March 2016 – Agenda Notes (PTD)

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REMINDERS

Donation Ask (Outreach): Cereal.

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

Awards Reception Invitation is HERE.  Evite.

TREASURER

Treasurer Notes for 2015-2016 Budgeting:

As you begin your budgeting for next year, I wanted to alert you to some potential changes.  Once Council has our budget finalized, we will be able to provide more specific information.  Stay tuned!

  1. ISF will now be funding Art Docent Training so elementaries will no longer need to budget $75.00 for the training (yeah)!
  2. Council Dues which are currently $260 for Elementary, $230 for Middle, and $210 for High Schools will be raised approximately $50/year.  We haven’t raised Council dues in many years and we need to do so in order to keep up with rising costs.
  3. The Parent Ed Fee which is currently $100/year, will be going up by an amount yet to be determined.  We will discuss this is more detail on Thursday.
  4. Survey Monkey Fee will still be $11.00.
  5. With the opening of the new Choice High School, Gibson Ek, in the fall, each PTA will be asked to make a donation to help them start up their PTA.  This is not required however is suggested.
  6. Remember to consider the ACT Program and Echo Glen for donations when establishing your budgets.

ADVOCACY

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ART IN THE SCHOOLS
  • Sunset Elementary school visit 2/4/2016
    • Coordinator: Becky Foster
    • Lots of busy docents getting ready for Art Walk right before break
  • Maple Hills visit
    • Clay lesson integrated into history: kids made replica cities to ‘rebuild’ Europe after WWI
    • Lots of great art on the walls
    • Auction coming up and there are some fabulous projects for that as well
  • Looking for host of 2016 Art Docent Conference
  • This month is a good time to check in with teachers, if you haven’t already, to find out how they are feeling about their docents and projects.  You still have time to make changes at this point. 

BEST PRACTICES MOMENT

PTA Monthly Checklist –  Full Year

HEALTHY YOUTH / INFLUENCE THE CHOICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

2016 Influence the Choice Video Contest Event is underway!

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

ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ISF)
  • Dining for Kids – 1st Wednesday of every month, next night is on Wed, March 2nd at Big Fish in the Issaquah Highlands.
  • Save your seat:  Annual Nourish Every Mind Luncheon and Breakfast  (Table Sign-up sheet and NEM FAQ attached for your to have available at your meeting)
      • Luncheon on Thursday, April 28
        • Reception will again feature program displays, Bundt cakes and the Wall of Wine & Whiskey
      • Breakfast on Wednesday, May 4 – ideal for those who work. wonderful networking opportune. 
      • Online Auction:  live April 17-26th – 2 weeks,
        • Procuring items now for Online Auction and Wines & Whiskeys
    • For those that have not attended before:  The events showcase students and staff who have benefitted from Foundation investments, inspirational videos, entertainment and information on the impact private donations have on our public schools.
    • The generous donations to be directed to programs that elevate and enrich education for every student at every school. 
    • A few of the programs supported:  VOICE Mentor Program, Healthy Youth Initiative, Financial Literacy Classes, Academic Enrichment Grants, Free After-School Homework Labs, and Computer Science and Web Design Classes. 
  • Schools Foundation $1,000 Impact Scholarship – now accepting applications.
    • Impact Scholarships are available to juniors and seniors in the Issaquah School District to help continue their educational journeys.
    • This scholarship will be awarded to students who submit essays that describe how Foundation-funded programs have enriched their education.
    • Scholarship will be awarded in two categories. The winner of each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship for use at a post-secondary institute of learning.
    • Written category entries will be judged on answers to required essay questions.
    • Presentation category entries will be judged on a 5-minute oral presentation of the written essays and will have the opportunity to tell their story at the annual Luncheon on Thursday, April 28th or Breakfast on Wednesday, May 4th.
    • Deadline Monday, February 29th
    • More information can be found of the Schools Foundation Website, under the Students tab.
  • ESL Classes at Issaquah Valley Elementary
    • ESL:  English as a Second Language
    • ESL classes will be held at Issaquah Valley Elementary (IVE)
      • February 8 -June 8 on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesday, 6:00pm-8:30 pm

DATES Recap

3/2 Dining For Kids – Big Fish in Issaquah Highlands

4/17-26  Nourish Every Mind Online Auction

4/28 Nourish Every Mind Luncheon

5/4 Nourish Every Mind Breakfast

This Month’s Program Highlight: Healthy Youth Initiative

  • Its mission is to build the community’s capacity to empower youth and families, to reduce negative social and emotional (risky) behaviors, and to network the community in support of healthy youth and strong families.  
  • Issues confronting our youth today that Healthy Youth tackles:

Substance abuse prevention

Homelessness

Bullying prevention

Strengthening emotional resiliency

Reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences

It also ensures basic student needs are met, including breakfast, school supplies, dental care, vision care and warm clothing.

