2020-2021 MEETING SUMMARIES AND FINANCIALS
MEMBERSHIP MEETING SUMMARIES:

May 12, 2021:
  • Awards: Congratulations to this year's Council Award Winners! The following award winners were presented at the meeting.
  • Honorary Life Membership Award: Laura Peterson and Denise Constantineau 
  • Golden Acorn: Beenish Iqbal and Craig Willis
  • Outstanding Advocate: Adie Simmons, Executive Director of WA Family Engagement
  • Spirit of the Community Award will be announced at a later date. 
  • School District Report: District is planning on 100% in-person in the fall. A remote option will be available as an option for families. High school graduations will take place at Memorial Stadium in June. Other moving-up celebrations and ceremonies will be held drive-through or remotely. Field Days will be held in place of proms this year. State assessments will be held in the fall. Some students will test in fall and spring of next year. 
  • The Council’s 2021 Founder’s Day donation of $115 was made to Hope Creek Charitable Foundation in support of the Backpacks of Hope program.
  • Membership: Membership numbers reached 58% of last year's totals. Video shown of Heatherwood PTA throwing pies at membership chairs Craig and Amanda. 
  • Advocacy: June 1, 2021 is the deadline for submissions of issues, resolutions, and principles. 
  • FACE: Video series, “What Every Parent Needs to Know” is available on Everett School District’s website. Check it out here: https://www.everettsd.org/Page/39021
  • A Parent Information Night was held on Monday, May 17 in Spanish. 
  • Star Award: Tambark Creek PTSA was awarded a Star Award for their virtual family events and assemblies. 
  • 2021-22 Budget: The 2021-22 budget was presented and approved by membership. A new line item for FACE will be added, funded by the remaining National PTA grant. 
  • Council Bank Account Signers: Membership voted to approve bank signers as Craig Willis, Mee Yoke McGuire, and Stephanie Cherry. Beenish Iqbal will complete the non-signer reviews. 
  • Council Open Positions: VP of Membership, Region 7 Representative, Members at Large

​
March 17, 2021:
  • District Updates: Due to Governor Inslee's recent updates, secondary school students will return in April if they choose to do so. Surveys have been sent to families. Spectator attendance is now permitted at athletic events.  Resources have been sent out to support Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander families due to reports of violence.
  • Budget Committee: The Budget Committee will convene in April to prepare the 2021-2022 Council budget. This committee will include the current and incoming Treasurers, current and incoming Presidents and any interested members of our Council and local PTAs. Interested parties should contact Jen Hirman or Jonelle Radford.
  • PTAs. The proposed budget will be approved by the Council Board, and then presented to membership for a vote at the May 12, 2021 meeting.
  • Membership: All local PTAs have at least 25 members. Although the 90% membership goal was not reached, Craig and Amanda have decided to have two local PTAs throw pies in their face to recognize everyone's hard work. Random PTAs were chosen using the online Wheel of Names. Heatherwood Middle School PTSA was chosen for Craig Willis and Penny Creek PTA was chosen for Amanda Cabana.
  • Advocacy: LegCon took place virtually on March 9-11. Senator Patty Murray spoke to attendees from Washington. Snohomish League of Women Voters is offering another session in their Speak Up Series on testifying for redistricting commission.
  • Award applications for Council were submitted for Outstanding Newsletter, Outstanding Website, Outstanding Communication Strategy; FACE; and Standard of Excellence. Thanks to Craig, Jen, and Beenish for their hard work on these!
  • Awards Celebrations: No in-person celebrations will be held this year. Awards committee sent a suggested timeline to local PTAs.
  • Reflections: Six students in the district placed at the state level. 3 students will head to the National PTA Reflections competition.
  • Standing Rules: The proposed changes to the 2020-21 Standing Rules were approved by membership.
  • Election of Officers: Nominating committee report was presented. The 2021-22 slate of officers was voted and elected by membership:
    • President – Craig Willis
    • Vice President of Membership– OPEN
    • Treasurer -  Mee Yoke McGuire
    • Secretary – Stephanie Cherry
  • The position of VP of Membership will remain open for nominations.
  • Star Awards: Silver Lake PTA received a Star Award for their weekly online Bingo games. Gateway Middle School PTSA received a Star Award for their online musical production of Dear Edwina.
  • Door Prize Winners: Valerie Cunningham, Margaret McAdams and Hai Evans


