Category: Events

2025 Spring Recognition Event Recap & Award Winners!

6/5/2025

Thank you to those who were able to join us for our 2024-2025 Spring Recognition event!
The evening was filled with conversation, laughter, good eats and celebration.
During our event, we were able to highlight the amazing work that our PTA/PTSAs are doing.
Check out the video below to see GREATNESS in action!

Please take a moment to fill out our post event survey!
We would love all PTA presidents to fill it out whether or not you had anyone from your school attend. And, please, pass the survey along to your attendees to complete as well!

During the Spring Recognition Celebration on June 4, 2025, Northshore Council PTSA recognized a few special people who go above and beyond in service to our community and promote the well-being and education of children in our district and beyond. Below are this year's Northshore Council PTSA Recognition Awards Recipients. Congratulations!

Golden Acorn Award
CHRISTINE ROEHNELT

Christine quietly and steadfastly serves Northshore Council, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. She has taken on numerous small but essential roles that keep our operations moving seamlessly.
Her commitment extends to active participation in multiple committees where her insight and thoughtful approach have strengthened our work. Including serving on the Nominating Committee where she helped ensure that we had a full slate by the deadline for the first time in many years.
She brings a valuable perspective to the board, guiding discussions toward affordability and equity. She thoughtfully considers every issue before speaking and always offers insightful contributions that help shape Council’s decisions.
Beyond Council, she has been involved in every level of PTA in her children’s schools and is heavily involved in their activities. She has quiet leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to equity which make her an indispensable part of our council.

Outstanding Educator
MAUREEN DIEHL - MS. MO
Innovation Lab High School

Let’s start with a quote from one of Ms. Mo's students: “The excitement and energy this teacher shows daily is one of the key reasons I make it to school every day. She has helped me to grow as a person in so many ways, pushing me when she knows I can do better and helping me when I am struggling. She is truly my favorite teacher that I have ever had.”
She is approachable for all. She encourages student’s ownership of their learning, supports students through their struggles, and brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.
This educator has led multiple cross-disciplinary learning expeditions on a diverse range of topics. Most recently, her 10th grade English students took a deep dive into l education budget shortfalls in our state. After learning about the complexities of the budget, teams of students created plans to potentially fix the shortfalls and then traveled to Olympia to present their plans to legislators.
She is also the teacher liaison of the student-led Marketing Team and has worked the past two + years to push out messaging about Innovation Lab High School so that students and families can learn more about this choice high school in our district.

Outstanding Advocate
HOLLY MUENCHOW

Holly is a dedicated and influential advocate whose leadership has profoundly shaped PTA advocacy in our district. As Vice President of Advocacy for the Northshore Council PTSA and a key voice in organizations like Northshore Special Education Community PTSA and the HiCap Parents Council she has transformed complex legislative issues into actionable strategies.
She is a tireless mentor, equipping new PTA leaders with the confidence and knowledge. She has mobilized parents, guided them through legislative testimony, and worked directly with policymakers to advocate for public education funding and special education services.
Her commitment to inclusion has ensured that families—whether in mental health, LGBTQIA+ rights, neurodivergence, or special education—now have a seat at the table. Her work has strengthened relationships, trust, and resilience within our community, embodying what PTA advocacy should be.

Outstanding Student Advocate
ETHAN NGUYEN

This student is, quite simply, at the heart of every meaningful initiative in Northshore. As a senior on the Superintendent’s Advisory Board, an active member of the Middle School Task Force, a familiar face at advocacy trips to Olympia, and a steadfast presence at school and district events, He consistently shows up, participates fully, and brings an unmatched energy and professionalism to every space he enters.
What truly sets him apart is not just his impressive resume of leadership roles—it’s the way he carries himself. He exemplifies the qualities of a young professional: respectful, articulate, engaged, and always prepared. His signature style—often seen in a suit—reflects his commitment to excellence, but his impact extends far beyond appearances. In spaces where even seasoned adults struggle to navigate difficult conversations, he offers insightful, action-driven feedback with a maturity beyond his years. His advocacy is deeply rooted in storytelling, supported by facts, and delivered with a sincerity that moves both hearts and minds.
This student’s dedication knows no bounds. He attends late-night meetings after long days of studying, always ready to contribute. He takes initiative, follows through, and builds relationships.
If you meet Ethan Nguyen, you are immediately struck by his wisdom, passion, and drive. It is rare to find someone so young who not only knows how to lead but understands the importance of listening, connecting, and sustaining momentum. As he prepares to take his next steps in college, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a profound difference. His contributions to Northshore will leave a lasting legacy. Ethan is not just an advocate for students—he is a force for the future.

