Meeting Recap - 3/30/2020

At the General Meeting by Zoom on March 30, 2020, Northshore Council PTSA members approved the new budget for the 2020-21 year.  We also approved revisions to the the Standing Rules to allow for Electronic Voting which is needed for the upcoming Board elections.  Jane Chiodo reported from the Nominating Committee on the slate of officers for the election.  The self-declaration period is now open for any positions. Please consider nominating yourself or someone else for Advocacy, Communications, VP Secondary Support, or VP Elementary Support.  

The Council is also currently taking nominations for Awards including Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Advocate, Outstanding Student Advocate, Golden Acorn and Honorary Life Member.  It is important to continue honoring people even if the celebration and recognition will have to be different this year.  We’re looking for creative new ways to do this virtually or at a safe physical distance.

District Partnerships Coordinator Natalie Campbell reported that the district continues to offer, food, childcare, and devices for families.  Please go to nsd.org as things change regularly according to needs and conditions. Natalie has also put together a page of community resources for employment, food, health and wellness. Live Stream Cabinet Meetings are now at 8 am weekdays.

Carmin Dalziel, Executive Director of the Northshore Schools Foudnation, shared that the Foundation canceled its big fundraiser and is accepting donations to focus solely on the Community and District Response Fund which is currently funding gaps in childcare.  NSF also has a Basic Need Aid grant for $200 for groceries.  School principals are able to nominate a family for this grant. See the NSF website for information on their Children's Book Drive.

PTSA will continue to host Roundtables on Zoom every Tuesday at Noon to discuss the needs and ideas of local PTAs.

Local PTAs should consider getting a Post Office box as the district may decide to stop allowing PTA mail to be delivered to schools. It is an old policy that may be enforced next year. 

Finally, PTAs need to adopt a new budget for next year and elect next year’s officers. In order to hold elections, PTAs must vote to amend the standing rules to allow for electronic voting (if there are not already provisions for doing so).  Also, it would be a great idea to start thinking about creative ways to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week in May.