Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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Welcome Letter From Your Council President

8/10/2020

 
Robin Zaback, Northshore Council PTSA President
Hello Northshore PTA Leaders!

Have you heard? National PTA has declared that PTA is more than just an acronym for Parent Teacher Association. PTA is a verb! The definition of PTA is to support your child’s potential. As leaders, we have the opportunity to PTA and support not just our own children—but so many more.  These are uncertain times, but I know one thing for sure: our Northshore PTAs are strong and flexible and are continuing to make a difference and support our students, families and schools in wonderful ways. PTA-ing is what we do. However, the reality is that right now, doing it is not often easy or straightforward or even familiar—which can be kind of an overwhelming, scary thing. I am here to remind you that you are not alone. Northshore Council PTSA is here to help and we have lots of resources for you, including:
  • Facebook groups for Northshore leaders to make connections;
  • Virtual roundtables so that we can share and learn from one another;
  • Bi-weekly newsletter, website, Facebook and Twitter to help keep you informed;
  • Trainings so you can learn how to become a stronger PTA leader and run your non-profit;
  • 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
  • Personalized, one-on-one support—we’re just an email, phone call or zoom meeting away!

​We have an amazing Council team this year ready to empower you to continue doing amazing things for our students, our school communities and beyond. Let’s get out there and PTA!!!

​


Robin Zaback
President, Northshore Council PTSA 6.10

[email protected]


F.A.C.E. Survey

8/9/2020

 
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Click here to take our Family and Community Engagement Survey

Our Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) team is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of
  • Family Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Inclusion
​
In order to determine how we can best serve our PTA/PTSAs, we have developed a short survey. We encourage you to take this important survey and also share it with your Board and General Members. Our goal is to learn more about community engagement and inclusive practices in Northshore PTA/PTSAs and use this information to explore how Northshore Council PTSA can provide stronger service in these areas.

This short survey should only take 5 - 10 minutes. Please complete the survey by Monday, August 24th. We will monitor this year's progress with another survey in late Spring 2021.

Special Thanks to Northshore HiCap Parents Council for use of the survey tool!

On behalf of our team, our sincere thanks!

Lauren Lewis - Council PTSA Family & Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) Chair
Michele Holowachuk - Northshore Council PTSA Special Education Representative
Mary Khouzam - Northshore Council PTSA Co-Vice President of Events 

Updating PTA/PTSA Leaders in memberplanet

8/8/2020

 
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All PTA/PTSAs must update their officer information in memberplanet, the membership database used by Washington State PTA (WSPTA). Updating officer information is a requirement for all PTAs per the WSPTA Standards of Affiliation. Doing so gives WSPTA and Northshore Council PTSA the means to contact a PTA/PTSA if a need arises as well as ensuring that all PTA/PTSA leaders are included in important WSPTA and Northshore Council communications.

Starting in July 2020, the way to communicate leader information in memberplanet is through its Committees Module.
There are a number of resources to help local PTA leaders use and understand memberplanet. However, because the Committees Module feature is so new, the documentation and support is not yet very extensive. Due to the importance of updating officer information, Northshore Council PTSA has created a guide to help users navigate the process.
Download the “Assigning and Updating PTA Leaders in memberplanet” guide to get started!

For questions about the process or to share feedback about the guide, please email Robin Zaback.
 
Resources:
  • WSPTA Success Site - http://wastatepta.memberplanet.com/
  • Leadership Resources: WSPTA Membership Database - https://www.wastatepta.org/pta-leaders/leader-resources/membership-database/
  • memberplanet webinar (7/16/2020) (Committees info starts at 41:52) - https://vimeo.com/441517073
  • “Washington State PTA Checklist for Online Membership Setup” (Committees info on pages 8-10) - downloaded at http://wastatepta.memberplanet.com/membership.html 

Creating a Board Retreat in a Virtual World

8/6/2020

 
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​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. A retreat is more than just a regular meeting-- it is an opportunity to:
​
  • 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

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There are many things to consider when planning for your retreat. And planning a virtual retreat 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 or co-hosting. Writing out a step-by-step guide on how to join your meeting is a great tool to have ready 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 restricts. 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.​​

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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:

  • 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.
  • Include a group social activity, such as a potluck or bowling. While these events may not be available to do now, there are activities you can do to energize your online meeting.

