Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram during School Closure

Just because we cannot see each other at school or at PTSA events, doesn't mean we can't stay connected! Follow us on  Facebook page or  Instagram page  as we share photos, videos and fun activities and ideas happening within our community. ... read full article

Twain Spiritwear Sales are on NOW!

Twain Spiritwear is on sale now at  https://marktwainelemls1394. itemorder.com/sale ! Check out our brand new, modern designs in many different styles available for children and adults!  The sale is only be available until March 19th so don't miss out! Items will be delivered to the school mid-April. ... read full article

LWSD Resources During School Closure

You can learn about how LWSD is supporting our community during the closure by clicking on the topics below.       ... read full article

Volunteer Opportunity: School Grounds Cleanup Coordinator

We have a great volunteer opportunity for someone who is interested to coordinate our Family School Grounds Cleanup event during our Green Earth Week in April! The event will be held in the morning of Saturday, April 25 . You will coordinate volunteers, supplies and refreshments. No experience necessary - we will give you all the information you need! This event is an excellent way to educate our students and families about the negative impacts of litter on the environment and how th ey can help to make a difference in their very own community! If you are interested please ... read full article

Your PTSA at Work - Character Trait Books

Books are a powerful tool in teaching our students about the Bobcat character traits of Grit, Gratitude, Respect, Safety, Kindness, Integrity, Cooperation, Responsibility and Courage. These Character Trait books were fully funded by your donations to the PTSA. Support this work by becoming a PTSA member or making a donation at  www.twainptsa.org . ... read full article

December Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Many thanks to those who attended our General Membership meeting on Thursday, Jan 30, 2020! We will publish the meeting minutes from this meeting soon. You can view our December Board of Directors meeting minutes here . We look forward to see you at our next General Membership Meeting on Thursday, April 30,2020 at 7pm ! ... read full article

Call for Nominations: PTSA Board of Directors 2020-2021

The PTSA is currently welcoming nominations for the 2020-2021 Board . If you have a passion for creating the best educational experiences for kids, please consider submitting a nomination. Nominations are currently accepted for the following Executive Committee positions:President, Vice President, Treasure and Secretary. You can nominate yourself or submit a nomination for somebody else. Please  download a nomination form here or pick up a form in the office. Submit the completed form by emailing TwainNomCom@outlook.com or by placing it in the PTSA mailbox in the main office. Deadline for submissions is Friday, March 20, 2020. Got questions? We would ... read full article

Purchase Tickets for the School Play

Twain PTSA Presents Peter Pan in Neverland  Buy your tickets here . The kids have been working hard on a musical production of Peter Pan in Neverland and can't wait to put on a great show for you. Watch Peter Pan as he leads his gang of lost kids on adventures across the small island of Neverland. You will encounter the Darling children, fairies, neverlanders, the crew, pirates and MORE! Tickets are $7 each for the two performances, Friday, January 31 st at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 1 st at 2:00 pm. Questions? Contact Junghee Pogue at junghee.pogue@gmail.com .  ... read full article

Help needed for Cookie Gifting event for Staff

Volunteer bakers needed!  The Staff Appreciation Committee is hosting a cookie gifting event for the Mark Twain staff on Thursday, December 5th. We are in need of folks to send in 2 dozen cookies (or other individual treats) so each staff member can bring home some sweets to share with his/her families. To sign up, please see the Sign up Genius ( here ) or email  TwainAppreciation@gmail.com .  Thank you!   ... read full article

Online Resource from European PTSA

European PTA has created a great resource for parents and students during COVID-19 closures. There is a wealth of information and links categorized in sections such as "Family Activities to do at Home" and "STEM Resources" and "Free Subscriptions and Services". Check it out at  https:// www.wastatepta.org/ wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ Online-Resources-for-Parent s-and-Students-During-Scho ol-Closures-links-work.pdf   ... read full article

National PTA Resource Page

National PTA has created a webpage to support families and school communities, at  PTA.org/COVID- 19 . Among the many resources on the webpage are: Guides for families on social and emotional support, learning at home and healthy habits Tips for educators to teach from home, support their students and for self-care Strategies for PTA leaders to meet the needs of their school community and sustain their PTA throughout the pandemic ... read full article

