WSPTA

Reminder: Membership Dues ACH Transfer
2017-07-31, 2017-06-30, 2017-05-31
If your PTA opted in to participate in the direct debit authorization program, membership dues via ACH transfer will be automatically withdrawn from your PTA’s account today – the last business day of each month. Be sure to note in your PTA’s checking account register.

PT Avenue Close-Out for Financial/Full Versions
2017-07-15
At the end of every fiscal year (July – June), each PTA is required to close-out their PT Avenue membership database year by completing the end-of-year (EOY) process. The PT Avenue EOY process is a simple step-by-step automated process which saves the final member and board rosters, and updates member, student, board, helper, and administrator records. By doing this necessary task, you are updating your records, preparing your PTA for success and are ready to start your membership campaign for the 2017-18 PTA year.

If your PTA does not complete the EOY process for your Financial or Full versions, your PTA will be assessed a fine of $50. PT Avenue will walk you through end of year for a full or financial version for $75 – contact PT Avenue regarding this service.

July 4th - Office is Closed
2017-07-04
In honor of Independence Day, the Washington State PTA office is closed and will re-open tomorrow, Wednesday, July 5.
If you have any questions, please send your email to: support@wastatepta.org.

Reminder: Annual Corporation Renewal
2017-06-30, 2017-05-31, 2017-04-30, 2017-03-31
If your PTA incorporated this month, the annual corporation renewal is due; regardless of the income your PTA earns. This is separate from the Charitable Organization registration/renewal. When you are about to file, click File Online for Nonprofits.
You can check the status of your renewal on the Secretary of State’s website. Enter your UBI number and you will be provided with details to your PTA’s corporation registration.

PTA End-of-Year 2016-17
2017-06-30
Washington State PTA’s fiscal year ends annually June 30, which means it’s time to handle end-of-the-year tasks in order to set your PTA/PTSA for success in the next PTA year.
Be sure the following has been completed before the PTA year-end:

Remit outstanding membership dues to the state office.

Consider offering potential and returning members the option to join your PTA online via PT Avenue.
Your PTA can also save time processing memberships you enter by opting in for monthly direct debit of dues payments to WSPTA.

Approve next year’s budget during final membership meeting.

For instructions and information on creating and approving your PTA’s 2017-18 budget, visit the Leadership Guides page.

Year-end PT Avenue close for PTAs with Members-Only version. For PTAs with the Financial or Full versions, deadline is July 15.

For instructions and information on completing the year-end close in the membership database, visit the Leadership Guides page.

Close FY 2016-17 financial books and give to financial review committee within 30 days.

For instructions and information on how to hold a financial review, visit the Leadership Guides page.

PT Avenue End-of-Year Staff Assistance Request
2017-06-18
If your PTA would like WSPTA staff to complete your PTA’s end of year (EOY) for your members-only version of your PT Avenue account, please complete and email the WSPTA staff assistance request form to support@wastatepta.org by midnight, June 18. There will be an administrative service charge of $15 for this service.
Note: if your PTA does not complete the end of year process for your membership only version by June 30, WSPTA staff will process your PTA’s end of year with an assessed fine of $25. For PTAs with Financial or Full versions will be assessed a fine of $50, if EOY is not completed by July 15. PT Avenue will walk you through end of year for a full or financial version for $75 – contact PT Avenue regarding this service.

Region 12 Spring Training: Ready, Set, Go!
2017-06-07 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | TriTech Skills Center, 5929 West Metaline, Kennewick, WA, 99336, United States
Targeted to new officers, but suitable for all PTA members, we’ll provide an overview of PTA Programs, advocacy opportunities, benefits of increasing your membership, and incorporating Family and Community Engagement (FACE) activities (more, perhaps) into your PTA activities. The main event will be “Ready, Set, Go!” a discussion of how to get the new PTA year organized and off to a good start.
“Effective Meetings” will be available as an option for a larger crowd, and if there is a desire for this training.
Come join us at 6 p.m., before the training starts, for a brief tour of the facility, TriTech Skills Center. TriTech is one of the state’s high school skill centers, and you’ll want to see options available to local high school juniors and seniors for college and career preparation.

Resolution Proposals Due
2017-06-01
Any PTA member is encouraged to submit a resolution that addresses concerns that affect children on a state-wide level.
Timing

Submitter name and contact information, resolution topic and title due May 1
Complete submittal due June 1
Note: Submittal deadlines for resolution consideration at convention will be announced in the fall but typically occur in November.

Resolution Submitters’ Requirements:

Must be a current Washington State PTA member
Submit a completed Resolution Proposal form online by the deadlines above and include all links/references so the information is verifiable. (Note that you can preview the form to help prepare, and you can save your work and return to finish when ready.)
Be available by email and phone to work with the resolutions or legislative committee member assigned to review your issue to provide clarification where needed
Be available during the resolutions or legislative committee meeting to answer questions on the resolution
In the case where one or more resolutions submitted are of similar scope, work with others to combine resolutions
All resolution submitters whose resolution is selected to move forward must sign a Code of Conduct

The resolutions and/or legislative committee will review the submitted resolutions and make recommendations to the board of directors at its summer board meeting. A committee member will work with you during this time if additional information is required. Following the board meeting, you will be notified if your proposal will be forwarded to the members at legislative assembly.
Learn more here.

