WHY SUPPORT FUNDRAISING?
See Letters Below on How Your Donations Make a Difference
PTSA Grants Committee
The 2018-2019 Grants Committee has the pleasure to work with Chinook parents, teachers and staff in order to evaluate grant proposals this fall. We would like to thank you for your continuing support and generosity. By donating to Chinook Middle School PTSA, you allow teachers and staff to enhance their curriculum and classrooms.
This fall the PTSA grant funding supported:
Your generosity benefits the entire Chinook student body. The Grants Committee’s goal is to touch as many Chinook students as possible and assist the teachers and staff to help each student reach their full potential. By donating to Shine on Chinook, you are supporting the commitment to academic excellence, curriculum enhancement and creativity – thank you!
Sincerely,
The 2018-2019 PTSA Grants Committee
The 2018-2019 Grants Committee has the pleasure to work with Chinook parents, teachers and staff in order to evaluate grant proposals this fall. We would like to thank you for your continuing support and generosity. By donating to Chinook Middle School PTSA, you allow teachers and staff to enhance their curriculum and classrooms.
This fall the PTSA grant funding supported:
- Providing enriching opportunities in science, language arts, vocal and instrumental music, physical education and social studies.
- Bringing guest speakers and specialists to share their expertise in a variety of fields.
- Creating inspiring experiences through field trips to college campuses and community service tours.
Your generosity benefits the entire Chinook student body. The Grants Committee’s goal is to touch as many Chinook students as possible and assist the teachers and staff to help each student reach their full potential. By donating to Shine on Chinook, you are supporting the commitment to academic excellence, curriculum enhancement and creativity – thank you!
Sincerely,
The 2018-2019 PTSA Grants Committee
Good evening Chinook Parents, Guardians and Friends,
You may have already heard that our PTSA is in the midst of our annual fundraiser “Shine on Chinook.”
I know you get asked throughout each year to support various causes. Please know that we are careful about asking for direct support only once a year and enjoy avoiding traditional fundraisers that tend to profit the companies who sponsor them instead of our students. Your donations help supplement our instructional program and provide opportunities for students like field trips, guest speakers, additional technology, books for our Library, additional resources and books for our classrooms, additional training for some of our teachers, supplies for our emergency bin, and many other items that enhance your child's experience and make time in school more pleasant. Our hope is that all of the nearly 1,000 families contribute and that we raise a minimum of $65,000. No amount is too small.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation on the PTSA website or you can drop a check off at the main office (made payable to Chinook PTSA). Whatever is most convenient.
It is my pleasure to serve as the principal of Chinook and I look forward to many great years ahead.
Sincerely,
Russell White, Principal
You may have already heard that our PTSA is in the midst of our annual fundraiser “Shine on Chinook.”
I know you get asked throughout each year to support various causes. Please know that we are careful about asking for direct support only once a year and enjoy avoiding traditional fundraisers that tend to profit the companies who sponsor them instead of our students. Your donations help supplement our instructional program and provide opportunities for students like field trips, guest speakers, additional technology, books for our Library, additional resources and books for our classrooms, additional training for some of our teachers, supplies for our emergency bin, and many other items that enhance your child's experience and make time in school more pleasant. Our hope is that all of the nearly 1,000 families contribute and that we raise a minimum of $65,000. No amount is too small.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation on the PTSA website or you can drop a check off at the main office (made payable to Chinook PTSA). Whatever is most convenient.
It is my pleasure to serve as the principal of Chinook and I look forward to many great years ahead.
Sincerely,
Russell White, Principal
Anthony Jonas, 8th Grade Social Studies
Dear Chinook parents,
Donations by Chinook parents have a continuous and essential impact on the coursework in 8th grade Social Studies. These donations allow this course to provide the two fieldtrips that all 8th grade students participate in. This first trip is to the state Capitol/Museum of History and Industry/Museum of Flight. The second trip is to Cougar Mountain or an on-campus fieldtrip and exposition day. PTSA funding provides substantial support for student transportation, trailhead fees, museum admission, substitutes, and more. With this funding, we have been able to keep the direct cost to students between $8 and $15. Without this funding, the per-student cost would make the cost of these trips prohibitive and future fieldtrips would be cancelled.
