Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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Call for Nominations: 2024-2025 Northshore Council PTSA Board

12/6/2023

 
Join the Northshore Council Executive Team and make a difference in your community! Now is your chance to take your involvement to the next level and become a leader in the Northshore Council PTSA.
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click image for nomination form
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 2024-2025 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
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Learn more about the job description for each position as well as qualification requirements below.
Nominate Yourself or Someone passionate about education, dedicated to our community today!
Click for Nomination Form
Nominations are due by January 31, 2024.
Questions? Contact Council's Nominating Committee at [email protected]

​Qualification Requirements
​​
Per the 2023-2024 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.
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.
Questions? Contact Council's Nominating Committee at [email protected]

Everything You Wanted to Know About Nominating Committees

11/15/2023

 
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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 your PTA next school year.

What is a Nominating Committee?  
The nominating committee is a group of three (3) PTA members who are elected for the purpose of finding enthusiastic and qualified volunteers to serve on the PTA’s executive committee! The Nominating Committee members must be elected at a general membership meeting at least 30 days before the officer elections. Members of the committee cannot be appointed by the PTA President or the Board of Directors. The PTA president nor the principal may serve on the committee or participate in the committee deliberations. ​
Why Do We Need a Nominating Committee?  
​Depending on the length of term for your executive committee that is laid out in your Standing Rules (your PTA can choose to have officers serve for a 1-year or 2-year term), there is the possibility that executive committee roles on local PTAs will be elected each year. Having a nominating committee is the best way to make sure that each volunteer is qualified, excited, and ready to serve. The goal of the committee is to seek the most qualified candidates for each elected position for the next school year (beginning July 1). It is a vital committee because it has the power to shape the nature of your PTA and to set you up for future success.

Remember! 
Electing a nominating committee is also a part of your Standards of Affiliation Agreement with WSPTA and is a key marker in remaining in good standing during the fiscal year! 
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Who Should Be On The Nominating Committee? 
Nominating committee members should:
  • Have a strong knowledge of the PTA goals, needs, and culture.  
  • Possess tact, integrity, discretion, and the ability to hold their own counsel. 
  • Demonstrate sound judgment and skill in evaluating potential nominees. 
  • Have the courage to express their ideas and defend their convictions. 
  • Represent the diversity that is present in the community and student population. 
​Nominating committee members:
  • May not serve on the nominating committee for more than two consecutive years.  
  • May not be the President or Principal. 
  • Must have been a PTA member for at least 15 days preceding the election.  ​

When Should We Elect Our Nominating Committee? 
Elect the committee early in the school year so they have time to locate the best candidates! State guidance suggests that the Nominating Committee be elected at the first meeting of the school year. If you have not done that yet, make it a goal to elect the committee at your next General Membership meeting.  The nominating committee is discharged from service after the executive officers are declared elected. ​
What Happens During a Nominating Committee Meeting: 
​

Before a nominating committee can get to work, the President should conduct an orientation with the members to provide with either paper or digital version of:  
  • The Nominating Committee Handbook which can be found on the WSPTA Leadership Guide page (found under Board Resources/Nominating, Elections and Voting).
  • The current membership roster. 
  • The WSPTA Uniform Bylaws.
  • Local PTA standing rules. 
  • Job descriptions for all open positions. 
  • Previous nominating committee reports or examples of nominating reports to use as a guide. 
  • A calendar of meetings and the date that the slate of candidates is due to the members (at least 15 days prior to election).  
 * Note: After the orientation, the President must not be involved in the Nominating Committee process or selection of officers.  
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​During the School Year - While serving on the nominating committee, members: 
  • Select a Chair from among the members of the committee. 
  • Review the roles that need to be filled.  
  • Review and discuss any potential candidates. The committee must have honest discussions about individuals being considered for nomination. 
  • Keep their work and information about the candidates confidential, and the group should discuss what confidentiality means.  
  • Give all candidates the same scrutiny and evaluation. 
  • Consider recommendations from their PTA community. (Advertise that you are looking for candidates!)  
  • Ensure that the candidate is eligible for nomination (see below - who can be nominated).  
  • Check relevant dates and deadlines and set themselves a schedule of goals and meetings that will meet the needs of the PTA.  
At the Meeting Where Election of Officers Will Take Place:  
The chair (or another member) of the nominating committee reports the committees’ recommendations to the membership during a membership meeting.  A script can be found in the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee Handbook (found under Board Resources/Nominating, Elections and Voting). ​
Who Can Be Nominated for an Elected Position:  
The candidate should be the person the committee thinks will best fill the role! Additionally, the candidate must:  
  • Must be a PTA member for at least 15 days preceding the election. It is the responsibility of the nominating committee to confirm this.  
  • Must be at least 18 years old. 
  • Must be willing to attend required PTA training for the position to which he or she will be elected. 
  • Must be enthusiastic, supportive, and believe in the mission of PTA.  
  • Should have time for the necessary level of priority and commitment. 
  • Should have good relationships with people in your community. 
  • Must be fair, objective, and able to put personal interests aside to the well-being of the PTA. 
  • Should have previous experience in PTA, though other experience may also be considered.  
 
