Northshore Council will provide Online Meeting Hosting for local PTAs/PTSAs this 2024 - 2025 school year! Online Meeting Hosting can be used by any local PTA/PTSA that wants Council to host a Zoom meeting for them. Please note that max number of attendees is 100 and that this service is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Here is how it works:
Questions? Contact us!  Q: What do you do if you cannot find a candidate for a position? A: Here are a couple of ideas to broaden your reach when searching for candidates:
 What if you STILL can’t find a candidate for a position?
Here's some tips and reminders for local PTA leaders for wrapping up another successful school year. At the Last Meetings...
Bookkeeping!Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is switching their reporting database beginning July 1st but until then...
Planning for a NEW Team!
We are excited to share that the Northshore Council PTSA is a proud sponsor of the Northshore School District's 2nd annual Virtual College and Career Night. 2024 Virtual College and Career Night |
 Choose 3 Sessions to Attend on |  |
Session links will be posted February 1, 2024 on NSD website and will become live on February 8, 2024.
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College & University Sessions
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Career Exploration Sessions
Pre-Recorded Sessions - Watch Now |
The presentation outlines simple steps that all adults—whether they own guns or not—can take to keep our children and communities safer.
About Webinar:
Northshore parent and PTA member, Jaclyn Condra, will be presenting the 'Be SMART' educational program. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. The presentation outlines simple steps that all adults—whether they own guns or not—can take to keep our children and communities safer.
Register for Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqduGpqj0uH9ztyx-p8u0x9gZwjvRmDYZ3#
Northshore parent and PTA member, Jaclyn Condra, will be presenting the 'Be SMART' educational program. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. The presentation outlines simple steps that all adults—whether they own guns or not—can take to keep our children and communities safer.
Register for Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqduGpqj0uH9ztyx-p8u0x9gZwjvRmDYZ3#
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PTAs are often the target of scammers. It's important for PTA officers to know the red flags and how to help keep your PTA safe from online fraud. |
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As a non-profit association, PTA can be vulnerable to cybercrimes. As a PTA leader, you are a person most likely to receive these types of emails.
Scam Emails and Spoofing
The senders email may appear to come from another officer in your PTA such as the President or Treasurer, your bank or one of your vendors to help make the request look legitimate, but the email address is spoofed. There are things you can check for:
Common Scams
There are a few things you and your board should be doing in order to protect your PTA:
Scam Emails and Spoofing
The senders email may appear to come from another officer in your PTA such as the President or Treasurer, your bank or one of your vendors to help make the request look legitimate, but the email address is spoofed. There are things you can check for:
- Confirm the actual "from" address of the sender - don't rely only on the name that is shown.
- Does this email look and sound like other emails you have received from this person or institution?
- Does this email ask you to do something that is not in alignment with current financial or money handling policies?
- Often these emails will state the sender is unavailable in a meeting, or out of town, and sending money is an urgent matter.
- Text or call the sender using an already established contact to verify the authenticity of the request. Do not call the number provided in the email.
Common Scams
- Asking for gift cards. Remember gift cards are the equivalent of cash and if the email is acted upon, there is likely no recourse to get the money back.
- Requesting a wire transfer usually through peer to peer (P2P) digital money transfer services such as PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, ApplePay, etc. Wire transfers and P2P digital services are not recommended for PTAs. Instead you should have a clear funds disbursement procedure that is well documented for your records.
- The email message may direct you to a spoofed website or otherwise get you to divulge private information such as bank account information or account passwords. The perpetrators then use this private information to commit identity theft or trick you to send money usually through peer to peer digital money transfer services.
- Note that the scammers are getting more convincing especially since the introduction of AI bots (Artificial Intelligence). In the past these emails could easily be spotted with the large number of spelling errors and poor grammar. Now scammers are relying on AI to get the wording (and the spelling) spot on!
- Note that the scammers are getting more convincing especially since the introduction of AI bots (Artificial Intelligence). In the past these emails could easily be spotted with the large number of spelling errors and poor grammar. Now scammers are relying on AI to get the wording (and the spelling) spot on!
There are a few things you and your board should be doing in order to protect your PTA:
- If you get an email from a fellow PTA officer asking to transfer funds, do not send money. Verify the authenticity of the request by phoning the officer using a phone number already established in your contacts.
