PTSA Events
Spooky Spaghetti Family Night
Spooky Spaghetti Family Night
Chair:
(none)
When:
September - October
Spooky Spaghetti is an annual dinner event hosted by the dads of Cougar Ridge Elementary. Spaghetti dinner is served in the MPR/Gym and the hallways of the school are filled with multiple game tables (trivia, card tricks, etc.) to entertain the kids and hand out candy. The volunteer dads are all dressed in white shirts, black pants, and jackets to make things classy. Spooky Spaghetti is a special time for the kids and our school community. The Cougar Ridge dads take great pride in the planning/execution of the event with the terrific support of the PTSA. Bring the family, dress in your costumes, and enjoy dinner and a ghoulish good time!
Meet the Teacher/Back to School Event
Meet the Teacher/Back to School Event
Chair:
When:
September
Cougar Ridge welcomes new and returning families immediately following "Meet the Teacher" with a social event at school. Families enjoy visiting with other Cougar Ridge families with ice cream, beverages, games and other fun activities. Volunteers are needed to sell tickets, set-up, distribute food, and clean-up.
Carnival - End of Year Celebration
Carnival - End of Year Celebration
Chair:
(none)
When:
March - June
End of the year celebration/Carnival. An outreach event meant to bring families together the end of the year to celebrate and have a good time! Carnival games, splash zone, gaga pit, food and beverages.
Family Bingo Night
Family Bingo Night
Chair:
When:
November
Join us every December for a fun night of Family Bingo at Cougar Ridge! Historically this is held the night before the start of Teacher Conferences in December. A great night for the entire family! The chair of this committee plans this great event for our kids and families.
Kindergarten Playground Night
Kindergarten Playground Night
Chair:
When:
June - August
The PTSA and the Connections Committee extend a warm welcome to all the new families who join the Cougar Ridge community as well as those who have been at the school and wish to find out more about the PTSA.
This committee provides valuable information about our school and greater community through various get togethers throughout the year. They are also responsible for organizing the Kindergarten Play Date before school starts.
Heritage Festival Family Night
Heritage Festival Family Night
Chair:
(none)
When:
April - May
The Heritage Festival (formerly Festival of Cultures).
Celebrate our wonderful multicultural school community by coming together to explore facts of countries around the world, taste food and enjoy performances from across the globe!
Lunar New Year Family Night
Lunar New Year Family Night
Chair:
When:
January - February
Committee will plan and execute the Lunar New Year Family Night. Time commitment is 5-15 hours.
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Volunteering
Library Volunteer Coodinator
Library Volunteer Coodinator
Chair:
Cougar Ridge Elementary has a terrific library program. Volunteers are always needed to help process books and help with other projects. You can coordinate to be there during your child's class.
General Volunteer Interest
General Volunteer Interest
Chair:
(none)
Volunteer Interest Areas
Volunteer Interest Areas
Chair:
(none)
When:
All School Year
Add your name to specific events and programs you are interested in supporting through volunteering.
The programs and events provided to the school by the Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA cannot happen without volunteers from our school community. If you would like to be included in receiving more information about any of our below programs or events, please check the what you are interested in. You are not committing to help, just to receive more information. If you cannot always be present at school, there are still opportunities to help from home, so don't hold back on checking what interests you.
Vision/Hearing Screening
Vision/Hearing Screening
Chair:
(none)
When:
Spring (TBD)
The chairperson is responsible for creating a volunteer sign up genius and coordinating with the Nurse and Office for our annual Vision and Hearing Day.
Inventory Management
Inventory Management
Chair:
(none)
When:
All school year
This committee will organize and create the inventory of items that the PTSA owns and that are stored in the school attic. Also, make sure all games and decorations are returned after each PTSA event.
Flyer Distribution
Flyer Distribution
Chair:
(none)
When:
All school year
From time to time, we might have an event or program that is best communicated with a flyer going home aka "kid mail". Task would involve making copies and distributing to each classroom's mailbox in the office.