Additional Things to Consider:  
* Candidates who wish to have co-officer positions can be considered together if both candidates agree to prior to the election.  
* Individuals should not be nominated by the committee just because someone is interested in or has volunteered for a position. The nominating committee should only nominate candidates whom they believe would be qualified candidates as described above.  
 * Current officers should be evaluated just as you would any candidate. If the committee finds a more qualified candidate, the committee should nominate the more qualified person. People are not guaranteed a nomination the second year. 
 ​
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What Is A Nominating Committee Report?  
  • The nominating committee report is the written report of the candidates given to the membership at least  15 days prior to the election. The report must be dated and signed by all Nominating Committee members. The report should be shared widely with all PTA members as well as the notice of the upcoming election. This report is only a suggested list of candidates for your membership to consider. Your PTA must also allow people to self-nominate for each role as well. Every qualified person has the right to be nominated from the floor or during a self-nominating period if they want to run for office and is not on the nominating committee’s slate of candidates. 
  • The nominating committee report is read aloud at the General Membership meeting in which the election is to be held.​
Can a Member of the Nominating Committee Run for a Position? 
Yes! But the member should recuse themselves from all discussion about their nominations and discussion of other potential nominees for that same position. 

What If You Cannot Find a Candidate for a Position? 
The committee can leave the position vacant by writing "Open" on the report. Someone may self-nominate during the election or during the self-nomination period. Additionally, your PTA may appoint a person to fill in until a long-term candidate can be elected.  
Here are a couple of ideas to broaden your reach when searching for candidates:
  • Be sure to market your PTA! Let your community know what your PTA is doing to support them, the school and the students. The more they know about you, the more likely they will want to join your awesome team.
  • Reach out to incoming families! If you are a secondary school, reach out to your feeder school PTA’s to put the word out that you are looking for recommendations for nominations. If you are an elementary school, consider reaching out to families of incoming kindergarteners. There’s no better way to get to know a school and its administration than volunteering for a PTA position!
  • Hold an “Open House” type event. Whether virtual or in-person, this type of event is great for introducing people to your PTA and answering questions about PTA elected positions and their function.
  • Make a personal ask. Do you know someone who you think would be great? Reach out to them and have a one to one conversation about why you think they would be the perfect fit.
  • Advertise your search for candidates EVERYWHERE! Put it on your website, put it in your newsletter, post about it on all your social media channels, send an email directly to your members, or even send snail mail (like a postcard) to your members. 

​What if you STILL can’t find a candidate for a position?
  • If there is an open position on your slate of candidates, you can leave that position vacant. At an in-person meeting, the president will ask if there are any nominations from the floor. In the case of a virtual election, there will be a period of time allowed for self-nominations prior to the membership meeting that mimic the function of “nominations from the floor”. Someone may step forward. 
  • Consider whether you have enough time to continue your search. Can you send out another call for recommendations for nominations?
  • If a position remains open, it is possible, depending on what is stated in your Standing Rules, for your Board of Directors to appoint a person into that position in the interim. The search for a candidate can continue with the hopes that someone can be elected at the next membership meeting.
  • If you have some officers willing to stay on as interim, try again at the beginning of the next school year. People may be willing to jump into something new in September than at the end of a long school year when they’re looking forward to summer break. ​
More Questions?  
Contact......
VP of Secondary Support: 
 [email protected] 
VP of Elementary Support: [email protected] 

*updated article in 01/2025*

The Vote Starts With You! 2023 General Election

9/29/2023

 
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General Election Day
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
  
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Northshore Council PTSA encourages everyone to register and be an informed voter in the
​November 7 General Election.

