End of September Newsletter

Dear Newcastle Elementary Families,

Can you believe we’re already a month into the school year? There’s so much happening at Newcastle Elementary, so let’s get right to it!

Our spirit wear store is open through October 4! Shop sweaters, hats, sweatpants, and pajama pants in adult, junior, and toddler sizes. Choose from three designs: last year’s logo, this year’s new logo, or the school lion in a rocket.

Your purchase supports the Newcastle Elementary PTSA and gives you something fun to wear during Spirit Week. The pajama pants are perfect for Pajama Fridays!

Shop here: Newcastle Elementary Spirit Wear Store

Questions? Email Sangeeta at newcastleptsa.waysmeans@gmail.com.

The school’s Hearing & Vision Screening is coming up on October 7, and we need 12 more people to assist!

It’s a relaxed opportunity to help the school and meet other parents. No experience is needed—the screening coordinator will give volunteers a brief explanation of what to do.

Sign up to volunteer here.

The Newcastle Elementary PTSA is launching a free, optional Math Challenge for all K–5 students. No sign-up is needed, and students can participate as often as they like.

The first challenge will be posted on Newcastle’s Math Challenge page on Friday, October 9, at noon. A new challenge will appear every other Friday through April 30, for 15 challenges in all. Submit answers online by the Thursday before the next challenge posts. Students who solve 12 or more challenges correctly will earn a prize.

These aren’t homework—try solving them together as a family!

Questions? Email Mona Selej at Newcastlemathchallenge@gmail.com.

Cozy season is here, and what’s better than a warm, homemade meal? 4th and 5th grade families, it’s your turn to share your favorite crockpot dish with our school staff. Stew, chili, soup, meatballs—whatever you love to make! Side dishes and desserts are welcome, too.

Please drop off your dish at 9 a.m. on the table outside the front office. We have space for six crockpots, so sign up here!

Help support the Issaquah Food Bank! Drop donations in the bins by the front office, or purchas items from the WISHLIST. You can also bring donations to the Fall Festival on October 21.

Please see the flyer or wishlist for requested items.
Questions? Email newcastleptsa.outreach@gmail.com.

Our Fall Festival is just around the corner! Join us for an evening of trunk-or-treat, a costume contest, games, treats, and activities for the whole family. Come in costume, enjoy time with other Newcastle families, and bring your appetite—we’ll have spaghetti for everyone!

Events like this happen because families volunteer their time. Whether you can help for part of the evening or take on a larger role, we’d love to have you join us. Sign up to volunteer here.

1. Lion Art Docent

We need art docents for Mrs. Generaux’s 2nd grade class, Mrs. Howard’s 4th grade class, and Mrs. Beckford’s 4th grade class. If your child is in one of these classes, please consider volunteering once a month so students can enjoy their Lion Art lessons.

No art experience is needed. Lessons and materials are provided. You’ll arrive about 30 minutes before class to set out supplies and review the lesson. Without volunteers, these three classes may miss out on Lion Art this year.

To help, email hillary.argyle@gmail.com and newcastlepsta.lionart@gmail.com. Watch for an email from the art docent chair or your classroom representative with class dates and schedules.

2. Voice Mentor

Could you spend 30 minutes a week supporting a Newcastle student? The Issaquah School District’s VOICE Mentor Program is looking for volunteers at Newcastle and other district schools.

Mentors meet one-on-one with a student throughout the school year to play games, work on creative projects or academics, or simply talk. These connections help students build confidence and resilience. All mentors are trained and screened before being matched with a student.

If you can be a consistent, caring adult in a student’s life, please consider becoming a mentor. To learn more, email VOICE@issaquah.wednet.edu.

Membership Meeting Recap 

Thank you to everyone who joined our membership meeting! We learned about helpful programs and resources from the YMCA. You can read about what was discussed in the meeting minutes.

We hope to see you at our next membership meeting on December 3!

PTSA Membership - Join Now! 

Are you a PTSA member yet? Joining helps support programs and opportunities for Newcastle students. Members may also receive discounts on select events or items throughout the year.