2025-26 Volunteer Opportunities

 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Blackwell PTSA.

We are a 100% volunteer organization.

Whether you want to help from home and be behind the scenes, or if you love to live large in front of the kids, we have a spot for you!!

Peruse the list & add your name where you like.

We'll reach out connect with you as the time nears.

Thanks again!

We are so happy that you are here.

 

Questions? Email Colleen or Mallory 

 

To signup you must either login or provide a first name, last name, and email address. Login


You should have access to this email account and be able to receive emails related to this volunteering opportunity.


It's funny, but robots don't seem to be able to do simple math.
Communications

Volunteers for these programs help us stay in touch with each other and with PTSA activities.

School Reader Board | Chair: Mallory Larkin
Keep the Blackwell community informed by updating the reader board (in front of school along 205th). Perfect for volunteers who have younger children that prevent them from participating in classroom activities. Chair, Mallory, will coordinate volunteers within their allotted availability.
School Reader Board: volunteer to help update signage for a few weeks or months!
0 signed up.
Yearbook | Chair: Stephanie Milton
Each year the Blackwell PTSA works to create the year's book of memories- the yearbook! Assistance is needed for marketing, photography, editing, etc. No experience is required, but if you have an eye for design or photography, even better!
Yearbook volunteer: help with graphics, layouts and developing yearbook
2 signed up.
Signed Up: Erin Kiri, Maggie Nicol
Parent with camera!! - take photos and share with yearbook committee. Help ensure all kids have a moment to shine in the yearbook!
0 signed up.
Yearbook distribution: sort and deliver yearbooks at end of year
0 signed up.
Grade level volunteer: ensure each class has lots of candid shots!
0 signed up.
Lead our annual yearbook cover contest
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Jordan Haessly (1)
Graphic/marketing| Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
**perfect at-home opportunity** help us create high impact marketing materials to best share events and programs!
marketing material creator: Help us create marketing materials to support our activities and events.
0 signed up.
Social Media Guru| Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
**perfect at-home volunteer opportunity** Help the PTSA maintain social media presence.
Social Media Guru: help grow our social media presence
0 signed up.
Website Manager | Acting Chairs: Megan S. & Stephanie M.
**perfect at-home opportunity** help the PTSA maintain an impactful and robust website
website manager
0 signed up.
Accelerated Program Communication Liaison (Quest parent/guardian
Act as a liaison between Quest families and the PTSA. Share opportunities and highlights of Quest students with the PTSA.
Quest Parent/Guardian communication liaison
1 signed up.
Signed Up: KIRAN DAVANE (1)
Community, Outreach and Events

Build our school community, strengthen connections with other families, and have fun helping us plan events and get people excited about our school!

