South Shore PreK-8 PTSA Newsletter

Hi all. I can't believe it's already November! By now, hopefully most students and families are settling into the school year and enjoying their time at South Shore. While it seems as though each week we have regularly been welcoming new students to school, I've observed rhythm and routine taking shape, which I think is mostly a good thing.

Some of our PTSA's primary contributions to-date this school year have included [1] issuing about 60 $200 Mini Grants to eligible Staff recipients (to help with supporting students), [2] notifying specific departments of PTSA funds allocated to them for the school year (i.e. Art, Athletics, Music, Multilingual, Nurse, Library, and Special Education departments), [3] catering Staff Lunch for the October Staff Day, [4] and contributing towards the launch of After-School Activities such as Swim Program and School Play/Musical.

We are continuously looking for individuals that are interested in helping to contribute with our PTSA community. We have a smaller core group and less money to spend as compared to last year, so the assistance is extra appreciated. Please reach out to myself and/or any of our PTSA Board Members to discuss how you might be able to take part. Thank you!

Tuesday, November 10th from 5:30 - 7:30pm in person at South Shore in the Rotunda

This event is designed to help families and school communities understand their constitutional rights when interacting with immigration agents, learn about the school safety plan, and build a network of community support. This Event is intended for families at Dunlap Elementary and South Shore K-8. Please do not share information about this event on social media.

Childcare and Interpretation will be provided. Dinner will be Potluck style so please bring something to share. This event is sponsored by South Shore PTSA, and supported by South Shore staff.

Please consider signing up to volunteer to help support this event: https://forms.gle/okPKdB4kmCBpNA9p8

Thursday, November 19 from 5:30 - 7:30pm at South Shore in the Rotunda

South Shore K-8 will be hosting a Public Safety Forum for all of Rainier Beach. We encourage all families to attend and participate in this important conversation about school and community safety.

Friday, December 11 from 4:00 - 5:30pm in person at South Shore in the Rotunda

Come learn about ways to support South Shore students and staff, vote on decisions, and share your ideas about getting involved. We want to hear from YOU.

South Shore PTSA provides funding to Mr. Spichak to support the school’s music program. Mr. Spichak is looking for a number of volunteers to support the music program!

Contact Mr. Spichak (paspichak@seattleschools.org) if you are able to help!

• Thursday, November 12 - Seattle Symphony field trip
• Thursday, December 10 - Winter Concert at Rainier Beach High School

Seattle Public Schools encourages parents, family members, organizations, businesses, and other community members to volunteer with us! Ms. Angie at South Shore can help you get approved to volunteer at South Shore! Email her at ajkasdan@seattleschools.org.

South Shore PTSA is running a free after-school beginner swim lesson program for South Shore students this fall. Registration is closed and the program is full.

Lessons are provided by Seattle Parks and Recreation certified lifeguards at the Rainier Beach Community Center pool. This program is supported by grants that South Shore PTSA members have secured. Volunteer support is needed to continue this program for the spring! If you’re interested, please contact volunteer@southshoreptsa.org.

South Shore PreK-8 has six incredible multilingual educators! From left to right in the photo, Ms. R. (English/Spanish), Ms. Sandra (Spanish/English/Italian/Portugues), Ms. DiJulio (English/Spanish), Ms. Daviduke (English/Spanish), Mr. Omar (Somali/Arabic/English), and Mr. Tom (Vietnamese/English--not pictured).

About Ms. Sandra (second from left)

I am a Bilingual Instructional Assistant. This is my 4th year at South Shore, and I love it. I support multilingual students in classrooms or small groups, elementary and middle school, I help the families with communication, documents translation, the PTSA WhatsApp group, I keep them updated with what’s going on at the school, in the community, like when ICE is in the neighborhood for example.

sialvaradode@seattleschools.org

About Ms. DiJulio (middle)

I am a Multilingual Teacher. I started teaching with SPS in 2010, and this is my 8th year at South Shore. This year I am supporting multilingual elementary and middle school students in classrooms or in small groups. Along with Ms. Sandra, Ms. Carrasco, and Ingrid (PTSA/South Shore parent) I am helping with the Know Your Rights Training event.

csdijulio@seattleschools.org

Every Tuesday from 3 - 6pm until mid-December

Seattle Parks and Recreation will be providing free skate board lessons at the new Rainier Beach skatepark.

1st and 3rd Saturdays every Month, 9AM - 11AM

Rainier Valley Safe Streets is organizing community sidewalk cleanups to help make it safer to walk, roll, or take transit on MLK. All neighbors are welcome! Tools, safety gear, and snacks provided. See flyer for details.

• November 21 - Meet at MLK Way S. and S. Henderson St.
• December 5 - Meet at MLK Way S. and S. Cloverdale St.

Saturday, November 28 from 10am - 3pm at Mercer Middle School

Funds raised at this craft holiday market support Southeast Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance (SESSFA). SESSFA is a fundraising collective, and through our efforts together, South Shore PTSA has received over $30,000 annually to support our programs, students, and staff!

Everyone is welcome to these events, we’d love to hear from you!

In summary:

• Principal Foyston and Assistant Principal Cooper answered community questions.

• We heard updates about PTSA efforts and a Treasurer update. For example, the PTSA previously had approved funding for 8th grade camp, but staff received a grant that fully covered the cost, so there may be opportunities to fund other PTSA priorities which will be discussed in December.

• We discussed open board roles including for Communication, Southeast Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance (SESSFA), Volunteer, and Swim Program Leads. The board meets monthly over Zoom, and the roles are estimated to be about 5 hours a month. We are excited to announce that we filled the SESSFA roles, but are still looking for volunteers in Communication, Volunteer, and Swim Program. Reach out to volunteer@southshoreptsa.org for more information.

• There are also open roles at school, including paid and volunteer opportunities to supervise students on the playground and at lunch, as well as a volunteer opportunity to help update the South Shore website. Contact Assistant Principal Cooper if interested blcooper@seattleschools.org.

• Discussion of PTSA communication methods, including the Q&A form, WhatsApp, and email. Please visit the South Shore PTSA website for info about each of these communication forms.

• Discussion of ICE impacts on both the Rainier Beach and South Shore community, and how South Shore families can help support.

• Here is a link to the full meeting notes: 2026-09-28 South Shore PTSA General Meeting Minutes.

We invite you to participate in South Shore PTSA. It's a great way to connect with other parents and stay informed about events and activities at South Shore.

• Join the WhatsApp group to have more conversations with South Shore caregivers https://chat.whatsapp.com/Jqq1Ptzt1uyLgqNCZDagyR
• Become PTSA Member ($15) Givebacks - Support the causes you care about
• Apply for free PTSA Membership https://tinyurl.com/286pfmtx
• Donate to the PTSA DONATE | South Shore PTSA
• Feedback about the newsletter? Have ideas? Email communications@southshoreptsa.org
• Email our PTSA Board members (see below)