A Word From Council
 It was such a treat to see so many friendly faces at last week's Council Membership Meeting. It was our first time meeting in person since February of 2020 and the ONLY Council Membership Meeting that Brandi has had in person as Council President.
We know that while some people are thrilled to meet in person, it causes a lot of anxiety and concern for others. We greatly appreciate everyone who was able to be there, and we also appreciate everyone who has participated and remains engaged this year.
During our networking moment, we asked PTA leaders what kinds of questions they would have for the roundtables today and and tomorrow. We saw a lot of common questions, but we'd like to share the questions here, partly to let everyone know that no one PTAs alone. Here are some of the questions that we will try to address during the roundtables this week.
—Brandi Comstock and Yumna Green, LWPTSA Council Co-Presidents
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Join One of Our Upcoming Roundtables!
 Does your PTA have open officer positions for 2022-2023? Do you have role-specific questions (e.g., treasurer questions)? Maybe you have questions related to PTA transitions. Whether you are an incoming or outgoing PTA officer, this roundtable is for you. Bring your questions, and we’ll help with answers.
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June Council Membership Meeting Recap
Thank you to all who attended our in-person June 2, 2022 membership meeting!
Meeting Documents:
Questions? Please contact our LWPTSA Council Co-Presidents.
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Virtual Film Screening & Suicide Prevention Panel (6/7)
LWPTSA Council and LWSD invite families of middle and high schoolers to a special event on youth suicide prevention. Register for a free online screening of the powerful documentary film "My Ascension," with a virtual discussion following.
Viewing Dates: NOW to Tuesday, June 7
Zoom Panel Discussion Date: Tuesday, June 7 at 7 pm
Register: https://tinyurl.com/MyAscensionLWSD
Please watch the film with your child and then join the June 7 discussion with our expert panel including mental health professionals, educators and community service supports. Find out more about the film, or view the event flyer (PDF) here.
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Meeting (6/8)
 The LWPTSA Council's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meets monthly and focuses on networking opportunities for PTA leaders, sharing of DEI resources, and helping PTAs find answers to their DEI questions. Local DEI chairs and PTA leaders are welcome to attend and to join our DEI Facebook group.
When: Wednesday, June 8 at 6 pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Please send questions to Sequoya Lange, DEI Chair.
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Sustainability Meeting (6/14)
 Join us for our last meeting of the school year! The LWPTSA Sustainability Committee meets monthly and focuses on raising awareness around sustainable initiatives district-wide, sharing resources, and connecting with one another. For our last meeting, we will review some of the initiatives that happened this year and collect ideas on what we hope to see for the future. Anyone is welcome to attend!
When: Tuesday, June 14 at 11 am
Where: Online via Zoom
Please send questions to Nirali Shah, Sustainability Chair.
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 Council Gift to Local PTAs
We'd love to gift each of our PTAs a driveway sign with a QR code that links directly to your website or your membership page.
Please send the following info as soon as possible to Danit Erlich:
- QR code that links to the membership page or your PTA website
- Your PTA's logo
- Link to your membership page
- Link to your PTA website
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SEG End-of-Year Survey!
 Want to make SEG work better for you and your student? Now is your chance! The LWPTSA Special Education Group (SEG) is seeking input from families with students who have IEPs, 504s or Individual Health Plans to help improve SEG meetings and plan for the 2022-23 school year.
Please take 5 minutes to complete this survey by June 30. You will have the opportunity to be entered to win one of two Amazon gift cards valued at $50 each!
SURVEY LINK: https://forms.gle/7YDfyEz2A485Cqfn8
Please send questions to the Special Education Group Chairs at specialeducation@lwptsa.net. PTA leaders, please share this with the families in your school communities.
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See You Next Year at …
 … WSPTA Convention '23
Thank you to all who attended the 2022 WSPTA Convention! It was great to see everyone, and we are proud of the work you did on behalf of our association. Don't forget to submit your post-convention survey, DUE TDOAY, to help us improve in future years. Didn't attend this year? Please take this quick three-question survey.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 110th Annual WSPTA Convention in Bellevue, April 14–16, 2023!
 … National PTA Convention '23
Next year's National PTA Convention is in Portland, Oregon, from June 22–25, 2023. Your PTA may want to consider budgeting funds for attendance at this event.
In the meantime, there's still time to register for the 125th Anniversary National PTA Convention taking place June 14–19 in Washington, D.C.!
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 More From WSPTA
Serve on WSPTA's Nominating Commitee
Self-nominations have reopened for the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee, who will select candidates to serve on WSPTA's leadership team for the 2023-2025 term. Apply for one of two open Nominating Committee positions by submitting this online form by June 30.
Tips for Transitions
Read this blog post for ideas and tips to help finish the year strong and set up next year's leaders for a great start.
Share Your Talents
WSPTA needs volunteers to serve on region service delivery teams and committees for 2022-2023. Click here to learn more about the various committees. Then, complete the online Volunteer Interest Form and let us know how you can help. You'll be glad that you did!
New WSPTA Reflections Facebook Group Coming Soon
On July 1 we will be launching a new WSPTA Reflections Facebook group. The current page will remain open until June 30. Join the new group page here.
