7 Things You Need to Know About Recording and Live-Streaming
With many PTA meetings now held via an electronic platform, PTA leaders would like to know whether PTAs have the option to record meetings and provide the link to those who were unable to attend. There are also PTAs considering the practice of live-streaming meetings on platforms like Facebook. Live streaming and recording meetings and…
Category:
Training
Together we can…be the change – WSPTA President’s Message
Dear Members, I am so honored to have been elected at the convention in May to serve as your WSPTA President for the next two years. I wanted to take a moment before the end of what has truly been an unprecedented school year to acknowledge that many PTAs and families have endured loss and…
Category:
Leadership
Board Retreats
Taking the time to organize and hold a board retreat helps put your new PTA board on the same ship sailing for the same destination of success. Gathering leaders over break can infuse enthusiasm in the incoming board, giving them an opportunity to get to know one another and to think about their positions for…
Category:
Leadership
Take Action: Ask U.S. Senators Murray and Cantwell to Increase Funding for Statewide Family Engagement Centers
Contact U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell today to request robust funding for the FY2022 Statewide Family Engagement Centers(SFEC) program. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) are currently circulating a bipartisan letter internally through the Senate, asking representatives to join them in seeking robust funding for the program. The FY2021 level…
Category:
Advocacy
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Legislative
What should a PTA do if they have been unable to recruit and elect new officers this spring?
This has been a stressful year for families, and it may take some extra time to identify and elect a new board of directors. One question to ask is whether the current board can continue to take responsibility for the PTA until an election can take place? WSPTA Uniform Bylaws (Article 5, Section 6 B)…
Category:
Leadership
Council Financial Reviews
The council financial review is more than just a requirement to be checked off a list – it is an opportunity! The council’s financial review is a chance to involve local PTA members in the work of the council with a short volunteer opportunity. This increases the council’s transparency with its members and develops the…
Category:
Governance
May 2021 – Executive Director Message
Dear Members, What a year it has been! This month, members of our board of directors end their terms. This incredible group of dedicated volunteers has led us through some of the most challenging years that Washington State PTA has experienced. I know that many of them look forward to well-earned vacations and the chance…
Category:
Leadership
2021 Focus on Advocacy – April 26 Report
And … that’s a wrap! Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org The Legislature is expected to adjourn “sine die” April 25 by midnight. Over the past week, there was a lot of action, including the release of the compromise, agreed-to two-year operating, capital, and transportation budgets. Once released from a conference committee, the…
Category:
Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA hosts “back to school” webinar with OSPI, DOH, and Governor’s office
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, Deputy Secretary for COVID Response Lacy Fehrenbach, and Governor’s K12 Policy Advisor Maddy Thompson joined WSPTA members April 22 to discuss school under COVID, including what the current situation is and what to expect for next fall. Listen to the 90-minute webinar here.
Category:
Advocacy
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Legislative
2021 Focus on Advocacy – April 19 Report
All that’s left is for the lady to sing… Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org Only one week remains in the 67th legislative session, and there is actually a lot that’s left to do before that famous lady sings the final song: budgets, the climate commitment act, a capital gains tax, and a…
Category:
Advocacy
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Legislative