ROBIN MCKENZIE

Robin has been Council's Emergency Preparedness (E-Prep) Chair since 2017 and his dedication to safety and security is unmatched. He lives and breathes emergency preparedness, tirelessly working to ensure our schools are ready in the event of an emergency.
He has been instrumental in connecting PTSA emergency preparedness chairs across the district, fostering collaboration and shared learning. The monthly PTA E-Prep chair meeting, which he re-established, brings together PTA leaders and district safety officials to ensure a direct line of communication between those working to keep schools safe.
His unwavering advocacy has directly contributed to making ALL district schools safer places. The systems and relationships he has built took years to establish, and they will serve the community for years to come. As he leaves behind the E-Prep committee, we would like to thank Robin McKenzie for the innumerable hours he has dedicated in service to our community. Thank you, Robin, for making us all just a bit safer.

Golden Acorn Award
MELISSA BENNET

Every staff member of the schools that Melissa's child attended has been spoiled in Staff Appreciation events. And at each of those schools, the bar has been raised for future Staff Appreciation chairs to follow.
If you have attended a Council event in the last two years and thought, “Wow! This place looks great!” or “These decorations are amazing and so much fun!”, then you have this volunteer to thank. She puts in an incredible amount of effort to make our events fun and engaging for our local leaders.
This person has been the driving force behind the success of our events. With passion and determination, she has found inspiring speakers, organized engaging activities, and created spaces that bring people together. Her work has strengthened our connection with the community by coordinating with local venues, caterers, and student volunteers.
Even with her child graduating last year, she remained a dedicated Council member, continuing to bring fresh perspectives and unwavering support to PTA leaders across the district.

Outstanding Educator
ELLIOT GRAY
Canyon Creek Elementary

Mr. Gray can be best described as talented, funny, and incredibly capable. His magnetic presence draws students in, making learning both engaging and enjoyable. When asked to share a favorite memory from his class, one of his fifth-grade students immediately mentioned his legendary “terrible” dad jokes, which fill the classroom with laughter and create an atmosphere where students feel encouraged to participate. His ability to personally connect with students fosters a welcoming environment that makes every child feel recognized and valued.
Beyond his humor, he instills musical concepts through interactive, hands-on activities, such as the beloved “squid passing” game. Students pass his stuffed squid while keeping the beat, with each round becoming progressively more challenging. His innovative teaching methods incorporate multiple modalities, ensuring that every learner engages with the curriculum in a meaningful way.
His musical talents inspire students and leave them in awe. A multi-instrumentalist, he founded the after-school Marimba club at Canyon Creek Elementary, giving students even more opportunities to explore music. He seamlessly blends education with entertainment, sparking curiosity and confidence in his students.
Mr. Elliot Gray’s creativity, passion, and dedication make him a true role model for both students and educators.

Outstanding Advocate
BRENAE BRIX

Brenae serves quietly to make a profound impact on the lives of children. Always informed and engaged in educational issues, she met with legislators in the 45th district several times and made sure they were up to date with PTA priorities.
Her commitment extends beyond policy discussions, as she actively participates in the Northwest Gifted Alliance to help families, particularly those with twice-exceptional (2E) children, find the resources they need. As secretary for the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education, she collaborates with stakeholders and legislators across the state to push for key initiatives, including universal screening for highly capable students.
She serves with humility, never seeking recognition, yet her contributions speak volumes. She has supported the council in multiple roles—Vice President of Secondary Support and Treasurer—and next year, she will shine even brighter as she steps into the role of co-Vice President of Advocacy. Her unwavering dedication ensures a better future for all children.

