Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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2025 Spring Recognition Event Recap & Award Winners!

6/5/2025

 
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Thank you to those who were able to join us for our 2024-2025 Spring Recognition event!
The evening was filled with conversation, laughter, good eats and celebration.
During our event, we were able to highlight the amazing work that our PTA/PTSAs are doing.
Check out the video below to see GREATNESS in action!
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Please take a moment to fill out our post event survey! 
We would love all PTA presidents to fill it out whether or not you had anyone from your school attend. And, please, pass the survey along to your attendees to complete as well!
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During the Spring Recognition Celebration on June 4, 2025, Northshore Council PTSA recognized a few special people who go above and beyond in service to our community and promote the well-being and education of children in our district and beyond. Below are this year's Northshore Council PTSA Recognition Awards Recipients. Congratulations!
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Golden Acorn Award
CHRISTINE ROEHNELT
Christine quietly and steadfastly serves Northshore Council, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. She has taken on numerous small but essential roles that keep our operations moving seamlessly. 
Her commitment extends to active participation in multiple committees where her insight and thoughtful approach have strengthened our work. Including serving on the Nominating Committee where she helped ensure that we had a full slate by the deadline for the first time in many years. 
She brings a valuable perspective to the board, guiding discussions toward affordability and equity. She thoughtfully considers every issue before speaking and always offers insightful contributions that help shape Council’s decisions. 
Beyond Council, she has been involved in every level of PTA in her children’s schools and is heavily involved in their activities. She has quiet leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to equity which make her an indispensable part of our council.
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Outstanding Educator
​MAUREEN DIEHL - MS. MO
Innovation Lab High School
Let’s start with a quote from one of Ms. Mo's students: “The excitement and energy this teacher shows daily is one of the key reasons I make it to school every day. She has helped me to grow as a person in so many ways, pushing me when she knows I can do better and helping me when I am struggling. She is truly my favorite teacher that I have ever had.” 
She is approachable for all. She encourages student’s ownership of their learning, supports students through their struggles, and brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.
This educator has led multiple cross-disciplinary learning expeditions on a diverse range of topics. Most recently, her 10th grade English students took a deep dive into l education budget shortfalls in our state. After learning about the complexities of the budget, teams of students created plans to potentially fix the shortfalls and then traveled to Olympia to present their plans to legislators.
She is also the teacher liaison of the student-led Marketing Team and has worked the past two + years to push out messaging about Innovation Lab High School so that students and families can learn more about this choice high school in our district. 
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Outstanding Advocate
​HOLLY MUENCHOW
Holly is a dedicated and influential advocate whose leadership has profoundly shaped PTA advocacy in our district. As Vice President of Advocacy for the Northshore Council PTSA and a key voice in organizations like Northshore Special Education Community PTSA and the HiCap Parents Council she has transformed complex legislative issues into actionable strategies.
She is a tireless mentor, equipping new PTA leaders with the confidence and knowledge. She has mobilized parents, guided them through legislative testimony, and worked directly with policymakers to advocate for public education funding and special education services. 
Her commitment to inclusion has ensured that families—whether in mental health, LGBTQIA+ rights, neurodivergence, or special education—now have a seat at the table. Her work has strengthened relationships, trust, and resilience within our community, embodying what PTA advocacy should be.
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Outstanding Student Advocate
ETHAN NGUYEN

