PTA Cat Tracks

Stay up to date on the latest PTA portion of the newsletter. Email Info@JuanitaElPTA.com for more information.

Upcoming PTA Events & Volunteer Opportunity Links 

1/13,14, & 17 - Art Lessons - Sign up to volunteer: https://bit.ly/4g15Wnc

1/23 - Summer Camp Fair @ 6:30p

1/27 & 29 - Juanita’s Got Talent Auditions

Popcorn Fridays - Sign up to volunteer: https://bit.ly/3EwwprQ


Find all events on the PTA Events calendar at https://www.juanitaelpta.com/connect/calendar

December 13, 2024

🎉 Thank You, Volunteers!

As the year winds down, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who made this year’s events a success. Your dedication helped make these activities unforgettable:

Thank you for your support—we couldn’t do it without you!

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities - Join Us!

The Juanita PTA is looking for enthusiastic parents and community members to fill critical volunteer roles. Your involvement makes a huge difference! Here are our top needs:

Volunteer Coordinator

Help make volunteering easier and more enjoyable at Juanita Elementary! In this flexible role, you’ll recruit volunteers, create helpful how-to guides, and streamline the organization of school events. Contribute on your own schedule and make a lasting impact.

Lost & Found Manager

Help reconnect students with their lost items! This role involves finding creative ways to return coats, water bottles, and lunch boxes to their owners. Some time on campus during the school day may be required, but the smiles you’ll bring to families are worth it.

Treasurer Shadow

Work alongside the current Treasurer to ensure PTA finances are managed efficiently and sustainably. You’ll gain valuable insight into non-profit financial practices and learn at your own pace. Perfect for detail-oriented volunteers with a knack for numbers!

If you’re interested in any of these roles, email us at info@juanitaelpta.com. Let’s work together to make a difference! 💙

🎨 January 13, 14, & 17 | Art Lesson in Printmaking

Our Artist in Residence, Rachel Wichlatz, is back with an exciting lesson in printmaking! Students will design their own creations using sticky tiles and learn how to transfer them onto paper.

Want to be part of this hands-on art experience? Sign up to volunteer during your child’s class: https://bit.ly/4g15Wnc

Let’s get creative! ✂️🎨

📅 January 23 (6:30p) | Save the Date for the Summer Camp Fair

It’s never too early to think about summer plans! Join us on January 23rd at 6:30 PM to explore local summer camp options. Meet organizers, learn about activities and costs, and start planning a summer full of fun.

More details coming in January—stay tuned!

🎤 January 27 & 29 | Juanita’s Got Talent Auditions

Get ready to shine! Our 3rd Annual Juanita’s Got Talent Show is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got. Auditions will take place on January 27 and January 29, so start planning your 90-second talent segment now!

Whether you sing, dance, juggle, act, or have a unique skill to share, this is your time to step into the spotlight. Sign up today and let’s celebrate the amazing talents of our Juanita community! https://bit.ly/40xLMfR

More details will be shared after winter break. Email us at info@juanitaelpta.com for more info.

🌿 Green Team Launching in 2025!

We’re excited to announce that the Green Team is coming to Juanita in 2025, and we need your help to get it started! Whether you can give one hour a month or more, your time makes a difference. This volunteer-run club is key to our school’s sustainability efforts.

Interested in helping? Email Ash at info@juanitaelpta.com to get involved.

🎄 Holiday Bazaar Success!

Thank you to all the volunteers and guests that attended the Holiday Bazaar. The event exceeded fundraising goals for the Outdoor Education Program. We are so very grateful for the Outdoor Education Committee and volunteers that made the event possible.

November 27, 2024

🎨 All Student Directory

Congratulations to Serena L. (4th grade), whose artwork will adorn the cover of the 2024-25 Student Directory! To reduce paper waste, each family will receive one directory instead of one per student. Don’t need your copy? Drop it off at the PTA table across from the front office for future new families.

