Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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School Board Candidate Forum and General Election

10/8/2025

 
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Below you will find resources to help you learn more about the Northshore School Board Director candidates, our candidate forum and the upcoming election.
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Disclaimer: Northshore Council PTSA does not support or oppose any candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. ​ This blog post is to assist the community in making informed judgments in the election. ​
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Northshore Council PTSA School Board Candidate Forum 2025
 




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Photo Left to Right:  Carson Sanderson, Sandy Hayes, Kimberlee Kelly
  • VIEW FORUM RECORDING - Click here
  • Land Acknowledgment and resources (slide)
  • Disclaimer (slide)
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The Northshore School board is made up of five Board members who are elected at large for four-year terms on a staggered basis. The board is the policy-making body for the district and makes decisions regarding school district priorities, policies, personnel, textbooks, expenditures, and growth management. The Board adopts the annual budget and also proposes levy and bond issues for community consideration.
 
This November 2025, School Board Director positions 1, 4 and 5 will be up for election for terms ending in 2029.
​(Links for each candidate below is from  King County Elections website)

District No. 1
Carson Sanderson
District No. 4
Sandy R Hayes
JoAnn Tolentino
District No. 5
Kimberlee Kelly
Lynda Schram
 


Northshore Director District 
Map

Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district.  Voters within the Northshore School District boundaries are able to vote for all school board director positions. 
 
 
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2025 Online Voters' Pamphlets:
  • King County Local Voters' Pamphlet 1.pdf
  • 2025 Voters' Pamphlet PDFs | WA Secretary of State
King County pamphlets in additional languages: 
  • Spanish Voters Pamphlet 2025 - King.pdf
  • Chinese Voters Pamphlet 2025 - King.pdf
  • Vietnamese Voters Pamphlet 2025 - King.pdf
   

 

 


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How Do I Register to Vote?
Check your registration info at VoteWA.gov.
Online: Register at VoteWA.gov
By mail: Request a paper form be mailed to you or print your own at sos.wa.gov/elections
No internet access? Call 1(800) 448-4881
In person: Visit a county elections office
If you are turning 18 prior to the November Election it is not too late to register.
Sign up online at VoteWA.gov with your Washington state driver’s license, permit, or ID – or - fill out a paper registration form using the last four digits of your Social Security number and mail it in.

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Visit our Advocacy Page to learn more about Northshore Council PTSA's advocacy efforts.
Questions? Please contact Council Co-VPs of Advocacy, Brenae Brix & Stephanie Sullivan, at [email protected]

School Board Candidate Forum hosted by Northshore Council PTSA

9/8/2025

 
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School Board Candidate Forum
Submit YOUR Questions & Save the Date
 
The Northshore Council PTSA is hosting a School Board Candidate Forum to help voters make an informed choice when voting for school board directors in the November election.  Three of the five school board director positions are up for election.
 
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS
Northshore community, we need your partnership to help determine the important questions to ask School Board Candidates during the 2025 School Board Candidate Forum. We will use our best discretion to combine similar topics and bring the most mentioned questions to the candidates.
Please weigh in and complete the survey below by Friday, September 26th, 2025.
https://forms.gle/m7EE5xUy465zgWov6

 
SAVE THE DATE
Northshore School Board Candidate Forum
Wednesday October 8, 2025 at 6:00pm
Northshore Performing Arts Center
Bothell High School Campus
18125 92nd AV NE
Bothell, WA 98011
 
We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 8th for an engaging and informative event.
For questions about the event, please email: [email protected]

 
 
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Online Meeting Hosting Available for Local PTAs

6/6/2025

 

Northshore Council will provide Online Meeting Hosting for local PTAs/PTSAs this 2025 - 2026 school year!

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Online Meeting Hosting can be used by any local PTA/PTSA that wants Council to host a Zoom meeting for them. Please note that max number of attendees is 100 and that this service is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Here is how it works:
  • Reach out to your Council Co-VPs of Elementary Support OR VP of Secondary Support to request a meeting date.
  • They will verify that there is availability for the requested date/time including confirmation that a Council representative can stay for the duration of the meeting.
  • Once a determination is made, the PTA/PTSA requesting will be contacted with either confirmation (and zoom info) or notice that the date/time is unavailable.
  • Three (3) weeks prior to meeting, the Council Zoom Host will send an email to reconfirm the date and time as requested. You will need to respond to this email at least two (2) weeks prior to your meeting or you risk having your meeting time cancelled. 
  • At the time of the meeting, a Council Zoom Host will start the meeting and then pass host privileges to whomever the local PTA/PTSA designates. If at any point during the meeting there is an issue and the meeting needs to be restarted, the local PTA/PTSA representative will have access to text or message the Council Zoom host to have the meeting restarted.
​Questions? Contact us!

