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Stronger Together

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STRONGER TOGETHER Presents DEFEATING FEAR THROUGH THE POWER OF STORYTELLING

The current political climate has raised many questions and concerns within the immigrant community and we would like to provide an opportunity to reinforce some important topics that can help our children and community grow stronger. Join us for an inspirational event, including discussion tables with counselors, mental health specialists, support groups and more!

Luis Ortega is a TEDx Speaker, educator, and the director and founder of Storytellers for Change. Over the last eleven years, Luis has traveled across the nation to share his personal narrative and message about the power of storytelling and story-listening to generate empathy, promote inclusion, and inspire action.

For more info contact Margarita Leas margarita@isfdn.org | 757.618.0155

JUNTOS SOMOS MAS FUERTES PRESENTA VENCIENDO EL MIEDO a través del poder de las historias

El clima político actual ha planteado muchas preguntas y preocupaciones dentro de la comunidad de inmigrantes y nos gustaría brindar una oportunidad para reforzar algunos temas importantes que pueden ayudar a nuestros niños y la comunidad en general a fortalecerse. Acompáñanmos a un evento inspiracional que además incluye mesas de discusión con consejeros, especialistas en salud mental, grupos de apoyo y mucho más.

Luis Ortega es orador de TEDx, educador, fundador y director de Storytellers for Change. Durante los últimos once años, Luis ha viajado por todo el país compartiendo su narrativa personal y su mensaje sobre el poder de contar y escuchar historias para generar empatía, promover la inclusión e inspirar la acción.

Mayor información con Margarita Leas margarita@isfdn.org | 757.618.0155
MARCH 31st
6:00-8:00pm
Issaquah Senior Center, 75 NE Creek Way, Issaquah WA 98027

March 2017 – Agenda Notes

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March Agenda
February Draft Minutes
February Treasurer Report
Golden Acorn Reception Invitation

REMINDERS

Outreach Donation Ask for Council meeting:  New or gently used books for Lunch for the Break.

 

 

TREASURER

This is the time to get your 2017-2018 budget committee together and work on your budget for next year. Survey your program chairs and officers to see if they need/want adjustments to their budgets. Council Dues and fees should likely stay the same.  Your interim budget must be approved by your General Membership before the end of the school year. Let Laila know if you need any help.

 

AWARDS

The Issaquah PTSA Council will be awarding the Council Golden Acorn and Outstanding Advocate Awards at this meeting. Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners for the 2016-2017 school year. What an outstanding bunch of volunteers we have here in Issaquah!  The PTSA Council district reception honoring all of the Award winners will be Tuesday, April 4th 6:30-7:30pm at Issaquah Middle School. Paper invitations will be handed out to PTA Presidents to distribute to their PTA Award winners and Principal.

 

ADVOCACY

Two major events happened in the legislature on March 8th! 

  1. SB 5023 was brought to the floor of the Senate (this is the Senate version of the bill that would delay the levy cliff, and companion bill to HB 1059). The Senate voted and passed the bill! It will be sent to the House for consideration tomorrow.
  2. The Senate passed a Para-educator Bill! This bill (SB 5070) will require standards for para-educators, professional development, a career ladder, a more accessible path to teacher certification, and training for teachers who supervise para-educators. This aligns with one of the Top 5 priorities on this year’s WSPTA legislative platform.

 

March Action Items:

Below are 3 action items for this month. Email addresses for your local legislators are listed at the bottom of this email. So many of you have already sent in emails and blue postcards. Please keep them coming! Thank you all so much for all you do!

1. Contact your Senator re: bringing House Bill 1059 (Levy Cliff Extension Bill) to a vote. 
The House passed the levy cliff delay bill nearly a month ago and the Senate has rejected two attempts to bring it to the floor for a vote. This is top priority for Issaquah!
Sample subject line: Urgent – Please Pass the Levy Cliff Extension bill HB 1059
Sample email: I urge you to support HB 1059. Students are counting on you to keep teachers in classrooms next year. Our schools are trying to devise an operating budget for next year before April 1st. They are faced with the stress of uncertainty, and the possibility of having to RIF teachers. Levy dollars are voter approved. We cannot afford to lose teachers or funding in our schools. Thank you for taking care of our students and voting to pass HB 1059. (Please give your name and address in the body of the email.)
 