Spring EZ Grants due March 20th

What is an EZ Grant?  The Twain PTSA awards grants that support their mission to enhance the curriculum and dynamic learning environment of our school    The EZ Grant committee has almost $3,000 to award to projects this Spring.  Grants awarded last Fall include the new lighted stop signs used by the crossing guards, a cordless drill for the custodian, folding tables and a portable laminator.  Detailed guidelines and an application are available here . Learn more about EZ Grants . Contact  Elizabeth.Fortman@gmail.com   with any questions. ... read full article

Scan New Box Tops and Submit Old Ones

Earn cash for Mark Twain via the app which can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Get it on Google Play. Just scan your receipt and the Box Tops cash will be added to our school! You can still submit old box tops  and they will be submitted. Please send these into the office no later than February 28th . Many of them will expire on March 2, 2020 and we need to get them submitted. ... read full article

Volunteers needed for STEM Night

We have an exciting STEM Night planned, but it can't happen without your support! If you can give an hour of your time, please consider signing up for a volunteer shift. Thank you!! Sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054da9ad2aa4ff2-stem1 ... read full article

Pre-order your Yearbook now!

The Twain yearbook is filled with pictures of students, teachers, activities and precious memories that your family will treasure for years to come! Secure your copy and pre-order  today, we sell out every year! Pre-order your yearbook here . Not sure if you pre-ordered in September? Check your order status by logging in to "My Account" in the menu bar to review your orders. You will see "Yearbook" listed under Orders OR if you ordered a "Membership Package" a yearbook is included with the package (Sibling membership packages include 2 yearbooks). Contact Candace Dalton at twainPTSAyearbook@outlook.com with any questions. ... read full article

Your PTSA at Work - Lunch Carts

Students help to bring their classroom’s lunches to the cafeteria everyday with the help of lunch carts. These sturdy carts allow lunch bags to be brought back to the classroom efficiently while students move from the cafeteria to the playground for recess. Lunch carts are fully funded by your donations to the PTSA. Support this work by  becoming a PTSA member or making a donation . ... read full article

Twain Construction Plans

Last November, LWSD hosted an information night for the Twain community regarding design and implementation of four additional classrooms for our school, as part of the Capital Projects Levy approved last April. Construction on this project will start this summer and open for students in fall 2021. You can view the slides from that night, including drawings and site plans here . ... read full article

Your PTSA at Work: Annual School Play

Every year, Twain students collaborate to put on a musical production for our community to enjoy. This year’s production, Peter Pan in Neverland, will give our students the opportunity to express themselves, learn new skills and work together toward a common goal. Tickets are available for purchase at  http://twainptsa.org/Page/ Events/SchoolPlay . The annual school play is coordinated by the Twain PTSA. Support this work by  becoming a PTSA member  or  making a donation . Thank you! ... read full article

Prospective Students Information and Tour for Parents

Mr. Mott, Principal will meet with families that will be coming to Mark Twain Elementary and answer questions and give a quick tour. This monthly meeting is by reservation only.  Please email Teresa @  tmuro@lwsd.org  with name and contact information.  Meetings are scheduled for February 10th from 9:30-10:30am March 16th from 9:30-10:30am April 30th from 9:30-10:30am May 18th from 9:30-10:30am ... read full article

Washington State PTA Focus Day

All PTSA members are welcome to join Washington State PTA on Monday, January 20, for their annual  Focus Day in Olympia . Members may meet with legislators, tour the capitol, and demonstrate advocacy in action.   Pre-registration  is open through Friday. However, to pre-order a lunch you must register by 7:00 am, Friday morning, so that the order can be placed.   Check out the  website  for more information to help you navigate the day including resources you can download.   To learn more about WSPTA's legislative platform, check out the  legislative assembly recap blog post  and the  advocacy webpage . ... read full article

Middle School Info Events

Attention 5th grade parents! Here are some important dates to get on your calendar: - Jan 14 at 6:30 at Rose Hill Middle School: Rose Hill MS Information Night - Jan 16 at 8pm in the Twain Library: Middle School Parent Panel where you can ask questions and hear from parents with children attending Rose Hill MS and Kirkland MS. (Click on the event below for more info! - Jan 21 at 7pm at Kirkland Middle School: Kirkland MS Information Night ... read full article

