A Word from Brandi
 Happy first full week of December! I want to give a huge thank you to each of our PTAs that supported our “Thanks for Giving” Scholarship Auction. With your help and support we are able to continue funding our seniors and staff member scholarships for another year. Our Scholarship Auction committee put in untold time and effort to create a virtual event this year and we are incredibly grateful to them.
I also want to say thank you to our Reflections Chairs, at the Council and local levels. With your guidance and support, we have almost 400 students participating in Reflections this year! As we move toward wrapping up 2020, thank you to each of you for your continued efforts to engage and connect with your students and families.
Got a question? Please email me at president@lwptsa.net.
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Nominate a Deserving Volunteer
You know who they are! The amazing folks who continually lend their time and support to benefit the students, staff, school district and PTAs in our communities. Now is your opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments by submitting a LWPTSA Council Award nomination! We are seeking nominations for these categories:
- Community Service Award
- Community Outreach Award
- Certificate of Special Service
- Golden Acorn Award
- Outstanding Educator Award
- Outstanding Advocate Award
- Outstanding Service Award
- Honorary Life Membership Award
Nominations Are Due: Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Complete descriptions and more details are available on the Awards Nomination Form. Questions? Please email Awards Chair Tanya Scharpenberg at awards@lwptsa.net.
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Membership Meeting Recap
 Thanks to all who attended our December membership meeting last week.
- Congratulations to Rosa Parks Elementary PTSA for earning a You Rock award for going remote.
- Thanks to Kristen Dorwin, Meredith Cain, and Chitra Ramalingam, who were elected as Council's Nominating Committee.
- Thanks to Cris Wegmann, Deb Robertson, and Yumna Amien Green for stepping up to serve on the Financial Review Committee.
Here are the minutes and documents shared at the meeting.
The next membership meeting will be Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 9:45AM. See the meeting schedule on our website.
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Financial Action Items & Insurance Reminders
- Now is the time to identify a Financial Review committee for mid-year review. This committee is typically appointed by the President or per your PTA's standing rules.
- Order 1099 and 1096 forms from the IRS before the end of the year. These forms cannot be printed and must be ordered. They are due in January for independent contractors. NOTE: Beginning with Tax Year 2020, you must use Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, to report payments of nonemployee compensation previously reported in box 7 on Form 1099-MISC.
- AIM Insurance is voided if these 2 requirements are not followed:
- Annual financial review
- Monthly bank statement review by a non-signer
- Review your PTA insurance coverage - some ONLINE activities might not be covered by general liability and may need media liability coverage. Contact AIM with questions.
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Emergency Prep Committee Meeting
E-Prep Chairs and those interested in E-Prep are invited to join our committee meeting on Tuesday, December 8 at 10AM. See future meeting dates on our website.
- When: Tuesday, December 8 at 10AM
- Where: Join via GoToMeeting Or dial in at: (571) 317-3112 with Access Code: 455-559-757
Send questions to Council E-Prep Chairs, Stephanie Wagner, Jason Moore and Charlotte Olsen.
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Sustainability Committee Meeting
 Council's next Sustainability Committee meeting is Thursday, December 10 at 10AM.
- When: Thursday, December 10 at 10AM
- Where: Join via GoToMeeting or dial in via (872) 240-3212 with Access Code: 474-038-357
Our Sustainability Committee is made up of chairs from PTAs across the district. If you’re interested in learning about sustainability efforts, we encourage you to attend! Please send questions to Sustainability Chair Stephanie Lecovin.
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 Advocacy Roundtable
Calling all Advocacy Chairs and those interested in advocacy! Join us for an online roundtable discussion.
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Connect & Learn
 All are invited to join us for some social time and small group events with Council volunteers. Get to know a small group of people and do something fun for yourself. Email president@lwptsa.net with questions.
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 Safety Night Webinars
The Emergency Preparedness Committee is converting the Spring 2020 Safety Night Event into a webinar series. Join us for several webinars throughout the year on a variety of safety and emergency preparedness topics.
- Thursday, December 10, 7:00-8:00PM
- Topic: Emergency Preparedness for the Family
- Presenter: Pattijean Hooper, PhD, City of Redmond Emergency Manager
Learn ways to keep the whole family prepared for disasters that you might experience while at home such as earthquakes, wildfires, and winter storms.
