The PTA Reflections Program Shines a Light on Local Student Artist

BY ANGIE WARREN Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Co-Chair reflections@issaquahptsa.org

of the theme. The judges also look at how skilled each artist is with their chosen medium in an age and gradeappropriate way and how creatively their concept is presented.

In January, the Issaquah PTSA Council hosts a reception for the community to celebrate all the artists who advanced to the District Program and recognize those who will go on to the Washington State PTA Reflections Program. It’s a lively evening for all to walk through the gallery of art created by our students. There are music compositions to listen to, dances on film to watch, prose and poems to read, and more than 100 works of art on display.

Each year, the superintendent selects pieces to add to the Issaquah School District art collection displayed in the halls of the Central Administration Building. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and tour the hallway near the conference rooms to see many of the Reflections honorees from past years.

Just like Issaquah School District student-athletes have games, matches, and meets, our student-artists have the National PTA Reflections Program.

The National PTA has a history of commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition of student artists. Access to the arts for all students boosts confidence and supports future success in the arts and life. Each year, more than 30,000 students in grades Pre-K through 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. For over 50 years, this program has been helping students explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for the arts.

Each autumn, the Issaquah PTSA Council hosts this national program locally. The Council supports the 27 schools within our district to host their own Reflections Program within each school. The schools submit to the District Council a subset of artwork in the categories of Film Production, Music Composition, Visual Arts, Dance Choreography, Literature, and Photography.

The theme for Reflections this year is “I am Hopeful Because…” Students reflect on what the theme means to them and include an artist’s statement with each work of art submitted. These reflections on the theme are very important in demonstrating that the student has created an original expression of their ideas. It isn’t just the name; it is a focus of the judging process. The largest percentage of the score is attributed to the student’s interpretation

Celebrating the arts and our student artists is a wonderful way to build community and support arts education in our schools. Studies show cultivating creativity from art expression is key to success in school and in life. Encouraging our students to continue to explore the arts will enhance our community in many valuable ways. I Am Hopeful Because … the Issaquah School District is full of student artists willing to share their love of art with the community through the Reflections Program.

For more information about the Reflections Program at your school, please contact your PTA President.

Talking with your teen about substance use

Kids want to hear from you

When teens know that their parents don't want them to drink or use other substances, they are 50% less likely to use. Here are some ways to start the conversation.

• Observed worrisome behavior?

Say: “I’ve noticed that . . . ”

• Something happening in the news or on social media?

Say: “Have you heard about . . .”

• Picking them up from school or a sports practice?

Ask: “Have your friends ever talked about . . . ”

• Is your child heading for a party, event, or just hanging out?

Say: “Before you go, let's make a plan in case there are substances . . .”

• And the all-purpose, “Did you know. . .”

63% of teens know how their parents feel about teen alcohol use.

Be clear about what you expect

End the conversation with expressions of expectation and caring.

“I don’t want you to use or abuse alcohol or other drugs because . . .”

• I love you

• I want you to stay alive

• I want you to be healthy

• I don't want you to become dependent

• I want you to be happy, just the way you are

Last year, our community gained a new nonprofit, The CIRCLE!

The CIRCLE offers Community Navigation services to ensure individuals and families have access to basic services like food, rent, utilities, internet, phone, clothing, and home assistance. We also help them get childcare, medical and legal services, and many other resources. Every week, we welcome new families to our community and answer all their questions. We offer cultural events and educational activities such as English classes for adults.

Contact us via text or call: 425 295 4024. To see our calendar of events and activities, visit: https://www.thecircle-wa.org/

Are you new to the area?

Do you need help?

Do you have questions about…

• Food Assistance

• Rent Assistance

• Utility Assistance

• Internet and Phone Assistance

• Clothing and Home Item Assistance

• Childcare

• Medical Services

• Legal Services

• Domestic Violence

• Mental Health Services

• Starting a Business

• Bus and Transportation

• English Classes

• Cultural Events

• Help During the Holidays

• Recreational Classes for Children and Teens

Volunteer Opportunities

Many other!

Open Monday - Friday, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. 235 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027 issaqua h tee n cafe.or g

The Garage is a safe space for teens to hang out with friends, get a coffee and a snack, play a game, play music, watch TV, and much more.

All food, events, & activities are free!

Teens plan all Garage events & activities with guidance from staff. From Open Mic Nights to Movie Marathons, you choose!

In addition to student-led events and activities, they also have free Counseling and Case Management Services.

Ways to Support Teens at the Garage! Donate on our websitewww.issaquahteencafe.org

Bring a snack or treat - 235 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027

Donate art, school, or sport supplies235 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027

Thank you for investing in our teens!

ParentWiser brings the latest research and educational information into the homes of our student families to support parents in raising thriving individuals. We are made possible by a partnership with the Issaquah School District PTSA and Issaquah Schools Foundation.

10/3 at 6pm Virtual Phyllis L Fagell, LCPC Middle School Matters

11/6 at 7pm Virtual Lisa L Lewis, MS The Importance of Sleep

2/7 at 7pm In-Person Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick, M.A. The Parent Compass: Practical Steps to Navigate the Adolescent Years

1/16 at 7pm In-Person Jenni Pertuset Relieving Frustration

3/7 at 6pm Virtual Terri Bacow, Ph.D Goodbye, Anxiety

Sponsors

Visit our website and subscribe to receive registration notifications and ongoing resources. www.parentwiser.org parentwiser@issaquahptsa.org

The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank is committed to providing quality food, hygiene items, emergency supplies, and resource referrals. The organization has a special emphasis on healthy foods. It works hard to get fresh, local produce into the homes of clients. Their goal is to make resources easy to access!

Services:

• Food Bank: Shop once every other week to select from an array of fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other food staples, as well as hygiene items and diapers.