​Below you will find resources to help you learn more about the Northshore School Board Director candidates and voter information.
​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.​

Northshore School District Director Candidates Information
​Disclaimer: Northshore Council PTSA does not support or oppose any candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. ​

The Northshore School Board consists of five members elected to serve, without compensation, for overlapping terms of four years each. This November, School Board Directors seats 2 and 3 will be up for election for terms ending in 2027.
​(Links for each candidate below is from King County Elections website)
District No. 2
  • ​Elisabeth Sotak
District No. 3
  • Han Tran
  • Myriam Juritz​
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Photo left to right: Elisabeth Sotak, Han Tran, Myriam Juritz
Northshore Director District Map
Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district.  Voters within the Northshore School District boundaries are able to vote for all school board director positions. 
Learn More About the Candidates With These Resources​
  • 2023 Online Voters' Pamphlet
    • pdf versions
  • King County pamphlets available in these additional languages: 
    • Chinese 
    • ​Vietnamese
    • Spanish
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  • Northshore Council PTSA School Board Candidate Forum 
    • Northshore School District Director Candidate Forum 10/03/23 (video) 
      • Land Acknowledgment and resources (slide)
      • Disclaimer (slide)
  • ​League of Women Voters Snohomish County
    •  Northshore School District, Director 3, 2023 Primary Election Candidate Forum (video)
  • NSD Community Conversations Facebook Group 
    • 2023 Northshore School Board Candidate (questionnaire) 
      (Questions were submitted by the members of the closed Facebook group.)
Disclaimer: Northshore Council PTSA does not support or oppose any candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. This blog post is to assist the community in making an informed judgment in the election. ​

Dates & Deadlines ​
  
October 18
King County:
Ballots​ Mailed for General Election
October 19
Snohomish County:
Ballots Mailed for General Election
​October 20
Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers. 
​October 30
Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day.

​​November 7
Deadline for Washington State voter registration or updates (in person only).
​​November 7
General Election
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How Do I Register to Vote?
Check your registration info at VoteWA.gov.
  • Online: Register at VoteWA.gov
  • By mail: Request a paper form be mailed to you or print your own at sos.wa.gov/elections
  • No internet access? Call 1(800) 448-4881
  • In person: Visit a county elections office
What If I’m Not 18 Yet?
​If you are 16 or 17, become a Future Voter!
Sign up online at VoteWA.gov with your Washington state driver’s license, permit, or ID. Or you can fill out a paper registration form using the last four digits of your Social Security number and mail it in. You’ll be automatically registered to vote when you qualify. If you will be 18 by the November Election, you can vote in the Primary Election. 
Learn More About PTA Advocacy!
  • Visit our Advocacy Page to learn more about Northshore Council PTSA's advocacy efforts including:
    • WSPTA's Legislative Platform
    • 2022-2024 Top 5 Priorities 
    • Ways to Get Involved
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Click to view 2023-2024 Legislative Platform.
​
Questions?
Please contact Council Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow, at [email protected]

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.

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 [email protected].

Disclaimer: Northshore Council PTSA does not support or oppose any candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. This event is to assist the community in making an informed judgment in the election of its school board. 
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. 

Self Nominate for Open Board Position: Secretary

8/17/2023

 

Notice: Self Nominations for Secretary Open

Do you like to keep records and take notes? ​Do you have good attention to detail? 

Consider joining 
Council's 2023-2024 Executive Board!
Self Nominate by Thursday, September 7, 2023.

​

Election for Secretary will be held at the
General Membership Meeting on Monday, September 18. 
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Click to Complete Self Nomination Form
Brief Description
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.  ​Learn more about the secretary role. Full job description here.

​Complete Self Nomination Form by midnight on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Election will be held at our General Membership Meeting on Monday, September 18, 2023. 