- RSVP: Please RSVP for the webinars.
Did you miss the Online Safety Webinar on December 1? Watch a video of the event. This video will be available until December 31, 2020. For webinar questions please email eprep@lwptsa.net
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Support Students - Join Us!
- Finn Hill Area Vice President - you don't need to live on Finn Hill. You just need a willingness to lend a helping hand and support PTAs. The time commitment for this role is approximately 6-8 hours per month. Contact: president@lwptsa.net
- Scholarship Committee Chair or Co-Chairs - help us award scholarships to deserving seniors and LWSD staff. Contact: programs@lwptsa.net
- Founders' Day Committee Members - Calling all organizers, planners or anyone interested in helping re-envision a great VIRTUAL celebration! Contact founders.day@lwptsa.net
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Lunch & Learn: Stress, Trauma & Mental Health
 Join Johnny Phu, LWSD Director of Student Services, for a conversation about Stress, Trauma & Mental Health. Bring your lunch and learn with us!
- Topic: Stress, Trauma and Mental Health
- When: Thursday, December 17 at noon
- Where: Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone via:
Did you miss the November Lunch & Learn on School Choice? Watch a video recording of the event, available now through December 17, 2020.
See the Lunch & Learn schedule on our website.
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Membership Spotlight
Congratulations to all the PTAs who have enrolled at least 50% of last year's membership: Peter Kirk PTSA (80%), Eastlake High School PTSA (70%), Redmond High School PTSA (60%), Redmond Middle School PTSA (60%), Albert Einstein PTSA (50%), Alcott PTSA (50%), Ella Baker PTSA (50%), Evergreen Middle PTSA (50%), Horace Mann PTA (50%), Inglewood MS PTSA (50%), Kirkland Middle PTSA (50%), LWHS PTSA (50%), Mark Twain PTSA (50%), Mead PTSA (50%), Redmond El PTSA (50%), Rose Hill El PTA (50%), and Tesla Stem PTSA (50%).
The 100% Staff Membership Award is presented to local PTAs that enroll at least as many school staff members as there are full-time certificated employees at the school. This award recognizes the value of teachers and school staff as stakeholders advocating for all children through PTA membership. PTAs must be in good standing and submit a completed application form by March 15, 2021 to be eligible for this award.
Got a membership question? Email Council Membership Chair Jen O'Donnell at membership@lwptsa.net.
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Parent Ed Recaps
 Did you miss our November 19 parent education presentation on youth substance use and prevention? Parent Ed Co-chair Hae Sue Park has captured a summary of the event, websites and handouts.
On December 1, we hosted a LGBTQ+ Panel discussion that included parents, district representatives and non-profit partners. For a list of resources and summary, please visit our website. Feel free to share with your parent community! We are here to support ALL parents and students.
Got questions about parent education programs? Email Co-chairs Irene and Hae Sue at parent.ed@lwptsa.net
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Training Opportunities
Every elected PTA officer needs to attend one WSPTA-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:
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Can I give gift cards to my student's teacher?
Yes, however Lake Washington School District has specific guidelines to keep in mind. Here is LWSD Guidance.
Accepting Gifts from Parents, Community, Vendors, or Contract Service Groups
There are times when parents, community, vendors, or contract service groups provide gifts of minimal value to a district employee. Gifts can be accepted following these guidelines:
- Staff may accept gifts of minimal value.
- A staff member shall not accept a gift that is greater than $50.
- Gifts accepted can only be received if each party understands that no preferential treatment will be derived from the exchange.
If, at any time, a staff member believes the accepted gift could be an exchange for preferential treatment, he/she is to return the gift and report the situation to his/her immediate supervisor.
LWSD Source: Procedure Conflicts of Interest (5251P)
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Meet with Legislators
Region 2 Advocacy Chair Gwen Loosmore has set up meetings to discuss WSPTA's legislative platform and the work they are doing on behalf of children. All WSPTA members are welcome. Please submit questions in advance to gloosmore@wastatepta.org.
- When: Monday, December 7 at 7PM (Rep. Tana Senn; Rep. Roger Goodman & other legislators tbd).
