Northshore Council PTSA is proud to co-sponsor two upcoming Parent Education Events taking place on Thursday, January 28th; one on digital safety and the other on instilling positive self-identity in our children. These events were made possible by the Educational Speaker and Community Event Grants Program. Check out the details for each of these events below!

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

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

Local PTAs/PTSAs interested in partnering with Northshore Council PTSA to host speakers or events may apply for a Northshore Council PTSA Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant. 2020-2021 grants are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and applications will be reviewed by the Northshore Council PTSA until the Council Programs budget is used in its entirety. The submission deadline for the next round of Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants is January 22, 2021.

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

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

It was great to see so many local PTA leaders in attendance for our 2nd meeting of the 20-21 school year!

The meeting kicked off with a Q and A led by our Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Reid.  In addition to mentioning that the current plan with online schooling is to stay the course, she also answered many questions regarding topics such as homework, updates on the NSD curriculum resource web page, communication strategies for teachers and parents and building access for PTA’s.  There was also a discussion regarding ideas for the district to provide some morale boosting activities for students and families to help with community building while we are still isolating at home for online learning. Dr. Reid welcomed ideas from the group and will investigate how to best provide some community building activities in the district.  

During the Council Business portion of the meeting, the membership elected Grace Jurado, Liz Nord and Jane Chiodo as the 20-21 Nominating Committee.  Next on the agenda was a financial report given by Council Treasurer, Liz Nord.  Her report included the Treasurer’s Reports for both September and October, presentation of the newly adopted money handling policy and an update regarding the fulfillment of the Standards of Affiliation.  Liz noted that any PTA that needs to create or update their current money handling policy is welcome to use the council’s as a template found here.  
Lastly, there was an update regarding council goals which involved renaming the goal previously called Leading and Developing our Northshore PTAs and Leaders to Communicating with our Northshore Local PTAs and Leaders.  Grace Jurado, Nancy Chamberlain and Melissa Kline worked together to create a new title and verbiage surrounding the elements of the action items in effort to create goals that are concrete and attainable.   The membership unanimously voted to update the proposed changes to the council goals as presented.

During this meeting we also heard from Northshore Nourishing Network (NNN) Director Sue Freeman.  She shared information and tips for PTAs looking to start a successful food drive for their local units.  Sue noted that the Northshore Senior Center needs canned vegetables, tuna and chicken for those looking to donate. It was suggested by a member that coordination for a food drive combined with school supply pick up days or porch pick up to gather food donations.  Sue also shared that she has created helpful documents for suggested items to donate as well as how to start a free pantry.  Learn more about NNN here.

We then heard from community leaders including School Board Director Jacqueline McGourty, NSD Partnerships and Volunteer Coordinator Natalie Campbell and the Northshore Schools Foundation Executive Director Carmin Dalziel.

• Director McGourty reported that the school board just finished up the last round of ongoing discussions with our legislators, presenting them with their list of priorities.  The most prominent priority right now is digital equity.  She also shared that the board has started the refresh of their five year strategic plan.  Director McGourty mentioned that the board has also resumed school visits and that being able to see what is happening the classroom as well as with the principals and admins has been refreshing!  
• Natalie Campbell spoke about the decision to pilot the Peach Jar flyer distribution program for one year.  As well as mentioning that there is continued support for the Art Docent program.  She noted that NSD is finishing their pilot with 6 Crickets and they are looking for input based on if they should continue the program, retool it or decide its not needed.  Natalie is continuing to work on an update to the PTA Resource Guide.  The guide will include reminders with regards to communications, what can be published on the website, accessibility standards, resources for translation and more. This will be especially helpful to those new PTA leaders in our district.
• Carmin Dalziel reported that the Northshore Schools Foundation’s classroom grant process is now open.  PTA leaders are welcome to request grants for their schools. They will be sending out postcards to teachers.  Right now there is a big focus on high school seniors.  NSF is currently offering classes on things like financial aid among other things for seniors and their families to take advantage of. Carmin shared that all though last year when COVID hit they gifted $200 gift cards for families from their Basic Needs Aid program.  Now that COVID is more of a normal situation the Basic Needs Aid fund will be reserved for emergencies.  NSF is working with the district to make sure that there is a CARE team at each school for students and families in need.  In total they have donated $94K towards the success of this program. For more frequent NSF updates please refer the NSF blog.

