Legislative session is upon us and starting Monday, January 18th, ​it's
​WSPTA's Focus on Advocacy Week!!

Here's a brief run-down on what you can expect out of this week long event and how you can get involved!

When is Focus on Advocacy Week?
This week long event runs Monday, January 18th through Friday, January 22nd.

Who should participate?
Anyone who wants to advocate for students, teachers, or their school community! Advocacy is for everyone and now is the perfect time to get involved.

Where does this take place?
This year, Focus on Advocacy Week is virtual! That means anyone wanting to participate can do so from their phone or computer.

What is the Legislative Session?
The Legislative session is the time when our senators and representatives work on bills. They will be
debating, reading emails, and holding meetings about current bills for the session.

What is Focus on Advocacy Week?
Focus on Advocacy Week is the week where we as PTA members focus on calling, writing, and having meetings with our
legislators. We do this to get our Legislative Priorities into the hearts and minds of our elected officials and to educate them on what our members need and want.

Why does Focus on Advocacy Week matter?
This is the best time to get our priorities heard by our representatives. Washington State PTA members voted and approved our top 5 issues that we believe lawmakers should work on. Now is the time that we bring these issues to the forefront of their work. See below for a list of our Top 5 Issues as well as how PTA plans to put equity at the center of everything we do with our 2020-2022 Legislative Priorities.

How can someone participate?
1. Sign up for the WSPTA's Action Network Group to get timely alerts.
2. Find your Washington State Legislature Representatives.
3. Set aside time during Focus on Advocacy Week to call and email. WSPTA has designated each day next week to a different focus topic:
   ◘ Monday, January 18 – Call to Action: Focus on anti-racism
   ◘ Tuesday, January 19 – Call to Action: Focus on equity
   ◘ Wednesday, January 20 – Call to Action: Focus on mental health and wellness
   ◘ Thursday, January 21 – Call to Action: Focus on preserving and flexing funding
   ◘ Friday, January 22 – Call to Action: Focus on safety and emergency preparedness
4. Read the January 11 Focus on Advocacy Weekly Report by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Chair, which includes the status of current bills.
5. Spread the word! Invite others from your PTA community to join you in connecting with state legislative leaders. Don't forget to share about Focus on Advocacy Week through your PTA channels such as your website, emails, or social media.

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Learn more about the WSPTA legislative priorities:

• Top Five Legislative Issues (including also supported issues)
• WSPTA Long-term Resolutions
• WSPTA Long-term Legislative Principles

Check out the image below from WSPTA to see how PTA is putting Equity at the Center of Everything We Do with our 2020-2022 Legislative Priorities. Click here for a printable version.

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!

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.

​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!

​​Washington State PTA just hosted its first Virtual Legislative Assembly! Throughout the last few weeks, panels and classes were held over Zoom to help educate our Washington State PTA leaders.
The 42nd Assembly then wrapped up October 24-25 with the general sessions and voting on issues and resolutions.
This year's theme was PTA: Now More Than Ever.

During the legislative assembly Washington State PTA and its local PTAs, councils, and members work together to develop short-term legislative issues and long-term PTA resolutions. The issues and resolutions can be used to advocate not only at state level with our elected representatives, but also within schools and districts to help support all children.

WSPTA Top 5 Legislative Issues:
1. Increase Access to Nursing, Mental Health, and Social Emotional Learning Staff
2. Support Students and Preserve Education Funding
3. Increasing Educational Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
4. Supports and Funding for Students with Disabilities and Their Families
5. Prevent and Reduce Gun Violence and Suicide

Also Supported Issues:
♦ Equitable Identification and Services for Highly Capable Students
♦ Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
♦ Safe School Plans and Emergency Preparedness

How can you get involved in PTA advocacy?
1. Make sure you are signed up for advocacy information and action alerts through the Washington State PTA's Action Network!
2. Come to a Northshore Council general meeting or roundtable discussion! Our next General Meeting is November 16th at 7pm. See the full calendar on the Northshore PTSA website.
3. Mark your calendar for FOCUS DAY: January 18th, 2021 which is our opportunity to directly speak to legislators!

​Join us for a special Monday Night Roundtable focusing on Reflections!

​This roundtable is designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders as with any questions they may have about the Reflections Program. 

Date: Monday, October 26th
Time: 7:00PM
Location: Online via Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99257796923
Meeting ID: 992 5779 6923
Passcode: *Available upon request

Due to our extraordinary circumstances, the 2020 Reflections program is going Virtual! 

Even though parts of the Reflections Program will feel a little different this year, there are many aspects of the program that have not changed - especially the parts that are student facing. Students will still fill out their entry form, write their artists statement, choose a category and create their work of art using the theme "I Matter Because..."!