  • This last mid-winter break – the partnership between the Basic Student Needs Committee and the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank provided boxes of food to 338 students at 6 schools over mid-winter break

Provides opportunities to learn – open to all students and families, the State of Mind Mini-Conference

  • Guest welcome to attend 1,2 or all 3 State of Mind mini-conferences focused on topics related to youth mental health. 
  • Each school’s 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.
  • If you would like more information on the event or to register – go to the Healthy Youth Initiative Website
    • Sat, March 19, 12n- 4pm, Issaquah High School
    • Sat, April 2, 12n- 4pm,, Liberty High School
    • Sat, April 23, 12n- 4pm,, Skyline High School

MEMBERSHIP
  • Congratulations to all our PTSA’s  I have just crunched the numbers and we are 275 members beyond where we finished last year ….GO TEAM ISSAQUAH.
  • Current total 14,550 to reach our goal of 14,636 we need 86 more members !!!! so close (99.4 %) to our stated goal…..
  • We also have 80% of our students with a PTSA members voice shouting for them and standing up for them.Smile
We have 8 more months of membership and the lazy crazy summer months are a good time to use your membership benefits so hunt around and find those 86 people who want to be a voice for a child and have great benefits as well.

OUTREACH / F.A.C.E.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

This month’s Outreach Ask for Council meeting: Benefiting the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank: all kinds of cereal.  They are out of cereal !

Lunch For The Break. For the upcoming April break, there are now nine schools, with the addition of Maywood Middle, being sponsored: Apollo, Briarwood, Clark, Grand Ridge, Issaquah Valley, Maple Hills, and Sunset Elementary Schools; Issaquah Middle School and Maywood Middle. The shopping list for donated foods can be downloaded from the website.  Donation Drop-Off will be April 6, 2pm-7pm at 3 locations.   Details at www.LunchForTheBreak.com 

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

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.

Pickering Garden – Volunteers take part in growing fresh produce for the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. In the process, they learn techniques for growing food organically and utilizing natural resources wisely. Join us to help plant, harvest, weed and have fun — all while serving a good cause! All the food that is grown in the garden is donated to the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. The City of Issaquah owns the Pickering Demonstration Garden and offers volunteer drop-in hours.  Starting in March: Tuesdays: 10-1pm, and 1st & 3rd Wednesdays: 3pm-5pm; Starting in May: 1st & 3rd Saturdays. We’re always looking for volunteers to lend a hand! To view a schedule of drop-in hours, go to www.issaquahwa.gov/eatlocal. To schedule a group work party, email us. 

CURRENT PROGRAMS:

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/

Lunch for the Break April 2016 is coming soon! We will provide each school age child in a family with a box of food during Spring Break.  Now serving nine schools that include Apollo, Briarwood, Clark, Grand Ridge, Maple Hills and Sunset elementary schools, and Maywood and Issaquah Middle Schools.  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 April 7 from 2-7pm and you may choose one of three pick up locations.  www.LunchForTheBreak.com

Dental Clinic April 11.  Register with Rebecca at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.  Adults and high school aged children eligible.

King County Library Events:

    • Explore coding in an open, collaborative environment for youth. Drop in for self-directed online learning. Bring your charged laptop or tablet. For more information, visit coderdojo.com. Date: 3/12/2016 3:00PM – 4:30PM Ages 7 to 17, ages 12 and younger with adult.  Sammamish Library, Meeting Room No registration required. Space may be limited. Contact: Alison Eckes or Sara Jensen Contact Number: 425.392.3130
    • Explore coding in an open, collaborative environment for youth. Drop in for self-directed online learning. Bring your charged laptop or tablet. For more information, visit coderdojo.com. Date: 3/13/2016 3:00PM – 4:30PM Ages 7 to 17, ages 12 and younger with adult.  Sammamish Library, Meeting Room No registration required. Space may be limited. Contact: Alison Eckes or Sara Jensen Contact Number: 425.392.3130
    • ALL MARCH 2016.  Check calendar for details. Teens: What books would make your Final Four? Pick up your bracket entry form and make your predictions by March 13 for a chance to win an Amazon, iTunes or Starbucks gift card! Vote for your favorites each week in March for additional chances to win!  Sammamish Library.  Limit one vote per person, per round. Prize drawing winners will be drawn April 6. Sponsored by Friends of Sammamish Library. Contact: Alison Eckes Contact Number: 425.392.3130

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  Leave Message @ 425-200-0669

Child Care resources:  http://childcare.org/family-services/

Homeless Youth Services:  Friends of Youth

    • 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
    • Short Term Shelter, guys & girls ages 11-17 – call 24-hours 206.236.437
    • 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
    • For the nearest SAFE PLACE location, text the word SAFE and your current location to 69866

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. LINK

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/

Find out if you qualify for a computers and/or free internet access: http://washingtonaccessfund.org/free-and-low-cost-computers/

Issaquah School District students with financial hardship may be eligible for a free computer.     