This student is, quite simply, at the heart of every meaningful initiative in Northshore. As a senior on the Superintendent’s Advisory Board, an active member of the Middle School Task Force, a familiar face at advocacy trips to Olympia, and a steadfast presence at school and district events, He consistently shows up, participates fully, and brings an unmatched energy and professionalism to every space he enters.
What truly sets him apart is not just his impressive resume of leadership roles—it’s the way he carries himself. He exemplifies the qualities of a young professional: respectful, articulate, engaged, and always prepared. His signature style—often seen in a suit—reflects his commitment to excellence, but his impact extends far beyond appearances. In spaces where even seasoned adults struggle to navigate difficult conversations, he offers insightful, action-driven feedback with a maturity beyond his years. His advocacy is deeply rooted in storytelling, supported by facts, and delivered with a sincerity that moves both hearts and minds.
This student’s dedication knows no bounds. He attends late-night meetings after long days of studying, always ready to contribute. He takes initiative, follows through, and builds relationships.
If you meet Ethan Nguyen, you are immediately struck by his wisdom, passion, and drive. It is rare to find someone so young who not only knows how to lead but understands the importance of listening, connecting, and sustaining momentum. As he prepares to take his next steps in college, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a profound difference. His contributions to Northshore will leave a lasting legacy. Ethan is not just an advocate for students—he is a force for the future.
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ROBIN MCKENZIE
Robin has been Council's Emergency Preparedness (E-Prep) Chair since 2017 and his dedication to safety and security is unmatched. He lives and breathes emergency preparedness, tirelessly working to ensure our schools are ready in the event of an emergency. 
He has been instrumental in connecting PTSA emergency preparedness chairs across the district, fostering collaboration and shared learning. The monthly PTA E-Prep chair meeting, which he re-established, brings together PTA leaders and district safety officials to ensure a direct line of communication between those working to keep schools safe.
His unwavering advocacy has directly contributed to making ALL district schools safer places. The systems and relationships he has built took years to establish, and they will serve the community for years to come. As he leaves behind the E-Prep committee, we would like to thank Robin McKenzie for the innumerable hours he has dedicated in service to our community.  Thank you, Robin, for making us all just a bit safer.
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Golden Acorn Award
MELISSA BENNET

Every staff member of the schools that Melissa's child attended has been spoiled in Staff Appreciation events. And at each of those schools, the bar has been raised for future Staff Appreciation chairs to follow. 
If you have attended a Council event in the last two years and thought, “Wow! This place looks great!” or “These decorations are amazing and so much fun!”, then you have this volunteer to thank.  She puts in an incredible amount of effort to make our events fun and engaging for our local leaders.
This person has been the driving force behind the success of our events. With passion and determination, she has found inspiring speakers, organized engaging activities, and created spaces that bring people together. Her work has strengthened our connection with the community by coordinating with local venues, caterers, and student volunteers.  
Even with her child graduating last year, she remained a dedicated Council member, continuing to bring fresh perspectives and unwavering support to PTA leaders across the district. 
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Outstanding Educator
ELLIOT GRAY
Canyon Creek Elementary
Mr. Gray can be best described as talented, funny, and incredibly capable. His magnetic presence draws students in, making learning both engaging and enjoyable. When asked to share a favorite memory from his class, one of his fifth-grade students immediately mentioned his legendary “terrible” dad jokes, which fill the classroom with laughter and create an atmosphere where students feel encouraged to participate. His ability to personally connect with students fosters a welcoming environment that makes every child feel recognized and valued.
Beyond his humor, he instills musical concepts through interactive, hands-on activities, such as the beloved “squid passing” game. Students pass his stuffed squid while keeping the beat, with each round becoming progressively more challenging. His innovative teaching methods incorporate multiple modalities, ensuring that every learner engages with the curriculum in a meaningful way.
His musical talents inspire students and leave them in awe. A multi-instrumentalist, he founded the after-school Marimba club at Canyon Creek Elementary, giving students even more opportunities to explore music. He seamlessly blends education with entertainment, sparking curiosity and confidence in his students.
Mr. Elliot Gray’s creativity, passion, and dedication make him a true role model for both students and educators.
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Outstanding Advocate
BRENAE BRIX
Brenae serves quietly to make a profound impact on the lives of children. Always informed and engaged in educational issues, she met with legislators in the 45th district several times and made sure they were up to date with PTA priorities. 
Her commitment extends beyond policy discussions, as she actively participates in the Northwest Gifted Alliance to help families, particularly those with twice-exceptional (2E) children, find the resources they need. As secretary for the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education, she collaborates with stakeholders and legislators across the state to push for key initiatives, including universal screening for highly capable students.
She serves with humility, never seeking recognition, yet her contributions speak volumes. She has supported the council in multiple roles—Vice President of Secondary Support and Treasurer—and next year, she will shine even brighter as she steps into the role of co-Vice President of Advocacy. Her unwavering dedication ensures a better future for all children.
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Honorary Lifetime Membership
JANE CHIODO
Jane has served at all levels of PTA including each school that her kids have attended, on council and on state PTA. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, politely, and works to come up with solutions to problems. However, she can also lead a meeting with neutrality when needed. She is always willing to help anyone with whatever is needed. She is patient and well spoken.
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She willingly shares a wealth of experience and information with the Northshore Council PTSA board of directors and is always looking for ways that Council can best serve our local PTAs. She has been an amazing VP of Communications for council this year, stepping into a role with big shoes to fill. She also steps up whenever extra (wo)manpower is needed.  As a former Council President and serving as Chair of WA State PTA's Governance Committee, she is Council's go-to person for questions regarding bylaws and Robert's Rules and just about everything else. As the incoming Secretary on WA State PTA's Board of Directors next year, this person will no longer be serving on Northshore Council PTSA's Board of Directors and we will sorely miss her.

