Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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3/15 General Membership Meeting Recap

4/15/2021

 
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Thank you to all that attended our fourth membership meeting of the school year! Each general meeting provides us with an opportunity to connect with our wonderful local PTA leaders and community partners and learn more about the great things happening across our district.

A little bit of fun:
We started off our meeting with a 30 minute “social” time. We invited all to join us to chat with Council and other local PTA leaders. We had great conversations and learned that “Flight” was the most desired superhero power in our fun poll!

Guest Speaker:
Our guest speaker this month was Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid who graciously answered questions regarding the upcoming shift to hybrid learning in NSD. A great range of questions were asked including but not limited to: how PTAs can support the return to classrooms, the thinking behind the hybrid model, vaccination progress for teachers, when the learning model will be decided for Fall, what hybrid will look like for those 100% remote, and the latest updates on SBAC testing. We thank Dr. Reid for taking the time to join us during such a busy and stressful time.

Council Business:
After approving our minutes from our January general meeting, we moved on to hearing the Treasurer Report for the month of February. We then moved on to learning about our 2021-2022 preliminary budget. Our budget committee worked along with our Treasurer, Liz Nord, to evaluate what our needs would be for next year taking into consideration the decrease in memberships that we had experienced in 2020-2021 possibly continuing next year. A few changes were recommended, such as lowering our income expectations and cutting costs where we could (obtaining a smaller PO Box, lowering line items such as hospitality, grants, office supplies, etc.). We also added line items for our new DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) position and our new Mental Health committee. The preliminary 2021-2022 budget was approved by a unanimous voice vote.

Next up on the agenda was electing our 2021-2022 officers! Thank you to our hardworking Nominating Committee, Grace Jurado and Liz Nord, for putting together a rocking slate for next year! Liz Nord read the Nominating Report. The self-nomination period was held with no others submitting their names for nomination. The election script was followed with a reading from the WSPTA bylaws. A motion was cast to accept the slate as presented, seconded, and unanimously approved by a voice vote.

Congratulations to our incoming 2021-2022 officers!!
  • For the Office of President: Jane Chiodo
  • For the Office of First Vice President: Mary Khouzam
  • For the Office of Co-Secretary: Pauline Wray
  • For the Office of Co-Secretary: Cheri Hardin
  • For the Office of Treasurer: Serena Xu
  • For the Office of VP of Events: Karrie Palis
  • For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Diana Christiansen
  • For the Office of Co-VP of Advocacy: Jennifer Drury
  • For the Office of VP of Communications: Rachel Fitzgerald
  • For the Office of VP of Elementary Support: Grace Jurado
  • For the Office of VP of Secondary Support: Brenae Brix

Council Reports:
Tracy Jokisch, our Emergency Prep and Safety Co-Chair, gave us an update regarding the bulk purchase of Stop the Bleed kits for district schools. There will most likely be over 500 kits ordered in total, which will include 2 kits per school contributed by Council. In conjunction with the Stop the Bleed effort, Clark Combs, district Eprep specialist on the district Safety and Security team, has been offering virtual ACT training to staff.

Diana Christiansen, our Council Vice President of Advocacy, gave us an update regarding the exceptional attendance by WA State PTA members at this years National PTA Legislative Conference. It was great to see big representation especially at “Hill Day” when attendees met directly with legislators and their staffers. Check out our NPTA LegCon recap here!

We got an update on the Reflections program. 55 pieces were forwarded to the state competition and we were waiting to hear results. (Results now in - check them out here!) The Council Reflections Celebration website was a big hit allowing many families – as well as family and friends around the country! - to experience all the works of art from artists all over the district. Next year’s theme was announced as, “I Will Change the World By…”.

Diana Christiansen and Karrie Palis announced that our Council Recognition Awards Nominations were open. They are looking for nominations for the following awards: Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Advocate, Outstanding Student Advocate, Outstanding Service, Golden Acorn, Honorary Life Membership. They are also looking for members to join their committee to review nominations and select winners.