2. Ask your Representatives to identify new progressive revenue sources to amply fund public education.
The House passed the Democrats’ Education Plan (HB 1843), but they have not yet announced how the state would pay for it.
3. Attend the Education Funding Forum for the 5th and 41st Legislative Districts! 
Join local legislators in a conversation about education funding.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
1:00-3:00pm
Tyee Middle School in Bellevue
Contacts:
5th Leg. District
Sen. Mark Mullet – Mark.Mullet@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Paul Graves – PaulGraves@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Jay Rodne – JayRodne@leg.wa.gov
41st Leg. District
Sen. Lisa Wellman – Lisa.Wellman@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Judy Clibborn – JudyClibborn@leg.wa.gov
Rep. Tana Senn – Tana.Senn@leg.wa.gov
Thank you again for your dedication! 😊
Portions of the above are from the Washington’s Paramount Duty website. 

ART IN THE SCHOOLS
  • March updates
    • Drawing the Face with Priyanka Misra March 3, 2017
    • Docents never having drawn a face before all succeeded!
  • Needed:
    • Coordinate facility rental, food, volunteers and marketing before event
    • Manage food, volunteers and registration day of event (mid October)
    • Work with Juliette Ripley-Dunkelberger
    • Contact Juliette at www.Juliette@isfdn.org
    • 2 to 4 people
    • Re-write and format collected art docent lessons
    • Paid position
    • Contact Juliette at www.Juliette@isfdn.org
    • Art Docent Conference Coordinator
    • Lesson Re-format/Writers
  • Upcoming events & Works in progress
    • Goal – to complete 20 lessons by end of school year
    • Have teachers assign GLE’s to them over summer
    • Have them available online by September 2017
    • Curriculum Development Project
    • Trainings funded by Schools Foundation Fine Arts Fund held at Art East

BEST PRACTICES

Best Practices Checklist

FACE/Family And Community Engagement

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HEALTHY YOUTH NETWORK

State of Mind Conferences. Flyers: JPG | PDF

  • Saturday, March 11, Liberty High School in Renton | PROGRAM
  • Saturday, April 29, Issaquah High School in Issaquah

All Events will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Influence the Choice Video Contest is up and running. Deadline to submit is March 10th at 5pm.

High School Flyer: JPG | PDF
Middle School Flyer: JPG | PDF

JUDGES NEEDED! Flyer
Judging for the Influence the Choice video contest will take place on Monday, April 3. Middle and high school students, parents and community members are eligible. Each judge reviews a set of inspiring student videos and then meets with other judges on April 3rd to make final award decisions.  To volunteer, contact John Carney at john@isfdn.org.

 

Hidden In Plain Sight

Influence the Choice, with the support of seven community organizations, is hosting the first “Hidden In Plain Sight” parents-only event on Tuesday, March 28, 6:30 p.m. at Liberty High School.  This event helps parents spot signs of at-risk behaviors using an interactive display of a teenager’s bedroom. After walking through the display, participants will learn more about adolescent development and common signs of substance use provided by professionals in treatment, law enforcement, substance abuse prevention and other parents.  Event Flyer

Suicide Prevention Forums

Healthy Youth Initiative, in partnership with Friends of Youth, will present a Youth Suicide Prevention Forum on Thursday, March 30, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Issaquah Police Station Eagle Room.  The event is free, and open to middle school and high school students, parents, school staff and community members.  A second forum will be held on Thursday, April 13, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Beaver Lake Lodge in Sammamish.  Join us for a candid conversation about youth suicide, including warning signs, at-risk factors, prevention strategies, and tips on supporting teen healthy mental health development.  Event Flyer.

 

ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

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MEMBERSHIP

Washington State PTA Membership Leadership Guide

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OUTREACH

Outreach Notes – This page is kept current as needs or programs change.

This month’s Outreach Ask for Council meeting:    New or gently used books for Lunch for the Break. Thank you!

Lunch for the Break seeking donations and volunteers.

