Monday, Sept 28 Newsletter

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Monday, September 18, 2023

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SCPTSA Calendar of Events for September

Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5PM - 6:30 PM Tonight

  • Open Discussion with RARE (see below)


Office Hours with the President on Friday at 10 AM


Online: Teams Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m


Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - BITES AND BALLOTS


Calendar

Open Discussion Event - Tonight

Monday, September 18, 2023, 5 PM PST


Learn what programs are in place in several Seattle Public Schools to address racial equity.


Principals from both north end and south end schools will share what programs they have in place to mitigate racial inequity, what challenges they’ve face and are anticipated, as well as success stories that have enhanced the educational value of their students.


The evening will be moderated by Rena Mateja Walker Burr

Spanish and Somali translation provided



Evento de conversación  abierta


Lunes 18 de septiembre de 2023, 5 p. m. hora del Pacífico


Conozca qué programas existen en varias escuelas públicas de Seattle para conseguir la equidad racial.Los directores de las escuelas del norte y del sur de Seattle compartirán qué programas tienen implementados para mitigar la desigualdad racial, qué desafíos han enfrentado y qué se anticipa, así como historias de logros que han mejorado el valor educativo de sus estudiantes.


El evento será moderado por Rena Mateja Walker Burr

Evento de conversación abierta

Para registrarse para este evento: https://bit.ly/3OTrWEd




DHACDADA WADA HADALKA U FURAN SHACABK


AIsniin, Sebtember 18, 2023, 5 galabnimo PST

Wax ka baro barnaamijyada ka jira dhowr dugsiyo dadweynaha Seattle si wax looga qabto sinnaanta jinsiyaddeed.

Maamulayaasha labada dhinac ee  iskuulada waqooyi iyo kuwa koonfurta ayaa wadaagi doona barnaamijyada ay hayaan si loo yareeyo sinnaan la'aanta jinsiyadeed oo ka jirta iskuulada, caqabadaha ay la kulmeen iyo kuwa la filayo, iyo sidoo kale sheekooyinka guusha ee kor u qaaday qiimaha waxbarasho ee ardaydooda.

Fiidka waxaa soo bandhigi doona, Rena Mateja Walker Burr

Tarjumaano Soomaali iyo Isbaanishkaba waa la bixin doonaa Haddad u bahaantahay Nala socodsii!

Si aad isu diwaangeliso dhacdadan:  tag https://bit.ly/3OTrWEd


Access Social Media Graphics

Want to share with your community about tonight’s event? Click here to Access Translated social media graphics in English, Spanish and Somali

Bites and Ballots

The Bites & Ballots Community Roundtable with Candidates on Education is on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 6 to 8 p.m. It is a public, free and accessible event for parents and the Seattle Public Schools community to share a meal and meet local candidates running for Seattle School Board and Seattle City Council up close and personal.

Reflections!

Reflections Deadline for submission to Seattle Council PTSA is November 15, 2023.


If you have questions about starting a Reflections program in your school, there are grants available!


  1. Register Your PTA (please note, the National PTA does not send a confirmed email)

  2. Promote the program in your school (download poster 17x22)

  3. Collect and send your Art


Questions? Contact Erin and June at reflectionschairs@scptsa.org

Register Your PTA  Today
RSVP to event

Membership

It's that time of year again!  There are so many things happening at the beginning of the school year, and growing your PTA/PTSA Membership is one of them.  We are here to help you.  The goal is for your PTA/PTSA to have enter a minimum of 3 officers  (Pres, Secretary, Treasurer) and 25 members into MemberPlanet, by the end of October.

  1. Email MembershipChair@scptsa.org with the name and contact information of your PTA/PTSA's membership chair and or alternative contact.

  2. Review and follow this Membership checklist: Membership - WSPTA Success (memberplanet.com) There are A LOT of resources found on the WSPTA website.

  3. Enter officers and members as directed on the above website. 

  4. If you have trouble with memberplanet - contact support@wspta.org


Dues per member: 

  • National PTA dues: $2.25 per member 

  • Washington State PTA dues: $5.75 per member 

  • SCPTSA dues: $3.50 - Council service fees are waived for PTAs in Schools that are *Title 1 School Wide or that Receive Title 1 Targeted Assistance now or in the last two years

    • $5.75+$2.25 + $3.50 = $11.50 or $5.75 + $2.25 = $8.00 for *Title I Schools 

    • Building level Local PTA/PTSA can opt to add an additional fee

Membershipe Questions? Email Melanie!