New for 2020! Online Submissions:

• Council & WSPTA will only accept online submissions for 2020-21. Each Local PTA President and Reflections Chair will receive a specific link and instructions for online submission to Council in a couple weeks. 
  • Try to submit high quality scans or digital photos as all artworks will be judged digitally at Council and State levels.​
  • When uploading to Council, please use the following file name format so we can attribute the artwork to the correct student: Student First Name and Last Name - Arts Category - Form or Artwork. Note: There should be two submissions for each student, the entry form and the artwork.
• Each local PTA can choose to accept submissions online, in person, or a combination of both. Make sure to set a due date that allows time to judge the submitted pieces in order to determine which 20 (+6 Special Artist) you will advance to Council.
  • Please do not submit pieces to council that are not in compliance with the guidelines for each category found in the "Student Entry Packets".
  • IMPORTANT: Encourage participants to read and follow all rules for submission for each category as if they would be submitting their actual pieces in person. Any submission that WSPTA sends to the National PTA for judging will need to be sent physically.
• Once pieces have been judged, local Reflections Chairs will need to upload any pieces they are submitting to Council into the National PTA student entry portal AND upload the entry form and digital version of the art piece to Council by December 2nd, 2020.
• Once you have submitted your 20 (+6 ) pieces:
  • Council will judge the pieces to determine which will advance to WSPTA
  • Council will share which pieces are advancing to WSPTA with Reflection Chairs and Presidents
  • All pieces submitted to Council will be displayed at the Celebration Open House and/or Digital Showcase on January 9, 2021. We will announce details about this event to the best of our ability by end of November, but please note that an in person event is subject to district and county safety requirements.
  • Council will digitally submit all pieces advancing to WSPTA.
    • WSPTA will judge and announce which pieces are advancing to National PTA.
    • Council will contact Reflections Chairs and Presidents who have pieces advancing to National PTA. As of right now, National PTA is requiring that state PTAs submit physical art pieces.

Below are some resources to help support your Reflections program:

• Register for your Reflections program with the National PTA. 
• Promote Reflections in your community. 
• Entry forms can be filled out online. (Contact reflections@northshorecouncilptsa.org if you need assistance finding your National PTA number.)
• Please sign up for our Northshore Council PTSA Reflections newsletter here. The newsletter and website are the primary sources of information for Reflections this year.
• Our Northshore Council PTSA Reflections Facebook page is here and is a resource for you to exchange information and best practices.
• The WSPTA Reflections Facebook page is another great resource!

Still have questions? Please contact Council's Reflections Chair, Rachel Northquist, at reflections@northshorecouncilptsa.org or call/text (425) 319-0016.

Find out what is important to your members before your delegates vote at the 2020 Legislative Assembly!

WA State PTA has made it easy for PTA leaders to survey your members with this e-survey. Just send the link out to your members and WSPTA will send you the results for your school before legislative assembly starts to see your members’ responses. Your delegates can use these results to guide their votes along with the education and caucusing sessions available for all topics. This survey will provide great input to help your delegates represent your PTA.

Looking for help on how to communicate this e-survey with your members? Check out the wording from WSPTA's Communication Kit for local PTAs below that includes longer messaging for articles and shorter messaging for social media posts. The e-survey closes on October 9th, so make sure to start sharing it today!

Short Messaging to Promote the E-Survey
What issues are most important to you? Hurry - the e-survey closes on 10/9!

​Your  voice matters -- please take a few minutes and complete our  [insert your PTA or council name) PTA e-survey.
​There’s a wide range of topics and we need your input when we vote at the upcoming Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly.  The survey is just titles only, so take a few moments to review the WSPTA Voters’ Guide. But don’t delay, the e-survey closes on 10/9.

​Longer Messaging to Promote the E-Survey (Option A)

What issues are most important to you? Hurry - the e-survey closes on 10/9!
 
​Your voice matters -- please take a few minutes and complete our [insert your PTA or council name) PTA e-survey.
​There’s a wide range of advocacy issues and we need your voice to help our PTA delegates vote on the Top 5 issues that are most important to us. The survey also includes other proposed positions that delegates will vote on to develop the WSPTA platform.  
 
The issues all support the health, education, and welfare of children and youth --  from increasing access to mental health to preventing gun violence and suicide to closing the digital divide. Resolutions range from access to recess and unstructured play to improving outcomes in special education to dismantling institutional and systemic racism. Plus, one new principle against racism, discrimination, and oppression. 
 
The survey is just titles only, so take a few moments to review the WSPTA Voters’ Guide. But don’t delay, the e-survey closes on October 10/9.

​Longer Messaging to Promote the E-Survey (Option B)

​What issues are most important to you? Hurry - the e-survey closes on 10/9!

