PTSA News

From the President

Welcome back to school! That summer went fast.

About me: Long-time PTSA board member and in my second year of the PTSA presidency. Our daughter Rowan is an 11th grader in the IB Diploma Programme. I feel so connected to this school, its diverse programs, and dedicated staff, who are truly invested in helping our students succeed. My favorite thing about being president? Meeting Blair staff & families and working together to enable the Blair community to thrive!

Community Building Events

In middle and high school, it can be hard to meet other families. Take advantage of these three opportunities this Fall to build your network!

Friday, August 18, 3:30 pm at the Middle School: Join PTSA for cool treats, lemonade, maybe some lawn games.
September (TBD): Look out for a no-host Friday parent mixer and a Sunday family picnic.
September-October (TBD): Grade-level parent meetings. Show up and discuss topics specific to your student's grade level(s).

Donate: PTSA Staff Grants Fund

PTSA organizes programs for families and fundraises to support school needs. Last year we gave away grants totaling $5,000 to staff and teachers for specific classroom supplies. Help us reach our $5,000 goal!

Two easy ways to donate:

Donate on PayPal. Search for Treasurer@blairptsa.com or use the QR code above.
Write a check, payable to Blair PTSA. Write "staff grants" in the notes line and bring it to the high school office.

PTSA Committee Chair Positions

We need your help! See below for available positions in PTSA.

Financial Reviewer: Review our accounting twice per school year (5 hours June & January)
Reflections Chair: Encourage students to enter the national PTA art contest "Reflections" (5 hours, October-December)
Passive Fundraising: Encourage people to support PTSA while they shop (1 hour per week)
Historian: Track Blair's volunteer hours (2 hours, quarterly)

Contact Sarah Marcotte at president@blairptsa.com for more information.

Share the E-Blast!

Do you know families new to Blair who want to sign up for the E-Blast? Point them to bit.ly/BlairEblastSignup to start getting the news!

Blair News

First Day Celebration

We would like to welcome and celebrate students on their first day of school with signs, balloons, and big loud cheers. We're looking for 40 or more parents/caregivers (20+ per campus) on Monday, August 14th from 8:50 to 9:40 am (school starts at 9:20). Please sign up using signupgenius so that we can make this a reality. We will provide music to make the celebration grand! We are asking you to bring posters or balloons if you can. Questions? Contact Assistant Principal Christine McLaughlin.

Metro GoPass Program

All PUSD students are now eligible to ride the Metro for free, thanks to a new program called the LA Metro Fareless System Initiative. Students will have access to unlimited free rides until June 30, 2024, on buses and trains run by LA Metro and other participating transit systems, including Pasadena Transit and Foothill Transit.

TAP cards and new eligibility codes will be available in the office. Students must register their card/code to activate. Register online at taptogo.net/gopass or by phone by calling 866-TAPTOGO (M-F, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm). Once activated, make sure to tap the card at any bus, rail, or TAP vending machine within 21 days to finalize activation. Click here for more information.

Blair FAQs

New to Blair and have a question? Or maybe you're not new but need a refresher? Check out our new FAQs!

Also, see the new Bell Schedule here. (And then read about Periods 0, 7, and 9 on the FAQs.)

High School Sports

Physicals for Athletic Clearance: Students must complete their physical and submit their athletic clearance prior to attending their first practice. There will be free physicals this Saturday, August 12th from 8:30 to 10:30 am in the Blair gym.

Girls Volleyball Tryouts will be held on August 16th and 17th after school in the Blair gym.

The Cross Country team is already practicing. Join them!

Details for Girls Soccer and Blair Football (we're back!) coming soon!

Contact Athletic Director, Kyla Berman, with any questions.

Important Senior Updates

Welcome to your final year at Blair, Seniors! Keep an eye on this space for Class of 2024-specific information on activities and opportunities.

Scholarship Opportunities

Tournament of Roses Royal Court applications are now open. Members of the Royal Court receive a $7,500 scholarship. Details and application on the TofR website.

HeySunday's Annual Eco-Warrior Scholarship is a recurring scholarship open to all students who seek to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. The deadline to apply is December 1st. Details on their website.

The Mark Stirdivant Scholarships for Justice award scholarships for art, essay, and video submissions. The scholarships are open to all students in 9th - 12th grade for the 2023-24 school year. Details can be found on their website. The deadline for application is August 31st.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. The 2024 application will be available from August 1st until October 2nd. Details on their website.