Congratulations to the Lunch for the Break crew, who delivered 415 boxes of food to Issaquah School District students in need for the mid-winter break.  As of this year, Lunch for the Break is serving every school in the district.  A special thanks goes to Rebecca Rayner, Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, for her leadership.  The next, and final, Lunch for the Break collection and distribution dates are Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6.  Donations and volunteers are always welcome.  To learn more, go to https://www.lunchforthebreak.com/.

FREE SAT practice exam at the Issaquah Library on May 20th. FLYER.

PARENTWISER (formerly Parent Education)

ParentWiser’s district-wide parent ed in an ongoing success this year!  Thank you for your continued support!

  1. For 2017-18, please continue your budget for at least $250 Council fees for ParentWiser/Parent Ed (same as current year).
  2. Keep a Parent Ed Rep on your committee reports.  The Parent Ed Rep is your liaison between your specific school community and ParentWiser.  We rely on the input and volunteer help of parent ed reps at each school to run our speaker program.

Here is our recommended job description for Parent Ed Rep at your local PTSA:

  • Advertize all parent ed offerings forwarded to you by Parentwiser (Issaquah PTSA Council) at your school via flyers, school ENews, PTSA news, and any social media accounts linked to your school and/or PTSA), approx monthly
  • Use FEDEX PTSA discount code for printed materials:  052 088 2103
  • Attend quarterly ParentWiser committee meetings to provide input/planning for future speakers/events.
  • Act as liaison between your local school community and ParentWiser at the district level
  • Volunteer to assist at least 1 ParentWiser event per year, SignupGenius for pre/post-event volunteer needs go out 1-2 weeks prior to each event.
  • Organize/host any additional local speaker(s) at your school community, if desired by your PTSA.
  1. If open to other parents in the district, please forward details at least 3 weeks prior to parentwiser@issaquahptsa.org
  2. For suggestions for local speakers/topics, contact parentwiser@issaquahptsa.org
  3. Turn-in receipts/expenses to your local PTSA unit for reimbursement
  • Encourage your school community to attend parent ed events or watch online at http://ParentWiser.org
  • ParentWiser parent education is FREE for Issaquah School District PTSA members only, non-members pay $. Encourage your PTSA membership with this tangible benefit!
  1. Below are the communications for March events.  This was sent to presidents, parent ed reps, and communications chairs on March 6th.  Please ensure they are advertized at your school.

 

For ENews:

ParentWiser presents…

March 15th Disciplina Positiva para Padres (Positive Discipline, in Spanish), 6-8pm at Issaquah Valley Elementary.  A special invitation for our Spanish-speaking families, join parent educator Lupita Zamora for an informative 6-class series in positive discipline, in your native Spanish language.  This first session is FREE, where you can sign up for the 5 remaining classes at $40 per person. For parents of K-12, childcare provided if needed.

 

March 28th Hidden in Plain Sight, 6:30-8:30pm at Liberty High School Commons.   Come to a “Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit of a youth bedroom, and learn what signs of substance use to look for, and what to do if you find something.  Includes expert Q&A forum, and a brief professional talk on communicating with youth about at-risk behavior.  This is a PARENT ONLY event.

 

April 25th The Gift of Failure: Fostering Intrinsic Motivation and Resilience in Kids by national keynote and author, Jessica Lahey, motivational talk and book signing at 10am or 7pm!  In today’s culture, do we coddle our kids enough?  Too much?  Jessica Lahey summarizes the current research on autonomy-supportive parenting and teaching, competence, rewards, praise, and failure, and gives us advice on how to allow students to succeed over the long term.  Join our community book read of Gift of Failure to prepare for a cultural change!  For parents of K-12. FLYER.

 

New – WATCH ONLINE!  Did you miss Amy Lang’s talk on Birds+Bees+Kids?  That event, plus 28 additional high caliber online parent ed talks from NextGenEd,  are now available on ParentWiser.org/watch-online! With a click, enjoy parent ed on a variety of current topics from the convenience of your home, anytime.  Audio downloads are included to listen on-the-go.  ParentWiser is thrilled to offer these FREE with your PTSA membership to any Issaquah district school.  Enjoy!

 

We value your input for ParentWiser!  Please take a moment before March 22nd to help select parent ed speakers or topics for next year that are relevant to your parenting needs. Thank you!

