VIS – Voter Outreach Projects!

As you know, VIS is working on several voter outreach projects in order to get the word out to our community to please VOTE YES for the April 26, 2016 Bond.

As part of this, we schedule (2) Honk & Wave Dates (Thursday April 7 and Monday April 25, 6:30-8:30am and 5-7pm)

We ask for Volunteers to Wave Signs and Wave at people on their way to work/school, etc. to remind them to vote.

This year we are utilizing a SIGN UP GENIUS to help with scheduling, which has all of the locations specified.

Also, on the same SIGN UP GENIUS link, we are scheduling community volunteers to help with our LIT DROP project. Basically, if you feel like getting your exercise in for the day/week, you take a bundle of our VIS Lit Drop Postcards (6×11 postcards that give information why to please vote yes!) and put them on doorsteps as you walk. You don’t need to talk to the homeowners, just leave the information for them to find and read on their doorsteps. This is a way for us to reach people in the community that maybe do not have kids in school, or don’t use social media.

Would you please share this link with your school community, friends, and students needing community service hours to help us with this effort? It really is A LOT of fun!

Here is the link for the Sign Up Genius for Honk & Waves and the Lit Drop:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084eabae2aa0f94-2016/

IEA Teacher Postcard Stamping Party:

Korista Smith-Barney, our PTSA Council Secretary, is working with Doug Jones (IEA President) to help put stamps on the 13,000 Postcards that our Issaquah teachers (from every school) have hand written messages in support of the bond to each of their students in their classrooms. Rather than do this alone, she is asking for us to help putting stamps on the postcards on Monday, March 14th, at the Issaquah Library. She has scheduled the Library Meeting room from 11am-5pm, so you can drop in ANYTIME during the day to help.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040945aead2eab9-postcard

Thank you all again so much for your support and help getting the word out!  We are 48 days away fromApril 26th!

 

February 29, 2016

Here are your weekly message points and JPG images. Thank you again so much helping get this information out to your school communities! Your efforts are a vital part of this campaign. Thank you!

 

Here are your weekly Bond fact/Message points and a JPG Image (or two) which you can post on your website, send out in your Enews, and/or put in your Newsletter. These jpg images can be used for posting on Facebook pages, websites, etc. 

 

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
All PTAs in Issaquah have endorsed the bond, which means you can advocate to “VOTE YES”. BUT, if you send that “VOTE YES” wording out – you need to use your own PTA database and your PTA needs to send out the info (can’t say VOTE YES through the School Enews or through the School Office database). Everyone can send out Facts about the Bond through the School’s news (so you can share the facts below) – just can’t say VOTE YES if you send it through the school!

 

HANDY LINKS TO INFORMATION:
ISD link to 2016 bond information page: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/2016-school-bond-feasibility
ISD link to the Capital Projects website: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/departments/CapProjects
Link to VIS Webpage to endorse: http://www.visvote.org/
 

 

Today’s email of Bond Facts (see below) – you will find:
2 New Messaging Points & 2 JPG Images:
 
“Responsible Financing & Fiscal Responsibility
“Responsible Financing & Cost Comparison”

Issaquah School Bond – Responsible Financing: The Issaquah School District is one of only a handful of districts in the nation with a Moody’s Aaa rating and an S&P AA+ rating. Only 0.45% of school districts nationwide have this distinction! This allows the district to borrow funds at a lower interest rate and therefore save taxpayers money.

Issaquah School Bond – Cost Comparison:  The Issaquah School District builds top notch facilities at a cost per square foot that is on average lower than that of its neighboring districts.

Print ResponsibleFinancing3

VIS & IEA Teacher Postcards!

March 14th is IEA Teacher postcard stamping day! Our teachers have written personal messages to parents on 13,000 postcards, and VIS needs your help getting them ready to mail out to promote the passage of the April 26, 2016 bond. Whether you can stop in for 30 minutes or stay all day, your help is needed and appreciated!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040945aead2eab9-postcard

 

February 22, 2016

Last Monday 2/16 VIS sent you 2 messaging points, 2 JPG images, and 3 PDF files of bond facts translated into 3 languages – Mandarin, Korean and Spanish. It was the 1st day of Mid-Winter break, but we wanted to make sure that you still had your weekly facts! Please check your emails from last week to make sure you received that email. Even if you didn’t send them out last week, you can bank them for the future! 🙂

Every Monday VIS sends an email with a new Bond Facts and a JPG Image (or two) which you can post on your website, send out in your Enews, and/or put in your Newsletter. These jpg images can be used for posting on Facebook pages, websites, etc. 

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
All PTAs in Issaquah have endorsed the bond, which means you can advocate to “VOTE YES”. BUT, if you send that “VOTE YES” wording out – you need to use your own PTA database and your PTA needs to send out the info (can’t say VOTE YES through the School Enews or through the School Office database). Everyone can send out Facts about the Bond through the School’s news (so you can share the facts below) – just can’t say VOTE YES if you send it through the school!

HANDY LINKS TO INFORMATION:
ISD link to 2016 bond information page: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/2016-school-bond-feasibility
ISD link to the Capital Projects website: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/departments/CapProjects
Link to VIS Webpage to endorse: http://www.visvote.org/

 
Today’s email of Bond Facts (see below) – you will find:

2 New Messaging Points & 2 JPG Images:
“Issaquah School Bond – A Few Facts
“Issaquah School Bond – Enrollment & School Buildings”

Issaquah School Bond – A Few Facts: The Issaquah School District covers 100 square miles and five municipalities. We currently have 24 schools, housing 19,700 students. Since 2001, the ISD has increased its total building space from 36.2 square, but its energy consumption has decreased by 2%!

 

Issaquah School Bond – Enrollment & School Buildings:  Our District has grown by nearly 5,000 students in the last ten years and is projected to grow an additional 1,500 to 2,000 students in the next five years. The attached chart shows how the ratio of students to school buildings has increased. More facilities are needed to meet the demand for classroom space. 

PrintPrint

February 15, 2016

THANK YOU for helping VIS get the word out to our Community about the bond. Thank you for  sharing last Monday’s message points! Even though it is Mid-Winter Break (hope you will enjoy this week!) attached you will find this week’s Messaging Points, JPG images, and a few PDF documents for your to use in your Enews blasts, newsletters, PTA Facebook pages, etc. We are continuing to try and make this as easy as possible for you to copy and paste or import into your documents…please share this info with your communications team.

As promised, every Monday VIS sends an email with a new Bond Facts and a JPG Image (or two) which you can post on your website, send out in your Enews, and/or put in your Newsletter. Some people asked for these facts to post on their Facebook page, so these can be used for that too.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:

All PTAs in Issaquah have endorsed the bond, which means you can advocate to “VOTE YES”. Remember, if you send that “YES” wording out – you need to use your own PTA database and your PTA needs to send out the info (can’t say VOTE YES through the School Enews or through the School Office database).
Everyone can send out Facts about the Bond through the School’s news. Just the VOTE YES part needs to be only through your PTA (schools can’t say VOTE YES, they can only present the facts.

FYI – LINKS TO INFORMATION:

Link to VIS Webpage to endorse: http://www.visvote.org/
ISD link to 2016 bond information page: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/2016-school-bond-feasibility
ISD link to the Capital Projects website: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/departments/CapProjects

In today’s email (see below) – you will find:

2 New Messaging Points & 2 JPG Images with those same message points in the graphic:
“What is the the 2016 Bond
“How will the 2016 Bond impact taxes?”
PLUS:
3 PDF FIles – which are a Bond Fact Pages translated into 3 languages: Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin – please post on your websites 
 

What is in the 2016 Bond?

• The construction of four new schools: The District has grown by more than 2,000 students in the past four years and is conservatively projected to add an additional 1,500 to 2,000 students in the next five years. This continued enrollment growth requires the addition of two new elementary schools, a 6th middle school and a 4th comprehensive high school.

• Property for school sites: The District must acquire the property needed for the new schools in the 2016 bond.

