Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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NSD Volunteer Opportunity - Sign Up Today!

8/9/2022

 

Community Serve Day - Sunday, August 21, 2022

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Join families and community members to help ready schools for the start of the 2022 - 2023 school year. Community Serve Day is on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 9am - 1pm.  Volunteers can help teachers set up their classrooms, and help improve the campus through painting, weeding and more!  There are indoor and outside volunteer opportunities available. This year there are 25 Northshore elementary and middle schools participating. If you do not see your school, we encourage you to help at a participating school near you.
 
Sign up and learn more here: https://communityserveday.org/



Updating Contact Information for 2022-2023 PTA Leaders

8/9/2022

 

Have your leaders complete the Contact Information for 2022-2023 PTA/PTSA Leaders form!

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As you are filling your executive board and committee chair positions, please have each member of your 2022-2023 PTA/PTSA complete the Contact Information for 2022-2023 Northshore PTA/PTSA Leaders form to ensure no missed communications from Council. Thank you to those who have already completed the form. 
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This includes positions such as the executive committee (aka: elected positions), board members, committee chairs, etc.

​Council gathers this information in order to support all Northshore Local PTA/PTSA Leaders. Contact information is used to connect with leaders including receiving our twice a month eNews, sending invites to Council events, relaying important and timely information about program specific areas (such as Advocacy or Reflections), and more!

Link to form to share with your leaders: ​https://forms.gle/nqa7PGFYeT8iWsYx8

Questions? Contact our VP of Communications at communicationsvp@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
​Remember to update officers into memberplanet as well!

Welcome from Your Council Co-Presidents

8/8/2022

 
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​​The 2022-2023 school year is underway and Northshore Council PTSA leaders are looking forward to another amazing year of PTA! We would like to start this year off by introducing you to Council’s new Co-Presidents: Rachel Fitzgerald and Mary Khouzam.

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Meet Rachel:
My name is Rachel Fitzgerald. I've got 3 kiddos; a 6th and an 8th grader at Leota Middle School and my oldest who graduated this past year from Woodinville High School. I have been an active volunteer at my local schools since my oldest started Kindergarten and this will be my 6th year serving in a leadership role on a PTA. I have served as president for both my local elementary, middle school, and even the high school music boosters, though most of you are probably familiar with my role as Council's VP of Communications the previous 2 years. I am excited and look forward to supporting our local leaders and serving the NSD community this year.

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Meet Mary:
My name is Mary Khouzam, and I have two children who attend North Creek High School, and one at Skyview Middle School. I'm honored to serve as Northshore Council’s Co-President, having previously served as Council VP. I have been an active member of PTSA for the better part of eight years, holding different local board positions, including president, as well as serving on various committees over the years. I’m excited to put my previous experience to work for Council for the benefit of all students in our community.


Welcome Letter

​Council leaders know first-hand how many curveballs were thrown our way – as community leaders and as parents – over the last few years. And we have continually been amazed at our local leaders for overcoming obstacles, creating community, supporting students and schools, and showing everyone exactly what it means to be #PTAFlexible. We know this year will continue to show growth among our PTA membership and the programs and supports Northshore PTAs provide for their communities.

We also know that it’s not always easy to do it alone. This is why we want to let you know that Council is always here for you. Our mission as your Northshore PTSA Council is to support the work you do at the local PTA level. We have many resources that can help you navigate the day-to-day PTA work, as well as the unexpected, including:
  • Many position specific Facebook groups for Northshore PTA leaders to make connections and ask questions;
  • Office Hours & Roundtables so that we can share and learn from one another;
  • A bi-weekly newsletter, website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to help keep you informed;
  • Trainings so you can learn how to run your non-profit and become a stronger PTA leader;
  • Meetings to share information and connect you with district and community leaders;
  • Grants to support your PTA’s next educational speaker or community event; and, of course;
  • Personalized, one-on-one support​ - we’re just an email or zoom meeting away!
Our 2022-2023 Council team is ready to help you continue to do amazing things for our students, families, schools, and communities.

​Wishing you a fantastic school year!
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​
Rachel Fitzgerald & Mary Khouzam
Co-Presidents, Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
president@northshorecouncilptsa.org

August 16, 2022 - Summer Office Hours

8/1/2022

 
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Council will be holding Summer Office Hours on Tuesday, August 16th, from 6:30PM to 7:30PM. This is the perfect time to connect with Council, ask questions about the upcoming year, or even just stop in to say hello!

This time is designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as you begin to navigate membership, programs, and managing your organization for the upcoming year. We hope you will join us!

Join Zoom Meeting
​https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84468327314...

Meeting ID: 844 6832 7314
Passcode: *available upon request*

If you have questions and need to connect with Council before this, please visit our Contact Page for a list of Council Officers and their emails.

