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Community Serve Day 2019 - 8/25

3/26/2019

 
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Community Serve Day is a collaborative effort between local churches, school districts, PTSA’s, non-profits, and businesses that mobilize as one for our community. For one day we come together to help schools get ready for the new school year, preparing classrooms and school grounds to become a premier learning environment for our kids. Projects include helping teachers set up classrooms, as well as improving the campuses through painting, repairs, beautification, and more. Community Serve Day 2019 will take place on Sunday, August 25th, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Community members and families are encouraged to volunteer to help in this effort and all ages are welcome!  Sign up at communityserveday.org starting in early April. Once registered, volunteers will receive information and instructions regarding their selected site projects via email.

Three new schools will be participating in this year's event: Sunrise Elementary, Wellington Elementary and Inglemoor High School. The graphic below lists all of the participating schools and site leaders.
Community Serve Day 2019 Participating Northshore Schools
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Note: site leaders are still needed for schools that do not have one listed. The Site Leader's role is to plan and coordinate with the principal and NSD Facilities, plan/place volunteers on various projects, and serve as the contact for questions specific to one's school. If you have suggestions for someone who may be a great site leader, contact Tim King (Northshore Community Church).
PTAs/PTSAs are encouraged to support Community Serve Day in a number of different ways:
  • Collaborate with the Site Leader
  • Volunteer to participate
  • Recruit volunteers to sign up
  • Serve refreshments and lunch at the event (some schools use it as a sort of kick-off to their PTSA year!)
PTA/PTSA timeline for this year's event:
  • April-August: volunteer sign-ups, promote the event through schools and via PTSA communication channels
  • May-August: coordinate with site leaders to plan PTSA participation
  • Sunday, August 25, 2019: Welcome and thank volunteers and encourage PTSA membership!
For more information about Community Serve Day and to sign up to volunteer, visit: communityserveday.org.

Questions? Project contacts:
  • Tim King (Northshore Community Church)
  • Natalie Campbell (Northsore School DIstrict)
  • Website: communityserveday.org

Northshore Community Kitchen Farewell

3/25/2019

 
Northshore Community Kitchen logo
On March 19, 2019, the Northshore Community Kitchen closed its doors after nearly seven years of serving its local community. The Northshore Community Kitchen, a partnership between Northshore Council PTSA and the Northshore YMCA, served as a wonderful resource for in-need families in our community since April 2012. Over the years, the program prepared packs and distributed around 45-50 ready-to-eat meals-to-go every Wednesday, year-round. Thanks to continuing support from some local businesses, PTAs, individual community members, and a terrific group of volunteers, they served a total of 14,023 meals! In addition, the Kitchen also supplied the Kenmore Library "Study Zone" program and Skyview Middle School's "Kitchen Table" homework club with snacks each week.

Northshore Community Kitchen worked to raise awareness about the food insecurity issues facing many of our neighbors and also took positive steps to do something about it.
Thank you to everyone who made the program such a success:
  • Volunteers-- including adults (PTA members and Y volunteers), Girl Scouts, Brownies, middle and high school students, and the United Rebels Soccer team.
  • Northshore Council PTSA leadership
  • Northshore YMCA leadership and Carol Edwards staff
  • PTAs that held food drives or gave financial support
  • Individual community members who donated food and contributed financially
  • NSD nurses, administrators, school board directors
  • Karen Orsinger, former NSD Partnerships Coordinator
  • Robert Hoffman, logo designer
  • HopeLink
  • Village Wines
  • Fairwinds Brittany Park
  • Trader Joe's (Everett)
  • Wellington Elementary Helping Hands Service Club
  • Farms for Life
  • Proven Bread
  • Woodinville Bagel Bakery
  • Woodinville Good Neighbors Group
Great gratitude as well to volunteer Sue Freeman, who organized and managed Northshore Community Kitchen operations on behalf of Northshore Council PTSA, dedicating years of service and care toward the program, its volunteers and those it served.
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At Northshore Council PTSA's March 18, 2019 General Membership Meeting, vollunteer Sue Freeman was recognized for her many years of dedication and service managing the Northshore Community Kitchen! Pictured (from Left): Northshore Council co-President Grace Jurado, Sue Freeman, Northshore School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, Northshore Council co-President Carrie McKenzie.
And a special thanks from Sue Freeman, "Most importantly, thank you to all the families who allowed us into their lives and trusted us to cook for them."