ParentWiser Logo.

REFLECTIONS

STAR/SPECIAL EDUCATION
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VICE PRESIDENTS

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VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)
Dawn will be handing out letters to all Presidents explaining why it is important to keep the Volunteers for Issaquah Schools donation as a line item in your budget. You will also find your PTA’s past 3 years donation amount listed at the bottom of the letter. If you notice that you haven’t had a chance to mail a check for your donation this year, it is not too late. Please use this letter as your donation confirmation and we will also mail you a letter of receipt for your financial records. We are anticipating running a Levy Campaign for 2018, so now is the time that we are saving to finance the campaign. We are very grateful for all of our PTAs’ historic strong support of our Issaquah Bonds and Levies. Thank you very much for your continued support and donations!
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WEBMASTER/DIRECTORY

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Other

 The 2016-2017 district-wide PTA/PTSA Awards Reception:

April 4th
7-8:30pm
Issaquah Middle School Commons

This reception is to honor all Golden Acorn and Outstanding Advocate Award Winners from all of our schools in the Issaquah School District.

HB 1059 – Delaying revisions to the school levy lid

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HB 1059 would allow a 12 month reprieve from the “levy cliff”.

If it passes, this would give legislators another year to figure out how to fully fund education without relying on levies. In 2010, school districts were given authority to temporarily increase property tax levies by 4%. That allowance will expire at the beginning of 2018, in the middle of the next school year. That would mean a loss of about $7.5M to Issaquah schools next year. The good news is that the House has already voted to pass HB 1059. However, the Senate has not yet voted and there are some Senators that are expected to vote against this bill. They are listed below along with contact information. If you have friends or family in their districts, please urge them to contact these legislators!

Sample Letter: 

Subject: Our students cannot learn without teachers in the classroom – please support HB 1059

I urge you to support HB 1059. Students are counting on you to keep teachers in classrooms next year. Our schools are trying to devise an operating budget for next year before April 1st. They are faced with the stress of uncertainty, and the possibility of having to RIF teachers. Levy dollars are voter approved. We cannot afford to lose teachers or funding in our schools. Thank you for taking care of our students by voting to pass HB 1059.

Hans Zeiger
25th LD: includes Puyallup, Fife
360 786-7648
hans.zeiger@leg.wa.gov
John Braun
20th LD: includes Chehalis, Centralia, Castle Rock
360 786-7638
john.braun@leg.wa.gov
Joe Fain
47th LD: includes Auburn, Kent, Renton, Covington, Federal Way
360 786-7692
joe.fain@leg.wa.gov
Ann Rivers
18th LD: includes Vancouver, Ridgefield, Camas, Battle Ground, Washougal, La Center, Hockinson
360 786-7634
ann.rivers@leg.wa.gov
Mark Miloscia
30th LD: includes Algona, Auburn, Des Moines, Federal Way, Milton, Pacific
360 786-7658
mark.miloscia@leg.wa.gov
Jan Angel
26th LD: includes Bremerton, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Lakebay, Purdy
360 786-7650
jan.angel@leg.wa.gov
Dino Rossi
45th LD: includes Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Woodinville, Duvall
360 786-7672
dino.rossi@leg.wa.gov
Maureen Walsh
16th LD: includes Walla Walla, Prosser, Horse Heaven
360 786-7630
maureen.walsh@leg.wa.gov
Mark Schoesler
9th LD: includes Ritzville, Pullman, Colfax, St. John, Asotin
360 786-7620
mark.schoesler@leg.wa.gov
Phil Fortunato
31st LD: includes Enumclaw, Buckley, Bonney Lake, Auburn, Sumner, Edgewood, South Prairie, Wilkeson and Carbonado
360 786-7660
phil.fortunato@leg.wa.gov
Brad Hawkins
12th LD: includes Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Twisp, Winthrop, Leavenworth
360 786-7622
brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Randi Becker
2nd LD: includes Eatonville, Yelm, Orting, Graham, Roy, Rainier
360 786-7602 305
randi.becker@leg.wa.gov
Lynda Wilson
17th LD: includes Brush Prairie, Orchards, Cascade Park East (Clark County)
360 786-7632
lynda.wilson@leg.wa.gov
Curtis King
14th LD: includes Stevenson, White Salmon, Naches, Goldendale, Tieton, Roosevelt
360 786-7626
curtis.king@leg.wa.gov
Barbara Bailey
10th LD: includes Stanwood, Camamo Island, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, La Connor
360 786-7618
barbara.bailey@leg.wa.gov

Community Values Survey – PLEASE DISTRIBUTE!