Your PTSA at Work: Teacher & School Supplies

Did you know that Twain PTSA gives each Mark Twain teacher a grant at the beginning of the year? The funds go toward necessary materials and supplies for their classrooms. These grants are funded by your donations to the PTSA. Support this work by  becoming a PTSA member or  making a donation . Thank you! ... read full article

Advertising in the School Play program

Advertise in our school play program and support your local community at the same time!  Peter Pan in Neverland  will be showing on January 31 and February 1 at Lake Washington High School. Ad Rates : Only $75 for a full page (7” high x 4.4” wide) or $50 for a half page (3.4” high x 4.4” wide), for both shows. Deadline : January 17, 2020 For more info, contact Sheepa Bansal at  twainschoolplay@gmail.com ... read full article

Winter 2020 After School Programs

Online Registration for our Winter After School Programs opens on  Monday, January 6, 2020 at 10am. You can register here . Tuesdays: Chess4Life - Fundamentals & Instructional chess club! (Grades K-5) Thursdays: LEGO Club - STEM fundamentals (Grades K-2 and 3-5) Fridays: Jump Rope Club - Always a favorite activity, with the local jump rope team, Hot Dog USA! (Grades K-5) Please contact  Shelley Lish  with your questions. ... read full article

Your PTSA at Work: After School Programs

After School Programs are a great way for our students to learn new skills in a fun and enriching environment, while developing friendships with students across grade levels. We currently offer Chess, Jump Rope and Lego club.   After School Programs are coordinated by the PTSA. Show your support by becoming a PTSA member or making a donation at www.twainptsa.org. Thank you!     ... read full article

Annual Focus Day

Washington State PTA invites you to their annual  Focus Day in Olympia  on January 20, 2020. Members may meet with legislators, tour the capitol, and demonstrate advocacy in action.   To learn more about our legislative platform, check out the  legislative assembly recap blog post  and the  advocacy webpage .   ... read full article

Seeking Volunteers for Green Week

Are you interested in helping and educating our students and families to become good citizens of our earth? We are starting to plan for our 2nd annual Green Week in April 2020 and we need help ! Green Week will be filled with fun, educational and hands-on activities, and we are looking for volunteers to help coordinate them. Please contact twainptsa@outlook.com to learn more. We can find something for you no matter what your skills and availability are! ... read full article

End-of-Year Giving

There is still time to make a tax-deductible donation to Twain PTSA. We know that you have many options when it comes to your end-of-your giving. Please consider choosing Twain PTSA. Every dollar goes into helping us fulfill our mission our supporting and advocating for our students, teachers and community. Donate today!   ... read full article

Staff Wish Lists

THERE'S NOTHING BETTER THAN GIVING A GIFT WELL CHERISHED. When holidays and birthdays come up, it's always handy to know the favorites and wish lists of our teachers and staff. You can download the wish lists here . ... read full article

Helping Hands Gift Card Drive

Every holiday season, our school offers families a chance to be a part of Helping Hands! This is our gift card drive that provides $25.00 gift cards to Twain families that could use some extra help around the holiday season. We are giving $25.00 gift cards from Target, Fred Meyer, Kohls, Amazon, QFC and Safeway. Come grab a mitten off our display in the front office starting Monday, or at the Make it Take it Fair Craft Fair tomorrow! We will be collecting gift cards up until December 19th. Thank you so much for your consideration! ... read full article

Your PTSA at Work: Explore Art Program

Last month, Mrs. Salad's 2nd grade class learned about Keith Haring's art. With the help of PTSA volunteers, they created their own interpretations. The Explore Art program is fully funded by your donations to the PTSA. Support this work by becoming a PTSA member or making a donation at  www.twainptsa.org.  Thank you! ... read full article

Ice Skating Fundraiser

Go ice skating at Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink between November 29, 2019 - January 20, 2020, and part of your admission fee will be donated to Twain PTSA! Just mention to the rink staff upon arrival that you are with Mark Twain Elementary and a $3 donation will be made to our PTSA! Families can make it a night of holiday fun with a visit to Snowflake Lane at The Bellevue Collection and stroll through Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. Visit bellevueicerink.com for hours, admission pricing and special events ... read full article

Twain PTSA is on Social Media!