January 27, 2021:
  • School district report: Sally Lancaster discussed the reopening of schools. Hybrid Learning Model 3 will begin on February 8. Some transitioning of students to different teachers will occur to accommodate.  Almost 2000 students will return. Currently, approximately 200 students in school. All general education teachers are able to remain at their school.
  • Mid-year financial review: Volunteers needed for a remote review.
  • Council's Standards of Affiliation checklist is complete as of January 2021
  • Nominating committee is active and progress is going well. Several positions to be filled. Contact the Nominating committee if you know a great PTA leader.
  • Membership: Currently 2819 members. 16 of 27 local PTAs are over 50% of total from last year. All local PTAs have paid their council fees for the school year. 
  • Advocacy: Virtual meetings have been scheduled with all state representatives serving Everett School District. Email Lizzy if you'd like to attend one (ore more) of the sessions:
    • 38th district: Rep. Mike Sells 1/28/21 4:00pm
    • 38th district: Rep Emily Wicks 2/8 5:30pm
    • 44th district: Rep April Berg on 2/1 at 4:30pm
    • 44th district: Rep John Lovick on 2/2 at 5:30pm
    • 21st district all 3 reps: 2/4 4:30pm
  • National PTA Legislative Conference will be held virtually on March 9-11. Cost is $50. See http://www.everettptsacouncil.org/advocacylegislative.html for more info and link.
  • Shoe Fund has provided shoes or gift cards for 70 students at 6 schools. 
  • First drive-through Reflections celebration was successful with 70 attendees. All participants received an award bag with judges’ comments, balloon, ribbon, and candy and yard signs for participants advancing to state. Second event will be held on February 4. Video of finalists’ entries was presented.
  • Virtual 5K had 319 registrations with $4,500 earned. Grant funds were used to purchase fidgets and sensory items for students.
  • Awards programs, including Awards of Excellence, Membership Awards and Volunteer Recognition Awards will continue this year with modifications.
  • Forest View Elementary PTA was presented with a Star Award for its holiday lights community event. Everett High PTA was presented with a Star Award for its membership growth in challenging times.


November 18, 2020:
  • District Updates: In-person school has been delayed again due to rising COVID cases. 
  • Administrators are working on a 5-10 year Strategic Plan. Family community survey is available on the district website: https://www.everettsd.org/strategicplan
  • A large community response was received for the Advisory Council, looking to create subcommittees.
  • Let's Connect meetings are ongoing. Parents are voicing a desire to connect with other parents. Options are being explored to connect families, including virtual game nights. Next Let's Connect meeting will be held on November 23 to discuss the School Resource Officer program. https://www.everettsd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=145753&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=169430&PageID=1
  • The district is exploring exploring resources for Social Emotional Learning support. One free option available is Pure Edge. Information can be found at https://pureedgeinc.org/
  • Council Updates:
  • 3 volunteers are needed for the Mid-Year Financial Review. Jonelle will reach out to local PTA treasurers. 
  • The revised 2020-2021 budget was approved by membership: The National PTA grant was corrected to $15,000. A new budget line item was added: Local PTA Lending Library with $250 budget. Funds will be spent on tablecloths and vinyl signs for local PTAs to borrow. Books will also be available for check out.
  • The Council membership drive is now active. http://www.everettptsacouncil.org/uploads/1/1/6/8/11684310/esd_pta_membership_drive_2020-2021.pdf
  • Region 7 is hosting a meeting on December 3 with virtual games and discussion on how to use apps to host virtual events. More details coming out soon.
  • Top 5 Legislative Priorities were presented as voted on at the Legislative Assembly. The upcoming state legislative session will be virtual. Members are encouraged to attend to provide testimony on issues. This year's Focus Day will be held virtually. Details to come.
  • Shoe Fund requests have been filled from 4 schools and donations received from 7 PTAs.
  • Over 50 entries received for Reflections Council sign-up. Council sign-up option encouraged local PTAs with small numbers of entries to participate.
  • Books were delivered to Silver Firs Elementary and Monroe Elementary from Sno-Isle Libraries. FACE is continuing to work on Parent University collaboration with WAFE.
  • Special Education PTSA is hosting a 3rd Q&A session with Special Services to discuss successful remote learning as well as Sip & Chat sessions for families. 235 registrations received for the Virtual 5K with local PTA represented and receiving funds. 
  • Everett School District Special Education PTSA was awarded the Star Award for November for all their efforts in encouraging connection, communication, and engagement.
  • Beenish Iqbal, Craig Willis, and Denise Constantineau were elected to serve on the Nominating Committee.
  • Door Prize Winners: Alisha Crawley-Davis and Krista McKee