December 7 (10 AM - 4 PM)  | 🎄 Holiday Bazaar

Shop over 50 vendors at the Juanita El Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 7! Enjoy a student choir performance (1-1:30 PM), coffee, food, a silent auction, and raffle—all while supporting our school’s Outdoor Education Program. 

Volunteers Needed! The Bazaar is still in great need of adult & middle/high school volunteers, so please sign up here to help make this event a success. 

This event supports local businesses and community members AND supports Juanita Elementary School's Outdoor Education Program. For more information visit our website! 

Now Through December 10 | 🎁 Lake Washington School District Toy Drive

Help spread holiday cheer! The LWSD Toy Drive supports children in our district, and gifts are needed for ages 5-18. You can donate by visiting the District’s Toy Drive website for more information or simply click here for the Amazon Wishlist or here for a monetary donation.


The nearest drop point for toy donations is North Kirkland Community Center!

Now Through December 10 | Juanita Spiritwear Sale

Juanita El Spiritwear is now 25% off! Store front found here.


Order now thru 12/10 and delivery by 12/23 is guaranteed! Part of the proceeds benefit Juanita El’s Outdoor Education program. Spritwear would make a great holiday gift this year! Shop water bottles, beans, pajama pants and so much more!

💰 PTA Reimbursement Reminder

If you’ve paid for PTA or Outdoor Ed event expenses, please complete the reimbursement form, attach receipts, and return it to the PTA mailbox at school. Questions? Email Treasurer@juanitaelpta.com. 

Family Connection Through WhatsApp

Want to plan winter break play dates? Get ideas for what winter activities to do? Sign up to be added to the WhatsApp group for parents/caregivers with kids at Juanita El in your student’s current grade level. This informal group is used for asking questions, sharing information, creating playdates, and more. 

https://www.juanitaelpta.com/connect/family-connection

* This group is not directly affiliated with the Juanita Elementary PTA.

** Group rules: be kind and courteous, respect everyone’s privacy, no hate speech or bullying, no promotions or spam.

November 15, 2024

🌱 Composting Comes to Juanita!

Juanita Elementary is going greener with a new composting initiative in the lunchroom! We're gradually rolling out the program as we teach students and staff about what can and can’t be composted. You can support this eco-friendly change by talking about composting at home and involving your family in waste reduction. Learn more about composting here: Composting Info

🍎 Food Share Bin in the Lunchroom

As part of our commitment to waste reduction, we’re piloting a “food share” bin! Students can place uneaten/unopened fruit, milk, or pre-packaged foods they don’t want to bring home into this bin, which is available for any student to take from. If your child has dietary restrictions, please remind them to only take foods they’re allowed to eat.

Now Through December 10 | 🎁 Lake Washington School District Toy Drive

Help spread holiday cheer! The LWSD Toy Drive supports children in our district, and gifts are needed for ages 5-18. You can donate by visiting the District’s Toy Drive website for more information or simply click here for the Amazon Wishlist or here for a monetary donation.


The nearest drop point for toy donations is North Kirkland Community Center!

December 7 (10 AM - 4 PM)  | 🎄 Holiday Bazaar

Join us for the Annual Juanita Elementary Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 7! With over 50 vendors, it’s the perfect chance to find unique gifts for everyone on your list. This is a community event where all are welcome and admission is FREE!

Event Highlights:

This event supports local businesses and community members AND supports Juanita Elementary School's Outdoor Education Program. For more information visit our website! 

🍬 Candy Buy Back Success

Thank you to all that donated to our Candy Buy Back Program. This year, students and families brought in 266 lbs of candy! That translates to $266 donated by Barry Dental Center to the Juanita Elementary Outdoor Education Program. Ms. Janshen's class won a class pizza party by bringing in the most candy, with a grand total of 76 lbs! All candy was donated by Barry Dental Center to Hopelink.