• Rebuild Pine Lake Middle School: Originally built in 1974, PLMS will be completely reconstructed on site, providing a new learning environment with updated technology and energy efficient operations.
• Critical Expansion/Modernization of six existing elementary schools: In order to accommodate growing student populations and provide for State funded Full Day Kindergarten, Discovery, Endeavor, Sunset, Cougar Ridge, Maple Hills and Clark Elementary schools will all be expanded/modernized by four to eight classrooms each.

How will the 2016 Bond impact taxes?

In relation to current property taxes, if the $533.5M bond is approved, residents can expect to see NO increase if the tax rate if the bond is approved. The tax rate will remain at or below the current $4.14 per $1000 of assessed property value.

What_is_in_it tax_impact
2016_Bond_Info-Korean
2016_Bond_Info-Chinese
2016_Bono_escolar-Spanish

February 2016 – Agenda Notes (PTD)

REMINDERS

Donation Ask (Outreach): School supplies for Generation Joy. Flyer.

Generation Joy is a local non-profit organization (genjoy.org) that works with kids (primarily in the Issaquah School District) to collect school supplies and other needed items for under-served kids in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa.  For more information contact Linda Guard directly at ldguard@comcast.net or 425-208-6758.

2015-16 WSPTA Deadline Dates can be found HERE in one handy document!


ADVOCACY

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ART IN THE SCHOOLS

    • ISF proposal ACCEPTED!
      • District level trainings and functions (funding) to fall under ISF Fine Arts Fund as of September 2016
      • ISF looking for elementary level way to support arts education
      • Provide consistency, and administrative support
      • Grant writing and other financial aspects would no longer be necessary part of Art Liaison job
      • Deeper level partnership with PTSA council & elementary PTA’s
      • Web site presence on ISF site as well
      • Art Docent Coordinator Contractor – paid position (average 8hrs. weekly)
    • Trainings Winter/Spring
    • Clark Elementary school visit 2/3/2016
      • Coordinator: Katja Magnus
      • Lots of art to be found on the walls (photos to be found on Facebook)
      • Every class has a docent!!!
    • Sunset Elementary school visit 2/4/2016
      • Coordinator: Becky Foster
      • Looking forward to seeing how their program is going
    • Looking for host of 2016 Art Docent Conference
    • Great time to clean out art material cabinets and do inventory. 

BEST PRACTICES MOMENT

PTA Monthly Checklist –  Full Year


HEALTHY YOUTH / INFLUENCE THE CHOICE

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State of Mind Mini-Conferences:
Saturday, March 19, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Issaquah High School
Saturday, April 2, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Liberty High School
Saturday, April 23, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Skyline High School

Adult and student members of HYI are invited to attend one, two or all three State of Mind mini-conferences focused on topics related to youth mental health.  Each school mini-conference will have a different focus, including how to cope with stress, how to help friends who are struggling with depression, or how to detach from technology. Each mini-conference will also offer a core of basic classes in topics such as the impacts of drugs on the developing brain, healthy relationships, body image, and living with mental illness. Registrations for these conferences, as well as programs with a list of speakers and topics, will be available by February 15th.

Annual Issaquah Spring Clean Event
Saturday April 23, Time to be finalized

This annual event sees youth leaders and adults getting together to focus on clean-up of Rainier Trail (beside the Issaquah Community Center and the old skate park).  Over the years, ITC has seen a major difference in the amount of debris including drug paraphernalia i.e. syringes and beer bottles, cigarette butts, etc.  YODA leaders (Youth Opposing Drug Abuse – the youth coalition of the Alliance) will be taking a lead this year in organizing the day of work.  Come out – everything is provided for you including gloves, tongs to pick up garbage, and garbage bags along with (as always) lots of goodies.   Good day to get some good exercise, meet some great people and do some great work for the community!  Email Katie Moeller for more information at Katie.hirshberg.moeller@gmail.com.

Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human — Kick Off Event
Friday, April 29, 6:00 p.m., Issaquah Senior Center

The Issaquah Schools Foundation and ArtEast are partnering on a project that will bring an art exhibit focused on the themes of mental illness and mental health to Issaquah schools and community.  The exhibit itself will run from April 18 through June 30th and feature juried art located at three different art galleries in the greater Issaquah area. In addition, the exhibit will serve as a platform for panel discussions, tours, and school/community art, poetry and music activities focused on the theme of mental wellness.  Everyone is invited to attend this kick-off event, which will be followed by a reception located at the ArtEast gallery on Front Street in downtown Issaquah.  Put this on your calendars! More information to follow.     

2016 Influence the Choice Video Contest Event is underway!

Entering its’ 4th year, the Alliance’s Video contest is in its final preparation for take off!  High School student videographers from across the Issaquah School District boundaries (including public and private schools) are eligible to enter a 2-minute PSA for cash prizes that will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges and presented at an Awards Ceremony.  This year’s contest categories will be changing but the intent is the same: showcasing the importance of young people’s voices through this art medium to encourage the prevention of substance abuse and promote good mental health.  The timeline for the contest schedule is being finalized and will be shared widely.  In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact Matt Compston, ITC Video Contest Coordinator at  compston75@gmail.com


ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ISF)

VOICE Mentor Program
January is National Mentoring Month
Resolve to make a difference this New Year
Volunteer just one hour a week supporting a student!
ONE Mentor           ONE Student          ONE Hour
The VOICE Mentor Program is looking for community volunteers to work one on one with Issaquah students.  These students are referred by teachers and counselors as needing extra support whether it is academic, social or emotional. The Volunteers work in the school setting in partnership with the school staff.
Please help us recruit your neighbors, friends, relatives or colleagues to become a mentor.
For further information contact:  Susan Gierke or Teresa Bretl VOICE Mentor Directors:
E-mail:  VOICE@isfdn.org      
VOICE is funded by the Issaquah Schools Foundation
In Cooperation with the Issaquah School District
ISSAQUAH SCHOOL FOUNDATION UPDATES
Dining for Kids on the First Wednesday of Every Month!
On the first Wednesday of every month, restaurants around the Issaquah Community will partner with the Foundation to donate a portion of their proceeds to benefit our students. Join us during lunch or dinner for Dining for Kids on February 3rd at Black Duck and Flat Iron Grill.
Annual Nourish Every Mind Luncheon and Breakfast
Save the date for two of the most inspiring events of the season—the Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Nourish Every Mind Luncheon on Thursday, April 28 and Breakfast on May 4. Both events showcase students and staff who have benefitted from Foundation investments, inspirational videos, entertainment and information on the impact private donations have on our public schools. Generous donations from Golden Apple sponsors Swedish Hospital, Microsoft, Overlake and other corporate leaders enable all guest donations to be directed to programs that elevate and enrich education for every student at every school.  Included in the list of programs supported by Nourish Every Mind donations are the VOICE Mentor Program, Healthy Youth Initiative, Financial Literacy Classes, Academic Enrichment Grants, Free After-School Homework Labs, and Computer Science and Web Design Classes.  Seating at the Luncheon and Breakfast are limited. Visit www.isfdn.org or call 425-391-8557 today to learn more.
State of Mind Mini-Conferences offered by the Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Healthy Youth Initiative
Parents and students are invited to attend one, two or all three State of Mind mini-conferences focused on topics related to youth mental health.  Each school mini-conference will have a different focus, including how to cope with stress, how to help friends who are struggling with depression, or how to detach from technology. Each mini-conference will also offer a core of basic classes in topics such as the impacts of drugs on the developing brain, healthy relationships, body image, and living with mental illness. Registrations for these conferences, as well as programs with a list of speakers and topics, will be available by February 15th. Visit www.healthyyouthinitiative.org for more information.
Saturday, March 19, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Issaquah High School
Saturday, April 2, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Liberty High School
Saturday, April 23, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Skyline High School

MEMBERSHIP

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OUTREACH / F.A.C.E.

 This is a wonderful opportunity for families who speak other languages.   This is not intended for open kindergarten registration; only those families who would benefit from language support.

