Newsletter for the week of Nov. 28, 2022 In this issue:
Science Olympiad
Volunteer signups
Staff Spotlight
Thank you, sponsors
News & events
Stay informed about what's happening at Leota
Registration open for Science Olympiad
Would your student like to use their STEM skills to build a robust boomilever? Or craft a battery buggy that defies speed yet can run precisely to the millimeter? Then register your student for the 2022-23 Science Olympiad!
With almost 25 topics in the curriculum, students will dive into a variety of scientific studies and learn to develop creative and innovative ideas. They will get to apply book learning to hands-on experiments and see scientific lessons in action.
Science Olympiad is an in-person after-school activity starting in December. It is not a class or a teacher-led activity; instead, it is student-directed and parent-mentored. Adult volunteers are needed and appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering as a coach, please email scienceolympiad@leotaptsa.com.
For more information about Science Olympiad, visit www.soinc.org.
Volunteers needed
Learn how you can help make Leota more awesome
Staff Appreciation events
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our October and November lunches. The staff are always so grateful, and they often comment how fortunate they feel to be part of our Leota community.
In January we're pioneering a new lunch theme: food from around the world! Please take a look at the signup and consider bringing your favorite international dish. This can be something from your own heritage or just something you love! Be sure to include a label with the name and origin of your dish.
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.
NEW: As of Nov. 1, 2022, proof of Covid vaccination is no longer required for NSD volunteers. The district change is in response to the governor's repeal of Covid emergency proclamations and state of emergency.
Staff Spotlight
Get to know the teachers and staff who make Leota a great place
Justine Hurley
Art Studio; sometimes Computer Literacy
Favorite meal? Sushi.
What do you like to do on weekends? Dinner parties for friends/family, read, work out, relax with my family, sleep in, go dancing.
Why did you decide to work in education? I had a couple people in college independently tell me that I should become a teacher. At first I wasn't sure it would be a good fit, but I'm really glad I was steered in this direction.
What kind of books do you like to read? I'm a HUGE reader. Students already know that I use read aloud during project work time in class. There isn't really any genre I dislike--just depends on the book.
Do you have pets? Django is our 19-year-old cat. He's shockingly young and spry for his age.
What sports do you follow? I don't really enjoy professional sports because I like to personally know who I'm rooting for. Therefore, all my favorite teams belong to Leota! Lissy Stuart
School Assistant - Cafeteria Supervisor
Ms. Lissy (center) with her kids, Mason and Kate
Favorite meal? Chocolate chip cookies...is that a meal? ;)
Why did you decide to work in education? After spending many years volunteering in my kids' classes, I realized how much I enjoyed working with kids. I was so happy when a part-time job popped up at Leota!
What do you like to do on weekends? Hang out with friends and my kids (ages 14 and 16). I love watching football every Sunday during the fall.
Do you have pets? Coco is a 2-year-old Havanese. She is the sweetest and goofiest dog, and she makes us laugh all the time!
Who's your celebrity lookalike? Lauren Ambrose.
Favorite TV shows? Friends, The Office, Making the Cut, Project Runway, Shark Tank, The Bachelor. ;)
What have you crossed off your bucket list? Going to Augusta, Ga., to see the Masters golf tournament with my dad.
Favorite travel destinations? Palm Springs and Hawaii.
Favorite quote? "It's not the load that weighs you down, it's the way you carry it." --C.S. Lewis Be sure to check out the next PTSA Newsletter for another Staff Spotlight!
Thank you, sponsors
We couldn't do this without you
The Leota PTSA would like to thank all of the Paving the Way donors, and especially this year's sponsors (listed below). Our programs and events are possible because of you all!
Your generosity is already at work! To date, projects and programs include:
Improving the sound system during emergencies
Fixing the refrigerator door in the nurse's office
WEB T-shirts
Choir
ASB
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? Sushi.
Ms. Lissy (center) with her kids, Mason and Kate