November 1, 2024

November 4 & 5 (8:10 - 8:30 AM)  | 🍬 Candy Buy Back

Have extra candy from Halloween? Donate it to a good cause! The Juanita Elementary Outdoor Education Program is collecting candy donations before school on November 4 & 5 between . For every pound of candy, Barry Dental Center will donate $1 to the program. Plus, the classroom that donates the most candy will win a pizza party, courtesy of Barry Dental Center! Bring your candy to the collection stations at the upper and lower lots and support our Outdoor Education Program!

🎥 November 8 (Doors open at 6 PM) | Movie Night: Inside Out 2

Get ready for a fun family movie night! The Outdoor Education Program presents Inside Out 2 on Friday, November 8. Doors open at 6 PM, and the movie begins at 6:30 PM. Pizza, popcorn, candy, and drinks will be available for purchase (cash only). This is not a drop-off event — students must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds support our Outdoor Education Program. 

Sign up to volunteer https://bit.ly/4f11MeC

👥 November 14 @ 7PM | PTA Community Meeting: Social & Emotional Health

Join us in the school library on Thursday, November 14 @ 7pm, for a PTA Community Meeting focused on student well-being. We’ll discuss how to support our kids through friendships, share resources, and address concerns as a community. Stay informed with the latest PTA updates, and afterward, wind down with an extended social hour at the Juanita Cantina with fellow parents. Can’t make it in person? Join us online! We’d love to hear from you.

AGENDA

November 15 | All School Dance 🎶🕺💃 I ♥️ the 80s!

Mark your calendars for a totally rad 80s-themed dance on Friday, November 15th from 6:30 to 8 PM! Students will learn the moves at school during P.E. and then show off their dancing skills at this fun PTA-sponsored event. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family. Pre-purchase your tickets and retro merchandise online (coming soon), or get them at the door starting at 6 PM. Volunteers are needed to make this event a success!

Sign up to help or donate items here: https://bit.ly/3BlcDRG

🧥 Unclaimed Lost & Found Donations Monthly

Don't let your belongings disappear! To keep things organized, all unclaimed Lost & Found items will now be donated at the start of each month. Remember, items clearly labeled with your child’s name and last initial do get returned to students, so label up those jackets, water bottles, and lunch boxes!

🚌 Did You Know? Jagathon helps fund Field Trips!

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our Juanita El community, a portion of the funds raised through the Jagathon directly supports school field trips! These funds help cover the majority of field trip costs, ensuring that these enriching educational outings are accessible to all students. Your hard work and dedication in raising money for the Juanita El PTA truly makes a difference. Thank you for your support!

Sign up to be a PTA member here: Join Now

🛍️ Spirit Wear Sale Info: 25% Off All Merchandise

The Juanita Elementary Holiday Sale is here! From November 4 through December 10, 2024, enjoy 25% off all merchandise. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $75 and guaranteed delivery by December 23rd—just in time for the holidays! Stock up on gifts and school spirit gear while supporting our school.

Shop here: Juanita Store

October 17, 2024

Thank You for an Amazing Jagathon! 🏃‍♀️💙🐾 

The Juanita El PTA would like to give a huge shoutout to all the runners, volunteers and donors who made this year’s Jagathon a fantastic success! Your generosity and support are helping enrich the student experience and foster a sense of community at Juanita Elementary. 

October 24 | Vision 👀 & Hearing 👂 Screening

On Thursday morning, 10/24, nurses will be conducting vision and hearing screenings for all Juanita El students. We’d love your help with this important event! No experience is necessary, as the nurses will provide training. Donuts will be provided for volunteers. 

Interested in helping out? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4eBxa2Q 

November 15 | All School Dance 🎶🕺💃 I ♥️ the 80s!

Time to dust off those leg warmers and turn up the 80s jams! Our All School Dance is coming up on Friday, November 15th. The kids will learn dance together during P.E. starting Monday, November 12th. Students and families can show off their dance moves at this ticketed PTA-supported event! 

Keep an eye out for the online store. There will be awesome retro items available soon. Let’s make it a night to remember, Juanita Jaguars!

