Category Archives: News & Events

January 2016 – Agenda Notes (PTD)

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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)

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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 Barn – This 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)

Posted on by

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

 

 

October 2015 Agenda Notes (PTD)

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REMINDERS

Donation Ask (Outreach): please bring non-perishable snacks for YWCA Village After School Program (granola bars, dried fruit, etc) to the meeting.

Voting Delegate Form due. Form Link.

Council Fees are due by October 31st. Form Link.

Standards of Affiliation Information & Form Link. Must be submitted or postmarked by October 31st. Required for insurance.

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

Approved Training:  2014 Tax Prep Workshop October 13th 10a-1p or October 21st 6-9p at the LWSD Resource Center. RSVP to wendydelong@comcast.net.  See FLYER  for details.

 

ADVOCACY

Here is more information about the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee Working/Listening Tour. The one nearest to Issaquah is in Renton on October 19th, from 5-7 p.m. at the Renton ESD (Educational Service District), 800 Oakesdale Ave. SW, Renton 98057. It is an opportunity for people to make their voices heard regarding their thoughts on local school levies and how the State should fund K-12 education without reliance on local levies.

“The format of the meetings are as follows:

  • The meetings will be scheduled from 5 – 7 p.m.
  • The public will be asked to sign-in and indicate whether they want to comment.
  • The agenda for the meetings is as follows:
    • A short PowerPoint presented by staff and/or legislators to provide context.
    • Comments from a panel of invited local representatives who are members of WSSDA, WASA, WASBO, AWSP, WEA, PSE, and PTA, especially focusing on the appropriate use of local levy funds, TRI contracts, regional pay, and how to transition to the State meeting its constitutional obligation to fund education without reliance on local levies.
    • The remaining time (30-45 minutes) will be for public comment.  Each individual will be limited to 3 minutes.”

 

ART IN THE SCHOOLS

New publication: smARTS for Students, a partnership of ArtsEd Washington and the Washington State PTA.

 

 

BEST PRACTICES MOMENT

PTA Monthly Checklist – July-October 2015   &  Full Year

 

ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ISF)

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

 

MEMBERSHIP

What a great start to the year we have some units who have already gone above and beyond their closing numbers for last year……lets hear it for:

Newcastle ~ Creekside ~ Clark

Maywood Middle ~ PCMS

Well done 🙂
We have 6 units who have yet to upload members please push the button and make your members live !
If you have any concerns and issues please contact me or Support@wastatepta.org
In other news the bronze and silver will be pulled on October 25th so get your members in and increase by 5% to be recognized for these awards. These do not need to be applied for they are given by state for growth.
Please have a think about your goal as I will be asking for a number in the November meeting…..so what will yours be !!!!!!

 

OUTREACH / F.A.C.E.

Event reminder: Introduction to the American School System: Who Are We In Issaquah?

Thursday, October 29, at 6:30pm at Issaquah Valley Elementary School. Flyer
Free child care and snacks.
Interpretation available in Mandarin, Spanish and Korean
If you need interpretation in another language, please contact Rosann Rankin by Oct 15 at RankinR@issaquah.wednet.edu
District parents and staff will share information and answer questions.

 

VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)

Sept. 23rd the School Board voted unanimously for the Superintendent to prepare an election resolution for a $533,500,000 bond measure targeted for an April 26, 2016ballot measure. The next school board mtg on Oct 14th, they plan to vote to approve the ballot resolution language. Once we have the official ballot language for April 2016, we’ll be able to give you clear details on how you can support and endorse the April 2016 School Bond.

For any PTA that would like to endorse at a General Meeting prior to Oct 16th, Dawn or Alicia can provide you with the verbiage you can use to make a general endorsement. Remember that until your PTA members endorse at a GM meeting, your PTA cannot advocate for a “Vote Yes” on websites or emails. IMPORTANT: PTAs may not, at anytime, use school e-news to promote a “yes” vote.  We will send Presidents/VIS Reps two types of communication for use. One – a District approved piece that PTAs can use in PTA e-news; plus a call to action “vote yes” piece that can be used on PTA websites and PTA emails only. These “vote yes” pieces can only be used if your PTA has officially endorsed the bond.