Strong Membership Campaigns - Northshore Success Stories!

3/24/2019

 
Strong Membership Campaigns - Northshore Success Stories
One challenge that all PTAs share is in growing our membership each year. Here in Northshore, we have four PTAs that have shown consistent growth in each of the last six years: Canyon Park PTSA, Lockwood PTA, Skyview PTSA and Sorenson PTA! Our Council Membership Chairs asked each of these successful PTAs what has worked for them that has helped drive their ongoing membership growth. Read their responses below and be sure to check out the examples they shared too!


Canyon Park Middle School PTSA
Co-President Jane Chiodo shared a bit about Canyon Park PTSA's approach to membership at the March 18th Northshore Council General Membership Meeting noting that the secondary level is very different from elementary. One primary difference is that there are no paper flyers as there is no means to distribute them (no more 'kidmail' in secondary!). So taking advantage of all avenues for communicating information and working to get the word out about PTSA is key!
  • Facebook is a key method of communication for CPMS PTSA-- so they post often and try to make their posts stand out by using photos and memes. Jane uses online meme generators to help create fun, attention-grabbing posts. Check out CPMS PTSA's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CanyonParkMSPTSA/.
  • They have a website and work to ensure it is updated. Check out the CPMS PTSA website: cpptsa.org/.
  • They use PT Avenue's email system to email members.
  • The school sends a regular newsletter and includes PTSA information-- Jane noted that they are fortunate to have a very strong partnership with their school and it makes a huge difference!
  • This year, they have made a concerted effort to connect with students and build student involvement and membership in PTSA primarily by connecting with student leadership groups and clubs and promoting the advocacy aspect of PTSA and the power of involvement. They have 39 student members this year and are excited to continue to grow their student member base.
  • To build staff membership, they distributed paper copies of membership forms to all staff at the beginning of the school year.
  • Taking advantage of in-person opportunities to connect with families is so important! They ensure PTSA has a presence at key school events such as Back to School Bash, Curriculum Night,  and 5th Grade Info Night.
Sorenson PTA
The Sorenson Early Childhood Center has ~256 students and 58 staff members. Their PTA currently has 118 members! President Amber Rosenquist shared Sorenson PTA's membership approach and some examples at the March 18th Northshore Council General Membership Meeting. Here is some of what Sorenson PTA does to promote membership:
PictureSorenson PTA created an infographic to help inform members about how contributions are used. It was printed and included in their PTA Welcome packets.
  • Marketing and branding is key! They developed a logo and they make sure to put it on everything they publish.
  • To get information out to membership, they communicate through multiple channels, including  Sign Up Genius, MailChimp, Facebook PTA closed group, monthly newsletters and paper flyers.
  • Offer free community-building events, such as free movie screening at a local theater, ice cream social, and more... ways to build community and PTA visibility and show tangible benefits for members.
  • Created an infographic that explains what they do and how they spend their money and distributed it via flyer. Here is the template for the Sorenson PTA Dollars at Work infographic (PowerPoint): dollarsatwork_sorenson2018.pptx.
  • Amber suggested joining Facebook groups and searching Pinterest for inspiration, ideas and templates that you can adapt and use in your PTA.
  • At beginning of the year, they create PTA Welcome packets for both parents and staff. The packet includes membership info, welcome letter, calendar, the infographic flyer, a spirit wear order form, and flyers relating to partnership programs (e.g., Box Tops, AmazonSmile, etc.). Check out Sorenson PTA's Family Welcome Packet:  sorenson_final-complete-welcome-packet-2018-2019-english.pdf.
  • The staff welcome packet is similar to the family packet, just with a different welcome letter and a staff favorites survey. See Sorenson PTA's Staff Favorites Survey (Word): sorenson_back-to-school-teacher-survey.doc.
  • As a part of their membership form, they offer a "sponsor a member" option.
  • Sorenson PTA runs the Scholastic program for teachers who do not otherwise offer it in their classroom. Then, the PTA uses the credits earned to purchase books for all students and puts a membership form in each book inviting families to join.
  • When they fundraise, they work to have a quick turnaround and immediately allocate those funds, putting them back into the community quickly.
  • Use Community Serve Day (and any other volunteer-based community service events) as an opportunity to earn Disney 1-Day Park Hopper tickets. Then they use those tickets throughout the year as incentives, prizes, and more. Learn more about the program and earning free Disney tickets: http://www.pointsoflight.org/disneyrewards/.
  • All flyers/forms are available in both English and Spanish.
  • At the end of each year, Sorenson PTA surveys its members to find out how they felt about the years events, meetings and easiest times to attend school functions.
  • Using Square, PayPal, check and cash at all events has also really helped increase membership numbers.

