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WSPTA Legislative Assembly - Register Today!

9/22/2023

 
​Registration is NOW OPEN for WSPTA's 45th Annual Legislative Assembly!

​WSPTA Legislative Assembly 2023
Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22
Registration Open Until October 5 at 12 noon.
Virtual Event
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Legislative Assembly 2023 | October 21 & October 22
​​PTA delegates from across the state will come together to update the WSPTA legislative platform. At legislative assembly, discover the power PTA has to advocate for the success of every child – the whole child. In PTA every member has an equal voice, and your input matters a great deal to the success of PTA's grassroots member-driven platform. PTA is needed more than ever right now, and you can help!
Be a part of the process and help direct the course for WSPTA advocacy by serving as a delegate for your PTA! 
​If you are interested in attending Legislative Assembly as a delegate for your PTA, contact your local PTA president.
Registration:
  • Tickets are $35/person for in person or remote. Sales end on October 5th, 2023 at 12:00 PM PDT.
  • Subsidized rate of $10/person is available.
  • Student ticket price is $10/student.
  • Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/legis_202310/

Important Dates and Deadlines: 
  • October 5 (noon): Registration ends (for delegates and audience members)
  • October 6: Delegate confirmation request sent to PTA presidents
  • October 10 (noon): Deadline for PTA presidents to respond if your PTA’s delegate list is incorrect
  • Early October: Whova app will go live
  • October 21 (8:00 PM): Amendment deadline
  • October 21-22: Legislative Assembly general sessions

Voting Delegates: 
During the 45th annual Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly, delegates will decide the public policy positions that guide state and local advocacy work for WSPTA and its associated local PTAs and councils. To learn more about being a voting delegate, visit WSPTA's Legislative Assembly Delegate Information page and the 2023 Voting Information page that has been created to help delegates prepare for the caucusing and general sessions.

About Legislative Assembly:
The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list. Learn about WSPTA's current legislative priorities and other supported issues by clicking here.

It will be an incredible weekend of advocacy, education, and networking including informative guest presenters, workshops, panels, trainings, and of course, the important work of debating and voting on additions and updates to our legislative platform. This is an amazing opportunity to connect with PTA members and advocates statewide.
​
Check out the Legislative Assembly web page to learn more about this year's event.​
​
More on Advocacy: 
  • Council's Advocacy Page
  • Questions? Contact Council Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow

September 18, 2023 Membership Meeting Recap

9/22/2023

 
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On September 18, 2023, Northshore Council PTSA held a virtual General Membership Meeting. We would like to say thank you to all of the local leaders from across the Northshore School District, as well as community and school partners for taking the time to join us!
​
Continue reading below for a recap of the meeting. 
​We had our first general meeting on September 18, 2023.  It started out with a land acknowledgement and general information on how to find out more about this important topic. 
 
Council Business
We reviewed the purpose of Council and the benefits of contacting Council for help.  Some of the advantages of Council is that we can help answer questions you may have in your local PTSA, communicate training, resolve conflict, or help you find answers on the Washington State PTA website.  As a reminder, Council will not ask to review your books or report you to any agency - we are not the PTA Police. We are here to support our local PTA leaders. View the PTA Leaders Resource Chart that was shared with members at the meeting. 

We had an open board position and Christine Roehnelt was elected Secretary for the 2023-2024 year. Installation of all Council members was made by WSPTA Finance Officer Liz Nord. 2022-2023 Council Co-President Mary Khouzam was recognized for all of her work last year.

During the meeting two breakout rooms were created. Membership Co-Chair Allison Torgesen​ presented and answered questions about memberplanet in one room while Brittany Hernandez, AIM representative, provided an overview of what you should know about your PTA insurance and answered questions in the second room.

The proposed budget for 2023-2024 was presented and approved by the members at the meeting.
 