*Please see calendar for future Office Hours dates and times. 


Online Join Links for Membership

7/27/2022

 

Make Joining PTA Easy with an Online Option! ​

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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.

BONUS: Council is also helping with easy access by including all of your online join links on our website here! We'll be promoting online join for all Northshore PTAs/PTSAs at the upcoming NSD Back to School Resource Fair on August 11th. 

Please take a few minutes to check the links for your school. Need to update a link? ​Email communications@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

Online Meeting Hosting for 2022-2023

7/13/2022

 
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Northshore Council is continuing to provide Online Meeting Hosting for local PTAs/PTSAs this school year!
This 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.

Here is how it will work:
  • Complete this online form to request a meeting date.
  • Council Zoom hosts (Rachel Fitzgerald and Mary Khouzam) will receive a notification upon submission. Hosts will check to see if 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.
  • 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!

Summer Board Retreat

6/22/2022

 
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Council recommends local PTA leaders do two important things this summer:
  1. Take time to rest and recharge. Check out our Practicing ​Mindfulness for Summer article for some tips & resources.
  2. Hold a Summer Board Retreat for your PTA. Read on to learn more!

A board retreat can be a powerful way to kick-start your PTA's new year. If fact, it can be such a powerful tool that Washington State PTA considers having one to be a PTA best practice
Why have a board retreat?
A retreat is more than just a regular meeting; it is an opportunity to:
  • Get to know the members of your board
  • Plan and strategize for the year
  • Set expectations and responsibilities
  • Energize and engage
  • Create a shared vision
  • Develop specific strategy or plans
  • Provide social support
  • Improve communication and cohesiveness
  • Build trust

There are many things to consider when planning for your retreat. While board retreats can take place in person, many PTAs may find it best to plan a virtual retreat, which adds a few more items to that list.
  • Set aside ample time. A minimum of a half-day (4 hours) is recommended; a full day (8 hours) including a group social activity is even better. You can split the retreat into more than one session, if needed. Virtually, be mindful that it's hard to keep everyone's attention when sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time. Stopping for even a 5 minute stretch break can help regain everyone's focus.
  • Get it on the calendar early. Summer plans can make it a challenge to find an effective date. Parents need time to arrange child care.
  • Find and/or reserve a location. Get away from the school! Consider adult comfort, potential interruptions, access to restrooms, internet access, and other necessities. Virtual meetings mean online with participants each connecting from their home or office. Consider a platform and the technology that is most accessible to everyone you are meeting with when you plan your retreat.
  • Trouble Shooting Technology. Many platforms offer a technical testing page to help resolve any issues before your meeting begins. If it's the first time using a particular online platform, test out the features you may want to use ahead of time, such as screen sharing, co-hosting, or closed captioning. Though many of us are familiar with online meetings these days, it can be helpful to have a step-by-step guide written out on how to join your meeting for anyone new to online meetings.
  • Make it as mandatory as you can. Every person plays a role in the group's dynamic; even one person missing makes  a difference.
  • Engage with other board members to set a purpose for the retreat. Have them answer the following questions ahead of developing the agenda:
    • This retreat will be successful for me if...
    • This retreat will be successful for our PTA if...
    • The 3 most important goals for this retreat should be...
    • Share ideas for possible agenda items that would help us to meet the goals above
  • Arrange for food and drinks. It doesn't need to be fancy, but keep folks fed and hydrated so that they can focus on the work. This can be part of your retreat budget. Ask about and accommodate dietary restrictions. Virtually you won't need to provide these items, but it's a great idea to remind your team to feel free to eat and drink so they can stay focused.
  • Have a set-up and clean-up team.
Team Building
Great retreats also include a few key social elements that serve as ways to allow board members to connect, bond, and get to know each other, all of which work to help build a more cohesive team:
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  • ​Include at least one “getting to know you” activity.
  • Have name tags, if even one member of the group is new. For virtual meetings, ask that all participants use their correct name when signing into the meeting.
  • For a virtual retreat, get everyone chatting with a whimsical poll - such as "does pineapple belong on pizza" or "what superpower would you want". Menti.com is an easy tool to use for creating a live poll.
  • Include a group social activity, such as a potluck or bowling. There are activities you can do to energize your online meeting as well.

​​The extended nature of a retreat means that a board can have time for conversations and discussions with more breadth and depth. Consider some of the following discussion areas and questions as you build your board retreat agenda:
  • What norms do we want for our board? Consider creating your own Standards of Conduct (example from Council).
  • Build your calendar (check both the Northshore School District Calendar and WA State PTA's Multicultural Calendar for conflicts)
  • Develop a communication plan for the year
  • Start planning your Membership Campaign
  • Brainstorm
  • Strengths of our PTA?
  • Challenges of our PTA?
  • Opportunities?
  • How can we connect, welcome, and inspire our community?
  • What do you want people to say about your PTA's achievements at the end of the year?
  • How will you work together?
  • What does success look like?
  • What resources, training, or other outside help do we need to succeed?