Language Access PowerPoint for Hybrid Meetings

Hello Community

Our Zoom Language Access Interpretation PowerPoint and Google Presentation is here to make hybrid meetings even more inclusive and connected.


With this powerful tool, we're breaking down language barriers and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.


Together, we're building a more inclusive and vibrant community. Stay diverse, stay connected! 🤗

SPS Upcoming Community Meeting Sept. 26th

We are excited to create a united vision for well-resourced schools. You are invited to join us in a community conversation. Your feedback will inform future district planning.


Online: Teams Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m.

Interpretation will be available in: Amharic, ASL, Cantonese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

A link to this meeting will be shared by Monday, Sept. 11th.

Link to System of Well-Resourced Schools

WSPTSA Corner

PTA & the Law

September 19 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

This is the most important and useful class of them all, as it will prepare you and your fellow officers to run your PTA with an eye toward the important legal and fiscal requirements in running a nonprofit. PTA and the Law deals with state and federal rules and regulations relevant to running a charitable, tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation in the state of Washington and will explain how these rules impact your PTA. PTA and the Law is a required class for at least one PTA officer each year.

RSVP Here for PTA and the Law

PTA & the Law

September 23 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

This is the most important and useful class of them all, as it will prepare you and your fellow officers to run your PTA with an eye toward the important legal and fiscal requirements in running a nonprofit. PTA and the Law deals with state and federal rules and regulations relevant to running a charitable, tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation in the state of Washington and will explain how these rules impact your PTA. PTA and the Law is a required class for at least one PTA officer each year.

RSVP Here for PTA and the Law

Legislative Assembly 2023

WA State PTA Legistlative Assembly with a dark blue banner and two gray stars around the word Legislative

Registration is now open for the WSPTA’s 45th annual Legislative Assembly, October 21-22, 2023. 


This year, WSPTA is planning a remote event for more inclusive participation. The event can be accessed through the Whova app which will allow attendees to participate through the mobile app or through their computer’s desktop browser.  

VOLUNTEER AT SPS


Volunteer Program Liaisons:

 

Educators: Do you teach at an Equity Tier 1-2 school? Learn about volunteer tutors and classroom help.

 

Volunteers: Visit https://www.seattleschools.org/volunteer to learn how to apply, renew, and help create welcoming schools for students furthest from educational justice.

 

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

Community Events

Creating Equity with Gracious Space

A group coaching, training, and case study approach to increase inclusion and equity in your teams and organizations. Link Roundtable Description.


Gracious Space is an inherently inclusive model that canhelp facilitators and leaders create more inclusive workplace cultures. Drawing from Pat’s new bookGracious Space and Equity, this Roundtable includes group coaching, training, and peer learning tohelp you use Gracious Space to increase inclusion and equity in groups and organizations.


Mondays October 2, 9, 16 & 23.3:00 - 4:30 PST

Session 1 - Inclusion and Belonging

Session 2 - Historically White Institutions

Session 3 - Sharing Power

Session 4 - Partner Practices and Case Studies

Creating Equity with Gracious Space Book
Link to Training Sign up

Leadership Grants for PTA leaders who want to attend but don’t have the resources are available.

OSPI's Custom Language Testing: Language Proficiency, Competency-based Credits, and the Seal of Biliteracy

This 60-min professional development webinar will teach district personnel all they need to know about Washington's exclusive Custom Testing for Language Proficiency. There will be a 45-min presentation and 15-minutes for questions. Topics will include an explanation of need for Custom Testing, a walk-through of the Extempore platform, and a sample score sheet. 


Remaining September Sessions
Wed, Sept 20 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mon, Sept 25 | 10:00 - 11:00 am

link to register

Translation & Interpretation Certificate Info Session

 When : Thursday, Sep 28 ; 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Are you bilingual and interested in learning about our Translation and Intepretation classes and certificate program? Join this FREE Info Session to learn what to expect in these classes, and bring any questions you might have.

Interpretation Zoom Info Session
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Add an embed URL or code. Learn more

Greetings from Our President

Dear families,  

My name is Elsa Sjunneson Jones, and I am the new president of the Seattle Council PTSA. You may be wondering “who is she, and where does she come from” and I’m happy to answer these questions.  
 