Did you know that Twain PTSA provides regular updates on our programs, upcoming events and latest news on Facebook and Instagram? Don't miss another update! Follow Twain PTSA on Facebook or twainptsa on Instagram. ... read full article

Parent Ed Talk thank you and Online Access to Presentation

Thank you Coach Sheri from Teen Wise for a very interesting and informative parent education talk last Monday, Nov 17. Thank you to Lake Washington PTSA Council and LWSD for providing the funding for this talk. Thank you to our school for providing the facility to host our presenter as well as parents from all over the district. If you missed the presentation, you can access a recording at: https://teenwiseseattle.podia. com/nurturing-to-independence ... read full article

Meet Finn!

THE RESULTS ARE IN! We received 124 votes on International Night and the winning name for our little bobcat is Finn! He is so excited to have his new name. Thank you for helping us with this decision - it sure was a close call with 'Peaches' and 'Sawyer' also receiving lots of votes. Finn will be sharing his adventures with us on our Twain PTSA Facebook and Instagram pages, so make sure to follow us for updates! ... read full article

Volunteers needed for our Craft Fair

Our annual Make It Take it Craft Fair is a fun family event that can only happen with the support of volunteers. Please consider volunteering at the fair! Sign up at  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054BA9A729AAFB6-mark . You can sign up for a 1-hour shift to man a craft table, and spend the other hour making crafts with your kids! We will also need help with set up, clean up and someone to help with the ticket table. No experience necessary. Thank you for your support! ... read full article

Mark Twain Construction Remodel Open House

Important message from the school : Thank you to our voters for passing a Capital Projects Levy last April. This levy provides funding for critical capacity needs due to our rapid enrollment growth and is also funding safety upgrades across the district. This levy includes a four-classroom addition at our school. Planning and design work have already begun. Under the proposed plan, construction would begin in summer 2020. Teachers and students would move into the new addition in fall 2021.  LWSD is hosting a  Community Information Night on Thursday, November 21 from 6-7 p.m. in the Mark Twain Elementary gym   for families ... read full article

Name our new Social Media Mascot!

Introducing Huckleberry's sibling and the new social media mascot for Twain PTSA! We have narrowed its name choices to three, and they are: Finn Sawyer Peaches We now need your help to choose our mascot's name! Visit us at International Night this Thursday and cast your vote! Every vote will be entered into a draw - if you win, you can take home a bobcat plush of your every own! ... read full article

Eat at MOD Pizza to Benefit Twain PTSA

This Sunday, November 17th, dine at  MOD Pizza  at 12530 Totem Lake Blvd NE #124, Kirkland. When you purchase your meal, be sure to  mention Twain PTSA at checkout  and 20% of your meal's price will be donated back to Mark Twain Elementary PTSA! Tell your neighbors, tell your friends - support both the local business and a local school! Also - we will be LIVE POSTING YOUR PHOTOS ALL DAY LONG ! Send us a photo of your group at MOD and we will post it on this page and give you a SHOUT-OUT and THANK YOU! You can private message ... read full article

Join the PTSA Nomination Committee

We are looking for volunteers to serve on the PTSA Nomination Committee from January to April 2020. The nominating committee recognizes and recruits the most qualified people available for elected PTA positions- President, Treasurer, Secretary and Vice presidents.  Committee work includes holding confidential meetings, reviewing nominations, interviewing candidates, and searching for the best qualified candidates. Does it sound interesting to you? Do you have more questions? Please contact Maya Chen at Twainpresident@outlook.com for more information. ... read full article

Picture Retake Day - Nov 7, 2019

Picture retake day is Nov 7th. 8:30-8:55 is the time for volunteer badge pictures for those who still need them. ... read full article

Announcing This Year's School Play!