Help with Kindergarten Registration for Multilingual Families on March 4th. See the links below:

Kindergarten Registration Help Is Available!

Join us for individual assistance and interpretation with kindergarten registration forms onFriday, March 4, 2016 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Administration Building, 565 NW Holly St, Issaquah. (Near Issaquah Valley Elementary School)

One-on-one interpretation is available in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese. For additional interpretation, email Rosann Rankin at RankinR@issaquah.wednet.edu by February 29.

During this time childcare will be provided, nurses will be available to answer questions, families can sign up for free school supplies, and information on transportation will be available.

Prior to registration, please review the kindergarten registration checklist.
– A child 5 years of age or older by August 31
– Immunization records
– Proof of birth date: birth certificate OR passport
– Proof of home address: purchase or lease agreement AND energy utility bill
– Photo I.D. of parent or guardian completing the registration.

For more information & questions contact the Family Partnership Team
HispanicISD@outlook.com
ChineseISD@outlook.com
IndianISD@outlook.com
EuropeanISD@outlook.com
KoreanISD@outlook.com
Margarita@isfdn.orgWe found some errors on the flyers, so here are the corrected versions.

Chinese: http://issaquah.wednet.edu/docs/default-source/district/academics/diverse-culture-events/kregistration/kregistrationflier-chinese.pdf?sfvrsn=4

English: http://issaquah.wednet.edu/docs/default-source/district/academics/diverse-culture-events/kregistration/kregistrationflier-english.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Korean: http://issaquah.wednet.edu/docs/default-source/district/academics/diverse-culture-events/kregistration/kregistrationflier-korean.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Russian: http://issaquah.wednet.edu/docs/default-source/district/academics/diverse-culture-events/kregistration/kregistrationflier-russian.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Spanish: http://issaquah.wednet.edu/docs/default-source/district/academics/diverse-culture-events/kregistration/kregistrationflier-spanish.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Also, this is a link the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/983507541724170/

 


PARENT EDUCATION

Success:  Stay Organized, Manage Time and Study Skills, by Jenni Butz of Pacific Learning Academy

Tuesday, Feb 23rd, 2016
7:00-8:30pm
PCMS
(for parents of middle/high school teens)

Help your teen succeed by learning practical organizational, time management and study skills that can be personalized to the individual learning style. Put basic office supplies to use and reduce mind clutter.

 

Anxiety – Yours, Mine and Ours, by Laura Kastner PhD

Tues, Mar 8th, 2016
7:00-8:30pm
Issaquah High School, Theater
(for parents of middle/high school teens)

This lecture will discuss research on teen stress by author of Wise Minded Parenting (among other publications), Laura Kastner PhD.  Some stress is good! Challenges energize, focus and motivate us.  Stress management and resilience are key personal strengths that can determine success or failure.  Learn how to help, rather than hinder, your teens’ stress management.


REFLECTIONS

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SPECIAL NEEDS

 

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VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)

Every Monday VIS will be sending PTA Presidents and VIS Reps an email with a couple of Bond Facts and a JPG Image (or two) which you can post on your website, send out in your Enews, and/or put in your Newsletter. Some people asked for these facts to post on their Facebook page, so these can be used for that too.

Thank you all SO MUCH for your help with this campaign. Your involvement will help get the word out about how important the 2016 Bond is for our community. 

Also Attached is the Volunteers for Issaquah Schools Bus Logo with the April 26thvote by date on it 🙂

Since schools usually have a link to our PTA webpages we need to put this logo 1 click off the main page – on your VIS or Advocacy Page.

Please remind your school community to vote early – Spring Break is right in the middle of the ballot return time, so a friendly reminder to possibly “Vote Early!” or “Vote before the break” may be helpful in getting ballots in! 

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:

For those of you who have already Endorsed the Bond (THANK YOU SO MUCH!) You can advocate for the bond – you can say “PLEASE VOTE YES” or “VOTE YES”. But remember, if you send that “YES” wording out – you need to use your own PTA database and your PTA needs to send out the info (can’t say VOTE YES through the School Enews or through the School Office database).

Everyone can send out Facts about the Bond through the School’s news. Just the VOTE YES part needs to be only through your PTA (schools can’t say VOTE YES, they can only present the facts…) Hope that is not too confusing. Just want to make sure that we follow these rules – it is very important…

LINKS TO INFORMATION:

Here ARE this week’s facts to share, post, etc. (and thank you again for your help!) (there are 2 facts, paired with a graphic image below for each fact)

What is a School Bond?

The State of Washington does not fund the regular building or maintenance of public schools. Instead, local voters must approve school bonds for this purpose. Similar to a mortgage, bonds may be paid for over 20 years, helping to keep annual costs lower for taxpayers. Issaquah School Districts current bonds are, on average, paid off in nine years. The shorter duration saves taxpayers’ money. For more information, visit our 2016 school bond information page on the ISD website. For information on current and past school construction, visit the Capital Projects website!

 

Here are JPG Images of the VIS Logo to use as needed – Color April 26, B&W April 26 and Standard VIS without date:

 Issaquah School Bond – Growth and Building

Our District has grown by nearly 5,000 students in the last ten years and is projected to grow an additional 1,500 to 2,000 students in the next five years. This chart shows how the ratio of students to school buildings has increased. More facilities are needed to meet the demand for classroom space. For more information, visit our 2016 school bond information page on the ISD website. For information on current and past school construction, visit the Capital Projects website!

 Visuals:
Contacts:
If at any time you have questions, please contact Dawn or Alicia or check the website:
Dawn Peschek dawn@visvote.org  or Alicia Veevaert  alicia@visvote.org
Website: http://www.visvote.org/

WEBSITE & DIRECTORY

Directories – Directories were distributed. If you (president) did not receive one, see Cindy.

Surveys – It’s important to survey your membership periodically. It’s also a component of awards and Best Practices.  When you are ready to do your survey, let Cindy know.



TRAININGS

Region 2 Mid-Year Conference. February 23, 2016, 5:30-8:30PM, Interlake High School in Bellevue.

 

February 08, 2016

Thank you all SO MUCH for your help with this campaign. Your involvement will help get the word out about how important the 2016 Bond is for our community. Your help is so important and I thank you all so much!

We have gotten requests to send you some information that you can share in your Enews, Newsletters, website, etc. We are trying to make this as easy as possible for you to copy and paste or put into your documents…please share this info with your communications team.
 (Please let me know if you have any other ideas for what I can send you to make this easy for you and your PTA to help us.)

Every Monday VIS will be sending you an email with a couple of Bond Facts and a JPG Image (or two) which you can post on your website, send out in your Enews, and/or put in your Newsletter. Some people asked for these facts to post on their Facebook page, so these can be used for that too.

Also Attached is the Volunteers for Issaquah Schools Bus Logo with the April 26th vote by date on it 🙂

Since schools usually have a link to our PTA webpages we need to put this logo 1 click off the main page – on your VIS or Advocacy Page.
 

Please remind your school community to vote early – Spring Break is right in the middle of the ballot return time, so a friendly reminder to possibly “Vote Early!” or “Vote before the break” may be helpful in getting ballots in! 

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:
For those of you who have already Endorsed the Bond (THANK YOU SO MUCH!) You can advocate for the bond – you can say “PLEASE VOTE YES” or “VOTE YES”. But remember, if you send that “YES” wording out – you need to use your own PTA database and your PTA needs to send out the info (can’t say VOTE YES through the School Enews or through the School Office database).
Everyone can send out Facts about the Bond through the School’s news. Just the VOTE YES part needs to be only through your PTA (schools can’t say VOTE YES, they can only present the facts…) Hope that is not too confusing. Just want to make sure that we follow these rules – it is very important…
 

LINKS TO INFORMATION:
Link to VIS Webpage to endorse: http://www.visvote.org/
ISD link to 2016 bond information page: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/2016-school-bond-feasibility
ISD link to the Capital Projects website: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/departments/CapProjects

Here ARE this week’s facts to share, post, etc. (and thank you again for your help!) (there are 2 facts, paired with a graphic image below for each fact)

What is a School Bond?

