PTSA helps provide and support opportunities to help enrich your child's education.
YMCA AFTER SCHOOL
PTSA is currently looking into establishing after-school program with YMCA for the 2022-23 school year. More information to come.
Contact enrichment at ellabakerptsa.org
ART PROGRAMS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
All students participate in two art programs: Deep Space Sparkle (DSS) and Clay Art. Art Docents Volunteers help implement already-designed lessons (and you have the special experience of being directly involved in your child's classroom!). Each class needs at least 2 Art Docent Volunteers. No prior art or clay experience needed. DSS lessons are run by the teacher with your support. Clay lessons are planned with step-by-step instructions and videos.
Art Docent Resources
Ella Baker Art Docent Handbook
Contact artdocent at ellabakerptsa.org
MATH CHALLENGE
Students can sharpen their math problem-solving skills though 15 challenges throughout the year. Family members are encouraged to get involved. Get started any time!
Download the current Math Challenge
Submit Solutions Online by the due date. Please DO NOT bring answers to school. Students who finish 11 or more successfully will be awarded with certificates at the end of the school year. For those that submit their solutions online, we will communicate results bi-monthly to families.
Check Solutions Online - solutions will be available on the solution date by 3pm
Contact mathchallenge at ellabakerptsa.org
MATH TOURNAMENT
A national tournament focusing on math fundamentals and problem-solving skills open to students in Grades 2-6. We are currently looking for a volunteer to serve as Math Challenge Chair to help offer this activity for Ella Baker students. Please let us know if you are interested.
Contact mathchallenge at ellabakerptsa.org
REFLECTIONS - CULTURAL ARTS COMPETITION
A national and state PTA program offering an opportunity for students to express themselves through their own original works. We are currently looking for a volunteer to serve as Reflections Chair to help offer this activity for Ella Baker students. Please let us know if you are interested.
Contact reflection at ellabakerptsa.org
FREE ENRICHMENT RESOURCES
Wide Open School – Part of Common Sense Media - high quality resources across all subjects
Art for Kids Hub – fun drawing lessons that are easy-to-follow and very engaging
Burke Museum - activities & curriculum focused on WA plants, animals, and natural history
Seattle Aquarium – learn about the marine mammals of the Puget Sound with virtual field trips, live webcams, educational videos, fact sheets, coloring sheets, puzzles and more
Bellevue Arts - video tutorials, print-outs and curriculum ideas for at-home craft making
FREE CODING RESOURCES
Code.org - For all ages. An ideal first step for new coders - helps build an understanding of foundational coding concepts that will pave the way for more complex coding in the future!
Lightbot.com - Available as an app. Great for your youngest coders. Aims to teach the most fundamental concept in computer programming - “Code is a series of instructions.”
MakeCode by Microsoft - Ideal for beginners and experienced coders. A variety of electronics and hardware based coding projects like micro:bit and Lego Mindstorms. Self-guided projects to select block-based coding, Python, or Javascript as their language of choice!
Scratch by MIT - Developed for the purpose of teaching young coders programming. A block-based platform that is a great place for students ready to build games & stories on their own!
Khan Academy - Developed for older students and experienced coders. Helps students learn the essentials of web development and SQL databases. A great starting point for students who are exploring coding as a future career and are eager to dig deeper in their skill development.