Finally, remember that some of the most important work will happen after the retreat ends as ideas are put into action. Take time through the year to reflect and check-in with one another regarding discussions, action items, and progress toward goals.

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Additional Resources:
  • Summer Membership Planning Ideas - Check out our article from 2021 with ideas and tips from Council for planning your Membership Campaign.
  • Council's Summer Office Hours - Join Council members online on Wednesday, July 13th between 12pm-1pm to ask us questions and get support!
  • Online Meeting Hosting  - Learn about this service which will be returning in 2022-2023 for any local PTA/PTSA that wants Council to host a Zoom meeting for them. More details coming in Fall of 2022.
  • WSPTA Board Retreats Article 
  • WSPTA Leadership Guides - Handbooks for officers, running after school programs, advocacy, membership, FACE and more.
  • WSPTA pre-recorded training webinars - Trainings on transitions, effective meetings, secretary, treasurer basics and more. Login credentials can be found in the latest Leadership News email from WSPTA.
  • WSPTA Virtual Meetings - Virtually taking care of business while still using best practices.
  • Bellevue PTSA Council Summer Retreat Planning Tips
  • In-Person Icebreakers and Virtual Icebreakers - Articles from MindTools on designing an icebreaker activity specifically focused on meeting your objectives and appropriate to the group of people involved.
  • The Best Ice Breaker of All Time - An article that argues for the importance and value of ice breakers.

As always, Council is here to help your PTA have a successful year! If you ever have questions, you can reach out to us anytime via email. Find a list of Council Contacts here.

July 13th, 2022 • Summer Office Hours

6/9/2022

 
Summer Office Hours • Wednesday, July 13th @ 12pm
This summer, Council will be holding Office Hours on Wednesday, July 13th, from 12:00PM (noon) to 1:00PM. This is the perfect time to connect with Council, ask questions about the upcoming year, or even just stop in to say hello!

This time is designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as you begin to navigate membership, programs, and managing your organization for the upcoming year. We hope you will join us!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86598668645

Meeting ID: 865 9866 8645
Passcode: *available upon request*

If you have questions and need to connect with Council prior to this, please visit our Contact Page for a list Council Officers and their emails.

Practicing Mindfulness this Summer

6/8/2022

 
Mindfulness for Summer
Phew! We’ve made it through another year! Oh, how we all could use time to recharge our bodies and minds. Our kids have gone through the wringer this year, with changing Covid protocols, school shootings, and other unpredictable events. These things quickly add up and take their toll on our mental health.

School is almost out, making this a good time to focus on recharging our bodies and minds. These upcoming summer months are a great time to revisit some mindfulness and self-care practices.  

Mindfulness practice is an excellent (and simple!) way to ground ourselves in a busy world, to stay fresh, and to simplify our lives. Who couldn’t use that? When you focus on right now, this very moment and not the past or what is coming up tomorrow (or even in the fall), you can be more open-minded, intentional, have gratitude and grace.  


Color Mindfulness
One way to practice mindfulness is to start your day with a purpose. When you set an intention, it is more likely that your actions, words, and responses, especially during tough moments, will be more mindful and compassionate. This practice is best done first thing in the morning, before turning on screens or checking social media.

​Here are some additional mindfulness exercises to try:
  • Mindful Breathing: Sit comfortably or lie down on your back. Take slow, deep breaths, noticing your lungs expanding. Release the breath slowly. Repeat at least 4 more times. As you breath in and out, you can try imagining going up a hill and then back down a hill, swinging in slow-motion, or visualizing colors using Color Mindfulness.
  • Mindful Observation: Step outside for a few moments. Focus on a flower, a cloud, or the trees in the distance. Notice only that item, as if it were the first time you’ve ever seen it.
  • Mindful Awareness: Pay attention to what you are doing and focus on one task at a time - do not multi-task. Ever forget where you set your phone? It’s probably because you set it down while walking through the house to do something else.
  • Mindful Listening: Listen without judgement or other influences. Listen to your child, your friend, your partner. Listen to nature.
  • Mindful Immersion: Be fully present and immersed in what you are doing. Don’t think of the past or the future. Just the here and now.
  • Mindful Appreciation: Find gratitude in and appreciation for every day things. These can be small things such as the smell of rain that watered your garden or the electricity that turns your coffee pot on in the morning.

Remember: the purpose of these mindful exercises is to be intentional and focus on one thing at a time. By doing so, you will see improved balance and happiness in your daily lives.


Self Care for Parents
Self Care for Students
​​Help your students to care for themselves, as well, over summer break. When they observe you practicing self-care, they will be more likely to do the same. 