Qualification Requirements​
Per the 2022-2023 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 within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area.
Election Information:
If there is a contested position at the close of the self-nomination period on September 7, 2023, we will send out an electronic voting method to Northshore PTA/PTSA presidents and vice-presidents. If no position is contested, we will hold the election by voice vote during our next General Meeting, on Monday, September 18, 2023. 
Want to learn more? Contact Council Presidents, Rachel Fitzgerald for more information. ​

You're Invited! General Membership Meeting 9/18

8/11/2023

 
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Northshore Council PTSA General Meeting
Monday, September 18, 2023
6:30 PM Meet & Greet
7 PM Meeting Begins

Register for Zoom Meeting Link: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtduqorjgrGdVXE-PHC18F7bvkuHv8VUuK
The Zoom link you receive will be unique to your registration. Please have each person attending register for a Zoom link. Thank you. 
​Please join us for the first General Membership Meeting for the 2023 - 2024 school year! 

Meeting Agenda:
In addition to our regular business, we will hold an election for 2023-2024 position of Secretary. Self Nominations are open now and close on Sept. 07, 2003. More information on how to self-nominate is posted here on our website. 

​There will be two PTA Educational Sessions to learn more about AIM and memberplanet. 

Second Notice of Election:
update 9/11/23

As there is only one candidate for the position of Secretary, the election will be conducted via voice vote. Click to read the Second Notice of Election.

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Meet & Greet:
​​
Join us before the meeting, at 6:30PM, to chat with Council and other local PTA Leaders! Come say hi, ask questions, or just hang out for social time before the meeting.

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!

Questions? Email Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald at [email protected].

Save the Date - View calendar of future meeting dates.

School Board Candidates Meet & Greet - July 8th

6/28/2023

 
​Northshore Council PTSA invites you to attend the
School Board Candidates Meet & Greet.
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Saturday, July 8th, 2023
10 am - 11 am
Bothell Landing Park* 

9919 NE 180 St. Bothell 
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* Look for the blue balloons by the playground. 

​This event will be hosted near the playground to allow families to bring their children, however, no childcare will be provided.

Enjoy coffee and baked treats while getting to know the Northshore School Board candidates in a casual setting at the park. ​There is no formal Q&A at this event. All four candidates who filed to run for Northshore School Board have been invited to attend by Northshore Council PTSA. 
Questions? Email ​[email protected]
Primary elections will be held on Tuesday, August 1st.
Voter registration information available. 
​Register to vote or update your registration information today! 
Disclaimer: Northshore Council PTSA does not support or oppose any candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. This event is to assist the community in making an informed judgment in the election of its school board. 

School Board Candidates
Links for candidates websites were obtained from King County Elections on 6.29.23

The Northshore School Board consists of five members elected to serve, without compensation, for overlapping terms of four years each. This November, School Board Directors seats 2 and 3 will be up for election for terms ending in 2027.
Director District No. 2 Candidate
​
☐  Elisabeth Sotak​

Candidate is unopposed and will not appear on Primary Ballot in August, but will appear on the November ballot.
Director District No. 3 Candidates​ 
☐ Chris Cazares
☐ Han Tran
☐ Myriam Juritz 
Northshore Director District Map
Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district.  Voters within the Northshore School District boundaries are able to vote for all school board director positions. 


Sample of August 01, 2023 Primary Ballot 
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Register to Vote or Update Registration

6/28/2023

 
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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
Important Dates:
 
July 11 - King County
​July 12 - Snohomish County​
​Voters' Pamphlet mailed

July 12 - King County
July 13​ -
Snohomish County
​Local ballots mailed.
July 24
Last day for voters to register or update voter information online.
​August 1
​Election Day
Last day for voters to register or update voter information in person.

​Last day for voters to return voted ballot by mail postmarked by today or dropped in ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
  • King County Ballot Drop Box Locations
  • ​Snohomish County Ballot Drop Box Locations
The August 1 Primary features local races and will narrow the field of candidates to the top two who will go on to the General Election on November 7. It also features local ballot measures. ​
Upcoming Elections 
August 1, 2023 -  Primary
November 7, 2023  - General Election
February 13, 2024 - ​Special Election
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

