last Day of School
Next WT deadline is April 27, 2009
Newsletter Chair: Kim Heinzerling dwheinzerling@msn.com
Volume 31, no. 13
April 20th, 2009
President’s Message...
Last Trip to Camp Casey Ends Era & Begins Bumpy
Road to Educational Budget Cuts
As if it were a protective shield, I wore my school spirit wear t-shirt and it made me
2
feel strong and a part of something important. Nauseous during the long bus ride
3 on those bouncy, army green vinyl bus seats I felt excitement about being away
from home. Nature trails, and discovering hands on how nature works, taught me
that learning could happen anywhere. I saw my teachers be people, not just
4
teachers, during the skits and non teaching time. And of course, there were the
5 camp songs around the fire pit...my favorite part.
I remember at camp being served some foods that I didn’t want to eat and
6
wondering if anyone was going to insist that I eat it. I also remember the cookies
and the feeling of ―lights out‖ in the bunkhouse. Dark and alone, but empowering
7 and thrilling because it meant I was old enough to be away from my family.
8 These are some of my memories of elementary school camp, and I’m sure for any
of you who have experienced it as a kid, you have similar glimpses into the past.
For me, I was inspired not only to return to that same camp as a senior high camp
counselor, but also to participate in a counselor program at another summer camp
for several years. It impacted me that much.
Sadly, this year will very likely be the last year Northshore students will experience
camp with their peers and teachers. The preliminary budgets are rolling out and
along with it, are the cuts to Camp Casey.
Apparently, for $53K in savings or $30 per child, the district is proposing that
instead of singing camp songs and giving kids who may not otherwise have a
chance to experience that learning can happen anywhere and the rites of passage
of being away from home, they will study the effects a sewage treatment plant has
on the environment. Huh.
While I have many thoughts on this, mostly it is just sad to see the end of an era. I
can see our district will not have time to review and consider alternative options for
funding the many programs it is being forced to cut and our elected government
appears to be unable to agree on a solution that benefits our kids’ future.
Well, as with most doors that close, I am hopeful that there are others that will
open. As I prepare to pack the bags of my 5th grader for his trip to camp, I wonder
what I will pack for my 3rd grader when he is in 5th grade. What will the future hold
for our schools, our kids, our country?
The road will be bumpy for sure, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
—Rochelle Dammel
To review the proposed Northshore Budget cuts for next year, visit www.nsd.org
Wellington Elementary Est. Fall 1978
From the Executive Committee ...
’08/’09 PTA Executive Committee
Co-President: Rochelle Dammel
425-398-0858 ro.dammel@comcast.net
Co-President: Joan Ritter
360-668-6448 dj.ritter@verizon.net
VP Membership: Sandy Mollerup
425-806-4970 slmollerup@hotmail.com
VP Fundraising: Kelly Zuger-Biggs
425-908-7681 zugerhomes@comcast.net
Secretary: Theresa Beers
425-402-6529 beers6529t@msn.com
Treasurer: Arlene Bruce
425-398-0426 arlenebruce@yahoo.com
Jr. High and High School
early start means tired kids!
There is a growing body of research
