Introducing the 2019/2020 PTA Board Nominees
The Nominating Committee recently concluded a search for next year’s Board Membership. At this time the only required, open position is Vice President. Several people expressed interest, and the Nominating Committee met with all of them to learn how they would like to help. This process identified opportunities to fill several other open positions, and we are thrilled to make the following nominations.
Nomination: Melanie Granger for Vice President
“Hello Beautiful people! My name is Melanie A. Granger and I have been an Alki parent for three years, and counting. I have a little origami king named Taj, who’s in second grade at Alki. Taj has spent some of his most important years at Alki, with some amazing teachers and staff. Alki Elementary is a progressive school that instills essential characteristic traits that our children will carry into their adult years. For this I am grateful. I am interested in joining the PTA to continue to build a more inclusive community within Alki and outside of Alki.
A little bit about myself you ask. I was born and raised in The Motor City, Detroit, MI. I lived in California for 9 years, pursuing my career as a wardrobe stylist for entertainers such as PitBull, Ice Cube, and KIDZ BOP to name a few. I’ve participated in many philanthropic endeavors throughout my adolescence and adult life. I am co-creator/founder of One Million Tampons, a campaign that collects menstrual product and distributes it throughout Seattle to ones in need. I’m a skateboard mom. I run an indoor play space called “WE FREE HEARTS”, for children 6mos-6yrs at the South Park Hall in South Park. I have a band called Push4luv that performs throughout Seattle.”
Nomination: Jennifer & Dale Ross for Fundraising Committee Co-Chairs
The 2018-19 School year is Jennifer’s first year joining the Alki Elementary Community. Jennifer comes from a family of educators and school administrators and is committed to uniting the families, teachers, staff and the community to support the students. Professionally Jennifer is a licensed Interior Designer who has an independent practice as well as works part time for an Architecture firm. Jennifer’s greatest joy is raising her two active children (Gavin- 1st grade & Brandon – future Alki student) alongside her husband. Together the family enjoys exercising their herding dogs, playing sports, cultivating their garden and working as a team on home renovation projects.
Although this is Dale’s 1st year as an Alki Elementary parent he comes from a long line of Alki Elementary Alumni, including his Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncle and Sister. Dale is born and raised in West Seattle, a local real estate broker and has a degree in Business Marketing. He is an entrepreneur by profession and enjoys networking, meeting with local business owners and families of West Seattle. He hopes to utilize his skill set to serve the staff, students, and community at Alki Elementary creating a community based relationship where the students benefit. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, tackling remodeling projects, and coaching baseball.
Dale and Jenn enjoy working as a team and are looking forward to becoming more involved with the PTA and Alki Elementary.
Nomination: Laetitia Rettori for Board Member at Large
“Next year will be my 4th year as an Alki Parent. I have two kids, Oscar and Henri who will be entering 3rd grade and 1st grade in the fall. We have been very impressed with the staff and families at Alki Elementary. It feels great to be part of such a welcoming community that has the kids’ interest at heart. I love that kindness and inclusion are a big part of the School’s focus!
I’m originally from France, so I was raised in a very different system, both culturally and academically. I am learning a lot about Education in America, including the importance of having an active PTA in the School. Outside from spending time with my family, I also work full time (for a French video games company!) and love cooking and traveling!”
Nomination: Mike Uehara-Bingen for Membership Chair
“My daughter Celia is currently in the 1st grade at Alki, and my son Kaio will join her after one more year of preschool. As we approach the end of our 2nd year in the Alki Elementary community, I have been thoroughly inspired by the many parents and staff who find ways to improve the school, within PTA or otherwise. I am grateful, and quite eager to learn more about how I can support those efforts.”
Returning Board members, Tom Harris (President), Nicole Bryant (Treasurer), Mel Spiker (Secretary), Emily Anderson (Events), and Ali Pankop (Communications) will return to their roles next year. We thank all these individuals for their service and commitment to our students and our community. We are still looking for fill the roles of PTA Building Leadership Team Representative, Advocacy Chair, and Volunteer Coordinator.