- Establish clear lines of communication between board members.
- Do not let anyone rush you into making a decision because it needs to be done now. Scammers will use the sense of urgency to get you to bypass best practices.
- Make your entire board including chairs aware of these type of scams and remind the board of money handling best practices.
- Know your budget well. The best indicator of a potential fraudulent activity is a request that is made for something outside of your PTAs member-approved budget.
- Make sure your board of directors is well trained! View upcoming trainings here.
- Make sure you have well documented procedures and processes for money disbursement. (See below)
- Do not click any links or download any attachments in the suspicious email.
- Inform your board that Washington State PTA and Northshore Council will not ask you to transfer money, provide personal information, or provide banking information over email.
- Verify the identity of anyone who requests your personal information by using reliable, independent means.
- Never provide banking or confidential financial or personal information in response to a suspicious email or an unverified website or form.
Step to Take If Your PTA is Victim of Fraud
In the unfortunate event that a scammer is successful, here are are some steps your PTA should follow if funds came from your PTA account:
In the unfortunate event that a scammer is successful, here are are some steps your PTA should follow if funds came from your PTA account:
- Contact your bank and put a hold on the account and stop payment on the scam payment.
- Call an emergency board meeting (Wait time can be waived if agreed upon by Board.)
- Email [email protected]
- Call AIM to confirm insurance, etc.
- Decide as a board if filing a police report.
Money Handling Policy
Need some help putting your money handling policies together or updating them? Council's money handling policies is available for you to use as a sample. Still have questions? Contact Council Treasurer Brenae Brix.
- Does your PTA have a money handling policy?
- Has your PTA updated their policy to include online banking?
Need some help putting your money handling policies together or updating them? Council's money handling policies is available for you to use as a sample. Still have questions? Contact Council Treasurer Brenae Brix.
More Online Safety Tips & How to Report Internet Fraud
If you got a phishing email or text message, report it. The information you give helps fight scammers.
- Spoofing and Phishing - FBI
- How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams - FTC Consumer Advice
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) - FBI
If you got a phishing email or text message, report it. The information you give helps fight scammers.
- If you got a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected].
- If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).
- Report the phishing attempt to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Remember: There is nothing more urgent for your PTA than to follow best practices and policies to ensure you don't get caught in a scam!
PTAs Need YOU!
PTAs all across Northshore School District are in need of volunteers. Volunteers for your school's PTA/PTSA are the ones responsible for all the amazing things PTAs accomplish throughout the year including things like:
Currently, NSD PTAs are in the process of electing officers for next school year. Without elected officers, PTAs are not able to fund programs and are even at risk of closing.
Contact your school's PTA/PTSA to find out how you can help & encourage others to do the same! No experience necessary to become a volunteer. In fact, Northshore Council PTSA & WA State PTA provide support and training for PTA leaders all throughout the year.
PTAs all across Northshore School District are in need of volunteers. Volunteers for your school's PTA/PTSA are the ones responsible for all the amazing things PTAs accomplish throughout the year including things like:
- Family Events
- Classroom Grants
- Advocacy Efforts
- Funding for Field Trips
- Staff Appreciation
- Parent Education Events
- And so much more!!
Currently, NSD PTAs are in the process of electing officers for next school year. Without elected officers, PTAs are not able to fund programs and are even at risk of closing.
Contact your school's PTA/PTSA to find out how you can help & encourage others to do the same! No experience necessary to become a volunteer. In fact, Northshore Council PTSA & WA State PTA provide support and training for PTA leaders all throughout the year.
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Click on images to download and share on your PTA's social media or newsletter.
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Myth: Volunteering for PTA has no impact on my child's school experience.
Fact: Not only does volunteering for PTA connect you with other parents and teachers at your school, it also shows your child that you are interested and invested in their educational experience. Research has proven that parental involvement within the child's school increases academic achievements and decreases behavior issues. Additionally, volunteers are the ones who make PTA programming and support possible in order to better each and every child's school experience! |
Myth: Volunteering for PTA is only for stay-at-home moms.