A special thank you to this year's Awards Committee members: Diana Christiansen, Tracy Jokisch and Jane Chiodo.

​Learn more about PTA Recognition Awards and how your PTA can recognize those who go above and beyond in your school community.

2024 Presidents & Principals Recap

10/29/2024

 
The theme for this year's Presidents and Principals Luncheon was "Communication Reboot!" The event took place on October 24, 2024, at the Brightwater Center in Woodinville.

​This annual tradition brings together PTA presidents, school principals, district administrators, and school board members, providing them with a wonderful opportunity to connect, engage, and strengthen their relationships with one another.
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Attendees at the event heard from three panels discussing how schools and PTAs could work together to strengthen their communications, build community and highlight advocacy efforts.
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  • ​Communication - Tiffany Rodriguez, Principal of Innovation Lab HS, Allison Mitchell, President of Bear Creek Campus PTSA, and Jane Chiodo, Council VP of Communications, shared some insight into what makes school and PTA communication successful, how we can partner to amplify our messages and how we can reach as many families as possible. Rachel Fitzgerald, our Council VP of Secondary Support led the discussion.​​

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Community - Marco Garcia, NSD Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordinator, talked about the Art Docent program. Gus Reiber, a teacher at Bothell High School, explained his PTSA's "Fix One Thing" campaign to increase community engagement and pride in their campus. Finally, Dr. Srinivas Khedam, Assistant Director of the NSD Family Engagement and Resource Center, spoke about strategies for reaching out to the many families within our community. The panel discussion was moderated by Carri Campbell, NSD Executive Director of Communications.

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  • Advocacy - You can find many useful resources provided by our panelists below!!
    Taanvi Arekapudi, a student advocate, spoke about her passion for helping fellow students through mental health challenges and founding the Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Students. Becky Cotter, a parent advocate, spoke about her advocacy journey regarding the importance of gun safety and gave ideas on how PTAs and schools can partner to advocate within their communities. 
    ​Diana Christiansen, Council First Vice President, shared about the Northshore Council PTSA Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program available to PTAs to obtain assistance in funding programs or events. The panel was moderated by Council Co-VP of Advocacy, Terra Droney.

Here are links to Taanvi's Extensive Resources! 
  • International bestselling book (first teen to teen book): Uplift Teens Today (avail. on Amazon & Website)
  • Emotion Cards: Unveiling the Power of Emotions, One Card at a Time Card Deck (avail. on Website)
  • Learn more and access nexus: www.nsd.nexusforschools.com
  • Connect with Taanvi and see how you can continue to spread the word and break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges: 
    ​Website: www.taanvi.us, Email: [email protected], Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taanvis.inspiration/

Here are PDF gun safety resources you can use in your communities from Becky!
  • Firearms: What You Can Do to Protect Your Child
  • Gun Control and Safety; Get the Conversation Started

Council Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program:
These grants are available to PTAs to obtain assistance in funding programs or events. This program is a great way for Northshore PTAs to collaborate with each other and with our Council to bring programming to the local community. The next grant cycle closes on Monday, December 09. Visit our website to learn more and submit your application!

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Attendees engaged in interactive activities throughout the event and had time to share their ideas. Council members, Holly Muenchow and Allison Torgesen, facilitated the sharing portion of our event. 

Council member, Rachel Fitzgerald, prepared an 80's themed "Why I PTA" slideshow that incorporated a bit of 80's Council history in the form of multiple-choice questions. Check it out here!
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For lunch, we had delicious box lunches catered by the Northshore Culinary Arts students at Bothell High School, featuring a turkey wrap, a salad, and various allergy friendly options.

