![]() 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. View Council's Video on Northshore Council's YouTube channel! Notice: Self Nominations for Secretary OpenDo 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. 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:
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. During the Spring Recognition Brunch on June 6, 2023, Northshore Council PTSA recognized a few special people who go above and beyond in service to our community and promotes the well-being and education of children in our district and beyond. Below is this year's Northshore Council PTSA Recognition Awards Recipients.
A special thank you to this year's Awards Committee members, Grace Juardo and Melissa Kline. Learn more about PTA Recogntion Awards and how your PTA can recognize those who go above and beyond in your school community. ![]() Awards are a great way for PTAs to show their community how much they appreciate them and to celebrate the dedication of those who support your PTA's mission and goals! Many PTA's do this through WSPTA's formal volunteer award recognition program which allows for local PTAs to award for outstanding educator, advocate, student advocate, and volunteer (Golden Acorn), as well as the honorary life membership award. A portion of the cost of the awards goes directly toward the WSPTA Scholarship Program benefiting students. This means the gift given to our amazing volunteers becomes a gift that keeps on giving by helping students pay for continued education. Council is excited to share in the celebration of our local |
PTA |
Award / Recipient |
Canyon Park Middle School PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Tina Neil Outstanding Advocate: Patricia Herrera Outstanding Educator: Malisa Spencer |
Fernwood Elementary PTSA |
Golden Acorn : Aleah Dometita Outstanding Educator: Alison Fada |
Frank Love Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn: Renae Sowald Outstanding Advocate: Katie Long Outstanding Educator: Amanda Sympson Outstanding Educator: Rebecca Wynkoop |
Innovation Lab High School PTSA |
Golden Acorn- Heather Bloom Outstanding Educator- Dr. Ashley Crisp Student Advocate- Victoria Tchervenski |
Kenmore Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn: Maria Cone Golden Acorn: Patti Foster Outstanding Educator: Dana Plant |
Kenmore Middle School PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Jessica Read Outstanding Educator: TBA Outstanding Advocate: Christine Roehnelt |
Kokanee Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn: Fatima Padela Golden Acorn: Ramesh Chundru |
Leota Middle School PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Dawn Simpson Outstanding Educator: Gary Warmbrodt Outstanding Educator: Douglas Poage Outstanding Advocate: Tony Van Zeyl Outstanding Student Advocate: Julien Wong |
Lockwood Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn Award: Izabela Michnicki Outstanding Advocate Award: Sean Schoenfeldt Outstanding Educator Award: Bryce Wallace |
Maywood Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn: Julia Cole Golden Acorn: Mary Irving Outstanding Advocate: Nicole Dibble Outstanding Educators: Lisa Vorwerk Outstanding Educators: Jeremy Lainer |
North Creek High School PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Karen Cohen Golden Acorn: Melissa Kline Outstanding Advocate: Saskia Mizushima Outstanding Educator: Christine Serica Outstanding Student Advocate: Jayden Lock |
Northshore Family Partnership PTSA at Bear Creek Campus |
Golden Acorn: Alynda Silcox Golden Acorn: Suzie Madsen-Kostopoulos Outstanding Advocate: Lauren Galloway Marantz Outstanding Advocate: Leslie Connor Outstanding Educator: Leslie Harwood Outstanding Educator: Todd Parker |
Shelton View Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn: Lisa Groce Golden Acorn: Faustine Wiley Golden Acorn: Cheryl Whaley |
Sunrise Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn: Shannyn Houtrouw Golden Apple: Sheri Padget |
Timbercrest Middle School PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Terri Kashi Outstanding Educator: Johnny Ho Outstanding Educator: Nikolas Gregg Outstanding Student Advocate: Ben Comer |
Wellington Elementary PTA |
Goden Acorn: Maryam Zarrabi - Worrell Outstanding Advocate: Diana Cherry Outstanding Educator: Jennifer Deskin Lifetime Award: Emily Williams Wellington Way Parent: Carol Bates Wellington Way Student: Ryan Bower |
Westhill Elementary PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Ericka Coleman Outstanding Educator: Noelle White Outstanding Educator: Sandra Lamb |
Woodin Elementary PTA |
Golden Acorn: Lorena Espinoza Outstanding Advocate: Theresa Cussac Outstanding Educator: Kirsten Jackson |
Woodinville High School PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Debi Niemi Golden Acorn: Lynn Smith |
Woodmoor Elementary PTSA |
Golden Acorn: Jill Benoit Golden Acorn: Jennifer Homes Golden Acorn: Amy Robinson Outstanding Educator: Ann Delano Outstanding Educator: Nycole Swearingen Outstanding Educator: Evelyn Romero Perez Outstanding Advocate: Kim Skrla Honorary Lifetime Membership: Sandy Hayes |
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.
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! |
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: 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: 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.
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). |
We would like to create a list of all of our local PTA award winners to share with the community. These volunteers deserve to be celebrated!!!
If possible, please let us know your award winners by Thursday, June 1st so they can be celebrated in our last eNews for this school year!
Learn more about local PTA/PTSA awards.
Questions? Email Jenn Snyder at communicationsvp@northshorecouncilptsa.org.
2023 Northshore Council PTSA Awards Nomination Form
Click link to complete form.
Nominations deadline extended to Monday, May 15, 2023!

