Wednesdays Open Basketball Gym At Laurelhurst Elementary

Cara, Recreation Coordinator at the Laurelhurst Community Center, sent out this information:

Starting today, the Laurelhurst Community Center is offering Youth Basketball Open Gym every Wednesday from 5-7pm through June 20th, at Laurelhurst Elementary School Gym (4530 46^th Avenue, entrance on 47th Avenue NE). 

This free program is for kids under 18 years old to work on their basketball skills.  Private instruction is not allowed. 

Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Let your hoops buddies know to meet you at the gym!

Your Input Needed At Next Monday's Meeting On Elementary School's Peace Garden Rejuvenation Project

Laurelhurst Elementary School Peace Garden

Liz Becker, with the Laurelhurst Elementary School PTA, invites the neighborhood to a special community meeting next Monday, April 8th, from 6:30-7:30pm at the Laurelhurst Community Center to solicit feedback on the rejuvenation of the Peace Garden at the school, located on the south playground near the gymnasium.
 
"The goal is to rejuvenate the garden and to fulfill the intent to promote peace and celebrate nature’s beauty," Liz said. She added that the Peace Garden has been well-loved and shows signs of that use.

The existing garden was originally dedicated in 1997, in honor of Laurelhurst teacher and peace activist Aki Kurose, whose work spanned six decades including "housing desegregation campaigns, anti-war protests, peace curriculum development, and rebuilding housing in Hiroshima." She "influenced many to work for peaceful solutions and an end to injustice, and to embrace differences."

Aki also loved working with children and said "I would get so excited because I wasn't teaching them, they were teaching me! And all the excitement and discoveries that they would make made me feel that they were the facilitators helping me learn."

In her first grade classroom at Laurelhurst Elementary, "Kurose took every opportunity to help the students learn to resolve conflicts. Instead of sending children to the office for misbehavior, they worked out issues in the classroom. She told students, "making a mistake is the most natural thing to do. Everybody makes mistakes. The thing to do is to learn from our mistakes. The more mistakes you make, the more you're learning, so don't worry about that"

At the meeting, the PTA will explain some of the landscape proposals and show sketches being considered including fresh landscaping with new hardy and child-friendly plants to help with fixing some existing drainage issues, embellishing the garden with additional child art that symbolizes “peace”, and providing seating within the garden for the enjoyment of the school community and the entire Laurelhurst neighborhood.

A short interview featuring Aki Kurose will be shown at the meeting, and there will be an opportunity to create Origami crafts and refreshments will be served. 

Starting in May there will be work parties and a re-dedication ceremony in June.
 
Liz wrote to our staff:

Recent current  events indicate that a letter written by Aki Kurose on August 15, 1996, is as timely now as it was seventeen

years ago. “As people see plants and trees from all over the world living in peace and harmony, may they, too, do so with the human population of the world...With the increased violence in our society, schools must take the lead in showing our student our commitment to Peace.

The Peace Garden will be an outstanding symbol and message to students and the community that Peace is the Way."

Children are welcome at the meeting and especially older residents who were part of the original dedication of the garden in 1997.

"We value your input in this process!" Liz added.

 Contact Liz Becker lizhbecker@yahoo.com with questions, comments, ideas or concerns.

(Aki Kurose (Courtesy of History Link)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Kids Karnival At Laurelhurst Elementary School Tomorrow

Laurelhurst Elementary School is having its annual Halloween Karnival tomorrow from 5 to 8pm.

As always, there will be lots of games, crafts and more, and a delicious Varlamos pizza dinner.

This fundraiser is fun for the whole family for kids of all ages.

Nerf Soccer Sign-Ups For 5-6 Year Olds Underway

Karla, with Seattle Parks and Recreation, would like to let eveyone now that Wednesday is the last chance to sign up for Laurelhurst Indoor Nerf Soccer for ages 5-6.

Practices begin next week.  Games are played in the Laurelhurst Elementary Gym starting on Fridays in late September.  The cost is $45.

For more information and to register call the Laurelhurst Community Center during their limited open hours or Magnuson Community Center at  206-684-7026 or register in person at either location, as well as pick up the forms.

Snow In Laurelhurst

Laurelhurst woke up to snow! But only about 1-2 inches, according to weather reports.

Currently it's 29 degrees out so streets and sidewalks are icy.

Metro busses are still on regular routes so far today for North and Central Seattle area but you can check here for any alerts or changes. Microsoft has cancelled its Connector service.

King 5 says about today's forecast:

Snow showers are scattered around western Washington this morning and will continue into the afternoon. Brief accumulations of a trace to 1 - 2 inches is possible in the showers.



