President's Message
 What a start we have had to 2021! The news coming from our schools, the district, the state, and across the country can sometimes be a lot to take in and manage. Throughout all of this, our PTAs are continuing to support families and students across the community. We have had ample opportunity to practice our flexibility, our patience, our tech skills, and how to mute and unmute ourselves more times than we would like to count. As Josh Billings wrote, “Waves are inspiring, not because they rise and fall, but because each time they fall, they never fail to rise again.”
This month, in thinking about the work we do as Lake Washington PTSA Council led me to think about both our Currents and Weekly Waves publications, the definitions of these words, and how they relate to our role in our community. In nature, waves move energy from one area to another. We communicate weekly with our PTA leaders in issues of Weekly Waves. We share how we have directed our energies during the week and what we will be moving toward. Sometimes waves are gentle and calm, while at other times waves are full of grit and sand, and not at all gentle. Continue Reading
Brandi Comstock, LWPTSA Council President
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Founders' Day Celebration - Feb 26
 Founders’ Day is a celebration of PTA - a time to reflect on accomplishments and renew our commitment to be a voice for all children. We recognize volunteers in our council and community and showcase student entries from our Reflections Arts Program.
Founders' Day 2021 will be held online. Save the date for our virtual celebration on Friday, February 26 from 11AM - 12:30PM. While there won't be a luncheon with food, and “table” conversations will be optional, we hope you join us to celebrate.
Send questions to Felice Nightengale at founders.day@lwptsa.net
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Sustainability Tip: Reducing Plastic Waste is a Win-Win
 Does hearing about plastic pollution make you feel too overwhelmed to take action? Are your kids having to educate YOU about the plastics crisis and what to do about it? This month we want to help your family take small steps to have a big collective impact on our planet by reducing plastic waste at home. Here are three steps to get started and a sustainability contest!
Next month, we’ll look at what our PTAs can do to reduce their reliance on plastic! Please send questions to Sustainability Chair Stephanie Lecovin.
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You Rock Award
Margaret Mead Elementary PTSA was awarded LWPTSA Council’s You Rock! Award at the January 2021 general membership meeting for “How To” Bring Us Together. Read more about some of the things they did.
The You Rock! Award recognizes PTAs in the district who, through time, creativity, and community, help students build for the future by doing something worth sharing across our council. To submit a You Rock nomination please email yourock@lwptsa.net
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Reflections Results Announced
 The LWPTSA Council Reflections committee is pleased to announce 2020-21 program results. We received 338 entries from 36 PTAs, and we are so impressed by the students' creativity. We also want to give tremendous thanks to our 35 volunteer judges!
We are recognizing 75 entries with awards of Outstanding Interpretation, Award of Excellence, and Award of Merit. Sixty-five of those entries will advance to the WSPTA level of the competition. For a complete list of winners, click here or visit our website.
We look forward to sharing this amazing art with you through a virtual slideshow later in January. Questions? Please contact LWPTSA Reflections Chairs, Tanya Dimpsey and Mindy Lincicome.
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Lunch & Learn: College & Career Pathways
 Did you know there are multiple ways for LWSD high schoolers to meet the requirements for graduation? Bring your lunch and learn with us the third Thursday of the month. The January topic is College and Career Pathways with Donneta Oremus, Director of College and Career Readiness for LWSD.
- When: Thursday, January 21 at NOON
- Where: Online via GoToMeeting or dial (224) 501-3412 with Access Code: 827-421-093
See the Lunch & Learn schedule on our website. If you have any questions, please contact Yumna Green, LWPTSA Council Executive Vice President.
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 Self-Care Series
We are launching a new self-care series for 2021. Come join us the third Friday of the month at 5PM for a one-hour segment on tried and true strategies for maintaining your equilibrium. All are welcome!
- What: The Power of the 22 Second Hug
- When: Friday, January 22 at 5PM
- Where: Online via GoToMeeting or dial (312) 757-3121 with Access Code: 751-400-157
View the schedule on our website or download a printable flyer.
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Special Education Group Meeting
 Join other families and caregivers of students receiving Special Education services. Join us to share your tips and tricks for facilitating and aiding in virtual instruction.
- When: Tuesday, January 19 at 7PM
- Where: Online via GoToMeeting
Please send questions to specialeducation@lwptsa.net.
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Membership Subsidies
 WSPTA has changed its interpretation of using PTA general funds to provide membership subsidies. WSPTA now interprets WSPTA Uniform Bylaws to permit a local PTA to designate part of its general funds to pay for membership dues, in accordance with the new WSPTA policy, Section 3.2.5 Membership Subsidies and Gifts. Read the full article about these changes and how they might work for your PTA.
Membership belongs to each of us, so don’t hesitate to talk to everyone you can! Contact Council Membership Chair Jen O’Donnell at membership@lwptsa.net if you have any questions.