Fact: Anyone can be a PTA Volunteer! A parent with a full time job who is only available in the evenings or weekends, a grandpa who wants to stay active during retirement, an auntie who wants to teach a fun hip-hop class after school, a neighbor from down the street who wants to give back to their community - all of these people and so many more make great volunteers!
Fact: Anyone can be a PTA Volunteer! A parent with a full time job who is only available in the evenings or weekends, a grandpa who wants to stay active during retirement, an auntie who wants to teach a fun hip-hop class after school, a neighbor from down the street who wants to give back to their community - all of these people and so many more make great volunteers!
Myth: PTAs only need volunteers in elementary school.
Fact: PTAs in our Middle Schools & High Schools need volunteers as well, but it may look a bit different than it did in elementary. Many of the volunteers at the secondary level are "behind the scenes" helping to coordinate teacher grants, planning end of the year grad celebrations, or working with the ASB to increase resources. And, of course, all levels of PTAs need volunteers to fill the role of their executive board which includes positions such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Fact: PTAs in our Middle Schools & High Schools need volunteers as well, but it may look a bit different than it did in elementary. Many of the volunteers at the secondary level are "behind the scenes" helping to coordinate teacher grants, planning end of the year grad celebrations, or working with the ASB to increase resources. And, of course, all levels of PTAs need volunteers to fill the role of their executive board which includes positions such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Myth: The same people volunteer every year; I'm not needed.
Fact: While it's great to have dedicated volunteers return each year, PTAs welcome and need new volunteers each year! There are term limits for elected volunteers, events that are growing in attendance, and new program ideas being suggested - all of which benefit from an increase in new volunteers.
Fact: While it's great to have dedicated volunteers return each year, PTAs welcome and need new volunteers each year! There are term limits for elected volunteers, events that are growing in attendance, and new program ideas being suggested - all of which benefit from an increase in new volunteers.
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Myth: I don't have the experience to be a PTA Volunteer.
Fact: There is no experience necessary to volunteer! In fact, there are supports for new and returning PTA volunteers such as training classes, resource guides, online toolkits, and ways to connect with other PTA volunteers to ask questions and get help (such as Council's Facebook groups, office hours, and website). |
Click to download flyer.
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Northshore Council PTSA is offering a FREE Parent Education Webinar.
Register for Be SMART Webinar on October 17th at 7PM.
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Northshore parent and PTA member, Jaclyn Condra, will be presenting the 'Be SMART' educational program. The Be SMART framework is designed to help parents and adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can prevent child gun deaths and injuries. The presentation outlines simple steps that all adults—whether they own guns or not—can take to keep our children and communities safer.
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 | Council recommends local PTA leaders do two important things this summer:
A board retreat can be a powerful way to kick-start your PTA's new year. If fact, it can be such a powerful tool that Washington State PTA considers having one to be a PTA best practice |
A retreat is more than just a regular meeting; it is an opportunity to:
- Get to know the members of your board
- Plan and strategize for the year
- Set expectations and responsibilities
- Energize and engage
- Create a shared vision
- Develop specific strategy or plans
- Provide social support
- Improve communication and cohesiveness
- Build trust
There are many things to consider when planning for your retreat. While board retreats can take place in person, many PTAs may find it best to plan a virtual retreat, which adds a few more items to that list.
- Set aside ample time. A minimum of a half-day (4 hours) is recommended; a full day (8 hours) including a group social activity is even better. You can split the retreat into more than one session, if needed. Virtually, be mindful that it's hard to keep everyone's attention when sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time. Stopping for even a 5 minute stretch break can help regain everyone's focus.
- Get it on the calendar early. Summer plans can make it a challenge to find an effective date. Parents need time to arrange child care.
- Find and/or reserve a location. Get away from the school! Consider adult comfort, potential interruptions, access to restrooms, internet access, and other necessities. Virtual meetings mean online with participants each connecting from their home or office. Consider a platform and the technology that is most accessible to everyone you are meeting with when you plan your retreat.
- Trouble Shooting Technology. Many platforms offer a technical testing page to help resolve any issues before your meeting begins. If it's the first time using a particular online platform, test out the features you may want to use ahead of time, such as screen sharing, co-hosting, or closed captioning. Though many of us are familiar with online meetings these days, it can be helpful to have a step-by-step guide written out on how to join your meeting for anyone new to online meetings.