March 20, 2023 Membership Meeting Recap

5/19/2023

 
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On March 20th, 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. 
District and Community Partners:
We welcomed NSD’s Director of Food Services Juliana Fisher as our guest speaker. Ms. Fisher shared with us that about 2500 NSD students qualify for Free and Reduced rate breakfasts and lunches, but unfortunately only a fraction of them are currently enrolled in the program. As a result, Food Services is partnering with schools to make sure that all families are aware of the benefits and services to their students, and to encourage them to sign up if they qualify for the program. Ms. Fisher also shared with us that Food Services has faced some recent challenges due to the COVID pandemic and the impact that it had on providing meals at all schools. The main challenges have been a decrease in staffing, as well as supply chain issues. These issues have impacted the capacity for menu varieties, scratch cooking, cultural access, increasing vegetarian/vegan options, and cultural/linguistic/emotional access. Recently, Food Services created and implemented a picture food menu for our schools, which has been a hit with some of our students! Thank you, Ms. Fisher, for joining us and sharing with us how NSD Food Services continues to feed our students in our schools!

Council Business:
Council Treasurer Serena Xu presented the February Financial Report for review and approval, as well as the proposed Council budget for the 2023-2024 school year. Many thanks to the Council Budget committee (Mary Khouzam, Rachel Fitzgerald, Serena Xu, Brenae Brix, and Melissa Kline) for all of your hard work in helping create and proposing the new Council budget! Serena also shared with us that the Standard of Affiliation (SOA) is complete, and all elected Council officers have completed all of their required training, including PTA and the Law. Speaking of the SOA, Council Board member Diana Christiansen shared that 6 NSD schools participated in our SOA Raffle Drawing. The participating schools were Lockwood Elementary, Innovation Lab High School, Woodin Elementary, Frank Love Elementary, Cottage Lake Elementary, and Canyon Creek Elementary. The winner of the SOA Raffle Drawing is Lockwood Elementary! Congratulations, Lockwood! 

Council Nominating Committee member Cherry Holmes presented nominees for Council Executive Officers, and a vote was taken to approve the nominations. Our new Council Executive Board for the 2023-2024 school year are as follows: 

President - Rachel Fitzgerald
Vice President - Grace Jurado
Treasurer - Brenae Brix
Co-VP of Advocacy - Holly Muenchow 
Co-VP of Advocacy - Terra Droney
VP of Communications - Jennifer Snyder
VP of Elementary Support - Diana Christiansen
VP of Secondary Support - Jennifer Drury

Congratulations, new Executive Board members!

We currently have two Executive Board positions that we need to fill. Those positions are Secretary and VP of Events. If you like keeping accurate records and creating meeting minutes and newsletters, or if you love throwing parties or events, please consider throwing your name in the hat for one of these roles. ​Council will continue to seek volunteers for the OPEN positions of Secretary and VP of Events with the goal of holding an election at our General Membership Meeting on May 15, 2023.

Advocacy Chair Jen Drury gave thanks to all of those involved in advocating for the best superintendent candidates, and thanks, also, to all of those who spent time during this last Washington State Legislative Session advocating for the Special Education bill, which passed in the Senate. Thank you, advocates! Half a dozen of advocates, including parents, spent much time in Zoom meetings with our legislators, and 2 dozen NSD parents, students, Superintendent Tolley, NSD school staff, and school board members traveled to Olympia on February 20th to meet with our state legislators and shared their voices in advocating for things that impact our students and our schools. Thank you for all of your advocacy!

On behalf of the Grant Committee Chair (Grace Jurado, who as unable to join us), Mary Khouzam shared that another round for grant application submissions was open until March 24th, and the Council Awards Nominations form will be available soon.

Reflections Chair Jasmine Fry shared that online showcasing is now available on Council’s website, and several NSD students did well! Carissa P. from Leota Middle School is advancing to National Reflections for Videography. Congratulations, Carissa! 

After several other committee updates, including info for an upcoming Mental Health Fair on May 23rd at Skyview Middle School, and a reminder that the Washington State PTA Convention will be held in May at the Bellevue Hilton, Co-Chair President, Mary Khouzam, brought our meeting to a close by reminding us that planning for Council’s Spring Recognition Even is underway, and details will be shared shortly. To help determine the time of day that works best for attendance, Mary shared a link to a poll asking us if a morning event time or an afternoon event time works best for each of us. 

Thank you to everyone who took time to join us!

​
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Northshore Council PTSA 6.10 
PO Box 1461
Bothell, WA 98041-1461
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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.
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