This fun-filled evening can’t happen without your support—sign up to volunteer or donate items here: https://bit.ly/3BlcDRG

📣 Vote YES on the November LWSD Levy!

The Juanita Elementary PTA has voted to support and endorse the upcoming Levy.  Part of this Levy directly impacts 2 facilities in our community. A rebuild of Kamiakin Middle School and the modernization of the Juanita High School Field House and Pool. Did you know the PTA sponsors a swimming program for all 3rd graders to learn how to swim and we utilize the pool at Juanita HS?

FOR MORE INFORMATION

✅ 2024 Levy — Vote Yes for Our Kids (vote4lwsdkids.org) 

✅ November 2024 Levy - Lake Washington School District (lwsd.org)

October 4, 2024

October 8, 10, 11 | 🎨 Art Lesson: Mosaics!

Our Juanita Artist in Residence will be teaching a lesson about mosaics—art you can walk on! Students will explore mosaics through history, from ancient Roman tiles to modern video game pixels. They'll use paper tiles and glue to create their own mosaic masterpieces. If you’re available to lend a hand for your student's class for 30-45 minutes, we’d love your help!

Sign up to volunteer here: https://bit.ly/ArtOne

October 9 | 🚶‍♀️ Walk or Roll to School Day

Join us for our annual Walk to School Day! Walk, bike, or carpool with friends, or hop on a bus (free for kids under 18). From 8:00a-8:30a, we’ll have special guests from the fire department and a treat for participants! You’ll also be entered into a raffle for a fun prize. Volunteers needed!

Sign up to volunteer here: https://bit.ly/486cD4t

Note: The main lot will be closed for drop-off to accommodate the fire department.

October 9 | 🧮 Math Challenge #2 Due

Math Challenge #2 is out now! Download it here https://bit.ly/3ujckDw or grab a paper copy at the PTA window. Don’t forget to submit your completed challenge via email by October 9.

 Amazing job to all who participated in the first challenge!

October 17 | 🐾 Jagathon Fundraiser Event 

Our biggest community event of the year is just around the corner—Juanita’s Annual Jagathon! Parents and families are invited to volunteer on the day of or cheer on students from the Jaguar Jungle sidelines. Remember, all volunteers must be LWSD-approved. Be sure to check your student's Jagathon packet for more info.

Find out more here: https://www.juanitaelpta.com/support-us/jagathon 

Jagathon volunteer signup: https://bit.ly/2024Jagathon


October 24 | 👓 Vision & Hearing Screenings

On October 24, our school nurse will be conducting vision and hearing screenings for all students. We need your help with this important event! No experience is necessary to volunteer—training will be provided! Doughnuts will be served for volunteers.

Sign up: https://bit.ly/4eBxa2Q

♻️ Costume Swap Success

A huge thank you to all the families who donated and “shopped” at the City of Kirkland's Costume Swap! By giving gently used costumes a new life, we’re helping to reduce waste and keep items out of landfills. Great job, Jaguars!


November 15 | 🕺 All School Dance

Dust off those leg warmers and turn on the crimper because our all school dance is just around the corner. Show off those 80's outfits and moves at our All School Dance on Friday, November 15! The kids will learn the dance routines at school during the week, and there’s a suggested donation for entry. We need volunteers to make this night an unforgettable event

Sign up to help: https://bit.ly/3BlcDRG

📣 Vote YES on the November LWSD Levy!

The Juanita Elementary PTA has voted to support and endorse the upcoming Levy.  Part of this Levy directly impacts 2 facilities in our community. A rebuild of Kamiakin Middle School and the modernization of the Juanita High School Field House and Pool. Did you know the PTA sponsors a swimming program for all 3rd graders to learn how to swim and we utilize the pool at Juanita HS?