Committee Updates
  • Advocacy – Update from Holly M. 
    • On 10/3 from 6-7 pm, Council will be hosting an in-person School Board Candidate Forum.  Submit possible questions to be asked at the forum by September 25, 2023 
    • Legislative Assembly will be held virtually on Oct 21 & Oct. 22. Registration is now open. 
    • Please join our Council hosted Advocacy Facebook Group for PTA leaders.
  • Events – Update from Melissa B.
    • Presidents and Principals is 10/26 from 11-12:30 at Brightwater Event Center. Digital invites will be emailed to the PTSA Presidents and Principals with a reservation link.
  • Membership – Update from Allison T.
    • Approx. 2100 members have joined Northshore PTA/PTSAs so far this year. There are only 7 PTAs that have not yet entered their members - that is good start for being so early in the year.
  • Reflections- Update by Jasmine F. 
    • I am Hopeful Because… is the theme for this year's 2023-2024 Reflections Program. 
    • Council is hosting two Reflections Roundtables on 9/25 and 10/4. In addition to the two Council Roundtables, Jasmine is also presenting Reflections Leaders Training for WSPTA on 9/21 at 6:30 p.m. and 10/7 at 9:00 a.m.
    • Student are invited to submit a theme to WSPTA for the 2025-2026 Reflections Program. Student with the winning theme will receive $100.  
  • Speaker and Events Grants Program – Update by Grace J. 
    • First grant cycle was this summer, Council did not receive any applications. 
    • Applications are open for the second Educational Speakers and Community Events grant cycle. Local PTAs/PTSAs interested in partnering with Northshore Council PTSA to host speakers or events may apply for a Northshore Council PTSA Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant. The grant deadline is 10/27.
 District and Community Partners
  • School Board Director Bob Swain  
    • The Northshore School District Graphics Center was cut from budget. Negotiations with a company/union are underway to explore third party printing. No official solution yet.      
      • In regards to the machines, no response yet as to what will happen to them. One machine was 100K to repair so that was taken into consideration when the print shop was closed. 
    • School design capital improvements are happening now with designers and committees. 
    • There is approximately $13.5 million saved from the Ruby Bridges building budget. This excess will stay in buildings and facilities. 
    • There will be budget cuts again next year, maybe $17-20 million. Board will be in study sessions to discuss cuts. 
    • Director Swain did not seek another term for School Board. Elisabeth Sotak, is running unopposed in the November election for his seat. The transition to the new school board member will take place after the election in December 2023. 
    • Student enrollment is approximately 200 more than budgeted.   
  • Dr. Srinivas Khedam – Assistant Director of Family Engagement and Resource Center at Northshore School District 
    • On 10/4 at 6:30 p.m. Superintendent Tolley will be hosting a Listening Session for Spanish Speaking families.
    • The Family Engagement and Resource Center opened this summer. They receive referrals of families from NSD staff. Staff will check in with the family to see what resources are needed and NSD partners with the state and local agencies and connects them to help. Goal is to eliminate barriers for students and families. More information is on their website.
    • Staff is currently working on 5 minute PowerPoint informational presentations, done by students. An example of a video they will do is “What is PTSA?”. 
    • He also shares his learning from immigrant communities.
 
The President ended the meeting with a review of the upcoming events. All of the events dates and times are listed on the Northshore Council’s Calendar. 

We hope to see you at our next General Meeting on November 14th at 7 pm.  

2025-2026 Reflections Theme Search

9/21/2023

 
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The student who submits the ultimate winning entry will receive $100 and have their theme presented at the National PTA Convention in 2024.

​National PTA is seeking a theme for the 2025-2026 Reflections Program Year. 

CLICK TO SUBMIT YOUR THEME USING WSPTA REFLECTIONS THEME SUBMISSION FORM.
Washington students at schools with an active PTA/PTSA may submit their theme ideas (with parent/guardian authorization) via the form on the WSPTA website. The Washington State PTA Programs Committee will select a top 5 to submit to National PTA. The top 5 will be announced in November after the submission deadline. The deadline is November 1, 2023 12:00 PM (PDT).

Please review the past themes listed here, as repeat themes will not be considered. Please direct any questions to ptaprogdir@wastatepta.org. The submission form requires the entrant to create an account with SM Apply. The form itself should take about 5 minutes to complete.

Here's a brief summary of what you will find on the application form, to assist with your preparation:
  • Student Name
  • Student's Theme Idea
  • Student Address
  • Student's School
  • Parent/Guardian Contact Info
  • Local PTA Name (if different from school name)

Need help navigating the application? Here's a 5-minute video that walks through the process.

Avoid Getting Scammed by Phishing Emails

9/21/2023

 
PTAs are often the target of scammers. It's important for PTA officers to know the red flags and how to help keep your PTA safe from online fraud.
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​As a non-profit association, PTA can be vulnerable to cybercrimes. As a PTA leader, you are a person most likely to receive these types of emails. 