2025 Spring Recognition Event Recap & Award Winners!

6/5/2025

 
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Thank you to those who were able to join us for our 2024-2025 Spring Recognition event!
The evening was filled with conversation, laughter, good eats and celebration.
During our event, we were able to highlight the amazing work that our PTA/PTSAs are doing.
Check out the video below to see GREATNESS in action!
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Please take a moment to fill out our post event survey! 
We would love all PTA presidents to fill it out whether or not you had anyone from your school attend. And, please, pass the survey along to your attendees to complete as well!
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During the Spring Recognition Celebration on June 4, 2025, Northshore Council PTSA recognized a few special people who go above and beyond in service to our community and promote the well-being and education of children in our district and beyond. Below are this year's Northshore Council PTSA Recognition Awards Recipients. Congratulations!
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Golden Acorn Award
CHRISTINE ROEHNELT
Christine quietly and steadfastly serves Northshore Council, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. She has taken on numerous small but essential roles that keep our operations moving seamlessly. 
Her commitment extends to active participation in multiple committees where her insight and thoughtful approach have strengthened our work. Including serving on the Nominating Committee where she helped ensure that we had a full slate by the deadline for the first time in many years. 
She brings a valuable perspective to the board, guiding discussions toward affordability and equity. She thoughtfully considers every issue before speaking and always offers insightful contributions that help shape Council’s decisions. 
Beyond Council, she has been involved in every level of PTA in her children’s schools and is heavily involved in their activities. She has quiet leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to equity which make her an indispensable part of our council.
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Outstanding Educator
​MAUREEN DIEHL - MS. MO
Innovation Lab High School
Let’s start with a quote from one of Ms. Mo's students: “The excitement and energy this teacher shows daily is one of the key reasons I make it to school every day. She has helped me to grow as a person in so many ways, pushing me when she knows I can do better and helping me when I am struggling. She is truly my favorite teacher that I have ever had.” 
She is approachable for all. She encourages student’s ownership of their learning, supports students through their struggles, and brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.
This educator has led multiple cross-disciplinary learning expeditions on a diverse range of topics. Most recently, her 10th grade English students took a deep dive into l education budget shortfalls in our state. After learning about the complexities of the budget, teams of students created plans to potentially fix the shortfalls and then traveled to Olympia to present their plans to legislators.
She is also the teacher liaison of the student-led Marketing Team and has worked the past two + years to push out messaging about Innovation Lab High School so that students and families can learn more about this choice high school in our district. 
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Outstanding Advocate
​HOLLY MUENCHOW
Holly is a dedicated and influential advocate whose leadership has profoundly shaped PTA advocacy in our district. As Vice President of Advocacy for the Northshore Council PTSA and a key voice in organizations like Northshore Special Education Community PTSA and the HiCap Parents Council she has transformed complex legislative issues into actionable strategies.
She is a tireless mentor, equipping new PTA leaders with the confidence and knowledge. She has mobilized parents, guided them through legislative testimony, and worked directly with policymakers to advocate for public education funding and special education services. 
Her commitment to inclusion has ensured that families—whether in mental health, LGBTQIA+ rights, neurodivergence, or special education—now have a seat at the table. Her work has strengthened relationships, trust, and resilience within our community, embodying what PTA advocacy should be.
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Outstanding Student Advocate
ETHAN NGUYEN