- Outstanding Educator – Honors individuals who go beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging. An educator is not limited to a teacher and may be defined as a teacher, assistant, specialist, support staff, administrator, or community member.
- Outstanding Advocate – Honors individuals for their continued and dedicated service to ALL children demonstrating a commitment to speaking up for children in the areas relating to health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth.
- Outstanding Service - This is the highest volunteer award given by the Washington State PTA. It is awarded to someone who has gone beyond his or her own school community, job, or PTA in order to give dedicated volunteer service to children. Note: This award may only be given by a council. Local PTA members are encouraged to nominate deserving volunteers to the council for this recognition.
- Honorary Life Membership – Recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to a PTA at the local unit, council, or state level. This special award can be given by a PTA unit, council, or region.
- Outstanding Student Advocate Award - Recognizes students who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community.
- Golden Acorn – A Golden Acorn Award is presented by a local PTA or council to a school or community volunteer in recognition of her or his dedication and service to children and youth.
Questions? Contact Council Awards Committee.

WSPTA has a formal volunteer award recognition program allowing local PTAs to award honors for outstanding educator, advocate, student advocate, and volunteer (Golden Acorn), as well as the honorary life membership award.
Awards are a great way for PTAs to show their community how much they appreciate them and to celebrate the dedication of those who support your PTA's mission and goals!
Local PTAs should appoint an awards committee who will gather nominations, review them, and choose the award recipients. This can be done during a meeting or some PTAs even choose to have the previous year's award recipients chair this committee. Check your Standing Rules as it may say who is on the committee. When the awards committee advertises for nomination submissions, it can be done via social media, newsletters, website, email, or even school flyers. To make it even easier for members to submit nominations, the awards committee can create an online submission form using tools like Google Forms or Survey Monkey.
For recognizing the award recipients, your PTA can hold a volunteer recognition event or take time during a Membership Meeting to celebrate them. WSPTA offers a variety of items your PTA can order online to celebrate your award recipients including certificates, pins, plaques, and even yard signs!
- Golden Acorn – presented to volunteer(s) in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth in your community.
- Outstanding Advocate – Honors individuals for their continued and dedicated service to ALL children demonstrating a commitment to speaking up for children in the areas relating to health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth.
- Honorary Life Membership – Recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to a PTA at the local unit, council, or state level. This special award can be given by a PTA unit, council, or region.
- Outstanding Student Advocate Award - Recognizes students who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community.
- Outstanding Educator – Individuals who go beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging.
Does your PTA give out a Golden Acorn award? Maybe an Outstanding Educator, or an Outstanding Advocate award? Or more? Please let us know by completing this form.
We would like to create a list of all of our local PTA award winners to share with the community. These volunteers deserve to be celebrated!!!
If possible, please let us know your award winners by Thursday, June 1st so they can be celebrated in our last eNews of the school year!
Do you like planning events? Consider joining the the 2023-2024 Northshore Council PTSA Executive Board. Co-Chairs are welcome. Self Nominate by Thursday, April 27, 2023 Elections will be held for VP of Events and Secretary at the General Membership Meeting on May 15, 2023. |
VP of Events: Plans and coordinates Council's yearly events including Presidents and Principals Brunch, Reflections Celebration, and Spring Recognition Event.
Council will continue to seek volunteers for this position with the goal of holding an election at a future General Membership Meeting.
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 that falls within the Northshore Council PTSA membership area.
Questions? Contact Council Co-Presidents, Rachel Fitzgerald and Mary Khouzam for more information.
Other Open Board Position - Secretary

Do you like to keep records and take notes?
Do you have good attention to detail?
Learn more about the Secretary role.
Northshore Council PTSA is seeking three (3) volunteers to serve on its 2022-2023 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 2023-2024. |
• 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 January 19th 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!
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