The State of Washington does not fund the regular building or maintenance of public schools. Instead, local voters must approve school bonds for this purpose. Similar to a mortgage, bonds may be paid for over 20 years, helping to keep annual costs lower for taxpayers. Issaquah School District’s current bonds are, on average, paid off in nine years. The shorter duration saves taxpayers’ money. For more information, visit our 2016 school bond information page on the ISD website. For information on current and past school construction, visit the Capital Projects website!

 

Issaquah School Bond – Growth and Building

Our District has grown by nearly 5,000 students in the last ten years and is projected to grow an additional 1,500 to 2,000 students in the next five years. This chart shows how the ratio of students to school buildings has increased. More facilities are needed to meet the demand for classroom space. For more information, visit our 2016 school bond information page on the ISD website. For information on current and past school construction, visit the Capital Projects website!

VIS-What-is-a-bondPrint
 VIS-April-26-LOGO

January 2016 – Agenda Notes (PTD)

REMINDERS

Donation Ask (Outreach): Small (24 oz or less) bottles of cooking oil, and either canned evaporated milk or canned condensed milk to benefit the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.

FOCUS DAY Registration

AIM Insurance Certificates: If you have not turned these in to Laila, do so immediately!

2015-16 WSPTA Deadline Dates can be found HERE in one handy document!


ADVOCACY


WASHINGTON STATE PTA FOCUS DAY IN OLYMPIA IS ALMOST HERE– WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD

Please join Washington State PTA members from across the state on Wednesday, February 3rd in Olympia for our biggest advocacy event of the year – Focus Day 2016.

Your presence will help us put education front and center with our lawmakers during the upcoming legislative session. Children are welcome to attend.

The event is free, but please register to attend Focus Day 2016 here.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Did you know, despite the fact that the WA State Constitution says our State Budget must fully fund education, only 62.3% of our Issaquah School District funding for general operating costs comes from WA State? A full 34.6% is generated through local fees and the Maintenance and Operation (M & O) Levy.

There’s been progress; in the last 2 years, the legislature added funding of all-day Kindergarten and half of the needed funding for K-3 class size reductions, but those funds didn’t include funds for building the new classrooms to put those smaller classes in. So where will we put them without more funding and changes to the State’s funding structure and allocation for capital improvements and additions?

We have momentum, and we need to say thank you to our legislators for making this happen. But we’re not done, and we need to keep the momentum going. Help us tell our legislators to fully fund education NOW!

ART IN THE SCHOOLS

  • ISF Katrina Brow Biggest need grant – submitting for 2016/2017 (last ask)
  • ISF proposal
    • Invitation by Robin Callahan
    • District level trainings and functions (funding) to fall under ISF Fine Arts Fund
    • ISF looking for elementary level way to support arts education
      • Currently support high school and middle schools only (district wide)
    • Provide consistency and administrative support
    • Grant writing and other financial aspects would no longer be necessary part of Art Liaison job
    • Deeper level partnership with PTSA council
  • Trainings Winter/Spring
  • Current ISF Grant
    • Big kudos to Laila for working through the current grant mishap!
    • For the remainder of the year we will pay out to Art East and then get reimbursed by ISF
    • Carolyn, new programs manager at ISF is contact

BEST PRACTICES MOMENT

PTA Monthly Checklist –  Full Year

 


HEALTHY YOUTH / INFLUENCE THE CHOICE

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 

Healthy Youth Initiative and Influence the Choice- Drug Prevention Alliance for Youth

(Initiatives of the Issaquah Schools Foundation)

Paper Tigers Movie and ACEs training
Monday, January 25, 7:30 to 11:00 a.m., Liberty High School

Adult HYI members and friends have been invited to join Issaquah School District staff for a showing of “Paper Tigers,” a movie highlighting the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences.  The movie was filmed at Lincoln Alternative High School in Walla Walla, Washington and is being shown nationwide to teachers and educators.  Following the movie, HYI members will gather for a short guided discussion.  To attend this movie, please email your rsvp to Barb de Michele (barb@isfdn) no later than Thursday, January 21.  Attendance is limited to 12, so get your rsvp back to her as soon as possible!

HYI Forum:  ACEs presentation and discussion
Monday, February 1, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Grand Ridge Elementary School

Adult and student HYI members and friends are invited to a presentation by Pam Ridenour, Issaquah School District Director of Counseling, on the topic of Adverse Childhood Experiences research and the impacts of ACEs on physical and mental health.  The presentation will include small-group discussions about the material.  This is the second Healthy Youth Initiative Forum of the year, with the purpose of providing education and information about major new developments in the field of youth behaviorial health.  A registration link will be sent to members soon.

State of Mind Mini-Conferences:
Saturday, March 19, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Issaquah High School
Saturday, April 2, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Liberty High School
Saturday, April 23, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Skyline High School

Adult and student members of HYI are invited to attend one, two or all three State of Mind mini-conferences focused on topics related to youth mental health.  Each school mini-conference will have a different focus, including how to cope with stress, how to help friends who are struggling with depression, or how to detach from technology. Each mini-conference will also offer a core of basic classes in topics such as the impacts of drugs on the developing brain, healthy relationships, body image, and living with mental illness. Registrations for these conferences, as well as programs with a list of speakers and topics, will be available by February 15th.

Annual Issaquah Spring Clean Event
Saturday April 23, Time to be finalized

This annual event sees youth leaders and adults getting together to focus on clean-up of Rainier Trail (beside the Issaquah Community Center and the old skate park).  Over the years, ITC has seen a major difference in the amount of debris including drug paraphernalia i.e. syringes and beer bottles, cigarette butts, etc.  YODA leaders (Youth Opposing Drug Abuse – the youth coalition of the Alliance) will be taking a lead this year in organizing the day of work.  Come out – everything is provided for you including gloves, tongs to pick up garbage, and garbage bags along with (as always) lots of goodies.   Good day to get some good exercise, meet some great people and do some great work for the community!  Email Katie Moeller for more information at Katie.hirshberg.moeller@gmail.com.

Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human — Kick Off Event
Friday, April 29, 6:00 p.m., Issaquah Senior Center

The Issaquah Schools Foundation and ArtEast are partnering on a project that will bring an art exhibit focused on the themes of mental illness and mental health to Issaquah schools and community.  The exhibit itself will run from April 18 through June 30th and feature juried art located at three different art galleries in the greater Issaquah area. In addition, the exhibit will serve as a platform for panel discussions, tours, and school/community art, poetry and music activities focused on the theme of mental wellness.  Everyone is invited to attend this kick-off event, which will be followed by a reception located at the ArtEast gallery on Front Street in downtown Issaquah.  Put this on your calendars! More information to follow.     

2016 Influence the Choice Video Contest Event is underway!

Entering its’ 4th year, the Alliance’s Video contest is in its final preparation for take off!  High School student videographers from across the Issaquah School District boundaries (including public and private schools) are eligible to enter a 2-minute PSA for cash prizes that will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges and presented at an Awards Ceremony.  This year’s contest categories will be changing but the intent is the same: showcasing the importance of young people’s voices through this art medium to encourage the prevention of substance abuse and promote good mental health.  The timeline for the contest schedule is being finalized and will be shared widely.  In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact Matt Compston, ITC Video Contest Coordinator at  compston75@gmail.com


ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ISF)

Cultural Bridges  magazine published every two months.


 

MEMBERSHIP

Regarding issues with Dual/Family Memberships, please read this: http://bit.ly/1IBbeo5

Do the students at your school need a service project?  Generation Joy needs your school!
Generation Joy is a local non-profit organization (genjoy.org) that works with kids (primarily in the Issaquah School District) to collect school supplies and other needed items for under-served kids in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa.  See FLYER for more information or contact Linda Guard directly at ldguard@comcast.net or 425-208-6758.