Honorary Lifetime Membership
JANE CHIODO

Jane has served at all levels of PTA including each school that her kids have attended, on council and on state PTA. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, politely, and works to come up with solutions to problems. However, she can also lead a meeting with neutrality when needed. She is always willing to help anyone with whatever is needed. She is patient and well spoken.
She willingly shares a wealth of experience and information with the Northshore Council PTSA board of directors and is always looking for ways that Council can best serve our local PTAs. She has been an amazing VP of Communications for council this year, stepping into a role with big shoes to fill. She also steps up whenever extra (wo)manpower is needed. As a former Council President and serving as Chair of WA State PTA's Governance Committee, she is Council's go-to person for questions regarding bylaws and Robert's Rules and just about everything else. As the incoming Secretary on WA State PTA's Board of Directors next year, this person will no longer be serving on Northshore Council PTSA's Board of Directors and we will sorely miss her.

A special thank you to this year's Awards Committee members: Diana Christiansen, Tracy Jokisch and Jane Chiodo.

Learn more about PTA Recognition Awards and how your PTA can recognize those who go above and beyond in your school community.

2024 Presidents & Principals Recap

10/29/2024

The theme for this year's Presidents and Principals Luncheon was "Communication Reboot!" The event took place on October 24, 2024, 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.

Attendees at the event heard from three panels discussing how schools and PTAs could work together to strengthen their communications, build community and highlight advocacy efforts.

Communication - Tiffany Rodriguez, Principal of Innovation Lab HS, Allison Mitchell, President of Bear Creek Campus PTSA, and Jane Chiodo, Council VP of Communications, shared some insight into what makes school and PTA communication successful, how we can partner to amplify our messages and how we can reach as many families as possible. Rachel Fitzgerald, our Council VP of Secondary Support led the discussion.

Community - Marco Garcia, NSD Community Partnership and Volunteer Coordinator, talked about the Art Docent program. Gus Reiber, a teacher at Bothell High School, explained his PTSA's "Fix One Thing" campaign to increase community engagement and pride in their campus. Finally, Dr. Srinivas Khedam, Assistant Director of the NSD Family Engagement and Resource Center, spoke about strategies for reaching out to the many families within our community. The panel discussion was moderated by Carri Campbell, NSD Executive Director of Communications.

Advocacy - You can find many useful resources provided by our panelists below!!
Taanvi Arekapudi, a student advocate, spoke about her passion for helping fellow students through mental health challenges and founding the Nexus: Mental Health Hub for Students. Becky Cotter, a parent advocate, spoke about her advocacy journey regarding the importance of gun safety and gave ideas on how PTAs and schools can partner to advocate within their communities. Diana Christiansen, Council First Vice President, shared about the Northshore Council PTSA Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program available to PTAs to obtain assistance in funding programs or events. The panel was moderated by Council Co-VP of Advocacy, Terra Droney.

Here are links to Taanvi's Extensive Resources!

International bestselling book (first teen to teen book): Uplift Teens Today (avail. on Amazon & Website)
Emotion Cards: Unveiling the Power of Emotions, One Card at a Time Card Deck (avail. on Website)
Learn more and access nexus: www.nsd.nexusforschools.com
Connect with Taanvi and see how you can continue to spread the word and break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges:
Website: www.taanvi.us, Email: [email protected], Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taanvis.inspiration/

Here are PDF gun safety resources you can use in your communities from Becky!

Council Educational Speakers and Community Events Grant Program:
These grants are available to PTAs to obtain assistance in funding programs or events. This program is a great way for Northshore PTAs to collaborate with each other and with our Council to bring programming to the local community. The next grant cycle closes on Monday, December 09. Visit our website to learn more and submit your application!

Attendees engaged in interactive activities throughout the event and had time to share their ideas. Council members, Holly Muenchow and Allison Torgesen, facilitated the sharing portion of our event.