Students need to find creative ways to connect with friends, spend time outdoors, and relax.  Lastly, make sure they know how to reach someone if they need to talk or connect in times of distress or loneliness.  ​
Self Care for Parents
​
As we prepare to part until the fall, remember that as parents we need to take care of ourselves before we can effectively care for our families.

Practice self-care and self-compassion. Remember to take breaks to relax throughout the day and week. Treat yourself to a good night's sleep and nourishing meals. Go outside to enjoy the sunshine - a 20 minute walk is a great way to do this.
Self Care for Students

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Reference numbers to have handy:
Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK

​Starting July 16th, Dial 988 for
Mental Health Emergencies

Summer is the perfect time to slow down and smell the roses, as the saying goes. Play that extra board game with your kids before bed. Jump on the trampoline with them after lunch. Take a walk with your partner at sunset. Notice the little things that bring you joy. By being intentional and focusing on one thing at a time, you will see improved balance and happiness in your daily lives.  

Be mindful. You, your family, and your mental health deserve it.

Mindfulness Websites, Apps, and Resources:
www.headspace.com
www.calm.com
www.smilingmind.com
www.mindfulnessdailyapp.com
Seattle Children's 5 Tips for Teaching Mindfulness to Children and Teens

Mental Health Websites:
www.nami.org - National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nimh.nih.gov​ - National Institute of Mental Health
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
www.afsp.org - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention​
Mental Health Informational Flyers:
  • Mental Health in Washington
  • What is Telemental Health?
  • Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
  • My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?
  • Warning Signs of Suicide
This article was brought to you by Northshore Council's Mental Health Committee. 

Celebrating Local PTA 2022 Awardees!

6/7/2022

 
2021-2022 Local PTA/PTSA Award Winners
Awards are a great way for PTAs to show their community how much they appreciate them and to celebrate the dedication of those who support your PTA's mission and goals!

Many PTA's do this through WSPTA's formal volunteer award recognition program which allows for local PTAs to award for outstanding educator, advocate, student advocate, and volunteer (Golden Acorn), as well as the honorary life membership award.

Because volunteers are at the heart of everything PTA, Council is excited to share in the celebration of our local Northshore PTA Award Winners!

Please note, we know this is a busy time of year and many PTAs have not yet had the chance to submit their award winners to us for recognition. If you would like to add to our list, email communications@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

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Canyon Creek Elementary PTA
  • Golden Acorn: Foram Shah
  • Golden Acorn: Nancy Tangen
  • ​Honorary Life Membership: Bruce Denton
  • Outstanding Advocate: Christy Deer
  • Outstanding Educator: Maddy Rodgers
  • Outstanding Educator: Deanna Roland

Canyon Park Middle School PTSA
  • Golden Acorn: Popcorn Friday Volunteers 
(Michelle Falsis, Nikki & Ray Gagner, Carmel Percy)
  • Outstanding Advocate: Julie Brock
  • Outstanding Educator: Cheryl Klemz
  • Outstanding Educator: Colin White

Cottage Lake Elementary PTA
  • Golden Acorn: Venece Lyman
  • Golden Sailboat: Audrey Wilde

Leota Middle School PTSA
  • Golden Acorn: Carol Dillingham
  • Outstanding Advocate: Matthew Warhol
  • Outstanding Student Advocate: Liam Vanderkolk
  • Outstanding Educator: Tianna Flowers
  • Outstanding Educator: Tracy Westberg

Innovation Lab High School PTSA
  • Golden Acorn: Cathy Jones
  • Outstanding Educator: Dr. Stacey Hutchison
North Creek High School PTSA
  • Golden Acorn: Hanisha Bakshani
  • Outstanding Advocate: Dr. Gregory Cox
  • Outstanding Educator: Melanie Damson
  • Outstanding Educator: Christopher Estefani

Shelton View Elementary PTA
  • Golden Acorn: Allison Anderson
  • Golden Acorn: Cheryl Stanford
  • Golden Apple: Lynn Dunne
  • ​Golden Apple: Amber Purvis
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Skyview Middle School PTSA
  • Golden Acorn: Bushra Yassir
  • Outstanding Advocate: Jennifer Celms
  • Outstanding Educator: Jeremiah Campbell
  • Outstanding Educator: Tanya Subcleff

Woodin Elementary PTA
  • Golden Acorn: Antonio Gordivas 
  • Golden Acorn: Victoria Kramer
  • Honorary Life Membership: Deb Murphy
  • Honorary Life Membership: Jenny Peterson
  • Outstanding Advocate: Jen Anderson
  • Outstanding Advocate: Danielle Lewis
  • Outstanding Educator: Nancy Hernandez
  • ​Outstanding Educator: Nancy McQueen
Congratulations!! 2021-2022 Local PTA Award Recipients
Updated 7.6.2022
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