I am a Seattle Public Schools graduate. I am Deafblind. I am called Mom by two current SPS students. I am an activist with 20 plus years of experience, both in the Seattle area and nationally.  
 
I am bringing that experience of dedication to community service to bear in the SCPTSA organization, because I believe that all students deserve a voice, and all families deserve to be seen and supported as they in turn support their students.  
 
I’ll be writing to you monthly, about our plans, our advocacy goals, and meeting with you to hear your concerns as well.  
 
I’m thrilled to be working with my exec board Vivian van Gelder (Vice President), Meghan Bedell (Treasurer), and June Nho Ivers (Secretary), and our general SCPTSA board to support families in their relationships with Seattle Public Schools, hoping to improve all our children’s experiences across the board.  
 
I will introduce you to our committee chairs and board members in our October communication!  
 
I am available to you via email (elsa.jones@scptsa.org), at bi-weekly office hours (my vice president will be taking the other two office hours sessions a month), and at general membership meetings to discuss your concerns, your desires, and your hopes for our student and family experiences.  

Office Hours on Friday at 10am
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88659252462
Meeting ID: 886 5925 2462


 
For now, welcome to the new school year! I hope these transitional days are easy for you.  
 
Yours in solidarity,  
 
Elsa Sjunneson Jones  

SCPTSA President 2024-25 School Year  
(She/Her pronouns)  

 

Availability Note: During the month of September I will be observing the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Please know that I will catch up after my observance is complete.  

UPDATE on Strike 302

UPDATE Sept. 5, 6:20pm

The strike that was brewing with IUOE 302 against Seattle Public Schools has been averted. In a note to members late on Tuesday, the union said: "We have reached a tentative Agreement with the District. Go to work tomorrow, all job actions planned for tomorrow have been canceled."

A tentative agreement will still need to be approved by membershp once they see the terms that were set out in the tentative agreement.

https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2023/09/05/update-strike-iuoe-302-against-seattle-public-schools-averted-tentative

Dear Seattle PTA leaders, 


With both sadness and gratitude, we are writing to share with you that Erin Dury has resigned from her position as SCPTSA Board Co-President as of Sunday January 22nd. As a thoughtful and effective PTA leader, Erin has served as a strong advocate prioritizing student and family engagement and student-focused governance.  


As you know, SCPTSA represents over 80 Parent Teacher (Student) Associations in Seattle, all with various advocacy and support needs. Our Council works to be a conduit of information and support to all our members. As volunteers, we all have our limits. Erin always reminded us to practice self-care and to hold healthy boundaries.  Her decision to step back when her capacity stretched thin is a model to all of us.  We also acknowledge the fact that we ask a lot of our leaders, and that the gifts of time and expertise they give us come at a cost. Balancing volunteer responsibilities and compensated work is a real challenge.  We are grateful that Erin stepped up into the role of President, and we honor and respect her choice to step down.   


Samantha Fogg will continue as Board President for the remainder of the term. PTA Leaders can continue to look forward to SCPTSA supporting leader advocacy, district information and building community. We continue to work with Washington State PTA to be a resource for our local Units, every PTA in Seattle Public Schools.  

We thank Erin immensely for her organization skills, her empathy, and her leadership. We know we will continue to see her in our work as her passion for our community is strong. While Erin is no longer on our board, we are happy that our relationship continues, and we appreciate her continued support. 


In Community, 

SCPTSA Board 

 

Upcoming SCPTSA Meetings and Trainings (click on the link and subscribe) 

Advocacy  


Follow us here:  

  • Instagram @sctpsa 

  • Twitter @sctpsa 

  • Facebook @sctpsa 

 

WSPTSA  

https://www.wastatepta.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WSPTA-Bill-Status-And-Upcoming-Events-Week-4.pdf  

SB 5311  

Samantha Fogg, president of Seattle Council PTSA, gave strong testimony as to why a cap, even if increased, should be removed so that all students are served. Her testimony can be found here: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?clientID=9375922947... 

 

Legislative Advocacy 

Questions or to coordinate testimony, contact: 

Tricia Coley, Legislative Chair 

LegChair@scptsa.org 

206-947-7527 

 

Gun Violence Provention 

Questions or to coordinate testimony, contact: 

Brian Duncan, SCPTSA high school rep 

brian.duncan@scptsa.org 

206-856-0199 

 

Community Events 

Tuesday, January 31 6:30 PM -8:30 PM

SSEPTSA hosts Disability Justice Workshop (free clock hours)   
For details click link 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disability-justice-workshop-tickets-515312893737 

 

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST  

Bellevue College:  College Bound Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities 

A unique event for people with disabilities who aspire to become college students and the families and educators in their lives. 