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We need your help getting this info out to our ISD community!


Please share this survey link & information below with your school community…through your PTSA websites, Enews, School Enews, Facebook page…any way you can to get the word out. It is really important that we have as much input as possible to share with the Issaquah School District Administration.

This survey closes January 31st.

Thank you all so much for your help getting this information out, so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to contribute!
-Becky Gordon, PTSA Council President

 

COPY & PASTE for Communications:

Please take a moment to share your opinion!
2017 Community Values Survey
The Issaquah PTSA Council is conducting a Community Values Survey within the Issaquah School District attendance area.  We are seeking your perspective on five Value Statements based on your experience in the Issaquah School District.  All community members are encouraged to participate including parents, teachers, students, and community members who do not have students in the local schools.  This survey closes on January 31 and the results will be shared with the ISD Administration, the ISD School Board, and the Issaquah Education Association in a presentation open to the public in early February. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017CommunityValues

 

TRANSLATION:

¡El PTSA Council de Issaquah necesita de tu ayuda! Ellos quieren saber sobre los temas de importa para ti, sobre nuestros maestros y escuelas. Si eres un padre familia, estudiante, maestro u otro miembro de la comunidad, se te invita a compartir tu experiencia en la Encuesta de Valores de la Comunidad(Community Values Survey) del 2017. Completa la encuesta antes del 31 de enero, sigue las preguntas de la liga https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017CommunityValues.
Los resultados se presentarán en una reunión pública a principios de febrero, en nombre de PTSA Council, ¡GRACIAS!

October 2016 – Agenda Notes

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REMINDERS

Outreach Donation Ask for Council meeting:  As a follow up to Diaper Need Awareness Week Sept. 26 through October 2, please consider a donation of diapers or baby food or baby formula. Thank you!

Delegate forms must be submitted to the council secretary no later than this October meeting!

TREASURER
  1. Make sure your Council Fees (Dues, SurveyMonkey Fee, Parent Ed Fee, and ACT Donation) are sent to me by October 31, 2016.  An invoice was sent out to all treasurers about this last week so they should know what needs to be done.
  2. 990/990EZ/990N tax returns are due to the IRS by 11/15/16 (for the period of 7/1/15-6/30/16).  Please check with your treasurer to make sure this gets done.  You can file an automatic 5 month extension if necessary.  The state PTA website has great information on 990s if you need help.
ADVOCACY

Link to the WSPTA Legislative Advocacy page: http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/index.html. This is a great place to look for legislative events, updates, the monthly Advocacy To-Do List and other information.

Attend Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly on October 21-22at the Olympia Red Lion!

At Leg. Assembly you will get to network with people from around our state who are dedicated to Advocacy. You will vote on long term resolutions which will outline the WSPTA stand on statewide issues. You will also vote on the short term “Top 5” priorities, which will form the WSPTA legislative platform for the next two years.

Click here http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/2016_Leg_Assembly.html to view the Legislative Assembly page. Here you can register to attend, view the class tracks and agenda, read the issues packet, and reserve accommodations.

Important Legislative Assembly Dates:

October 12th – Last day to reserve a room at the Olympia Red Lion at the group discounted rate.

October 17th – Last day for presidents to submit delegates for Leg. Assembly. Email names to tvasbinder@wastatepta.org. Please email from the ‘president’s email address’ that WSPTA has on file for you, and include your local PTA/PTSA number.

October 20th – Last day to register for Leg. Assembly and choose your classes.

Remember that any classes you attend at Leg. Assembly count as your training requirement for the year! Woo-hoo!!

