At this time, we do not have a volunteer to steer the Annual Fund next year. We learned so much during our first year that we expect it to be an easier process next time. This will be the primary fund-raising event for next year, so its success will be critically important for continuing to provide buses for field-trips, after-school athletic clubs, family fun nights, teacher support, additional tutoring, and emergency support to Sanislo families in need — not to mention programs like the Seattle Arts & Lectures Writers program that we’ll be bringing to Sanislo next year. Please consider making this incredible contribution to your child’s school — you are needed! Email PTA Co-president Gillian Allen-White (gillian@grandcentralbakery.com) to learn more about organizing the the Annual Fund.

At this time, we do not have a volunteer to steer the Annual Fund next year. So much has been learned during our first year and we expect it to be a much easier process in year two! This will be the primary fund-raising event for next year and so its success will be critically important for continuing to provide buses for field-trips, after-school athletic clubs, family fun nights, teacher support, additional tutoring, emergency support to Sanislo families in need – not to mention programs like the Seattle Arts & Lectures Writers program that we’ll be bringing to Sanislo next school year. Please consider making this incredible contribution to your child’s school. You are needed. Please contact Gillian Allen-White at Gillian {at] grandcentralbakery.com if you have questions.

At the PTA meeting, Mr. Seevers gave us the latest budget news. With some additional funds from the district, we are now “only” down $80-85,000 in a budget shortfall next year as compared to last. Ernie is going go have to make some cuts — quite frankly, more painful cuts than we’ve had in quite a few years. Please, if you haven’t yet made a pledge to the Annual Fund, do so. This way, we can plan our giving responsibly and appropriately. You can use the donation form (pick up a new one at the front desk, if needed), or you can donate online at www.sanislo.org. You can even kindly solicit donations through your Facebook page: just “share” off the Annual Fund page at Sanislo’s website at www.sanislo.org. The success of our school depends on all of us pitching in what we can. Please take some time to carefully consider what you may be able to give — any and every amount puts us closer to our goal of helping our kids. Don’t forget to check in with your employer to see if you qualify for matching funds. If you’ve already sent in your donation, THANK YOU! Our total is growing past $5,000, with a goal of $35,000.

Who doesn’t get a little stressed when looking at budget cuts? And what better way to soothe your pain than tubs of cookie dough? OK, only kidding (sort of). . . Sherry Bay-Santiago has again taken on the Cookie Dough Fundraiser this year. The sale begins Wednesday, April 7th and runs through the 21st. Our goal is for every student to sell at least 2 boxes and double our profit of $2,200 that we made last year. We can do it! More information will come home soon. Contact Sherry at pmssbs@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Our 4th grade booksale last Saturday went very smoothly and brought in $1,271.30! On top of that, the bake sale brought in $138, which makes the grand total $1,409.30. Great job and a big thank you for everybody who helped! Thanks to Lisa Brody for coordinating this event — she did a great job of pre-sorting and setting the stage for an easy volunteer experience — and to Sandy Anderson for the bakesale. Special thanks to Gillian Allen-White for graciously sharing her professional skills to manage any difficult clients. Also thanks to all the volunteers who donated their countless hours. The remaining childrens’ books will be donated to Children’s Hospital and the local YMCA’s literacy programs.

Don’t miss our big book sale on March 13th! Bring your friends and neighbors and pick up some great reads for the whole family, and stop by our bookstore “cafe” for coffee and delicious treats. All proceeds benefit the annual 4th grade camping trip. If you have any questions about the sale, contact Lisa Brody at lisabrody@yahoo.com .

The official annual fund brochures were mailed out the first week of Feb. This is our main fundraiser for the year, and it’s all in your hands now. Don’t delay — you can use the donation form and return the envelope or donate online at www.sanislo.org. Our total so far is about $5000, with a goal of $35,000.

The 4th Grade is sponsoring a book sale to raise money for their environmental field trip this spring. Grab your friends and neighbors and swing by the sale March 13th to pick up some great reads for the whole family. If you have any used books or DVDs (in good condition) to donate, place them in the box in the front office area. Contact Lisa Brody for more information: lisabrody@yahoo.com.

January’s winner is Ms. Parkhurst’s class with 67. So far, Sanislo students have raised over $1,900 with the Box Tops program. 351 Box Tops were raised in January alone. Congratulations and keep on clipping!

The Spanish PTA’s Friday popcorn and bake sale has been a smashing success. They’ve raised about $80 for the PTA EACH WEEK! Donations of baked goods are always welcome. Bring your treats (marked “bake sale”) to the teachers lounge each Friday. If you’d like to help pop all that popcorn, join us in the lounge between 2:30-3:30. Thanks for helping make this such a successful fundraiser!