Lost & Found
Lost & Found
Chair:
(none)
When:
All school year
Support Lost and Found collection by looking through items for student names and returning to students, display items for student community, help with messaging to reduce lost and found items. Flexible scheduling, stop by the school about one time per week and help with monthly pick up events.
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PTSA Enrichment Programs
STEAM Club
STEAM Club
Chair:
(none)
Art Docent: Bobcats Create
Art Docent: Bobcats Create
Chair:
When:
All school year
An Art Docent is a parent volunteer who leads hands-on art lessons designed to encourage creative thinking while introducing art history and famous artists. The focus of this program is on visual art, drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Each lesson should result in a finished project, a piece of art. It is our goal to reinforce the key art concepts such as color, texture, line, composition etc.
The Cougar Ridge Art Docent Program is funded and supported by the PTSA. Each class has art docent volunteers who plan and conduct monthly art lessons.
Scholastic Book Fair
Scholastic Book Fair
Chair:
When:
November
 The Book Fair is an annual event, occurring in November. Cougar Ridge works in partnership with Scholastic Book Club. Please contact a Book Fair Chairperson for additional information. Profits (books & funds) from the PTSA sponsored Book Fair help enrich Cougar Ridge learning each year. The chairperson acts as liaison between the PTSA and the book company, schedules volunteers, arranges deposits with PTSA Treasurer, orders supplies and arranges publicity for the fair. Approximately 20-30 volunteers are needed to help with publicity, set up displays, cashier, and take down displays.
Chess Club
Chess Club
Chair:
When:
All Year
Please contact a Chess Club leader for details or any questions on how to get involved.
Gift-a-Book
Gift-a-Book
Chair:
When:
February
The Gift-a-Book program helps update the book collection at the Cougar Ridge Library and allows our Librarian, Mr. Morse to purchase a book on your child's behalf. It is a great way to honor your child. The book purchased with your donation will be shown to your child during his/her library time. Your child will have a chance to pick the book and his/her name will be placed inside. Additionally, your student gets to be the first to check out that book.
Reflections
Reflections
Chair:
(none)
When:
October - December
The Washington State PTA, in partnership with the National PTA, sponsors an arts education contest known as the Reflections Program, with a different theme each year. Students use their creativity to express themselves through original works of art. Volunteers are needed to work with the local chairperson to promote Reflections at Cougar Ridge, distribute information and entries to students, identify local judges, display entries and organize a Reflections recognition reception at Cougar Ridge for participants. Time commitment varies. The committee chairperson is also responsible for organizing an Art Fair to highlight these great entries!
Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA is proud to support our students' participation in Reflections each year.
STEM Family Night/Science Fair
STEM Family Night/Science Fair
Chair:
(none)
When:
February - March
The Cougar Ridge PTSA Science Fair is held each year in the spring, and all students are invited to participate by entering a science project. STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math and we encourage our children to think in these terms. Students create displays about a STEM subject they are interested in and display it during this well-attended event.
Spelling Bee
Spelling Bee
Chair:
(none)
When:
January - February
Cougar Ridge PTSA sponsors an annual spelling bee.
Robotics Club
Art Fair Family Night
Art Fair Family Night
Chair:
(none)
When:
February - March
Committee will plan and execute the Art Fair Family Night, including recruiting additional volunteers (if not covered by committee members) to offer art stations.
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Operations
Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee
Chair:
(none)
When:
December - Match
As a valued member of the Cougar Ridge Elementary School community, we are hoping that you might know someone (or even yourself) who would make a great board member. If so, please take a moment to provide your nominations, including contact information, to our nominating committee.
Timeline January 2023: Nominating Committee elected at Cougar Ridge PTSA General Membership Meeting. March 2023: Nominations due to Nominations Committee. March (to be defined), 2023: Proposed 2023-2024 slate posted on Cougar Ridge PTSA website. May-June (to be defined), 2023: Elections held during PTSA General Meeting (details to come).
