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WHO WE ARE
Sandburg & DCS PTSA is a state and nationally affiliated 501c(3) non-profit corporation. We work in close partnership with our schools. Our vision is to make every child's potential a reality.
Our members are caregivers, teachers, staff, community members, and friends of the Sandburg & DCS communities. Family and community engagement cultivates our children's best elementary school experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Carl Sandburg & DCS PTSA will strive to: Enhance the learning environment for all students; be a relevant resource for families, teachers, staff, and administration; & advocate for the education and well-being of every child.
WHAT WE DO
Classroom and curriculum support is vital to our mission. To this end, PTSA programs support math, science, art, music, library, outdoor education, and educative assemblies as well as teacher stipends and staff appreciation events.
Research indicates that students do better in the classroom when there is a strong sense of school community. To support this, the PTSA sponsors social and family events, as well as numerous school enrichment programs to build a shared sense of belonging.
To promote health and safety, the PTSA supports health screenings, funds third-grade swim classes, offers parent education opportunities, stocks emergency preparedness supplies, and maintains herbicide-free school grounds, among numerous other programs focused on the well-being of our students.
This is possible because of the incredible contributions of time and talent from staff, administration and families like you. Whatever you have to contribute, the Sandburg & DCS community needs your voice & participation.
OUR BOARD
The PTSA board is elected for up to two-year terms and consists wholly of community volunteers.
Co-President
Serenity Gray
Serenity has been supporting the PTSA for five years and continues to volunteer because she enjoys creating an environment and community that is inclusive, enriched and fun for to students to learn in. She enjoys working in collaboration with the school to make sure the staff and teachers are supported to create the best learning environment for our students.
president@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Co-President
Carly Buwalda
Carly has been involved in various capacities with the PTSA since her daughter started at Sandburg/DCS almost 7 years ago. She loves volunteering (especially in the classroom) and helping give back to our amazing community. This year she looks forward to partnering with her co-President, and the Board, to continue to grow our relationships with the school staff and parents. She is a working mom with two wonderful kids, one at Sandburg and one Sandburg/DCS alumni at Finn Hill Middle School.
president@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Secretary
Meredith Selfon
Meredith joined the PTSA because it takes people bringing their time and talent to the table to help move society toward a more equitable and just future. All children have the right to high-quality education and the support to reach their full potential. PTSA plays a role in making that happen by advocating for local and federal laws that address quality of education, opportunity and equity, gun safety and violence prevention, child health and safety and more. PTSA also brings our community together to provide opportunities for our students to enrich their learning and growth.
secretary@sandburgdcsptsa.org
VP Communications
Maryam Aycox
Maryam and her family moved to the Sandburg & DCS community 3 years ago for the sole purpose of her children attending this school. After serving on the board of her kid's previous school she researched and chose what she considers a community where her family can lay long-standing roots and be a part of something special. The families she has met throughout her time in the neighborhood inspired her to join the PTSA board and become an involved member of the Sandburg & DCS family. She is a working mom of 3 boys, 1 Sandburg & DCS Seal and 2 Alumni!
communication@sandburgdcsptsa.org
VP School Services
Arwen Gutierrez
Co-VP Enrichment
Amy Rosario
Amy and her family have been a part of the amazing Sandburg & DCS community for the past 3 years. She has served on the PTSA Board during the 2020-2021 school year and appreciated being able to help support students, families, teachers and staff through events such as pantry packs, staff appreciation and the giving tree. Amy is looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year and welcomes everyone in the community to contribute their ideas and get involved in making this school year a success! enrichment@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Co-VP Enrichment
Christy Van De Mark
Christy is a full-time working Mom that is passionate about her community and ensuring it is safe, fun and inclusive for all. She is a long-time member of this community, having grown up on Finn Hill and is excited to be a part of the continued growth and positive change.
enrichment@sandburgdcsptsa.org
VP Membership
Aditi Jain
Treasurer – Banking
Betsy Cleaves
Betsy has been involved in many opportunities to volunteer her time and believes in the importance of volunteering and giving back to her community. Volunteering with the PTSA is a way of supporting her kid's growth and education as well as a way of getting to know the Sandburg & DCS families. Also, being involved gives Betsy a voice in the events and programs that are offered.
treasurer@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Treasurer – Reporting
Rhiza Jackson
Rhiza has enjoyed volunteering in the classroom since her family became part of the Sandburg DCS community 3 years ago. She is looking forward to further supporting the community by being more involved in the PTSA & continuing to make meaningful connections in the years to come. treasurer@sandburgdcsptsa.org
VP Family & Community Engagement (FACE)
Jennifer Junkin
Hello Sandburg/DCS families! I'm the mother of Jack (6th grade), Penelope (4th grade) and Finn (1st grade).
I grew up in New England where I enjoyed soccer, all things outdoors, and getting eaten by mosquitoes (which I strangely do not miss here). My favorite food is guacamole and I appreciate good grammar and active verbs.
VP Fundraising
Lauren Hall-Stigerts
Lauren has been a member of the Sandburg DCS PTSA since 2021 and a board member since 2023. She is excited to apply her background in marketing, event management, communications, and fundraising to grow programs that give our students new experiences and opportunities. A product of the Lake Washington School district herself, Lauren is grateful to have one child at Sandburg with a second soon to follow in her sister's footsteps.