(Please note: Your PTA/PTSA budget should have money allotted for at least one person to attend Leg. Assembly each year. If you need more information on how to do this, I can help you! Please email me at advocacy@issaquahptsa.org)

Register to Vote

Get ready to vote in the November 8th election! If you are not registered, you can still register in person through October 31st. The King Co. elections office is conveniently located at: 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 / Phone: 206-296-8683 / Office Hours: 8am-4:30pm

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidate Forums

Candidates Erin Jones and Chris Reykdal will hold several public forums around the state to explain their stands on education issues. The next forum in our vicinity will be at Highline College in Des Moines on October 15th. You can view the full schedule and register to attend any of the forums on the League of Education Voters website. You can also go here to listen to interviews with both candidates. LEV website: http://educationvoters.org/2016/03/17/state-superintendent-of-public-instruction-candidate-forums/

Don’t forget to vote for the candidate of your choosing!
October Advocacy Chair To-Do List:

  • Attend Legislative Assembly!
  • Remind members to mail their ballots for the general election by the first Tuesday in November.
  • Continue to learn about local and state issues.
  • Report Legislative Assembly results back to members, both at meetings and in a newsletter article (points for Standards of Excellence for posting state PTA news!).
  • Hold a candidate forum.

 

Please always feel free to email me with questions, comments or requests. If there is an Advocacy/Legislative topic that you would like to hear more about, please let me know!

Thank you,

Korista Smith-Barney

advocacy@issaquahptsa.org

ART IN THE SCHOOLS

ART DOCENT CONFERENCE 2016

Annual Art Docent Conference October 22, 2016 at Grand Ridge Elementary from 9:00 – 3:30 pm.

This conference is the opportunity for elementary school adult volunteer art docents to explore new mediums, learn new techniques, try out new lesson plans and connect with fellow docents and area teaching artists.  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0A49AEA72BA13-artdocent2

Class List

***Children are not allowed on premise during the art docent conference.  Please make plans accordingly.***

 

Upcoming Art Docent training opportunities @ ARTEAST

 

BEST PRACTICES

Best Practices Checklist

FACE/Family And Community Engagement

What Every Parent Wants to Know about the American School System Translated Flyers:

HEALTHY YOUTH NETWORK

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ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
  • Next Dining for Kids is at Agave in the Issaquah Highlands on November 2nd. Please spread the word about this all day event.
  • All In For Kids signs should be up by October 17th. Instructions as to where to put (and where not to put) signs will be attached. Signs come down by November 18th.
  • All In For Kids Social Media Drive (Click for Kids) starts October 20th.
  • A Grant Writing Workshop is scheduled for November 3rd at 5:30pm at Issaquah Valley Elementary
  • Grant Applications Open on November 4th; see Foundation website for timeline
  • All school Click for Kids/Honk and Wave efforts are scheduled for November 4th.
  • All In For Kids Calling Nights (where district students from high school groups call the community) are on November 10th and 15th.
  • May 11, 2017 is the annual Nourish Every Mind Luncheon at Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
  • May 17, 2017 is the annual Nourish Every Mind Breakfast at Eastridge Church, Issaquah
  • Contact Valerie Korock at valerie@isfdn.org if you know anyone who would like to (or if you would like to) volunteer as an online Future Map Career Coach. Go to www.isfdn.org/FutureMap/.
  • Contact VOICE@isfdn.org to volunteer as a VOICE Mentor. Students in high school can volunteer as VOICE Mentors, too.
  • Go to www.issaquahschoolsfoundation.org and click on Volunteer to sign up to learn more about all the Foundation’s many volunteer opportunities.
MEMBERSHIP

Membership Awards posted by Washington State PTA: http://bit.ly/2dTdu0M

 

OUTREACH

Current information: http://www.issaquahptsa.org/programs/outreach This page is kept current as needs or programs change.

PARENTWISER (formerly Parent Education)

Parent Ed is now Parentwiser! Check out http://parentwiser.org for a current listing of parent education events, registrations, and resources across the Issaquah school district.

Contact:  parentwiser@issaquahptsa.org

Please note these dates in your school calendars, put into ENews, PTSA/School Facebook, etc.

