Monthly Meeting Minutes
October 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 October Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our October meetings focused on launching our fall events, reviewing financial updates, and adopting our official Standing Rules for the 2026–2027 school year. President Jessica Tjhin Southworth opened the meeting with warm welcomes and a call for volunteers to fill open committee roles—including Spirit Wear, Movie Night, Golden Apple/Acorn, Race & Equity, and Legislative Chairs—while welcoming Sara as our new Membership/Growth Chair. The board also kicked off recruitment for a 3-person Nominating Committee to help recruit next year's executive team, with a recommendation to explore a co-presidency model to share the leadership workload.
Treasurer updates confirmed the renewal of annual PTA insurance and the cash-out of a Certificate of Deposit (CD), with funds recommended to transfer into high-yield savings. Tanya Fernandez was unanimously voted in as an additional check signer.
Principal Lisa Gonzalez delivered a presentation on the School Improvement Plan and school data, while teacher updates touched on new cafeteria sorting signage and upcoming club proposals.
Committee updates highlighted a strong jump in membership to 150 members (up 9.5% from this time last year!). Bulldog Boost is officially launching with new prize opportunities (including a GaGa Ball pit experience), and the School Directory is complete and ready for distribution. Additionally, After School Enrichment is evaluating Little Hands Sewing, Jump Rope Club, and conference week options, while Family Services wrapped up a successful Winter Coat Drive.
During the General Meeting, the membership officially voted to adopt the updated Standing Rules for the 2026–2027 school year by unanimous vote.
Upcoming events and key dates:
Bulldog Breakfast & Cold Weather Clothing Swap: Saturday, October 17
Bulldog Boost Fundraiser: October 16 – October 30
Popcorn Wednesday: October 28
Staff Conference Week Luncheon: Tuesday of Conference Week
Lost & Found Donation Day: November 13
Personal Hygiene Drive: January 11 – February 12
September 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 September Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our September board meeting kicked off the new school year with event calendar planning, budget approvals, and an exciting launch into fall activities. President Jessica Tjhin Southworth shared that a new Instagram account (@briarcrestbulldogs) is live and introduced a "Before School Starts" checklist for future board leadership. Updates were also shared on stage curtain replacement bids (utilizing $900 in performing arts funds), alongside an open call for volunteers to fill key chair roles, including Spirit Wear, Movie Night, Membership/Growth, Golden Apple/Acorn, Race & Equity, and Legislative.
Treasurer updates included voting in Sam Ngai as a new check signer and approving budget updates for the 2026–2027 school year.
Committee updates highlighted our current membership standing at 61 members (with a goal of reaching 200—be sure to renew!). Spirit Wear orders will run through September with distribution planned before Thanksgiving, while the board noted state licensing requirements for future ongoing merchandise sales. In addition, we welcomed Allison as Art Docent Co-Chair and Megan to After School Enrichment. Lost & Found announced a new bi-monthly donation cycle, and Art Reflections introduced this year's theme, "What My Culture Means to Me," featuring a new essay prompt contest.
Upcoming events and key dates:
Winter Coat Drive: September 14 – October 9
Glow in the Dark Dance: September 25
Spirit Wear Order Due Date: September 25
First Popcorn Wednesday: September 30
Bulldog Boost Fundraiser: October 16 – October 30
Bulldog Breakfast: October 17
June 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 June Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our June board meeting focused on approving next year's budget, finalizing board leadership positions, and refining the event calendar to better respect family and school schedules. President Jessica Tjhin Southworth opened the meeting by welcoming several new chairs to the team: Emmie Bauer (Popcorn Chair), John Hardwick (Fundraising Chair), and Elana Hansen (Yearbook Chair). Updates were also shared on replacing the stage curtain before next school year, with bids coming in around $800.
Treasurer updates confirmed that finances are reconciled through May 31. The board discussed and unanimously approved the proposed 2026–2027 budget, which features reorganized budget categories, an increase in Dual Language funding to sustainably cover student notebooks, and continued restricted support for PTA Council contributions to The Works. Additionally, Principal Lisa Gonzalez will explore whether ASB can contribute toward student yearbooks.