Parent/PTSA donations also provide innumerable small but important grants for 8th grade social studies classrooms. These grants fund things like books that students or teachers have discovered that are excellent resources for course projects and research, but there are not copies of the book in the Chinook library or only a single copy in the KCLS library. Funding provides the ability for a copy of these books to be available in the classroom for all students to access and use. As a direct result of PTSA donations, the 8th grade SS team has over the year assembled a collection of hundreds of books and resources that are available to students. If this funding were to go away, students would need to compete for resources from the public library, with the students needing rides from parents, with the very real possibility that one of the other 330 students in the 8th grade checked out that book already.
PTSA donations have also in the past provided funding for class sets of the textbook. This has allowed students to stop carrying their textbooks to class. These funds have also provided supplemental textbooks that the district does not fund, such as curriculum on Washington State History and Native American history.
Donations to the PTSA, and the resulting grants for classrooms are one of the key reasons I love and continue to teach at Chinook. I know that if there is a great resource for the classroom, there is a good chance the PTSA will find a way to provide it for our students. These donations have a direct and important effect on classroom instruction and resources. PTSA funding is what makes my classroom interactive and research-based. I find those things to be essential to a child’s education. I hope you do as well, and that you can support these opportunities by donating to the Chinook PTSA.
Thanks and regards,
Anthony Jonas
8th Grade Social Studies
Donations by Chinook parents have a continuous and essential impact on the coursework in 8th grade Social Studies. These donations allow this course to provide the two fieldtrips that all 8th grade students participate in. This first trip is to the state Capitol/Museum of History and Industry/Museum of Flight. The second trip is to Cougar Mountain or an on-campus fieldtrip and exposition day. PTSA funding provides substantial support for student transportation, trailhead fees, museum admission, substitutes, and more. With this funding, we have been able to keep the direct cost to students between $8 and $15. Without this funding, the per-student cost would make the cost of these trips prohibitive and future fieldtrips would be cancelled.
Parent/PTSA donations also provide innumerable small but important grants for 8th grade social studies classrooms. These grants fund things like books that students or teachers have discovered that are excellent resources for course projects and research, but there are not copies of the book in the Chinook library or only a single copy in the KCLS library. Funding provides the ability for a copy of these books to be available in the classroom for all students to access and use. As a direct result of PTSA donations, the 8th grade SS team has over the year assembled a collection of hundreds of books and resources that are available to students. If this funding were to go away, students would need to compete for resources from the public library, with the students needing rides from parents, with the very real possibility that one of the other 330 students in the 8th grade checked out that book already.
PTSA donations have also in the past provided funding for class sets of the textbook. This has allowed students to stop carrying their textbooks to class. These funds have also provided supplemental textbooks that the district does not fund, such as curriculum on Washington State History and Native American history.
Donations to the PTSA, and the resulting grants for classrooms are one of the key reasons I love and continue to teach at Chinook. I know that if there is a great resource for the classroom, there is a good chance the PTSA will find a way to provide it for our students. These donations have a direct and important effect on classroom instruction and resources. PTSA funding is what makes my classroom interactive and research-based. I find those things to be essential to a child’s education. I hope you do as well, and that you can support these opportunities by donating to the Chinook PTSA.
Thanks and regards,
Anthony Jonas
8th Grade Social Studies
Kassidy Worthwine, 7th Grade Language Arts and 8th Grade Reading Seminar
Dear Chinook parents,
Because of your donations each year, the creative dreams and initiatives for student growth never go unfulfilled at Chinook. This is nothing short of miraculous – and this support is not uniform amongst schools across the nation. For this support, I extend my deepest gratitude.
Each summer and throughout the school year, teachers reflect on their practices. We are constantly looking for ways to innovate, change, and supplement our lessons to maximize growth and learning for all students. When we have a new idea or when we recognize a need in the classroom, the PTSA grants enable us to follow through – and the learning flourishes as a result.