Of course, you as an individual can endorse the bond at anytime 🙂  online via the VIS website or on the paper form at a Council Meeting. Specific details of the school Board meetings and what’s in the Bond package can be found on the VIS website  http://www.visvote.org
Contacts:
Dawn Peschek dawn@visvote.org  or Alicia Veevaert  alicia@visvote.org
website: http://www.visvote.org/

 

PTA & THE LAW

10/10 (Saturday), LW Resource Center Board Room, Redmond, 9am-12pm (8:30 registration)

10/29 (Thursday), KCLS Service Center, Issaquah, 9:30am-12:30pm (9:15 registration)

11/5 (Thursday), Mercer Island Administration Building, 9:30am-12:30pm (9am registration)

Washington State PTA – Database Conversion FAQ

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Washington State PTA – Database Conversion FAQ

WSPTA has undertaken a database conversion from our current database, iMIS, to a cloud service called PT-Avenue.  The largest reason for this conversion is that the current system is over ten years old and does not provide the features PTA leadership has been requesting, including but not limited to the following:

  • Ability to self-register online
  • Ability to import memberships
  • Ability to input memberships more easily
  • Ability to track participation by member
  • Simplified dues billing/payment process
  • Better email communication functionality
  • Better officer tracking and communication functionality

Our database team, in partnership with the WSPTA board of directors, the WSPTA membership committee, and a task force of PTA leaders, after conducting a search of potential database solutions, found PT-Avenue, a cloud database solution which we feel more thoroughly meets the needs of our members.  This system was designed with PTAs in mind!   As a result, it is set up to meet our unique needs!  Through this platform, in combination with our accounting database, we are able to provide each of the above listed items to our members along with direct email technical assistance from the PT-Avenue team.  This solution will be free to our members and at a nominal cost to the Association. 

Our plan is to roll out this new solution this fall.  The detailed timeline of the roll out is still being constructed.  Stay tuned to your weekly Leadership News for updates to the project and more detailed timing information as it becomes available. 

Below are questions that our team felt you might have about this change.  It is by no means an exhaustive list.  We look forward to adding to it as new questions come in from our members.

Will the new database require us to re-enter all of our membership data for the new membership year?  One of the most attractive features in PT-Avenue to our team was the ability to upload data.  From within the system, you are able to download an Excel template to use in the upload.  Another feature we love is the helpful learning blurbs and videos to help guide you through the tasks you need to complete.

Will the rapid renew button work?  At the end of the year, PT-Avenue runs a script which moves all your current membership from “Paid” to “Unpaid.”  In order to renew someone, you will simply mark them as having paid you and update any of their demographic information that has changed.

How do we access our membership site?  We will have a link from our website to take you to your PTAs personal membership site.  You can also access it from the PT-Avenue website.

Does my PTA have to use the new system?  Because this is replacing our current membership website, each PTA will be required to enter/upload their membership data into their PT-Avenue account.  The state office will set up your account for you in PT-Avenue and your login credentials will be given to you by your region leadership team as in years past.

How do we learn more about this new membership site?  There will be PT-Avenue representatives at our annual Convention being held at the Bellevue Hyatt, April 17-19, 2015.  In addition, we will be putting together a video with more information which will be posted to our website after Convention. We will in addition, be putting together training materials which will be distributed at region conferences.  We will be utilizing Leadership News as well to give updated information on the process as well as the timeline for roll out.

Can I give input into the process?  How do I give input?  You most certainly will be given opportunities to give input through a variety of means including, but not limited to, conversations with your region team, email/phone contact with the state office, a roundtable to be held on Saturday night of Convention.  In addition, Kirk Miller, will have a table by the registration area at Convention to answer questions.

How do we pay for our members?  Billing will not change.  You will be invoiced at the end of each month and each invoice will be due within 30 days.

What kind of reports are available?  You will have access to not only reports similar to the ones that you have right now, but have the ability to design your own reports using PT-Avenue’s very easy to use report function.

Who has access to our members’ information?  Your members’ data will only be accessible by you and to a limited extent WSPTA as is currently the case with our current database.

Who do we contact with our questions?  During the setup phase, you may contact your region/council team or the state office with any questions you might have.  Once you have started using PT-Avenue database, you will be able to contact them directly for support with the product. 