Legislative Issue Proposals Due
2017-06-01
Any PTA member is encouraged to submit an issue that addresses concerns that affect children on a state-wide level.
Timing

Submitter name and contact information, issue title and short description due May 1
Complete issue submittal due June 1

Issue Submitters’ Requirements:

Must be a current Washington State PTA member
Submit a completed Legislative Issue Proposal Form online by the dates above and include all links/references so the information is verifiable. (Note that you can preview the form to help prepare, and you can save your work and return to finish when ready.)
Be available by email and phone to work with the legislative committee member assigned to review your issue to provide clarification where needed
Be available during the legislative committee meeting to answer questions on the issue
In the case where one or more issues submitted are of similar scope, work with others to combine issues
All who submit an issue selected to move forward must sign a Code of Conduct

The legislative committee will review the issues and make recommendations to the board of directors at its summer board meeting. A legislative committee member will work with you during this time if additional information is required. Following the board meeting, you will be notified if your issue will be forwarded to the members at legislative assembly.
Learn more here.

Reminder: Charitable Organization Registration/Renewal
2017-05-31
The Charitable Organization Registration/Renewal is due May 31, if your PTA/PTSA/council’s Gross Receipts are greater than $50,000. When figuring the gross receipts for Charitable Organization Registration/Renewal all income and any source, without deduction-including the portion of membership fees collected by the PTA which are sent to a council or the State PTA are considered part of the gross receipts total.

Over $50,000
Is your PTA’s total income (including membership fees sent to a council) $50,000 or more? If so, your PTA is required to be registered with the Secretary of State Charities Program.
Under $50,000
If your PTA’s income is under $50,000, your PTA is encouraged to file the Optional Registration with the Secretary of State Charities Program.

Memorial Day - Office is Closed
2017-05-29
In honor of Memorial Day the Washington State PTA office is closed and will re-open tomorrow, Tuesday, May 30.
If you have any questions, please send your email to: support@wastatepta.org.

Region 3 Spring Training
2017-05-13 09:30 - 15:30 | Fort Vancouver Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
This training is designed for newly elected or nearly elected board members for the 2017/2018 school year. We want to get you off to a great start and get you ready for your summer planning sessions with your new board. Come with your calendars, notebooks, and questions! We are here to help you get ready for a successful PTA year!
9:30 am Registration Coffee/Snacks
10:00 am Ready Set Go
11:00 am Effective Budgets
12:00 am Standing Rules Round Table/Working Lunch (Lunch Provided)
1:00 am Running Your Non-Profit PTA *NEW CLASS*
2:30 am Intro to Membership *NEW CLASS*

PTA Teacher Appreciation Week
2017-05-08 - 2017-05-12
This year’s theme is “Teachers Deliver.” And they do! Teachers deliver so much to our students—inspiration, motivation and, ultimately, their futures. From May 8-12, 2017, we would like to celebrate teachers and deliver our thanks and gratitude to them.
Teachers change the lives of millions of children every day, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Join us during PTA Teacher Appreciation Week to #ThankATeacher for all that they deliver to our nation’s children.
How You Can #ThankATeacher
Take the time to show your appreciation this week. To help you thank the teachers in your lives for delivering so much, we’ve created a Promotional Event Toolkit with sample social media messaging, images to use on Facebook and Twitter, print color fliers, and more!
Here are a few more ways you can get involved:

Have your child sign and present our ready-made thank-you cards to their teachers!
Have your school principal, PTA/PTSA President or student sign and present our ready-made appreciation certificates to the teachers in your life.
Share photos and your activities during the week by using the hashtag #ThankATeacher on social media!
On Thursday, upload a #TBT of you and your favorite teacher and thank them using the official hashtag #ThankATeacher.

Read about more ways to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week on the One Voice blog and PTAOurChildren.org.
About Teacher Appreciation WeekSM
Since 1984, National PTA has designated one week in May as a special time to honor the men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children.
PTA events at the national, state and local levels celebrate the outstanding contributions teachers make. We are also proud to recognize teachers and administrators with awards and grants.
National PTA also serves on the selection committees for the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Movie Licensing USA Opt In Contest
2017-05-05
Bring the magic of movies to your school while complying with U.S. Copyright Law. Opt in with Movie Licensing USA by May 5 to be entered to win a pizza party for your movie event. Learn more about the Movie Licensing USA 2017 Opt In Contest or contact Kimberly Cassidy at Movie Licensing USA to opt in or ask questions.

