Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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11/16 General Membership Meeting Recap

11/23/2020

 
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It was great to see so many local PTA leaders in attendance for our 2nd meeting of the 20-21 school year!

The meeting kicked off with a Q and A led by our Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid.  In addition to mentioning that the current plan with online schooling is to stay the course, she also answered many questions regarding topics such as homework, updates on the NSD curriculum resource web page, communication strategies for teachers and parents and building access for PTA’s.  There was also a discussion regarding ideas for the district to provide some morale boosting activities for students and families to help with community building while we are still isolating at home for online learning. Dr. Reid welcomed ideas from the group and will investigate how to best provide some community building activities in the district.  


During the Council Business portion of the meeting, the membership elected Grace Jurado, Liz Nord and Jane Chiodo as the 20-21 Nominating Committee.  Next on the agenda was a financial report given by Council Treasurer, Liz Nord.  Her report included the Treasurer’s Reports for both September and October, presentation of the newly adopted money handling policy and an update regarding the fulfillment of the Standards of Affiliation.  Liz noted that any PTA that needs to create or update their current money handling policy is welcome to use the council’s as a template found here.  
Lastly, there was an update regarding council goals which involved renaming the goal previously called Leading and Developing our Northshore PTAs and Leaders to Communicating with our Northshore Local PTAs and Leaders.  Grace Jurado, Nancy Chamberlain and Melissa Kline worked together to create a new title and verbiage surrounding the elements of the action items in effort to create goals that are concrete and attainable.   The membership unanimously voted to update the proposed changes to the council goals as presented.

During this meeting we also heard from Northshore Nourishing Network (NNN) Director Sue Freeman.  She shared information and tips for PTAs looking to start a successful food drive for their local units.  Sue noted that the Northshore Senior Center needs canned vegetables, tuna and chicken for those looking to donate. It was suggested by a member that coordination for a food drive combined with school supply pick up days or porch pick up to gather food donations.  Sue also shared that she has created helpful documents for suggested items to donate as well as how to start a free pantry.  Learn more about NNN here.

We then heard from community leaders including School Board Director Jacqueline McGourty, NSD Partnerships and Volunteer Coordinator Natalie Campbell and the Northshore Schools Foundation Executive Director Carmin Dalziel.

  • Director McGourty reported that the school board just finished up the last round of ongoing discussions with our legislators, presenting them with their list of priorities.  The most prominent priority right now is digital equity.  She also shared that the board has started the refresh of their five year strategic plan.  Director McGourty mentioned that the board has also resumed school visits and that being able to see what is happening the classroom as well as with the principals and admins has been refreshing!  
  • Natalie Campbell spoke about the decision to pilot the Peach Jar flyer distribution program for one year.  As well as mentioning that there is continued support for the Art Docent program.  She noted that NSD is finishing their pilot with 6 Crickets and they are looking for input based on if they should continue the program, retool it or decide its not needed.  Natalie is continuing to work on an update to the PTA Resource Guide.  The guide will include reminders with regards to communications, what can be published on the website, accessibility standards, resources for translation and more. This will be especially helpful to those new PTA leaders in our district.
  • Carmin Dalziel reported that the Northshore Schools Foundation’s classroom grant process is now open.  PTA leaders are welcome to request grants for their schools. They will be sending out postcards to teachers.  Right now there is a big focus on high school seniors.  NSF is currently offering classes on things like financial aid among other things for seniors and their families to take advantage of. Carmin shared that all though last year when COVID hit they gifted $200 gift cards for families from their Basic Needs Aid program.  Now that COVID is more of a normal situation the Basic Needs Aid fund will be reserved for emergencies.  NSF is working with the district to make sure that there is a CARE team at each school for students and families in need.  In total they have donated $94K towards the success of this program. For more frequent NSF updates please refer the NSF blog.