Bobcat Blast Coordinator
Bobcat Blast Coordinator
Chair:
When:
All School Year
The chairperson is responsible for drafting and sending the weekly "Bobcat Blast" emails listing upcoming PTSA and school events, volunteer opportunities, and parent education opportunities. The chairperson will gather information from the PTSA school and district calendars and will also include information as requested by other PTSA board members. Coordination with the PTSA Webmaster may be needed to ensure links to the web page are listed properly in the Blast.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Chair:
The database administrator (DBA) maintains an information database of families and students at Cougar Ridge. The DBA also creates lists and labels as needed for various PTSA committees.
Emergency Supplies
Emergency Supplies
Chair:
(none)
The Emergency Preparedness Committee Chairperson has the responsibility of working with Cougar Ridge principal and staff representative to inventory and update all emergency supplies and procedures. Included in the procedures is the updating of the Emergency Phone Tree and the Weather Phone Tree. These are used to notify participating families of weather/disaster related school closures and/or scheduling changes. Chairperson coordinates with the Issaquah School District Emergency Preparedness Committee that meets during the school year. Volunteers are needed to check and replenish supplies. 3-4 volunteers are needed for each classroom for Emergency and Weather Phone Tree calling.
Financial Review
Financial Review
Chair:
(none)
When:
January and July
The PTSA's fiscal year is from July 1 through June 30. The audit of the current year's financial records takes place in July.
Description: The PTSA financial records are audited once or twice per year by this independent committee in accordance with Washington State PTA Guidelines. Three to five volunteers are needed once during the winter (if mid-year audit is performed) and in mid-July for 3 hours. A financial background is helpful.
Language Liaison
Language Liaison
Chair:
(none)
This person is an important one for the PTSA - they are a liaison between our PTSA and our diverse cultural community. This person helps the Exec Board with advice and guidance as well as helping to secure language translations for PTSA communications as needed.
Room Parent Coordinator
Room Parent Coordinator
Chair:
When:
Room parent trainings are held in the fall.
The Room Parent Coordinator works closely with Classroom Parents. They provide training on Cougar Ridge and Issaquah School District policies and procedures for classroom parties, field trips, using the staff work room, and specialist support. They're also an important liaison between the PTSA and the classroom parents.
Student Directory
Student Directory
Chair:
Student directories are distributed to all PTSA members in the fall. Additional copies of the student directory are typically available. If you would like a copy, please complete a PTSA membership application and return it to the Cougar Ridge office. Current PTSA members can purchase an additional copy of the student directory for five dollars.
Description: Each year a student directory is printed and distributed to all PTSA members (one per family). Committee members assist with editing, proofreading, printing and distribution.
Yearbook Sales
Yearbook Sales
Chair:
(none)
When:
February-April
The Yearbook Sales chairperson is responsible for tracking yearbook sales. The majority of sales are obtained through the online registration process however, there is time spent following up with students who didn't order. The Yearbook sales chairperson also communicates sales information to Yearbook chairperson. Additional time is spent in the last two weeks of school sorting and distributing the yearbooks. Chairperson also sells any extra yearbooks ordered. 2-3 volunteers are needed to help with distribution and year-end sales.
Webmaster
Webmaster
Chair:
When:
Year-long
The Webmaster maintains the Cougar Ridge PTSA website to contain current information. The web pages contain the published information of the PTSA, including newsletters, budget, meeting minutes and information about PTSA sponsored events.
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School Events
5th Grade Camp
5th Grade Camp
Chair:
(none)
When:
April-May
Green Team
Green Team
Chair:
When:
All School Year
Is your 3rd-5th grade child interested in the environment and recycling? Have them join the Green Team! The meetings will be once a month. At the first meeting, students will receive a permission slip and the dates of all the meetings.
The club will do school wide projects and posters, and we will learn about recycling and the environment.
