A Word from Brandi
 Week 4 of virtual learning is in the books – we’ve made it! I know that I personally received a huge boost of enthusiasm and inspiration from Presidents and Principals this week and listening to JMarie Johnson-Kola! It was amazing to hear what she had to share about her life experiences and how to build relationships within our community. My key take away is to remember my “Why,” and use it to keep me motivated as we move through this year’s challenges.
I also loved hearing the follow up from our Presidents and Principals and how they will be moving forward in their partnerships this year to create authentic family engagement. Here are some of the ideas collected at President and Principals so we can all share with one another to support our schools and communities.
I look forward to seeing you virtually on Thursday at our General Membership Meeting and wish for each of you a great week!
Fun Question of the Week: For meetings these days, I am business on the top and _______ on the bottom.
Got a question? Please email me at president@lwptsa.net.
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October Membership Meeting On Thursday
Our October membership meeting will be Thursday, October 1 at 9:45AM via GoToMeeting.
What: LWPTSA Council General Membership Meeting
When: Thursday, October 1 at 9:45am
Where: Online via GoToMeeting - join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
You can also dial in using your phone: (312) 757-3121 with Access Code: 522-726-077
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts.
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Scholarship Assessments Due November 5
We are looking forward to another successful scholarship program this year, and your participation is key! Our scholarship program is largely supported through our auction and through an annual assessment from each local PTSA. Each PTSA is assessed $125 towards this program annually. Local PTSAs please use this invoice to submit assessments. Please send questions to Anmol Bhate, LWPTSA Council Treasurer
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Brown Bags Return Virtually
 LWPTSA's Brown Bag Lunch and Learn program is going virtual this fall. This program features short presentations and discussions on topics of interest to all community members, from noon – 1PM on select Thursdays during the school year. Bring your lunch and learn with us!
- Topic: District Equity Efforts & Policies
- When: Thursday, October 8 at noon
- Where: Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone via: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/396267485
Or dial in using your phone via: (224) 501-3412 with Access Code: 396-267-485
See the brown bag schedule on our website. Virtual meeting details will be provided via lwptsa.net and social media closer to event dates.
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Emergency Prep Committee Meeting - Oct 6
 Did you know September is National Preparedness Month? Visit disasterreadywashington.com and take one step a month for the next 12 months to get prepared in a year.
E-Prep Chairs are invited to join our first meeting of the year on Tuesday, October 6 at 10:00am. We'll have important information for new and returning Chairs. See future meeting dates on our website.
Send questions to Council E-Prep Chairs, Stephanie Wagner, Jason Moore and Charlotte Olsen, at emergency.prep@lwptsa.net.
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Parent Education Updates
The LWPTSA Council has made available two grant opportunities to local PTSAs for the 2020-2021 school year.
- Parent Education Grants - up to $500.
- School Assemblies Grants - up to $250.
- Download applications from the council website.
Please note that for both grants you must apply a minimum of 45 days in advance of your event. For questions, please contact Parent Education Chairs at parent.education@lwptsa.net.
Lake Washington PTSA Council and Lake Washington School District present a Parent Education event, "Creating Closeness: Simple Steps to Increase Closeness in Families with Teens" with Peter Loft. Join us to learn the latest research and practical strategies on how to create closeness with our teens.
- Presentation on Tuesday, October 6 from 7-8:30PM
- Follow-Up Discussion Roundtable on Tuesday, October 13 from 7-8:30PM
Please RSVP for the event so we know how many will attend. Learn more about the event and presenter Peter Loft. Send questions to parent.education@lwptsa.net.
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Submit Themes for Council Scholarship Auction
 Each year, local PTAs in our Council are asked to participate in the scholarship auction. This year, we are doing things differently. The auction will be 100% online and instead of baskets we are asking local PTAs to donate experiences. For auction instructions and experience ideas, click here. Proceeds from the auction go to the Council’s scholarship fund to provide scholarships to graduating seniors and staff across our district.
Please sign up for a drop off time and submit your theme by Thursday, October 15.
Got questions? Please email auction@lwptsa.net.
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Reflections Updates
 Thanks to all who attended our Reflections kick-off last week. There are many differences as we take this year's Reflections program "virtual," and we want work together to make this a great experience for all students and PTAs. Please join our "LWPTSA Council Reflections Chairs" Facebook group to ask questions, exchange ideas and get reminders of upcoming deadlines. Find the information we shared at our kick-off on the LWPTSA Council Reflections page under the "How-to" section.
Send questions to Council Reflections Chairs Tanya Dimpsey & Mindy Lincicome at reflections@lwptsa.net.
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October is Disability History Month!