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 (for an example, see Appendix D of the WSPTA Policy Manual).
  • Build your calendar
  • 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.

Resources:
  • WSPTA Leadership Guides - handbooks for officers, running after school programs, advocacy, membership, FACE and more.
  • WSPTA pre-recorded training webinars - on transitions, effective meetings, secretary, treasurer basics and more. 
  • WSPTA Virtual Meetings - virtually taking care of business while still using best practices
  • WSPTA training - webinar on Digital Tools for Online Meetings
  • Bellevue PTSA Council Summer Retreat Planning Tips
  • Volunteer Power Icebreakers - a resource for icebreakers, event openers and team-building activities for committees, boards and meetings
  • The Best Ice Breaker of All Time - an article that argues for the importance and value of ice breakers.

Northshore PTAs Connect - August 13, 2020

8/5/2020

 
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Join us on Thursday, August 13th at 7pm for ‘Northshore PTAs Connect’ – an online roundtable discussion for PTA/PTSA leaders to ask questions, share ideas and connect with one another. This will be the first in a series of roundtable events designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as we navigate membership, programs and managing our organizations in an uncertain and ever-changing landscape.

This first roundtable discussion will feature a Focus on Membership - strategies, online join, memberplanet and more! As we work to support, engage and advocate within our school communities, we need member voices to inform and empower our efforts. Let’s brainstorm and strategize together on how to promote and share the value of our PTAs and grow membership virtually.

Zoom meeting information:
Topic: Northshore PTAs Connect Roundtable: Focus on Membership
Time: Aug 13, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82964295289

Meeting ID: 829 6429 5289
Password: Available on Request*
 
If you have questions or suggested topics you would like to see addressed in the discussion, please email Council PTSA President, Robin Zaback.
We hope to see you there!!!

*A meeting password is required to join. It will be sent to local leaders via email. You can also request the password by emailing Council PTSA Communications VP, Rachel Fitzgerald.

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)

8/3/2020

 
Person checking out at a grocery store. Both shopper and employee are wearing masks. Below image it reads
Get help buying  groceries while schools are closed.

T​he Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is coming up on the deadline for families to apply for the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program. The deadline is September 11th at 5:00 PM. This program provides families who’s children are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals a food benefit that allows them to buy groceries while schools are remote.

Apply online at: www.WashingtonConnection.org or call 877–501–2233 (interpreter services available).
Learn more about P-EBT by visiting http://ow.ly/4VzB50B63or.


Chart to determine if a person is eligible for the Pandemic EBT program.
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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.
  • Home
  • Council Blog
  • About Us
    • Officers & Contacts
    • Standing Rules & Policies
    • Mission Statement
    • Goals & Objectives
    • Northshore PTAs/PTSAs
    • Contact Us
    • Guest Seat Policy
  • Calendar
    • Council Meetings
    • Training Opportunities
    • Family Education Opportunities
  • Advocacy
  • Membership
  • Council Programs
    • Council Awards >
      • Award Recipients
    • Educational Speakers and Community Events Grants >
      • Grant Recipients
    • Emergency Preparedness >
      • EP FAMILY
      • EP Chair Info
    • Presidents & Principals Event
    • Reflections >
      • 2022-2023 Reflections Art Showcase
      • 2021-2022 Reflections Art Showcase
    • Spring Recognition Event
    • Volunteering >
      • Thank You
  • Community Resources
    • Family Education
    • Mental Health Awareness
    • Special Education
  • Council eNews
  • Forms, Documents, & Procedures
  • Local PTA Awards
  • Northshore School District
  • Region, State, & National PTA Info
    • Region 6
    • WSPTA
    • National PTA