Student Council
Student Council
Chair:
(none)
When:
Full School Year
All students in fourth and fifth grade are eligible to serve on the Cougar Ridge Student Council. Members participate in monthly meetings before school to hear interesting guest speakers and develop leadership skills. The Student Council organizes school spirit days and Humanitarian activities such as food and clothing drives for Cougar Ridge and the community. Parent volunteers are needed to provide help and guidance for various Student Council activities.
Assemblies
Assemblies
Chair:
(none)
When:
All school year
Work with our School Counselor to plan schoolwide assemblies.
5th Grade Promotion
5th Grade Promotion
Chair:
When:
May - June
5th Grade is a special time of transition, at the end of the year a ceremony and party is held to celebrate the Cougar Ridge students completion of elementary school.
5th Grade Picnic
5th Grade Picnic
Chair:
(none)
When:
June 2023
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Community Relations
Holiday Gift Barn (Caring Through Sharing)
Holiday Gift Barn (Caring Through Sharing)
Chair:
When:
October - November
This Holiday Giving program provides food, clothing, and gifts at the holidays to needy families in our district while demonstrating to Cougar Ridge students the importance of charitable support for their greater community. The committee chairperson organizes and distributes item lists and requests for gifts/giftcards, clothing, and household items to Cougar Ridge families. Volunteers are needed to assist with the planning and creation of the Holiday Gift Barn display, collecting, organizing, and delivering donations to appropriate locations.
Membership
Membership
Chair:
When:
All Year
Membership in the Cougar Ridge PTSA is available to all parents and community members that support the objective of advocacy for the welfare of children and youth in home, school and community. The Cougar Ridge Student Directory is provided with each membership (one per family). The membership chairperson is responsible for recording all PTSA membership fees and distributing membership cards and student directories accordingly. The membership chairperson keeps an updated and accurate membership list for the PTSA and the Washington PTA organization.
Membership is available online. It's an annual subscription and runs from July- June, but you can join anytime during the year. We encourage every family to join. Cougar Ridge has proudly met our goal of 100% membership, annually, for over a decade.
Awards and Recognition
Awards and Recognition
Chair:
When:
Year-long
The Awards committee is also responsible for the Golden Acorn and Outstanding Advocate awards. The awards committee coordinates and oversees nomination, selection, and presentation of the Golden Acorn and Outstanding Advocate Awards of the Washington State PTA. Presentation of these awards occurs at school and Issaquah PTSA Council ceremonies.
Social Media
Social Media
Chair:
When:
All Year
Our PTSA can be found on Facebook @CougarRidgePTSA and Instagram @CougarRidgePTSA . Stay up to date on all the fun and exciting programs you don't want to miss.
Angel Student Assistance Program
Angel Student Assistance Program
Chair:
When:
All school year
The Angel Program at Cougar Ridge Elementary was created to provide a helping hand to students who need extra support with basic necessities. The program is a confidential, behind-the-scenes PTSA program made possible by donations from the Cougar Ridge community; both the donors (known as "Angel'') and the student in need remain anonymous. Every donation - no matter the size - makes a huge difference! |
Advocacy
VOICE Mentor
VOICE Mentor
Chair:
(none)
When:
All School Year
VOICE Mentor Program (January is National Mentoring Month)
Volunteer just one hour a week supporting a student! ONE Mentor ONE Student ONE Hour The VOICE Mentor Program is looking for community volunteers to work one on one with Issaquah students. These students are referred by teachers and counselors as needing extra support whether it is academic, social or emotional. The Volunteers work in the school setting in partnership with the school staff. For further information contact VOICE Mentor Directors: Susan Gierke: Gierkes@issaquah.wednet.edu Teresa Bretl: Bretlt@issaquah.wednet.edu E-mail: VOICE@isfdn.org Phone: 425-837-6801 VOICE is funded by the Issaquah Schools Foundation, in Cooperation with the Issaquah School District.
Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) Liaison
Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) Liaison
Chair:
(none)
When:
All year-- especially Fall and Spring
The Issaquah Schools Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that was formed in 1987 by a group of interested parents, teachers, business leaders and administrators to raise funds for Issaquah School District educational goals that would not otherwise be funded by regular school funding. The funds are generated yearly through varying fund raisers: All in for Kids/ Click for Kids in the fall and the Nourish Every Mind Spring Luncheon. Funds are distributed through specific grant requests that are consistent with the districts goals in education and technology. The Cougar Ridge ISF Liaison is responsible for promoting ISF events and securing volunteers as needed.
Legislation
Legislation
Chair:
When:
Year-long
The Cougar Ridge PTSA Legislation chairperson keeps our membership informed on legislative action and news by maintaining a legislative presence to advocate laws that are in the best interest of our children. The Washington State PTA is a grassroots organization that focuses its legislative efforts on issues chosen by PTA members through Legislation representatives who meet locally, regionally and at a state assembly each year.
Periodically, as certain legislation approaches a vote, the PTA/PTSA will encourage communication to legislators by phone, letter or e-mail by its members. As advocates for our children, parents are encouraged to communicate their opinion to their legislators on issues that impact education in Washington State.
Volunteers for Issaquah Schools
Volunteers for Issaquah Schools
Chair:
(none)
Provide support for this nonprofit.
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Fundraising
PTSA General Donation Fund - Giving Program
PTSA General Donation Fund - Giving Program
Chair:
(none)
When:
All School Year
PTSA General Fund Donation.
Money donated to our PTSA funds opportunities in our school for enrichment, staff support, outreach, community events, advocacy, and covers administrative costs. During the school year we host a variety of fundraisers to support these initiatives. Please consider giving our PTSA a jump start with a donation to our general fund. In an average school year each student receives about $150 in services from the PTSA.
Auction
Auction
Chair:
(none)
Cougar Ridge holds an auction biennially. This is an adult only event that is held off campus. Funds from this event go a long way to support our PTSA.
Silent Fundraising
Silent Fundraising
Chair:
(none)
When:
All School Year
There are many easy ways that you can support the Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA. Below is a list of some of our "Silent" fundraisers and how you can easily participate. Please sign-up to help raise money for the Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA.
Fun Run
Fun Run
Chair:
(none)
Every two years, Cougar Ridge PTSA holds a Fun Run to raise funds. This fundraiser, along with the Auction on the off year, provides the bulk of the PTSA's income and enables PTSA to fund its many programs.
Our next Fun Run Fundraiser is on March 14 - April 4, 2024. The Fun Run will take place on April 4, 2024.
Corporate Matching
Corporate Matching
Chair:
(none)
When:
All Year
Company Donation Match Programs.
Below is a list of local and national employers who support donation matches. If you don't see your employer's name, please check with your HR department. If your company has a match program that is not listed, please contact our Treasurer at treasurer@cougarridgeptsa.org Click here |
School Spirit & Fun
Spiritwear
Spiritwear
Chair:
When:
September and November
Cougar Ridge Spiritwear is sold in the fall. Please contact the program chair if you have any questions or comments regarding our school's Spiritwear.
Yearbook
Yearbook
Chair:
(none)
When:
September - June
This committee produces an annual Cougar Ridge yearbook available for purchase by students and staff, and delivered in June. The yearbook features every class, specialist, and school group. It highlights other activities that occur during the school year. The committee chairperson is the liaison between PTSA and the yearbook publishing company, works with and trains layout volunteers and photographers, ensures photos are taken at all school events, and ensures completion of each yearbook page. Volunteers are needed to photograph various school-wide and grade-level activities throughout the year. Volunteers also are needed for page layout in February to early April.
Each class is requested to secure a Class Photographer. This volunteer is responsible to take pictures of his/her assigned class events and candid pictures from the beginning of school through March. Class photographers do not need to attend committee meetings/workshops.
Spirit Week
Spirit Week
Chair:
(none)
Dress up in the theme of that day and cheer on our amazing Cougar Ridge students as they enter the building during Spirit Week.