 LWPTSA Council Special Education group presents:
- Understanding Legacy: Disability Rights History in the US by Eric Warwick, Defending Democracy Fellow for the Western States Center
Eric is a disability rights self-advocate and paraeducator based in Spokane and previously worked on education justice and disability rights issues in the Seattle area. Learn about disability history and its implications for the present-day movement to build towards disability justice.
- What: Understanding Legacy: Disability Rights History in the US
- When: Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30PM to 8:30PM
- Where: Join via GoToMeeting https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/343200021
Or dial in via (646) 749-3122 with Access Code: 343-200-021
Please send questions to the Special Education Group Chairs at specialeducation@lwptsa.net
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Virtual Welcome Events
 Thank you to all who helped spread word of our 4th Annual Welcome Events. Here are links to videos and more for PTAs to share.
Questions? Contact Danit Erlich, VP of Family and Community Engagement at FACE@lwptsa.net
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Membership Matters
Washington State PTA is hosting three membership contests this year. Your PTA can use entries into these contests as part of your membership goals. Best of all - none of these contests will require any special forms to fill out! The first Contest ends October 31, 2020. All PTAs in good standing that have 25 members by October 31, 2020, will qualify for a prize! One winner will be drawn from each WSPTA Area. Get details about all three contests on our website.
Got a membership question? Email LWPTSA Council Membership Chair Jen O'Donnell
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Voter Tool Kit
 Your voice counts! Every 2 years, 7 million Americans turn 18 and become eligible to vote. Encourage the youth and other members of your community to register and to vote! Our Voter Tool Kit gives you all the dates and information in one place.
Check or update your voter registration here.
Got questions? Email Jason Moore, LWPTSA Advocacy VP, at advocacy@lwptsa.net
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Training Opportunities
Every elected PTA officer needs to attend one approved training class each year. And every board needs to have one elected officer attend PTA and the Law each year. Here are upcoming WSPTA-approved training opportunities:
Need training? LWPTSA Council is here to help. Drop us a line! Find lists of WSPTA-approved training classes we can provide on our website.
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LWPTSA Council Training Challenge
Lake Washington PTSA Council has two training challenges this fall!
- Every LWSD PTA that participates in Legislative Assembly is eligible to enter a drawing to win one admission to the Washington State PTA Convention. To enter the drawing, PTAs must send registration confirmation to secretary@lwptsa.net before October 23.
- All LWSD PTA boards that have all elected officers trained before the end of October are eligible for a drawing to win one admission to the Washington State PTA Convention. To enter this drawing, PTAs should send their officer training reports via email to secretary@lwptsa.net by October 30.
Got a question? Email Council Secretary Denise Ferguson at secretary@lwptsa.net.
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One of our board members opted to homeschool their student(s) this year, can they still serve on our PTA board?
Generally speaking, yes PTA board members can serve regardless of whether or not they have a student enrolled at the school. According to the WSPTA Uniform Bylaws (Article 5, Section 6), in order to be elected to office in a local PTA, a person must be at least 18 years of age and have been a member of any local PTA for at least 15 days prior to the election. In addition, once the person assumes the duties of the office, they must join that local PTA. PTAs might also have additional requirements in their standing rules. So, check your standing rules to see if there are any additional restrictions or limitations regarding board members. If not, then the only requirements are that board members be 18 or older and members of the PTA where they are serving.
Got a question? Submit it here or contact any member of the LWPTSA Council Board of Directors.
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Lake Washington School District News
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LWSD Remote Learning Resources
- Free Meals - LWSD offers free meals daily to children ages 1-18. Meals must be pre-ordered and can be picked up at 13 different locations across the district. Get details and pre-order at lwsd.org/meals
- Childcare Resources - The district has worked with partners to provide emergency or critical support for families that cannot otherwise be with their children during the day due to work responsibilities outside of the home.
- Community Resources - Find resources including health, wellness, food, finances, technology, Internet, legal and more.
- Technology Support - Family technology access support is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for student laptop, passwords and other technology questions. Email: ftaccess@lwsd.org or call 425-936-1322
Have a remote learning question? Please check the Frequently Asked Questions or submit a question.
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WSPTA Legislative Assembly
 Caucuses: September 29-October 3
General Sessions: October 24-25
Registration: Register now for the 42nd Annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly! Registration fees are $25 per attendee with a reduced student fee of $10. Every PTA in the state can send a minimum of four delegates but you don't have to be a delegate to attend!. The deadline for submitting voting delegates is October 6. Download the Voter Guide and voting information.
Member Feedback Survey: WSPTA has created a survey to help PTAs gather member feedback for Legislative Assembly. Here is the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K69HHT6 . Results of the survey will be compiled and sent to PTA presidents on October 9 to share with voting delegates.