showing that adolescents do not get
adequate sleep when secondary
education starts as early as ours do in
Northshore (7:55 am Junior High, 7:10
am High School). Some teens start their
day even before the regular school start
time due to before-school activities. Lack
of sleep in adolescents leads
to poor academic performance
as well as increased risk of
illness. If you are interested
in this issue, please contact
Debra Srebnik at
debra@blarg.net or 425-489-0601
A Reminder from our District...
“These activities are not sponsored nor endorsed by the
Northshore School District or any of its schools. The
district assumes no responsibility for the conduct during
or safety of the activities. Northshore School District
shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or
petition filed in any court of administrative tribunal
arising out of the distribution of these materials including
attorney’s fees and judgments or awards.”
Pg. 2
Break Even is the Goal for Some
PTA Enrichment Programs
Many of the PTA activities that our kids enjoy are revenue-
neutral. In other words, the costs of the program are zero,
incidental or may even bring in a small amount of money.
PTA supports the program or activity by providing leadership,
volunteer time, and a means to collect money and pay expenses.
This arrangement maximizes the benefit to our children at little or
no cost to the PTA.
The activities are funded by the participating students and
operate smoothly because of our many wonderful volunteers.
Some of the programs that are revenue-neutral are:
Art Club Missoula Children’s Theatre
Chess Club Science Adventures
Student Banking Choir
I make this point for a reason. As we begin making decisions
about PTA budgeting for next year (with a possibly reduced PTA
budget) we take into account that revenue-neutral programs do
not need to be sacrificed. These programs will continue to
provide enrichment opportunities for our children with the
continued support of PTA volunteers.
If you would like to volunteer to help out, please contact any PTA
executive member to find out where you are needed.
Arlene Bruce, PTA Treasurer
Carpenter/Barry Stretch PTA
Funds for Science Kit Purchase
Kudos to our EBAY savvy 3rd grade teachers, Mrs. Carpenter and
Mrs. Barry! Although the PTA approved the funds to buy a
classroom Science Kit costing $500, these teachers went
looking for a deal on Ebay. For $233 dollars + shipping they won
a brand new, still in shrink wrap, Science Kit. A special thank
you to Mrs. Carpenter’s daughter who monitored the bidding
down to the last minute! We applaud you for getting the most
out of our fundraising dollars!
Wolverine Track
 Golden Acorn Award
The Awards Committee is now seeking nominations for the Golden Acorn Award.
Each year the Wellington PTA gives Golden Acorn Awards to people who have given exemplary volunteer
service to children and youth in our school community.
The Golden Acorn Award is very special and is given for continued and dedicated service.
We would love to have you participate in the selection of this year’s recipients through your recommendations. If
you know someone who goes beyond the ordinary in volunteering their time to the children of our community, please
take a moment to complete this form and return it to the school office marked
PTA Golden Acorn Nominations
All nominations must be received no later than Friday, April 24th, 2009.
I recommend that:

(name)____________________________________________________________________________________

(email)____________________________________________________________________________________

(address)__________________________________________________________________________________

(phone)____________________________________________________________________________________

be considered for the Wellington PTA Golden Acorn Award.

PTA Service: _______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Service to School Community:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Community-Wide Service:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed:_______________________________________ Phone:_______________________________

Volume 31, no.13 Pg. 3

 Open PTA Committee Positions 2009-10
Wellington Parents – We Need You! In order to ensure many volunteers have the opportunity to take part in the PTA, we have a two-year limit
on holding any given committee lead. Below are the current open positions. Please review the list and give some serious thought about
helping to keep these programs going strong! Many of these positions require two or more people, so grab a buddy, volunteer, and have
some fun doing it. This is also a great way to meet other parents. If you are thinking about going back to work, add your volunteer time to
your resume. If you are interested in any of these positions or have questions, please contact Joan Ritter at 425-750-3840,
dj.ritter@verizon.net or Rochelle Dammel at 425-398-0858, ro.dammel@comcast.net.
*Position works well for parents with small children still at home ++Positions can be performed by working parent(s)
Assemblies Chess Club Co-Chair
The Assemblies chair (can be 2 co-chairs) works with staff to plan, The Chess Club Chairs oversee and coordinate the chess club
coordinate, and schedule school assemblies. The chair also reviews activities. Responsibilities include finding coach(es), securing a
brochures PTA receives and compiles a notebook for potential location, and arranging for parent volunteers and tournament
assembly ideas. Responsibilities include set-up details on the day of attendance.
assembly and formulate, distribute, and collect evaluations of
assembly.*
Classic Books Co-Chair Emergency Preparedness Co-Chair
The Classic Books Chairs oversee the district sponsored program. The Emergency Preparedness Chairs coordinate the school’s
The Chairs are responsible for recruiting volunteers to lead emergency preparedness plan. The Chair inventories and acquires
discussion groups, coordinate volunteers’ attendance at district- supplies as needed, coordinates emergency drills with school staff,
sponsored training, and coordinate with staff for student and attends occasional council emergency preparedness meetings.*
sign-ups.*++
Library Kindergarten Bus Assistant
The Library Committee Chair coordinates and trains parent Working with the Committee Chair, the Kindergarten Bus Assistant
volunteers to assist in the library during the school year. The Chair rides the kindergarten bus and/or provides volunteer escort to class
also helps the Librarians coordinate the annual book fair. during the first week of school.
Legislation Kick-Off Event
The Legislation Chair (can be two co-chairs) communicates The Chair (can be 2 co-chairs) plans, coordinates, and carries out the
information to the Board about, levies, initiatives, State funding, back-to-school event. Duties include coordinating and scheduling
etc. that affect the education of our children. Responsibilities parent volunteers, securing time, location, and appropriate permits,
include attending PTA convention, legislative convention, appropriate arranging food for festivities, and coordinating collection of funds
council meetings, and activities focused on school-related legislation. with Treasurer.
Newsletter (Wolverine Track) Assistant for Distribution Parent Support/Enrichment
The Newsletter Assistant receives the finished newsletter from the The Committee Chair will provide education and support to parents
Committee Chair and makes copies at the school district service to contribute to students’ success. Responsibilities include
center for distribution at Wellington. Approx. time for copying and identifying speakers/programs to benefit Wellington parents and
distribution – 2 hours for each newsletter. There are usually 2 students, arranging times and locations for speaker/programs, and
newsletters per month. coordinating advertising and volunteer staffing for program.* ++

Reflections Co-Chair Social Concerns – 2-3 Positions needed!

The Committee Chairs coordinate all activities of the Reflections
program. Responsibilities include attending district information
meetings, disseminating information to the Wellington community,
securing locations for workshops and gallery evenings, recruiting and
coordinating volunteers for workshops, judging, and gallery evenings.
The Chairs also coordinate and track entries.*
Science Coordinator
The Committee Chair coordinates volunteers to assist any teacher
wanting help in preparing their science curriculum. Duties also
include inventorying science kits.
The 3-4 Committee Chairs coordinate various activities to assist
those in need. Responsibilities include planning, advertising, and
coordinating Gift Drive, Coat Drive, and Food Drive. The Chairs
coordinates with the school Principal for location area of collected
items and arranges for items to be delivered to designated
charities.*
Staff Appreciation
The Committee Chair (can be two co-chairs) coordinates activities to
show staff appreciation. Responsibilities include coordinating and
planning the back-to-school staff luncheon and activities related to
Staff Appreciation Week.*

Walk-A-Thon
Along with the VP of Fundraising, the Chair plans, coordinates, and
carries out the school event. Duties include coordinating and
scheduling parent volunteers, securing time, location, sponsors/
donations, gift baskets, arranging snack and water for students, and
coordinating collection of funds with Treasurer.

Pg. 4 Wolverine Track

 Attendees Experienced Peace of Mind at Last General Mtg
Thanks to all the parents who attended the PTA general meeting on Tuesday March 24 th and stayed to hear Sabrina from the
non-profit organization P.E.A.C.E. of mind (Parent Education And Child Empowerment). She presented powerful information
about how parents can empower their children by protecting themselves from childhood sexual abuse and abduction. One
area covered was the 10 family safety Rules.

Family Safety Rules!