Council member, Rachel Fitzgerald, prepared an 80's themed "Why I PTA" slideshow that incorporated a bit of 80's Council history in the form of multiple-choice questions. Check it out here!

For lunch, we had delicious box lunches catered by the Northshore Culinary Arts students at Bothell High School, featuring a turkey wrap, a salad, and various allergy friendly options.

Many thanks to the PTA leaders, Northshore School District staff, and school board directors for attending. We hope you found the event inspiring and relevant to your work in our schools.

We also want to thank our Council Co-VPs of Events, Melissa Bennett & Ashely Russell, for all of their hard work planning and organizing this amazing event and to the many volunteers who assisted with the slideshows, brainstorming ideas and on the day of the event.

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.

CLICK TO COMPLETE SURVEY

Please complete the survey by Friday, November 8th.

You're Invited! Northshore Council PTSA: Reflections Art Reception

2/14/2024

Council is Excited to Invite You to This Year’s Reflections Art Reception!

Please join us at this year’s event for an engaging presentation of art from our school community.

Reflections Art Reception
Thursday, March 14, 2024
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Quiet Session
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm*

Brightwater Center
22505 State Route 9 SE | Woodinville, WA 98072
Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking.

*Please consider arriving at the time listed for the beginning letter of your last name to assist with flow of event.
See times below:

5:30 pm [A - K]

6 pm [L - T]

7 pm [U - Z]

It is an annual tradition to bring together our community from across the district and showcase the Art that was submitted from our K - 12th grade participants. We hope that this reception can continue to broaden our impact on education, the arts and family engagement.

Council will provide coffee, tea and cookies for everyone's enjoyment. We look forward to seeing you at this special event!

View 2023-2024 Council Reflections Results

Volunteers Needed for this Event!
Please consider signing up for a volunteer shift.

We have various volunteer shifts available throughout the day starting at 10:00 am when we gain access to the building and concluding at 9:00 pm when we return the venue to its original condition.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Sign up to volunteer at the event.

Questions? Please email Council's VP of Events, Melissa Bennett.

2024 Virtual College and Career Night

1/30/2024

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
Thursday, February 8, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Session Links & More Information Here

This event will be filled with valuable information to help families plan and navigate post high school options and is
open to all NSD high school families. More than 20 virtual sessions will be offered for learning more about colleges and universities and career exploration.
Topics include:

College Application Process
Paying for College, Transfer, Tech, and 2-Year Programs
Apprenticeships and Career Colleges
Preparing for a career
...and so much more!

See full list below!

All sessions will be recorded and available on YouTube in late February with language interpretation.

Choose 3 Sessions to Attend on
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Session Links & More Information Here

Session links will be posted February 1, 2024 on NSD website and will become live on February 8, 2024.

College & University Sessions

Financial Aid Workshop for Senior Students and Parents
DigiPen Institute of Technology: Do What You Love, Love What You Do
The Highly Selective College Application Process
College Admissions Representative Panel
Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)
Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Do you want to be an NCAA/college athlete?
Finding the Right Fit
All About Pacific Northwest College of Art
Presenting Yourself on the UC Application
Putting Yourself on Paper: Writing the College Essay
Canadian Colleges: Application Process & Opportunities in Canada
Paying for College Without Going Broke
How the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Makes Going Out of State Affordable
College Application Process for Public Universities in the State of Washington

Visit link.nsd.org/vccn2024 for more information.

Career Exploration Sessions

Preparing for Employment: Resume/Cover Letter/Interview Skills
Crafting Futures: Nurturing Talents through Apprenticeship
Military Options in College Education/ROTC
Boeing: Shape Aerospace Innovation
Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center (AMSC)/Washington AerospaceTraining and Research (WATR) Programs
Transfer, Tech, and Two-year Programs
Careers in Commercial Real Estate

Visit link.nsd.org/vccn2024 for more information.