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 More From NPTA
We Are Beyond 'Enough Is Enough'
National PTA President Anna King spoke out about the recent and ongoing gun violence in our schools, and about the urgent need to take action. Read her post on our One Voice blog.
Register for Reflections '22–'23
Be sure to register for the 2022-2023 Reflections program to let National PTA know your PTA is participating. This year's theme is Show Your Voice! Register here.
School of Excellence: Enroll Now!
More than 50 years of research shows increased family engagement is linked to school improvement and student achievement. Enroll now in the School of Excellence program to start building your PTA's Excellence Teams and become familiar with the program process.
How Can We Normailze Talking About Mental Health?
This week we revisit episode 42 from our Notes From the Backpack podcast: "How Can We Normalize Talking About Mental Health?" Guest speaker and mental health advocate Allison Raskin offers advice for discussions in your family and community. Listen now.
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation News
Franklin Elementary Benefits From Inclusive Libraries Grant
Last month, students in Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Kirkland were among the first to benefit from Lake Washington Schools Foundation's Inclusive Libraries grant.
 "I am very grateful to the Lake Washington Schools Foundation for supporting our libraries in our diversification efforts. Franklin Elementary, like much of LWSD, has a very diverse demographic," says Teacher Librarian Leann Clawson. "The ability to purchase books that reflect our students is important in building community and allowing students to see beyond themselves." [read the full story here]
Parent Chat Webinar: How to Motivate Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind
Wednesday, June 8 at 7 pm
Parents have noticed that the pandemic has decreased their child's motivation and are wondering what they can do about it. At Balance In Mind's next Parent Chat, educator and counselor Mari Stevens will discuss four key factors in inflating your child's motivation. To register for this free webinar, visit www.lwsf.org/parentchat.
Register Your Child for a Kids Coming Together Event
Kids Coming Together is a program that provides opportunities for local youth in grades 3–8 to make new friends and connect with their community through service events led by high school students. Register for an upcoming event.
- June 8: Legos & Cards
- June 14: Cookie Decorating for Father's Day
- June 21: Invasive Specifics Event
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Upcoming Dates & Reminders
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June Board 'To Do' List
- Share your PTA successes with your members.
- Recognize and thank volunteers for their efforts this past year.
- Report new officers to LWPTSA: Email secretary@lwptsa.net.
- Report new officers to WSPTA: Input newly elected officers into the Memberplanet membership database system.
- Prepare materials for the transition to the incoming board members. (1) All materials, including notebooks, funds and supplies that belong to the PTA, should be given to incoming officers by June 30. (2) Make sure the incoming board has the latest version of your standing rules, any policies, and be prepared to turn over access to any electronic files or accounts such as your website and Facebook page. (3) Share with the incoming board members where to find relevant resources on the WSPTA website such as position-specific handbooks, WSPTA Uniform Bylaws, WSPTA Policy Manual, WSPTA legislative platform resources, etc.
- If you are returning to your position, organize 2021-22 materials and documents, and prepare for a new PTA year.
- If you are leaving your position, hold a transition meeting with your replacement.
- Work with incoming board members to identify candidates for appointed and non-elected board and chair positions.
- Work with your PTA's treasurer to finish reimbursements. Follow up with volunteers and school staff.
- Approve a budget for 2022-2023. PTAs cannot spend any money after June 30, 2022 unless a budget for 2022-2023 has been approved.
- Close PTA books on June 30 and turn the books over to the financial review committee.
- Print a copy of your membership roster and file it with your permanent records.
- If your PTA incorporated in June, your annual Corporation Renewal is due on June 30. The annual corporation report is due regardless of your PTA’s annual income and is separate from the Charitable Organization Registration/Renewal.
To-Do List for Incoming Boards
Your position officially begins on July 1, but you can begin now to set your PTA up for success.
- Schedule a summer board retreat and next year’s membership meetings.
- Meet with the school staff to discuss policies, calendars and back-to-school volunteer needs. It might be too early for current staff to help with this, as things continue to change and clear guidelines might not be available until August or September. However, it is still a good idea to open the lines of communication between the PTA and the administration.
- Begin work on “first-day packet” or “summer mailer” documents.
- Communicate expectations with board members and chairs that need to get started in August.
- Ask the principal if you may speak at an August staff meeting. Inform teachers of grant options, classroom support and PTA programs.
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Dates
- Now to June 7: Virtual Screening of "My Ascension"
- June 6, 10 am: PTA Questions Roundtable
- June 7, 6 pm: PTA Questions Roundtable
- June 7, 7 pm: Suicide Prevention Expert Panel (Zoom)
- June 8, 6 pm: DEI Committee Meeting (Zoom)
- June 14, 10 am: Sustainability Meeting (Zoom)
- June 16, 9:45 am: Council Board Meeting (LWSD Resource Center)
- June 17: Last Day of School in LWSD
LWPTSA Council Meeting Dates | Full LWPTSA Calendar | LWSD Calendar
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Corporate Renewals Due
Due in June: Carson, Einstein, Franklin, Lake Washington HS, Redmond HS, Rosa Parks, Timberline
Due in July: AG Bell, Tesla STEM
Due in August: Frost, Smith
Full List of LWPTSA Incorporation Dates
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The Lake Washington PTSA Council 2.8 (LWPTSA) serves
local PTAs in the Lake Washington School District.
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