PARENT EDUCATION

In preparing for our Issaquah PTSA Council meeting this week, please think about our Parent Ed proposal from last month and come prepared with how much your PTA unit is willing/able to budget for a more proactive, high profile, and/or technological delivery of district-wide Parent Ed events going forward.  During the meeting we will request your preferred budget increase for Council Parent Ed to either:

1)      We prefer to keep most Parent Ed local to our school only, increase only up to about $250-350/school for Council funded Parent Ed,

or

2)      We believe in pooling and distributing district efforts, collect up to $XXXX/school  (or $X/FTE) and give us the best national speakers & webinars available. (XXXX=how much your school PTSA is willing to spend on district Parent Ed efforts).

Heidi pass around a sheet toward the beginning of the meeting reflecting the 2 choices above, to collect a surveyed response of budget priority by end of meeting.   We will use the results of that to help determine the budgeted Council Fees for 2016-17.

 

UPCOMING PARENT ED EVENTS:

 

1)    Anxiety – Yours, Mine and Ours, by Laura Kastner PhD  FLYER

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.

 

2)    What do our kids need to know about money and finances?  by Ron Lieber FLYER

Tues, Mar 15th, 2016

7:00-8:30pm

Mercer Island High School

(for parents of kids K-12, $10 at the door)

Ron Lieber, author of NY Times bestseller “The Opposite of Spoiled –  Raising Kids Who are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money”, gives parents practical advice on how to have honest conversations with children of all ages about money.  Learn how talking about money can teach life lessons and import strong values by teaching modesty, patience, generosity and perspective.

 

3)    State of Mind Mini-Conferences: Finding a Balance in Your Life sponsored by Healthy Youth Initiative of ISF  FLYER

(for parents & teenagers)

Sat, Mar 19, 12-4pm, Issaquah High School

Focus: Mental Health Crash Course, Identification, Levels, Recognition; Body Image, Eating Disorders

Sat, Apr 2, 12-4pm, Liberty High School

Focus: Healthy Relationships, Helping Loved Ones with Mental Illnesses

Sat, Apr 23, 12-4pm, Skyline High School

Focus: Reliance on Technology; Managing Expectations from Parents, Self, Peers; Finding Your Own Definition of Success

Professional, technical, and practical information will be exchanged in all workshops, but each school mini-conference will have a different focus; common topics at all schools are Substance Abuse, Self Confidence, and Self-Care / Stress Management.   Attendees will attend 3 one-hour workshops of their choosing.  Attendance is FREE, but advance registration is requested at  http://www.healthyyouthinitiative.org/state-of-mind-2016.html.

4)    The Gift of Anxiety: Turn your child’s worry into growth, speaker Chris McCurry, sponsored by ParentMap

Tues, Mar 29th 2016
7:00-9:00pm
Village Theater, Issaquah (303 Front St N, Issaquah 98027)
(for adults, parents of K-12)

Author and psychologist, Chris McCurry, Ph.D., dives into the early origins of child anxiety and provides insight and strategies for clearer communication, mutual respect and problem solving techniques.

Presale tickets $25, Tickets at the door $30.

https://www.parentmap.com/article/mccurry

REFLECTIONS
 WSPTA Reflections Winners list can be viewed here: LINK

Outstanding Interpretation winners have been forwarded to the National PTA competition and all Outstanding Interpretation, Award of Excellence, and Award of Merit winners will be honored at a ceremony in Bellevue on April 30th. More details to follow.

Congratulations to all the Washington State Reflections Award recipients and especially to Joseph So from Grand Ridge Elementary, who received First Place in State for Visual Arts, Intermediate and goes on to the National competition!

 
Dance Choreography
Maywood Middle School
Award of Merit – Caitlin Thornhill – Fly! 
(A Contemporary Piece)
Film Production
Pacific Cascade Middle School
Award of Excellence – Rishit Khare – Operation Snowglobe
Music Composition
Skyline High School
Award of Excellence – Kaley Romero – Journey
Literature
Skyline High School
Award of Merit – Julia Hong – Childhood Voice
Photography
Issaquah High School
Award of Merit – Darynn Lung – Sonic Escape
Endeavor Elementary
Award of Excellence – Albert Weng – Growing Imagination 
Visual Arts
Grand Ridge Elementary
Outstanding Interpretation – Joseph So – Grand Ridge in Nebula Space
Beaver Lake Middle School
Award of Excellence – Ishan Parikh – Mystical Midnight Toys
 
Beaver Lake Middle School
Award of Merit – Shreya Masina – Bubble Travels
Endeavor Elementary
Award of Excellence – Anuj Chandel – Bloom Your Bubbles
 
Once again, thank you to all the Reflections chairs who put so much time and effort into making this program what it is. Without volunteers like you, this program would not be able to run.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Please spread the word about the 2016 Walk and Wag.  This event is for everyone and the playground project it is funding is a playground for all children of all abilities.  A great resource for our community.  The following link is provided for your communications.