This student is, quite simply, at the heart of every meaningful initiative in Northshore. As a senior on the Superintendent’s Advisory Board, an active member of the Middle School Task Force, a familiar face at advocacy trips to Olympia, and a steadfast presence at school and district events, He consistently shows up, participates fully, and brings an unmatched energy and professionalism to every space he enters.
What truly sets him apart is not just his impressive resume of leadership roles—it’s the way he carries himself. He exemplifies the qualities of a young professional: respectful, articulate, engaged, and always prepared. His signature style—often seen in a suit—reflects his commitment to excellence, but his impact extends far beyond appearances. In spaces where even seasoned adults struggle to navigate difficult conversations, he offers insightful, action-driven feedback with a maturity beyond his years. His advocacy is deeply rooted in storytelling, supported by facts, and delivered with a sincerity that moves both hearts and minds.
This student’s dedication knows no bounds. He attends late-night meetings after long days of studying, always ready to contribute. He takes initiative, follows through, and builds relationships.
If you meet Ethan Nguyen, you are immediately struck by his wisdom, passion, and drive. It is rare to find someone so young who not only knows how to lead but understands the importance of listening, connecting, and sustaining momentum. As he prepares to take his next steps in college, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a profound difference. His contributions to Northshore will leave a lasting legacy. Ethan is not just an advocate for students—he is a force for the future.
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ROBIN MCKENZIE
Robin has been Council's Emergency Preparedness (E-Prep) Chair since 2017 and his dedication to safety and security is unmatched. He lives and breathes emergency preparedness, tirelessly working to ensure our schools are ready in the event of an emergency. 
He has been instrumental in connecting PTSA emergency preparedness chairs across the district, fostering collaboration and shared learning. The monthly PTA E-Prep chair meeting, which he re-established, brings together PTA leaders and district safety officials to ensure a direct line of communication between those working to keep schools safe.
His unwavering advocacy has directly contributed to making ALL district schools safer places. The systems and relationships he has built took years to establish, and they will serve the community for years to come. As he leaves behind the E-Prep committee, we would like to thank Robin McKenzie for the innumerable hours he has dedicated in service to our community.  Thank you, Robin, for making us all just a bit safer.
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Golden Acorn Award
MELISSA BENNET

Every staff member of the schools that Melissa's child attended has been spoiled in Staff Appreciation events. And at each of those schools, the bar has been raised for future Staff Appreciation chairs to follow. 
If you have attended a Council event in the last two years and thought, “Wow! This place looks great!” or “These decorations are amazing and so much fun!”, then you have this volunteer to thank.  She puts in an incredible amount of effort to make our events fun and engaging for our local leaders.
This person has been the driving force behind the success of our events. With passion and determination, she has found inspiring speakers, organized engaging activities, and created spaces that bring people together. Her work has strengthened our connection with the community by coordinating with local venues, caterers, and student volunteers.  
Even with her child graduating last year, she remained a dedicated Council member, continuing to bring fresh perspectives and unwavering support to PTA leaders across the district. 
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Outstanding Educator
ELLIOT GRAY
Canyon Creek Elementary
Mr. Gray can be best described as talented, funny, and incredibly capable. His magnetic presence draws students in, making learning both engaging and enjoyable. When asked to share a favorite memory from his class, one of his fifth-grade students immediately mentioned his legendary “terrible” dad jokes, which fill the classroom with laughter and create an atmosphere where students feel encouraged to participate. His ability to personally connect with students fosters a welcoming environment that makes every child feel recognized and valued.
Beyond his humor, he instills musical concepts through interactive, hands-on activities, such as the beloved “squid passing” game. Students pass his stuffed squid while keeping the beat, with each round becoming progressively more challenging. His innovative teaching methods incorporate multiple modalities, ensuring that every learner engages with the curriculum in a meaningful way.
His musical talents inspire students and leave them in awe. A multi-instrumentalist, he founded the after-school Marimba club at Canyon Creek Elementary, giving students even more opportunities to explore music. He seamlessly blends education with entertainment, sparking curiosity and confidence in his students.
Mr. Elliot Gray’s creativity, passion, and dedication make him a true role model for both students and educators.
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Outstanding Advocate
BRENAE BRIX
Brenae serves quietly to make a profound impact on the lives of children. Always informed and engaged in educational issues, she met with legislators in the 45th district several times and made sure they were up to date with PTA priorities. 
Her commitment extends beyond policy discussions, as she actively participates in the Northwest Gifted Alliance to help families, particularly those with twice-exceptional (2E) children, find the resources they need. As secretary for the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education, she collaborates with stakeholders and legislators across the state to push for key initiatives, including universal screening for highly capable students.
She serves with humility, never seeking recognition, yet her contributions speak volumes. She has supported the council in multiple roles—Vice President of Secondary Support and Treasurer—and next year, she will shine even brighter as she steps into the role of co-Vice President of Advocacy. Her unwavering dedication ensures a better future for all children.
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Honorary Lifetime Membership
JANE CHIODO
Jane has served at all levels of PTA including each school that her kids have attended, on council and on state PTA. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, politely, and works to come up with solutions to problems. However, she can also lead a meeting with neutrality when needed. She is always willing to help anyone with whatever is needed. She is patient and well spoken.
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She willingly shares a wealth of experience and information with the Northshore Council PTSA board of directors and is always looking for ways that Council can best serve our local PTAs. She has been an amazing VP of Communications for council this year, stepping into a role with big shoes to fill. She also steps up whenever extra (wo)manpower is needed.  As a former Council President and serving as Chair of WA State PTA's Governance Committee, she is Council's go-to person for questions regarding bylaws and Robert's Rules and just about everything else. As the incoming Secretary on WA State PTA's Board of Directors next year, this person will no longer be serving on Northshore Council PTSA's Board of Directors and we will sorely miss her.