How hard is it for my PTA to set up our account?  It will not be hard at all☺.  Your state office team will be setting up your account for you and your region/council team will be giving you your login information.

How do I get the link on my website?  You will be able to work with your webmaster to post the link to the PT-Avenue site to your website.  It is a fairly easy process.

Why is PT-Avenue the best database solution for WSPTA?  The WSPTA board of directors, state office, and region/council/membership team feel that this is the best solution for WSPTA because it provides all the features our member leaders have requested in a membership site which is both user friendly and cost efficient.   We also feel that this solution has the ability to grow along with us throughout the years. 

Should we wait until this is online to enter new members?  Within the weeks following Convention, we will be providing information as to the timeline and how PTAs should proceed with entering their members for the 2015-2016 year.  As in previous years, however, we request that you not enter members for the new membership year into the current system until we have set up the solution for the new year.  This will avoid your PTA being charged for the new members in the current year.  We instead suggest that you maintain a spreadsheet listing the memberships you receive before the end of the current year that are for the next year.

If we upgrade, will PT-Avenue take a personal check?  PT-Avenue does have upgraded packages to which your PTA may subscribe.  The representatives from PT-Avenue will be able to discuss the details of each of the packages while onsite at Convention.  In addition, however, below is a snapshot of what the upgraded packages offer as far as options.   

Because PT-Avenue was designed with PTAs in mind, they are able to take checks in payment for upgraded services.

How does this change our year end process?    Instead of WSPTA state office resetting our database each year as we currently do, each PTA will be resetting  their database for the new year by following a few simple steps clearly laid out in PT-Avenue for this purpose.

Will we still be able to get our electronic membership card?  Most definitely!  We are committed to continuing to provide that service!

Is there an app for my PT-Avenue account?  As of right now, there is not.  Fortunately, however, the website is mobile device friendly.

Do I have to redo my membership form?  We recommend that you update your form each year to meet the changing needs of your demographics.  As far as the change in database, while you do not have to change your form, you might want to consider changing your form to match the fields contained within the database so that you are making sure to capture all the data that you will need.

Will members be able to pay online?  We will have a special portal through the WSPTA website through which people may join their local PTA and use their credit card to pay. 

Will I have the ability to edit my own membership list?  This is one of the features about which we are most excited.  PTAs will now be able to edit their own membership lists.  If you find a duplicate, you may delete it yourself.  Because we are pulling down numbers for billing purposes, we do request that you review your membership list frequently for duplicates so that they can be deleted within the month in which they were entered.

Do I have to enter each member separately?  With PT-Avenue you are able to upload your members into the database using an Excel template.

How does this affect my budget?  Because the basic portal is being provided by WSPTA, there should be no need to adjust your budget unless you wish to upgrade to the higher platform.

How does this change my membership campaign?  This should not change the way that you run your membership campaign except for the fact that you are now able to offer members a way to join your PTA online through the WSPTA website.

May 2015 – Presidents’ To Do

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Below is a link that has a calendar template just like what is used by the district in case you would like to set up your PTA calendar similarly (courtesy of Kim Nocco).  She also included some great clip art she found.

Washington State PTA Database FAQ on PT – Avenue (thanks to Caroline)

Membership Info:

  • Download a list of member information from the state data base before June 1st
  • Screen shot all historic information in the state website and print.  This information may be hard to get to while and after they change the state website.
  • Send an email to support@wastatepta.org with all your officers (elected and appointed).  Make it clear which are elected and which are appointed.  When sending this email, cc webmaster, president, and secretary for Council.
  • Reminder June 1st no new members, if you absolutely need to add someone, contact Caroline Brown.
  • Make sure to have a PTA table at all the meet and greet events at your schools.  Let people know why they should be a member and how to get involved.  Let Caroline know if you need ideas for your table.
  • Review your membership form and update it where necessary.

Please turn in all room requests in by June 1st, if it is a maybe send it in.  The room requests go to Cindy Schwinden schwindenc@issaquah.wednet.edu.  Cindy does a lot for PTA’s in the district, let’s try to not make her job any harder than it already is.  Cindy did indicate you could fill out the form once and attached a sheet with all the events (make sure date and time are on the attachment).