​Lastly on the agenda was Council updates on Advocacy, Membership and F.A.C.E. as well as an update from our First Vice President, Jane Chiodo, regarding the WSPTA awards and the Speaker and Events Grants.
  • VP of Advocacy, Diana Christiansen shared the top five legislative priorities and the WSPTA supported issues for 20-21.  Diana also wanted to share thanks for the candidates that participated in the candidates forum.  She also shared a PDF for how to share a pitch with legislators.  Reminder that Focus Day is January 18th, and that week will be Focus on Advocacy Week.  Check out our Advocacy page for more legislative updates including a link to sign up for the WSPTA Action Network.
  • Membership Chair, Melissa Kline, shared that as a whole our district is at 52% for membership. There are 5 PTAs that have 75% of last years membership! She also explained how the 100% Staff Membership award is calculated and how to apply for it.  Melissa reminded members that personal connection is the best way to gain members.  More tips and suggestions are posted on our Membership webpage in the Membership Facebook group.
  • F.A.C.E. Chair, Lauren Lewis, encouraged all to join the new F.A.C.E. and DEI Facebook group.  The group is for F.A.C.E. (Family and Community Engagement) & DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Chairs or anyone interested about learning and sharing more on these topics.  Lauren is working on putting together at least on event that is open for all PTAs to attend.  The biggest asks have been surrounding mental health and internet safety.  It was also highlighted that NSD has a strategic plan for inclusion – there is an inventory for all parent groups for a self-assessment.  The district spent time putting together these documents and there are clear takeaways.
  • First VP Jane Chiodo shared that the next Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant application deadline is November 27th.  The final deadline will be January 22nd, 2021.  For more information click here.  Lastly, Jane spoke about the WSPTA Awards of Excellence program.  PTAs are encouraged to check out the different categories to look at the criteria for the award and which ones your PTA might be interested in.  Some examples of awards include the Standards of Excellence, Communications, Significant Actions, Newsletter and Outstanding Website.  Applications for awards are due by March 15, 2021.

​Council meetings are a great way to reach other PTA leaders and learn about what is happening in the district and PTA. We hope you will join us for our next general membership meeting on Thursday, January 21st!

100% Staff Membership

11/20/2020

 
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The 100% Staff Membership Award is presented to local PTAs that enroll at least as many school staff members as there are full-time certificated employees at the school.

This award recognizes the value of teachers and school staff as stakeholders advocating for all children through PTA membership.

PTAs must be in good standing and submit a completed application form by March 15, 2021 to be eligible for this award. Recipients of the 100% Staff Membership Award will be recognized at the WSPTA convention in the spring.

Check out the below flyer put together by Washington State PTA to help determine if you are eligible for this award! Click here to download or print the flyer.

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​Looking for ways to earn 100% Staff Membership this year?


The 3 key recommendations made by
all WA State Award Winning PTAs are to:
♦ Be welcoming!
♦ Communicate goals and the rewards for reaching goals
♦ Always have ways to join your PTA available, in paper or online

Check out this list of ideas compiled from WA State PTAs and decide which strategies your PTA can work on to help accomplish 100% Staff Membership for this year!

Learn More About Northshore Nourishing Network

11/7/2020

 
Logo reads Nourishing Network - Power of Community Passion
The Northshore Nourishing Network (NNN) is a network of partner organizations and individuals. They work to gather information about local and even hyper-local food security resources across Northshore. Their organization aims to not only be a place to find food security resources for those in need, but also a place to find ways to help contribute by volunteering or donating.

NNN has put together the documents below as handy reference guides for donating to food banks and little free pantries as well as a list of suggested food bank donation items that most needed.

For more information and resources the NNN has put together, visit their website at 
http://www.nourishingnetworks.net/networks/northshore/

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Download and Print the Donating 101 Guide
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Download and Print the Food Bank Donations Guide

Second Notice of Election - 2020-21 Nominating Committee

11/2/2020

 
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Northshore Council PTSA will be holding online elections for the three (3) positions on its 2020-21 Nominating Committee on Monday, November 16, 2020. 

The Nominating Committee is a special committee that holds the key to a successful PTSA. It is responsible for presenting the best qualified candidates to serve as the elected officers who will lead Northshore Council PTSA in 2021-22.


The slated candidates are as follows:
  • ​Jane Chiodo
  • Grace Jurado
  • ​Liz Nord 
The period for self-declared nominations for these positions closed on Friday, October 30, 2020.

Qualification Requirements:
  • No person may serve on this committee for more than two consecutive one-year terms.
  • A candidate for the local PTA nominating committee must be a member of the local PTA for at least 15 days preceding their election.
  • For a council nominating committee, the candidate must be a member of a local PTA in the council for at least 15 days preceding their election.
Each of the slated candidates meets all qualification requirements.