OUTREACH / F.A.C.E.

How You Can Help

This month’s Outreach Ask for Council meeting: Benefiting the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank: small (24 oz or less) bottles of cooking oil, and either canned evaporated milk or canned condensed milk.

  1. Lunch For The Break was overwhelmingly successful at Dec break thanks to our generous community !  313 children were provided food for breakfasts, lunches and snacks.  Plans are already in place for February break, continuing to provide food to children who rely on the free & reduced lunch program in the Issaquah School District. For this Feb break, there are now eight schools, with the addition of Grand Ridge, being sponsored: Apollo, Briarwood, Clark, Grand Ridge, Issaquah Valley, Maple Hills, and  Sunset Elementary Schools and Issaquah Middle School. The shopping list for donated foods has been changed slightly from Dec, so please download the new list from the website.  Donation Drop-Off will be Feb 10, 2pm-7pm at 3 locations.   Details at www.LunchForTheBreak.com 
  1. Issaquah Community Services is hoping to reach their fundraising goal of $100,000; to date, they have received $77,422.  ICS is a local non-profit which aids Issaquah community residents with emergency expenses like rent, utilities, transportation, some medical costs, as well as many other types of assistance. Learn more at  http://www.issaquahcommunityservices.org/
  1. YWCA Family Village Issaquah is looking for adult or high school volunteers to help with tutoring and programs at their after-school program which started Sept 1.  Hours would be 2:30-5pm (perhaps 6pm).  For more information and signing up, please contact Sondi Lind,425.270.6800
  1. YWCA Family Village Issaquah is looking for donations of non-perishable snacks for their after-school program.    Items can include granola bars, packaged fruits or any other healthy packaged snacks.  Items can be brought to PTSA Council meetings, or directly to YWCA Village at 930 NE High St., Suite 101, Issaquah, 98029.

Current Programs

  1. ENGLISH FOR WORK – AN ESL PROGRAM through Hopelink.  Learn English. Prepare for Work. Free classes starting each quarter  http://adulteducation.hope-link.org/what-we-do/esl/
  2. Lunch for the Break Feb 2016 is here! We will provide each school age child in a family with a box of food during Mid Winter Break.  Now serving eight schools that include Apollo, Briarwood, Clark, Grand Ridge, Maple Hills and Sunset elementary schools, and Issaquah Middle School.  All school age children in the family are eligible, but you must have at least one child in a school on the list.  Box pick ups are on Feb. 11 from 2-7pm and you may choose one of three pick up locations.  www.LunchForTheBreak.com
  3. OSLC Safe Parking can provide a safe place for Eastside families and single women who are homeless with no place to stay except their cars. No single men, please. Safe Parking times are 9 PM—9 AM. No campers or trailers. This is intended to be a transitional program for families to become stabilized and get into more permanent housing. Intake procedures are required and include criminal records check. Our Savior Lutheran Church 745 Front Street South, Issaquah, WA 98027. FLYER.
  4. Habitat for Humanity recruiting homebuyer applicants for Sammamish development    If you’d like an affordable home, please attend a “homeowner information meeting” on Saturday, Jan. 30, 10:45 a.m., at the Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave. S.E.  To register for the meeting, contact Donna Adair at dadair@habitatskc.org or 206-855-5214. For more information about affordable housing and Habitat for Humanity options in western Washington, go to www.habitatskc.org.
  5. Child Care resources:  http://childcare.org/family-services/
  6. Homeless Youth Services:  Friends of Youth
    1. Ages 15-22 in need of housing, referrals, food, case management, or shelter can go to 16225 NE 87th St, Ste A-1  Redmond, WA  98052.  Drop-In Center   call for hours at 425.298.4846
    2. Short Term Shelter, guys & girls ages 11-17 – call 24-hours 206.236.437
    3. Overnight Shelter with food, showers, laundry, ages 18-24, open 7 days/week Line up: 8:30-8:45pm    16225 NE 87th St., Ste, A-1 Redmond.  Bus Routes Metro 542 and 545
    4. For the nearest SAFE PLACE location, text the word SAFE and your current location to 69866
  7. Study Zone at our libraries !  Issaquah, Newcastle, Renton Highlands, and Sammamish libraries offer drop-in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors during the week !  Check out the KCLS website for days/times at your library, and all other locations. http://bit.ly/1N3L1d1
  8. Life After High School Programs offered through KCLS   SAT/ACT Math Preparation Tips, The World as Your Classroom, Secrets of College Admissions, Gap Year Study Abroad, College Success for Students with Disabilities, Get a job! The Intelligent Job Search, Your College Planning Checklist    http://www.kcls.org/teens/lifeafterhighschool/
  9. Find out if you qualify for a computers and/or free internet access: http://washingtonaccessfund.org/free-and-low-cost-computers/
  10. Issaquah School District students with financial hardship may be eligible for a free computer.  Please contact your school office to learn how to apply.

PARENT EDUCATION

 

Child Safety Workshop, by Kim Estes of Savvy Parent Safe Kids

Thurs, Jan 14th, 2016
7:00-8:30pm
Grand Ridge Elementary, Library
(for parents of grades K-5)

This workshop is about child safety topics: sleepovers & playdates, teaching body safety, smartphone safety, what apps should kids avoid, online safety, Super 10 rules, red flags and warning signs.  We all want to keep our kids safe… FLYER

 

Safe Dating – Talking to Your Teen, by Robin Wright of Wright Conversations

Tues., Jan 19th, 2016
7:00-8:30pm
Skyline HS, Library
(for parents of grades 6-12)

Safe Dating – Talking to Your Teen helps parents learn more about teen dating abuse and gives parents the tools they need to discuss it with their teens.  Talking to your teen early is the most important step a parent can take to ensure that when they start dating, they clearly understand what a healthy relationship involves. FLYER

 

Success:  Stay Organized, Manage Time and Study Skills, by Jenni Butz of Pacific Learning Academy

Tues, Feb 23rd, 2016
7:00-8:30pm
PCMS
(for parents of middle/high school teens)

Help your teen succeed by learning practical organizational, time management and study skills that can be personalized to the individual learning style. Put basic office supplies to use and reduce mind clutter.

 

Anxiety – Yours, Mine and Ours, by Laura Kastner PhD

Tues, Mar 8th, 2016
7:00-8:30pm
Issaquah High School, Theater
(for parents of middle/high school teens)

This lecture will discuss research on teen stress by author of Wise Minded Parenting (among other publications), Laura Kastner PhD.  Some stress is good! Challenges energize, focus and motivate us.  Stress management and resilience are key personal strengths that can determine success or failure.  Learn how to help, rather than hinder, your teens’ stress management.

 


REFLECTIONS

 .

SPECIAL NEEDS

The Special Needs Committee meeting is set for Tuesday, January 19 from 10 am-12 pm at the KCLS Service Center.

The topic of this meeting is:  What changes need to be made in order for the Issaquah Council’s Special Needs Committee to meet the needs of the parents in the district and provide relevant resources.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  The more voices the better.


VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)

Volunteers for Issaquah Schools (VIS)
School Bond Kickoff Event
Tues., January 19, 2016 *
7-8:30PM at the KCLS Service Center, Issaquah
This event is open to all in the community who would like to hear information about the upcoming April 26, 2016 School Bond. However, this event is particularly important for school/PTA VIS reps and those that will be helping to distribute materials or Honk & Waves, etc for the campaign. This will also be a great opportunity to pick up the window clings and other VIS support items and to sign up for speakers to attend any community or PTA events.
If at any time you have questions, please contact Dawn or Alicia or check the website:http://www.visvote.org/
Contacts:
Dawn Peschek dawn@visvote.org  or Alicia Veevaert  alicia@visvote.org
Website: http://www.visvote.org/

From ISD: April 26, 2016 School Bond Election Information

Why do we need a school bond now?

Enrollment Growth
Rapid and continued growth in the District has resulted in an increase of enrollment by 2,000 students in the past four years. Our schools are fast becoming crowded and we conservatively project enrollment growth to increase by 1,500 to 2,000 students over the next five years.