Many thanks to the PTA leaders, Northshore School District staff, and school board directors for attending. We hope you found the event inspiring and relevant to your work in our schools.
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​We also want to thank our Council Co-VPs of Events, Melissa Bennett & Ashely Russell, for all of their hard work planning and organizing this amazing event and to the many volunteers who assisted with the slideshows, brainstorming ideas and on the day of the event. 
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It was a day filled with inspiration and collaboration!
Your Feedback is Important to Us!
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We want to continue to improve this annual event and make sure it's both accessible and meaningful to those who attend. We kindly request a few moments of your time to complete this survey. Your responses will remain anonymous. Your input, whether you attended or not, will aid us in shaping future events.
CLICK TO COMPLETE SURVEY
Please complete the survey by Friday, November 8th.

You're Invited! Northshore Council PTSA: Reflections Art Reception

2/14/2024

 
Council is Excited to Invite You to This Year’s Reflections Art Reception!
Please join us at this year’s event for an engaging presentation of art from our school community.
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Reflections Art Reception
Thursday, March 14, 2024
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Quiet Session
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm*

Brightwater Center 
22505 State Route 9 SE | Woodinville, WA 98072
​Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking. 
*Please consider arriving at the time listed for the beginning letter of your last name to assist with flow of event.
​See times below: 
5:30 pm [A - K]
6 pm [L - T]
7 pm [U - Z]
It is an annual tradition to bring together our community from across the district and showcase the Art that was submitted from our K - 12th grade participants. We hope that this reception can continue to broaden our impact on education, the arts and family engagement.

Council will provide coffee, tea and cookies for everyone's enjoyment. We look forward to seeing you at this special event!
View 2023-2024 Council Reflections Results
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Volunteers Needed for this Event!
Please consider signing up for a volunteer shift. 


We have various volunteer shifts available throughout the day starting at 10:00 am when we gain access to the building and concluding at 9:00 pm when we return the venue to its original condition.
​Your support would be greatly appreciated. 

Sign up to volunteer at the event.
Sign Up to Volunteer!
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Questions? Please email Council's VP of Events, Melissa Bennett.

2024 Virtual College and Career Night

1/30/2024

 
We are excited to share that the Northshore Council PTSA is a proud sponsor of the Northshore School District's 2nd annual Virtual College and Career Night. ​

2024 Virtual College and Career Night
Thursday, February 8, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

 Session Links & More Information Here

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This event will be filled with valuable information to help families plan and navigate post high school options and is
​open to all NSD high school families. More than 20 virtual sessions will be offered for learning more about colleges and universities and career exploration.
​Topics include:
  • College Application Process
  • Paying for College, Transfer, Tech, and 2-Year Programs
  • Apprenticeships and Career Colleges
  • Preparing for a career
  • ...and so much more! 
​See full list below! 
All sessions will be recorded and available on YouTube in late February with language interpretation.
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​Choose 3 Sessions to Attend on
Thursday, February 8, 2024
​ Session Links & More Information Here

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Session links will be posted February 1, 2024 on NSD website and will become live on February 8, 2024.
​College & University Sessions
  • Financial Aid Workshop for Senior Students and Parents
  • DigiPen Institute of Technology: Do What You Love, Love What You Do
  • The Highly Selective College Application Process
  • College Admissions Representative Panel
  • Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)
  • Historically Black Colleges & Universities 
  • Do you want to be an NCAA/college athlete?
  • Finding the Right Fit
  • All About Pacific Northwest College of Art
  • Presenting Yourself on the UC Application
  • Putting Yourself on Paper: Writing the College Essay
  • Canadian Colleges: Application Process & Opportunities in Canada
  • Paying for College Without Going Broke
  • How the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Makes Going Out of State Affordable
  • College Application Process for Public Universities in the State of Washington
​Visit link.nsd.org/vccn2024 for more information.
Career Exploration Sessions
  • Preparing for Employment: Resume/Cover Letter/Interview Skills
  • Crafting Futures: Nurturing Talents through Apprenticeship
  • Military Options in College Education/ROTC
  • Boeing: Shape Aerospace Innovation
  • Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center (AMSC)/Washington AerospaceTraining and Research (WATR) Programs
  • Transfer, Tech, and Two-year Programs
  • ​Careers in Commercial Real Estate
​Visit link.nsd.org/vccn2024 for more information.
Pre-Recorded Sessions - Watch Now
  • How College Decisions Are Made
  • College Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
  

Join Council's Reflections Reception Committee

1/5/2024

 
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Seeking Planning Committee Members
​Join our Reflections Reception Committee! 
Be part of the excitement - our first Reflections Reception in person since 2019!
We'll need lots of hands in organizing this very special event to honor our Northshore School District Artists.