September 23, 2020:
  • The 2020-2021 Everett PTSA Council Board of Directors was introduced to membership in attendance:
Everett PTSA Council Officers
President-Jen Hirman
Co-VP Membership-Amanda Cabana and Craig Willis
Treasurer-Jonelle Radford
Secretary-Stephanie Cherry

Board of Directors
Advocacy-Lizzy Sebring
Communications-Craig Willis
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)-Beenish Iqbal
Programs-OPEN
Reflections-Georgina Johns and Vanessa Dilley
Shoe Fund-Abbey McGee
Special Ed Liaison-Valerie Cunningham
Member at Large (North)-Barb Lawrence
Member at Large (Central)-OPEN 
Member at Large (South)-Denise Constantineau
Region 7 Representative-Laura Peterson

Ad Hoc Committee Chairs
Recognition/Award Celebration-Heather Morrow and Kristy Mothersbaugh
  • The 2020-2021 revised budget was approved. Two new budget line items were added and three line items were moved from "Administration" to "Local PTA Services." 
  • The 2020-2021 Standing Rules and Mission and Goals were approved by membership.
  • District Updates: The school district website has been redesigned and updated. The new website will be available on October 1. Parent University content is available on-demand as a resource to assist parents in remote learning tools. Council PTA will use National PTA Covid Relief Grant to partner with the district to expand parent education offerings. Meals are available to all children; meal kits can be pre-ordered for the week or picked up daily. (Note: There is a maximum capacity for each school. Another pick-up location can be selected if full.) The district is following the 5-step phased-in approach for hybrid learning; more vulnerable students will return to in-person instruction first. The technology department is working with Zoom and Chromebook vendors to correct technical issues.
  • 17 out of 27 PTAs have reached 25 members. Woodside and Whittier PTAs have reached 40% of last year's membership. Gateway, Everett, and Everett Special Education PTSA have reached 50%. 
    Council Contacts are listed on the webpage. Every PTA has a council member serving as contact.
    Legislative Assembly will be held on October 24 and 25. Education opportunities and caucus will be open prior to the assembly. Voting delegates due by October 6. Students are encouraged to attend. Registration is $25 for adults; $10 for students.
  • Reflections training will be held on September 30 at 7:00pm. 
  • In coordination with Sno-Isle libraries, 68 boxes of books (over 3000 books!) were donated to local school libraries. FACE is working with Washington Family Engagement to create parent education videos.
  • Special Education PTSA will be hosting another Q&A session with the new Executive Director of Special Services. For their annual fundraiser, they will be hosting a virtual 5K in December and sharing proceeds with local PTAs.
  • View Ridge PTA and Mill Creek PTA received September's Star Awards.
  • Everett PTSA Council will be electing the Nominating Committee at the November membership meeting.
  • Upcoming training: Branding and Marketing Your PTA. Online trainings are available and will count towards mandatory training.
  • Art Docent meeting will be held on Friday at 2:30pm.
  • Council PTSA members will deliver cookies to CRC staff on Tuesday.
  • Next Zoom into Membership meeting will be held on October 7 from 7-8pm.
  • Door Prize Winners: Tiffany Leigh (Whittier PTA) and Serena Peterson (Silver Lake PTA)




2019-2020 MEETING SUMMARIES AND FINANCIALS
MEMBERSHIP MEETING SUMMARIES:
 May 27, 2020:
  • Dr. Ian Saltzman announced a committee comprised of parents, staff, and students to meet during the Summer to discuss planning for the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Council Awards announced (Outstanding Educator- Dr. Sally Lancaster, Outstanding Advocate- Valerie Cunningham, Outstanding Service- Jennifer Hirman, Golden Acorn- Amanda Cabana).
  • 2020-2021 budget was presented, reviewed, and approved as presented.
  • The check signers for 2020-2021 will be Jennifer Hirman, Amanda Cabana, and Jonelle Radford. The monthly bank statement reviewer will be Craig Willis. Motion was approved.​
  • We surpassed our 2019-2020 Membership goal of 5200 members, with 5269 total.
  • Valerie Cunningham will continue to reach out to local PTAs next school year to educate about the Special Education PTSA. 19 of 26 local PTAs were met during this school year.​​