Full Day Kindergarten and Smaller Class Sizes
State requirements and our own desire to provide free full day kindergarten for all students and reduce class sizes also result in the need for more classrooms.

Land Availability
Property to build schools is becoming scarce and waiting will result in fewer viable options for school sites. In addition, recent interpretations of the Growth Management Act reduce our options for locating schools.

How much is the bond and how will it affect my taxes?
The school bond on the April 26, 2016 ballot is  $533.5M. Residents can expect to see no increase in tax rate as a result of the passage of this bond measure.

What about the 2012 Bond?
Thanks to our voters, we are completing the build out of the projects in the 2012 Bond. We have expanded and remodeled Apollo Elementary, Issaquah Valley Elementary, and Maywood Middle School. Additionally, Liberty High School was rebuilt and remodeled. We are currently rebuilding Issaquah Middle School, Sunny Hills Elementary, and building the new Gibson Ek choice high school for a fall of 2016 opening. We will begin the rebuild of Clark Elementary in the summer of 2016 for a fall of 2017 opening.

For more information, including a list of projects and a quick fact sheet is available at on our District website.


WEBSITE & DIRECTORY

Directories – Directories were distributed. If you (president) did not receive one, see Cindy.

Surveys – It’s important to survey your membership periodically. It’s also a component of awards and Best Practices.  When you are ready to do your survey, let Cindy know.


TRAININGS

Region 2 Mid-Year Conference. February 23, 2016, 5:30-8:30PM, Interlake High School in Bellevue.

 

 

 

 

December 2015 – Agenda Notes (PTD)

REMINDERS

Donation Ask (Outreach): Lunch for the Break donations: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4eafab22a4fc1-lunch2

AIM Insurance (Outreach): Be sure to bring these to Laila:  Cascade Ridge, Challenger, Discovery, Grand Ridge, Maple Hills, Newcastle, Sunset, Issaquah Middle, Maywood, PCMS, PLMS, and Liberty.

2015-16 WSPTA Deadline Dates can be found HERE in one handy document!


ADVOCACY

 


ART IN THE SCHOOLS

  • ISF will accept grant request one more year
    • Started writing grant for ISF
      • Better fit because grant monies come to our account and we pay out, one less step in process
    • Retracted grant request to IAC
      • Grant is reimbursement type – meaning we had to foot the bill first then they would reimburse us for expenses
  • Set up Monthly trainings for Winter/Spring
    • January 22nd Sumi E painting
    • February 26th Acrylic painting
    • March 25th Mono printing
    • April 22nd Glass fusing
    • May 27th TBD
  • Trainings
    • November glazing training was full and we had a good turn out
  • Started a conversation with ISF about long term funding for district trainings
  • Long Term Funding Plan – topic for next month?
    • Devise a plan
    • Grants?
    • More from schools?
    • Charge for certain events?
    • Sell products?
    • Others?

BEST PRACTICES MOMENT

PTA Monthly Checklist –  Full Year

Two articles to utilize for your dispersement of National PTA News:
http://ptaourchildren.org/2015/11/13/why-your-kid-needs-to-play/
http://www.pta.org/newsevents/newsdetail.cfm?ItemNumber=4680


HEALTHY YOUTH / INFLUENCE THE CHOICE

  1. Paid Contract Opportunity – ITC (Influence the Choice Drug Prevention Alliance for Youth) is currently seeking someone to fill a short-term contract to assist with the planning and implementation of their 4th Annual ITC Video Contest. 

Request: The potential contract would be between 5-10 hours per week from now until April 2016 (and could be beyond depending on funding).  Duties would include promoting the contest, working with student and teachers submitting videos, planning and overseeing a judging of the video submissions, and coordinating with the staff and students planning an Awards Ceremony.   There would be some evening meetings for the planning team involved however most work should be done through emails, phone calls, etc.  Contact Project Coordinator Pat Castillo at pat@isdfn.org  if you are interested in applying for the contract.

  1. “The Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human”– a partnership with artEast, BEST (Building Emotional Strength Together) with funding through the Issaquah Schools Foundation, and other community partners will be bringing this exhibition to the Eastside from April 18th to July 11, 2106.  The art and social exchange will examine through art the stigma and silence surrounding mental illness.  A planning team is beginning to work on the planning and implementation of the exhibit.

Request:  A representative from the PTA Council, Board or any PTA member  interested in helping in the planning and implementation of this event can contact Barb de Michele at barb@isfdn.org 

  1. Teen Café Exploratory Group – under BEST, a group of interested leaders are beginning to explore the possibility of opening a Teen Café in Issaquah.

Request:  A representative from the PTA Council, Board or any interested PTA member interested in participating in this exploratory group or to receive the State of Need document can contact Barb de Michele at barb@isfdn.org.  The next meeting date is Thursday January 14th, 2015 – location and time to be provided.


ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ISF)

 


MEMBERSHIP

Regarding issues with Dual/Family Memberships, please read this: http://bit.ly/1IBbeo5

OUTREACH / F.A.C.E.

Holiday Gift BarnThis program serves 1,200 children in the Issaquah School District each year. We turn Pickering Barn into a huge toy store where parents can choose 3-4 gifts for each of their children, plus stocking stuffers. We also have a wrapping station and child care so the gifts can stay a surprise until Christmas morning.
The Holiday Gift Barn is still in need of volunteers and donors, openings throughout the week, Dec 7-10.
Please check out the website for more details. https://issaquahfoodbank.org/holiday-gift-barn
The Lunch For The Break program is working to make sure students have enough food even when school is not in session. Lunch for the Break provides a free box of grocery items for each student in the family that can be used to make breakfast, lunch and snacks. Schools being sponsored for Winter Break are Apollo, Briarwood, Clark, IVE, IMS, Maple Hills and Sunset.
Lunch For the Break is currently in need of more donors. With this morning’s updated registration information, there are about 40 more children registered than boxes of food. These numbers will be changing over the next week as we approach Donation Day on Dec. 16, and with your help, we hope to see that gap close.
Please visit the website for information on how to donate ! www.LunchForTheBreak.com

PARENT EDUCATION

Below are the events to publicize for January!  Some are early in the month, so start NOW before the break.  Please put in every ENews now until the event(s), and post on your PTSA and school calendars, social media, and print the flyers for your school bulletin boards.

1)    Understanding the Grade, by author Thomas Guskey

Wed., Jan 6th, 2016

6:30-8:00pm

Skyline HS, Theater

(for parents of grades K-12)

Parents of Issaquah School District students are invited to an evening presentation with author and internationally known expert on grading practices, Dr. Thomas Guskey, who will share research, describe new directions in grading policies, and offer suggestions for enhancing communication between parents and teachers for both elementary and secondary levels.

This title and description changed; please use new flyer attached.

 

2)    Child Safety Workshop, by Kim Estes of Savvy Parent Safe Kids

Thurs, Jan 14th, 2016

7:00-8:30pm

Grand Ridge Elementary, Library

(for parents of grades K-5)

This workshop is about child safety topics: sleepovers & playdates, teaching body safety, smartphone safety, what apps should kids avoid, online safety, Super 10 rules, red flags and warning signs.  We all want to keep our kids safe…            See flyer attached.

 

3)    Safe Dating – Talking to Your Teen, by Robin Wright of Wright Conversations

Tues., Jan 19th, 2016

7:00-8:30pm

Skyline HS, Library

(for parents of grades 6-12)

Safe Dating – Talking to Your Teen helps parents learn more about teen dating abuse and gives parents the tools they need to discuss it with their teens.  Talking to your teen early is the most important step a parent can take to ensure that when they start dating, they clearly understand what a healthy relationship involves.

See flyer attached.

That’s it for January.  Let Heidi know of any additional events you are planning so we can spread the word.


REFLECTIONS

All School Hand-in date was November 20th.

