Author: Kathy Austin

A How to Blast 2023 Guide

Kathy Austin

Admission is Free!

Click to Enlarge

Pre-Sale for tickets is going on now through May 3rd.  Pick up pre-orders after school on Thursday and Friday before the Blast.  Or pick up the day of the Blast at the East Gate will call.

Raffle Basket Tickets will be available for purchase in the cafeteria on May 6th.  

WHAT’S THERE TO DO?

Outside:  gaga ball, glitter tattoos, face painting, and MORE!

Entertainment: DJ Chris, The Not-It’s!, Alpha Martial Arts Demo, Roosevelt Cheerleaders, Eckstein Jazz Band

Inside: Carnival Games, Cake Raffle, Raffle baskets, and MORE!

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

We Blast regardless of the weather.  Dress for the rain, sun, heat, and cold!

Questions?  Please email blast@bryantschool.org

PTSA Awards and General Membership Meeting–June 7th

Kathy Austin

All are welcome to attend our last PTSA General Membership Meeting of the 2022-2022 school year on Tuesday, June 7th at 7:00pm!

The virtual event will begin with a General Membership Meeting followed by Volunteer Appreciation. The agenda includes a membership vote to elect our 2022-2023 Executive committee and a vote on the proposed 2022-2023 Budget.

The proposed budget is available for review in advance. (Check back here!)

It’s not too late to become a voting member of Bryant PTSA for 2021-2022!  Join here.

Meeting details:

June 7, 2022 at 7:00PM

Meetings will be hosted via Google Meet,

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 641-569-8729‬ PIN: ‪955 754 102‬#

To inquire about accommodations to attend this event, please contact ptsaexec@bryantschool.org.

We hope you can join us!

Click here for a full list of 2020-21 PTSA meetings.

 

Letter to SPS Fall 2022 Bell Times

Kathy Austin

Dear Ms. Davies,

Following last week’s release of the SPS proposal to alter the district’s school schedule, the Bryant PTSA created and sent a survey to understand the needs of families and provide critical family engagement regarding the announcement of the change in school bell times.

In less than 72 hours, 63% of Bryant families responded to the survey, and they shared with us what we believe to be universally true for elementary families across the district. The overwhelming majority of responses indicated that the SPS proposed changing school start times will be extremely difficult for families. 

  • 69% of respondents stated they would need before school care

  • 51% of respondents would need after school care

  • Yet, 67.9% of respondents do not know what child care options are available to them.

  • 63% of respondents stated that the change in bell times would negatively impact their livelihoods. The 9:30 AM time seems especially hard because it affects most morning and afternoon work schedules.

The qualitative data collected in this survey pointed to several major themes:

  • There will be a significant, different, and relatively immediate need for childcare coverage. Currently, in the Bryant Community, the need for childcare is far greater than the options available, and the proposed bell times would widen this gap both at Bryant and city-wide. 

  • Livelihood impact – an example from one parent: “With older siblings in earlier start times in middle school, I will have to go part-time to provide morning child care for my elementary student. A 9:30 start is a huge disruption for working parents, especially those who have to be in person.”

  • Student impacts – mental health, afterschool activities, playtime, special needs for special education, etc. 

We’ve attached the full report to this email if you want to look it over.  

Due to all these hardships, we ask that you reconsider placing any elementary schools in the 9:30 AM tier.  This request is in alignment with Bryant’s building administration’s request.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Bryant PTSA
 

February 1st – Special General Membership Meeting

Kathy Austin


 

Due to the continued need to have COVID-19 safety protocols in place, the PTSA has many programs that will not be able to run as hoped for this school year. Therefore, to better support the needs of the school at this time, the PTSA Executive Committee is calling for a special General Membership meeting on February 1st, 2022, at 7 PM via Goole Meet to discuss the changes to the budget, propose reallocations, and ask for approval of these changes from General Membership.

Special General Membership Meeting
Tuesday, February 1 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bmq-dkei-atr
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 401-646-0033‬ PIN: ‪114 545 724‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/bmq-dkei-atr?pin=6260512986350

Record-Breaking Annual Campaign Results!

Kathy Austin
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Annual Campaign. We were blown away by the support from the Bryant community, especially during this challenging year.
 
– We reached record participation at 97%!
– We exceeded our fundraising goal at 104%!
– Seventeen classes reached 100% participation and won an extra recess!
 
Your donations will make a difference for all Bryant students, providing critical academic and enrichment support along with supplies, community-building events, and assistance to families in need.
 
At Bryant, we take care of ourselves. We take care of each other. We take care of our school.
Thank you for supporting Bryant!

2021-22 Bryant PTSA Annual Campaign

Kathy Austin

Click here to participate in the campaign.

All Bryant students deserve the best possible education and the brightest future. Thank you for your continued support Bryant during these challenging times.

Your annual campaign donation funds over 75% of all PTSA activities. This is the only direct appeal for funds each year.

Please make your gift to support Bryant students today.