The first committee meeting will be on:
Thursday, January 18th
7:00pm - 8:00pm via Zoom*.


*Please email Council 
VP of Events,
Melissa Bennett​ at [email protected] for Zoom meeting link. 
SAVE THE DATE:
2024 Reflections Reception
Thursday, March 14, 2024 
More Details to Follow
Questions?
Contact Council's Reflections Co-Chairs at ​​[email protected].

Reflections Update: Save Entries, Join the Reception Planning Committee, and Theme Winners Announced

12/5/2023

 
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Important Notice: Save Your Entries
Thank you for submitting all the entries! We loved witnessing the beautiful interpretations of the theme from the students. Please take note that we will be hosting an in-person celebration on March 14, 2024, and we kindly request participants save all their entries. This is especially crucial for visual art and photography submissions. More details about the mounting of the artwork and printing requirements will be shared soon to ensure we can display all the wonderful creations. Stay tuned for further information!

  * Save the Date: Reflections Reception *
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - In-Person Celebration!

  
​Join our Reflections Reception Planning Committee (Meetings will start in January 2024)
Be part of the excitement - our first Reflections Reception in person since 2019!
We'll need lots of hands in organizing this very special event to honor our Northshore School District Artists.


Email Council's VP of Events, Melissa Quinonez Bennett, at [email protected] to be included in the Zoom meeting email.

Message from WSPTA Reflections
WSPTA Reflections Theme Search Winners
This year WSPTA had over 45 Reflections theme search entries. The judges selected the following students' theme ideas to advance to the National level for a chance at being the winner of the 2025-26 Reflections theme.
  • Miracles Happen - Neelesh Dutt, 7th grader at Timberline Middle PTSA 2.8.82
  • A World Awaits - Serena Gao, 11th grader at Redmond HS PTSA 2.8.100
  • ​My Strengths - Nylah Batshoun, 7th grader at Timberline Middle PTSA 2.8.82
  • I come from… - Anya Pimkina, 9th grader at Issaquah High PTSA 2.6.45
  • ​The Path I Build for Myself - Marharyta Zvarydchuk, 7th grader at Redmond MS PTSA 2.8.80
We will find out in Spring 2024 who was chosen to be the National winner. Thank you to our local PTAs who helped promote the contest.
​Resources:
Northshore Council PTSA Reflections Co-Chairs: Jasmine Lee Fry and Foram Shah
  • Facebook Groups
    • Northshore Council PTSA Reflections and Art Docent Chairs
    • WSPTA Reflections - Leaders & Friends
  • Webpages
    • Northshore Council PTSA Reflections 
    • WA State PTA Reflections
    • National PTA Reflections​
Subscribe to Council's "Almost Weekly" PTA Reflections Communications with everything you need to know: 
  • ​Subscribe to our Reflections Newsletter and Read Past Issues HERE

2023 Presidents and Principals Recap

11/2/2023

 
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​The theme for this year's Presidents and Principals Luncheon was "Destination Success!" The event took place on October 26, 2023, at the Brightwater Center in Woodinville. This annual tradition brings together PTA Presidents, school Principals, district administrators, and school board members, providing them with a wonderful opportunity to connect, engage, and strengthen their relationships with one another.
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Our first presentation included a short video by North Creek High School student Blue G. about the Period Peeps project which started in the summer of 2020. This project was initiated by Blue, her older sister Syndey, and their mom Susan Griner. High school students from across the district volunteered to collect supplies and make period kits for those with limited resources. Council VP of Events, Melissa Bennett shared the project's history and its future plans. The Period Peeps project is a great example of community collaboration. What started out as an idea from one Northshore family soon became a much needed resource for those experiencing period poverty with the support of student volunteers & district leadership, flexibility of school administration, and communications & grants from PTSAs. Period Peeps hopes to see this project continue to grow and be able to provide even more period kits by expanding to middle school participation as well. If you are interested in finding out how you can help, email [email protected].

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The room was beautifully decorated to kickstart the journey, with road maps placed at each table and markers of inspiration.
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​Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald shared a sample of student projects across Northshore schools including the Ruby Bridges Elementary's Peer Program, Canyon Creek Elementary's S.O.A.R. (Students Organized Against Racism), Northshore Middle's Watch D.O.G.S., North Creek High /Skyview Middle Food Pantry, and Woodinville High's Latinos Unidos. Rachel also shared about the Northshore School District’s new Family Engagement and Resource Center and the Art Docent Program.