104th Annual WSPTA Convention
2017-04-28 - 2017-04-30 | Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel & Conference Center, 17620 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA, 98188, United States
Reasons to Attend Convention
Be inspired. Convention is the place where leaders go to be inspired, understand the issues, and learn the skills to be powerful and effective leaders and advocates.
Professional development. Convention classes are the best way for PTA officers to get the leadership training they need to have a successful year, and for returning officers to advance their training.
Networking with other leaders. Get to know PTA leaders from around the state, your council, and region, and spend some time bonding with your own board members.
Get new ideas. Learn about successful programs and activities other PTAs are doing. Meet vendors and develop new ideas for school assemblies, field trips, fundraisers and a wide variety of enrichment opportunities for your students. Build on your successful programs and introduce new programs for a fresh, new, and exciting PTA year.
Convention is fun! It’s fun to get away from your normal routine and spend some time in an environment bursting with enthusiasm and energy.
Giveaways and special offers. Exhibitors offer some great giveaways, plus there are fantastic door prizes given out at general sessions.
Validation. PTA leaders work hard for the PTA. At convention, you will learn more about the mission of making every child’s potential a reality, meet others with a common passion for improving the lives of children, and feel validated and energized in your role as an advocate for children.
Questions? Email us: support@wastatepta.org

Reminder: Monthly Dues ACH Transfer
2017-04-28

National PTA #ThankATeacher Contest Closes | Apr. 3-17
2017-04-17
Has a teacher in your life gone above and beyond to deliver a brighter future? Take your gratitude to the next level by entering the National PTA #ThankATeacher Contest. Enter the contest April 3-17, 2017 and win up to $4,500 in products for your teachers!
Read the official contest rules & frequently asked questions for more information and submit today.

Share a photo or video with a caption and the hashtag #ThankATeacher on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram—be creative and have fun with it!
Complete the #ThankATeacher here.

Convention T-Shirt Orders Cutoff
2017-04-16
Are you #WSPTAproud? Attend convention with PTA pride! Cost per shirt is $2.75.
Order your own convention t-shirt by the end of today – orders will be shipped by April 20.
To mitigate the cost of each shirt, Kustom Imprints (PTA store) has graciously cosponsored total shirt costs. Promote your PTA today with branded PTA merchandise in the PTA store.

Convention Hotel Cutoff
2017-04-05
We have a block of rooms reserved for the convention at a discounted rate. Please book your room now on the Hilton website.
Convention attendees must check-out on Sunday, April 30 by 11 am.
For dining and travel information, visit the convention Hotel & Travel page.

National PTA #ThankATeacher Contest Opens | Apr. 3-17
2017-04-03

Reminder: Monthly Dues ACH Transfer
2017-03-31
If your PTA opted to participate in the direct debit authorization program, membership dues via ACH transfer will be automatically withdrawn from your PTA’s account today (the last business day of the month). Be sure to note in your PTA’s checking account register.

WSPTA Online Children's Bookfair Closes | Mar. 10-24
2017-03-24
We’re excited to announce a statewide online book fair with Children’s Bookstore to expand and support Reflections throughout the state. Proceeds from the book fair will be used specifically to support Reflections. The Reflections program provides an invaluable service to our children. It’s amazing to see the creativity and effort our children put into their works of art.
There are more than 200,000 titles available, from baby books to young adult books; every book on the website is eligible for our book fair.
Washington State PTA will earn 30% of every purchase.
Please forward this information to friends and family anywhere in the U.S. Please also post information about our book fair to your Facebook page or Twitter.
If you arrive at the website through a page other than our book fair page, please enter our unique code at checkout: WASPTA
Happy reading!

Instructions

Visit https://www.childrensbookstore.com/go/waspta
Buy the books you can’t wait to read!
Books will be shipped directly to your home.

WSPTA//Game Development Contest Submissions Due
2017-03-15
Students must participate through a local PTA/PTSA in good standing. Parent groups not affiliated with WSPTA are not eligible to sponsor this program. It is the responsibility of the local PTA/PTSA to determine each student’s eligibility in the program. A student/team may develop an entry in or outside of school.
Questions? Email the Game Development Competition chair.

Early Bird Convention T-Shirt Orders
2017-03-14
Are you #WSPTAproud? Attend convention with PTA pride! Cost per shirt is $2.75.
Order your own convention t-shirt today – shirts are on sale until April 16. Orders dated by March 14th will ship by March 15th. All later orders will be shipped by April 20.
To mitigate the cost of each shirt, Kustom Imprints (PTA store) has graciously cosponsored total shirt costs. Promote your PTA today with branded PTA merchandise in the PTA store.

Region 7 Spring Conference
2017-03-11 08:45 - 12:00 | Sno-Isle Skills TECH Center, 9001 Airport Road, Everett, WA, 98204, United States
We will provide water, coffee, hot cocoa, and some light refreshments. Our classes will be more of a roundtable than in past conferences. Bring your questions, binders, etc, and prepare to participate in the conversation.
This training satisfies this year’s annual training requirement.
8:45 am: Check-in/registration
9:00 am:

Welcome
BINGO
Introductions
Intro to Convention
Legislative Update
Membership Update
Sno-Isle Tech Center overview

9:30 Session 1

I have No Idea What I’m Doing
Events and Activities
Fundraising

10:45 Session 2

Finding Volunteers
Treasurer Roundtable
Membership Roundtable