- Make it as mandatory as you can. Every person plays a role in the group's dynamic; even one person missing makes a difference.
- Engage with other board members to set a purpose for the retreat. Have them answer the following questions ahead of developing the agenda:
- This retreat will be successful for me if...
- This retreat will be successful for our PTA if...
- The 3 most important goals for this retreat should be...
- Share ideas for possible agenda items that would help us to meet the goals above
- Arrange for food and drinks. It doesn't need to be fancy, but keep folks fed and hydrated so that they can focus on the work. This can be part of your retreat budget. Ask about and accommodate dietary restrictions. Virtually you won't need to provide these items, but it's a great idea to remind your team to feel free to eat and drink so they can stay focused.
- Have a set-up and clean-up team.
Great retreats also include a few key social elements that serve as ways to allow board members to connect, bond, and get to know each other, all of which work to help build a more cohesive team:
The extended nature of a retreat means that a board can have time for conversations and discussions with more breadth and depth. Consider some of the following discussion areas and questions as you build your board retreat agenda:
Finally, remember that some of the most important work will happen after the retreat ends as ideas are put into action. Take time through the year to reflect and check-in with one another regarding discussions, action items, and progress toward goals.
- Include at least one “getting to know you” activity.
- Have name tags, if even one member of the group is new. For virtual meetings, ask that all participants use their correct name when signing into the meeting.
- For a virtual retreat, get everyone chatting with a whimsical poll - such as "does pineapple belong on pizza" or "what superpower would you want". Menti.com is an easy tool to use for creating a live poll.
- Include a group social activity, such as a potluck or bowling. There are activities you can do to energize your online meeting as well.
The extended nature of a retreat means that a board can have time for conversations and discussions with more breadth and depth. Consider some of the following discussion areas and questions as you build your board retreat agenda:
- What norms do we want for our board? Consider creating your own Standards of Conduct (example from Council).
- Build your calendar (check both the Northshore School District Calendar and WA State PTA's Multicultural Calendar for conflicts)
- Develop a communication plan for the year
- Start planning your Membership Campaign
- Brainstorm
- Strengths of our PTA?
- Challenges of our PTA?
- Opportunities?
- How can we connect, welcome, and inspire our community?
- What do you want people to say about your PTA's achievements at the end of the year?
- How will you work together?
- What does success look like?
- What resources, training, or other outside help do we need to succeed?
Finally, remember that some of the most important work will happen after the retreat ends as ideas are put into action. Take time through the year to reflect and check-in with one another regarding discussions, action items, and progress toward goals.
Additional Resources:
As always, Council is here to help your PTA have a successful year! If you ever have questions, you can reach out to us anytime via email. Find a list of Council Contacts here.
- Summer Membership Planning Ideas - Check out our article from 2021 with ideas and tips from Council for planning your Membership Campaign.
- Council's Summer Office Hours - Join Council members online on Wednesday, July 13th between 12pm-1pm to ask us questions and get support!
- Online Meeting Hosting - Learn about this service which will be returning in 2022-2023 for any local PTA/PTSA that wants Council to host a Zoom meeting for them. More details coming in Fall of 2022.
- WSPTA Board Retreats Article
- WSPTA Leadership Guides - Handbooks for officers, running after school programs, advocacy, membership, FACE and more.
- WSPTA pre-recorded training webinars - Trainings on transitions, effective meetings, secretary, treasurer basics and more. Login credentials can be found in the latest Leadership News email from WSPTA.
- WSPTA Virtual Meetings - Virtually taking care of business while still using best practices.
- Bellevue PTSA Council Summer Retreat Planning Tips
- In-Person Icebreakers and Virtual Icebreakers - Articles from MindTools on designing an icebreaker activity specifically focused on meeting your objectives and appropriate to the group of people involved.
- The Best Ice Breaker of All Time - An article that argues for the importance and value of ice breakers.
As always, Council is here to help your PTA have a successful year! If you ever have questions, you can reach out to us anytime via email. Find a list of Council Contacts here.
Phew! We’ve made it through another year! Oh, how we all could use time to recharge our bodies and minds. Our kids have gone through the wringer this year, with changing Covid protocols, school shootings, and other unpredictable events. These things quickly add up and take their toll on our mental health.