There are numerous successes from your support, so I will name only a few. In the Language Arts departments, PTSA grants have purchased supplementary graphic novels to support students who struggle with reading and/or students who are learning English as a second or third language. PTSA grants have supported the Chinook Book Club, which fosters life-long readers and establishes a sense of commnity amongst students. Finally, in an effort to close the achievement gap in reading – one that is rampant across our nation – PTSA grants have enabled the purchase of a class set of Kindles and high engagement/low reading level books for students who are not yet reading at their grade level. Again, these purchases help develop a love of reading in all students – which is so vital to their success in all subjects and life beyond school.
With my utmost thanks,
Kassidy Worthwine
7th Grade Language Arts and 8th Grade Reading Seminar
Dear Chinook parents,
Because of your donations each year, the creative dreams and initiatives for student growth never go unfulfilled at Chinook. This is nothing short of miraculous – and this support is not uniform amongst schools across the nation. For this support, I extend my deepest gratitude.
Each summer and throughout the school year, teachers reflect on their practices. We are constantly looking for ways to innovate, change, and supplement our lessons to maximize growth and learning for all students. When we have a new idea or when we recognize a need in the classroom, the PTSA grants enable us to follow through – and the learning flourishes as a result.
There are numerous successes from your support, so I will name only a few. In the Language Arts departments, PTSA grants have purchased supplementary graphic novels to support students who struggle with reading and/or students who are learning English as a second or third language. PTSA grants have supported the Chinook Book Club, which fosters life-long readers and establishes a sense of commnity amongst students. Finally, in an effort to close the achievement gap in reading – one that is rampant across our nation – PTSA grants have enabled the purchase of a class set of Kindles and high engagement/low reading level books for students who are not yet reading at their grade level. Again, these purchases help develop a love of reading in all students – which is so vital to their success in all subjects and life beyond school.
With my utmost thanks,
Kassidy Worthwine
7th Grade Language Arts and 8th Grade Reading Seminar
Tim Benton, 6th Grade Science
Dear Chinook Parents/Guardians,
Teaching at Chinook for 16 years has been a pleasure for many reasons, not the least of which is the support my colleagues and I receive every day from the Chinook community. This support comes in many forms: open, helpful communication around student needs, personal relationships that build trust and a sense of belonging, amazing offerings of food (and coffee too!) that nourish body and soul, and, of course, the support that comes from having students whose culture is one of learning and cooperation. In my experience there is no better place to be a teacher.
But the support doesn't end there. We are so fortunate to receive generous financial backing from the PTSA as well. In the Science department, we have been able to pay for equipment and services that directly benefit students using PTSA grant funds. Light tables for growing plants, frictionless tracks and fan cars for use in Physics experiments, clean microscopes, extra textbooks, and subscriptions to online sites like BrainPop are just some of the resources available to us as a direct result of parent donations to the PTSA. Student learning and engagement is greatly enhanced through access to these items and a positive feeling of creativity and possibility opens up for teachers and students alike, knowing that this sort of assistance remains available now and in the future.
Donations to the PTSA directly and positively support our work in the classrooms. We are very appreciative of this collaboration and want parents to know that their contributions to the PTSA fundraiser are being put to good use and benefitting students every day.
Sincerely,
Tim Benton, 6th Grade Science
Dear Chinook Parents/Guardians,
Teaching at Chinook for 16 years has been a pleasure for many reasons, not the least of which is the support my colleagues and I receive every day from the Chinook community. This support comes in many forms: open, helpful communication around student needs, personal relationships that build trust and a sense of belonging, amazing offerings of food (and coffee too!) that nourish body and soul, and, of course, the support that comes from having students whose culture is one of learning and cooperation. In my experience there is no better place to be a teacher.
But the support doesn't end there. We are so fortunate to receive generous financial backing from the PTSA as well. In the Science department, we have been able to pay for equipment and services that directly benefit students using PTSA grant funds. Light tables for growing plants, frictionless tracks and fan cars for use in Physics experiments, clean microscopes, extra textbooks, and subscriptions to online sites like BrainPop are just some of the resources available to us as a direct result of parent donations to the PTSA. Student learning and engagement is greatly enhanced through access to these items and a positive feeling of creativity and possibility opens up for teachers and students alike, knowing that this sort of assistance remains available now and in the future.