Send the names and email addresses of any great Parent Ed speakers, along with any other pertinent information to Cindy Kelm at webmaster@issaquahptsa.org.  Cindy has a page going of all the speakers.  Check it out at http://www.issaquahptsa.org/programs/parent-education-speakers. 

Budget Thoughts – You need to have an interim budget in place by July 1st.  The budget requires a vote of the General Membership.

  • If you make a donation to Tiger Mt, you might consider calling it Alternative School (or something similar).  This allows it to also be used by the new school that will be opening in Fall 2016, if they need kick off money.
  • If your budget allows, please consider adding a line for VIS

Transition Time – remember to provide an opportunity for people to share what they have learned in their service as they pass the torch

 

Information Shared by Kim Nocco:

CALENDAR – Look about 1/2 down the page for the school-type calendar I showed you: http://www.calendarlabs.com/calendars/school-calendar.php 

IMAGE SEARCH (see pic below): 

  • Open a google search, type in your search word 
  • Click on “Images” 
  • Click the “Search Tools” tab on the right
  • Click “Usage Rights” and select “Labeled for reuse”
  • You still have to double check the image rights on their original pages, but at least this filters out most of them for you.

Let Kimberly know if you have any questions.

PTA, Current Legislation Session, and Teacher Strikes

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It is difficult to navigate these three situations with accurate, reliable and useful information and understanding. Below are a few helpful hints, some information from the state PTA, and websites where you can find reliable information about what is happening in Olympia.

As a Council, in line with both Region 2 and the State PTA, we recommend refraining from taking a stand on Teacher Strikes, and not using official PTA communication channels to encourage or facilitate participation in the Teacher Strikes. Parents are always free to advocate in any way they choose on their own time.

PTA is an advocacy group but it is often difficult to tell what is best for the kids even when given all the pieces. What to remember about advocacy is; what you advocate as an individual person, i.e. a person might believe option 1 is the best way to go and advocate for that option. But … your PTA membership might believe as a group that option 2 is the best way to go for the kids/community. So what do you do?

Always make it very clear what hat you are wearing….. my individual belief is ……/The PTA at my school voted at a General membership meeting to support……….

If you are going to put out information about an issue or candidate, such as a budget presented in the Senate or supporting a Teacher Strike.

  • You need to make three things very clear

    • Where the information is coming from….if you did not vote as a membership to support an issue then both sides need to be presented.

    • If you take a vote (how to do this is below), then your information needs to state that a vote was taken to support this issue, here is more information on what the issue is and why we believe it’s best for kids.

    • If it is your personal belief, feel free to share it with people remembering to make it clear this is not a PTA endorsement, and don’t send your personal reviews with the PTA email distribution list.

Taking a Vote for an Official Stand

  • You will need to have a clear understanding of your LU bylaws.

  • Call for a Special meeting of the membership to vote on …………..

  • You will need to post this at least 10 days before the meeting is scheduled, check your bylaws for the exact number of days.

  • At the meeting you will need to confirm a quorum of members is present.

  • Present information for both sides

  • A motion will need to come from the floor to support the issue, discussion and then a vote.

 

Fully funding education, and everything that means by way of the State Supreme Court’s McCleary decision, is the number one platform priority issue for WA State PTA.  We have worked hard all year and for many years to achieve that aim.  

During the 2015 legislative session, PTA’s in the Issaquah School District have advocated on multiple fronts for fully funding education. Our advocacy has included:

  • Participation at Washington State PTA Focus Day in January, with a bus full of parents and students to advocate for more funding. 
  • Devoted council meeting time to filling out pre-printed postcards with personalized messages to legislators, and delivering those messages to legislators – all in support of fully funding education and McCleary.
  • Facilitating PTA events such as brown bag lunches, coffees and candidate forums – all with the aim of encouraging our parents to get involved in advocating for fully funding education.
  • Responding to numerous efforts by individual parents to advocate for

 

In sum, there is no question that Washington State PTA supports fully funding education nor is there any question that PTA stands beside our educators in support of all they do in our classrooms for our kids.  But the Washington State PTA general membership (including the teachers in our membership, who voted for the resolution both in 1986 and 2006) does not support teacher strikes because it disrupts children’s learning and puts undue hardship on families. (See Resolution below). Both groups agree on fully funding. We simply disagree that teacher strikes are an appropriate way to further that goal.

