Northshore Council PTSA is proud to announce the recipients of our second round of Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants for 2020-2021!

• Canyon Creek PTA, Ruby Bridges PTSA, Woodin PTA and Kokanee PTA - "Pandemic Parenting: Supporting Your Child's Mental Health During Uncertain Times" presented by Cher Anderton - 10/22
• Kenmore Elementary PTA, Canyon Creek Elementary PTA, Fernwood Elementary PTA, Kokanee Elementary PTA, Ruby Bridges Elementary PTSA, and Woodin Elementary PTA - "Inclusion in the Early Years" presented by Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee - January 28, 2021 (open to the Northshore community*)
• Cottage Lake Elementary PTA and Hollywood Hill Elementary PTA - "A Solution for (Almost) Every Struggle: Parenting Outside the B.O.C.S." presented by Christy Keating of The Heartful Parent/Savvy Parents Safe Kids - Jan./Feb. 2021 (open to the Northshore community*)
• Skyview MS PTSA, Canyon Park MS PTSA, Timbercrest MS PTSA - "Digital Safety - 101" presented by Jo Langford - January 28, 2021 (open to the Northshore community*)
• Ruby Bridges PTSA, Skyview MS PTSA, Canyon Creek PTSA, Cottage Lake PTA, Woodin PTA - "School Wide Scavenger Hunt!" license purchased from Goosechase app - dates TBD (this license can be utilized by other schools within NSD - contact vp@northshorecouncilptsa.org for more information)

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. 2020-2021 grants are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and applications will be reviewed by the Northshore Council PTSA until the Council Programs budget is used in its entirety. The submission deadline for the next round of Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants is January 22, 2021.

For more information about the program and to download the application, visit our Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program page.

*All events that are open to the Northshore community will have an RSVP link posted as soon as available. 

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!

​Join us for a special Monday Night Roundtable focusing on Reflections!

​This roundtable is designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as with any questions they may have about the Reflections Program. 

Date: Monday, October 26th
Time: 7:00PM
Location: Online via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99257796923
Meeting ID: 992 5779 6923
Passcode: *Available upon request

​Northshore Council PTSA is proud to announce the recipient in our first round of Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants for 2020-2021!

• Kenmore Elementary PTA - Parenting on the Same Page - 10/21

This event is open to the Northshore community.

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. 2020-2021 grants are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and applications will be reviewed by the Northshore Council PTSA until the Council Programs budget is used in its entirety. The submission deadline for  the next round of Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants is November 27th, 2020.

For more information about the program and to download the application, visit our Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program page.

Attention all Emergency Preparedness (E-Prep) PTA Chairs

Join Council's E-Prep & Safety Co-Chairs, Robin McKenzie and Tracy Jokisch, for online training* on Oct. 6th @ 10am and Oct. 22nd @ 7pm.

Topics to be covered during these trainings:

• Recap of Mission, Goals, & Values
• Overview of roles for E-Prep Chairs & School E-Coordinators
• Preparedness Advocacy Information
• Creating a Culture of Preparedness
• Tips for E-Prep Chairs
• Connecting Chairs within feeder pattern
• Council E-Prep Resources
• Next Steps

These trainings are open to all Northshore PTA/PTSA E-Prep Chairs (new or returning), Presidents or Vice-Presidents, and active members interested in Emergency Preparedness & Safety.

Join the Zoom for Oct. 6th @ 10am. (Passcode is available upon request.)

Join the Zoom for Oct. 22nd @ 7pm. (Passcode is available upon request.)
​
*Note: This training is not an official WSPTA Approved Training and therefore cannot be used towards the training requirement listed in the SOA.

It was the first meeting of the year, and we were thrilled to (virtually) see over 25 attendees from across the district participate! The membership unanimously elected two new officers to the board: Kimberly Ortiz for the position of Secretary and Diana Christiansen for the position of Vice-President of Advocacy. Thank you to each of them for stepping up to help lead Northshore Council PTSA! In addition to elections, members revised new goals, approved Standing Rules, and voted on an updated budget. Membership Chair, Melissa Kline noted how local PTAs were quite creative in their membership drives this year, ensuring easy, online join options for members to renew their memberships. (Find your PTA/PTSA by clicking here.)

We’re happy to announce the continuation of our Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program. Local PTAs are encouraged to apply solo or in collaboration with another local PTA! Deadline for the 2nd round of applications is Nov. 27th.

During this packed meeting, we also had the pleasure of hearing from community leaders, including School Board Director Jacqueline McGourty, NSD Partnerships and Volunteer Coordinator Natalie Campbell, each of whom shared updates and answered questions about recent projects and current initiatives, including exciting news about the ground breaking at the Northshore Concert Hall at Inglemoor High School and the opening of Ruby Bridges Elementary.

Northshore Nourishing Network Director Sue Freeman shared information on the increasing food insecurity facing members of this community. Ms. Freeman has been collaborating with Skyview Middle School PTSA to create a food pantry, and shared a plan to disseminate helpful information for those wishing to donate to foodbanks.  

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 Monday, November 16th!