School is almost out, making this a good time to focus on recharging our bodies and minds. These upcoming summer months are a great time to revisit some mindfulness and self-care practices.
Mindfulness practice is an excellent (and simple!) way to ground ourselves in a busy world, to stay fresh, and to simplify our lives. Who couldn’t use that? When you focus on right now, this very moment and not the past or what is coming up tomorrow (or even in the fall), you can be more open-minded, intentional, have gratitude and grace.
School is almost out, making this a good time to focus on recharging our bodies and minds. These upcoming summer months are a great time to revisit some mindfulness and self-care practices.
Mindfulness practice is an excellent (and simple!) way to ground ourselves in a busy world, to stay fresh, and to simplify our lives. Who couldn’t use that? When you focus on right now, this very moment and not the past or what is coming up tomorrow (or even in the fall), you can be more open-minded, intentional, have gratitude and grace.
One way to practice mindfulness is to start your day with a purpose. When you set an intention, it is more likely that your actions, words, and responses, especially during tough moments, will be more mindful and compassionate. This practice is best done first thing in the morning, before turning on screens or checking social media.
Here are some additional mindfulness exercises to try:
Remember: the purpose of these mindful exercises is to be intentional and focus on one thing at a time. By doing so, you will see improved balance and happiness in your daily lives.
Here are some additional mindfulness exercises to try:
- Mindful Breathing: Sit comfortably or lie down on your back. Take slow, deep breaths, noticing your lungs expanding. Release the breath slowly. Repeat at least 4 more times. As you breath in and out, you can try imagining going up a hill and then back down a hill, swinging in slow-motion, or visualizing colors using Color Mindfulness.
- Mindful Observation: Step outside for a few moments. Focus on a flower, a cloud, or the trees in the distance. Notice only that item, as if it were the first time you’ve ever seen it.
- Mindful Awareness: Pay attention to what you are doing and focus on one task at a time - do not multi-task. Ever forget where you set your phone? It’s probably because you set it down while walking through the house to do something else.
- Mindful Listening: Listen without judgement or other influences. Listen to your child, your friend, your partner. Listen to nature.
- Mindful Immersion: Be fully present and immersed in what you are doing. Don’t think of the past or the future. Just the here and now.
- Mindful Appreciation: Find gratitude in and appreciation for every day things. These can be small things such as the smell of rain that watered your garden or the electricity that turns your coffee pot on in the morning.
Remember: the purpose of these mindful exercises is to be intentional and focus on one thing at a time. By doing so, you will see improved balance and happiness in your daily lives.
 Self Care for Students Help your students to care for themselves, as well, over summer break. When they observe you practicing self-care, they will be more likely to do the same. Students need to find creative ways to connect with friends, spend time outdoors, and relax. Lastly, make sure they know how to reach someone if they need to talk or connect in times of distress or loneliness. | Self Care for Parents As we prepare to part until the fall, remember that as parents we need to take care of ourselves before we can effectively care for our families. Practice self-care and self-compassion. Remember to take breaks to relax throughout the day and week. Treat yourself to a good night's sleep and nourishing meals. Go outside to enjoy the sunshine - a 20 minute walk is a great way to do this.  |
 | Reference numbers to have handy: Crisis Text Line Text “HELLO” to 741741 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK Starting July 16th, Dial 988 for Mental Health Emergencies |
Summer is the perfect time to slow down and smell the roses, as the saying goes. Play that extra board game with your kids before bed. Jump on the trampoline with them after lunch. Take a walk with your partner at sunset. Notice the little things that bring you joy. By being intentional and focusing on one thing at a time, you will see improved balance and happiness in your daily lives.
Be mindful. You, your family, and your mental health deserve it.
Be mindful. You, your family, and your mental health deserve it.
| Mindfulness Websites, Apps, and Resources: www.headspace.com www.calm.com www.smilingmind.com www.mindfulnessdailyapp.com Seattle Children's 5 Tips for Teaching Mindfulness to Children and Teens Mental Health Websites: www.nami.org - National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nimh.nih.gov - National Institute of Mental Health 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) www.afsp.org - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention |
This article was brought to you by Northshore Council's Mental Health Committee.
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