• Clothing Services: Clothing bundles, maternity items, & more for kids between the ages of newborn-age 12. This service is provided through a partnership with KidVantage. Annual winter coat event for residents of 98027, 98029, 98074, 98075, 98038, 98024, 98025, 98014, 98045, 98050, 98055-59, and 98065 Zip codes. Seasonal clothing and emergency supplies for those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Case Management: They are here to help you access additional services and resources based on individual needs.

• Resource Referrals: Help accessing resources such as government benefits, utility and rent assistance, counseling providers, shelter systems, and affordable housing providers. There is potential access to limited emergency financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Serving Zip codes in our clothing services area.

• Unhoused Resident Support: Access to all resource referrals as well as mail service, Metro bus tickets, phone service support, help with ID replacements, and access to outdoor gear like backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, warm clothing, etc., as available.

Today, the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank provides support to hundreds of families each week. They now provide resource referral services, youth feeding programs, Groceries to Go food delivery program, holiday gift programs, school supplies, toiletries, and more to local families needing a helping hand.

Get Started:

To get started and be able to access Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank resources and services, register online at https:// bit.ly/ifcb-sign-up, or sign up in person by visiting the food bank.

Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank market is open Monday through Thursday from 1:00-7:00 p.m. every other week, and people can shop one time each week they are open.

Visit https://issaquahfoodbank.org for the schedule.

Address: 179 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027

Phone: 425-392-4123

Resources

Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank also provides special programs in addition to their regular services. All of these special programs require a separate registration.

Food Delivery

Grocery delivery every other week for those who are unable to shop in our food bank due to transportation, health, aging, or other challenges. Delivery is available for qualifying clients in Zip codes: 98027, 98029, 98059, 98074, 98075.

Youth Programs

Shop at the food bank for kid-friendly breakfast, lunch, and snack items, including fresh, healthy options, during the week-long breaks from school. Primarily serving school-age children in the Issaquah School district.

Shop at the food bank for kid-friendly breakfast, lunch, and snack items, including fresh, healthy options, every other Thursday during summer break. Primarily serving school-age children in the Issaquah School District.

On Fridays during the school year, students receive a weekend pack of kidfriendly breakfast, lunch, and snack foods that will fit in their backpacks. Available at all schools in the Issaquah School District. Register through your school.

Students receive a new backpack and school supply packs based on their grade in August to be prepared for the next school year. Serving K-12 students living in the Issaquah School District. Register online and pick up at your local school. This is a joint program with the Issaquah Schools Foundation.

For winter holidays, parents or guardians can receive gift cards to choose the perfect holiday gifts for their children. Available to families with children 18 and younger in the following ZIP codes: 98027, 98029, 98074, 98075, 98038, 98024, 98025, 98014, 98045, 98050, 98055-59, 98065.

Getting to know Ukraine Culture

BY TETIANA NOVOKHATSKA Apollo Elementary Parent

My name is Tetiana Novokhatska. With my husband Eugene and four kids, we moved to the United States in 2015. This choice was not easy, even for a family of two accomplished executives in the IT sector, as we left behind a life rich in cultural heritage, close-knit family ties, and a vibrant community. We arrived on American soil driven by a profound concern for the safety and wellbeing of our four children, now aged 19, 16, 11, and 9. We sought refuge in the Pacific Northwest, specifically the Greater Seattle area. This region's blend of outdoor enthusiasm and multicultural acceptance resonated with our family values, making it an ideal choice for a new home. There was never a day since the move that we doubted our choice! Our family brought with us a deep love for our homeland and a determination to maintain our Ukrainian identity amidst the challenges of a new country.

Ukraine, often considered a hidden gem at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, boasts a rich and diverse history. Since prehistoric times, Ukraine has played an important role in the development of Eurasian cultural events, such as Indo-European migrations and the domestication of the horse. Ukraine's vibrant culture resonates with an exotic blend of melismatic tones and harmonious melodies. Famed for its fertile soil, the nation has long been Europe's "bread basket," nurturing diligent workers who revere nature's beauty.

Folk craft is deeply woven into Ukrainian society, reflecting both economic growth and spiritual expression. This creative heritage thrives thanks to Ukraine's geographical blessings and natural resources, fostering a diverse array of crafts.

The charm of Ukrainian homes, vividly adorned with artful decorations, graces the works of writers and poets. Interior spaces become living canvases featuring ovens adorned with lush bouquets and walls that mimic woven carpets. Weaving, a cherished tradition, transforms flax, hemp, and wool into intricate linens, towels, shawls, and more adorned with geometric motifs. Embroidery, a cherished women's craft, tells stories through local floral and geometric patterns. Ukrainian cuisine is a tapestry of symbolic dishes, rich in history and flavor. Time-honored recipes, like borsch with pampushkas and varenyky, are a testament to enduring traditions. Ukrainian borscht cooking's significance is underscored by its inscription on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Ukrainian language, celebrated for its melodic cadence, gained international recognition in 1934 as the second most melodic after Italian. Ukrainian singing, music, and dancing are an integral part of daily life, exemplified by the famed "Carol of the Bells," rooted in the Ukrainian song "Shchedryk."

Our longing for the cherished melodies of our homeland led our family to co-found the folk band HraiMore. Run entirely by volunteers, HraiMore serves as a source of emotional support for its members and their families and as a beacon of hope for the Ukrainian communities residing in the state of Washington. We strive to kindle a sense of resilience and unity within our community. Moreover, HraiMore symbolizes a heartfelt way of giving back to our local community. By sharing the enchanting beauty of Ukrainian culture, we aim to forge connections and foster understanding among diverse audiences. Through the universal language of music, we transcend borders and illuminate the richness of our heritage.