​If you have a PTA program, you would like to share with Council, please give a shout-out by completing this form: https://bit.ly/PTAProud2023. We want to hear what you are doing and celebrate it. 

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For lunch, we had delicious box lunches catered by the Northshore Culinary Arts students at Bothell High School, featuring three options: turkey sandwich, vegetarian salad, and gluten-free salad.
Attendees at the event engaged in an interactive activity throughout the event and had time to share their ideas. Council members, Holly Muenchow and Allison Torgesen, facilitated the sharing portion of our event (and gave out lots of treats while doing so!). You can download the Activities Worksheets and use them when planning your PTA programs with your board. 
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click to download worksheet (front and back)
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Once the ideas were flowing amongst guests, Council Vice President, Grace Jurado presented about the Northshore Council PTSA Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program available to PTAs to obtain assistance in funding their projects. This program is a great way for Northshore PTAs to collaborate with each other and our Council in order to bring programming to the local community. The next grant cycle closes on Friday, December 08. Visit our website to learn more and submit your application. 
Many thanks to the PTA leaders, Northshore School District staff, and School Board for attending. We hope you found the event inspiring and relevant to your work in our schools.
​We also want to thank Council VP of Events, Melissa Bennett who chaired the event and our Presidents and Principals committee members, Angela Dawson, Rachel Fitzgerald, Anna Jensen, Mary Khouzam, and Jenn Snyder.  
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It was a day filled with inspiration and collaboration! 
Your Feedback is Important to Us!
We want to continue to improve this annual event and make sure it's both accessible and meaningful to those who attend. We kindly request a few moments of your time to complete this survey. Your responses will remain anonymous. Your input, whether you attended or not, will aid us in shaping future events.
​

Please complete the survey by Friday, November 10th.
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Click to complete survey
Click to play ​Council Members' PTA Journey.
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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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Congratulations to our 2023 Recognition Award Recipients!