  • Oct 17, 2016 – SCREENAGERS – Growing Up in the the Digital Age.  Film documentary and panel Q&A.  7:00pm at Issaquah High Theater.  For parents AND students K-12.
  • Feb, 2017 – speaker John O’Sullivan, author of “Changing the Game”, about how parent’s can best support kids today in the competitive world of sports. Date/time/place TBD.  For parents of K-12.
  • Apr 25, 2017 – speaker Jessica Lahey, author of “Gift of Failure” – How the best parents learn to let go so their children can succeed.   7:00pm at Issaquah High Theater.  This keynote will be preceded by a community book read about a month in advance.  Details coming soon.   For parents of K-12.

Other speakers, topics and dates coming soon.

REFLECTIONS

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STAR/SPECIAL EDUCATION
We are rebuilding the Special Education Committee this year. We have a new chairperson and we are looking to connect with Special Education chairs at each school/PTSA to learn what is working and not working and gather consensus on what the committee can best do and provide.
Please check out our new website on the Issaquah Council PTSA page: www.issaquahstar.org
www.facebook.com/groups/IssaquahSTAR
FLYER LINK.
VICE PRESIDENTS

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VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)
Here is information for our wonderful Issaquah PTA/PTSAs to put on their websites or link to the VIS website. It is very important that we continuously educate our parents and school communities about what Volunteers for Issaquah Schools (VIS) does to promote bonds and levies for the Issaquah School District.
Volunteers for Issaquah Schools (VIS) has gotten several requests for information and a VIS logo for PTAs to put on their Our School Pages PTA Websites to link the VIS site. We have attached a JPG image to these agenda notes for PTA communications directors to put either on the main menu or their advocacy page.
What is VIS flyer PDF file to link on your website and the link to bus image: 
If you do not have a link to VIS, would you please add one somewhere on your website? 
Link to VIS Webpage: http://www.visvote.org/
ISD link to the Capital Projects website: http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/departments/CapProjects
Please LIKE VIS on FACEBOOK for up to date news and information
WEBMASTER/DIRECTORY

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Other

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February 15, 2016

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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
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2016_Bono_escolar-Spanish

February 08, 2016

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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!

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 VIS-April-26-LOGO

Untimely Loss – Vicki Hoffman

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PAGE ENTRIES:

Vicki had the unique gift of viewing everything through a lens of positivity.  There was not a person, organization or object in which she did not see “potential”.  Together we labored countless hours locating, rescuing and reviving materials which could be repurposed for our students’ art lessons.  We scoured school district surplus sales from Tacoma to Everett, dividing up our loot to take to the schools who needed them most.  She was the one bold enough to believe our kids could try fusing glass in the classrooms – which led to our roadtrips to Portland where we could purchase glass wholesale and stretch our budgets.  Vicki made these excursions fun and our successes were triumphant.  We spent hours in tiny kiln rooms firing student art projects after hours and on weekends so that each child would be able to create a keepsake for years to come.  Many a student (and prospective adult art docent) started a conversation saying “I’m not good at art” – Vicki would just laugh and disagree – and say “we’re just playing” – and lure them into a world of creativity.  That was her special gift – she lured you in and made you see your own “potential”.  It is a lesson we can all learn, take a chance, see where it leads and have fun along the way.  I will miss her dearly.  – Cyn Baumert

Vicki was a ray of sunshine in my life..11 years ago we began our journey together in the world of Art Docent. She was my mentor and inspiration! I could always share ideas with Vick and know that my lesson plans would come out fabulous! She was instrumental in helping me get the program started when Grand Ridge Elementary opened 7 years ago. Vicki is a legend in our community and will always live on through her dedication in making our world a more colorful place to be!! Love her and miss her…-Debi Courage

There are not enough words to describe Vicki and her heart for children, whether it was being an ISF Voice mentor, or hosting a party that raised funds for ISF, or whether she was involved in distributing every sign that went up for either the bond and levy campaigns, or for ISF’s All in for Kids campaigns.  She was involved at Tiger Mountain, Echo Glen, Issaquah Food Bank, Issaquah Middle School, Issaquah High School, Issaquah Community Network, just to name a few.  Vicki lived in half a lifetime what would take the rest of us to live in five life times.  There was no stone unturned when it came to helping kids.  Our community will definitely feel the loss of this amazing giving soul.  We love you Vicki! -Jody Mull