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Parent Support
Parent Education in ISD
Parent Education in ISD
Chair:
(none)
When:
All School Year
ParentWiser is a parenting lecture series comprised of local and nationally-known experts who are invited to share the latest information in effective parenting with parents of the Issaquah School District. ParentWiser offers speakers, discussions, and documentary films throughout the school year to engage parents in timely educational topics for raising healthy, confident K-12 students.
Check out http://parentwiser.org for a current listing of parent education events, registrations, and resources across the Issaquah School District. ParentWiser is funded in a partnership between Issaquah PTSA Council 2.6, Issaquah Schools Foundation, and Swedish Medical Center of Issaquah.
Tissues & Tears
Tissues & Tears
Chair:
When:
September
Join kindergarten and other parents after the morning drop off on the first day of school to have a little cry and a little celebration!
Purposeful People
Purposeful People
Chair:
(none)
When:
All Year
The PTSA has funded a new curriculum called PurposeFull People! PurposeFull People is CharacterStrong’s Pre-K-5 Toolkit. It is intentionally designed to support work that schools are already doing around Character Education and Social-Emotional Learning. Designed by veteran teachers, school counselors, play therapists, and many other incredible voices, PurposeFull People is packed with tons of practical and easy-to-use tools that focus on developing character and social-emotional skills in students, staff, and families.
Each month we will provide resources on a new topic. |
Staff Appreciation
Fall Staff Luncheon (Meet the Teacher)
Fall Staff Luncheon (Meet the Teacher)
Chair:
When:
August-September
Description: This committee organizes and hosts a luncheon for the staff prior to the opening of school. Volunteers are needed to organize, prepare food, set-up, serve, and clean-up.
Monthly Staff Luncheons & Hospitality
Monthly Staff Luncheons & Hospitality
Chair:
(none)
When:
All school year
The PTSA sponsors monthly staff luncheons as well as provides treats to monthly staff meetings. The volunteer parent chair(s) is responsible for securing and providing refreshments food and drinks for these events.
Staff Appreciation Week
Staff Appreciation Week
Chair:
(none)
When:
April - May
This special and fun filled week is devoted to honoring our multi-talented staff at Cougar Ridge. A committee of volunteers is needed to generate ideas for the week that involve students and parents, as well as implementing the activities. Time commitment can vary and areas of need include decorations, luncheon planning, gift making, and supply shopping. This is a terrific opportunity to thank our amazing school staff!
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Student Support
Back-to-School Planning and Staffing
Back-to-School Planning and Staffing
Chair:
(none)
When:
Summer 2024
This committee will work with VP to support Fall Staff Luncheon, Kindergarten Playground Night, Meet the Teacher, School Supply Distribution, and back to school bus helpers. (5-40 hours).
School Supply Kits
School Supply Kits
Chair:
(none)
When:
June - August
The PTSA works with an outside vendor to have complete school supply kits made for each grade. Sale usually runs during the summer.
Kinder Summer Playdates
Kinder Summer Playdates
Chair:
(none)
When:
June/July/August
Join other incoming 2022-2023 Cougar Ridge kindergarten students and their families this summer at Lewis Park.
Date and time will be TBD.
Bus Greeters
Bus Greeters
Chair:
When:
September - first two weeks of school
This program helps get the wheels rolling during the first 2 weeks of school. Bus greeters will meet kids as they exit the bus at school. They will help kids learn their bus numbers, by writing the bus number on their hand as they exit the bus and direct them to their classes. After school, they will hold signs with bus numbers and assist children to get to the correct bus. Approx. time investment 20 mins in the AM and 20 mins in PM.
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Staff Support
Curriculum Grants
Curriculum Grants
Chair:
The mission of the Cougar Ridge Elementary School PTSA is to provide opportunities to support our children’s education. To that end, the PTSA provides curriculum grants to Cougar Ridge teachers and staff to enhance educational opportunities for students.
Teacher Stipends
Teacher Stipends
Chair:
(none)
When:
All Year
At the start of every year, we provide all our teachers and staff with a stipend to spend on additional supplies they might need for the school year.
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