Lockwood PTA
Lockwood PTA membership co-Chairs Liz Nord and Amanda Sics noted that they work to campaign for membership throughout the year! Here is what they shared with us about their approach:
We have sent out 3 different membership forms this year:
  1. The first one was a full page form with lots of information on one side about why to join the PTA, it was sent home the first week of school and we had it availale at the opening year events, including the welcome table at the school's Meet n Greet and in the morning, the first couple days of school.  We also sent a renewal email to all past PTA members. See the form here: lockwood_membership-welcome.pdf.
  2. The 2nd one was sent home in early November and was a half sheet.  It had discounts listed on one side and the form on the other. See the form here:  lockwood-discounts.pdf.
  3. The 3rd we sent out in January, once we came back from winter break.  The 3rd one had the basic form on one side and a pie graph on the other side that showed where the PTA spends money.  See the form here: lockwood_pta-money-membership.pdf.
We of course noticed things that needed to be corrected with each form (for instance on the original form, we forgot to say who to write the check out to), and fixed it on the new one.  
Things we do to continue to get memberships throughout the year:
  • We have a membership table at every single event, we are right front and center when people walk through the door.  We ask if they are members and if not, if they have time to talk.  
  • We always have a stack of forms with us, we also keep the school office well stocked.
  • The Lockwood office manager handed out membership forms, along with a letter about why staff membership is important, during the staff's opening meeting, a lot of the staff were members before school even started. Currently 61 out of our 71 member staff are PTA members
  • We emailed out coupons for our family events.  They were things like a free bingo card with their first purchase of bingo cards. See an example here: lockwood_coupons.pdf.
  • We offer a discount to PTA clubs for all members.  So with each new round of clubs, we end up having people sign up.
  • We frequently put articles about the importance of membership in our Lockwood Weekly, and on Facebook.  We also remind families that Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Nannies, and other community members can join the PTA. See some sample posts here: lockwood_reasons-to-membership.pdf.
Skyview Middle School PTSA
Skyview PTSA's President, Melissa Kline, shared a great list of key approaches that they use to promote membership at the secondary level:
PictureSkyview PTSA gave a small gift to all staff at the start of the school year to help promote membership.
  • Membership is ALL YEAR, not just Sept/October! See some examples from Skyview's membership campaigns this year: skyview-membership-campaigns_2019-20.pdf.
  • Attend 1st staff meeting( with principal approval) and highlight PTA at your school, hand out membership forms and even a small gift. 
  • Membership should be front and center on your website, it should be easy to join. Skyview PTSA's website puts membership front and center and clickable on their home page: skyviewjuniorhigh.ourschoolpages.com/Home.
  • Having an online join option, so folks can join from their computer or phone is key!  Families are not inside middle school very often so this is very important for secondary.
  • Regularly highlight membership in your newsletters and when not featuring membership, still have at least a link or graphic every time at the bottom as a reminder.
  • Include a membership form and welcome letter in the school's 1st day packet.
  • Have a presence at school events (e.g., Curriculum Night, 5th Grade Info Night, etc.) with membership forms and a square for credit cards.
  • All fall and into winter we did Membership Mondays on Facebook. Check out Skyview PTSA's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SkyviewPTSA/.
  • Sent a summer welcome email and asked to join then.
  • Sent two reminder emails to members from last year thanking them for previous support and asking them to join again. We sent this directly from PT Avenue.
  • Have forms and an ask to join at all staff appreciation events.


