We are excited to share that the Northshore Council PTSA is a proud sponsor of the Northshore School District's 2nd annual Virtual College and Career Night. ​

This event will be filled with valuable information to help families plan and navigate post high school options and is
​open to all NSD high school families. More than 20 virtual sessions will be offered for learning more about colleges and universities and career exploration.
​Topics include:

• College Application Process
• Paying for College, Transfer, Tech, and 2-Year Programs
• Apprenticeships and Career Colleges
• Preparing for a career
• ...and so much more! 

​See full list below! 

Hi Reflection Chairs and PTA Presidents,

Thank you for your enthusiastic participation in this year's Reflections program! We appreciate your dedication and the incredible effort students have put into the art submissions, each reflecting this year's theme: "I am hopeful because..."

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting an in-person celebration for all the submissions received on March 14th, 2024. This will be our first in-person celebration since the onset of the pandemic, and we are looking forward to sharing this special event with you. More details will be coming out soon. Stay tuned!

If you haven't already done so, please collect the original artwork from the students. To ensure that your artwork is displayed beautifully, please follow these submission guidelines:

Visual Arts

• Each artwork should be mounted on a rigid backing, such as cardstock or craft paper.
• When mounting your artwork, feel free to choose a color that complements your piece. If you're extending the mounting beyond the artwork to create a border effect, please ensure that it doesn't exceed one inch on all sides.
• The student's name should be clearly written on the bottom right corner of the artwork. 
• Print or write clearly the artist's statement on a separate white sheet of paper. During the display, we will place the artist's statement below the artwork.
• Ensure that the school's name is clearly displayed on the bottom left of the artwork.

3D Art

• You may submit the original 3D art as created by the student.
• In case the 3D art isn't available for any reason, please print the photograph of the artwork that was submitted in 5”x7” or 8”x10” or 8.5”x11” sizes.
• Please make sure that the name of the student and school’s name is visible.
• Print or write clearly the artist's statement on a separate white sheet of paper. During the display, we will place the artist's statement below the artwork.

Photograph 

• Please make sure the photograph is printed in 5”x7” or 8”x10” or 8.5”x11” size.
• Each photograph should be mounted on a rigid backing, such as cardstock or craft paper.
• When mounting your artwork, feel free to choose a color that complements the picture. If you're extending the mounting beyond the photograph to create a border effect, please ensure that it doesn't exceed one inch on all sides.
• The student's name should be clearly written on the bottom right corner of the artwork.
•  Print or write clearly the artist's statement on a separate white sheet of paper. During the display, we will place the artist's statement below the artwork.
• Ensure that the school's name is clearly displayed on the bottom left of the artwork.

Literature

• For typed submissions, please ensure that the printing is done on one side only for ease of display.
• If your submission is handwritten, you may submit the original literature as is.
• ​In either case, make sure that the student's name and school's name are clearly visible.
• Additionally, print or write the artist's statement clearly on a separate white sheet of paper. During the display, we will place the artist's statement below the artwork.

Music

• No need to submit the entry again, we have your music entry.

Film

• No need to submit the entry again, we have your film entry.

Dance​

• No need to submit the entry again, we have your dance entry.
  
  

​We appreciate your attention to these details, as they will contribute to the overall presentation of the event. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Join the Northshore Council Executive Team and make a difference in your community! Now is your chance to take your involvement to the next level and become a leader in the Northshore Council PTSA.  

Announcements

• Council Office Hours
  • The remaining scheduled Coucil Office Hours for the school year have been cancelled, however, Council leaders can set up 1 on 1 meetings with local leaders to answer questions or concerns! Email us to set up a meeting! 
• WSPTA Upcoming Deadlines
  • WSPTA Programs have upcoming February deadlines for their student programs for the Essay Contest and Scholarship Program. The Awards of Excellence applications are due in March. Also, the applications for 100% Staff Membership Award and 100% PTA Membership Award are due in March. Visit the WSPTA website links for specific deadlines.

Community Partners

• School Board
  Director Elisabeth Sotak is our new liaison. Welcome Director Sotak!
• Community Partnerships & Volunteer Coordinator - Marco Garcia 
  Northshore School District's 6th Annual State of Our Schools will be on the morning of Feb 7th. Northshore School District is in need of a few volunteers from 6:30 am to 7:30 am to help with set-up. Treats will be provided and volunteers are welcome to stay for the event.  E-mail Marco Garcia if you are able to volunteer. 