​Lastly on the agenda was Council updates on Advocacy, Membership and F.A.C.E. as well as an update from our First Vice President, Jane Chiodo, regarding the WSPTA awards and the Speaker and Events Grants.

• VP of Advocacy, Diana Christiansen shared the top five legislative priorities and the WSPTA supported issues for 20-21.  Diana also wanted to share thanks for the candidates that participated in the candidates forum.  She also shared a PDF for how to share a pitch with legislators.  Reminder that Focus Day is January 18th, and that week will be Focus on Advocacy Week.  Check out our Advocacy page for more legislative updates including a link to sign up for the WSPTA Action Network.
  
• Membership Chair, Melissa Kline, shared that as a whole our district is at 52% for membership. There are 5 PTAs that have 75% of last years membership! She also explained how the 100% Staff Membership award is calculated and how to apply for it.  Melissa reminded members that personal connection is the best way to gain members.  More tips and suggestions are posted on our Membership webpage in the Membership Facebook group.
• F.A.C.E. Chair, Lauren Lewis, encouraged all to join the new F.A.C.E. and DEI Facebook group.  The group is for F.A.C.E. (Family and Community Engagement) & DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Chairs or anyone interested about learning and sharing more on these topics.  Lauren is working on putting together at least on event that is open for all PTAs to attend.  The biggest asks have been surrounding mental health and internet safety.  It was also highlighted that NSD has a strategic plan for inclusion – there is an inventory for all parent groups for a self-assessment.  The district spent time putting together these documents and there are clear takeaways.
  
• First VP Jane Chiodo shared that the next Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant application deadline is November 27th.  The final deadline will be January 22nd, 2021.  For more information click here.  Lastly, Jane spoke about the WSPTA Awards of Excellence program.  PTAs are encouraged to check out the different categories to look at the criteria for the award and which ones your PTA might be interested in.  Some examples of awards include the Standards of Excellence, Communications, Significant Actions, Newsletter and Outstanding Website.  Applications for awards are due by March 15, 2021.

​Council meetings are a great way to reach other PTA leaders and learn about what is happening in the district and PTA. We hope you will join us for our next general membership meeting on Thursday, January 21st!

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

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

This event is open to the Northshore community.

Local PTAs/PTSAs interested in partnering with Northshore Council PTSA to host speakers or events may apply for a Northshore Council PTSA Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant. 2020-2021 grants are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and applications will be reviewed by the Northshore Council PTSA until the Council Programs budget is used in its entirety. The submission deadline for  the next round of Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants is November 27th, 2020.

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

Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program 2020-2021

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

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

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

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

We invite all Northshore teens and parents to join separate weekly Zoom calls facilitated by Cher Anderton (MSW, LSWAIC). The calls will be one hour and held separately for students and parents/caregivers. Hear from well-known Seattle-based Mental Health Therapist, Cher Anderton, as she helps our community manage in a time of high anxiety and helps students connect and parents bond. Each week Cher will center on different social-emotional topics followed by a discussion of implementation strategies, and a question and answer period.

Feel free to call in to join one or all of the meetings! This is FREE of charge, with a maximum occupancy of 300 people

TEEN CONNECTION: Navigating in Uncertain Times (Six-Week Series)
Dates: Every Thursday - March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 @ 4:00 pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://psychnexus.zoom.us/meeting/register/upQkcuuvqTwrq9rvfcv7K-KEzKHUQie2Ow
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


PARENT SUPPORT: Navigating in Uncertain Times (Six-Week Series)
Dates: Every Thursday - March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 @ 7:00 pm
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://psychnexus.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpUvf-ipqjsuZGjU66Y9Z73abnDJ8fy-Yg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Purpose: To support students and parent/caregivers with low burden strategies to navigate current events in the best possible way.