WA State PTSA Board Resolution at p 31 – http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/WSPTA_resolutions_board_positions_Feb_2015.pdf

 

 

Advocacy Opinion Examples on PTA, Current Legislation Session, and Teacher Strikes

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This document contains several opinions, interpretations, and thoughts on how to look at funding and the teacher strikes. It all basically says the same thing and gets to the same conclusion but different ways. I thought it might be useful to those who are struggling to decide how to approach funding and the teacher strikes. I authors are all, well respected PTA leaders around the state. Let us know if you have further questions, or need help deciding what they say.

** Here’s opinion #1 on this: 

“Teacher Walk Out Days are a very hot topic right now.  We do not know of the IEA’s plans re: any Issaquah School Walk Outs. Until that is something we need to contend with or not, we thought this is a good time to remind local PTA’s about the action and communication protocol for taking advocacy positions. Of course, as individual parents or citizens you can take whatever advocate position you like and use your personal communication however you like.  Yet, PTAs and PTA representatives have certain protocols to follow.

What is the issue we want to position?  Look to source of issue for this info.

Do your standing rules say anything about actions when taking a position? 

What is the Washington State PTA position on this? Contact President, VP or Secretary with your question

What is the Region/Council’s position on this?  Contact your Region or Council President or VP

Does the Board want to take a position? Or take a position that is different than the above?

Yes, present the facts only on the issue taken directly from the source of the issue you are  discussing; both pro & con sides; is there a motion? Have discussion on pro/con sides of taking a position; Call for vote; Board presents recommendation to General Membership for same process.

Do you want to skip Board vote and take this directly to General Membership?

Yes, present the facts only on the issue taken directly from the source of the issue you are discussing; present both pro & con sides; is there a motion? Have discussion on pro/con sides of taking a position; Call for vote;

If GM takes a neutral position, then you cannot use PTA communication channels or your PTA position to solicit support pro/con on the issue.

If GM takes a position, ONLY then CAN you use PTA communications and positons to solicit support pro/con on the issue as voted by the membership.

We are going to use a Teacher Walk Out vote as our example, but this could be followed for any position you PTA considers.

 Issaquah Council PTA 2.6 Communication regarding IEA Walk Out Action

Issaquah Council PTA currently has no position on the IEA Walk Out action.

Current Washington State PTA Resolution 18.6 supports united efforts with educators during “uninterrupted operation of public schools”.   (For full resolution text, see page 31 http://www.wastatePTA.org/advocacy/WSPTA_resolutions_board_positions_Feb_2015.pdf)

 As PTA representatives you need to follow certain protocols in regard to using PTA communication channels and in taking a position.

 Neutral Positions:

 As a PTA, you can remain neutral and take no official action or position on the IEA’s decision. Therefore, you would not use any PTA communication sources to solicit support for or against.

 As a PTA, you can simply state Washington State PTA supports uninterrupted operation of school when working with educators over the State fully funding education with the McCleary decision. Therefore, you would not use any PTA communication sources to solicit support for or against.

 Taking a Position:

 As a PTA, you can take the independent action of voting on a position, whether that position is neutral, for, or against. 

 If your local PTA decides to independently take a position, follow these steps…

 As a local PTA Board, make sure you are meeting the notice requirements if this is a special meeting.

Present the facts of the issue (in this case get the vote info from the IEA directly). Important to present the pro & con of each side of the issue and of taking a position.   

Is there a motion to take a positon?

Ask for and have a discussion?

            Call for the vote?

            Based on the vote results you can do the following:

                        If neutral, do not use PTA communication channels or your PTA position to comment on this issue;

If for supporting, or against, you can now take your for/against recommendation to your General Membership for the same steps.  After your GM votes, you can then use your PTA communication channels and positon according to the for (or) against vote outcome. 

 

As a General Membership,

Present the facts of the issue (in this case get the vote info from the IEA directly). Important to present the pro & con of each side of the issue and of taking a position.  

Is there a motion to take a positon?

Ask for and have a discussion?

            Call for the vote?

            Based on the vote results you can do the following:

                        If neutral, do not use PTA communication channels or your PTA position to comment on this issue;

If Gm votes for supporting, or against, you can NOW use your PTA communication channels and position to solicit according to the for (or) against vote outcome. 