 Council Business

• Bulk Mailing Permit Survey
  • ​​Council has maintained a bulk mailing permit which has been available for local PTAs to utilize. It has not been used much, if at all, the last few years.  A survey is being conducted to help determine if there is a need to renew the bulk mailing permit or let it lapse. A motion passed to cancel the bulk mailing permit with an amendment that council can renew the permit if it is determined from the survey that there is a need to renew the permit from the local PTAs. Complete survey here. 
• ​Seeking Grants Proposal Committee Members 
  • Holly M. volunteered to chair the committee. Council is seeking two or more local PTSA leaders to join her in researching and formulating the grant. The grant is about trying to achieve more equity in the PTSAs. Council would like to appoint volunteers to the committee during the next board meeting in February.  Contact Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald, if you would like to volunteer for this committee.
• Letter to School Board and Superintendent Tolley
  • Diana C. presented a draft letter to be presented to the school board and Superintendent Tolley regarding concerns about the 2024-25 budget cuts. The letter was drafted by a committee formed at the December 2023 board of directors meeting. A motion passed to amend the letter and it will be read and emailed to the Northshore Council Board and Superintendent Tolley. The letter will be signed by Northshore Council PTSA Members and Board of Directors. Read letter here. 

Council Committee Updates

• Membership
  • ​Please encourage people to become members of their local PTA. The Great PTA Sign Up Day is January 31. WSPTA goal is to increase membership across the state by 5000 members. 
• Nominating Committee
  • ​If you would like to nominate yourself to be part of the 2024-2025 Northshore Council PTSA Board, please contact the committee by emailing ​[email protected] or complete the nomination form by January 31, 2024. We have many key positions open. Also, looking for a Co-VP of Events. Learn more about the positions. 
• Events
  • First meeting of the Reflections Reception Committee is being held on January 18. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Melissa B. An in-person Reflections Reception to celebrate our Northshore students will be held on Thursday, March 14. More details coming soon. 
• Reflections
  • ​There were 211 entries from across the district. We have 51 entries moving up as state qualifiers.  
• Advocacy
  • Focus Day was Monday, January 15, 2024.  Northshore was represented by 25 leaders, students, NSD staff, and school board directors. They traveled to Olympia to meet with legislative representatives and senators and advocate for our students and schools.  

After the meeting was adjourned, membership was invited to join Co-VP's of Advocacy Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow to discuss how to continue the advocating momentum after Focus Day. 

We hope to see you at our next March 18, 2024 at 7PM via Zoom. Register for Zoom meeting link.  

Washington State PTA's Focus Week is quickly approaching, kicking off in Olympia with Focus Day on Monday, January 15. Advocating for education has never been more crucial and WE NEED YOUR VOICE to amplify the call for better funding for all public education in Washington State. ​

WHAT IS FOCUS DAY & WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER ATTENDING?
Washington State PTA Focus Day is an annual gathering where advocates, parents, educators, and community members join forces to voice their concerns, share ideas, and engage in constructive dialogue about the future of education in our state. This is also a school holiday - an ideal time to involve students in the process of local government and citizen action!  It's a day to amplify our collective voice and make a difference! 
 
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Our Legislators want to hear from YOU. They need to hear the stories, experiences, and passion of our students, parents and teachers - it can be the catalyst for positive change in our education system.  
 
MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES & SENATORS
PTA Focus Day provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers. Your face-to-face conversations can be a game-changer and your participation can influence decision-makers and drive positive change.
 
ADVOCATE FOR FUNDING
By attending, you become part of a movement that seeks to shape the educational landscape for the better and you become a crucial advocate for increased funding that will directly benefit our students, teachers, and schools. 
 
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Connect with your community and feel the strength in numbers power that can fuel inspiration, hope and connection within our local and larger community.

​More on Advocacy: 

• Council's Advocacy Page
• Questions? Email Council's Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow.

​More Information
Learn more about Northshore PTSA's Educational Speakers & Community Events Grant Program.

Questions? Email ​[email protected]