Cold but drier air is moving into the State which means decreasing snow showers Thursday afternoon with clearing form the north.

 Car going down NE 45th Street

 Laurelhurst Elementary School south playground

 Laurelhurst Elementary School south playground

 Metro Bus #25 heading east on NE 45th Street with chains

 Metro Bus #25 coming up NE 45th Street

 Laurelhurst Park - northwest playfield

Laurelhurst Park looking east towards playground

Laurelhurst Elementary School Kids Karnival On Friday

Laurelhurst Elementary School is having its annual Halloween Karnival on Friday from 5 to 8pm.

  

There will be lots of games, crafts and more, and a delicious Varlamos pizza dinner. This fundraiser is fun for the whole family for kids of all ages.

Tisha, one of the coordinators, tells us there are some exciting raffle items this year :

• iPod shuffle with a $25.00 gift card to iTunes
• dinner and tokens to Chuck E Cheese
• $100.00 gift certificate to Toys R US

She says, "This a great family and community event!"

Laurelhurst Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher Honored Last Friday

Diana from Symetra Financial sent us this new release about 3rd Grade Teacher, Mr. Anderson, who was honored as "Hero in the Classroom." Congratulations!

Last year's winner was Mr. Howard, who teaches 5th grade at the school.

Laurelhurst Elementary School Teacher Honored as ‘Symetra Hero in the Classroom’


BELLEVUE, Wash. — (Oct. 22, 2010) — Symetra Financial and the Seattle Seahawks honored Laurelhurst Elementary School teacher Bryce Anderson as a “Hero in the Classroom” during a special assembly at the school this afternoon. Anderson has taught third grade at Laurelhurst Elementary since 2006.

“Mr. Anderson engages all of the students in his classroom,” said Allison Rider, a Laurelhurst Elementary student’s parent. “He constantly demonstrates and elaborates on the topics he teaches. Importantly, he teaches so that students can utilize the information at the moment — and then throughout their education and lives. I would venture to bet that each student feels important, heard and valued in Mr. Anderson’s classroom.” Rider nominated Anderson for a Hero in the Classroom award.

Anderson is one of  24 K-12 teachers across the Puget Sound area that will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2010 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations. In addition, they receive tickets to a Seahawks home game and are acknowledged during on-field presentations at Qwest Field. Anderson will be recognized at the Oct. 24 game when the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals.

Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to balance the core curriculum with students’ individual needs; build trust among students, parents and the community; and invest in their students’ long-term success.

In addition to honoring exceptional teachers on and off the field, each of the schools represented by a 2010 teacher Hero will be eligible for an MVP Award, which provides funding to enhance learning in Seattle-area schools. Three $10,000 grants will be awarded at the end of the 2010 football season.

(photo courtesy of Symetra)

Recent Golf Tournament Successful in Raising Funds for School's North Playground

The co-chairs of the recent 4th Annual Laurelhurst Charity Golf Tournament, Rick and Kevin, sent a recap of the fun and successful day had by all the participants, sponsors and volunteers at the Septmber 20th event.

In an email the co-chairs said, " Through your various contributions, whether it was sponsoring, providing prizes or auction items, playing, buying mulligans, trying to beat the pro, purchasing an auction item or attending the dinner we were able to raise (a signficant amont of funds) to put toward the North Playground renovation. This money, along with other funding sources, will allow us to make a real difference to the playground….hopefully by this summer."

There were 68 golfers at the event, 9 volunteers and another 12 or so people that came only for dinner.

Some of the auction items that raised money were the Suncadia Golf trip, clubs or rounds of golf at Sand Point or Broadmoor Country Club.

There were 18 company sponsors. You can find them all listed on the golf tournament website sponsors page.

A few from the neighborhood were Bill the Butcher, Windermere Real Estate, Varlamos, Jeff's Windermere Auto Repair and Pro-Robics.

Other retailers donated gift cards and prizes such as these nearby ones - Bob's Bike and Board, Chloe Bistrot, University Wine, Zoka Coffee and Mamma Melina.

(photo from last year's Golf Tournament)

Grounds Clean-Up at Laurelhust School Tomorrow

This Saturday, from 8am-noon, is the Fall Grounds-Clean Up at Laurelhurst Elementary School.

Lans, from the Grounds Committee, sent us some information and invites everyone to participate.

Volunteers are welcome to drop-in or stay for the whole time. Donuts, coffee and juice will be provided.

They ask that volunteers bring bring any garden tools you like to use. And there will also be tools on hand from the school district.

The group will be weeding, trimming, sweeping, pruning, and picking up trash.  The areas of focus at the school will be the entrances and playground areas.