Many thanks to each of these PTAs for taking the time to share their
membership approach and some great tips!

March 18th Meeting Recap

3/24/2019

 
March 18th Meeting Recap
Many thanks to all who joined us for Northshore Council PTSA's March 18, 2019 General Membership Meeting. It was a full meeting with a wealth of information and inspiration!

The meeting began with a report from Sue Freeman about the Northshore Community Kitchen. After 7 years of serving meals-to-go to Northshore School District families in need, the Kitchen was packing its final meals on March 19, 2019. Sue shared some inspiring statistics about the work the Kitchen has done, including the fact that they served 14,023 meals to 67 families in NSD over the years. A big thank you to Sue for her many years of organizing and managing operations of the Northshore Community Kitchen. We are so grateful for her dedication and service.

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Many thanks to volunteer Sue Freeman for her many years of dedication and service managing the Northshore Community Kitchen! Pictured (from Left): Northshore Council co-President Grace Jurado, Sue Freeman, Northshore School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, Northshore Council co-President Carrie McKenzie.
NSD Superintendent Dr. Reid shared updates regarding school schedule adjustments to make up for winter weather closures. She also answered questions on a variety of topics, including next year's school calendar, the change to a 7-period day in high school and its impact on bell times and scheduling, the need for mental health specialists at all high schools, Camp Cedar Springs, summer school registration, and more! We are grateful to Dr. Reid for taking time to join us and answer questions!

General business items included approval of the minutes, review of financial reports, and formation of a Mid-Year Financial Review Committee and Budget Committee. Then we held Council elections for the 2019-2020 Executive Board. The following individuals were elected to office for next year and will begin their term on July 1, 2019:
  • Co-President - Grace Jurado
  • Co-President - Stacey Meyer
  • First Vice President - Jane Chiodo
  • Secretary - Jennifer Drury
  • Treasurer - Tricia Woods
  • VP Local PTA Support: Secondary - Melissa Kline
  • VP Local PTA Support: Elementary - Cindy Jensen
  • Co-VP Advocacy - Nancy Chamberlain
  • Co-VP Advocacy - Charla Griffy-Brown
  • VP Communications - Robin Zaback
  • VP Events - Carrie McKenzie
Congratulations to our incoming officers!!!

Membership voted to approve some changes to Northshore Council PTSA Standing Rules, removing the VP West and VP East officer positions and adding two new roles, Vice-President Local PTA Support: Secondary and Vice-President Local PTA Support: Elementary, as well as detailing experience requirements for individuals entering into those roles.  A vote was also taken to name Council's delegates to this year's WSPTA Convention, including Grace Jurado, Carrie McKenzie, Stacey Meyer, and Tricia Woods.

Nominations are being accepted for Council's Awards program now! Please submit your nominations for Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Advocate, Outstanding Service, Honorary Life Membership, Outstanding Student Advocate, and Golden Acorn by Monday, April 22, 2019.

NSD School Board representative Jackie McGourty shared updates on work they are doing, including the possible purchase of a new building for high school programs. Then NSD Partnerships Coordinator Natalie Campbell shared information on upcoming district-sponsored events, including Project VOICE and the CP and Dorothy Johnson Award, as well as the refresh of the Art Docent program.

Tim King from Northshore Community Church invited PTAs for their support and participation in this year's Community Serve Day, on Sunday, August 25, 2019. This year, 26 Northshore schools are participating! Find more information and sign-up to volunteer at http://www.communityserveday.org/.