Full text of Resolution on page 31 from the WSPTA link: http://www.wastatePTA.org/advocacy/WSPTA_resolutions_board_positions_Feb_2015.pdf

 

“UNINTERRUPTED OPERATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS 18.6, Resolution passed 1986; revised 20066

Whereas, the Washington State PTA has a purpose “To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, spiritual education”, and

Whereas, Quality Education is a high priority issue for the Washington State PTA, and

Whereas, Washington State citizens have historically valued the reliable delivery of vital services and the orderly management of public institutions including fire and police services and public schools, and

Whereas, the Washington State PTA also holds that a disruption to the educational system in the form of work stoppages and strikes is detrimental to the best interests of the children and families affected by those actions, and

Whereas, the Washington State PTA believes that a disruption to the educational system in the form of work stoppages and/or strikes is often detrimental to the best interest of the children and families affected by those actions. While acknowledging that more state resources must be committed to the educational process in the State of Washington, including higher salaries for educational employees.

Therefore, be it Resolved, that the Washington State PTA shall work to produce conditions with regard to the collective bargaining process which will consistently produce, in a timely manner, labor agreements negotiated and fully embraced by the direct parties thereto and which will not cause disruption to the school calendar; and be it further

Resolved, that the Washington State PTA will not support work stoppages and/or strikes which interrupt or disrupt the educational day.”

 

Opinion #2 –

So our experience with this issue was that there was a lot of confusion at the local unit level about what they can and should do about communicating information about the strike and especially encouraging parent participation in it.

And that confusion caused frustration.

We found teacher union leadership either didn’t know or didn’t understand our policies regarding use of PTA communications to support issues – whether it’s a bond/levy, a ballot initiative, or, in this instance, the teacher strike

OF course, any teacher and any parent are free to support, oppose or stay neutral about the strike.

And of course, PTA communications can be used to support advocacy around McCleary and fully funding b/c that’s part of our platform

But before PTA communication channels can be used to support or encourage participation in the strike, these things need to happen in accordance w/ a local units bylaws/standing rules

1.    Teacher Strike is presented to the board w/ pro/con (that would include option to support, oppose, stay neutral or support w/ conditions)

2.    then presented to general membership w/ pro & con views (same as above)

That’s always been the case and the strike doesn’t change that.

Our experience was that our local unit presidents weren’t fully aware of how this works, and then they were confused when teacher union leaders to them that they should be able to use PTA communications and emails to convey messages of support for the strike. And that’s not the case – PTA communications are not accessible to teachers simply b/c there is a “T” in PTA (which was the reason we were given by the union president here in Lake Wash).

It’s very tricky b/c of course we support teachers and funding, but if a school wants to support a teacher strike then they need to follow the rules just like they would for any issue.

 

Opinion #3 – Example

Strike Information for Northshore PTA
The Northshore teachers’ union, Northshore Education Association (NSEA) voted earlier today to participate in a one day strike on Wednesday, May 6th. On the day of the strike, there will be no school and the last day of school has moved to Thursday, June 18th. Please refer to the district announcement regarding details about testing, fields trips, after school activities and athletics. 

Washington State PTA resolution
Washington State PTA Resolution 18.6 states that the Washington State PTA “will not support work stoppages and/or strikes which interrupt or disrupt the educational day.” As a PTA representative, it is important to make clear when you are speaking on behalf of PTA versus as a parent so there is no confusion. 

Communication in your Local Unit
PTA plays a pivotal role in informing our membership and beyond about the education, health and safety of all students. Here are a few things to think about when crafting your communication:
Your communications are going to Parent, Teachers, School Administration, and Students

Positive and respecting all parties positions you/PTA to be a trusted partner

Determine if your communications should directly state the LU’s voter approved position on the strike so there is no confusion

Provide contact information to legislators and ask them to contact them directly on the strikes and/or funding McCleary


To Take action or not?
Each Local Unit can vote to remain neutral, support or not support the strike. Refer to the standing rules for your local unit to determine how best to proceed in calling a special meeting; if needed, the notification period and how to take a position on an issue.