Calling all Twain 3rd, 4th and 5th Graders! We are happy to announce the title of this year's show:  Peter Pan in Neverland There will be a Play Info Meeting on November 7th at 7:00pm (Twain Library). Audition Forms will be available at the meeting! Application Packet Deadline: Friday, November 15, Noon .  This year's production "Peter Pan in Neverland" is open to 3rd ,4th and 5th grade students who wants to participate in this fun musical show. Studio East provides the director's, script, sets and costumes and Twain PTSA provides the kids with a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. We are only able ... read full article

Donate your Candy to Benefit Twain PTSA

Want to get rid of all that unwanted candy from Halloween? Parents, bring in your Halloween candy to the front office on Nov 1 or Nov 4 between 8:30-9:15am. Twain PTSA receives $1 for every pound of candy donated! Please do not send the candy with your children. Questions? Contact Meghan Wright at  TwainFundraising@outlook.com . Sponsored by Neal Smiles Orthodontics. ... read full article

Volunteers needed for Vision & Hearing Screening

Can you help? On Tuesday, November 12th, we will be having our annual school wide Vision & Hearing Screening. We need 24 approved volunteers to help from 8:30 AM until 1:30 PM, with the hopes of finishing early. If can help, please sign up at  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4bafae2aa2f49-twain Thank you for your time! If you have any questions please contact Sarah Oh at 425-362-2268. ... read full article

Mentor a Twain student in our new LINKS Lunch Buddy Program

Would you like to be a mentor for a child in our own Twain community? Twain is starting a Lunch Buddy Program called LINKS and we are looking for volunteers. For one hour each week, you can positively impact the life of a child. Volunteers are matched with an elementary student. Mentors and students meet during lunchtime in a pre-assigned area to eat, play games, make arts and crafts, and do other agreed-upon activities. If you are interested in helping, we would love to have you! Please reach out to Victoria Goetze-Nelson at  vgoetzenelson@lwsd.org   or call 425-936-1410. You can ... read full article

Please donate to our No Hassle Fundraiser!

Please consider making a donation to the No Hassle Fundraiser , our most important fundraising effort each year! Twain PTSA sponsors numerous student events and school programs, but we can't do it without funding! You can participate in the No Hassle Fundraising campaign online , or complete the donation section of the  contribution form .   Learn more here .   ... read full article

No Idle Signs at Twain

You have probably noticed new signs installed near student pick-up areas. LWSD installed no-idle signs over the summer to help remind parents to turn off their engines while waiting for students. To help keep the air around our schools healthy, LWSD requests that parents and staff shut off engines when waiting more than 10 seconds. Thank you for helping to keep the air around our school clean. Read more information about idling and why it's harmful . ... read full article

EZ Grants - Fall deadline is Nov 1st

This year, PTSA has $4,500 to award to support grant requests for our school. Past grants have been used to purchase new chairs and laptop desks for the library, playground equipment, wheeled lunch carts, class sets of headphones, camera equipment, books, the Bobcat mascot costume, and so much more! If you have an idea for a project, please download and complete an application here . You can also view a list of grants that were awarded last year . Even s tudents can submit a grant request for something that will benefit their learning environment! The Fall 2019 EZ Grant ... read full article

Meet Dog Man at the Twain Book Fair

Get ready for a special visit from DOG MAN! That's right! You can meet Dog Man at the book fair on Tuesday, October 15 from 4 - 5 pm in Twain Library! Plus, it'll be Families Helping Families Night between 4-6pm, so make a donation to help purchase books for Twain families in need. When make a donation, you can pick a puffin egg for a chance to win arctic plush animals, 3-D prints or $20 for your favorite teacher to spend on books! ... read full article

Enter our Book Fair giveaway!

Want to win some money to spend at the book fair next week? Head over to our  Twain PTSA Facebook page right now for a chance to win! Entering is super quick and easy. Good luck! ... read full article

Bobcat Membership Package - show your support!

There's still time to purchase the Bobcat Membership Package! The package includes PTSA membership for 2 adults, a yearbook, member directory, and "no-hassle" donation to fund the PTSA's most important work. You will also receive a punch card to redeem free stuff at future events! Register online today .  ... read full article

Be a Game Changer for our Environment

Are you passionate about the environment? Do you want to show your children how important it is to take action on something you believe in? Join the PTSA as our Sustainability Chair and work with our school and families to make a difference! This position can be performed by one individual or as part of a team. Contact Twainpresident@outlook.com if you are interested to learn more! ... read full article

Seeking Volunteers for the Book Fair

We are looking volunteers to help set-up, work during the sale, and pack up when it is all over. The commitment is small, with shifts lasting only two hours, and no prior experience necessary. Sign up for a shift here . ... read full article