The invite says it's a great service project for daisy troops and boy scout troops.

"Come and get fresh air, meet people, and help clean up the school," the invite says.

And the forecast calls for sunny skies on Saturday with highs in the mid-70s.

Dramatic Improvements at Laurelhurst Elementary This Summer

If you haven't driven by the Laurelhurst Elementary School in the last few weeks, there have been some major cosmetic improvements that have been underway this summer.

The f irst one being all new windows at the school. Every single window has been replaced with new sparkling window panes and fresh paint around every window.  And behind every window are new cream-colored shades.

Mike Skutack, Constuction Project Manager with Seattle Public Schools, tells us that the "Our building is benefiting from the Building, Technology and Academics BTA II Levy, which was approved by voters and funds multiple projects throughout Seattle Public Schools."

Here is a previous post we did in June about the list of specific upgrades voters approved through the BTA levy for the school with a budget of $944,952.00.

The school, which was built in the 1920's, was in need of the renovation and maintenance updates as Principal Kathy Jolly said in a letter sent to families before summer break.

Also completed over the last 2 months at the school  is re-reroofing, seismic improvements, potable water line replacement that includes new faucets, bubblers and water fountains and classroom countertop replacement Mike told us.

The kindergarten room is currently being completed with new storefront windows and new paint making for an almost completely new make-over. During this renovation, as can be seen from the pictures, the construction crew completely took apart the storefront area to replace and repair it covering the exposed area with a tarp every night.
Mike told us that what is left is completion of the new boiler plant.

He says all the work will be completed by the start of school on September 8th.

Mike said, "I’m really really pleased with the look of the windows. It makes for a dramatic improvement to the buildings appearance. Also the new boiler plant and new double pane windows are designed to help reduce energy consumption at the building."

And he says to pass along his thanks to the community at Laurelhurst for their patience during the construction.
 
"The work at Laurelhurst Elementary will help build the foundation to meet our commitment of excellence for all students," Mike told us.
 
 
 

New windows covered for trim to be painted at the cafeteria

Completed

Kindergarten room with tarp for the night

Kindergarten room with windows removed

Another picture with tarp

Kindergarten room with new windows

Window panes in

Sign in front of school

 

Laurelhurst Elementary To Undergo Improvements This Summer

Today is the last day of school at Laurelhurst Elementary.

And unlike other summers, where it's pretty quiet all summer on school grounds, this summer there will be construction inside and outside the school all summer.

Some upgrades will be:

• installing new energy efficient windows throughout the main building
• upgrading the heating system  by putting in a new boiler 
• replacing the water lines
• play court roof replacement
• installing new window shades
• replacing some sinks

"We are very excited to be receiving these capital improvments, since our building was built in the late 1920s, so there is much that could use updating," Susan from the school says in a mailing.

In a letter sent to families a few weeks ago Principal Kathy Jolly says, "Good news! This summer our school will benefit from the Buildings, Technology and Academics II (BTA II) Levy approved by Seattle voters in 2004.

This levy pays for many needed small renovations and major maintenance projects in our school buildings. It also provides funds for improvements to technology and academic support infrastructure.

We can all look forward to an improved school in September."

You can learn more about these projects and the BTA II levy here.

Information was left on doors of immediate neighbors doors a few days ago saying: "The type of work should cause minimal disruptions and be assured that we will make eveery effort to be conscientious of our valued neighbors. Seattle Public Schools and Laurelhurst Elementary thank you for your support and understanding during construction."

And if you have questions or concerns about the School project, you can contact the project manager, Mike Skutack, at 206-252-0669 or mskutack@seattleschools.org.

Contractors and their crew will being work this Friday, June 25th,  and no one will be allowed to enter the school outside of the workmen.  Construction will wrap up on August 31st.

Also St. Stephens Church just down the street from the school on the corner of NE 45th Street and 48th Avenue NE started exterior painting yesterday.

"Because of the age of our building and the possible presence of lead paints, we are taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of our parishioners and neighbors.

You will see cautionary signage that we encourage you to obey. We have every confidence that no danger is presented by the work," a recent newsletter says.

Popular Art Wizards Children's Camp Moves to Viewridge This Summer

Art Wizards, a summer art mini-camp for grades 1-6, has been held  at Laurelhurst Elementary School for about five summers. This summer the school will be undergoing some construction and Art Wizards will move to Bryant Elementary from July 12-15, Jim Adler  from the camp has told us. He said has had several calls from parents asking about the switch and wanted the community as well to know.