Visit WSPTA's legislative assembly web page to see the schedule of events and learn more about this year's event.
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ADA Compliance in Electronic Meetings
For electronic meetings and events, PTAs still must provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Washington’s Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). There is more information about both of those laws and how they impact local PTAs and councils in this blog post from November 2019. Washington State PTA has compiled new list of 12 tips for accommodating individuals with disabilities online that is especially helpful as many PTAs are conducting meetings via virtual platforms.
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation Updates
 “All in for Kids” Fundraising Campaign kicks off on October 7
Our Fall fundraising campaign is our second largest campaign of the year. We count on the support of our community to be able to bring life changing programs and support to students in our district. Stay tuned at www.lwsf.org.
Upcoming Balance in Mind events
Join Balance in Mind for Parent Chats and talk with mental health experts and other parents in a safe and supportive environment. The next Parent Chat is October 7 covering Stress and Teen Substance Use and Abuse: What Parents Need to Know. For details and registration go to: www.lwsf.org/youthmentalwellness.
Upcoming Find Your Fit events
College Bootcamp continues with sessions covering college essays: Part 1 on Tuesday, September 29 at 4pm and Part 2 on Thursday, October 1 at 4pm. Newly added is our College 101: Part 1 on October 5 at 7pm and Part 2 on October 8 at 7pm. Learn about costs, different types of colleges, how to create a balanced college list, how COVID-19 has impacted college applications and more! All Find Your Fit events are FREE to attend but registration is required at: www.lwsf.org/findyourfit.
Upcoming Kids Coming Together events
Kids Coming Together (KCT) helps students grades 3-8 meet new friends at events facilitated by high school leaders. Join KCT for virtual games on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm! For more information and to register, visit: www.kidscomingtogether.org.
LWSF is searching for Ambassadors at every school
Ambassadors are key communication liaisons between your school and the Foundation to help keep school communities informed on upcoming events, activities and more! Email Maya@lwsf.org to learn more and see how you can get involved.
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National PTA News
Taking Action to Improve Mental Health Webinar, September 30 (3-3:45 PM)
In this webinar, join National PTA President Boggs and The Trevor Project to learn about how to effectively advocate for both the mental health needs that exist now and those that will arise throughout this school year. Register here.
School of Excellence Program Deadline Extended
National PTA has extended the enrollment deadline for the School of Excellence Program to Oct. 15.
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Upcoming Dates & Reminders
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September Board To-Do List
- Hold a board meeting or executive committee meeting.
- Participate in Curriculum Night and other back-to-school events.
- Hold your first membership meeting. Approve your standing rules, goals and budget. Review the approved budget even if there were no changes.
- Get all elected officers trained. Make sure at least one elected officer attends PTA & the Law. Train your committee chairs.
- Launch your membership drive if you haven't done so already. Make sure you have an online option for joining while learning is remote. Complete setup of your PTA's memberplanet database. Make sure your PTA officer information has been updated in memberplanet.
- Start promoting your Reflections program. Got questions? Email reflections@lwptsa.net.
- Email names and email addresses of board officers and chairs (including Advocacy, Communications, Emergency Prep, FACE, Membership, Reflections, Special Education/Special Needs, and Sustainability) to secretary@lwptsa.net.
- Was your PTA Incorporated in September? If so, then your annual Corporation Renewal is due 9/30. The annual corporation report is due regardless of your PTA’s annual income and is separate from the Charitable Organization Registration/ Renewal.
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Dates
- Sep 29, 7PM: Elementary Parent Ed Series #2
- Oct 1, 9:45AM: General Membership Meeting [GoToMeeting link]
- Oct 6, 10AM: Emergency Prep Committee meeting [GoToMeeting link]
- Oct 6: Deadline to designate voting delegates for WSPTA Legislative Assembly
- Oct 6, 7PM: Parent Ed Talk on Loving Teen Communication with Peter Loft [RSVP]
- Oct 7, 7PM: Elementary Parent Ed Series #3
- Oct 8, 10AM: Sustainability Committee Meeting
- Oct 8, Noon: Brown Bag Lunch & Learn [GoToMeeting link]
- Oct 13, 7PM: Parent Education: Creating Closeness with Your Teen Discussion
- Oct 15, 9:45AM: LWPTSA Council Board Meeting
- Oct 15: Deadline to sign up for auction theme and drop off slot
- Oct 20, 6:30PM: Special Education Group October Meeting
LWPTSA Council Meeting Dates | Full LWPTSA Calendar
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Corporate Renewals
Due in September: Blackwell, Lakeview, Muir, Wilder
Due in October: Mead
See full list of LWPTSA incorporation dates
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