Reflections Arts Competition

Do you have a young writer or artist in your home? Or a child who enjoys music, dancing, taking photos or making videos? Reflections  is a  national arts completion  that allows children to express themselves in one of six arts categories: 1. Dance Choreography. 2. Film Production.  3. Literature.  4. Music Composition.  5. Photography.  6. Visual Arts. The theme this year is " Look Within ". The deadline are for entries is  Oct 24, 2019 . You can  find more information here .  Contact  Devry DelHoyo  with any questions. ... read full article

Volunteers needed for Walk or Bike to School Day

Can you give 30 minutes to an hour to help us next Wednesday morning before school starts? We need a few parents to help us for Walk or Bike to School Day on October 2nd. The is a great event that encourages children to be more conscious of their health, the environment, and the safe routes from their home to school. If you can help please sign up here . Thank you! ... read full article

Fall After School Programs

Online Registration for our Fall After School Programs is now open! Tuesdays - Chess4Life (Grades K-5) Thursdays - LEGO Club (Grades K-2 and 3-5) Fridays - Jump Rope Club (Grades K-5) You will be able to  register here starting Sep 23. Please contact  Shelley Lish with your questions. ... read full article

Double Box Top points week

Box Tops is going digital. Download the Box Tops app today! This week is Double Box Top points. To earn money for our school, simply purchase qualifying products by 9/22/19 and scan your receipt within 14 days of purchase. ... read full article

Bobcat Membership Package

Show your support by purchasing a Bobcat Membership Package which includes PTSA membership, a yearbook, member directory, a "no-hassle" donation to the PTSA and a punch card to redeem free stuff at future events! Help us make this school year a GREAT one! Find out where your "no-hassle" donation goes . You can also purchase other membership levels. Register online at  www.twainptsa.org ... read full article

Buy your spirit wear!

Show your paw pride! Mark Twain Spirit Wear is available to purchase for a limited time only.  Make our order here . Sales close on September 27th for mid-late October delivery. ... read full article

Join us! Become a PTSA member today!

Support our kids by becoming a PTSA member! Twain PTSA is dedicated to improving the education and well-being of all children at home, school, and in the community. Please also consider making a No-Hassle donation, which is vital to our efforts to support our school, staff and families. Find out where your donations go .  Become a member today . Check out our Bobcat Package which is available until October 24th - it includes your membership, a yearbook, member directory, punch card with free stuff to redeem at future events, as well as a no-hassle donation which supports the PTSA's most ... read full article

A Change to Box Tops

Box Tops have gone digital!!! No more clipping!   Earn cash for Mark Twain via the app which can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Just scan your receipt and the Box Tops cash will be added to our school!   You can still clip any old Box Tops you find and drop them off at the school office.     ... read full article

Playground Donor Recognition Panels are up!

We're excited to share a photo of the playground donor recognition panels that have been installed near the front entrance of the school. THANK YOU again to all of our donors for your generous gift - your donations made it possible to build a beautiful playground that will be enjoyed by children in our community for many years to come. Together you made a difference! Also- special thanks goes to  Molly Kelleher Honig  all her time and effort in making this happen!   ... read full article

2019-2020 Calendar of Events

Our PTSA 2019-2020 Calendar of Events are available here . There will be lots of fun and exciting events for the entire family. Mark those dates in your calendar now - We can't wait to see you there!   ... read full article

2019-2020 Reflections Competition

The 2019-20 Reflections theme has been announced. Theme: “Look Within” Get a head start on your Reflections submission this summer. The six art categories are: 1. Dance Choreography. 2. Film Production.  3. Literature.  4. Music Composition.  5. Photography.  6. Visual Arts. For more information,  visit this webpage . Contact  Devry DelHoyo  with questions. ... read full article

Twain PTSA Board of Directors for 2019-2020

We are excited to announce our team of PTSA board members for the 2019-2020 year! Thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication to serving this community and we look forward to an amazing year ahead! ... read full article

End of Year Video Slideshow

 Thank you for an incredible year and for being part of our community.  Check out this video slideshow and relive some amazing memories as we look through photos from events throughout the year. Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to creating new memories with you in September! ... read full article