There are many different ways that families are involved at Cascade Community School and work together to support our school. Below are just a few examples.
Classroom Volunteers
One of the most important ways family members support CK8 is by volunteering in the classroom. Teachers welcome parent support, and having parents in the classroom allows the teachers to provide opportunities for the students that wouldn’t be possible without this support. Parent volunteers are also essential for the many field trips and excursions that are part of the CK8 learning experience.
Electives
Each trimester, the students at CK8 have the opportunity to engage in an electives class. These elective classes are taught by parents, and include all different kinds of subjects such as knitting, yoga, outdoor games, board games, drama, photography, orienteering, animation, engineering with LEGOs, etc. It is a great way for parents to get involved!
Fall Camp
This is an Overnight trip for the WHOLE SCHOOL! Camps are a strong tradition at Cascade! We kick off the year with a two-day experience for outdoor school and community building. Students (and family members who attend camp) sleep in cabins, go to nature classes, take hikes and sculpt clay from the riverbanks. While the school staff are responsible for the curriculum during the camp, parent volunteers help with many aspects of camp, such as cooking, monitoring the campfire, leading free choice activities, and helping with the evening talent show.
Spring Camp
This is like Fall Camp but longer and much more involved (at least for K-5 parents). Students and parents look forward to Spring Camp every year. Unlike Fall Camp, we split into smaller groups for Spring Camp. Grades K-5 go together to one location, grades 6&7 camp at another location, and grade 8 heads out for a special outdoor education experience to wrap up their years at Cascade Community School. Spring Camp is a 4-day excursion, and in many ways serves as the culmination of all of the year’s experiences.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Night
STEAM Night is a fun opportunity for students and families, as well as members of the community, to engage in hands-on activities and learn about special topics. Experiments, math games, art projects, and other activities are set up in the classrooms, led by parents and by outside experts. There are activities that are appropriate for students of all ages. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn – and have FUN!
TSA (Technology Student Association)
Our Journey students have the opportunity to participate in TSA and work on projects that they eventually will compete with at the state and maybe even national level. TSA encourages the development of leadership skills as well as branching out into more areas of STEM. Parents can assist by helping to fundraise to send our students to conferences, chaperoning, and providing support however else is needed.
ArtFest and Family Dance
Each spring we celebrate the extraordinary art pieces and projects produced by our students. Parents and students are invited to the school to see the art and then spend time together for a family dance. This is a wonderful community time with the chance for students and parents to visit with each other and celebrate the artistic accomplishments of our students.
Reflections
This is a program sponsored by Washington State PTA for students to create personal art entries based on a yearly theme. The entries are judged against other same-aged student entries across the district, region and even the State Level. Many different mediums are available for student expression including drawing, painting, sculpting, song writing, etc. All Cascade Community School students have an opportunity to make an art piece regardless of whether they want to submit their piece for judging. Each of our students is encouraged to participate for the purpose of enjoying art. The competition is a secondary component.
Market Day
Market Day is a chance for students to participate in a Token Based Economy (No real money is used). Market Day happens 3-4 times per year. On Market Day, students are given the opportunity to run their own business for about 1.5 hours- but, there is much to do before the buying and selling begins. Students must make a Market Day proposal to bring something to sell that they have from home or have made (no soda or store bought candy), or to sell a service (e.g., fingernail painting, gift wrapping, etc.). If the proposal is approved, the students then get a business license and rent a table. On the “big day” the students bring their “wares” or talents to school and offer them for sale. Students are given an amount of Token Money when they start at Cascade to get them started, and it carries over every year. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend. All parents in attendance are also given Token Money in order to help keep the economy thriving.
Family Gatherings
Throughout the year, family gatherings such as Cosmic Bowling, roller skating, and beach picnics are organized by parent volunteers. These are wonderful opportunities for families to gather together and HAVE SOME FUN!
Back To School Night
The school hosts an annual gathering the night before school starts. The PTSA helps by coordinating snacks and having classroom liaisons and other PTSA officers present to help answer questions. Parents reconnect and gather by classes with Parent Liaisons and classroom teachers to learn about volunteer opportunities and general information about what to expect.
Staff Appreciation
In addition to year-round thank you notes and apples for the teacher, two weeks are set aside each year to acknowledge the hard work done by the employees of our school: one week for the teachers and one week for the support staff. A parent volunteer is assigned to coordinate the efforts of the parents and students in providing lunch, bringing flowers, serving treats, etc. and all parents are encouraged to contribute to help make it a success. It’s a small way to let the staff know how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication!
After-School Programs
After-school programs are offered on a quarterly basis based on student demand. Offerings may include computer coding, robotics, drama, sewing, karate, Dungeons & Dragons, music, art, foreign languages, etc. The PTSA provides scholarship funds to ensure that all students have access to these programs.
Community Business Meeting
This is the monthly business meeting for the PTSA, and members of the PTSA Representative Body (RepBod) are required to attend. All members of the Cascade community are welcome to attend if interested and can offer input on topics discussed, but only RepBod members can vote on decisions that are made at the business meetings.
Community Gathering Meetings
Community Gathering Meetings are designed for all Cascade Community School parents. Meeting topics include information about upcoming events, teacher classroom reports, finance and fundraising updates, celebrations of our accomplishments, brainstorming new ideas, and much more. Sometimes there are fundraisers providing dinner or snacks for the meeting. It is a great time to get to know other families in the community. Childcare is available so as many parents in our community can come as possible.