Gingerbread Village | Acting Chair: Mallory Larkin
The Gingerbread Village is an annual tradition at Blackwell Elementary. Typically, this event is held for one day just before the December winter break. Each member of the Blackwell community is invited to share a gingerbread creation. Ingenuity and creativity shine at this event! We invite volunteers to create the event (all ideas welcome), plan, set up on the day of, volunteer during the day as classrooms come through, and then help dismantle the village and make sure all creations make it back to their owner.
Gingerbread Village Elf- you choose your role: develop the plan, create, communicate, set up, dismantle etc.
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Gellareh Aamodt
Cultural Heritage Night | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Work with all Blackwell families to host heritage-specific tables. Students are encouraged to host tables with their families and share their culture with the greater Blackwell community. In years past, families have shared foods, arts, crafts, music, dance and more. Fresh new ideas are welcome, and everyone is encouraged to participate.
Cultural Heritage Night volunteers: may include developing the event plan, set up on day of, break down of event etc.
0 signed up.
Talent Show | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
This annual tradition is an exciting way to witness the talent of Blackwell Bobcats! In the past this event has been performed live & in-person, recorded and presented at the school and shared virtually. Volunteers will have the chance to develop this year's event, create the energy and enthusiasm and help our kids shine!
Talent Show volunteer: your role is limitless! Create, plan, market, lead... find the next Hollywood star or YouTuber right here at Blackwell!
0 signed up.
Game Night | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Blackwell PTSA would like to start a new tradition of free family game nights at Blackwell! Do you love chess, Exploding Kittens or a have a family game that you think other Blackwell families would enjoy? Consider this an opportunity to start a new tradition! You won't be alone- PTSA board members will help work beside you to help create a fun event that brings people together for an evening of fun.
Game Night volunteer: no limits! Develop, create, plan, host a game night!
0 signed up.
Movie Night | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Plan and organize free movie nights for our Blackwell families. Typically, the PTSA hosts about 2-3 of these a year. This event requires very little planning and then the night usually consists of about 4 hours of work (set up, showing movie, popcorn(?), clean up). Free movie nights are loved by our community!
Movie Night Volunteer: you can plan, market, set up, make popcorn or clean up! Also a great leadership program for 5th graders with their parent or guardian.
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Gellareh Aamodt (Chair (yes/no)?: Would love to help! Love these movie night! )
STEM (STEAM) Night | Chair: Kelly Lyon-King
Help organize a STEM (STEAM) Night that involves student participation and perhaps some sort of demonstration of science or technology. Partner with the PTSA Board to bring innovative technology programs to Blackwell through the creation of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) which will integrate the use of technology into our arts program.
STEAM Night Volunteer: help may include any of the following: plan, develop, market, set up, manage event night of, clean up
0 signed up.
5th Grade Committee | Chairs: Nicole Smith & Stephanie Milton
The committee focuses on the end of year moving up ceremony that typically is help the last week of school. Work with students, teachers and administrators to plan the 5th grade graduation ceremony and design and implement the 5th grade legacy project (a gift that the 5th grade class gives to Blackwell Elementary)
General 5th Grade Committee: Join the committee to help with any of the following: develop the end of year moving up ceremony, set up, work the day of the ceremony, clean up
0 signed up.
Moving Up Ceremony volunteer: help with any of the following: plan, develop, market the moving up ceremony itself.
0 signed up.
5th Grade Legacy Project volunteer: help with any of the following: plan, develop, execute the 5th grade legacy project only.
0 signed up.
Sharing is Caring | Acting Chair: Megan Selitrennikoff
Work with Blackwell Principal, the school counselor, and student leadership to coordinate outreach projects (examples include candy drives, food drives, school supply drives, gifting programs). New ideas welcome!
Pantry Pack: volunteers and chair needed. Plan & execute school-wide food drive for food insecure families of LWSD
2 signed up.
Signed Up: Leira Lugo, Colleen Wahlstrom
Halloween Candy Drive: volunteers & chairs needs to lead school-wide candy collection (and donation) shortly after Halloween
0 signed up.
Support of students in need: program to be developed, led and executed
0 signed up.
Have new ideas or generally want to help with Sharing Programs?
0 signed up.
Pantry Pack Pick-up: volunteer picks up packaged food bags from Redmond for food insecure families of Blackwell- occurs 2x monthly
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Colleen Wahlstrom (1)
Recess Committee | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Coordinate with school leadership on monthly recess days, plan games/activities for 3 different lunch recess times, recruit approved volunteers, and present playground expansion options.
0 signed up.
School Decorating Committee | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Help us decorate and build out displays a couple of times a year (fall, fundraising, movie night, and staff appreciation, etc.)
School Decorating Committee
0 signed up.
Reflections Program |Chair: Kelly Lyon-King
Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students: pre-K through grade 12 explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme) increase confidence find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life. Reflections Chair, Kelly Lyon-King, is looking for Reflections judges to review and judge Blackwell art submissions based on a provided rubric.
Judging Volunteers: Done online at your leisure, expect a total of about 3-4 hours (based on 2023-24 submissions). Judging will be completed during the month of October. No experience or art skills needed, but always welcome!
0 signed up.
Blackwell Pumpkin Patch | Acting Chair: Mallory Larkin
Just before Halloween, we invite students to share their pumpkin creations with the school. This one-day event creates lots of positive energy throughout the halls of the school!
Pumpkin Patch Volunteer: you can choose to help in any of the following ways: create this year's event, plan and organize, market, set up on day of event, help classrooms view the patch and/or breakdown of the patch
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Gellareh Aamodt (1)
Eager Reader Program | Acting Chair: Megan Selitrennikoff
The semi-annual reading program encourages Blackwell students to read! Students track their reading and then are awarded with books at the end of the program. Incredibly rewarding! Will take place in winter/spring of 2026.
volunteers will create materials, execute program and get kids excited about reading!
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Zhenwei Cao (1)
Walk to School Month (October) | Acting Chair: Estra Silver
This program encourages Blackwell students to walk to school rather than have their parents be personal chauffeurs. Encourage students to find a way to walk more, even if they take the bus. This could include hyping kids up with signs, a mini dance party etc.
support Chair with marketing, motivating and getting kids walking to school!
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Colleen Wahlstrom (1)
Lake Washington Schools Foundation Liaison
One parent/guardian who has a passion for the volunteer work of the Lake Washington School Foundation (LWSF.org). This volunteer will share communication between LWSF and our PTSA.
parent volunteer to read, share and communicate
0 signed up.
Lego Scavenger Hunt | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
PTSA is exploring introducing a new event at Blackwell- a scavenger hunt! Are you interested in helping us develop this program (we have a blueprint of a local program that is successful)? Sign up below. Dates and all other details are TBD. Be part of bringing a brand-new program to Blackwell!
Lego Scavenger Hunt Helper!
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Mary Beth Hawk (1)
Sustainability | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Help Blackwell PTSA expand their sustainability efforts. Possibilities may/could include: acting as a liaison between PTSA and Council & PTSA and Blackwell staff, creating an environmental club to engage more students and positively impact Bobcat culture.
environmentalist
0 signed up.
Lost and Found | Acting Chair: Jennifer Marshall
Help lost items find their way home. Help orphaned items find new homes through donations.
lost and found helper
0 signed up.
Costume Swap | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Help organize, plan and lead Blackwell's annual costume swap. Traditionally, held the week leading up to Halloween, families drop off their gently used costumes and then 'shop' for new gently-used costumes. This sustainability effort was introduced by a PTSA parent several years ago and is still going strong.
Costume Creative Director!
0 signed up.
LEGO Scavenger Hunt | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
We are considering offering this new event! Help kick this off (we have a working blueprint from another school that has executed this well for years). More details will be shared with potential volunteer committee!
Want to help create a new (hopefully) annual event at Blackwell? Sign up and we'll see if we can get this kicked off at Blackwell!
0 signed up.
Enrichment