April 15, 2020:
  • Annual budget meeting scheduled for 04/29/20 via Zoom.
  • Per Dr. Sally Lancaster, Everett School District has created a committee looking at special events to celebrate seniors, athletes in the district. The district is looking at graduation possibilities. The district has an online survey out now, asking we participate and spread the word.
  • Council Board Elections. The slate was approved as follows:
              President – Jen Hirman
              Co-VP Membership – Amanda Cabana/Craig Willis
              Treasurer – Jonelle Radford
              Secretary – Stephanie Cherry
          The nominees were elected by voice vote in accordance with WSPTA Uniform Bylaws Article 5, Section 6B.  All participants of   
          the meeting voted yes.
  • Hawthorne Elementary PTA was awarded a Star Award for trying out new events and meeting times for their students this year.
  • Council will work with local PTA Presidents to create a compilation video for Staff Appreciation Week.
  • With 5267 members, PTA membership in our district has exceeded our goal.
  • Reflections: Two submissions from within our district are going to National PTA.
  • For the first time ever, over 20,000 people read our Facebook posts within one month, as our Council has been looked to for postings and guidance during emergency school closures due to COVID-19.
  • Washington State PTA Convention will now be an online event from May 11-21. Registration is $60. Council will look at ways to try to help local PTA leaders attend.

January 29, 2020: 
  • Treasurer software ("MoneyMinder") renewed, Annual Corporate Renewal filed, and Insurance Policy updated.
  • Dr. Sally Lancaster discussed the upcoming Capital Bond, and members in attendance approved to endorse the Bond.
  • Cedar Wood PTA received a Star Award for art docent collaboration. Woodside PTA will also receive a Star Award for art docent collaboration and efforts, at next Woodside PTA meeting.
  • Council has completed Standards of Affiliation for the current PTA term.
  • Five local PTAs have qualified for the 2020 WSPTA Membership Contest.
  • There were nearly 250 Reflections submissions within the school district. The Reflections Celebration was a big success.
  • The WSPTA Essay Contest is currently active, with submissions to be postmarked by March 1.
  • President Jen Hirman described the roles of Council. A Nominating Committee was voted in during the November Membership Meeting; the committee is actively looking for qualified team members for next school year. Nominations are due by February 28, with a vote to occur during the March Membership Meeting.​

November 20, 2019: 
  • Everett PTSA Council established a Social Media Policy and revised Standing Rules to include a Social Media statement. If you are interested in adopting a Social Media Policy for your PTA, please visit this Council webpage: http://www.everettptsacouncil.org/social-media-policy.html
  • Members in attendance voted in the Council Nominating Committee: Valerie Ungren, Denise Constantineau, Craig Willis. This is perhaps the most important committee a PTA has, as the committee members work together to try to find the best candidates for the PTA Executive Board for the following school year. We recommend that each PTA votes in a Nominating Committee soon, if it has not already been done.
  • Monroe Elementary PTA was presented our first Star Award of the school year. Great job! If you would like to see other examples of past Star Awards, please visit this Council webpage: www.everettptsacouncil.org/everett-council-star-awards.html
  • Shoe Fund has already been donated nearly $7300! Awesome!
  • PTA Membership within the Everett School District has already reached 4300 members! Thank you, members!

​September 18, 2019:
  • The 2019-2020 Everett PTSA Council Board of Directors was introduced to membership in attendance:
​President-Jen Hirman
VP Membership-Amanda Cabana
Treasurer-Jonelle Radford
Co-Secretaries-Valerie Ungren and Christa Bicket

Board of Directors
Advocacy-Lizzy Sebring
Communications-Craig Willis
Programs-Christa Bicket
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)-Brooke Fiscus 
Reflections-Emily Hotchkiss and Vanessa Dilley
Shoe Fund-Amanda Cabana
Special Ed Liaison-Valerie Cunningham 
Member at Large (North)-OPEN
Member at Large (Central)-Brooke Yule 
Member at Large (South)-Denise Constantineau
Region 7 Representative-Laura Peterson

Ad Hoc Committee Chairs
Recognition/Award Celebration-Heather Morrow and Kristy Mothersbaugh

  • A "Council Contacts" initiative is being introduced this school year, with Council Board members being liaisons for our local PTAs and providing guidance for those PTAs when requested.
  • Dr. Sally Lancaster, Assistant Superintendent for the Central Region, provided updates on behalf of the Everett School District.
  • Everett Public Schools (EPS) Foundation accepting grants through October 24, 2019.


FINANCIALS:
Per general Council process, Financials are only available upon request and if approved by the President and Treasurer.