Kicking off new year at McGilvra

After a busy holiday season, McGilvra Elementary School and its PTA are thankful for the village that has helped orchestrate and contribute to its many successful events and activities this school year. 

The Middle School Forum resulted in more than 100 parents from neighboring schools in learning more of the many middle school options. The school is looking forward to co-hosting a similar event in mid-winter focused on safety. 

Both the Run-a-Thon and the annual Greensheets fund drive surpassed goals, ensuring continued access to the teaching and training resources that enrich McGilvra’s educational experience. The kids are still talking about The Reptile Man, who shared his traveling friends in celebration of achieving our goal. 

The McGilvra Community Garden, celebrating its 25-year anniversary, continues to provide our students unique, hands-on learning opportunities. Through your support, we surpassed our Holiday Harvest Sale goal, selling 92 hostess bags, which will help fund installation of a compost system and outdoor classroom next spring. 

Thanks to a new partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, the McGilvra Kids Time enrichment program has resulted in a 25-percent increase in student participation. 

Lunchtime chess returns this winter, and new courses being added for next year include art by Thrive Art School and volleyball. 

McGilvra’s biannual auction takes place April 23 at the Showbox SODO (1700 First Ave. S.). The Kentucky Derby theme promises to bring out big hats as we enjoy a special night of music and merriment while raising funds for our kids. If you are interested in volunteering or donating an item for the auction or in-kind services or supplies, contact mcgilvraannualfund@gmail.com. 

The Madison Valley Spring Cleanup will be here before we know it, giving us an opportunity to join other families in giving back to our community. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to this event, contact outreach@mcgilvrapta.org. 

The Washington State PTA Focus Day is Feb. 3 in Olympia, and McGilvra will join other schools to advocate for legislative priorities, including adequate staff and facility funding. We have a committee working on safety and security, in conjunction with our school district and the PTA. 

Community members will have a chance to meet our new school board member, Jill Geary, when she visits McGilvra on Jan. 25 to discuss improved education and safety funding with the School Board and the Seattle School District. 

To stay updated on all the events happening at McGilvra, follow the PTA’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/McGilvraElementaryPTA.

NANCY JENSEN and HEIDI OB’BAYI are co-presidents of the McGilvra PTA.