6/19/2023

 
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During the Spring Recognition Brunch on June 6, 2023, Northshore Council PTSA recognized a few special people who go above and beyond in service to our community and promotes the well-being and education of children in our district and beyond. Below is this year's Northshore Council PTSA Recognition Awards Recipients. 
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Outstanding Advocate - Amelie Fry
​The Outstanding Student Advocate Award recognizes students who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community. Northshore Council PTSA’s 2023 Outstanding Student Advocate is Amelie Fry. Amelie has served on Northshore School District’s student board for three years, organized voter registration drives and worked hard to get youth involved in local politics. She has also been in attendance at several School Board meetings, even getting up to speak at some—not an easy task for a teenager to do these days. Amelie has worked with Northshore Council’s mental health and DEI committees, recently presenting at Council’s RARE event. She is also passionate about the arts, having participated in Council’s Reflections program, both as a contestant and for two years as a volunteer judge. This student is dedicated to helping others. Congratulations, Amelie!
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Outstanding Service - Kelly Hennessey
The Outstanding Service Award is the highest volunteer award given by the Washington State PTA. It is awarded to someone who has gone beyond his or her own school community, job, or PTA in order to give dedicated volunteer service to children. This year, the Outstanding Service Award was presented to Kelly Hennessey. Like many other PTA volunteers, Kelly balances a career and family with volunteer work on her local PTA boards as well as other youth sports boards, and does an amazing job in those roles alone. However, there is another role Kelly occupies that has had a major impact on families across the district. For several years, she has been the driving force behind Threads and Treads, a free clothing bank for families in the Northshore School District. Her time is not limited to looking for grants or setting up clothing donation drives; she also coordinates a core group of adult volunteers and organizes youth volunteers throughout the school year to provide a space for students and their families to come “shop” for clothing. The environment she has created has helped families feel welcome and relaxed, it provides a space where people not only shop for clothes but also feel part of a community. Congratulations, Kelly!
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​Outstanding Advocate - Juliana Fisher
The Outstanding Advocate Award honors individuals for their continued and dedicated service to ALL children demonstrating a commitment to speaking up for children in the areas relating to health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth. Northshore Council PTSA’s 2023 Outstanding Advocate is Juliana Fisher, Northshore School District’s Director of Food Services. Juliana has seen firsthand the benefits of the free lunch for all program last school year for Northshore students and has advocated in Olympia for increased funding. She has also worked to create more varied communication of school lunch menus, including social media and a visual menu that makes the menu more accessible to elementary students and students with disabilities. In addition to her work behind the scenes, Juliana has presented at local PTAs as well as Council to help educate families, provide resources and talk about current legislation in Washington state related to school meals. Congratulations, Juliana!​
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Golden Acorn - Mary Khouzam
The Golden Acorn Award is presented to a Northshore Council PTSA volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth. This year's Golden Acorn was presented to Mary Khouzam. The Nominators’ words to describe Mary include compassionate, dedicated, professional and inspiring. Mary has been a staple on the boards of many local PTAs over the years, as well as on Northshore Council PTSA’s board the past three years. She frequently volunteers to be on committees, asking balanced questions and bringing up a fresh perspective to make sure all angles are considered. Mary has created subcommittees to work on proposals put before Council, looking first for perspective or background on the issue at hand and then holding productive, task-based meetings to keep things on point. This year, with no VP of Events, Mary  stepped in to ensure that Council could put on two major events in person for the first time in three years. Congratulations, Mary!
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​Outstanding Educator - Cheryl Klemz
The Outstanding Educator Award honors individuals who go beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial, and challenging. One of two Outstanding Educator Awards was presented to Cheryl Klemz of Canyon Park Middle School. Cheryl has been teaching secondary school in the Northshore School District for 20 years. She is well-respected by their fellow staff members, having served on several school committees including SDLT, Climate and Culture Committee and more. Cheryl has created a classroom environment where all students feel welcome to share their talents and ideas without ridicule or judgement. Her classroom is a safe space for middle school students to be themselves, with many opting to hang out there during lunch time to hang out, be silly or just to connect with her. Perhaps the best way to summarize her impact is in the words of current and past students. “She is an engaging and enthusiastic teacher. She always told stories and her love of drama made me and others love drama. She was always aware of the students and would pull in anyone who was off by themselves. She let me be myself.” “She is so fun and outgoing! She makes acting on stage so interactive and I never feel anxious with her there!” “She is a truly amazing teacher! Not only does she put up with rowdy middle schoolers but she instructs them and guides them to create fully fledged productions. She inspires and empowers her students to work hard and explore their talents. She wants everyone to get their chance to shine, so much so that she goes through the trouble of managing not one but sometimes more than six different casts for a single show!” Congratulations, Cheryl!  
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Outstanding Educator - Christy Lipke
The Outstanding Educator Award honors individuals who go beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging. Northshore Council PTSA’s Outstanding Educator Award was also given to Christy Lipke of Woodin Elementary. Christy has been teaching in the Northshore School District for several years. She teaches our youngest learners and creates an experience for these students and their families that welcomes and includes all of them into the school community as well as fosters a love of learning. She utilizes several different communication tools to create a bridge from school to home where everyone feels connected, informed and equipped to help students succeed. Visitors to her kindergarten classroom note that the students are engaged, learning continuously, and are genuinely loved by their teacher. Christy's commitment to her students does not end at the classroom door. She also is active in the school’s PTA, can be seen helping at PTA events, has served as the PTA’s staff liaison and has personally recruited her kindergarten parents involved in PTA leadership. Three words to describe her as a teacher are caring, fun, and dedicated. Congratulations, Christy!

A special thank you to this year's Awards Committee members, Grace Juardo and Melissa Kline.

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Learn more about PTA Recogntion Awards and how your PTA can recognize those who go above and beyond in your school community.

Beyond Black and White: A Panel Discussion on 4/26

4/4/2023

 
Beyond Black and White 4/26 Click image to register
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
via Zoom
Register in Advance
Northshore Council PTSA invites you to join us in viewing RARE's 30-minute film about race & equity in Seattle schools. Learn how we can do better in this documentary about race and education, based on the experiences of Roosevelt High School yesterday and today.

​Join us for a panel discussion, Wednesday, April 26th, on race and equity in the Northshore community which will feature student voices from around the district.
Click Here to Register Now
Click to Register
​​Free and Open to All Community Members.
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Below are flyers to download, print, and share with your community. 
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Grayscale - Click to Download, Print, and Share
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Color - Click to Download, Print, and Share
Questions? Contact Council's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair, Cherry Holmes at [email protected].
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Northshore Council PTSA 6.10 
PO Box 1461
Bothell, WA 98041-1461
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ABOUT US
CONTACT US 
NORTHSHORE COUNCIL PTAS/PTSAS
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COUNCIL ENEWS

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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