The meeting ended with a PTA Spotlight focused on Membership! Sorenson PTA President Amber Rosenquist shared their approach to membership, offering some great examples of what they do to grow membership each year. Then Canyon Park Middle School PTSA co-President Jane Chiodo gave an overview of how they are able to grow membership at the secondary level. Many thanks to both Amber and Jane for presenting at the meeting! 

Our final General Membership Meeting of the year is
Monday, May 6, 2019 at Woodinville High School.
There will be a meet-and-greet beginning at 6:30pm with the meeting beginning at 7pm. We will have more great sharing of information, presentation of our Golden Acorn Award, as well as WSPTA Approved Training classes.
We hope you join us!

Council Recognition Awards - Nominate Someone Today!

3/19/2019

 
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Each year, Northshore Council PTSA seeks to recognize individuals who make a difference in our Northshore community through its Council Recognition Awards program. Please take a few minutes and nominate someone you feel has made a positive impact!

Click here to Nominate Someone for any of the 6 PTA Awards
Awards include:
  • Outstanding Educator – individuals who go beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging.
  • Outstanding Advocate – Honors individuals for their continued and dedicated service to ALL children and a demonstrated commitment to speaking up for children in the areas relating to health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth.
  • Outstanding Service - this is the highest volunteer award given by the Washington State PTA.   It is awarded to someone who has gone beyond his or her own school community, job, or PTA in order to give dedicated volunteer service to children.
  • Honorary Life Membership – Recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to a PTA at the local unit, council, or state level. This special award can be given by a PTA unit, council, or region.
  • Outstanding Student Advocate Award - recognizes students who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community.
  • Golden Acorn** – A Golden Acorn Award is presented to a school or community volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth
The awards are presented at Council's Spring Recognition Event which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 6, 2019.
     ** The Golden Acorn award will be presented at the May 6, 2019 Membership Meeting.
To nominate:  please submit the ONLINE FORM or email Cindy Jensen with the following information by Monday, April 22, 2019. 
Name of Nominee:  who are they, what PTA are they with?
Nominated by:   give us your title if you have one or put engagement parent, great volunteer!
Nominee's qualifications: what have they done to go above and beyond and why.  How have they made a difference to PTA and/or children?  An explanation as to why you think they should be honored.  Please give as much detail as possible in your nomination.
Note: It is okay if you are unsure what award to nominate someone for.  The committee will evaluate all submissions. Also, feel free to ask others to nominate your candidate!
Learn more about the Council Awards Program and past recipients!
Nominate individuals who make a difference in Northshore today!

2019 Nominating Committee Report

3/2/2019

 
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Below please find the report from the Northshore Council PTSA Nominating Committee, listing the nominees for each of the officer positions for the 2019-2020 Executive Committee.

The election for these positions will take place at the next Northshore Council PTSA General Membership Meeting on Monday, March 18th, at 7:00 p.m. at the NSD Administration Building. Nominations will be taken from the floor at that time.

March 2, 2019

The Northshore Council PTSA Nominating Committee hereby places the following names into nomination for the 2019/2020 Northshore Council PTSA Executive Committee:

  • For the Office of Co President - Grace Jurado
  • For the Office of Co President - Stacey Meyer
  • For the Office for First Vice President - Jane Chiodo
  • For the Office of Secretary - Open
  • For the Office of Treasurer - Tricia Woods
  • For the Office of VP East - Melissa Kline
  • For the Office of VP West - Cindy Jensen
  • For the Office of Co VP Advocacy - Nancy Chamberlain
  • For the Office of Co VP Advocacy - Charla Griffy-Brown
  • For the Office of VP Communications - Robin Zaback
  • For the Office of VP Events - Carrie McKenzie

The Nominating Committee has confirmed that all nominees meet the eligibility requirements as stated in the WSPTA Uniform Bylaws and the Northshore Council PTSA Standing Rules.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Freeman (Chair.)
Nancy Chamberlain
Stacey Meyer

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