1. I AM SPECIAL & I have the right to be safe!

2. I know my NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE NUMBER and my Parent's name too!

3. I never go ANYWHERE with or take anything from someone I don’t know.

4. I always CHECK FIRST to get permission before I go anywhere or get into a car, even if it is with someone I know!

5. My bathing suit areas are PRIVATE!

6. I don’t always have to be POLITE!

7. I can YELL ―NO‖ and tell a safe grown-up when something just doesn’t feel right.

8. I don’t keep SECRETS!

9. I know what to do if I ever get LOST.

10. I always pay ATTENTION TO MY OWN INNER VOICE, especially that ―uh-oh‖

Sabrina also mentioned #11 which is always to use the buddy system. If you would like more information regarding this
organization or would like to attend a workshop please check out their website at pomwa.org.

Thanks to Colonial Day Volunteers and Staff

The 5th graders at Wellington had a fantastic Colonial Day experience thanks to the many volunteers who helped with this
event. Thank you to all the parents who assisted in carrying on this special 5th grade tradition. Your time, energy and
creativity made this day possible.

Beth Edwards, Lezlie Hanson, Shelly McMaster, Katherine Beaupre, Pamela Shank-Kaufman, Liz Sohn, Gigi Martinson, Joanne
Cochran, Lisa Culhane,Pell, Nikki Day, Susan Huso, Heidi Dwelle, Jim Dunlap, Mich Earl, Hiram Reyla, Mike Dziuk, Joanne
Barker, Jennifer Dardzinski, Jenny Hawkins, Laurie Thoma, Meggin Mann, Sarah Cutler Purvis, Kristi Kapioski, Mimi Sproule,
Lori Hunt, Penny Jacobsen, Eric Martinson, Michael Martinson, Michelle Bedell, Rochelle Dammel, Melanie Spencer, Erica
Smith, Sally DeBoer, Heidi DenHaan, Kelly Hawkins, Janet Heath, Linda King, Tammy Mucklestone, Sarah Petersen, Kim
Hansen, Kris Perkins, Mychal-Lynne Pfiester, Danielle Glessner and custodial staff.

Also, thank you to Lynn Fischer for organizing the Colonial Day volunteer/staff luncheon and to Suzi Freeman for sharing her
knowledge, time and Colonial artifacts with our students.

Thank you to the 5th grade teachers; Mr. Shelton, Mr. Farnus, Ms. Voth and Mr. Whittemore for their help and support with
Colonial Day. Thank you to Mrs. Higginbotham for sharing her portable classroom with us and to Mrs. Sanderson for sharing
the gym with us, so the students could participate in Colonial Day. If there is anyone who volunteered that is not on this list,
we appreciate your help as well.

Once again, thank you to ALL the parent volunteers for a memorable and educational experience for our 5th graders. It was a
great day!
Volume 31, no.13 Pg. 5
Wellington Community Takes a Bite Out of Hunger
Thank you, Wellington community for “Taking a Bite Out of Hunger”! You came through in a big way that will help so many local families in need.

Thanks to our generous Wellington community, our local food banks have been restocked to help families in need.
Together we donated enough food to fill 186 milk crates and received cash donations just over $5000. We had lots of
friendly classroom competitions with classes challenging themselves or others to get the most dog bones in their class
dishes. Altogether, our points totaled over 27,000. Great work, everyone!

We couldn’t have done it without the wonderful volunteer support we received each day over the two-week drive.
Special thanks go to: Carolyn Accimus, Michelle Bedell, Ann Bhat, Patricia Bong, Diana Boyd, Karen Bradbury, Niki
Gummer, Cat Gustafson, Gayle Hickey, Michelle Hoogerwerf, Jason
Kaufman, Chris Laing, Sandra Pell, Joan Ritter, Laurie Rohrich, Rae
Shepherd and Kelly Vedaa. Thanks for all your hard work! Pare’s Thorny Devil
Reflects Excellence
Congratulations to Mallory Pare on her photography entry in the
Remember to Buy a Memory Paver PTA Reflections Program. Her entry, The Spiky Thorny Devil, was
Here is your chance to purchase a memory brick in the given the Award of Excellence at the state level.
patio. You will help fund PTA programs and add to
Reflections is a PTA sponsored cultural arts competition. The
Wellington’s history. The kids, parents and staff will look
theme for 2009 was "Wow!" There were over 17,000 entries
back at the engraved pavers for years to come! The patio is
submitted this year in WA with 1,327 going to the State level for
a place for students and teachers to enjoy class projects, judging.
reading groups and many other activities including chess
games. The Reflections Awards Ceremony will be held on May 3rd at
1:00 at the SeaTac Double Tree Hotel, all are invited. Way to go
Mallory and all those who participated! We're proud of our
PAVERS MAKE GREAT GIFTS:
students!
Teacher and staff appreciation

