PTSA Events
Always be sure to check out our Facebook page for updates on events!
The following events are listed in the order they occur during the school year. Please note that some events listed do not happen every year; refer to the descriptions for specific details.
The following events are listed in the order they occur during the school year. Please note that some events listed do not happen every year; refer to the descriptions for specific details.
Beginning of the
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Before school even begins the PTSA is busy behind the scenes planning events. We want to make sure our new students and their families feel welcome at McAuliffe. Join us for the Kindergarten Play Date where our youngest students can get familiar with the playground and other Kindergarteners, and parents can meet other Kindergarten parents.
New to the area but don't have a Kindergarten student? Make sure to come to our New Family Dinner the week before school starts. |
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Back to Business
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Back to Business is typically held the week before school starts. Its purpose is to get all of the start-of-the-school-year To-Dos completed and out of the way before the first day of school. This is helpful for students and families to feel more prepared for the start of the school year, reduces the use of classroom time to get school portraits taken, eliminates the risk of missing emails, notifications, or flyers with important school and PTSA information (ex: January conference sign ups, PTSA membership, Fun Run shirt sizing, spirit wear samples and ordering QR code) as it's all in one place for you to take care of and check off your list. School portraits are taken during Back to Business by Dorian Studio. (Should you and your child miss the Back to Business event, portrait makeups are available.)
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Welcome Back Coffee
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What does McAuliffe have to offer in terms of programs and events this year? Come find out from the organizers at the beginning of each school year. Meet the people who make things happen at McAuliffe and have fun doing it. Expect coffee and treats, information tables about programs and events, and an opportunity to sign up to volunteer if you wish. Kids are welcome!
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BINGO Night
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If you can spell B-I-N-G-O you can surely PLAY Bingo! This is a fun night for the whole family. We provide free BINGO cards (one per person) and there are free raffle drawings for all McAuliffe students to participate in. BINGO may take place in the gym or blacktop, weather depending. Either way, bring the family and join us for this start of the school year community building event!
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Challenger Chase
Fun Run |
It's our BIGGEST and ONLY fundraiser of the year and one of our biggest EVENTS of the year! First, students collect donations from family, friends, neighbors, and the community. Then they commit to run (or walk) 20-30 minutes during the Fun Run, which is during school hours in the early afternoon...and it's simply a lot of fun for everyone! One hundred percent of the donations collected go to the PTSA to fund programs, events, teacher stipends, and SO much more! To learn more about this fundraising event, click here!
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Reflections
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Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school, but also in life. Click here for more information.
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Walktober
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October is International Walk to School Month! In 2023 we established a week-long morning Walking School Bus from Summer Ridge Park to McAuliffe.
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Shoe and Coat Drive
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Each October the McAuliffe PTSA hosts a NEW coat and shoe drive to support children who attend schools in our district that need a little extra help. The shoe and coat drive happens prior to the Giving Tree in preparation of the cold, wet weather to come. Look for a display near the school's entrance around mid-October to find out what is needed so McAuliffe families can help these fellow LWSD students in need. The drive only lasts two weeks so we can get the items to the students before the weather turns.
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Giving Tree
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Every year, McAuliffe families generously help others in need to make the holidays a special one. Our annual Giving Tree is set up in November and runs through mid December. Look for a display near the school's entrance toward the end of November for a list of requests from McAuliffe families who might otherwise go without. Sign out an item on the sheet at the entrance, purchase that item, and return it to school by the deadline. It is a heartwarming opportunity to be able to help families near and dear who are in need this year. (The wish list is created through our school counselor, Lisa Daniel. The recipients remain confidential.)
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Used Book Bazaar
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The Used Book Bazaar (formerly known as the Used Book Rodeo) is a McAuliffe favorite! At McAuliffe, we like to read and recycle! It's never too early to start saving your gently used books, DVDs, board games, puzzles and video games for the Used Book Bazaar. A week before the Bazaar, we have a Collection Week when students bring in all of their collected items which then get sorted and organized for 'shopping'. Click here for more information.
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Cocoa for Carpools
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Connect with other families interested in carpooling over a cup of cocoa before school starts! Information about how to find a carpool online is available and all students can enjoy a cup of cocoa.
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Talent Show
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McAuliffe's GOT Talent! Students in 3rd, 4th or 5th grades who have a talent to share can audition for the talent show with a performance-ready song, musical piece, skit, magic act, mime, cheer, dance, stand-up comedy, or... What's YOUR talent?! Students who don't want to perform but still wish to participate in the show can sign up to be stage hands to help with sound, lights, music and props. Everyone is invited to the talent show to see all acts LIVE! Be amazed and be entertained by fabulously talented students!
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Wear Blue for Kindness
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Wear Blue for Kindness (WB4K) Day began in 2018 as a response to the growing acts of violence in our schools. The McAuliffe PTSA wanted to engage our elementary school students in an age appropriate way to help them learn and express empathy and kindness for everyone. With the help of the school staff, the school district and the Lake Washington PTA, we created a day for students to wear blue (the color of peace), perform random acts of kindness, look out for those who are lonely and reach out to make new friends. Click here for more information.
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Earth Day Art Contest
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Students are invited to create a poster celebrating Sustainability and focused on an annual theme. In honor of Earth Day 2023, the McAuliffe PTSA sponsored an Art Contest for students to share their creative ideas about how they are Sustainability Superheroes. Click here for more information.
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School Play
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The McAuliffe PTSA collaborates with Kirkland-based Studio East to bring a wonderful opportunity for 4th and 5th graders to explore the performing arts with a school play. Students are required to complete and turn in an audition form, production contract, and medical information, and attend all mandatory rehearsals and final performances. Tickets for the school play can be purchased online closer to the performance date.
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Staff Appreciation
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Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as a special time to honor the individuals who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. Watch for ways we're celebrating our outstanding McAuliffe teachers, administration, and staff all week long!
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Walk and Roll to School Day
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Students are encouraged to walk, roll (bike, scooter, wheel), or use shared transportation (bus, carpool) to get to school. On this day we will celebrate student's walk and roll to school efforts with treats and rewards from our community partners before school starts. Click here for more information on McAuliffe's Sustainability.
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Art Walk
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Every other year McAuliffe hosts an art exhibit which displays the artistic talents of our students, led by the creative and committed volunteers of our Art Start Program. In 2024 McAuliffe will be hosting an Art Gallery Walk where families can visit the school open house style while they admire the art displayed on class bulletin boards. Stroll through the halls of McAuliffe and you will be amazed by the art you'll see! Click here for more information.
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International Night/Heritage Night
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Travel the world in one night! Sample a variety of international foods, learn about many cultures around the world, and enjoy an evening of entertainment starring McAuliffe students, friends, and family members! The International Night takes place every other year, usually alternating with the Art Walk. Click here for more information.
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5th Grade Promotion
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Do you have a 5th Grader this year? Then do what you need to do to clear the calendar for what is essentially your child's graduation from elementary school. This is not just an event, it is a very special day in the primary years of your child's education, and you will not want to miss this. (Travel pack of Kleenex recommended.) Click here for more information.
Parents of 4th Graders are asked to volunteer at the ceremony as a "Pay It Forward" endeavor so that 5th Grade parents can relax and enjoy the promotion ceremony. |