Art Wizards curriculum was developed by Dr. Ilene Adler, Ph.D., who is a professional artist and sculptor. The camp is "a chance for every child to develop their drawing skills, and fill summer hours with beautiful artwork. Whether it’s Pikachu and Wall-E or still life and landscape, we teach our students how to see as artists do, and we show them exactly what and how to practice so their progress continues. We’ll show young artists the best ways to use pens, pencils, chalk and oil pastels and watercolor. You can see some of our students’ work in the galleries at artwizards.org," Jim tells us.

Art Wizards will also be at Whittier Elementary June 28 to July 1 as well as August 16 to 19. 10-12.  Tuition is $98, and includes snack and all materials. You can register by email at register@artwizards.org or call 525 6075.

Art Wizards will be back at Laurelhurst in the Fall for the afternoon art classes.

Ice-Cream Social This Friday at Laurelhurst Elementary School

This Friday at Laurelhurst Elementary School from 5-8pm, is the annual Ice Cream Social.

The community is invited for a very fun evening filled with lots of activities for all ages  -  including games, Varlamos pizza dinner, riding the ponies, opportunity to win a cake, great prizes including IPOD touch and unicycle.

You can also get your face painted, try out the bouncy house, dunk someone in the dunk tank and of course enjoy ice cream sundaes with whipped cream and lots of different toppings.

"We all get to have fun while making money for our wonderful school," Susan from the school said in her weekly mailing.

Found Bike at Laurelhurst School Gym

Susan, from the Laurelhurst Elementary School, sent us this email about a bike that turned up at the school gym.

"There seems to be bicycle borrowing in the area lately, where bikes disappear and are found in random places and are difficult for the owners to find. Thanks!

The gym staff found a bike outside the gym that appears to be an abandoned bike.

It is a red bike with 26 inch wheels.

Since we are sure that someone is looking for it, they can call the gym office at 684-7531 to identify and claim."

Planning for North Playground Renovation Underway

Planning for the North playground renovation at Laurelhurst Elementary School is underway.

And you can be a part of it by filling out this survey so that the folks involved can begin to plan the renovation along with your input. 

"Your help will make a lasting impression for years to come, say Catty Collee, Laurelhurst Community Playground Renovation Chair. 

Surveys can be dropped off at the school office.

You can also join the committee currently being formed. Catty  says about this, "Please consider joining our efforts. The next phase cannot be fulfilled without the help and support from our community."

On June 22nd after school, Paris, the neighborhood ice cream man, will be at the school for a special ice-cream fundraiser to benefit the North playground renovation.

If you are interested in being a member of the playground renovation committee, or have questions, contact Catty Colee at c.colee@comcast.net.

Laurelhurst Elementary Spring Grounds Clean-Up on Saturday

Scott, the PTA co-VP of Laurehurst's School Buildings and Grounds, wanted to let the neighborhood know that the semi-annual school grounds clean-up is just around the corner again.

It will be on Saturday from 8am-noon. Meet everyone on the west side of the school by the entrance.

"We need your help to make our school look great! Neighbors, families and friends are encouraged to come to the school on Saturday morning.

Please pass the word to any friends, family or neighbors you know, everyone is welcome!" Scott says.

Here are some details:

• Feel free to show up anytime between 8 AM and 12 PM (even if it is just for 30 minutes).
• We have plenty of small (and large) tasks identified so we will know exactly where to put you to work.
• The district is bringing a limited number of basic tools, so if you have a favorite tool please bring it (Make sure to mark them with some tape and/or your name).
• We’ll be providing snacks and refreshments.

For questions contact the PTA Co-VP of Building and Grounds:
Scott Fallis scottfallis@hotmail.com & BJ Moore brendan.moore@comcast.net

Laurehurst School on KOMO 6:30ish This Morning

Susan Lundh, from Laurelhurst Elementary School, sent email out letting folks know that the school will be the featured school On KOMO-TV Morning News today.

She writes:


All school year long, KOMO 4 Morning News is customizing forecasts for specific schools that have been nominated by teachers, students, and/or parents. We were notified that Laurelhurst Elementary has been nominated and will be featured on Thursday May 13 between 6am - 7am (more specifically he now says some time after 6:30am.... and before 7am)


Their meteorologist, Paul Deanno, will be making a forecast specifically for our school… and will share a few quick/fun facts about you school. Might be fun to tune in!

Laurelhurst School Foundation's Big Night Out Saturday at JM Wine Cellars

This Saturday night, the 545 club, a fundraising group for the Friends of the Laurelhurst School Foundation, is hosting a big evening of dinner and wine tasting at JM Wine Cellars in Woodinville.

Here is a post we did about the Foundation a few months ago.

The event is open to anyone in the community who wishes to donate $500 or more to the Friends of Laurelhurst School Foundation. The donation is tax-deductable.