Instructor: Cher Anderton, MSW, LSWAIC is a mental health therapist, MTSS-B/PBIS coach, Trauma Informed Practices consultant, Positive Discipline parent educator and former elementary school counselor. In short, Cher loves working with adults to grow their skill set and improve resilience and sustainability in heart-center fields of work and life. Cher is also the parent of 4 teens, one of which she and her partner adopted from foster care when he was almost 8 years old. Cher has a BA in History and a Masters in Social Work from Boston University.

Please contact Jessica Parrott, Inglemoor School Counselor with questions. Refer to www.cheranderton.com, Facebook: Cher Anderton, LLC, Instagram: @cher_anderton for more information about the instructor.

Presenter Amy Lang has graciously offered to present "Birds & Bees & The Online World: Sex, Tech & Kids" as an online webinar due to school closure!

Your child will be online — sometimes safely and, frankly, sometimes not. This will influence how they think and learn about sex, love and relationships. In this class you will learn how to make sure you (and not the internet!) are their go-to birds and the bees expert! To participate in this FREE webinar, join the meeting use the following link:

The meeting will open at 7:45pm with the presentation scheduled to begin at 8:00pm. It is an hour-and-a-half in length.

We hope you will join us for this FREE parent education event sponsored by Canyon Park Middle School PTSA and Northshore Council PTSA!

Questions? Contact Theresa Ahdieh.

Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/505601360375969/

Join us on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, for a special presentation by award-winning author and speaker Amy Lang, "Birds & Bees & the Online World: Sex, Tech & Kids," at the Canyon Park Middle School Little Theatre from 7-8:30pm. Topics will include:

We hope you will join us for this FREE parent education event sponsored by Canyon Park Middle School PTSA and Northshore Council PTSA!

Questions? Contact Theresa Ahdieh.

Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/505601360375969/

Parents and caregivers are invited to participate in the "Hidden in Plain Sight" experience on Wednesday, February 26th from 6:30 - 8:30pm at Northshore Middle School (12101 NE 160th St, Bothell, WA 98011). Space is limited, so reserve your FREE ticket today!

The “Hidden In Plain Sight” initiative helps parents spot signs of at-risk behaviors, using an interactive display of a teenager's bedroom. After walking through the display, participants will learn more about adolescent development and common signs of substance use provided by professionals in treatment, law enforcement, substance abuse prevention and other parents.

This exhibit educates and empowers parents to communicate with their children about at-risk behavior that could lead to substance use disorders. A strong parent-teen relationship is the most effective tool to prevent youth substance use.

Sponsored by Northshore Middle School PTSA, Woodmoor PTSA, and Northshore Council PTSA.

Eventbrite: hips-nms-2020.eventbrite.com
Facebook Event: www.facebook.com/events/481846335737421/

Kenmore Elementary PTA and Northshore Council PTSA are working together to present the movie "Angst." This movie is for parents and caregivers to help us navigate anxiety in our students and ourselves. It provides hope and help!

This FREE film screening and discussion event will be on Tuesday, February 11th, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Kenmore Elementary Gym (19121 71st Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028). The movie is 55 minutes and will be followed by a moderated panel discussion afterwards. The YMCA will be providing child care on campus for children ages 3 and up.

If you are interested in attending, please reserve your tickets through Eventbrite to help us plan (please include a note in your reservation if childcare is needed):

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/angst-movie-screening-tickets-88561470743

To learn more about the movie, visit: https://angstmovie.com/

Kenmore Elementary PTA Event Info: kenmorepta.org/free-angst-film-screening-and-discussion-february-11th/
Facebook Event: www.facebook.com/events/577550536166745
Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/angst-movie-screening-tickets-88561470743