Date and time 
 

Grants 

https://education.seattle.gov/deel-announces-7-2-million-available-to-increase-access-to-expanded-learning-and-college-career-exploration-opportunities-for-seattle-youth/? 

Monday, January 30, 2023 - Bills to Support

Action Items

to sign in and make your voice heard on record. You can sign in until 12:30 PM for bills in committee at 1:30.

Written testimony for these bills is accepted until 1:30PM Tuesday.

In Alignment with Washington State PTA

https://www.wastatepta.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WSPTA-Bill-Status-and-Upcoming-Events-Week-4.pdf

Sign in on "testify" and make your position noted on record. You have 24 hours to submit written testimony 

House - Public Hearing

  1. HB 1305 - Improving access to and provision of a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities. (Remote Testimony Available). - Testify - Pro

  2. HB 1479 - Concerning restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs. (Remote Testimony Available). - Testify - Pro 

Senate - Public Hearing

  1. SB 5441 - Promoting the adoption of school district curricula that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. (Remote Testimony Available). - Testify / Pro

  2. SB 5462 - Promoting inclusive learning standards and instructional materials in public schools. (Remote Testimony Available). - Testify - Pro

Executive Session

  1. SB 5315 - Concerning nonpublic agencies operating special education programs for students with disabilities. (MONITORING)

  2. SB 5339 - Providing free school meals for all. / Pro

JANUARY 24 - Anita Cameron Event

Join Us
Tuesday, January 24th  5:30-6:30 - online discussion Civil Rights: Disability Community and Youth with Anita Cameron and Yordanos Gebreamlak  

Kate Deccio original art of Anita Cameron a black woman wearing a black hat over her dreads in a red shirt, in the left foreground there is a photo of her wheelchair with a megaphone a wearing a purple top and jeans with an American flag and right foreground her arrested on the ground. Text : Civil Rights are not given you must fight to get them, then fight to keep them.

Anita Cameron is a Civil Rights Activist & Director of Minority Outreach for Not Dead Yet and Yordanos Gebreamlak (WA State OEO Deputy Director) joins SCPTSA in a conversation about the Disability Community and Disabled Youth. Co-President Sam Fogg will host the conversation  

  • The focus would be on disability, the disability community, and youth. 

  • Please submit questions in advance (Link)

  • If you need accommodations including language or interpretations, please reach out to president@scptsa.org 

  • ABOUT ANITA CAMERON : Anita Cameron is a Civil Rights Activist who is actively engaged in creating change and amplifying voices of the disabled people in our country. She is the director of Minority Outreach at Not Dead Yet, a grassroots, national disability rights group. 

For over 35 years, Anita’s engagement centers on the intersection of Black, Marginalized, Feminist, and Disabled people and at the forefront of Disability Rights Movements, and has been arrested over 130 times for her activism. 

She was invited to the White House on two occasions, has met three sitting U.S. Presidents and two Vice-Presidents helped to organize a national march, and was published in a book by the late award-winning writer and historian, Howard Zinn. 


You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jan 24, 2023 05:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsf--gqj0jE9EIjcPXkgJ72UFWqqkQHHmy

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Special Education Funding Legislative Forum

In case you missed our January 5th Meeting with Seattle Legislators, we invite you to hear from Students and community partners and why we need to focus on public education for all Washingtonian Students.



Special Education Funding Legislative Forum with Seattle Legislators Thursday, January 5. Co-hosted by multiple community partners!

Washington state legislative session starts on January 9, 2023, and crucial decisions will be made. Come support the community of students with disabilities, their families, educators, and community partners. Community in unity!

We invited all Seattle legislators!

Not sure which legislators serves your legislative district, or do you want to message them to share your personal story and personally invite them to this event? FInd out and contact them here:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

Speakers include the following advocates supporting the disability community:

Seattle Council PTSA

https://seattlespecialeducationptsa.org/

Current Seattle students

Seattle Special Education PTSA

https://seattlespecialeducationptsa.org/

Seattle Education Association

https://www.seattlewea.org/Seattle Education Association

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

https://naacp.org/

Open Doors for Multicultural Families

https://www.multiculturalfamilies.org/