Help with programs that increase opportunities for our students and spark creativity

Blackwell PTSA Art Program | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Art Volunteers and Docents bring unique art lessons into each classroom with monthly classes, clay and glass projects. No experience necessary. https://www.blackwellptsa.org/art
Art Volunteers: help do art in classrooms! Hands on and tons of fun (sometimes messy!)
0 signed up.
Art Lead: taking a leadership role in creating and/or leading art lessons in the classroom. Feel free to name your teacher(s) below.
2 signed up.
Signed Up: Mary Beth Hawk (1), Erin Kiri (1)
Art Room Manager: help organize and manage the communal PTSA art space
0 signed up.
Special interest in clay or glass: may include working in classrooms, supporting the kilns, ordering clay & glass.
0 signed up.
Chair Square One Art fundraising program?
0 signed up.
Art Walk fundraising events: develop, create, plan, execute a new annual (hopefully?) event
0 signed up.
Special Education Group Committee | Chair: Samantha Robison
Creates a SEG community by hosting SEG family event, attending LWPTSA SEG events and ensuring that all SEG students are included in the greater Bobcat community.
Volunteers can support the chair by any of the following: create & plan events. Identify speakers for the community. Attend Council SEG meetings/events. Work with SEG school leaders to better promote inclusivity and to ensure all student are included.
0 signed up.
Blackwell Launch Program
Launch is a tutoring program designed to help Kindergarten and First Grade students with literacy and numeracy skills. Volunteers meet twice a week with the same student and spend 15 minutes a session working one-on-one playing fun, multi-sensory games. This dedicated time makes a huge difference. Training and ongoing support is provided. You do not have to have a child in Kindergarten or First Grade to get involved. All that is needed is a willingness to help. Please email Sue Stevens, the Launch Program Coordinator, at waterfallsue1@gmail.com for more information or to sign up. You can also text her at 425-681-5976
0 signed up.
Before & After School