Melissa Kline gave an update regarding membership. Three (3) PTAs had reached 100% staff membership and, in total, we have reached 4,826 members which is 62% of last year’s number. Melissa also gave an update about the newly formed Mental Health Committee. The committee had their first meeting recently, at which they discussed goals and things they would like to work on which included communicating about mental health awareness programs.

Lauren Lewis, our Council F.A.C.E. (Family and Community Engagement) Chair, talked about the Equity Inventory Committee, which was established to assess where our Council stood in regards to equity and diversity. The goal of the committee was to look at all facets of our operation through a DEI lens and then to make suggestions on areas that we could improve on. Lauren was also working on finding a presentation about how to navigate the US high school system that could be offered to families in our district that speak other languages or who have moved here from other countries. Natalie Campbell, the District Partnerships and Volunteer Coordinator, said that we could partner with her and Elizabeth Meza to bring something like this to the district. It was also noted that through the Council Educational Speaker and Community Events Grants program, Woodin Elementary was offering "Guide to Helping Your Children Succeed in Elementary and Beyond", presented by Sistema Escolar, USA, to district parents.

District and Community Reports:
School Board Director David Cogan presented an update in regards to Northshore School District that included, but was not limited to:
  • NSD would be live streaming athletic games so all could watch from home
  • The lock update project at all schools was complete
  • A district Math program was adopted
  • The Capital Bonds Planning Task Force is underway

Natalie Campbell, NSD Partnerships and Volunteer Coordinator, reported the following:
  • Following up on the Mental Health Committee Update, Natalie said that the district was drafting a mental health webpage that was more robust and easier to navigate
  • She had been working on childcare options for families during hybrid learning
  • She reminded us to check out the Safety Protocol document as well as the English/Spanish videos on the district website
  • As of right now, volunteers are not allowed on school campuses

Carmin Dalziel of the Northshore Schools Foundation gave updates regarding her organization and their work to support NSD:
  • Each school in the district has a “Care Team” to help families that have helped at least 261 families since October
  • Because kids will be returning to school, backpacks will start to be provided for those that need them
  • NSF and volunteers have found homes for some 18,000 donated books!
  • NSF was partnering with all district middle school PTA’s to bring a Career Day to all middle schools
  • The Foundation’s “All In For Kids” fundraising event was be moving forward as a virtual event

Our last guest was Patsy Treece of the Citizens for Northshore Schools group to talk about Bond and Levy support. Her group’s purpose is to give citizens information about the bond and levies on the ballot and to urge them to vote. Bond and levy votes only happen every four years. Bonds need 60% to pass and levies need 50%. She was looking for volunteers to serve the group and was particularly interested in adding diversity so that all voices could be heard. She also asked if PTAs could add a line item to their budgets to help support the Citizens group. Learn more about Citizens for Northshore School here.

Our next membership meeting will be held on Monday, June 7th. We hope to see you there!

WSPTA Membership Awards

2/14/2021

 
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Washington State PTA gives out two types of PTA Membership Awards:
  • Membership Growth Awards which are automatically calculated and awarded to local PTAs and councils that reach the required criteria levels for Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum recognition.
  • Membership Achievement Awards which are the highest membership honor a local PTA can earn. They include the 100% PTA Membership Award and the 100% Staff Membership Award.

Membership Growth Awards Levels
Bronze: Recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling at least one more member than their previous year’s total membership.

Silver: 
Recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling PTA members equaling at least 105% of their previous year’s total membership.

Gold: 
Recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling PTA members equaling at least 110% of their previous year’s total membership.

Platinum: 
Recognizes local PTAs, in good standing, for enrolling PTA members equaling at least 120% of their previous year’s total membership.

Membership Achievement Awards
​100% Staff Membership Award: Recognizes local PTAs that have at least as many school staff members enrolled in their PTA as there are full-time, certificated staff members employed at the school associated with that PTA. Check out our previous blog for to learn about achieving 100% Staff Membership – it’s easier than you think!

100% PTA Membership Award: Presented to local PTAs that enroll at least as many members as there are full-time enrolled students at the school associated with that PTA. Our very own Sunrise Elementary PTA earned this award in 2019-2020!

Membership Achievement Awards require a local PTA to complete a simple form (available here), get it signed by the principal of the school associated with that PTA, and submit it to WSPTA by March 15. Submissions can be done by mail or scanned and sent via email.

General Meeting - March 15, 2021

2/12/2021

 
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Please join us for our 4th general membership meeting of the year on Monday, March 15, 2021 via Zoom.

In addition to our regular business items, during this meeting we will be holding elections for our 2021-2022 officers. For more information on elections, visit our 2nd Notice of Elections post.

​We'll also be hosting a brief Q&A session with Dr. Reid during this meeting.
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We've added a 30 minute social time before our meeting!!

Join us before the meeting to chat with Council & other local PTA Leaders!
Come say hi, ask questions, or just hang out for social time before the meeting.

Topic: March 15, 2021 - Membership Meeting - Northshore Council PTSA
Time: March 15, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
​
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95442068687

Meeting ID: 954 4206 8687
Passcode: *Available upon request.

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Meeting ID: 954 4206 8687
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adRhsyzKXK

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

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

1/21 General Membership Meeting Recap

1/28/2021

 
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Thank you to all that attended our 3rd membership meeting of the school year and our first meeting in 2021!
Each meeting provides us with an opportunity to connect with our wonderful local PTA leaders.

Council Business and Reports
Our meeting started off with an update from one of our Emergency Prep Co-Chairs, Tracy Jokisch. We learned that NSD is monitoring zooms for welfare checks. They are working on protocols regarding locations of students because many are traveling with family while attending classes. Reminder that if you see something strange going in the background during a classroom zoom to call 911. If you see a problem, call or email NSD Safety and Security.

The PTSA E-Prep committee has been meeting with district rep, Clarke Combs, about various E-Prep items. From those discussions it was decided that there is a need for each school to have at least 2 Stop the Bleed kits on campus. Click here to learn more about Stop the Bleed Kits. A motion was passed to add funds to the E-Prep budget to cover the purchase of 2 Stop the Bleed kits per school. With support from local PTAs/PTSAs, this is a great start to reach the goal of having a kit at each school’s AED, rather than only at the nurse’s office.

After approving the minutes from the November membership meeting, we moved on to the Treasurer’s reports for November and December. Our Treasurer, Liz Nord, reported that we were receiving council program fees as well as additional membership fees via memberplanet. Liz concluded her report by sharing that the virtual mid-year financial review had been completed and detailed suggestions provided by the financial review team.

Next on the agenda was a report from our VP of Advocacy, Diana Christiansen. Diana shared with everyone that WSPTA Advocacy Week began on 1/18 and will conclude on 1/22. Each day had a different advocacy topic and Diana urged local leaders to visit the Northshore Council Blog for more information regarding Focus on Advocacy Week.

Then Grace Jurado and Liz Nord from our Nominating Committee reported that they have been in talks with current council leaders regarding who will be interested in staying on in their positions next year. They also put out a request for nominations and reminded everyone that there is a link in both the newsletter and the website for those interested in nominating. Learn more here.

Our Reflections Chair, Rachel Northquist, shared the exciting news that 55 submissions will be moving on to State! She is also currently working on a method to share and display the submissions and will keep council updated with the plan.

Melissa Kline, Membership Chair, reported that we currently have 4485 members and that we are at 77% of last years membership. She also reminded local leaders to think of your PTA as a brand and to share the good work that your PTA has been doing for your school and community.

Next on the agenda was a Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) report from Lauren Lewis. She offered some important reminders with regards to planning events for your community including attempt to reach everyone – not just your members. (School directories are available. Please send requests to our Council Secretary, Kimberly Ortiz.) Lauren also shared the importance of consulting the NPTA Multicultural Calendar when planning meetings or events.  Lauren is working on applications for the WSPTA FACE Awards and would also love to hear from anyone regarding how they think that Northshore Council is succeeding in Family and Community Engagement. You can email her directly at familyengagement@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

Jane Chiodo gave an update on the Educational Speakers & Community Events Grants Program. She stated that the round 3
applications were due January 22nd . These funds are available for local PTA’s to apply for if they would like to host parent education events.

Concluding the council business and reports agenda was a reminder from Grace Jurado regarding WSPTA Awards. Grace shared that awards applications are due March 15th but you can contact them now in order to receive a dropbox link so your PTA can start collecting items for submission. She also reminded leaders that awards can often help with branding your PTA as well. If you have never applied for an award before she suggested that the Standards of Excellence award is the most general award but that there are also different categories choose to from. One recommendation was the F.A.C.E. award as it
doesn’t seem to receive as many applications as the others do. There was also a brief discussion regarding equity of the awards and the membership agreed that there may be a need to vocalize more prominently that awards are available for everyone to apply for as they are about your PTAs/PTSAs personal achievements, not comparing them to other PTAs (multiple PTAs can win the same award). Learn more about WSPTA Awards here.

District and Community Reports
School Board Director, David Cogan, presented an update regarding Northshore School District that included but was not limited to:
  • Playgrounds now being open to the community
  • New guidelines regarding vaccine schedules that will allow school employees and teachers to be immunized more quickly
  • King County has  determined that March 1st is the date for opening of athletic fields
  • NSD was recognized by GFOA and the district budget was awarded the distinguished budget presentation
  • Dr. Reid was named WA State Superintendent of the Year
  • ELA pilots in place in K-8 and the district is working hard to ensure that reading metrics are working for all students learning to read
  • Due to campus closures, the district has been able to expedite the modern lock, fencing and camera upgrades
  • Inglemoor Concert Hall is making great progress and has a lot of the steel up.

NSD Partnerships and Volunteer Coordinator, Natalie Campbell, reported the following:
  • Applications for Innovation Lab High School are currently open
  • There is a new Chinese language program at Sunrise Elementary
  • Wall of Honor applications are open
  • The Community Resource pages are continually being updated
  • NSD has continued its partnership with 6 Crickets which provides a fee-based database of afterschool programs
  • Volunteer applications are now available and can be submitted online

Carmin Dalziel, representing the Northshore School Foundation, shared that each school has scholarship money set aside in Care Teams. If someone needs a scholarship individually send them to a Care Team. It was also noted that the Basic Needs Fund is for a crisis, a one-time event that a family needs help with. Carmin also reminded us that there are many Northshore Gives campaigns that need donations. If there are any PTAs/PTSAs that would like to donate, please contact NSF. Lastly, the All in For Kids Virtual Fundraiser Event will be held 4/8/2021 and she encouraged people to enroll in groups.

Guest Speaker
Cherry Holmes, Region 6 DEI Chair, WSPTA FACE Committee and WSPTA DEI Chair, presented on and discussed WSPTA DEI resources that local leaders can use within their own units. By advancing diversity, equity and inclusion there will be better outcomes for families and students. The DEI presentation shared that diversity is the representation and respect for people from different backgrounds and identities. Equity provides fairness in resources, opportunities, and outcomes. Inclusion is actions and social norms that ensure ALL PEOPLE feel that they are safe, welcomed, and that they belong. The presentation asked PTAs/PTSAs to take a deeper look at what is happening in their local unit - that they may be colorblind or on autopilot with business as usual. It’s important to build membership and leadership from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Improvements for PTAs/PTSAs requires measurements. Know your school’s demographics and statistics; this info can be found on the OSPI school report card site. Know your school and community – does it represent your PTA/PTSA? Identify barriers in your community, including culture, socio economic, policies, and relevancy. Cherry’s DEI presentation will be shared in the meeting Dropbox so members can have access to the slide presentation to take back to discuss with their PTAs/PTSAs.

Our next membership meeting will be held on Monday, March 15th. We hope to see you there!

Local PTAs/PTSAs Make Us #PTAProud!

1/20/2021

 
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Our local PTAs/PTSAs have been doing amazing things this school year that make us #PTAProud! And we think you should share that success with your community!! Sharing ways your PTA has supported students, staff, and your school community is a great way to increase your PTA/PTSA's visibility in the community as well as increase your membership.

Check out just a few of the different ways our local PTAs/PTSAs have been supporting their school community while adapting to the changes a virtual setting brings:
  • Surveying families to gage what support and programs were needed
  • Hosting virtual town halls and online welcome events for new families
  • Creating videos for curriculum nights
  • Hosting safe, socially distanced parades
  • Holding drive through ice cream socials
  • Arranging take home popcorn Fridays
  • Creating technology and mental health resource pages
  • Partnering with local artist to bring FREE classes to kids
  • Creating reflections video to showcase student art in lieu of in person
  • Organizing food and gift card drives
  • Setting up food pantries and delivering holiday meals
  • Organizing gingerbread decorating, pumpkin carving, and cooking decorating contest to spead holiday cheer
  • Providing FREE art kits and school supplies to kids
  • Hosting parent education nights virtually on topics including mental health, digital safety, inclusion & diversity
  • Showing appreciation for staff with videos, giveaways, coffees to go, banners, signs & even lunch at distribution days
  • Sharing countless information with families
  • Adding diversity and inclusion committees
  • Offering virtual math clubs, science clubs, and spelling bees
  • Fulfilling grant request for online learning needs
It's clear that our local PTAs/PTSAs have put in amazing volunteer effort and work to make the first half of this school year a success for students, which we know was no easy feat in a virtual environment. We can't wait to see what new events, programs, and ways to support our schools our local PTAs/PTSAs come up with the 2nd half of this school year. Whatever they are, we are sure they will make us #PTAProud!
Know a local PTA/PTSA doing amazing things for their students, staff, or school community? Email Council to Share Their Success with us!

Remember, when your community knows the great work you do, they will want to be a part of it! Supporting our students and schools is a great reason WHY Join PTA!

11/16 General Membership Meeting Recap

11/23/2020

 
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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!

100% Staff Membership

11/20/2020

 
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The 100% Staff Membership Award is presented to local PTAs that enroll at least as many school staff members as there are full-time certificated employees at the school.

This award recognizes the value of teachers and school staff as stakeholders advocating for all children through PTA membership.

PTAs must be in good standing and submit a completed application form by March 15, 2021 to be eligible for this award. Recipients of the 100% Staff Membership Award will be recognized at the WSPTA convention in the spring.

Check out the below flyer put together by Washington State PTA to help determine if you are eligible for this award! Click here to download or print the flyer.

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​Looking for ways to earn 100% Staff Membership this year?


The 3 key recommendations made by
all WA State Award Winning PTAs are to:
♦ Be welcoming!
♦ Communicate goals and the rewards for reaching goals
♦ Always have ways to join your PTA available, in paper or online

Check out this list of ideas compiled from WA State PTAs and decide which strategies your PTA can work on to help accomplish 100% Staff Membership for this year!

WHY PTA?

8/30/2020

 
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Every year PTAs start their membership campaign and every year families ask the same question: "Why join the PTA?" ​This year especially, families may be asking why they should support PTA. It can be hard to communicate your PTA's value now that everything is online when families are used to attending PTA events or seeing the support your PTA does in the classroom. That's why it's more important than ever to answer the question "Why PTA?" One great way of doing that is sharing with your families the reason why you support the PTA. Knowing WHY those leading your PTA serve is a great way to inspire other families to support your PTA by joining or donating.

Check out all the reasons that inspire your Northshore Council Leaders to PTA below!
​Interested in making your own "Why I PTA" slides? Contact Council's VP of Membership, Melissa Kline, for help on how to.

Northshore PTAs Connect - Fall 2020

8/30/2020

 
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​Join us for ‘Northshore PTAs Connect’ – an online roundtable discussion for PTA/PTSA leaders to ask questions, share ideas and connect with one another.
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Offered two times a month—once in the evening (7pm) and once at midday (noon)— this series of roundtable events is designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as we navigate membership, programs and managing our organizations in an uncertain and ever-changing landscape.
Each roundtable event will feature a focus topic, but it is an open discussion and there is always opportunity to ask questions and tackle emerging or ongoing areas of interest or concern.
Evening Edition
select Thursdays at 7pm
Date
Focus
​9/10
Prepping for first membership meetings
10/8
​Advocacy
11/5
​Money Matters (IRS, SOS, fundraising, et al)
12/3
Supporting Students*
Facebook Evening Roundtable Event for RSVP

Zoom info for evening meetings:
 
Topic: Northshore PTAs Connect - Evening Edition
Time: Pacific Time (US and Canada)
        Sep 10, 2020 07:00 PM
        Oct 8, 2020 07:00 PM
        Nov 5, 2020 07:00 PM
        Dec 3, 2020 07:00 PM
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94715962795
 
Meeting ID: 947 1596 2795
Passcode: *available upon request*
Midday Edition
select Thursdays at 12pm (noon)
Date
Focus
​9/24
​F.A.C.E./Programs
10/22
Reflections/Arts
11/19
​Membership check-in
12/17
F.A.C.E./DEI/Programs*
Facebook Midday Roundtable Event for RSVP

Zoom info for noon meetings:

 
Topic: Northshore PTAs Connect - Noon Edition
Time: Pacific Time (US and Canada)
        Sep 24, 2020 12:00 PM
        Oct 22, 2020 12:00 PM
        Nov 19, 2020 12:00 PM
        Dec 17, 2020 12:00 PM
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97945642459
 
Meeting ID: 979 4564 2459
Passcode: *available upon request*
​You may choose to attend the topics or times that work best for you, or attend them all!
We hope to see you there!!!
If you have questions or suggested topics you would like to see addressed in the discussion, please email Council PTSA President, Robin Zaback.

*Topic was changed/updated as of 11/25/2020 to better meet the needs of our PTA Leaders & Community.

Membership Spotlight: Planning Your Campaign

8/10/2020

 
Picture
Hello Northshore PTA/PTSA Leaders!

All great Membership Campaigns start the same way: with a plan!​

As you begin to coordinate your 2020-2021 membership plans, think about the reasons why families and staff should join.
  • What makes your PTA unique? 
  • What support do you provide for students, families, and staff?
  • What enrichment programs do you offer your school and community?
These things can be anything from communications to staff grants and everything in between. Highlighting these things anytime you promote joining your PTA/PTSA will encourage more members to join.

This year it's more important than ever to kick off your campaign and start entering those memberships because Washington State PTA has a ***NEW*** requirement. This year, in order to remain in good standing, your PTA/PTSA must have at LEAST 25 members entered into memberplanet by October 31, 2020. Why is it important to remain in good standing? If you want to attend convention, send in reflections submissions, apply for awards, or apply for grants you must be in good standing.

One way to increase your membership this year is to make sure it is EASY to join online. I would love to compile a list of all our local PTAs/PTSAs with a link directly to your site to join online. This will make each PTA/PTSA more accessible to members of our community, school board, and even district admin who might be looking to join. Please email me your updated join link. I will even join the 1st THREE PTAs/PTSAs to email their links!

Please know you can contact me anytime with questions or to help you brainstorm ideas for your membership campaign.

Reminder: Our first Northshore PTAs Connect is this Thursday, August 13th. This first online roundtable will have a focus on membership. And, remember, Membership is everyone's job, so all officers are welcome to join!

Additionally, please email your membership chair name(s) and contact information to me ASAP so they can be added to all communications about membership. 
 
Melissa Kline
Northshore Council PTSA Membership Chair
membership@northshorecouncilptsa.org
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