Newsletter for the week of Oct. 17, 2022 In this issue:
First PTSA meeting of the year
Reflections art program
Staff Appreciation signup
Staff Spotlight
News & events
Stay informed about what's happening at Leota
Zoom into our first PTSA meeting!
All parents/guardians are invited to attend the first PTSA General Meeting of the year! Find out the results of the Paving the Way fundraiser, including the winner of the Seahawks tickets raffle; learn the PTSA's plans for the year; and hear from Leota's new principal Mr. Leick and new assistant principal Ms. Henley.
This PTSA meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 7 pm on Zoom. Here's your meeting access info:
Future PTSA General Meetings are scheduled for Jan. 18, March 15, and May 17. Be sure to reserve these dates on your calendar.
Reflections: a showcase of student art
Calling all student artists! It's time for the annual PTA Reflections Art Program! Create an original work of art in response to this year's theme: "Show Your Voice." Students may submit their completed works in any, or all, of the arts categories:
For more information, email this year's Leota PTSA Reflections chair, Heather Jenks, at heatherjenks@hotmail.com.
Volunteers needed
Learn how you can help make Leota more awesome
Staff Appreciation events
Hey there, awesome Leota volunteers! We still have a number of spots to fill for the upcoming Staff Appreciation lunches. Please take a look at the signups and see if you can help.
You’ll notice we’re including signups for events a couple of months in advance--never hurts to plan ahead, right?! Upcoming events include:
We have almost 90 staff at Leota this year, and we want to show each and every one of them how much we value their contributions to our school. Thank you for signing up!
Reminder: Volunteer background checks
To volunteer on campus at Leota or any other facility in the Northshore School District, you'll need to submit an online application for a Level 1 background check. Volunteers must update the application every year, and it must be completed before the first day of volunteering. To begin the process, visit the district's Become a Volunteer webpage.
Note that NSD still requires onsite volunteers to submit proof of Covid vaccination. If you need a medical or religious exemption, please email Jon Young at jyoung3@nsd.org.
Staff Spotlight
Get to know the teachers and staff who make Leota a great place
Doug Poage
Drama and Computer Literacy
Favorite meal? Mexican food from Ooba Toobas or Azul.
What are you really, really good at? Acting--I can act like anything (LOL).
What do you like to do on weekends? Rest, relax, and see plays and musicals.
Why did you decide to work in education? Because I like working with students and helping them learn to love theater (and computers).
If you could meet any celebrity or historical figure, who would that be? President and Mrs. Obama, or Oprah Winfrey.
What volunteer work do you do in the community? Community theater. Board member of GLSEN Washington.
Favorite TV shows? The View, and many of the reality-based shows.
What's on your bucket list? Travel the world! Retire!
Favorite quote? Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Meghan Newell
Learning Center Paraeducator
What are you really, really good at? I'm pretty creative. I love to make T-shirts, bake, and craft.
Why did you decide to work in education? I loved my many years volunteering at my kids' Northshore schools, so I decided to switch jobs. I've never regretted it.
What do you like to do on weekends? Right now I'm in school to get my Special Education teaching certification.
Favorite meal? Anything Italian.
What are your pets' names and what are they like? Buzz Lightyear, a 110-pound German Shepherd, and Rocket, an 80-pound White German Shepherd.
What kind of books do you like to read? Autobiographies.
Favorite sports team? Minnesota Vikings.
Favorite TV shows? NCIS. 7 Little Johnstons.
What have you crossed off your bucket list? Swam with sharks.
What's on your bucket list? Getting my teaching certification and a trip to Greece.
Kathleen Hartman
Social Studies
Mrs. Hartman and her family
Why did you decide to work in education? I wanted to create and lead a safe and caring classroom for all, but especially for those who need one, and to teach so that students appreciate history and historical thinking/skills even more.
If you could meet any celebrity or historical figure, who would that person be? This is a tough call for a history teacher! A top choice would be Harriet Tubman. I would love to hear her explain the bravery of returning to the South so many times to help other slaves escape.
What's your superpower? I'm really organized.
What sports do you follow? Penn State and Dallas Cowboys football.
Favorite TV shows? Friends. The Office.
Favorite meal? Breakfast, especially French toast and bacon.
What are your pets' names and what are they like? Sadie, a super sweet and beautiful lab.
What have you crossed off your bucket list? Iceland, France, Italy, the Maldives, Tahiti, Czech Republic, Ireland, Hawaii.
Favorite quote? "You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right." --Rosa Parks Be sure to check out the next PTSA Newsletter for another Staff Spotlight!
Let's get social
For the latest news and opportunities, follow "Leota Middle School PTSA" on Facebook and join the "Leota PTSA Volunteers and Info" private group on Facebook. Just click the links below:
Leota PTSA is a parent, teacher, staff, and student membership organization that advocates for all students. We make a variety of educational and community programs possible at Leota. For more information, visit www.leotaptsa.com.
We hope this biweekly newsletter is a valuable resource to learn about the events, programs, and opportunities available to all Leota families. Thanks for reading!
We welcome your feedback and suggestions for the PTSA Newsletter. Please email them to communications@leotaptsa.com.
Favorite meal? Mexican food from Ooba Toobas or Azul.
What are you really, really good at? I'm pretty creative. I love to make T-shirts, bake, and craft.