Enrichment activities for before and after school (*A PTSA member must be present during all before- or after-school activities. Opportunities will be added as needed.)

Running Club | Chairs: Sean Larkin & Estra Silver (acting)
PTSA run event that invites all students to join. Runners participate rain or shine one enrichment season at a time.
Running Club
0 signed up.
Spelling Club (RETURNING!) | Acting Chair: Heather Zheng
Create and lead a spelling bee
Spelling Bee volunteer: help create this annual (hopefully!) event. Details will be developed by the committee.
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Zhenwei Cao
Math Club for 2nd/3rd grade (NEW!) | Acting Chair: Heather Zheng
This new club needs adult volunteers who want to teach math (logic, word, thinking problem-solving) skills in-person to 2nd and 3rd grade students. Our chair, Heather Zheng, is creating content for this math club. In order to be successful, she needs volunteers that want to be actively involved with these math-hungry students. This club is reliant on motivated volunteers.
Excited math volunteer!
0 signed up.
Math Challenge Lead | Acting Chair: Pankaj Aggarwal
**perfect at-home volunteer opportunity** The Math Challenge (mathinaction.org) is a free math program that Blackwell students can participate in. A chair and volunteers are needed to review & grade bi-weekly student submissions. Students receive communication regarding their submissions and then are recognized at the end of the school year.
math volunteers- may include working with Google Doc, correcting submissions, making sure marketing is correct, communication with student families
0 signed up.
Garden Club | Acting Chair: PTSA BOD
Help keep our Blackwell grounds looking beautiful! Students and parents/guardians alike can make a difference in our making our gardens look beautiful.
parent/guardian volunteers
0 signed up.
student volunteers (will your adult join?)
0 signed up.
4th/5th Math Club |Acting Chair: Heather Zheng
Parent volunteer with assist math chair with details regarding the online meetings on Thursdays. This could include other prep such as marketing, sharing information with yearbook committee etc.
Adult volunteers
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Zhenwei Cao (1)
Science Olympiad (NEW!)| Acting Chair: Pankaj Aggarwal
help create this enrichment program. Details to be determined by committee.
Volunteers will work with chair to help create, plan and execute!
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Manasi Choudhari (1)
Geography Club (NEW!) | Acting Chair: Pankaj Aggarwal
Support Chair in creating, planning and executing this new program!
Geography Buff
0 signed up.
Fundraising

Help us raise money that the PTSA uses to provide our many programs and events.

Library Book Fairs | Chair: Megan Selitrennikoff
This year we will host 2 book fairs to support the library's fundraising efforts. 11/13 - Brick and Mortar, Redmond Feb/March- Barnes & Noble, Issaquah Blackwell PTSA leads these events:
0 signed up.
Used Book Fair | Chair: Megan Selitrennikoff
Lead the annual Blackwell Used Book Fair. This community event brings together families, students, staff and administrators as books are collected from Blackwell families, displayed in the school and then sold! It's a great way to share your love of reading and help get books in the hands of more Blackwell students!
Used Book Fair volunteer: you can choose to help in any way that interests you: create the event (new ideas welcome), plan, market, collect and sort books, display books for sale, sell the days of the event, clean up.
0 signed up.
Staff Support

The Blackwell Staff is an integral part of your student’s learning experience. We love our school staff! Volunteer to show them we care

