Frequently asked questions.
Welcome to McGilvra!
We’re so glad you’re here! Please keep an eye on this page for additional updates and new information!
McGilvra Elementary is a historic public school with a strong tradition of academic excellence, creativity, and community involvement. In addition to our dedicated teachers and staff, we have an active PTA and many parent volunteers. Parents are always welcome at school and we hope you’ll get involved!
We hope this page will help familiarize yourself with the school and answer questions you might have. If something is missing, please don’t hesitate to write to outreach@mcgilvrapta.org and we will do our best to add the additional information!
Save the Date!
Please mark your calendar for these upcoming events during the summer.
**Kindergarten Round Up**
Friday, August 22, 9:00 – 11:00
Join our Kindergarten teaching team for a special introduction to Kindergarten! This important session provides you and your student an opportunity to spend time with classmates and teachers, get to know each other, and learn more about McGilvra. The morning involves a variety of activities, some that you will do with your child and some that the children will do together, that help us get to know your child and plan for the year ahead.
Summer Meet-ups for Kindergarteners
Each summer, the PTA hosts a few playdates for incoming Kindergarteners. Please join us for one or both of these events! Although these events are informal, RSVP so we know how many people to expect and can keep you informed of any updates.
Sunday, July 13 @ 1:00 p.m. at the McGilvra Field
Join incoming Kindergarteners for a special event featuring games and activities led by Backyard PE. This event will take place on the field at McGilvra. Please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to attend so we can open extra spots to some of our current students.
Sunday, August 10 @ 11:00 a.m. at Washington Park Playground
Meet up with fellow incoming McGilvra families at this informal playdate.
Community Get-Togethers
Popsicles with the Principal - Thursday, August 28 @ 3:00 – 5:00 at McGilvra
Join Principal Anderson and other McGilvra families for popsicles.
Meet your Teacher! - Tuesday, September 2
4:00 p.m. - Meeting for Families in the McGilvra Lunchroom
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Visit classrooms and meet your child’s teacher
FAQs
When will I find out my child’s teacher?
Teaching assignments will be announced by the end of the day on Friday, August 29. You will receive an e-mail from your child’s teacher.
Will there be an opportunity for us to visit school before the first day of school?
Yes. All families are invited to a Meet & Greet with your child’s teacher on Tuesday, September 2 from 4:30 to 5:30. In addition, Kindergarten teachers will arrange 1:1 meetings with each Kindergarten student.
How can I find out about volunteer opportunities?
Join the PTA Board
McGilvra has an active PTA and we hope you will be involved! The PTA is run by a Board of Directors that oversees fundraising, several community events, the Kids Time enrichment program, and more. We welcome your involvement! If you would like to share your professional talents in fundraising, communications, accounting, event planning, graphic design, or any other area you can think of, please contact president@mcgilvrapta.org. The PTA Board meets monthly and it is a great way to meet other parents and have the inside scoop on all McGilvra happenings.
Become a Room Parent
Room parents help facilitate communication between the teacher and families. In addition, they collaborate with the teacher for various celebrations and activities throughout the year. Room parents also typically coordinate classroom gifts for teachers around the holidays. If you would like to be a room parent, please contact your child’s teacher.
Volunteer in the Classroom
McGilvra teachers welcome parent volunteers in their classrooms throughout the year. You can make a weekly commitment or you can make arrangements with your child’s teacher whenever you have time. Teachers will be in touch at the beginning of the school year regarding volunteer opportunities.
There are also many individual opportunities throughout the year, including chaperoning field trips or helping with special projects in the classroom.
Help in the Art Room or the Library
Ms. Finch (art) and Ms. Powers (library) also welcome volunteers throughout the year. If you’d like to help in either the art room or the library, please contact Ms. Finch at jlfinch@seattleschools.org or Ms. Powers at dcpowers@seattleschools.org.
Help Out in the Garden
The McGilvra Garden is a unique space that is enjoyed by our students throughout the year. It also requires loving care from volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please contact Ms. Ongman at mmongman@seattleschools.org.
Do I need to complete any special forms to volunteer?
All volunteers must be cleared by Seattle Public Schools, a process that can take several weeks. If you plan to volunteer at school in any capacity, including chaperoning field trips, you should begin the volunteer application process as soon as possible. For more details and to access the application form, please visit the SPS website. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Finch at jlfinch@seattleschools.org.
More FAQs coming soon!
Who do I contact if my child is absent?
How does my child pay for lunch from the cafeteria?
How do I check my child’s grades and test scores?
Can I request books from the school library?