WSPTA testifies on HB1010 and SB5153 – January 15, 2019
On Tuesday, January 15, 2019, two WSPTA members journeyed to Olympia on behalf of the children of Washington state. Dr. Gwen Loosmoore of Mercer Island addressed the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee on HB 1010 concerning the disposition of forfeited firearms by the Washington state patrol. Dr. Loosmoore shared that Gun Violence Prevention as…
Category:
Advocacy
,
Legislative
WSPTA Testifies on HB 1109
On the opening day of the 2019 legislative session, WSPTA President Michelle Nims testified in front of the House Appropriations committee. President Nims thanked the legislature for its large investments in K-12 funding over the last several biennia and encouraged additional strategic investments to close the opportunity gaps facing students. She continued to share WSPTA’s…
Category:
Advocacy
,
Legislative
Advocacy in Olympia – Show Up to Speak Up on Focus Day February 11, 2019
WEAR BLUE to show PTA unity! Thank you for stepping up to advocate for kids, in person, to legislators! Below are some links to assist you with planning, tips for parking, navigating the Capitol and meeting with legislators. The Focus Day program will begin at 9am in the social hall of the United Churches of…
2019 Legislative Session – Week 1
105-day session kicks off January 14th with ceremonies and bills Prepared by Marie Sullivan, WSPTA Legislative Consultant, legconsultant@wastatepta.org The 66th Legislature convened Monday, January 14, 2019, with Democrats holding majorities in the House and Senate and in the Governor’s Office. Monday kicked off with swearing in a large group of new members, with family and…
Category:
Advocacy
,
Legislative
Bringing Your PTA Membership Goal to Life
For most people who made a New Year’s resolution this year, it likely won’t be long before it becomes a struggle to stay focused on their goal. So why bother committing to resolutions at all? Well, for one thing, people who explicitly make resolutions are ten times more likely to attain their goals than people…
Category:
Membership
Show Up to Speak Up – Focus Day is February 11, 2019
by Nancy Chamberlain, WSPTA Advocacy Director PTA members adopted a new set of legislative priorities focusing on all aspects of the health, safety, well-being and education of children – and 1.1 million students need YOU to be their voice on Focus Day, February 11, 2019. What ARE our Priorities? How do you learn enough about…
Category:
Advocacy
,
Legislative
January 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 Attend training Be familiar with your responsibilities and fulfill them Review and ask questions about monthly financial report Prepare articles for newsletter/social media Update website Participate, help, and communicate Monthly Tasks Reflections entries due…
Category:
Leadership
Washington State PTA’s Response to Federal School Safety Commission Report
After months of input, the Federal Commission on School Safety released its final report this week. The Washington State PTA (WSPTA) supports the National PTA statement expressing some concerns about several of the recommendations, including: The rollback of the 2014 guidance on school discipline from the U.S. Department of Education and Justice Department is particularly…
Washington State PTA Statement on Governor Jay Inslee’s 2019-21 Budget Proposals
Photo credit (Ted S. Warren / The Associated Press) “Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is very pleased with the direction of the Governor’s proposed two-year budget,” said Michelle Nims, president. “At the top of our priorities is increasing the staffing for student well-being, including additional nurses, social workers, behavioral health specialists, psychologists, and counselors. This budget starts with…
Category:
Legislative
All About Membership Scholarships
If one of the common reasons given for declining to join your PTA is not being able to afford it, there’s a way to address that concern! To ensure that anyone who wants to join PTA is able to do so, a local PTA may set up a membership scholarship fund. A local PTA…
Category:
Membership