During executive elections, Samantha Ngai was unanimously elected as PTA Treasurer for the 2026–2027 school year.
Key updates and reminders:
2026–2027 Executive Board Confirmed: President Jessica Tjhin Southworth, Vice President Olga Tanczos, Secretary Tanya Fernandez, and Treasurer Samantha Ngai
New Committee Leads: Popcorn (Emmie Bauer), Fundraising (John Hardwick), Yearbook (Elana Hansen)
Approved 2026–2027 Budget: Passed unanimously by board vote
Stage Curtain Replacement: Bid coordination underway
Our June general meeting focused on reviewing the interim budget, celebrating year-end achievements, and confirming key schedule adjustments for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year. President Jessica Tjhin Southworth opened the meeting by walking through remaining open board positions for next year, including Fundraising, Race & Equity, After School Enrichment, Membership, and Spirit Wear.
Treasurer updates included a comprehensive walkthrough of the budget, a bridge plan for 5th Grade Camp, and the unanimous passage of the interim budget.
Principal Lisa Gonzalez shared updates on the sensory area project and requested PTA support for the last day of school staff celebration.
Committee updates celebrated a fantastic STEAM Carnival with an estimated 250–300 attendees and incredible support from Shorecrest High School student volunteers. Yearbook confirmed that books have arrived for distribution during the final week of school, and Elana Hansen was welcomed as the incoming Yearbook Chair. The board also proudly announced this year's awards:
Golden Apple Award: Amy Pitts
Golden Acorn Award: Ashley and Jamie
Calendar and schedule updates for 2026–2027:
Glow-in-the-Dark Dance: Moved to September 25, 2026
September Movie Night: Removed from calendar
January Movie Night: Replaced with a 5th grade fundraiser event
May 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 May Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our May board meeting focused on essential end-of-year preparations, board elections, and finalizing plans for our upcoming school and community events. President Jessica Tjhin Southworth opened the meeting with a recommendation to use remaining executive board funds (estimated at $500–$800) to replace the worn black stage curtain ahead of upcoming performances and 5th Grade Graduation. A continued call remains open for volunteers to fill key 2026–2027 board positions, including Fundraising, Race & Equity, Membership, After School Enrichment, and Spirit Wear.
Treasurer updates emphasized getting outstanding receipts submitted promptly to assist with next year's budget planning, with an invitation extended to members interested in joining the end-of-month budget meeting.
Principal Lisa Gonzales and Dean Sadrina Dorn shared updates on the proposed sensory path painting project, including cement paint estimates ($500) awaiting facility approval and custom Briarcrest design elements. The team also discussed how Jogathon funds directly support field trip transportation (including 5th Grade Camp) and early planning for a Last Day of School staff celebration.
Committee updates highlighted continued membership growth (now at 137 members, up 48.9% from last year) with a target of 200 members. After School Enrichment is seeking three leads for next year and exploring new options like Little Hands sewing. Staff Appreciation noted a free Pure Barre pop-up class offer for staff. Family Services reminded families about The Works donation drive for new socks and underwear running through May 22, and Art Docent highlighted the Lego collection bin in the lobby. Yearbook is in its final stages, with all student yearbooks fully PTA-funded for end-of-year distribution, while seeking a new committee chair for next year.
The Nominating Committee presented the official slate of executive officer candidates for the 2026–2027 school year:
President: Jessica Tjhin Southworth
Vice President: Olga Tanczos
Secretary: Tanya Fernandez
Treasurer: Samantha Ngai
Upcoming events and key dates:
Always Summer Dine-Out: May 13 & 14
The Works Donation Drive Ends: May 22
Staff Pure Barre Pop-Up Class (Potential): May 27
Popcorn Wednesday: May 27
STEAM Carnival, Book Fair & Patty Pan Grilling: June 6 (Volunteers needed!)