Due to our extraordinary circumstances, the 2020 Reflections program is going Virtual! 

Even though parts of the Reflections Program will feel a little different this year, there are many aspects of the program that have not changed - especially the parts that are student facing. Students will still fill out their entry form, write their artists statement, choose a category and create their work of art using the theme "I Matter Because..."!

New for 2020! Online Submissions:

• Council & WSPTA will only accept online submissions for 2020-21. Each Local PTA President and Reflections Chair will receive a specific link and instructions for online submission to Council in a couple weeks. 
  • Try to submit high quality scans or digital photos as all artworks will be judged digitally at Council and State levels.​
  • When uploading to Council, please use the following file name format so we can attribute the artwork to the correct student: Student First Name and Last Name - Arts Category - Form or Artwork. Note: There should be two submissions for each student, the entry form and the artwork.
• Each local PTA can choose to accept submissions online, in person, or a combination of both. Make sure to set a due date that allows time to judge the submitted pieces in order to determine which 20 (+6 Special Artist) you will advance to Council.
  • Please do not submit pieces to council that are not in compliance with the guidelines for each category found in the "Student Entry Packets".
  • IMPORTANT: Encourage participants to read and follow all rules for submission for each category as if they would be submitting their actual pieces in person. Any submission that WSPTA sends to the National PTA for judging will need to be sent physically.
• Once pieces have been judged, local Reflections Chairs will need to upload any pieces they are submitting to Council into the National PTA student entry portal AND upload the entry form and digital version of the art piece to Council by December 2nd, 2020.
• Once you have submitted your 20 (+6 ) pieces:
  • Council will judge the pieces to determine which will advance to WSPTA
  • Council will share which pieces are advancing to WSPTA with Reflection Chairs and Presidents
  • All pieces submitted to Council will be displayed at the Celebration Open House and/or Digital Showcase on January 9, 2021. We will announce details about this event to the best of our ability by end of November, but please note that an in person event is subject to district and county safety requirements.
  • Council will digitally submit all pieces advancing to WSPTA.
    • WSPTA will judge and announce which pieces are advancing to National PTA.
    • Council will contact Reflections Chairs and Presidents who have pieces advancing to National PTA. As of right now, National PTA is requiring that state PTAs submit physical art pieces.

Below are some resources to help support your Reflections program:

• Register for your Reflections program with the National PTA. 
• Promote Reflections in your community. 
• Entry forms can be filled out online. (Contact reflections@northshorecouncilptsa.org if you need assistance finding your National PTA number.)
• Please sign up for our Northshore Council PTSA Reflections newsletter here. The newsletter and website are the primary sources of information for Reflections this year.
• Our Northshore Council PTSA Reflections Facebook page is here and is a resource for you to exchange information and best practices.
• The WSPTA Reflections Facebook page is another great resource!

Still have questions? Please contact Council's Reflections Chair, Rachel Northquist, at reflections@northshorecouncilptsa.org or call/text (425) 319-0016.

This year it's even easier for your PTA/PTSA to pay the yearly Council Program Fee!

On your October Memberplanet invoice you will see a new line for $100 titled ‘Council Program Fees’. This will allow you to pay this fee through automatic deposit at the same time you pay your council membership fees.

A notice explaining more about the yearly fee and the payment process was emailed to local PTA/PTSA Presidents and Treasurers on August 31st. If you did not receive this email, or have any questions about the Council Program Fee, please contact Council Treasurer, Liz Nord.

This year's Reflections Theme is "I Matter Because..."

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and WSPTA cultural arts competition. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works for the theme of "I Matter Because...".

Reflections is so much more than "just an art contest."  It helps kids take risks, be inspired, think creatively, receive positive recognition and be celebrated for their works of art.  It also allows our community to celebrate our students' creativity!
Encourage art by offering Reflections at your PTA!

Council is here to help make it easy! Check the Reflections page on for regular updates, join the Northsore Council PTSA Reflections and Art Docent Chairs Facebook group and be sure to sign up for our "almost weekly" Reflections communications.

Dates to Note:

• December 1 & 2, 2020 - Turn In Dates
• January 9, 2021 - Council Celebration Open House

Please stay tuned for more information on turn-in methods and our Celebration Open House that will follow district and county public health requirements.

Questions? Contact Council's Reflections Chair, Rachel Northquist.

Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program 2020-2021

Applications* are now being accepted for Northshore Council PTSA's 2020-2021 Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program! This program is designed to help support Northshore PTA's in hosting relevant and timely speakers for our district families and to encourage them to create engaging events for our community. ALL local PTA's, within the Northshore School District and in good standing, may apply for a grant through a simple application process.

Find the application, program details, and past recipients by clicking here.

*2020-2021 grants are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and applications will be reviewed by the Northshore Council PTSA (submission deadlines specified below) or until the Council Programs budget is used in its entirety.

Submission Deadlines for Applications
September 25, 2020 (Review by Council on Oct. 5th)
November 27, 2020 (Review by Council on Dec. 7th)
January 22, 2021 (Review by Council on Feb. 1st)