A special thank you to this year's Awards Committee members: Diana Christiansen, Tracy Jokisch and Jane Chiodo.

​Learn more about PTA Recognition Awards and how your PTA can recognize those who go above and beyond in your school community.

Verify & Update Your PTA's Links!

6/4/2025

 
​Please take a few minutes to check the links for your PTA. ​
Need to update a link? ​Email [email protected]
Please verify that Council has your PTA's most up-to-date online membership join, website, and social media links listed on our website. Council will be promoting membership this coming year by including all Northshore PTAs online join links on our website here!

An online join link is a valuable tool for PTAs to use to help people easily become members of PTA. Make your join link clear, and easy to find on the front page of your website.
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​Be sure to let us know of any updates soon! 
​We'll be promoting memberships for all Northshore PTAs/PTSAs at the ​NSD Back to School Resource Fair happening in August at Pop Keeney!

Celebrating our Local PTA Award Winners!

6/1/2025

 
​Awards are a great way for PTAs to show their volunteers and community members how much they appreciate them and to celebrate the dedication of those who support the PTA's mission and goals. ​
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Many PTAs participate in WSPTA's formal volunteer award recognition program, which allows them to honor outstanding educators, advocates, student advocates, and volunteers (Golden Acorn).

A portion of the cost of these awards goes directly toward the WSPTA Scholarship Program, benefiting students. This means the recognition given to our amazing volunteers also helps students pay for continued education, making it a gift that keeps on giving!
 Below is the 2024-2025 list of award recipients from PTAs across Northshore School District! Congratulations! 