Donations to the PTSA directly and positively support our work in the classrooms. We are very appreciative of this collaboration and want parents to know that their contributions to the PTSA fundraiser are being put to good use and benefitting students every day.
Sincerely,
Tim Benton, 6th Grade Science
Christian Mackintosh, PE Teacher
Dear Chinook Parents & Guardians,
The PE department received a grant to purchase a class set of heart rate monitors to incorporate technology into the class setting. Originally, our idea behind the heart rate monitors was to create a more objective way of grading and giving everyone a fair chance regardless of skill level. Although that is still very much the case, the use of the heart rate monitors has improved the PE environment greatly.
There is a certain “cool” factor for the kids because it is technology; but they are also starting to really understand the science behind how the body works. They are able to visibly see and feel what they are achieving in class. As a department, we have wanted to integrate these heart rate monitors into the classroom for a while, and we were finally able to do that with the grant.” Please support these opportunities, for your student, by donating to the PTSA today.
With Appreciation,
Christian Mackintosh, PE Teacher
Dear Chinook Parents & Guardians,
The PE department received a grant to purchase a class set of heart rate monitors to incorporate technology into the class setting. Originally, our idea behind the heart rate monitors was to create a more objective way of grading and giving everyone a fair chance regardless of skill level. Although that is still very much the case, the use of the heart rate monitors has improved the PE environment greatly.
There is a certain “cool” factor for the kids because it is technology; but they are also starting to really understand the science behind how the body works. They are able to visibly see and feel what they are achieving in class. As a department, we have wanted to integrate these heart rate monitors into the classroom for a while, and we were finally able to do that with the grant.” Please support these opportunities, for your student, by donating to the PTSA today.
With Appreciation,
Christian Mackintosh, PE Teacher
Maile J. Morgan - 7th Grade Social Studies, NBCT, Early Adolescence History Dear Chinook Parents & Guardians
I have been fortunate to work with the amazing families at Chinook for the past twelve years and over that time have seen your dollars enrich learning. One extraordinary example is having the author of Red Scarf Girl, Ji-li Jiang share her story of perseverance with your children. Students learn about 20th Century China while reading and discussing her memoir in class with the culminating activity being an author presentation. This moving assembly brings the historical learning alive through Jiang’s personal messages, letters, photos, and memorabilia. Her presentation enables students to connect history to the story of people which is powerful learning. This amazing opportunity was brought to us by our generous PTSA. Please consider making a donation to support our students and continue to enrich their learning.
Respectfully,
Maile J. Morgan
7th Grade Social Studies, NBCT, Early Adolescence History
I have been fortunate to work with the amazing families at Chinook for the past twelve years and over that time have seen your dollars enrich learning. One extraordinary example is having the author of Red Scarf Girl, Ji-li Jiang share her story of perseverance with your children. Students learn about 20th Century China while reading and discussing her memoir in class with the culminating activity being an author presentation. This moving assembly brings the historical learning alive through Jiang’s personal messages, letters, photos, and memorabilia. Her presentation enables students to connect history to the story of people which is powerful learning. This amazing opportunity was brought to us by our generous PTSA. Please consider making a donation to support our students and continue to enrich their learning.
Respectfully,
Maile J. Morgan
7th Grade Social Studies, NBCT, Early Adolescence History
Mrs. Kathryn Mattila - 7th grade science
Dear Chinook Parents & Guardians,
This is my 3rd year teaching 7th grade science at Chinook Middle School and the support that I receive from my colleagues and the community is unmeasurable. Here at Chinook we receive support in many ways forms, especially from the PTSA. The PTSA has found ways to support the whole community here at Chinook. The PSTA has generously funded materials and equipment to help make your child’s science experience even better. Some materials and equipment that the PTSA has funded for the science department are triple beam balances, Brainpop subscription, and many other resources that increase student’s engagement and make students excited to learn about science. The donations that are made to the PTSA fundraising support all of our students are being put to good use and benefitting students every day.