Honorariums CHASE BANK ENDS

Birthdays SCHOOL SAVING PROGRAM
Family and friends Chase Bank will be ending the school saving program on May
1st, 2009. There will be no more bank days at Wellington after
6th grade graduation that date.

Remembrances for
sports or service
teams/groups
Your purchase of a brick paver, engraved with your child’s
name, a personal message, or a quote will signify your
lasting involvement with the children of our community for
years to come. For inscription ideas, come and visit the
patio. Make sure you aren’t left out!
Your child can continue to make deposits at their branches.
To help participating students continue good savings habits,
Chase will be mailing a special offer to them soon. And to
further support local school programs, Chase is contributing
$600,000 to DonorsChoose.org, which support projects
developed by teachers to help their students learn. To learn
more about this organization, visit www.donorschoose.org.
Thank you for your support of the School Savings program.
Remember, the last day for school banking is on May 1st.

Order forms and final pricing will be coming in the May
Wolverine Track, or email
shellymc@woodinvilleloans.com for the electronic form.
The PTA will consider other banking/financial opportunities for
our students. If you have any questions about the current
program, please contact Helen Pederslie at 425-486-9791, or
Pederslie@yahoo.com. Ideas for future programs, contact
Joan Ritter @ dj.ritter@verizon.net.

Pg. 6 Wolverine Track

 GET READY…

Support YOUR School!

WIN Individual & Class Prizes!
Have Fun & Exercise!
$40+ donation Goal per Student!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! Please contact Danielle Glessner 425-485-6986 or

ddgless@msn.com

PRIZES AW ARDED D AI LY !

Benefiting the Wellington PTA

Volume 31, no.13 Pg. 7
Thursday’s PTA/Fortunato’s Wine Night Not to be Missed
Gather your girlfriends or surprise your spouse and take them to Fortunato’s, Woodinville’s
newest wine shop in the heart of downtown. Fortunato’s owner, Rudy, has graciously
offered to host Wellington PTA’s first ever wine tasting social fundraiser.

Thursday, April 23rd from 6:30-10pm

For $8, taste six wines hand-selected by the owner,
and earn money for Wellington ($7 comes back to PTA).
The end of the school year will be here before you know it, so take the time
to come relax with friends —you deserve it!
Because they are a 4pace.com company, if you buy something at Fortunato’s with your registered
4pace.com credit/debit card, 20% will come back to you from your first purchase and 5% of every
purchase you make will go to Wellington’s PTA.

Here’s how to get your ticket:

Make your check out to Wellington PTA for $8 per ticket (one ticket includes six
different tastes of selected wines).

Drop off your envelope marked “PTA Event‖ in the office (with information slip
below).

Look for an email ―ticket‖ from Ronee Baldie as confirmation. Print it out and bring
it with you to the event.

Fortunato’s is located east of Carol Edwards Center, directly across 133rd street.
Parking is available on the street and in the lot north of Fortunato’s.
Check them out at www.fortunatos.net. Phone: (425)481-5444
Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the event if space allows.
Coffee, snacks and sweets will be available for purchase during the event.

Yes! I would love to attend the wine night and make money for my school.
Name:_______________________________________________

Email address: ______________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________________

Number of Tickets to Purchase:_______________________

Pg. 8 Wolverine Track