Out of 24 schools in the district, only one school (Liberty ) did not submit any entries. They did have a chair, Sally Smith, but she said they unfortunately did not receive any entries this year.

We received a total of 266 entries plus 9 special artist entries.

Literature: 40 Music Composition: 18 Dance Choreography: 8 Film Production: 8 Photography: 28 Visual Arts: 155

According to the new rules, we are able to submit 20% of our entries. So, 53 plus 8 special artists can go through to the State Level.

All schools received invitations to the Reception on January 12th, when they dropped off their entries. These were to be given to their finalists, PTSA Presidents and Principal. I have extras if anyone would like me to send them one.

Regarding the Reception, Issaquah High School, was booked back in September and I have confirmation in writing.

The judging is currently underway, the ribbons have been ordered, I am working on inputting the names into the Reception Program. In summary, everything seems to be moving ahead smoothly.


SPECIAL NEEDS

Special Education Parent Night Thursday, January 14, 2016 in the Beaver Lake Middle School Library from 6:30 – 8 pm. The Special Education Parent Nights offers parents a chance to hold a public conversation with Melissa Madsen, Susan Wolever, and Tara Slinn the School District’s Special Services Administrators

The Special Education Parent’s Night scheduled for last week at Maywood Middle School will be rescheduled after the first WInter Break.

 


VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)

Volunteers for Issaquah Schools (VIS)
School Bond Kickoff Event
DATE CHANGE:  Tues., January 19, 2016 *
 7-8:30PM at the KCLS Service Center, Issaquah
This event is open to all in the community who would like to hear information about the upcoming April 26, 2016 School Bond. However, this event is particularly important for school/PTA VIS reps and those that will be helping to distribute materials or Honk & Waves, etc for the campaign. This will also be a great opportunity to pick up the window clings and other VIS support items and to sign up for speakers to attend any community or PTA events.
If at any time you have questions, please contact Dawn or Alicia or check the website:http://www.visvote.org/
*(this date was changed to accommodate the District’s parent ed speaker Dr. Thomas Guskey, on Wed. 1/6/15)
Contacts:
Dawn Peschek dawn@visvote.org  or Alicia Veevaert  alicia@visvote.org
Website: http://www.visvote.org/

WEBSITE & DIRECTORY

Directories – Directories were distributed.

Surveys – It’s important to survey your membership periodically. It’s also a component of awards and Best Practices.  When you are ready to do your survey, let Cindy know.

 


TRAININGS

 

November 2015 Agenda Notes (PTD)

REMINDERS

Donation Ask (Outreach): please bring diapers and infant formula for the Issaquah Food Bank to the meeting.

?Voting Delegate Form due. Form Link.

McCleary Letters can be found HERE

2015-16 WSPTA Deadline Dates can be found HERE in one handy document!

 


ADVOCACY

The “Paramount Duty Resolution, “ whose purpose is to raise awareness of the need for Washington State to fund basic education, and to call upon our elected officials to swiftly fulfill the paramount duty.

This resolution was crafted by the Network for Excellence in Washington Schools (NEWS) and has been adopted by a number of school boards, PTAs (including the Issaquah Council Board of Directors) and other organizations. If you’d like to read more about it, here’s a link to their website: http://waschoolexcellence.org/?s=resolution
We would really like to see our local Issaquah PTA/PTSAs get behind this and flood our legislature with the message that fully funding education should be a top priority. To engage your PTA and our elected officials, here are the steps to take:

 1. Have your PTA/PTSA Adopt the Resolution

Present the resolution at a General Membership meeting, discuss the importance of the resolution and fully funding education, and vote to adopt it.

 2. Have PTA Leadership sign the Resolution.

 3. Share and Send

Share with your PTA members that the PTA adopted the resolution by including an article in your PTA newsletter.

Send a letter with a copy of the resolution to State Elected officials:

Governor Inslee

McCleary Workgroup members (appointed by Gov. Inslee)

Senate & House Education Committee members

Your school’s legislators (2 representative and one Senator)

On the Council Website, find the letters and resolution for each school here. Each .zip has a copy of the resolution along with letters to Gov. Inslee and each of the eight members of the Governor’s McCleary Workgroup.

 Find your PTA’s legislators: http://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder.

Here is a link to the list of House Education Committee Members.http://leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/ED/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx

All letters can be sent to: P.O. Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504

 Here is a link to the Senate Early Learning and k_12 Education Committee:http://leg.wa.gov/senate/committees/edu/pages/membersStaff.aspx

All letters can be sent to P.O. Box 40466, Olympia, WA 98504

And please, tell Issaquah PTSA Council what you have done.
E-mail advocacy@issaquahptsa.org


ART IN THE SCHOOLS

  • Art Docent Coordinator Meeting
    • 4 schools represented
    • Web site – group would like a central location for:
      • information
      • lessons
      • registration
      • payments
      • blog
      • photos
      • email capturing
      • replace Facebook & Signup Genius
    • Curriculum
      • Standardized within schools
      • More direction for docents
      • Integrated with state & federal standards
  • Art Docent Conference
    • 100+ attended
    • Great evaluation (attached)
    • Lots of different classes
    • Teachers were great
    • Need more volunteers to run event next year
      • Planning team – procure teachers, Food, student volunteer coor.
      • Event team 3 – 4 people to set up, register, run opening event, direct traffic, check in with teachers, take photos, get evaluations and reimbursement forms
  • Trainings
    • October training
    • 19 attended
    • 3 missed – names and schools attached for $10 fee
    • November glazing class is full
    • Winter/Spring classes coming soon
  • Issaquah Arts Commission Grant
    • Applied for IAC grant for program next year $4600
    • Reimbursement grant
      • How do we make that work with our current budget?
    • Budget attached
  • Long Term Funding Plan – topic for next month?
    • Devise a plan
    • Grants?
    • More from schools?
    • Charge for certain events?
    • Sell products?
    • Others?

BEST PRACTICES MOMENT

PTA Monthly Checklist – July-October 2015   &  Full Year

AIM Insurance must be renewed and paid by November 10th.


HEALTHY YOUTH

Members and invited guests of the Issaquah Schools Foundation’s Healthy Youth Initiative have a wonderful opportunity to help shape local outcomes for the voter-approved Best Starts for Kids levy and the King County Youth Action Plan.

Issaquah Schools Foundation Healthy Youth Initiative Community Forum
Monday, November 16, 2015
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Gibson Hall, 105 Newport Way SW, Issaquah

On-street parking is available on Newport Way and Sunset Way.

This event is free but seating is limited and registration is required:  https://www.signupforms.com/registrations/6196

Sheila Capestany, King County Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth, will be our featured speaker. Following Ms. Capestany’s presentation, attendees will participate in guided discussions about how the greater Issaquah community can best deploy King County levy funding to achieve mutual goals for com-munity children and youth.

Please join us for this very important and timely discussion.


ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ISF)

Nourish Every Mind date changes:
*Luncheon: Thursday, April 28, 2016
*Breakfast: Wednesday, May 4, 2016


MEMBERSHIP

 


OUTREACH / F.A.C.E.