Scam Emails and Spoofing
The senders email may appear to come from another officer in your PTA to help make the request look legitimate. But there are things to check for before you reply:
  • Confirm the actual "from" address of the sender - don't rely only on the name that is shown.
  • Does this email look and sound like other emails you have received from this person?
  • Does this email ask you to do something that is not in alignment with current financial or money handling policies?
  • Often these emails will state the sender is unavailable in a meeting, or out of town, and sending money is an urgent matter. 
  • If there is any question about an email, pick up the phone and talk to the person to double check on the message.  

​Common Scams
  • Asking for gift cards. Remember gift cards are the equivalent of cash and if the email is acted upon, there is likely no recourse to get the money back.
  • Requesting a wire transfer. Wire transfers are not recommended for PTAs. Instead you should have a clear funds disbursement procedure that is well documented for your records.
    ​
Protecting Your PTA
There are a few things you and your board should be doing in order to protect your PTA:
  • Establish clear lines of communication between board members.
  • Make your entire board aware of these type of scams and remind the board of money handling best practices. 
  • Know your budget well. The best indicator of a potential fraudulent activity is a request that is made for something outside of your PTAs member-approved budget.
  • Make sure your board of directors is well trained! View upcoming trainings here.
  • Make sure you have well documented procedures and processes for money disbursement. (See below)
  • Inform your board that Washington State PTA and Northshore Council will not ask you to transfer money, provide personal information, or provide banking information over email.
    • Verify the identity of anyone who requests your personal information by using reliable, independent means.
    • Never provide banking or confidential financial or personal information in response to a suspicious email or an unverified website or form.
​Money Handling Policy
  • Does your PTA have a money handling policy?
  • Has your PTA updated their policy to include online banking?
Money handling policies are important to have so that it is very clear how your members and board are handling the funds of the PTA. Having these policies written out, communicated, and followed helps safeguard your PTA from scammers, and mishandled money. They should include how you handle your cash, checks, deposits, withdrawals, any online money access, and more.  

Need some help putting your money handling policies together or updating them? Council's money handling policies is available for you to use as a sample. Still have questions? Contact Council Treasurer Brenae Brix.

​More Online Safety Tips & How to Report Internet Fraud
  • US.gov Online Safety
  • How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams - FTC Consumer Advice
How To Report Phishing
If you got a phishing email or text message, report it. The information you give helps fight scammers.
  • If you got a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
  • If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).
  • Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
​​Remember: There is nothing more urgent for your PTA than to follow best practices and policies to ensure you don't get caught in a scam!

Second Notice of Election: Secretary

9/10/2023

 
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Northshore Council PTSA will be holding a virtual election for its open board position of Secretary. 
 
The slated candidate is as follows:
Secretary: Christine Roehnelt

Virtual nominations for this position closed on Thursday, September 7, 2023.


Election Information:
Since the position of Secretary was not contested, the election will be by voice vote at the next General Meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 7 PM.
​
Questions? Email Council President Rachel Fitzgerald.

2023-2024 E-Prep Chair Meetings

9/7/2023

 
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​You are invited to join our Council Emergency Preparedness (E-Prep) Chair meetings. Anyone in the PTA/PTSA is welcome to attend. The online meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month starting on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

We encourage local PTA/PTSA E-Prep chairs to attend and or Presidents and/or Vice Presidents or delegates. In this meeting we share and obtain updates from the NSD Safety team and discuss opportunities where the PTA can provide support to our schools in the areas of emergency preparedness, safety, and security.  
​E-Prep Chair Meetings
First Tuesday of each month
Time: 11 am - 12pm
Click to Register for Zoom link
2023 Meetings
  • Oct 3, 2023 
  • Nov 7, 2023 
  • Dec 5, 2023 
2024 Meetings
  • Jan 2, 2024 
  • Feb 6, 2024 
  • Mar 5, 2024 
  • Apr 2, 2024
  • May 7, 2024 
  • Jun 4, 2024 
​We look forward to seeing you. Feel free to contact Council E-Prep Chair Robin McKenzie if you have any questions at eprep@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

Learn more about E-Prep and how to get involved. 

School Board Candidates Forum 2023

9/7/2023

 
Northshore Council PTSA invites the community to join us at the School Board Candidates Forum.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | 
6pm to 7pm
Northshore Administration Center 

3330 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, WA 98021  
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Inform Your Vote!

The purpose of the Candidate Forum is to ensure all voters can make an informed choice when voting in the November election for Northshore School District Director positions. Hosting this Candidate Forum demonstrates Northshore Council PTSA’s commitment to the PTA mission of being a strong advocate for the health, safety, well-being and education of every child. The event is free and open to the public. 

