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Celebrating Staff Appreciation May 6th to May 10th! Northshore Council PTSA wants to show just how much we and families all across the district appreciate ALL Northshore District Staff. The video below is filled with messages from PTA Leaders, Volunteers, and Families.  Click Image to Play Video YouTube link to share: https://youtu.be/ve4Z-cR3ME4
Together We Can Make a Difference! Open to the Community! We invite you to join us at one or all of our advocacy meetups. Our meetups will address the challenges presented by the budget cuts in education and finding ways to overcome them. Let's explore how effective advocacy can make a difference and keep education a priority, no matter the financial constraints. It's all about taking action and standing up for what's important, even when times get tough. See you there!
Questions?
Email Council's Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney and Holly Muenchow at [email protected]. The Northshore School District Communications Department wants to remind local PTAs about NSD communication policies when advertising PTA events.
ParentSquare and School Newsletter Communication
District's Disclaimer on Flyers
Flyers must include the District's disclaimer printed on the top of the flyer in 10 pt. font:
 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].
The room was beautifully decorated to kickstart the journey, with road maps placed at each table and markers of inspiration.  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.
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.
 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. 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. 
Click to complete survey
Click to play Council Members' PTA Journey.  Northshore Council PTSA invites the community to join us at the School Board Candidates Forum. Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | 6pm to 7pm Northshore Administration Center 3330 Monte Villa Parkway, Bothell, WA 98021  Inform Your Vote!The purpose of the Candidate Forum is to ensure all voters can make an informed choice when voting in the November election for Northshore School District Director positions. Hosting this Candidate Forum demonstrates Northshore Council PTSA’s commitment to the PTA mission of being a strong advocate for the health, safety, well-being and education of every child. The event is free and open to the public. The structured forum will be moderated by Northshore Council PTSA. Each candidate will be asked the same questions. Potential questions for candidates can be pre-submitted at https://forms.gle/ARFDPvGiuBBpnhew6. Please submit your questions by Monday, September 25, 2023. The forum is free and community attendance is encouraged. However, distribution of campaign materials, including the carrying of signs, by candidates, volunteers or members of the public is prohibited.  Click Button to Submit Question. Please submit your questions by Monday, September 25, 2023. The following 2023 Northshore School District Director Candidates have been invited to participate: (Links for each candidate below is from King County Elections website)
Questions? Please contact Council Co-VPs of Advocacy, Terra Droney & Holly Muenchow, at [email protected]. Disclaimer: Northshore Council PTSA does not support or oppose any candidate (appointed or elected) for public office. This event is to assist the community in making an informed judgment in the election of its school board. Upcoming Election Information
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - General Election
King County Election Information: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/elections.aspx Snohomish County Election Information: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/224/Elections-Voter-Registration WA Secretary of State: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections Northshore Council PTSA Mission Statement Northshore Council PTSA is a welcoming organization that works to support our Local PTAs and serve the children and youth of our community through advocacy, education, mentoring, collaboration, and leadership.
PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
 How Changes Affect Local PTAs
Fees: Beginning September 1, 2023, local PTAs reserving Northshore School District facilities will need to pay a $35 administrative fee for each different type of reservation. This means one fee for meetings (they will add dates to the same original reservation throughout the year). The enrichment classes will pay $35 per type of class reservation. One fee for Chess, one for STEAM, one for Spanish, etc. Once this reservation is created for the school year, they will add on additional dates if Chess is offered in the Fall, Spring, etc.
Use Agreement and Insurance Updates
From Northshore School District Support Services: Fees for Northshore School District facility and field rentals will increase beginning on September 1. It is worth noting that these fees have remained unchanged since 2009, but after careful consideration, district budget review, and a comparative analysis including other school districts, the Northshore School Board has recently approved the rate increase. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this adjustment. The approved changes include:
We understand that change can sometimes be challenging, but we are committed to providing you with the best possible facilities and services. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate district representatives, whose contact information can also be found on the website. Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools, and we look forward to serving you and the community during the 2023-24 school year. More information can be found at: Northshore School Districts Facilities Rental Information page.
 On Thursday, January 19, 2023, Northshore Council PTSA held its third General Membership meeting of the school year.
We would like to say thank you to all of the local leaders from across the district, as well as community and school partners for taking the time to join us! Continue reading below for a recap of the meeting. Meeting Recap:
Council Business
Community Partners
Reminders
Northshore School District Staff Appreciation Week is May 8th to May 12th. Northshore Council PTSA wants to show just how much we and families all across the district appreciate ALL Northshore District Staff. The video below is filled with messages from PTA Leaders, Volunteers, and Families.  Click to Play Video Link to share Canva video. No sign in required: https://bit.ly/41mjemk (4:30)  Northshore Council PTSA, as part of its advocacy efforts, Northshore Council PTSA holds candidate forums ahead of upcoming elections, including school board elections. This year, we are beginning our advocacy work earlier by providing information about the role of school board directors to the community so that potential candidates can be informed ahead of filing deadlines.  What is a school board? Each public school district is governed by a board of citizens who are elected to serve as school board directors. School board directors work together to oversee the school district. As a board, their primary responsibilities are:
 How do you run for school board? The WA Secretary of State’s website provides guidance and resources to guide you through the process of determining what positions are up for election, whether you are eligible to run for office, and how to navigate the process. In Northshore, we have 5 school board directors, each serving a term of four years. Board members represent the district at large although they must reside in specific geographical areas of the district. Check out this map to see which director district area you live in. In November 2021, voters elected School Board Directors for seats 1, 4, and 5 with terms ending in 2025. This November, School Board Directors seats 2 and 3 will be up for election for terms ending in 2027.  For election and candidate filing information, check out these additional resources:
What is it like to be a school board director in Northshore?
While there is a lot of general information available on the role of school board directors, we wanted to hear from our current school board. Here are some of the questions we asked them and how they answered. Note: The answers below have been summarized and anonymized from the current board’s responses to a poll and is not meant to promote any specific candidate. Northshore Council PTSA’s goal is to provide the community with general information about the role of a school board director. Highlight over each question and click to expand to read the answers. Question: On average, how many hours per week do you spend on school board business?
Answers: It depends on the week, but in general, between 10-20 hours. Those hours will often be split between different duties, such as community engagements, reading materials/meeting preparation, study sessions, and meetings. Question: Is it possible to hold a full-time job and also serve on the school board?
Answers: Yes, but flexibility is the key. The board will do their best to work around work schedules as much as possible, and most required meetings will be 4pm or later. However, know that if you have a traditional 9-5 job there may be times you won’t be able to be there, so it helps to have a supportive boss. Question: How much travel outside of the district is required for someone to serve as a NSD School Board Director?
Answers: There is none required, however, there are a few travel related opportunities throughout the year. One being the Annual WSSDA Conference which is held every year and rotates between Bellevue and Spokane. While not mandatory, this is an important event to attend, especially for anyone new to the role of school board director, as it provides training, professional development, and an opportunity for team building. Other opportunities that could require travel include regional board meetings and travel to our state capitol in Olympia for advocacy, however some of these things may be offered virtually as well throughout the year. Question: What previous experience does someone need in order to run for a School Board Director seat?
Answers: There is no required previous experience. However, its beneficial if school board directors have a basic understanding of Northshore schools and programs as well as an understanding of what it’s like working in teams with long-term goals. It could be also useful to have a background in some aspect relevant to running a district, whether education, finance, program/management, legal, etc. Additionally, having experience in Northshore schools, such as being involved in their local PTA or volunteering in the classroom, is helpful because it allows for a perspective beyond just their own child. Question: What skills do you think it takes to be an effective School Board Director?
Answers: There are many skills our current school board sees as beneficial to the role, including:
Question: What do you enjoy the most about being a NSD School Board Director?
Answers: Here are just a few of the things our current school board find most rewarding:
Question: What has been the most difficult part about being a NSD School Board Director?
Answers: School board directors shared that it’s not always easy to do this work and it can be stressful. it’s not always easy to do this work and it can be stressful. Being in the public spotlight you often have to deal with animosity and personal attacks. Northshore is a large district, and not everyone gets along or agrees with the decisions you will make. The time commitment to properly prepare for meetings can be challenging and it can be hard to balance the duties of school board director, personal life, and other commitments. Question: What one piece of advice would you give someone who is considering running for a NSD School Board Director seat?
Answers: “Do it. It will be the most important contribution you can make to the people in your community.” “It is a bigger time commitment than it appears but completely worth it. Being able to admit that you don't have the answers actually makes you a better board member than believing you have all the solutions.” “Learn all you can about the role and responsibilities, have a plan to manage the time commitment, and plan your favorite stress management regimen (you might not need it all the time, but there will be a time when you will need it).” “Standing for election is a very different thing from serving as a Director. This community is amazing and committed to our students and they will recognize and support a candidate who shows that commitment. Focus on the good you hope to do, if only just to serve the community, education and our students. Make it a conversation. Be willing to listen but also willing to turn the topic back to students.” “To be aware that the Board is not a legislative body or executive agency that runs the daily activities of the district or makes decision on how things are run. It does not make employment, classroom, or school building administrative decisions. That is the job of the Superintendent, the Board's only employee. The Board is similar to the Board of Directors of a company. It provides oversight, advice, and sets goals, values, and aspirations based upon community and educator input.” Question: Is there anything else we didn't ask about that you feel someone who is considering running for a NSD School Board Director seat should know?
Answers: Overall, our current board emphasized how this is the most rewarding work they have ever done. Serving as school board director will expand your understanding of how a complex organization functions and empowers you to be a part of making education better for students and staff. However, it’s important to note that being on the school board can make it harder to be an advocate for your own child or to express concerns about a teacher or other student when you are in the public eye than when you are not on the board. Most importantly, our school board wants to thank those who are considering running for a school board seat; for taking the time from work and family to serve our community's children. 
Thank you to the current school board directors who took the time to answer our questions.We hope you have found this information to be both helpful and insightful to anyone considering running for a school board seat. Please make sure to share this article with your school community. If you want to learn more about running for school board or how to get involved in advocacy, check out the additional resources below or email Northshore Council PTSA VP of Advocacy at [email protected].
 Elementary Art 4 Northshore A group of parents, educators, and visual artists began an awareness and action effort to secure consistent and frequent visual art instruction from certified art educators for K-5 students in Northshore School District. Schools across the country and in Washington state already offer this instruction. Visual Art is important: the benefits on both well-being (mental health, social-emotional learning, reducing stress) and on future positive outcomes (higher engagement, success in school and life, creative future, and the global economy) are well documented. The catalyst for this effort was the passing of SB 5878, March, 2022. This bill requires visual arts and performing arts in Washington State's education systems, especially in elementary schools. Visual arts taught by certified art teachers in elementary schools was eliminated in 1967. A volunteer Art Docent program has filled this gap. With certified visual art educators providing a consistent and frequent foundation, the Art Docents will be able to further enhance the artistic experience of all students. This group has met with NSD district leaders, community groups, and individuals about this cause. A Statement of Support was developed and is available for individuals to endorse and find further ways to engage in this effort. The creation of a Facebook Page allows people to be informed and connected. The group has also led a letter writing campaign, invited individuals to speak at school board meetings, presented at multiple elementary school PTA meetings, and attended legislative and district meetings.
Related Links: Facebook Page: Elementary Art 4 Northshore: Support the Implementation of Senate Bill 5878 Statement of Support: https://forms.gle/kLv7f1y2mdj1zHRC7 Senate Bill 5878: SB 5878, March, 2022 Do you have an advocacy effort you would like highlighted in our blog? Email Council's VP of Advocacy, Jennifer Drury. |
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Northshore Council PTSA is a welcoming organization that works to support our Local PTAs and serve the children and youth of our community through advocacy, collaboration, education, engagement, leadership, and mentorship.