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January Membership Meeting Recap
Thanks to all who attended our January membership meeting last week. Here are the minutes and documents shared at the meeting.
The next membership meeting will be Thursday, February 4 at 7PM. See the meeting schedule on our website. Any questions? Contact Brandi Comstock, LWPTSA Council President
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WSPTA Advocacy Week
 This week is Focus on Advocacy Week. Each day will focus on a different theme related to our 2020-2022 legislative priorities as we focus on making every child's potential a reality.
- Monday, January 18, is focused on anti-racism
- Tuesday, January 19, is focused on equity
- Wednesday, January 20, is focused on mental health and wellness
- Thursday, January 21, is focused on preserving and flexing spending
- Friday, January 22, is focused on safety and emergency preparedness
Subscribe to the WSPTA Action Network so you can participate. Download an infographic with the 2020-2022 WSPTA legislative priorities. Learn more on the WSPTA website.
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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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Jan Harp Domene Diversity Award
 Do you know of a PTA (including your own) who has made significant progress in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion – from diversifying its membership or leadership to creating a culture of belonging to ending discriminatory practices? National PTA is now accepting applications for the 2021 Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award.
Equity drives the PTA mission and focusing on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to the success of our association at all levels. This year, the application process has been streamlined and applicants can apply in writing or by video submission and in English and Spanish at PTA.org/DiversityAward. The application closes March 14, 2021 at 8PM PST.
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Volunteerism and Giving During Challenging Times
Dr. Jon Holmen, LWSD Superintendent
Amid the most challenging times, the human spirit of giving can be found in unique places.
All of us have constant access to hear about the difficulties and struggles within our communities, across our country and across the world. The noise of the challenges can so often overshadow the goodness that is around us. I want to take a moment to recognize some of the selfless acts, volunteerism and giving that are happening right here within our community.
- Continue Reading
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 New Opportunities for 2021
Mark W. Stuart, LWSD Board Vice President
2020 was a year most could not wait to see end! It was filled with many challenges and disagreements. As we move forward my hope is that we can take the lessons we learned from these events and move forward to make things better than ever.
Even when things seemed awful, we banded together, realizing that by pooling our resources, ingenuity, and abilities we could solve problems and narrow gaps. Cooperation, making masks for each other when store-bought supplies were non-existent, got us further than competition for scarce supplies. - Continue Reading
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Lake Washington Schools Foundation News
 Save the Date for our Virtual Spring Event – March 25, 2021
Our Annual Spring Event is going virtual! This is our main fundraiser of the year that helps us serve LWSD students and families all year long. Please plan to join us for an inspiring day of giving, learning and connecting! If you are interested in being a table captain or sponsor for the event, please contact Maya at maya@lwsf.org.
Valentine’s Day Teacher Appreciation Campaign
Do you know a teacher who deserves a Valentine? We think you do! Learn more at www.lwsf.org/valentine.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for LWSD Staff
We are partnering with the district in providing Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to district staff. Want to support this effort? Visit www.lwsf.org/youthmentalwellness to sponsor a teacher or LWSD staff member today.
Free and Reduced Student Lunch Debt Payoff
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, LWSF and our Pantry Packs program paid off the lunch debt for all free and reduced student lunch accounts.
New Find Your Fit Webinar: Standardized Testing - What Now?, January 26 at 7PM
Join independent college counselor Mary Pat O’Neil and guest Matt Steiner of Compass Test Prep to learn how test scores are used in the admission process, the differences between test-optional and test-blind, and strategies behind submitting or not submitting test scores. Register at www.lwsf.org/findyourfit.
Balance in Mind – Support for Parents and Teens
- Parent Chats – Talk with mental health experts and other parents in a safe and supportive environment. For more details and registration, visit: tinyurl.com/BIMWinter. Upcoming dates and topics include:
* February 3 - Talking Consent
* February 17 - Healthy Teen Relationships
- Real Talk and Mindful Moments for Teens - Does your teen need some extra support this school year? Join Balance in Mind on Instagram @balance.in.mind for inspiration, self-care tips, and more.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events for Seattle-Area Families
Learn more about Dr. King's legacy of social justice work, non-violence and service with your kids by participating in Seattle-area ceremonies and events, which are mostly virtual this year. Several events are on-going throughout the week. See the list.
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- Jan 18 - 22: WSPTA Advocacy Week
- Jan 19, 6:30PM: Special Education Group Meeting
- Jan 21, 9:45AM: Council Board Meeting
- Jan 21, Noon: Lunch and Learn on College and Career Pathways
- Jan 22, 5PM: Self-Care Series: The Power of the 22 Second Hug
- Feb 2, 10AM: Emergency Prep Committee Meeting
- Feb 4, 7PM: Council Membership Meeting
- Feb 18, 10AM: Sustainability Committee Meeting
- Feb 26, 11AM: Founders' Day Celebration
See more dates on the Lake Washington PTSA Council Calendar
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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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