FOR MORE INFORMATION

✅ 2024 Levy — Vote Yes for Our Kids (vote4lwsdkids.org) 

✅ November 2024 Levy - Lake Washington School District (lwsd.org)

Have a wonderful weekend, Jaguars! 🐾

September 20, 2024

FAMILY CONNECTION

Want to plan play dates? Get ideas for what to pack in your kid’s lunch? Sign up to be added to the WhatsApp group for parents/caregivers with kids at Juanita El in your student’s current grade level. This informal group is used for asking questions, sharing information, creating playdates, and more. 

https://www.juanitaelpta.com/connect/family-connection

* This group is not directly affiliated with the Juanita Elementary PTA.

** Group rules: be kind and courteous, respect everyone’s privacy, no hate speech or bullying, no promotions or spam.


SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER

Sign up to be on our volunteer list: https://bit.ly/24-25_Volunteer

Become an approved LWSD volunteer https://www.lwsd.org/get-involved/volunteering-in-lwsd

9/26 USED COSTUME SWAP

Last call to donate gently used costumes and accessories for the annual City of Kirkland Costume Swap. Please donate in the office until Sept. 26th and come to City Hall on Sept. 27th to get a new-to-you costume. 

JOIN THE PTA - Support our School & Get Great Discounts!

Who helped get the new digging garden on the playground? 

Who organized last year’s talent show? 

Who brought art classes into the school to enrich our students’ minds?


THE JUANITA EL PTA!

When you become a member of the Juanita El PTA, you are supporting our students, staff & community with resources and programs like these. AND you can get exclusive discounts on products and experiences like Great Wolf Lodge, National Geographic Live events, Office Depot, and MORE!


Become a member today: https://www.juanitaelpta.com/membership/join-now


We hope to see you at our future PTA meetings! Please reserve 7PM-8:30PM for: 

September 26, November 14, January 23, March 20, May 15  (Dates subject to change)

10/9 WALK & ROLL TO SCHOOL DAY

Save the date, Wednesday October 9th, for our annual Walk to School Day. This is a very fun day where you can walk or bike to school with your neighbors, carpool with some friends or hop on the bus (Metro buses are free if you are 18 or under). Between 8-8:30 the front of the school will have visits from the fire department, there will be a yummy treat for those that participated and participants will be entered in a raffle for a fun prize. 

*The upper lot will be closed for morning drop off to accommodate the fire department so please plan accordingly.

10/17 JUANITA'S ANNUAL JAGATHON FUNDRAISER EVENT

Mark your calendars for October 17, 2024 @ 1:00 PM because you won’t want to miss our annual Jag-a-thon event. This is a great community event where fun memories are made by parents and children alike. 


Sign up now to secure your spot to volunteer the day of the event. All volunteers must be LWSD approved prior to the event.. We also welcome families to enjoy the event from the Jaguar Jungle sidelines to cheer on the kids.  


Sign up to volunteer: https://bit.ly/2024Jagathon 

Jagathon instructions: Jagathon 

9/27 POPCORN FRIDAY / SPIRIT WEAR

Juanita’s first Popcorn Friday is just around the corner! For the 2024-2025 school year, popcorn is free for all students! Each student will get 1 bag of popcorn. You can contribute to help make this a reality for every child by making a donation of $7 for the year. Help our 5th graders raise money for camp and ensure every student enjoys a free bag of popcorn by donating. You can now donate online, or stick with good old-fashioned checks and cash. Keep an eye out for flyers coming home soon! Let’s make this the best Popcorn Friday yet! 🍿


Donation forms are available on Parent Square or online https://bit.ly/2425Popcorn Students will be allowed to purchase a 2nd bag on Popcorn Friday.  Cash only at $0.50 per bag. 


Hey 5th grade parents! It's time to join the fun and make Popcorn Fridays a blast for our kiddos. We need your help! Sign up to volunteer and be part of the excitement! https://bit.ly/VolunteerPOP24

Thank you for your support! Questions? Email outdoored@juanitaelpta.com


SHOW YOUR JUANITA PRIDE!