- Where: Zoom Meeting ID: 817 5953 6620
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 WSPTA Legislative Session Preview
Get the 2021 legislative session in focus with a webinar hosted by Washington State PTA’s legislative consultant Marie Sullivan on Tuesday, December 8, 7 PM to 8:30 PM. This webinar will take a brief look back at successes in 2020 and then look forward at WSPTA’s legislative priorities for 2021, opportunities for testifying, tips for meeting and talking with legislators remotely, and a special “focus” on preparing for Advocacy Week during a pandemic!
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WSPTA Awards of Excellence
 Any PTA in good standing is eligible to apply for one of the many Washington State PTA's Awards of Excellence. The award application process has changed this year and is completely online. All award applications are due by March 15, 2021. Awards will be recognized at the 2020 convention in May. Details and applications are located on the WSPTA website.
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation News
 LWSF Partners with LWSD to bring Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to staff!
YMHFA is a formal education program that introduces adults to the distinct risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help youth who are in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. We have set a lofty goal of training over 150 LWSD staff this year! To learn more about this program, visit www.lwsf.org/youthmentalwellness
Pantry Packs Food Drive
Due to the pandemic and supply chain issues, Pantry Packs is having difficulty obtaining canned protein meals and shelf stable milk. Pantry Packs is hosting a food drive on Wednesdays and Saturdays through December 19. Sign up for the food drive. For more details about Pantry Packs visit: www.lwsf.org/pantrypacks
Balance in Mind Parent Chats
Talk with mental health experts and other parents in a safe and supportive environment. Register for Parent Chats at tinyurl.com/BIMFallSession.
- December 16 at 7:30PM – Creating Space for Joy
Calling all teens! Join Balance in Mind on Instagram @balance.in.mind
- Mindful moments with Marrie - every second Wednesday of the month at 9PM! How’s your mood? Have stress? Anxiety? Chat with Marrie live for some tips! Instagram/balance.in.mind
- Real Talk – every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:30PM on Instagram live! Listen to young adults share their own stories about life, relationship struggles, depression, anxiety, self-care tips, racial issues, gender identity and more. Instagram/balance.in.mind
LINKS Lunch Buddies Update!
LINKS continues to support students by operating remotely. Thanks to extra efforts of district staff, students and their mentors are staying in touch through handwritten letters and virtual calls. We know that these students need the support of their mentors more now than ever. To learn more about the LINKS program, visit: www.lwsd.org/get-involved/volunteering-in-lwsd/links-volunteer-program.
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Upcoming Dates & Reminders
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December Board To-Do List
- Elect a nominating committee at your next membership meeting.
- Consider a holiday celebration - you are halfway through the PTA year!
- Plan a winter membership campaign.
- Recruit and appoint a financial review committee to prepare for mid-year review in January.
- Appoint an awards committee.
- Consider what WSPTA Awards of Excellence your PTA is interested in applying for this year and assign responsibilities for who will be filling out the application(s) and collecting the supporting documents. The application deadline is March 15, 2021.
- Was your PTA Incorporated in December? If so, then your annual Corporation Renewal is due 12/31. 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
- Dec 7, 7PM: WSPTA Legislator Meeting [Zoom link]
- Dec 8, 10AM: Emergency Prep Committee Meeting [GoToMeeting link]
- Dec 8, 7PM: PTA and the Law webinar, registration required
- Dec 8, 7PM: WSPTA Legislative Session Preview, register here
- Dec 10, 10AM: Sustainability Committee Meeting [GoToMeeting link]
- Dec 10, 2PM: Advocacy Roundtable [GoToMeeting link]
- Dec 10, 5PM: Connection Class - Sewing Patterns, register here
- Dec 10, 7PM: Emergency Preparedness for the Family, register here
- Dec 16: LWPTSA Council Award nominations due
LWPTSA Council Meeting Dates | Full LWPTSA Calendar | LWSD Calendar
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Corporate Renewals Due
Due in December: Juanita HS, Kirkland MS and RSAR
Due in January: Peter Kirk, Mann, Rose Hill MS
See full list of LWPTSA incorporation dates
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About Us
The Lake Washington PTSA Council 2.8 (LWPTSA) serves local PTAs in the Lake Washington School District.
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