2024-2025
Northshore PTA Recognition Award Winners

PTA
Award
Arrowhead Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Heather Buchanan
Golden Acorn - Aleksandra Zydor
Outstanding Educator - Alma Howe
Outstanding Advocate - Becky Fukuda
Honorary Lifetime Membership - Nikki Noble ​
Bear Creek Campus PTSA
Golden Acorn Award - Alynda Silcox
Golden Acorn Award - Rick Silcox
Outstanding Educator Award - Leslie Harwood
Outstanding Educator Award - Karyn Brady
Outstanding Advocate Award - Brian Matthias 
Canyon Creek Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Ashley Watts
Outstanding Educator - Rochelle Burns
Outstanding Advocate - Shannon Cook
Cottage Lake Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Venece Lyman
Golden Sailboat Award (Outstanding Educator) - Linda Mismas
Golden Anchor Award (Outstanding Staff Member) - Sarah McKinnon
Golden Captain Lifetime Award (Celebrating Over Three Decades of Service) - Sam Maynard
Frank Love Elementary PTA
Outstanding Volunteer - Renae Sowald
Outstanding Educator - Rebecca Wynkoop
Outstanding Advocate - Stephanie Sullivan
Lockwood Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Kris Somol Hamasaki
Outstanding Educator - Tracy Hetherington
Outstanding Advocate - Carly Lawhead
Leota Middle School PTSA
Golden Acorn - Monika Jilka
Outstanding Educator - Tavina Flood
Outstanding Advocate - Heather Hoskeer
Outstanding Student Advocate - Dylan M.
Inglemoor High School PTSA
Golden Acorn - Genoveva Marin
Golden Acorn - Erin Schultz
Outstanding Educator - Katrina Allemeier
Outstanding Advocate - Kris Winkel-Leddige
Outstanding Student Advocate - Annabelle Y.
​Honorary Lifetime Membership - Rich Kobylka
Innovation Lab HS PTSA
Golden Acorn - Mo Diehl
Outstanding Advocate - Jane Chiodo
Outstanding Student Advocate - M. S.
​Outstanding Student Advocate - Sarah Z.
Kenmore Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Kellie Corcoran
Golden Acorn - Sarah Linville
Maywood Hills Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Vanessa Arnaiz Martinez-Malo
Outstanding Educator - Megan Ham
Outstanding Educator - Jennifer Deskin
Outstanding Advocate - Allegra Hollenbeck
Outstanding Advocate - Zandra Leitch
Tiger Paw Award - Amy Dirkes, Bekka Gunderson, Cathy Baker, Chelsea Nelson, Elizabeth Krout, Kate Richards, Kathleen Wick, Krystal Davis, Maija Waugh, Rachel Asimakopoulos, Renee Heizenga, Sarah Hanson
Moorlands Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Brynn Noggle
Outstanding Educator - Alison Thompson
Outstanding Advocate - Danelle Gunderson
Outstanding Advocate - Amanda Martinka
Lifetime Membership - Christine Hammers
Northshore Middle School PTSA
Golden Acorn - Veronica Webb
Outstanding Educator - Corey Wackerly
Outstanding Educator - Katherine Edwards
Outstanding Advocate - Mare Sullivan
Northshore Special Education Community PTSA
Golden Acorn - Mr. Michael Tolley​
Ruby Bridges Elementary PTSA
Golden Acorn - Brittany Badali
Outstanding Educator - Kim Reiprich
​Outstanding Advocate - Aaron Cokley​
Woodin Elementary PTA
Golden Acorn - Michele Ngo
Outstanding Educator - Amy Walsh
Outstanding Educator - Stacey Dixey
Outstanding Advocate - Terise Waters
Outstanding Volunteer - Carmen Tapia
Honorary Lifetime Membership - Victoria Kramer
This list is based on the latest information Council was provided from local PTAs (as of June 01, 2025). The list will be updated as more PTAs present their local awards and submit the names to Council. If you would like to add to our list, complete this form or email [email protected].

The Early Bird Gets the Grant!

5/29/2025

 
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Have you started planning your fall events? Are you considering bringing in an educational speaker or organizing an event for your community, but are concerned about waiting to secure funding? You're in luck! The Northshore Council PTSA is offering an early bird grant submission period before the new school year begins.

Why Apply Now?
Our early bird grant submission deadline is AUGUST 30, 2025. This is an excellent opportunity to secure approval and get your event on people's calendars at the start of the year. Early planning and funding can ensure a smooth and successful event.

About the Grant Program
The Education Speakers & Community Events Grant Program is designed to support PTA initiatives that enrich the educational experience and foster community engagement. Whether you're looking to host a prominent speaker or organize a community-building event, this grant can provide the necessary funds to make it happen.
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How to Apply
Learn more about the Education Speakers & Community Events Grant Program and submit your application today. Don't miss this chance to get ahead in your planning and make a positive impact in your community right from the start of the school year.

Apply for a grant for your PTA now and kickstart your fall programming!

Questions? Email [email protected].

Wrapping up the PTA year and Setting Up for a Great PTA Fall!

5/27/2025

 
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As the 2024-2025 school year comes to an end, here are some tips and reminders for PTA leaders to help wrap up your school year and prepare for a great start in the fall!

