Northshore Council is looking for awesome leaders!
Put all the PTA/PTSA knowledge you have to good use by becoming a Northshore Council Executive Team Member 

Northshore Council PTSA is made up of volunteers from our Local PTAs and community that have chosen to use their skills to assist our community. The Nominating Committee is seeking interested candidates for Northshore Council PTSA's 2021-2022 Executive team. Positions include:

• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• First Vice President
• VP of Advocacy
• VP of Events
• VP Elementary Support
• VP Secondary Support
• VP of Communications

Learn more about the job description for each position as well as qualification requirements below.

​​When you serve on Council you are a RESOURCE to local PTA leaders; a communication LINK between districts, PTAs, and parents in the community; a MENTOR to future leaders; and a VOICE for children we all serve.

Qualification Requirements

Per the 2020-2021 Council Standing Rules:

All Candidates:

• Any position may be held jointly by two (2) people, except the role of Treasurer. 
• Nominees must be at least 18 years of age.
• Nominees must be a current member of at least one local PTA that falls within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area. 

Candidates for the office of President and First Vice President shall also:

• Have two years of elected officer experience on Northshore Council PTSA; 

-OR -

• Have served as President of a local PTA for at least one year and have one year of serving in an elected position on Council or higher.

Candidates for the offices of VP of Elementary Support and VP of Secondary Support shall also:

• Have served in PTA a minimum of 2 years, with one year as a local PTA President and one year in a board position at the educational stage that they are going to support.

Below is a brief job descriptions of Council positions. For a more detailed job description, click here.

President: The President has many important jobs including serving as the official contact, communicator and representative of Council. They oversee and coordinate the work of the executive board, preside over meetings, are ex-officio members of all committees (except Nominating Committee) and are designated as an authorized signer for checks, contracts and authorizations for payment. But, most importantly, they work to connect PTAs which in turn helps them support families, schools and the community to work towards overall student success.
​
1st VP: Must be familiar with the Council president’s duties and responsibilities. Act as an aide to the president and perform the duties of the president in his or her absence. Is in charge of advertising and organizing the Council Grant Program and yearly Awards.
 
Treasurer: Is the authorized custodian of the funds of the association and receives and disburses all monies in accordance with the budget as approved by the  membership.

Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of meetings, which become part of the permanent history of the PTA. Also responsible for taking attendance and monitoring quorum at meetings.

VP of Events: Plans and coordinates Councils yearly events including Presidents and Principals Brunch, Reflections Celebration and Spring Recognition Event.

VP of Communications: Works to facilitate Northshore Council PTSA communications in order to inform, engage, educate and inspire local PTAs and beyond.

VP of Advocacy: Help to educate local PTA's and disseminate information about current WSPTA and National PTA legislative priorities.

VP of Elementary Support: Act as a conduit of information for local elementary PTAs. Helps to answer questions local PTA's may have and works to recognize and celebrate local PTA's.

VP of Secondary Support: Act as a conduit of information for local secondary (high school and middle school) PTAs. Helps to answer questions local PTA's may have and works to recognize and celebrate local PTA's.

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!

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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Dial by your location
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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.

Please join us for our second general membership meeting of the year on Monday, November 16, 2020 via Zoom.
In addition to our regular business items, we’ll also be holding elections for our 2020-2021 Nominating Committee (See Notice of Election Post).

Additionally, Dr. Michelle Reid, Northshore School District Superintendent, will be joining us for a brief Q&A session during this meeting!
 
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.

​One tap mobile
+12532158782,,91310708539# US (Tacoma)
+16699009128,,91310708539# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 913 1070 8539
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adiesbXAOG

Council meetings will build your PTA knowledge, give you the opportunity to network with other PTA, school district and community leaders, and they can be a lot of fun, too. Each PTA may send up to 4 voting representatives - but we encourage ALL who are interested to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

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

​In lieu of an in-person Candidates Forum for the upcoming November election, Northshore Council PTSA has created a virtual forum where education-related questions were gathered from Northshore community members and then compiled along with candidate responses.

​Check out our Northshore Candidate Forum 2020 below to learn where the Northshore candidates stand on education issues important to you! Click here to download and print.

Council welcomes your feedback and questions! Please contact Northshore Council VP of Advocacy, Diana Christiansen at advocacy@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

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!

Northshore Council PTSA will be holding online elections for its two open board positions: Secretary and Vice President of Advocacy. The slated candidates are as follows:

• Secretary: Kimberly Ortiz
• VP of Advocacy: Diana Christiansen

 
Each candidate has been serving in their respective role after having been appointed by the Board of Directors on July 9, 2020.
 
Virtual nominations for these positions closed on Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
 
Brief Job Descriptions:

• Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of meetings, which become part of the permanent history of the PTA. Also responsible for taking attendance and monitoring quorum at meetings.
• VP of Advocacy: Help to educate local PTA's and disseminate information about current WSPTA and National PTA legislative priorities.

 
Qualification Requirements:
Per the 2019-2020 Council Standing Rules:

• Any position may be held jointly by two (2) people, except the role of Treasurer. 
• Nominees must be at least 18 years of age.
• Nominees must be a current member of at least one local PTA that falls within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area. 

Election Information:
Since neither position was contested, the election will be by voice vote at the next General Meeting, on Monday, September 21, 2020:
 
Topic: Northshore Council PTSA General Meeting
Time: Sep 21, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95738720814
 
Meeting ID: 957 3872 0814
Passcode: Available upon request*
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,95738720814# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,95738720814# US (Houston)
 
Dial by your location
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 957 3872 0814
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adAC3zm7jn
 
Questions?
Contact First Vice President Jane Chiodo or President Robin Zaback. They are happy to help!

​*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.

Northshore Council PTSA will be holding online elections for its two open board positions: Secretary and Vice President of Advocacy. The slated candidates are as follows:

• Secretary: Kimberly Ortiz
• VP of Advocacy: Diana Christiansen

 
Each candidate has been serving in their respective role after having been appointed by the Board of Directors on July 9, 2020.
 
Since “nominations from the floor” can’t work as they normally would at an in-person meeting, Northshore Council PTSA is opening the floor virtually. Anyone interested in self-declaring for one of these open positions may indicate their interest by emailing Jane Chiodo by Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
 
Brief Job Descriptions:

• Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of meetings, which become part of the permanent history of the PTA. Also responsible for taking attendance and monitoring quorum at meetings.
• VP of Advocacy: Help to educate local PTA's and disseminate information about current WSPTA and National PTA legislative priorities.

 
Qualification Requirements:
Per the 2019-2020 Council Standing Rules:

• Any position may be held jointly by two (2) people, except the role of Treasurer. 
• Nominees must be at least 18 years of age.
• Nominees must be a current member of at least one local PTA that falls within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area. 

Election Information:
 
At the close of the self-nomination period, if there is any contested position, we will send out an electronic voting method to Northshore PTA/PTSA presidents and vice-presidents. If no position is contested, the election will be by voice vote at the next General Meeting, on Monday, September 21, 2020:
 
Topic: Northshore Council PTSA General Meeting
Time: Sep 21, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95738720814
 
Meeting ID: 957 3872 0814
Passcode: Available upon request*
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,95738720814# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,95738720814# US (Houston)
 
Dial by your location
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 957 3872 0814
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adAC3zm7jn
 
Questions?
Contact First Vice President Jane Chiodo or President Robin Zaback. They are happy to help!

​*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.