Library Support | Chair: Megan Selitrennikoff
Help support our library and librarian with all things library. This may include hands on library support, marketing of events such as the Birthday program & Read Across America, and establishing/maintaining a relationship between the library and PTSA.
Library volunteers: help out with library (and Mrs. Cherian) on an as needed basis.
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Colleen Wahlstrom
Health Room Committee | Chair: Stephanie Milton
help support Health Room (and Mrs. Foreman) on an as needed basis. May include helping with Hearing/Screening student testing in December.
Hearing & Vision screening support
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Colleen Wahlstrom
Teacher Luncheons | Chair: Nicole Smith
Work with PTSA volunteers to provide food items for themed luncheon each month for Blackwell staff members. Help coordinate materials needed for luncheon and set-up of staff room.
Teacher Luncheon volunteer: support Nicole Smith with luncheons and special events.
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Colleen Wahlstrom
Teacher Appreciation Week | Chair: Darla Watanabe
Help coordinate daily treats for teachers and staff members to celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
volunteer: it's takes a bunch of folks to show our teachers & staff how much we care. Help plan, execute, day of or whatever works
0 signed up.
Picture Day |Acting Chair: Colleen Wahlstrom
Lead the prep & operations of picture day in fall, retake day in fall and spring class photos.
volunteers spend a few hours seeing kids present their best!
0 signed up.
Emergency Preparedness | Chair: Colleen Wahlstrom
Work with the Blackwell Associate Principal to update emergency supplies of food, water, etc. to match the current needs of the school and LWSD requirements.
Emergency Preparedness supporters: help Colleen Wahlstrom ensure that school has necessary supplies for emergencies.
0 signed up.
Field Day
Assist Mr. Haessly in planning and staffing an all-school field day at the end of the year.
2 signed up.
Signed Up: Gellareh Aamodt, Mary Beth Hawk
PTSA/Staff/Teacher/Admin grants | Acting Chairs: PTSA BOD
**perfect at-home volunteer opportunity** Help us help the Blackwell staff & teachers identify and apply for grants.
grant help
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Colleen Wahlstrom (1)
Expert Volunteer Pool
Sign Up Below!
Have a special talent or skill? Want to share? No upfront commitment. Sign up below and share your interest and we'll connect with you.
Expert Sign Up:
0 signed up.
General Volunteer Pool
Tell Me All About It!
Can't decide? Sign up to be added to our list of interested volunteers and we'll contact you as needs come up during the year.
Volunteer Me!
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Maggie Nicol
PTSA Member 2025-26 Committees

You must be an active 2025-26 Blackwell PTSA member in order to volunteer for the Grant or Nominating committees 

Nominating Committee (1 Board Member & 2 non-Board Members)
All Nominating Committee members must be voted into the committee at a PTSA GMM search for the best qualified candidates using the Board of Directors’ job position descriptions 
Board Member Volunteer (max 1): Nicole Smith (election to be held at a GMM)
0 signed up.
non-board member volunteer (max 2- to be voted on at a later date)
0 signed up.
Grant Committee Mtg | Chairs: Megan S. & Nicole S.
**potentially an at-home volunteer opportunity** Review teacher and staff grant requests and use the rubric to score each request.
Spring Grant
0 signed up.
Fall Grant
1 signed up.
Signed Up: Colleen Wahlstrom (1)
Financial Review Committee | Chair: Karli Houle
Committee members meet twice (mid-year and end-year) to review and audit all PTSA financials. Recommendations for improvements are requested to improve performance of the Blackwell PTSA.
join the financial review committee
0 signed up.
Award & Recognition Committee | Acting Chair: Stephanie Milton
This committee recognizes the contributions of volunteers, staff etc. Typically the work of this committee commences in the spring and culminates in a ceremony/celebration in May or June.
help develop awards & recognition program for the 2025-26 school year
0 signed up.



 

 

Elizabeth Blackwell PTSA 2.8.54
3225 205th Pl NE
Sammamish, WA 98074
EIN 91-1911244