At your last PTA meetings......
  • Be sure to recognize and thank your volunteers.
  • Survey your members and review your 2024-2025 goals. 
  • Approve next year's budget and approve any changes to the standing rules. 
  • Recruit candidates for non-elected PTA board of directors and chair positions.
  • Give your team a deadline for submitting their reimbursable expenses to the treasurer so that books can be closed on June 30th.  
  • ​Appoint your end of year Financial Review team. A financial review is required by your PTA insurance and should be completed soon after books close on June 30th. The PTA President needs to appoint 3 or more members of your PTA who were non-signers on your bank account for the period being reviewed. WSPTA has a financial review checklist to help guide the team. Visit the "Leadership Guides" section of the WSPTA website, scroll to "Board Resources" and click on "Finance" (ask your current PTA leadership for the username and password to access these resources!)
Bookkeeping tasks......
  • Make sure your two legal binders and/or digital folders are updated with all of the most recent documents.
  • Enter your 2025-2026 officers into Givebacks.
  • Download a PDF or print out a year-end membership roster for the 2024-2025 year. This should be done before the fiscal year closes on June 30th!
  • Register your new PTA leaders with Council (complete form HERE!)
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Plan for a NEW team......
  • Hold transition meetings for outgoing and incoming board members and chairs. 
  • Give new leaders access to digital or hard-copy files. Be sure to reset your passwords on July 1st.  
  • Set dates for your summer retreat. Learn more below!
  • Review and update policies. Check out Council’s policies here. 
  • Plan your fall membership drive. 
  • Encourage new officers to take training over the summer. Consider attending the August Leadership Launch event hosted by WSPTA. This virtual event is a great way to get some training on board before the new school year starts!
  • Share all the ways the incoming board can connect with Council.  
  • Plan your NSD facility use requests for 2025-2026. Designate one board of directors member as your PTA/PTSA contact for facilities. 
What to Plan for your Summer Retreat.....
  • Schedule ahead so that people know when it is going to be. Prioritize having the whole team there.
  • Make it fun. A game? A picnic? Whatever seems fun to your board and would help you get to know each other! There are a ton of team-building activities like 2 Truths and a Lie that can help you all get to know each other a little better.
  • Give out some homework. To save time, ask everyone to read or fill out a few documents in advance. Examples might include: 
    1. Contact information (including preferences)
    2. Your PTA's Standing Rules
    3. Your PTA's Budget
    4. Your PTA Standards of Conduct
    5. Your PTA Money Handling Policy
    6. Your PTA Social Media Policy
  • Create an agenda. Although you don’t have to take minutes at a Retreat (since you are not voting on anything), it’s good to have a schedule and try to stick to it.  
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What Should be on your Retreat Agenda.......
Create your calendar as best you can.  Get down your meetings and some of your bigger events.
Review the Budget and Standing Rules.
Discuss your team’s communication norms and individual expectations.
Brainstorm new ideas for Membership, Advocacy, Family Engagement, programs and events.
More about Communication Norms.....
  • Sharing the floor at meetings to get everyone’s ideas.
  • How to use email. What response time am I expecting?  Should I reply all?
  • When to use the phone. How late is it okay to call?
  • What is confidential and what is not.
  • Text message usage. ​Texting is a great resource when someone forgot the ice on the way to the Back- to-School fair. Texting is NOT a great place to: Discuss other board members\students\ families\or staff members, conduct PTA Business, make committee decisions when there are other committee members not on the text message thread, settle disagreements or blow off steam. It’s best to keep business communications and your friendship communication separate.
  • When are you ‘off’ work.
  • Who posts on social media.
Need more retreat ideas?
Check out this great blog from 2021: Summer Board Retreat - Northshore Council PTSA 6.10!

May 19, 2025 - Membership Meeting Recap

5/23/2025

 
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On May 19, 2025, Northshore Council PTSA held an in-person General Membership Meeting in the Bothell High School Library. We would like to thank all of the local PTA leaders from across the Northshore School District as well as our school partners for taking the time to join us!
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Continue reading below for a recap of the meeting including the decision regarding Council fees charged to Northshore PTAs! 
Community Partners
  • Marco Garcia, NSD Community Partnerships & Volunteer Coordinator
    Summer meal deliveries are being organized. Information will be shared on how to sign up to receive a meal and how to sign up to volunteer to drive meals to people's homes. During the Spring, NSD has been hosting free English language classes at Canyon Park Middle School. They plan to survey participants and hope to start again in the Fall. For more information, e-mail Marco at [email protected].