Next PTA General & Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 9
April 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 April Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our April board meeting focused on spring events, year‑end planning, and preparing for a strong start to the 2026–2027 school year. President Jessica Tjhin Southworth opened the meeting with updates on upcoming Shoreline PTA opportunities and a continued call for volunteers to fill next year’s open board roles, including Fundraising, Race & Equity, Membership, After School Enrichment, Spirit Wear, and Popcorn Wednesdays.
Treasurer updates confirmed that cash flow remains stable and finances are reconciled through March. Board members were reminded to submit outstanding receipts, and monthly financial reports continue to be available online.
Principal Lisa Gonzales and Dean Sadrina Dorn shared updates on Open House planning, including a welcome program, PTA and Cafecitos introductions, and announcements about yearbooks, Noche de Culturas, 5th Grade Camp, and Lost & Found. The team also discussed staffing support for the Ice Cream Social, office chair donations, and early planning for a sensory area painting project this summer.
Committee updates highlighted strong membership growth (now at 136 members, up 46.7% from last year), the search for new After School Enrichment leads, Staff Appreciation Week plans, and early brainstorming for future fundraising events. Family Services announced the launch of The Works donation drive for socks and underwear, and Yearbook confirmed that all student yearbooks are PTA‑funded and on track for late‑June distribution.
Spring events are underway:
Ice Cream Social – April 16
Popcorn Wednesday – April 29
Noche de Culturas – May 7
STEAM Carnival & Book Fair – June 6 (with Patty Pan mobile grilling)
Updates shared on the Talent Show and Golden Acorn/Apple Awards
📅
March 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 March Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our March board meeting centered on spring programming, committee updates, and preparing for upcoming schoolwide events. We officially welcomed our 2025–2026 Nominating Committee, elected by the membership: Carlene Deits‑Lebehn, Mario Rosa, and Joann Kim. With several board roles still open—including Fundraising, Race & Equity, Membership, and next year’s After School Enrichment Chair—their work will be essential in identifying strong leadership for the coming year.
Treasurer updates confirmed that finances are reconciled through February 27, and teachers were encouraged to continue submitting reimbursements and using their classroom grants.
Principal updates highlighted incoming kindergarten enrollment (19 dual‑language and 24 overflow students), along with a joint effort between the school and PTA to clear and reorganize the stage area. The old popcorn machine will be removed, and a work party will be scheduled in March. The school also requested consideration for broadening the paper and office supplies budget line for next year.
Staff shared appreciation for ongoing support, and a special request from Señor Rosa for $43.98 in chess timers was approved through the Cafecitos/club budget.
Membership remains strong at 136 members, and After School Enrichment launched spring registration on March 6 with eight programs. The team continues to seek volunteers and someone to shadow the program for next year. Staff Appreciation is preparing for April’s celebration week, and Newsletter is gearing up for its final issue of the year in May.
Fundraising continues with the Mariners Game on March 29, and Family Services is planning a socks and underwear drive after spring break. Lego sorting has begun for Art Docent, and Lost & Found, Yearbook, and Testing Snacks continue their regular work.
Spring events are in full swing:
Popcorn Wednesday returns March 25
Spring Bowl & Skate Night took place March 6
High Trek Reading Challenge is underway
Bulldog Breakfast is scheduled for March 21 (two volunteer shifts)
Ice Cream Social is coming April 16
STEAM Carnival + One‑Day Book Fair is set for June 6, with hopes to bring in Patty Pan Cooperative as a grilling vendor to support next year’s 5th Grade Camp
📅 Next meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 — General & Board Meeting
Looking forward to a vibrant spring full of community connection and student joy! 💙🐾
February 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 February Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our February board meeting focused on leadership recruitment, spring planning, and supporting key student programs. Several board roles remain open—including Fundraising, Race & Equity, Membership, and next year’s After School Enrichment Chair—with the Nominating Committee now the top priority to fill so we can begin identifying next year’s PTA leaders. We also celebrated Kinderfest tabling support and continued strong community engagement.