Vicki made it her business to not only expose as many people, young and old, to art, but to share the joy of creating art and art pieces.  She was perpetually positive, didn’t give in to fits of badmouthing and was professionally gracious and fun loving. -Lacey Leigh
 
Vicki was a gem in our community.   Vicki was my first art docent trainer and she was so inspirational and enthusiastic.  She wore many hats – but all of them showed that she was caring and passionate about the kids in our community.   Vicki is a shining example of using your passion to make the world a better place.  -Kim Foster
 
Personally, I was inspired by her commitment to teaching our kids art – whether it was clay or glass, she was always reaching out to share her passion with kids.  Such a huge loss for Issaquah… -Susan Griffin
 
My connection to Vicki was through the Art Docent program, but she is someone I ran into year after year and she was always an inspiration. I can’t believe I spent ten minutes catching up with her at Barnes & Noble’s only two weeks ago, and now she is gone. I don’t know her family, but I can only imagine how many people she has touched over the years. What a loss to the community!-Teresa Cowan
 
I am so glad to have known her when I started working with the school district. A lovely warm person ready to help a newbie like me. Praying for her family at this time….RIP Vicky. -Sharon Fong

Facilitator Training FAQ

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What the heck is going on here?
As you probably all know, the district is revising its homework policy and has invited the PTSA’s to be involved in a conversation about the homework our children do (or don’t do, as the case may be). On the website under Homework there are links to the district’s timeline, its current policies on homework, and “guiding questions” it would like parents to consider as they weigh in on the process. The webpage also has a good (and GROWING) number of links to research on the value of homework, etc.  Check it out when you get a chance:
As the discussion has evolved, we have decided that we’d like to approach this issue by having each school will hold a “community conversation” meeting, on some evening before the end of March.
Why did I get the list of IEA reps?
The teachers are also a part of this process and are eager to join in on our conversation. As you can imagine, teachers’ opinions on homework vary as much as parents’ opinions do, so this is definitely not an “us against them” thing — we all want what’s best for our children and a conversation in which multiple opinions and viewpoints are aired and explained will benefit all of us. So please contact your rep(s) and involve them from the beginning of the meeting planning process — this is a team effort.
Why do we need facilitator training?
There is an art to managing a “group conversation” and we are tremendously fortunate that one of our own advocacy reps has training in this that she’s willing to share with us. At the program after the January Council meeting, presidents (and any advocacy reps who can come) will get the briefest introduction to facilitating skills (how to keep people from saying the same thing over and over, keep them from rambling, etc.), plus a discussion of how to wrap up the meeting so that everyone attending feels they had a tangible opportunity to weigh in. The full-blown workshop will be in the evening of Monday Jan. 14, exact time to be determined as soon as I book the room. If you can, please plan for whoever is facilitating your meeting to attend that evening.
Can we do a survey?
Sure, and if you do set one up, please share it with the rest of us in case other schools want to follow suit. Surveys are a great way to involve families that cannot otherwise attend your meeting, but it shouldn’t replace the meeting itself, as there is great value in having parents hear the differing viewpoints.
What are the next steps?
1. Presidents and advocacy reps, working together, should contact their IEA reps and invite them to weigh in on planning the meeting, including choosing a date and a facilitator. Keep in mind that the facilitator will not be allowed to be a part of the conversation/express an opinion. Let me know if you have trouble finding a facilitator.
2. Sara Niegowski has specifically asked us NOT to put this on the principals’ plates at all — they are up to their eyeballs in TPEP stuff and will not have the bandwidth to participate meaningfully in this.
3. If you are in a middle or high school, make sure your ASB knows about this, and let them figure out how they want to make the range of student voices heard (conducting their own survey, inviting students to attend the conversation, etc.)
4. As soon as you have a date set, let Sara Niegowski and me know. Sara wants to put the dates on the district website, and I will pass them to Lida Buckner to put on the Council website. That way, if one of your elementary school parents can’t attend, they can go to another elementary school’s evening, since the conversations are likely to be similar. I would love to have all your dates by the January 10 council meeting — let me know if you are having problems with this.
Thanks again, and don’t hesitate to let me know if you have follow-up questions.