Council Committee Updates 
  • Advocacy – The legislative session is over, and the state budget will be signed soon. Advocacy Coalition meetings will continue. Stay tuned for possible meetups over summer!
  • Grants- Council granted funds for events to 5 PTAs this year.
  • Events – RSVPs for Council's Spring Recognition event were due on May 19th. The new superintendent will be attending the event!
  • Membership – We have 4,796 PTA members in Northshore! Our current Membership chair, Alison T., would like a co-chair to help with membership for next year. If you are interested, please reach out to [email protected].
  • Communications – Discussed different forms of communications; eNews email newsletter, Facebook page and private groups, Instagram and website. Be sure to let Council know about your new officers!
  • E-Prep – Reunification signs that were purchased for Northshore School district were displayed. Both Council E-Prep chairs are retiring and are looking for new volunteers to step up to ensure that once a month meetings with the District Safety and Security team continue. If you are interested, please reach out to [email protected].
  • Elementary & Secondary Support – Council plans on hosting PTA leader meet ups again next year. The biggest question on PTA leader's minds right now is about positions that are not filled for next year. There was a reminder for PTA leaders to share photos from their events/programs for our Council Spring Recognition slide show and to share their PTA award winners.

Council Business
  • Treasurer's Report - Reviewed the April 2025 report as well as the restricted fund balance and Council fees still owed by PTAs.
  • New Council fee structure proposals were reviewed and voted on. Two proposals were passed.
    • Northshore Council PTSA will waive Council membership fees for the 2025-26 school year. Council will collect a Grant fee of $50 from all Northshore PTA/PTSAs, excluding Northshore Special Education Community (NSEC) PTSA and Sorenson PTA. The $50 Grant fee will be put into a restricted fund and only be used for the Council Grant Program. This will only be a temporary measure. Beginning July 1, 2026, Council fees will return to the fee structure that is in the Council Standing Rules, whatever that may be. The goal is to spend down accumulated funds, give PTAs a reprieve from some fees for a year, and give time to research new fee structure options that could be implemented July 1, 2026 (pending member approval).
    • Beginning July 1, 2026, there will be a new fee structure. Currently, that structure will be a $200 annual fee. PTA/PTSAs of Title 1 schools will pay $100. Northshore Special Education Community (NSEC) PTSA and Sorenson PTA will not pay a fee. There will no longer be a per membership fee, or a $100 Council programs fee charged. This may change as Council researches new fee structure options over the next several months to propose to membership.
  • The 2025-2026 Council Budget was reviewed and approved.
  • Reviewed and approved a Standing Rules change to reflect the new proposed Council fee structure. This Council fee Standing Rules change will go into effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

 Announcements
  • The Council Spring Recognition event will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:30-8pm at Eastside Church. We hope to see you there!
  • Be sure to plan for PTA transitions! Northshore Council can help! Contact Elementary and Secondary VPs of Support for more information!
We want to thank all the PTA volunteers, district employees, and community members who attended this meeting and all the previous meetings held this year.
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​We hope you will continue to join us for our General Membership Meetings in the 2025-2026 school year!

2024-2025 WSPTA Awards of Excellence & Membership Awards

5/8/2025

 
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Awards of Excellence

​Each year, Washington State PTA recognizes the work of PTAs and councils across the state via the Awards of Excellence Program. Awards work to celebrate the efforts of local PTAs and councils in a variety of different areas. The criteria reflect a strong knowledge and application of best practices, and the submission process can be rigorous. These awards are truly reflective of the dedication and strength of these PTAs and the powerful contributions they make to their communities.
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Learn more about the WSPTA Standards of Excellence Awards and Leadership Awards and apply for your PTA next year!

Membership Awards

Congratulations to our Northshore PTA/PTSAs that have earned 
​WSPTA Membership Awards in 2024-2025!!

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Gold Level recognizes local PTAs that have enrolled the same number of staff as the number of certificated staff in their school building.
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To highlight the importance of membership growth, Washington State PTA recognizes local PTAs for enrolling more members than they did in the previous year.
​Membership Growth Awards
  • Bronze Award: recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling at least one more member than their previous year’s total membership.
  • Silver Award: recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling PTA members equaling at least 105% of their previous year’s total membership.
  • Gold Award: recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling PTA members equaling at least 110% of their previous year’s total membership.
  • ​Platinum Award: recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling PTA members equaling at least 120% of their previous year’s total membership.
    ​
Membership resources can be found on WSPTA's website.
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Northshore Council PTSA 6.10 
PO Box 1461
Bothell, WA 98041-1461
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ABOUT US
CONTACT US 
NORTHSHORE COUNCIL PTAS/PTSAS
​
COUNCIL ENEWS

Northshore Council PTSA is a welcoming organization that works to support our Local PTAs and serve the children and youth of our community through advocacy, collaboration, education, engagement, leadership, and mentorship.
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