Now through September 17th EVERYTHING in the SpiritWear store is 30% off! 10% of every order is donated back to Juanita’s Outdoor Ed Program which helps our 5th graders go to camp.

Shop today: 1stplace.sale/100076   

September 6, 2024

WELCOME 2023-2024 PTA BOARD MEMBERS 

https://www.juanitaelpta.com/about-us/pta-board-members


Please email Info@juanitaelpta.com if you are interested in learning more about these positions or how you can contribute! 

JOIN THE PTA - Support our School & Get Great Discounts!

Who helped get the new digging garden on the playground? 

Who organized last year’s talent show? 

Who brought art classes into the school to enrich our students’ minds?


THE JUANITA EL PTA!

When you become a member of the Juanita El PTA, you are supporting our students, staff & community with resources and programs like these. AND you can get exclusive discounts on products and experiences like Great Wolf Lodge, National Geographic Live events, Office Depot, and MORE!


Become a member today: https://www.juanitaelpta.com/membership/join-now


We hope to see you at our future PTA meetings! Please reserve 7PM-8:30PM for: 

September 26, November 14, January 23, March 20, May 15  (Dates subject to change)

SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER

Sign up to be on our volunteer list: https://bit.ly/24-25_Volunteer

Become an approved LWSD volunteer https://www.lwsd.org/get-involved/volunteering-in-lwsd

9/3 - 9/26 USED COSTUME SWAP

Our Green Team is partnering with the city of Kirkland to collect gently used costumes and accessories for their annual Costume Swap. Please donate in the office until Sept. 26th and come to City Hall on Sept. 27th to get a new-to-you costume. (Costumes of all sizes accepted)

9/13 @ 6p-8p WELCOME BACK FAMILY SOCIAL 

Join Juanita Elementary families on Friday, September 13 from 6pm - 8pm for a fun night of food trucks, socializing, and reconnecting after summer break. Purchase dinner from one of the food trucks or simply pack your dinner and bring along. A percentage of the food truck proceeds will go to support the 5th grade Outdoor Education program. We hope to see you at school!

*Juanita Elementary School staff will not be in attendance

9/27 POPCORN FRIDAY / SPIRIT WEAR

Juanita’s first Popcorn Friday is just around the corner! For the 2024-2025 school year, popcorn is free for all students! Each student will get 1 bag of popcorn. You can contribute to help make this a reality for every child by making a donation of $7 for the year. Help our 5th graders raise money for camp and ensure every student enjoys a free bag of popcorn by donating. You can now donate online, or stick with good old-fashioned checks and cash. Keep an eye out for flyers coming home soon! Let’s make this the best Popcorn Friday yet! 🍿


Donation forms are available on Parent Square or online https://bit.ly/2425Popcorn Students will be allowed to purchase a 2nd bag on Popcorn Friday.  Cash only at $0.50 per bag. 


Hey 5th grade parents! It's time to join the fun and make Popcorn Fridays a blast for our kiddos. We need your help! Sign up to volunteer and be part of the excitement! https://bit.ly/VolunteerPOP24

Thank you for your support! Questions? Email outdoored@juanitaelpta.com


SHOW YOUR JUANITA PRIDE!

Now through September 17th EVERYTHING in the SpiritWear store is 30% off! 10% of every order is donated back to Juanita’s Outdoor Ed Program which helps our 5th graders go to camp.

Shop today: 1stplace.sale/100076   

10/17 SAVE THE DATE: Juanita’s Annual Jagathon Fundraiser Event

Mark your calendars for October 17, 2024 @ 1:00 PM because you won’t want to miss our annual Jag-a-thon event. This is a great community event where fun memories are made by parents and children alike. 


Sign up now to secure your spot to volunteer the day of the event. All volunteers must be LWSD approved prior to the event.. We also welcome families to enjoy the event from the Jaguar Jungle sidelines to cheer on the kids.  


Jagathon volunteer signup: https://bit.ly/2024Jagathon 


More information to come soon!