The 545 club, working with the school PTA, will donate one half  of all proceeds this year back to the Foundation to help benefit current students and teachers. The other half will go to the Foundation Endowment.
On Saturday night, the Party Bus will pick up the party goers at the school for this fun evening out.

The dinner will be catered by Veraci,  located in Ballard, which specializes in gourmet wood-fired pizzas and salads.

Also incuded is a tour and barrel-samplings by owner (and 545 member) John Bigelow who will generously pour his most recent vintages for everyone to taste. And while at the event you get a discount of any purchases made at JM Cellars.  JM will donate a portion of the take-home purchases of wine back to the Foundation.

John Bigelow, and his wife, Peggy,  who own JM Cellarsand are long-time Laurelhursters.  Peggy attended Laurelhurst, as well as their 3 children. 

Brian Hart, from the Laurelhurst Foundation and organizer of the event, says that "with your participation the Foundation will be half way to it's Endowment goal this year. Your participation will help Laurelhurst become one of the only public elementary schools in the state with a perpetual endowment."

Brian told us that "it's the greatest event of the school year, celebrating participation in the Friends of Laurelhurst School Foundation. The Dinner/Tasting is arguably the marquis parent-night out in the Seattle Public School District!"

He said that 90 percent of the people who go have kids in Laurelhurst Elemenbary School. And about 70 people went last year to the event.

If you would like to attend, please submit a check for $500 to the school office, payable to F.O.L.F. (Friends of the Laurelhurst Foundation). And also include your email address and Brian will send you an official invite.

Brian Hart can be reached at hartdds@yahoo.com

(photos courtesy of Brian Hart)

Family "All Draw Night" at Laurelhurst Elementary Tomorrow

Tomorrow at 6:30pm at Laurelhurst Elementary School is "All Draw Night" with artist in residence, Kim Newall.

The Bears Essential newsletter says:

Kids, parents, grandparents and friends are all invited to share in the relaxing company of neighbors while enjoying pencil, paper, and the creation of wacky cartoons and imagination creations.


This could be the beginning of family draw night at your house!


There will be refreshments, sketchbooks, and the opportunity to mingle with neighbors and friends.


This is also an opportunity to help raise needed funds for our school! Please contribute $15 per person, or $25 for the whole family, to attend.


You may signup and pay in the office, or pay at the door of the event.


Great, creative fun for the whole family!!

Tiffany, coordinator for the event, tells us that Kim has taught this same class to the school community before and "it was a big hit. Lots of fun for the whole family. And drawing together is a very nice, bonding experience for the whole family."

This fundraiser will help with going towards things like art, science and music programs as well as math and reading tutors.

Sounds like a fun evening for the family!

Laurelhurst School Auction A Great Success

The 2010 Laurelhurst Auction, held March 13 at the UW HUB Ballroom, drew more than 325 attendees and was a big success in raising money to fund programs no longer supported by the school district (including math and reading tutors, expanded art and science curriculum, and technology for the classrooms).

And on top of that the Committee Members, in the above photo, and others said it was a lot of fun. Check out all the pictures.

Molly Black, Auction Co-chair, along with Jean Bryant and Tonya Clegg, sent us some follow-up information about the big evening.  And  they also sent us all the pictures.

Molly, Jean and Tonya reported to us that a "few of the auction’s hot items included: “Name Your Own Pizza at Varlamos” (winning bidder gets to create and name their own pizza to be on the Varlamos menu for one year), orthodontic services from Dr. Gina Trask, and a prime rib dinner for 8 to be prepared and served by Bill the Butcher.

Next year’s auction will include a much bigger Online Auction component (similar to eBay) that will be open to the entire community and will likely take place late February / early March 2011. Specific dates will be advertised in this blog, so look for this information next Fall.

A huge thank you to all community members and local businesses who supported the auction via donations or sponsorships, with a special thanks to our Bid Card sponsor, Duane J. Covey of Edward Jones Investments."

And the PTA letter on their website says "The Laurelhurst School Auction made a huge impact. Not only was it an evening of fun shared by many, the income generated by your donations exceeded our expectations. We are extremely grateful to all of you that donated your time, energy and money! Because of you, we are able to continue funding the programs that we have come to expect at Laurelhurst and know provide our children with an excellent public education."

Tonya says they are already accepting items/donations for next year – contact Tonya Clegg if you’d like to donate at laurelhurstauction2010@yahoo.com

Here are some pictures:

Ballroom all set up and ready for the Auction:

This was one of the class projects that was auctioned off: chess/checker/game table with chess pieces representing students:

Eiffel tower made by 5th-grade students for wine-grab table:

Dessert table: