Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
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  • ARCHIVED Presidents & Principals Luncheon 2023

Sharing the Value that Being a PTA Volunteer Has Brought to You

11/17/2023

 
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If you have ever asked someone to support your PTA by becoming a member, volunteering at an event, or attending a meeting, then you’ve probably been asked this one simple question: “Why?” And likely you’ve responded with a list of events your PTA hosts or the different ways your PTA provides funding for your school. Both are great things to share, but there is one aspect that is often overlooked: the value being part of PTA has given to you as a volunteer. PTA is rewarding for those involved and it’s great to highlight this to your members. It not only demonstrates another way your PTA brings value, but also showcases that additional value, which can inspire other families to support your PTA.

Looking for an idea of how to do this? Look no further! Northshore Council PTSA recently held our annual Presidents and Principals Luncheon and used this opportunity to highlight why different Council board members have gotten involved in PTA and what they have gained along the way. As this year’s P&P event was road trip themed, we framed our answers as a “PTA Journey” – showing where we started, what we gathered at pit stops along the way, and sharing our favorite PTA road trip memories. You can view Council’s PTA Journey in the video and slides below.

Bonus Tip: Having members of your board create something similar to showcase their PTA Journey not only shows the value of your PTA, but also helps to introduce your board members to the community!

If you are interested in making your own slides/video and would like help, reach out to Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald, by emailing president@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

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View Council's Video on Northshore Council's YouTube channel! 

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 susan@grinerweb.net.

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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.  
​

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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Become a Member of Council's 2023-2024 Nominating Committee

10/19/2023

 
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​Northshore Council PTSA is seeking three (3) volunteers to serve on its
​2023-2024 Nominating Committee.
 
​The Nominating Committee is a special committee that holds the key to a successful PTSA. It is responsible for presenting the best-qualified candidates to serve as the elected officers who will lead Northshore Council PTSA in 2024-2025.
​If you are interested in serving on Northshore Council PTSA’s 2023-2024 Nominating Committee, please complete Self Nomination Form by Wednesday, November 01.
Click to Complete Self-Nomination Form
Effective candidates for the nominating committee:
• Are familiar with the needs and goals of Northshore Council PTSA.
• Are enthusiastic about Northshore Council PTSA's mission, vision, and goals.
• Are willing to work and devote considerable time to furthering the purposes and programs of Northshore Council PTSA.
• Possess tact, integrity, discretion, and the ability to hold their own counsel.
• Have the courage to express their ideas and defend their convictions
• Demonstrate sound judgment and skill in evaluating potential nominees.
• Are capable of understanding and maintaining complete confidentiality.
• Represent the diversity that is present in the community and student population.
• Should be elected on merit and ability – never on popularity.

Members of the nominating committee are eligible to become nominees for elected office. No person may serve on this committee for more than two consecutive one-year terms. A candidate for a council nominating committee must be a member of a local PTA/PTSA in the council for at least 15 days preceding their election.

The election of the nominating committee will take place at our November 14th Membership meeting. 

Please note: You do not need to be a Northshore Council PTSA Officer to be on the Nominating Committee. We encourage any interested and qualified Northshore PTA/PTSA member to volunteer for this vital role that will help shape the future of Northshore Council PTSA!
Questions? Contact Council President Rachel Fitzgerald.

WSPTA Free Training: Nominating Committee 
November 8 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm


Join WSPTA for this presentation to understand the importance of the nominating committee, how to elect them, and methods of organization so they have the tools to help them recruit the best-qualified candidates for the position. Come learn the basics and why this is such an important committee it’s part of the WSPTA Uniform Bylaws and Standards of Affiliation!

Register here: 
https://www.wastatepta.org/event/nominating-committee-4/

Nominating Committee Resources:
Training Video: https://www.wastatepta.org/pta-leaders/leader-resources/training-videos/
Handbook: https://www.wastatepta.org/pta-leaders/leader-resources/

​* Username and Password can be found in your WSPTA Leadership News or email communicationsvp@northshorecouncilptsa.org with your the name of your PTA and your role.

PTA Checklist 2023-2024

10/8/2023

 
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Click to download
This is a busy time of year for PTA Leaders with so many things to get done in order to run your PTA, plan programming for students, and provide support to your school community. Here at Council, we want to make sure a few key "to-do" items don't get overlooked so we've created the checklist below. We've included links and resources for these items, but remember, Council is always here to help and support our local Northshore PTA Leaders! Visit our Contact Page to connect with a Council officer.
PTA Back-to-School Checklist for 2023-2024
​
Complete Council’s Contact Form
  • Each member of your PTA/PTSA should complete this including positions such as the executive committee (aka: elected positions), board members, committee chairs, etc.
 
Update Leaders in memberplanet
  • Requirement of the WSPTA Standards of Affiliation
  • Resources and a How to Guide
 
Enter 25 Members into memberplanet by October 31, 2023
  • Any membership received must be entered into memberplanet no more than 30 days after the person joins.
  • Membership Updates & Tips to help with your campaign
 
Update your PTA’s Website
  • This is often the first place new families, current members, and those in your school community go to learn about your PTA. Make sure that contact information is up-to-date as well as your calendar and that your front page highlights membership. Learn about the importance of having an online join link.
 
Hold a General Membership Meeting
  • The first Membership Meeting of the year includes important items of business. Check out Council’s blog post with more tips & resources to help plan yours.
 
Connect with Council
  • Council is here to support you! Bookmark our calendar page so you always know when our meetings, meet ups, and office hours are being held. Need support now? Send us an email anytime. 

October 2023: Council Office Hours

10/8/2023

 

Connect with Council and other PTA leaders during the next virtual Office Hours. 

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​This time is designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as you navigate membership, programs, and managing your organization. We hope you will join us!
Council will be holding virtual Office Hours on:
Thursday, October 12, 2023
12:30PM to 1:30PM. 
and
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
6:30pm - 7:30pm


Register for Zoom link: https://bit.ly/FallOfficeHours2023​
The Zoom link you receive will be unique to your registration. Please have each person attending register for a Zoom link. Thank you. 
​This is the perfect time to connect with Council, ask questions, or even just stop in to say hello! Come to one or both sessions. There is no formal agenda. Stay as long or as little as your schedule permits. 

If you have questions and need to connect with Council before this, please visit our Contact Page for a list of Council Officers and their emails.
​
*Please see calendar for future Office Hours dates and times. ​

You're Invited! General Membership Meeting 11/14

10/7/2023

 
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Northshore Council PTSA General Meeting
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
6:30 PM Meet & Greet
7 PM Meeting Begins

Register for Zoom Meeting Link: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtduqorjgrGdVXE-PHC18F7bvkuHv8VUuK
The Zoom link you receive will be unique to your registration. Please have each person attending register for a Zoom link. Thank you. 

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​Meet & Greet:
​​
Join us before the meeting, at 6:30PM, to chat with Council and other local PTA Leaders! Come say hi, ask questions, or just hang out for social time before the meeting.
Please join us at our next General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 14.

Meeting Agenda:
In addition to our regular business, we will hold an election for this year's Nominating Committee (Nom Com). Self-nominations opened on Oct. 19, 2023. Learn more about Nominating Committee and self nominate.  

Nom Com Update: Nominations closed on November 1 for Nominating Committee. View slate and election information here. 

​​Want to learn more about the Nominating Committee? WSPTA is offering two leadership trainings. Visit our training opportunities page for registration information. 
Agenda Update: Presentation by the ILHS's Climate Action Club
Northshore Council PTSA has invited members of Innovation Lab High School's Climate Action Club to present their proposal on "Washington State Declaring the Climate Emergency''. After hearing their presentation, our membership will be able to ask questions and have the opportunity to motion to vote on whether or not we would like to endorse this proposal.

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

Questions? Email Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald at president@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

Save the Date - View calendar of future meeting dates.

Reflections Roundtables - Bring Your Questions!

9/7/2023

 
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​Roundtables are designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders with any questions they may have about the 2023-2024 Reflections Program. You are welcome to attend one or both of the sessions. 
​Reflections Roundtables
Monday, September 25, 2023 | 10 AM 
Register for Zoom link.

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | 7 PM
Register for Zoom link.

​Can't make it to the roundtable but still have questions? Check out these additional resources for help!
  • Email Council Reflections Co-Chairs at reflections@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
  • Check out Council's Reflection page, WSPTA Reflections Site, and National PTA Reflections Site
  • Connect on Facebook by joining the WSPTA Reflections group and Council's Reflections group
  • Sign up for Council's "Almost Weekly" PTA Reflections Communications with everything you need to know: 
    • ​Sign Up HERE
    • Read Past Issues HERE

September 2023: Office Hours

8/17/2023

 

Connect with Council and other PTA leaders during the next virtual Office Hours. ​

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This time is designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as you navigate membership, programs, and managing your organization. We hope you will join us!
Council will be holding virtual Office Hours on:
Thursday, September 14, 2023
12:30PM to 1:30PM. 
and
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
6:30pm - 7:30pm

Register for Zoom link: https://bit.ly/SeptOfficeHours2023​
The Zoom link you receive will be unique to your registration. Please have each person attending register for a Zoom link. Thank you. 
​This is the perfect time to connect with Council, ask questions, or even just stop in to say hello! Come to one or both sessions. There is no formal agenda. Stay as long or as little as your schedule permits. 
If you have questions and need to connect with Council before this, please visit our Contact Page for a list of Council Officers and their emails.
​
*Please see calendar for future Office Hours dates and times. 

Self Nominate for Open Board Position: Secretary

8/17/2023

 

Notice: Self Nominations for Secretary Open

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

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

​

Election for Secretary will be held at the
General Membership Meeting on Monday, September 18. 
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Click to Complete Self Nomination Form
Brief Description
Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of meetings, which become part of the permanent history of the PTA. Also responsible for taking attendance and monitoring quorum at meetings.  ​Learn more about the secretary role. Full job description here.

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

Qualification Requirements​
Per the 2022-2023 Council Standing Rules:
  • All Candidates:
    • Any position may be held jointly by two (2) people, except the role of Treasurer. 
    • Nominees must be at least 18 years of age.
    • Nominees must be a current member of at least one local PTA within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area.
Election Information:
If there is a contested position at the close of the self-nomination period on September 7, 2023, we will send out an electronic voting method to Northshore PTA/PTSA presidents and vice-presidents. If no position is contested, we will hold the election by voice vote during our next General Meeting, on Monday, September 18, 2023. 
Want to learn more? Contact Council Presidents, Rachel Fitzgerald for more information. ​

You're Invited! General Membership Meeting 9/18

8/11/2023

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

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

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

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

Second Notice of Election:
update 9/11/23

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

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

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

Questions? Email Council President, Rachel Fitzgerald at president@northshorecouncilptsa.org.

Save the Date - View calendar of future meeting dates.
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  • ARCHIVED Presidents & Principals Luncheon 2023