Calling all Syre Artists!

The Syre PTA is encouraging any and all Syre students to participate in this year’s PTA Sponsored Reflections Art Program. Students are invited to create original artwork inspired by this year’s theme “I Belong!” Explore the arts and reflect yourself!

What is Reflections®?

Reflections is a theme focused National PTA and Washington State PTA arts recognition program, celebrating K-12 student creativity and encourages school age youth to express themselves through the arts. Student art is judged first at the school level (Syre). Finalists from the school level will move on to the district level (Shoreline) and then the state and national levels for judging.

Submissions can be completed works of art in one or more of the available categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.

The deadline for submission is December 5 th , 2025. Please email your entry form as a PDF attachment and an image of your artwork as a JPG attachment via email to syreptapresident@gmail.com (Attn: Katy Browning) Reflections.

Entry forms can be found here.

Congrats to our 2025 Award Winners!

Outstanding Educator Award: Sarah Taillie

Sarah Taillie, a dedicated second grade teacher at Syre Elementary since 2015, is being honored with the Outstanding Educator Award for her exceptional commitment to student learning and equity in literacy. With over 15 years of teaching experience, including seven years in Washington, D.C., Sarah brings deep expertise in reading and phonics instruction to her classroom and colleagues alike. She not only empowers her own students with strong foundational literacy skills but also supports staff through professional development and collaborative teaching. This year, Sarah has gone above and beyond—modeling lessons, partnering with teams, and ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. Her passion, leadership, and unwavering dedication make her a true asset to our school community. Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys cheering on her children at soccer and baseball games and spending time exploring national parks with her family during the summer. Her commitment to continuous learning and collaboration is evident in all she does, and her students, colleagues, and families are better for it.

Outstanding Advocate Award: Heidi Alexander

Heidi Alexander is being recognized with the Outstanding Advocate Award for her extraordinary commitment to Syre Elementary and the Shoreline community over the past 32 years. In her many roles—classroom teacher, librarian, tech specialist, dean, and now interim principal—Heidi has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Known for her deep well of knowledge about each child and family, she meets students with compassion, respect, and steady guidance. Whether helping a child navigate challenges, celebrating their successes, or offering comfort during difficult times, Heidi embodies the heart of Syre. This year especially, she has led with quiet strength and grace, stepping up in the face of grief to guide and support our community through profound loss. Her leadership and care have made Syre a safer, kinder, and more resilient place. A lifelong advocate for students and families, Heidi has also raised her own children in the Shoreline district—both Syre graduates—who were so inspired by their upbringing that they are pursuing careers in education. She and her husband still live in Shoreline, where she enjoys walking her dog, baking, and spending time with friends and family. Heidi’s legacy at Syre is one of unwavering advocacy, deep connection, and the kind of integrity that leaves a lasting mark on all who have the privilege to know her.

Outstanding Advocate Award: Chrisy Francescutti

Chrisy Francescutti is being recognized with the Outstanding Advocate Award for her unwavering commitment to supporting both students and staff across our school community. As the beloved librarian and dean at Syre Elementary, Chrisy brings nearly three decades of experience in Shoreline schools—including roles as a teacher, instructional leader, and principal. She is a trusted educator who champions equity and access, curating a diverse and inclusive library where every student can find books that reflect their identity and spark a love of reading. Chrisy’s partnerships with teachers enrich classroom instruction, while her approachable presence offers students a safe space, a listening ear, or just the right book at the right time. Her advocacy, leadership, and kindness have made a lasting impact on our school, and we are proud to honor her outstanding service. Chrisy’s deep connection to education is matched by her love for community and family. She lives in Lake Forest Park with her husband and enjoys visits from her two college-aged daughters, who have taught her as much about kids as her years in education. In her free time, she’s often baking sourdough bread or working on her golf game. Her warmth, generosity, and experience continue to enrich our school every day.

outstanding Volunteer Award: Brittany Harsila

Brittany Harsila is being recognized with the Golden Acorn – Outstanding Volunteer Award for her years of outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to the Syre Elementary community. A true pillar of support, Brittany has been actively involved in nearly every aspect of school life—from classroom volunteering and fundraising to PTA leadership. She has served on the PTA Board in multiple capacities, including as President during the 2020–2022 school years, and has contributed her time and energy to the Fundraising, Nominating, and Staff Appreciation Committees. Whether supporting school events, coordinating room activities, or stepping in as a substitute, Brittany brings enthusiasm, warmth, and a deep commitment to students and staff alike. Brittany’s roots at Syre run deep—she and her husband both attended the school as children and have now watched their own sons grow up in the same community. As her family graduates from Syre this spring, Brittany reflects on these years with deep gratitude and joy. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of service and kindness will remain a part of the Syre spirit for years to come.

Outstanding Volunteer Award: Jenny Lohman

Jenny Lohman is being honored with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her long-standing and heartfelt dedication to the Syre Elementary community. For the past nine years, Jenny has been a consistent and generous presence at Syre, supporting students, staff, and families in countless ways. From serving on the PTA Board of Directors as part of the Community Services Committee to helping organize 5th grade camp fundraising and assisting with school events, Jenny brings warmth, thoughtfulness, and a quiet strength to everything she does. Her calm, kind demeanor and willingness to jump in wherever needed have made a lasting impact on our school. Jenny believes deeply in supporting what she values, and that shows in her ongoing contributions not only to Syre but also to the broader Richmond Beach community. She volunteers for local events and helps deliver the Richmond Beach Community News, always finding meaningful ways to stay engaged. With her youngest child just beginning their time at Syre, we are grateful that Jenny plans to continue sharing her time and talents with our school in the years ahead.

Outstanding Volunteer Award: Heather Montzingo

Heather Montzingo is being honored with the Golden Acorn – Outstanding Volunteer Award for her unwavering commitment, tireless dedication, and behind-the-scenes leadership throughout her many years at Syre Elementary. As a parent of four children who have all come through Syre, Heather has always been the first to raise her hand—whether serving as PTA Treasurer and Co-President, stepping in to support the administrative team, or quietly filling gaps to help families through the Family Advocate. Her generosity with her time and energy, her collaborative spirit, and her ability to execute with excellence have made her an invaluable part of the Syre community. Heather never seeks the spotlight but consistently shows up with compassion, creativity, and a can-do attitude that lifts everyone around her. Heather’s passion for community runs deep. A proud mom of four in Shoreline, she finds joy in cheering on her kids at sporting events, welcoming friends and neighbors into her home, and supporting her children as they pursue their dreams. Her home is often filled with laughter, snacks, and extra kids—always greeted with an open door and a warm heart. With the loving support of her husband Jake, Heather has poured her heart into Syre for years. While we will miss her deeply as her youngest moves on from elementary school, her impact and example will be felt for years to come.

COLLECT THOSE BOX TOPS!
No more clipping. Scan your receipt.

Boxtops is a great way to SUPPORT THE pta!

All you need is your phone. Download the ALL-NEW Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit your PTAs (Melving G. Syre) Box Tops earnings online.

REGISTER NOW!

Mental Health Resource List

You are not alone.

The Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee created this resource list for our community.

https://www.shorelinepta.org/resource-list.html

NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK

NATIONAL PTA PODCAST

National PTA is working to ensure our public schools provide a high-quality and equitable education for every child to reach their full potential. Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for millions of parents and the decisionmakers they influence.

Through the unique combination of expert, parent and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development— all in parent-friendly language.