Thank you for all of your support,
Mrs. Kathryn Mattila
7th grade science
Dear Chinook Parents & Guardians,
This is my 3rd year teaching 7th grade science at Chinook Middle School and the support that I receive from my colleagues and the community is unmeasurable. Here at Chinook we receive support in many ways forms, especially from the PTSA. The PTSA has found ways to support the whole community here at Chinook. The PSTA has generously funded materials and equipment to help make your child’s science experience even better. Some materials and equipment that the PTSA has funded for the science department are triple beam balances, Brainpop subscription, and many other resources that increase student’s engagement and make students excited to learn about science. The donations that are made to the PTSA fundraising support all of our students are being put to good use and benefitting students every day.
Thank you for all of your support,
Mrs. Kathryn Mattila
7th grade science
Karina Kawaguchi, Librarian
Dear Chinook Families and Friends,
“School libraries provide equitable physical and intellectual access to the resources and tools required for learning in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment” (American Association of School Librarians, Transforming Learning)
Whether an avid reader or a casual one, each Chinook Middle School student has access to a library that offers a safe and encouraging academic environment. From award winning literature to the latest Young Adult fiction and non-fiction titles, the focus of our collection is to support student learning and curriculum, as well as to provide choices for independent leisure reading.
Our library has been the recipient of generous PTSA grants over the years. Last year alone (2014-15 school year), a grant of $4,000 allowed us to grow and update our fiction collection, complete book series, incorporate new non-fiction titles to support student learning, and purchase magazine subscriptions such as Discover and Popular Science. A portion of the grant was used to outfit the new library with bookends, book stands, signage, posters, and book care materials much needed to run the kind of library that our students deserve.
Please, join me in making a gift to the PTSA Fundraiser today. Your gift makes a difference in the academic life of each student today and will continue to impact all students in the years to come.
With gratitude,
Karina Kawaguchi, Librarian
Dear Chinook Families and Friends,
“School libraries provide equitable physical and intellectual access to the resources and tools required for learning in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment” (American Association of School Librarians, Transforming Learning)
Whether an avid reader or a casual one, each Chinook Middle School student has access to a library that offers a safe and encouraging academic environment. From award winning literature to the latest Young Adult fiction and non-fiction titles, the focus of our collection is to support student learning and curriculum, as well as to provide choices for independent leisure reading.
Our library has been the recipient of generous PTSA grants over the years. Last year alone (2014-15 school year), a grant of $4,000 allowed us to grow and update our fiction collection, complete book series, incorporate new non-fiction titles to support student learning, and purchase magazine subscriptions such as Discover and Popular Science. A portion of the grant was used to outfit the new library with bookends, book stands, signage, posters, and book care materials much needed to run the kind of library that our students deserve.
Please, join me in making a gift to the PTSA Fundraiser today. Your gift makes a difference in the academic life of each student today and will continue to impact all students in the years to come.
With gratitude,
Karina Kawaguchi, Librarian
Angela Armbruster, Director of Choirs
The Chinook PTSA continues to show tremendous support for the Choir and Music Departments. They helped us purchase 2 new overhead mics and commission 2 new jazz charts this year. In the past, their grants have helped us purchase auxiliary percussion instruments, a drum set, a bass amp, and assisted with community service field trip expenses. Their support in purchasing this equipment makes it possible for the Jazz Choir Club to have a full rhythm section, complete with student drummers & bass players. All of the instruments we've purchased are played by the students and have allowed them to develop their musicianship both as individual players and ensemble members. We cannot thank the Chinook PTSA enough for their continued support of the Chinook Choir Program and hope that you'll consider donating to their fundraiser!
Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Angela Armbruster
Director of Choirs
The Chinook PTSA continues to show tremendous support for the Choir and Music Departments. They helped us purchase 2 new overhead mics and commission 2 new jazz charts this year. In the past, their grants have helped us purchase auxiliary percussion instruments, a drum set, a bass amp, and assisted with community service field trip expenses. Their support in purchasing this equipment makes it possible for the Jazz Choir Club to have a full rhythm section, complete with student drummers & bass players. All of the instruments we've purchased are played by the students and have allowed them to develop their musicianship both as individual players and ensemble members. We cannot thank the Chinook PTSA enough for their continued support of the Chinook Choir Program and hope that you'll consider donating to their fundraiser!
Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Angela Armbruster
Director of Choirs
Chinook Middle School PTSA * 2001 98th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue, WA 98004 * Contact Us