How You Can Help

  1. Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank TURKEY TROT  NOV 26, 2015  8:00 AM – 12:00 Come join us for a great community 5K fun run/walk. This is a great way to kick off your Thanksgiving holiday, plus make a little more room for that second slice of pie! All proceeds benefit the Issaquah food and Clothing Bank.   https://www.issaquahfoodbank.org/calendar/turkey-trot/
  1. Friends of Youth  Rise and Thrive Breakfast – Please join us and support our community as we raise funds to increase mental health and substance abuse counseling in the Issaquah School District. Wednesday, December 2, 2015  7:30am-8:30am at Pickering Barn, Issaquah. Our programs include parenting education and support, mental health and substance abuse counseling at the high schools, prevention services for middle school students at risk of academic failure, and counseling services available at school. To learn more, visit www.friendsofyouth.org.
  1. Lunch For The Break is a community effort to provide food to children who rely on the free & reduced lunch program in the Issaquah School District. As we slowly expand, we are currently serving seven ISD schools for school breaks: Clark, Issaquah Valley, Sunset, Maple Hills, Apollo and Briarwood Elementary Schools and Issaquah Middle School. All the donated food boxes will have the same contents, so please download and follow the shopping list at our website if you are donating.  Donation Drop-Off will be Dec 16, 2pm-7pm at 3 locations.   Details at www.LunchForTheBreak.com  or  https://www.issaquahfoodbank.org/calendar/lunch-for-the-break-donor-drop-off/
  1. Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank Holiday Gift Barn  The goal of this program is to help all families with holiday cheer through the giving and sharing of gifts for children birth-18 years old.  https://www.issaquahfoodbank.org/calendar/holiday-gift-barnk-donors/
  1. YWCA Family Village Issaquah is looking for adult or high school volunteers to help with tutoring and programs at their after-school program which started Sept 1.  Hours would be 2:30-5pm (perhaps 6pm).  For more information and signing up, please contact Sondi Lind,425.270.6800
  1. YWCA Family Village Issaquah is looking for donations of non-perishable snacks for their after-school program.    Items can include granola bars, packaged fruits or any other healthy packaged snacks.  Items can be brought to PTSA Council meetings, or directly to YWCA Village at 930 NE High St., Suite 101, Issaquah, 98029.

Current Programs

  1. ENGLISH FOR WORK – AN ESL PROGRAM.  Learn English. Prepare for Work. Free classes start September 14, 2015. Call to register. Locations: Kirkland, Shoreline, Bellevue and Redmond  Contact Marci Williams at 425-250-3007 or marciw@hope-link.org.  Flyer posted to Council Outreach website.
  2. College Transition Tips for Students with Disabilities   Issaquah Library  Saturday, November 14, 2015  1:00 PM – 3:00 PM    Learn about the important differences between the accommodation process in high school and college. Do you know how your rights and responsibilities change as a college student? Find out the best way to prepare for a successful transition between these two very different environments. Choose a school and program that meets your needs. Help your support network (including parents) understand how they can best help you. Get ready to put yourself in the driver’s seat of your education.   Location: Meeting Room
  3. Join our Office of Sustainability to see “The Starfish Throwers” — what The Huffington Post calls “the most heartwarming film of 2014” — at 6 p.m. Nov. 12, 2015, at Cinebarre, 1490 11th Ave. N.W.    Is hunger too big of a problem for one person to be able to make a difference?   The showing is free and a panel discussion follows the film.  http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1845
  4. Child Care resources:  http://childcare.org/family-services/
  5. Homeless Youth Services:  Friends of Youth
    1. Ages 15-22 in need of housing, referrals, food, case management, or shelter can go to 16225 NE 87th St, Ste A-1  Redmond, WA  98052.  Drop-In Center   call for hours at 425.298.4846
    2. Short Term Shelter, guys & girls ages 11-17 – call 24-hours 206.236.437
    3. Overnight Shelter with food, showers, laundry, ages 18-24, open 7 days/week Line up: 8:30-8:45pm    16225 NE 87th St., Ste, A-1 Redmond.  Bus Routes Metro 542 and 545
    4. For the nearest SAFE PLACE location, text the word SAFE and your current location to 69866
  6. Lunch for the Break Winter 2015 is here! We will provide each school age child in a family with an extra box of food during Winter Break.  As we slowly expand our program, we are serving families who have children in the following schools: Clark, IVE, Maple Hills, Apollo, Briarwood, Sunset, Issaquah Middle.  All school age children in the family are eligable, but you must have at least one child in a school on the list.  Box pick ups are on Dec. 17 from 2-7pm and you may choose one of two pick up locations: Our Savior Lutheran Church (745 Front St S)  or  Renton location TBD  https://www.issaquahfoodbank.org/calendar/lunch-for-the-break-food-pick-up/ Or  www.LunchForTheBreak.com
  1. Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank Holiday Gift Barn  The goal of this program is to help all families with holiday cheer through the giving and sharing of gifts for children birth-18 years old.
    Family registration begins Nov 1.
  2. Study Zone at our libraries !  Issaquah, Newcastle, Renton Highlands, and Sammamish libraries offer drop-in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors during the week !  Check out the KCLS website for days/times at your library, and all other locations. http://kcls.org/calendar/calendar.cfm?view=calendar&ag=Teens&et=&lib=46,%2032,%2049,%2016&kw=&startdate=&enddate=&nd=90
  3. Life After High School Programs offered through KCLS   SAT/ACT Math Preparation Tips, The World as Your Classroom, Secrets of College Admissions, Gap Year Study Abroad, College Success for Students with Disabilities, Get a job! The Intelligent Job Search, Your College Planning Checklist    http://www.kcls.org/teens/lifeafterhighschool/
  4. Find out if you qualify for a computers and/or free internet access: http://washingtonaccessfund.org/free-and-low-cost-computers/
  5. Issaquah School District students with financial hardship may be eligible for a free computer.  Please contact your school office to learn how to apply.

 


PARENT EDUCATION

Grading Practices: Thomas Guskey, author of “On Your Mark” among other publications, will be speaking to parents of the Issaquah School District about grading practices on 1/6/16 at 6:30-8:00pm at Skyline HS Theater.  The Issaquah School District administration has brought him for 2 days to speak to our educators, and he will stay for an evening to speak to parents as well.  Peruse a copy of his book and come hear new ideas about assessing student learning!  Relevant for parents of any aged student in our district.


VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)

On Oct. 28, 2015, the School Board approved the $533,500,000 school bond ballot resolution to be put before the voters on April 26,2016. On Nov. 5, 2015, the Issaquah Council Board voted to endorse this school bond. The Board will be presenting this item to the General Issaquah Council for an endorsement vote on Nov. 12, 2015.
A sample endorsement format for your own PTA endorsement, an endorsement sheet, and Bond discussion points will be available for you at the meeting and can be found on the VIS and Council website. Individuals can personally endorse via the VIS website here: http://www.visvote.org/endorsements-2016/   or on a paper endorsement sheet that is returned to us in person or by mail.
The VIS Speaker series will be in full force starting in January. We’re asking if speakers can be present at any of your GM mtgs between Jan-Mar. We can be there to present prior to an endorsement vote or simply to present information and answer questions for your community about this bond. We’ll be asking to confirm your mtg dates with us on Thurs.
Save the Date: January 6, 2016 7PM at KCLS Service Center, for the VIS School Bond Community Kick-off event.
Remember that if your PTA website is linked on your school’s website that any call to action items must be two clicks away from the District. So a click to your PTA homepage from your school’s homepage is one click, so no “call to action” “vote yes” should be on your front homepage. You can have general information about the April bond with a “click for more info…” on your homepage. Once people click for more info, that is the 2nd click away and you can have whatever call to action language you want, as long as your PTA membership has approved the endorsement.
If you have ANY questions about the April 2016 school bond please let Dawn or Alicia know and they’ll be able to help. We can even tell you who your school building Bond Committee Rep was and they can help you too.
If you have a VIS donation line item in your PTA budget and you haven’t sent that in yet, we’d be happy to accept those checks at any Council meeting. We appreciate the tremendous support and donations PTA’s give to VIS. Teachers and District staff are also regular financial supporters to the VIS campaigns.
Contacts:
Dawn Peschek dawn@visvote.org  or Alicia Veevaert  alicia@visvote.org
Website: http://www.visvote.org/

WEBSITE & DIRECTORY

Directory – Proofs are going out now. If you, as president, have not received a proof for your unit, please email Cindy at webmaster@issaquahptsa.org. Please review the positions and contact information as well as your school principal and bell times and confirm or indicate corrections.

Surveys – It’s important to survey your membership periodically. It’s also a component of awards and Best Practices.  When you are ready to do your survey, let Cindy know. You’ll need to have your survey questions and applicable answer choices as well as the time frame you’d like it opened and closed. The turnaround on these is pretty quick unless I’m away.


PTA & THE LAW / TRAININGS