Election Information:
As there are only three candidates, the election will be conducted via voice vote at the next General Membership Meeting, on Monday, November 16, 2020:

Topic: Northshore Council PTSA November General Meeting
Time: Nov 16, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91310708539
Meeting ID: 913 1070 8539
Passcode: *Available upon request.

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Meeting ID: 913 1070 8539
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adiesbXAOG

Information about Northshore Council PTSA online elections procedures is available in its Electronic Voting (E-Voting) Policy.
Questions? Please contact Northshore Council PTSA President Robin Zaback. 

​*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.

2020 Legislative Assembly Wrap-Up

11/1/2020

 
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​​Washington State PTA just hosted its first Virtual Legislative Assembly! Throughout the last few weeks, panels and classes were held over Zoom to help educate our Washington State PTA leaders.
The 42nd Assembly then wrapped up October 24-25 with the general sessions and voting on issues and resolutions.
This year's theme was PTA: Now More Than Ever.

During the legislative assembly Washington State PTA and its local PTAs, councils, and members work together to develop short-term legislative issues and long-term PTA resolutions. The issues and resolutions can be used to advocate not only at state level with our elected representatives, but also within schools and districts to help support all children.
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WSPTA Top 5 Legislative Issues:
1. Increase Access to Nursing, Mental Health, and Social Emotional Learning Staff
2. Support Students and Preserve Education Funding
3. Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
4. Supports and Funding for Students with Disabilities and Their Families
5. Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Suicide

Also Supported Issues:
♦ Equitable Identification and Services for Highly Capable Students
♦ Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
♦ Safe School Plans and Emergency Preparedness

New and Updated Resolutions:
  • Cultural Access Programs and Expanded Learning Opportunities
  • School Nutrition, Breakfast and Lunch Policies
  • Equitable Access to Recess, Play, Unstructured Time, and Physical Activity
  • Social Emotional Learning and Student Success
  • Restorative Justice and Improving Student Outcomes
  • Dismantling Institutional and Systemic Racism
  • Improving Access and Outcomes in Special Education
  • Supporting K-12 Career and Technical Education
  • Mitigating the Health Effects of Climate Change

New Principle under the category of Safe and Nurturing Environments for Children and Youth:
Washington State PTA shall identify and initiate education and action on public policy that
provides safe and supportive settings and climates for children and youth. The association
shall support:
  • Anti-bullying and anti-harassment
  • Multi-cultural education
  • Student and parent education regarding internet safety
  • Media education
  • Traffic and pedestrian safety
  • Substance abuse prevention
  • Safe and healthy schools, which reduce environmental hazards
  • Consistent, age-appropriate, unstructured play opportunities
  • Prevention of trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors
  • Social Emotional Learning
  • Integration of internet safety and electronic communications into school curriculums
  • Anti-racism, anti-discrimination, anti-oppression *new*

Information and details about Washington State PTA’s full legislative platform can be found on their website: https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/
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Our Washington State PTA leaders did a great job leading us through a legislative process that held true to the PTA spirit of consensus.

Northshore PTSA council would like to thank our Washington State PTA 
Board of Directors, especially our president, Janice Kutzera, for the amazing amount of work they did to make this brand new virtual process not only flow smoothly, but also still allow delegates to use their voices to promote, defend, and oppose legislative proposals. We like to also thank Heidi Bennet, our Region 6 Advocacy Chair, who helped council and PTA presidents by developing a member survey that was sent out to PTA members in our region and informed voting delegates of the priorities of local members. Finally, thank you to our local presidents and advocacy chairs that shared out this survey!

This is an exciting time in PTA to time to get your members involved. We know the state legislature will

have a budget deficit and that school districts are facing added expenses due to the pandemic. We also
know that children and their families are feeling frustrated and isolated. The PTA can help with
education advocacy at a state level and with advocacy at a local level by forming personal connections
to our members. It is time to PTA: NOW MORE THAN EVER.

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How can you get involved in PTA advocacy?
1. Make sure you are signed up for advocacy information and action alerts through the Washington State PTA's Action Network!
2. Come to a Northshore Council general meeting or roundtable discussion! Our next General Meeting is November 16th at 7pm. See the full calendar on the Northshore PTSA website.
3. Mark your calendar for FOCUS DAY: January 18th, 2021 which is our opportunity to directly speak to legislators!

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