Member voice matters — please take a few minutes and complete our  [insert your PTA name) PTA e-survey. There’s a wide range of advocacy issues and we need your voice to help our PTA delegates vote on the Top 5 issues that are most important to us. The survey also includes other proposed positions that delegates will vote on to develop the WSPTA platform.  The issues all support the health, education, and welfare of children and youth but the proposed platform covers a wide spectrum of advocacy positions and legislative policies from increasing access to mental health to preventing gun violence and suicide to closing the digital divide. There are also eight resolutions with topics ranging from access to recess and unstructured play to improving outcomes in special education to dismantling institutional and systemic racism. Plus one new principle against racism, discrimination, and oppression. Take the e-survey and let us know what’s important to you.

There’s also a WSPTA Voters’ Guide to give you more information on all the issues as the survey just has the titles. Take a few moments to review that information as you take the e-survey.

Your replies will help guide our PTA’s delegates when they vote at the upcoming WSPTA Legislative Assembly in late October where the new 2020-2021 Platform will be set.

Take a few moments to learn more about the proposed positions and share your priorities with us with the e-survey But don’t delay the e-survey closes on October 9.

Registration is now open for the 42nd Annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly!

PTA delegates from across the state will come together to update the WSPTA legislative platform. At legislative assembly, discover the power PTA has to advocate for the success of every child – the whole child. In PTA every member has an equal voice, and your input matters a great deal to the success of PTA's grassroots member-driven platform. PTA is needed more than ever right now, and you can help!

Key Things to Note:

• WSPTA Legislative Assembly will take place virtually from October 24-25
• Caucusing, education sessions, and other activities will begin September 29
• Cost is $25 per attendee
  
• Registration Deadline is October 8th.
• A reduced student fee of $10 is available, which gives a student an all-access pass to classes, education sessions, and caucusing.
• Voting Delegates must be submitted by your PTA President no later than October 6th @ 11:59pm

​The Washington State PTA legislative platform is a two-year platform to mirror the Washington state legislative cycle. This year, as with every even-numbered year, the new platform will be voted on by members during the legislative assembly. Learn about WSPTA's current legislative priorities and other supported issues by clicking here.

Be a part of the process and help direct the course for WSPTA advocacy by serving as a delegate for your PTA!  If you are interested in attending Legislative Assembly as a delegate for your local PTA, contact your local PTA president.
​
Check out the Legislative Assembly web page to learn more about this year's event.

​The Washington State PTA Standards of Affiliation Agreement Checklist 2020-2021 is now available!

This checklist is a tool to help your PTA keep up with its legal requirements, both as a non-profit and as a PTA. The requirements come from the IRS, the State of Washington, your insurance company,  and WSPTA.
What your PTA needs to do:

• Take care of all SOA requirements
• Use the SOA checklist to keep track of progress
• Keep a copy with your legal documents and/or Treasurer's binder
• Involve your entire board
• Update your membership on your SOA progress
• Ask for help if you need it!

There have been a few updates this year to make the SOA even better, including an introduction page that has clear instructions, calls out what’s new to the checklists in 2020-21, and offers a number of resources to answer questions and give more detail on all requirements.

This video from WSPTA offers a great overview of SOA and what it means for your PTA:

In addition, WSPTA offers a number of tools to help support your PTA in completing the SOA checklist, including:

• SOA Tips & Best Practices
• SOA FAQ
• SOA Standing Rules Suggested Language
• Training Requirement Flyer
• Training Tracking Spreadsheet
• 2020-21 Deadline Dates
  

​
Remember that sharing the progress of your SOA with your members also lets others know about how your PTA operates and shows the work that goes on, often behind the scenes, to keep your PTA legal, safe and operating within the very best practices of our state.
Questions? Council is here to help!

• Elementary PTA/PTSAs with questions should contact Grace Jurado.
• Middle and High School PTSAs should contact Nancy Chamberlain. 

This year's Reflections Theme is "I Matter Because..."

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and WSPTA cultural arts competition. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works for the theme of "I Matter Because...".

Reflections is so much more than "just an art contest."  It helps kids take risks, be inspired, think creatively, receive positive recognition and be celebrated for their works of art.  It also allows our community to celebrate our students' creativity!
Encourage art by offering Reflections at your PTA!

Council is here to help make it easy! Check the Reflections page on for regular updates, join the Northsore Council PTSA Reflections and Art Docent Chairs Facebook group and be sure to sign up for our "almost weekly" Reflections communications.

Dates to Note:

• December 1 & 2, 2020 - Turn In Dates
• January 9, 2021 - Council Celebration Open House

Please stay tuned for more information on turn-in methods and our Celebration Open House that will follow district and county public health requirements.

Questions? Contact Council's Reflections Chair, Rachel Northquist.