FLYER

On Saturday March 19  Friends of Sammamish State Park are holding a Walk ’n Wag 5k and all-access 3k to raise funds to build an all-access playground just feet from the swimming beach and the new bathhouse.  The event begins at 10 am and takes place on the Washington State Parks 103rd Birthday — A free day at the park.  Register for the walk, bring your dog, enjoy this beautiful State Park in our own backyard, and support a project that will benefit all children in the community.  To register follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-n-wag-tickets-21098142111?aff=es2

 

VOLUNTEERS FOR ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS (VIS)
VIS has it’s own tab on the Council website. This includes links to sign ups and information sent out to liaisons and presidents.
VIS PTA Postcards will be ready for pickup by PTA Presidents/VIS Reps. Anne Moore will have complete instructions and information to put on labels and mail on specified dates. Elementary Schools mailWednesday, March 30; Middle Schools mail Thursday, March 31st and High Schools mail Monday, August 4th.
Letter to PTA Presidents/Treasurers/Budget Committee:  VIS will be handing out a letter to PTA presidents (also mailed to Treasurers) which explains why to please keep VIS as a line item on your budget, and to donate each year, even on off campaign years. This information can be shared with your board and budget committee as you prepare your budgets for next year. Thank you for your financial support each year!
Preschool Flyers will be ready for those volunteers who signed up to help distribute to local preschools/daycares. Lisa Callan will be on hand to answer questions.
VIS has been emailing out Message Points and Information each Monday to PTA Presidents and VIS Reps. Thank you so much for your help getting this info out to our community via your newsletters, Enews, Facebook pages, etc. You are really making a difference and your help is very much appreciated!!
**New VIS Vote Yes! Flyers available this week at the Council Meeting. Paper copies and electronic PDF file to share with your school community!
 
Volunteer Ops: Please share with your school communities:
Honk & Waves dates are Thursday, March 7th  6:30-8:30am & 5-7pm  and   Monday, April 25th 6:30-8:30am & 5-7pm
Honk & Wave Signs will be ready for pickup at the 3/10 Council Meeting. PTA Presidents, please take them back to your school for your Honk&Wave volunteers for use in your area.
Lit Drop Dates are anytime during April 2-9 AND April 17-24 (no distributing during Spring Break). Grab your friends for a walk or take your kids and utilize their energy to drop Bond information Lit pieces on doorsteps in your neighborhood (don’t need to ring the bell or campaign, just leave the messaging). A great way to get some exercise and for your students to get their community service hours!
Honk & Wave AND Lit Drop Sign Up Genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084eabae2aa0f94-2016
IEA Teacher Postcard Stamping Party is next Monday, March 14th @ the Issaquah Library Meeting room in downtown Issaquah. Drop in anytime during the day from 11-5 to help put stamps on our 13,000 postcards which are hand-signed by all teachers in the district to mail out to each of their students showing their support of the bond! Woo Hoo! Great time to catch up with friends and help get ‘r done. Students can earn community service hours for this event too.
Postcard Stamping Party Sign Up Genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040945aead2eab9-postcard
 
**Something NEW & FUN*** Please take a photo of you, your family, your kids, etc. promoting a YES! Vote for the Bond now until April 26th! How about a photo at your favorite sports event, kid event, community event, with a Vote Yes! Wristband, Sign, Window cling in the picture! Or make your own sign to say Please Vote Yes for Issaquah School! If you are going somewhere on Spring Break, be sure to take some photos where you are to post too! Please post on your Facebook site, PTA Facebook site, and/or you can send the photo to Dawn or Alicia (dawn@visvote.org or alicia@visvote.org) and to post them on the VIS Facebook page too! Great way to show our community pride and support of the ISD Bond!  Thank you for your support and let’s have some fun with this!
Contacts:
If at any time you have questions, please contact Dawn or Alicia or check the website:
Dawn Peschek dawn@visvote.org  or Alicia Veevaert  alicia@visvote.org
Website: http://www.visvote.org/

WEBSITE & DIRECTORY

Events – Send your event information to Cindy for inclusion on the Council calendar!

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