Pre-Recorded Sessions - Watch Now

Join Council's Reflections Reception Committee

1/5/2024

Seeking Planning Committee Members
Join our Reflections Reception Committee!
Be part of the excitement - our first Reflections Reception in person since 2019!
We'll need lots of hands in organizing this very special event to honor our Northshore School District Artists.

The first committee meeting will be on:
Thursday, January 18th
7:00pm - 8:00pm via Zoom*.

*Please email Council VP of Events,
Melissa Bennett at [email protected] for Zoom meeting link.

SAVE THE DATE:
2024 Reflections Reception
Thursday, March 14, 2024
More Details to Follow

Questions?
Contact Council's Reflections Co-Chairs at [email protected].

Reflections Update: Save Entries, Join the Reception Planning Committee, and Theme Winners Announced

12/5/2023

Important Notice: Save Your Entries
Thank you for submitting all the entries! We loved witnessing the beautiful interpretations of the theme from the students. Please take note that we will be hosting an in-person celebration on March 14, 2024, and we kindly request participants save all their entries. This is especially crucial for visual art and photography submissions. More details about the mounting of the artwork and printing requirements will be shared soon to ensure we can display all the wonderful creations. Stay tuned for further information!

* Save the Date: Reflections Reception *
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - In-Person Celebration!

Join our Reflections Reception Planning Committee (Meetings will start in January 2024)
Be part of the excitement - our first Reflections Reception in person since 2019!
We'll need lots of hands in organizing this very special event to honor our Northshore School District Artists.

Email Council's VP of Events, Melissa Quinonez Bennett, at [email protected] to be included in the Zoom meeting email.

Message from WSPTA Reflections
WSPTA Reflections Theme Search Winners
This year WSPTA had over 45 Reflections theme search entries. The judges selected the following students' theme ideas to advance to the National level for a chance at being the winner of the 2025-26 Reflections theme.

Miracles Happen - Neelesh Dutt, 7th grader at Timberline Middle PTSA 2.8.82
A World Awaits - Serena Gao, 11th grader at Redmond HS PTSA 2.8.100
My Strengths - Nylah Batshoun, 7th grader at Timberline Middle PTSA 2.8.82
I come from… - Anya Pimkina, 9th grader at Issaquah High PTSA 2.6.45
The Path I Build for Myself - Marharyta Zvarydchuk, 7th grader at Redmond MS PTSA 2.8.80

We will find out in Spring 2024 who was chosen to be the National winner. Thank you to our local PTAs who helped promote the contest.

Resources:
Northshore Council PTSA Reflections Co-Chairs: Jasmine Lee Fry and Foram Shah

Facebook Groups
- Northshore Council PTSA Reflections and Art Docent Chairs
- WSPTA Reflections - Leaders & Friends
Webpages

Subscribe to Council's "Almost Weekly" PTA Reflections Communications with everything you need to know:

Subscribe to our Reflections Newsletter and Read Past Issues HERE

<<Previous

2025 Spring Recognition Event Recap & Award Winners!

2024 Presidents & Principals Recap

You're Invited! Northshore Council PTSA: Reflections Art Reception

2024 Virtual College and Career Night

2024 Virtual College and Career Night
Thursday, February 8, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Session Links & More Information Here

Choose 3 Sessions to Attend on
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Session Links & More Information Here

Join Council's Reflections Reception Committee

Reflections Update: Save Entries, Join the Reception Planning Committee, and Theme Winners Announced

Archives

Categories

2025 Spring Recognition Event Recap & Award Winners!

2024 Presidents & Principals Recap

You're Invited! Northshore Council PTSA: Reflections Art Reception

2024 Virtual College and Career Night

2024 Virtual College and Career NightThursday, February 8, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm Session Links & More Information Here

​Choose 3 Sessions to Attend onThursday, February 8, 2024​ Session Links & More Information Here

Join Council's Reflections Reception Committee

Reflections Update: Save Entries, Join the Reception Planning Committee, and Theme Winners Announced

Archives

Categories

2024 Virtual College and Career Night
Thursday, February 8, 2024 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Session Links & More Information Here

Choose 3 Sessions to Attend on
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Session Links & More Information Here