Treasurer updates included a mid‑year budget review, reconciliation through January, and a $150 increase to the popcorn budget. Corporate matching from Bulldog Boost is still coming in, and we welcomed Mary Romig as our new auditor.
Principal and staff updates centered on 5th Grade Camp fundraising, including exploring a $5,000 neighborhood association grant and allocating STEAM Carnival concessions toward camp. Teachers also shared appreciation for PTA support and requested help promoting costumes for the spring play, The Big One‑Oh.
Membership remains steady at 135 members (up 46.7% from last year), and After School Enrichment is already planning for spring sessions while seeking someone to shadow the program for next year. Staff Appreciation received a $50 Starbucks card from National PTA for membership growth and is preparing for Teacher Appreciation Week in April.
Fundraising efforts continue with the Sodam Chicken dine‑out on Feb 24 and the Mariners Game fundraiser on March 29, which has already brought in an impressive ~$1,700. Family Services launched a hygiene drive for The Works, collecting deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes through March 6. Yearbook is expanding by four pages due to strong photo submissions, prompting a small budget increase.
Spring events are lining up quickly:
Kindness Challenge (Feb 2–13)
Popcorn Wednesday (Feb 25)
Spring Bowl & Skate Night (Mar 6)
High Trek Reading Challenge (March)
Bulldog Breakfast (Mar 21)
Ice Cream Social (Apr 16)
STEAM Carnival + Book Fair (Jun 6)
The board also discussed digital safety and reviewed PTA advocacy guidance related to supporting immigrant families, reaffirming our commitment to safe, inclusive school environments.
Four motions passed:
Increasing popcorn budget by $150
Adding a restricted line item for 5th Grade Camp
Increasing the yearbook budget to $6,800
Increasing the testing snack budget to $1,100 to support MLL testing
📅 Next meeting: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 — Board Meeting
Excited for a full spring of community, enrichment, and student support! 💙🐾
January 2026 Meeting Minutes
🎉 January Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our January board meeting kicked off 2026 with strong momentum across membership, enrichment programs, fundraising, and winter events. The Nominating Committee process officially began, focusing on identifying and recruiting future PTA leaders to keep our board strong and sustainable.
Membership continues to grow—now at 135 members, a 46.7% increase from last year. After School Enrichment sessions launched on January 12, with additional school‑run programs like Green Team, Chess Club, and Jump Rope Club also underway. Parent chaperones are still needed to support these offerings.
Staff Appreciation treated teachers to a January 8th continental breakfast, with February’s drop‑off gift already in planning. Testing Snacks reviewed budget needs for SBA vs. MLL testing, and Yearbook received 51 cover contest entries, selecting five winners.
Fundraising is gearing up for a busy season with a Sodam Chicken dine‑out on February 24, the Mariners Game fundraiser on March 29, and ongoing coordination for 5th Grade Camp support. Movie Night returns on January 30, complete with a Lost & Found rollout. Spring events are lining up too—Bulldog Breakfast (3/21), Spring Bowl & Skate Night (3/6), Ice Cream Social (4/16), and the High Trek Reading Challenge running all March.
Other updates included the January newsletter release, popcorn scheduled for January 28, Kinderfest on January 31 (volunteers needed!), and ongoing Lego collection and art docent projects.
The board also added Digital Safety as a topic for next month’s agenda.
📅 Next meeting: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 — Board Meeting
Looking forward to a fun and full spring season with our Briarcrest community! 💙🐾
December 2025 Meeting Minutes
🎉 December Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our December board meeting was full of updates as we wrapped up 2025 and geared up for a busy winter season! We reviewed the Shoreline School District’s upcoming Replacement Levies for the February 2026 ballot and confirmed next steps for a general membership vote. The board also approved the Washington State PTA Bylaws updates and began outreach for the Nominating Committee, which will help recruit next year’s PTA leaders. Ridgecrest PTA reached out about a possible volunteer swap for spring auctions, and several board positions remain open, including Fundraising, Auditor, Race & Equity, and Membership.
