Membership with Meaning: Meeting People Where They Are by Connecting to Their “Why”
One of the most powerful ways to grow your PTA is by recognizing that everyone has a different reason for joining—and that’s a good thing! Whether someone is passionate about policy change or just wants to help with the school carnival, their “why” is the key to making them feel seen, valued, and inspired to…
Category:
Membership
November Checklist for Councils Supporting Local PTAs
Ongoing Tasks Review the 2025-26 Standards of Affiliation (SOA) Checklist. Host a training or roundtable at council membership meetings addressing timely SOA requirements. Offer support to local PTAs who may be struggling with any of the SOA requirements. At each council membership meeting, share the SOA items that your council has completed to model best…
Category:
Leadership
November Checklist for Running Your PTA
Ongoing Tasks Attend any board and membership meetings Read meeting minutes and offer corrections Prepare reports for board and membership meetings Get educated: take advantage of in-person and online training opportunities Be familiar with your responsibilities and fulfill them Review and ask questions about the monthly financial report Actively engage in a plan for membership…
Category:
Leadership
FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Since Time Immemorial
What are some of the things you enjoy about living in Washington state? How would you describe your family background and connection to our state? Do you have family or friends with relatives who have lived in Washington before you were born, including members of local Tribes, or Native nations? Since time immemorial, the lands…
Category:
Family Engagement
WSPTA Family and Community Engagement: Family Celebration Calendar – October
The first Friday of each month is “WSPTA Family Celebrations Friday” where relationship and curiosity meet observances. WSPTA highlights student-focused celebrations and wants to know what you and your family observe. There are so many opportunities to celebrate this month! Download the October 2025 calendar by clicking on the graphic below! We want to hear…
Category:
Family Engagement
Changes to the Records Retention Timetable in 2025
A PTA should maintain copies of many important documents. WSPTA has a document to assist local PTAs and councils with these timelines called the Records Retention Timetable. The information in this document is gathered from the IRS, various Washington state entities, and PTA experiences. There were several changes to this document in 2025 due to…
Category:
Governance
2025-2026 Deadline Dates
Please find below a list of important deadlines for your local PTA and council. Also included is a list of WSPTA office closures and events for the year. You can download this handy list HERE!
Category:
Events
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Governance
WSPTA Family and Community Engagement: Family Celebration Calendar – September
The first Friday of each month is “WSPTA Family Celebrations Friday” where relationship and curiosity meet observances. WSPTA highlights student-focused celebrations and wants to know what you and your family observe. Download the September 2025 calendar by clicking on the graphic below! We want to hear about your family celebrations and provide a way for…
Category:
Family Engagement
Family and Community Engagement: Back-to-School GRIT
During the back-to-school season, parents and guardians fill our school grounds alongside their students. The transition evokes a range of emotions from all involved. As adults, we strive to support students’ success and foster a secure environment that minimizes anxiety and stress. It is important to recognize that, in most cases, school provides a safe…
Category:
Family Engagement
Setting a 20% PTA Membership Growth Goal: A Realistic Way to Grow Stronger Together
Whether your PTA is large and well-established or just starting to rebuild, setting a membership growth goal of 20% is a powerful and realistic way to spark progress. Why 20%? A 20% growth goal is intentional—it meets PTAs where they are. For a smaller PTA, it might mean adding just a few new members. For…
Category:
Membership