The structured forum will be moderated by Northshore Council PTSA. Each candidate will be asked the same questions. ​Potential questions for candidates can be pre-submitted at https://forms.gle/ARFDPvGiuBBpnhew6. Please submit your questions by Monday, September 25, 2023.

The forum is free and community attendance is encouraged. However, distribution of campaign materials, including the carrying of signs, by candidates, volunteers or members of the public is prohibited.
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Click Button to Submit Question.
Please submit your questions by Monday, September 25, 2023.​
The following ​2023 Northshore School District Director Candidates have been invited to participate:
(Links for each candidate below is from King County Elections website)
District No. 3
  • Han Tran
  • Myriam Juritz
District No. 2
  • ​Elisabeth Sotak
Questions?
Please contact Council Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow, at advocacy@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
Upcoming Election Information
Tuesday, November 7, 2023  - General Election
Register to Vote: Voter information and registration can be found at http://vote.wa.gov/.
Update your registration if:
  • You are new to Washington State
  • You have recently moved
  • You have a new mailing address
  • You changed your name
  • You have turned 18 or will be turning 18 soon. 
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King County Election Information: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/elections.aspx
Snohomish County Election Information: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/224/Elections-Voter-Registration
WA Secretary of State: ​https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections
Northshore Council PTSA Mission Statement
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, education, mentoring, collaboration, and leadership.​
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Learn more about Northshore Council PTSA.
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Learn more about WA State PTA.
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Learn more about National PTA.
​PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. 

Reflections Roundtables - Bring Your Questions!

9/7/2023

 
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​Roundtables are designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders with any questions they may have about the 2023-2024 Reflections Program. You are welcome to attend one or both of the sessions. 
​Reflections Roundtables
Monday, September 25, 2023 | 10 AM 
Register for Zoom link.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | 7 PM
Register for Zoom link.

​Can't make it to the roundtable but still have questions? Check out these additional resources for help!
  • Email Council Reflections Co-Chairs at reflections@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
  • Check out Council's Reflection page, WSPTA Reflections Site, and National PTA Reflections Site
  • Connect on Facebook by joining the WSPTA Reflections group and Council's Reflections group
  • Sign up for Council's "Almost Weekly" PTA Reflections Communications with everything you need to know: 
    • ​Sign Up HERE
    • Read Past Issues HERE

Be SMART - FREE Parent Education Webinar

9/6/2023

 
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Be SMART 
Monday, October 16, 2023
7PM

30 minute presentation followed by Q&A. 
Click to Register for Free Webinar
Upon completion of registration, you will be given a unique zoom link. Each person logging in with a device must register for their own link. 
The presentation outlines simple steps that all adults—whether they own guns or not—can take to keep our children and communities safer.​
​About Webinar:
Northshore parent and PTA member, Jaclyn Condra, will be presenting the 'Be SMART' educational program. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. The presentation outlines simple steps that all adults—whether they own guns or not—can take to keep our children and communities safer.

Register for Zoom Link: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqduGpqj0uH9ztyx-p8u0x9gZwjvRmDYZ3#
Questions? Please email Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald.

It's Time to Identify Your PTA's Legislative Assembly Voting Delegates

8/19/2023

 
October may seem far away, but now is the time to begin to identify your PTA's voting delegates for this year's WSPTA Legislative Assembly so they will be able to register when registration opens. Legislative Assembly will be held remotely through the Whova App on October 21 and October 22, 2023. Registration will open soon!
Voting Delegates: 
During Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly, delegates will decide the public policy positions that guide state and local advocacy work for WSPTA and its associated local PTAs and councils. 
How Many Delegates May a Local PTA Send to Legislative Assembly?
The number of voting delegates a local PTA may send is based on the previous year’s number of members. Each PTA is entitled to send a minimum of four (4) voting delegates. PTAs with over 200 members are
allotted additional delegates. The number of delegates per PTA is specified in the WSPTA
Uniform Bylaws under Article 9, Legislative Assembly Section 2.D., Voting Delegates. PTAs and councils may send an unlimited number of non-voting delegates.
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​About Legislative Assembly:
The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. On the even-numbered years, the new platform is voted on by members at the legislative assembly in the fall. The top five issues become our short-term platform and consist of our priority issues when advocating throughout the year. Other issues are placed on an “also supported” list.
​
Learn about WSPTA's current legislative priorities and other supported issues.
More on Advocacy: 
  • Council's Advocacy Page
  • Questions? Email Council's Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow.
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