Treasurer updates included clarity on support staff grants, approval to shift 4th/5th grade flex seating to a school‑wide flex seating model, and a small budget adjustment for the new 4th/5th grade play. Spirit wear continues to move forward with both Printify and bulk‑order options planned for future years.
Principal Gonzalez shared celebrations from the Glow Dance, upcoming Winter Sing‑Along, and early planning for 5th Grade Camp fundraising, with a call for more parent volunteers. Staff thanked the PTA for the art docent project and a newly approved reading support app for 1st grade.
Committees reported strong progress:
Membership is at 132 members—up 43.5% from last year.
After School Enrichment expanded offerings and kicked off registration.
Staff Appreciation is hosting a December potluck and take‑home treats.
Winter Coat Drive wrapped up with 100+ coats donated.
Yearbook Cover Contest ends December 12.
Spirit Wear arrives mid‑December for distribution before break.
Fundraising celebrated a huge $30,267 Bulldog Boost total, plus Snapdoodle and dine‑out earnings.
Lost & Found, Art Docent, Movie Night, and Testing Snacks all shared updates as well.
The board passed three motions:
Approving debit card use in the bylaws
Renaming flex seating to be school‑wide
Adding $100 to the Spirit Wear budget line
📅 Next meeting: Tuesday, January 13, 2025 — General Meeting
Thanks for helping us finish the year strong, Briarcrest! 💙🐾
November 2025 Meeting Minutes
🎉 November Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our November board meeting was packed with updates and plans to keep the momentum going! We confirmed open board positions (Fundraising, Auditor, Race & Equity, and Membership) and celebrated Bulldog Boost’s success—raising $25K and counting! Membership is up 34.8% from last year, and the school directory flyer is live.
We approved flex seating and discussed upcoming events: extra Popcorn Wednesdays (Nov 12 & 19), Family Game Night (Nov 20), and the Glow in the Dark Dance (Dec 5). Principal Gonzalez shared updates on gym A/V installation, safety drills, and exciting volunteer projects like tree planting with Girl Scouts.
Committees reported on staff appreciation lunches, art docent projects, and the Art Reflections contest (theme: I Belong). Yearbook cover contest kicks off Dec 1, and the Winter Coat Drive continues through Dec 19. Spirit wear orders are open, and the new popcorn machine is already popping!
📅 Next meeting: Tuesday, December 9 @ 6:30PM (Board Meeting)
Let’s keep building community and fun! 💙🐾 Briarcrest PTA 2025–2026
October 2025 Meeting Minutes
🎉 October Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
Our October general meeting was full of updates, action, and community spirit! We celebrated successful events like MOD Pizza Dine Out, Movie Night, and Popcorn Wednesday, and looked ahead to Bulldog Boost, Fall Skate Night, and Art Reflections. We approved the 2025–2026 budget, welcomed new volunteers, and passed motions for a new popcorn machine and flex seating. Principal Gonzales shared school improvement goals, and committees reported strong membership growth, a live school directory, and plans for staff appreciation and winter coat drives. Yearbook planning is underway, and the Glow in the Dark dance is coming soon!
📅 Next meeting: Monday, November 10 @ 6:30PM (Board Meeting)
Let’s keep building joyful momentum! 💙🐾
September 2025 Meeting Minutes
🎉 September Highlights from Briarcrest PTA 🎉
From kindergarten onboarding and movie night planning to budget updates and Bulldog Boost prep, our September board meeting was packed with momentum and meaningful action. We welcomed new volunteers, tackled open roles, and brainstormed ways to boost membership and dad engagement. Catch up on all the updates—including spirit wear, staff appreciation, and upcoming events like Curriculum Night and MOD Pizza Dine Out!
📅 Next meeting: Tuesday, October 14 @ 6:30PM (General Meeting)
Let’s keep the energy going! 💙🐾