Local Resources

Northshore Council are here to support you. Please contact Council Legislative VP, Carrie McKenzie if you require clarification, assistance or unsure how to appropriately address a specific situation. 

 

Opinion #4 –

This is just from my perspective.  As a council, our mission is to support district kids and to provide guidance to our local PTAs. In this case, it is helping our local PTAs make informed, responsible decisions that help their community through a potentially divisive, emotional situation.   To me that means giving them the information about the WSPTA resolution and making them aware of information from PTA and the law that clearly defines what a PTA should and shouldn’t do with regard to their official communication channels (here it is by the way)

 

 

  34.3 USE OF MAILING LISTS

PTA is prohibited from using its mailing lists for any purpose other than PTA purposes. The lists may not be used for any commercial or political purpose – even by a member. **This is really the key right here.  If you haven’t voted on it, then it isn’t a PTA purpose and it is definitely a political purpose.

On the other hand, I do think it is important to remind them of their own organization’s advocacy voice and to provide them the process by which if they wanted to, the PTA could vote to support the strike and consequently communicate that information on behalf of their PTA’s pro strike position.  Also, reminding them that on an individual basis, what parents choose to do is up to them. They can relate information on their private social media platforms and emails, just not using the PTA mailing list.

 I would suggest (and others can chime in on this if they disagree) that you let the president of your MIEA know what your situation is. That WSPTA has a resolution that doesn’t support strikes, that according to your policy, you can’t use your official communications to support the strike or advertise on behalf of another organization.  That this official position in no way speaks to your continued support of the teachers in your district and to the MIEA as an organization. 

 That all being said, in answer to your question about telling parents to contact MIEA—you just have to decide how much information is helpful “relevant resource” verses what could be construed as implied endorsement of a political action.  I believe in our missive we did let people know that they can contact the LWEA with questions.  There will probably also be a page on your district website with information about it and you could refer families to that as well.  I think that if you are very intentional with your approach, you should do what you think is best for MI Council and local PTAs and ultimately, for the kids in your district. (queue Star Spangled Banner)

Presidents’ Transitioning To Do

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As you begin transitioning and planning for next year, keep these items below in mind or begin working on them.

Appointed Positions for your school –

  • You are encouraged to add:  Safety Person, VIS Rep, and Outreach person
  • Begin working on filling all your appointed positions

Training Dates:  Convention this coming week-end, June 4th after the last Council GM meeting, and the Back to School Conference in August.

Once you have elected your officers, please complete this form http://www.wastatepta.org/files/List_of_Officers_2015.dotx and send it to the state office at  support@wastatepta.com . Please send in only elected officers, not appointed.

Schedule your Financial Review for a date after July 1st.

Consider surveying your members about the past year.  Cindy Kelm is glad to help you with your survey.

Download this past year’s membership roster.

Make sure you have in your board meeting minutes who will be the next year’s signers. You will need to present these minutes to the bank when changing signers.

Schedule your budget meeting, have new and old officers attend.

Schedule a transition meeting, have old and new leaders meet for each job.  Pass on notebooks.

If you will be transitioning to new presidents, invite them to join you for a Council meeting and also to meet with your principal.

March 2015 – President’s To Do

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Here is your March President’s To Do List:

Gift Card Tree for Convention

Council will be contributing a gift card tree to be raffled off at Convention. The proceeds from the raffle will go the the WSPTA Scholarship fund. If your local unit is able to donate a gift card for the tree, please send it to Caroline Brown. The suggested donation amount is $20, but any amount is greatly appreciated.

 
Convention Registration

It’s time to register! Please encourage your board and membership to attend Convention. There is a lovely and informative slide show (attached) that will help stir up the excitement!

 
 
Convention Delegates
There is a new process for registering delegates for Convention. Each President must complete a delegate form and email it back to WSPTA. The email must be sent from the President’s email address that WSPTA has on file, and must be received by April 13th. The attached delegate form gives all the details. 
 
Bylaws Amendments
At Convention you will have the opportunity to vote on a completely new set of Uniform Bylaws. All of the Bylaws info and docs can be found at http://www.wastatepta.org/meetings/con15/index.html 
 
Please share this information with your board and potential incoming officers. If you have questions, please contact Alicia Veevaert at vp-middle@issaquahptsa.org.