Leadership News, February 22, 2024

WSPTA Convention and Annual Meeting!

The 111th Annual Washington State PTA Convention and Annual Meeting is almost here! Please mark your calendars and plan this annual flagship event where you meet, learn, and share with your fellow leaders and delegates. 

Convention and Annual 
Meeting May 17-19, 2024 
Lynnwood Event Center

Explore and enroll in an impressive and improved collection of training sessions that will help you stay informed of the latest developments and enable you to run a successful PTA. Lend your voice and vote to this year’s elections and amendments and be the driving force behind how WSPTA operates.

Registration rates for this year’s event are as follows: 

• Regular Registration: $175.00
• Student Registration: $  50.00
• One-Day Registration: $100.00

Subsidized rates are available to PTAs in need. Please email Events@wastatepta.org for more information.  

The WSPTA Events page will be the source for all information related to the Convention and Annual Meeting, including registration and attendance information, class descriptions, and speakers. Bookmark the page and keep current about all event updates.  

Hope to see you there to make this a success!  

And... Scholarship Raffle Baskets are Back!!

Once again, WSPTA will be offering a scholarship basket raffle at the WSPTA Convention and Annual Meeting. Raffle baskets are generously donated by individuals, local PTAs, councils, and regions to raise funds for the WSPTA Scholarship Program. In the past, councils and PTAs have budgeted for scholarship basket donations, so consider adding this budget line at your next membership meeting. For those interested in donating a basket for this worthwhile project, contact scholarshipbasket@wastatepta.org.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with this fun activity. Find more information here.

The Due Date for the Awards of Excellence is Quickly Approaching!

The Washington State PTA (WSPTA) has an award and recognition program (Awards of Excellence) whose purpose is to build pride, participation in, and awareness of WSPTA as well as celebrate the work PTAs do to make a difference in their communities. These awards give recognition for outstanding efforts and motivate local PTAs and councils to provide quality service for and involvement of their members.

Applying for these awards helps local PTAs and councils benchmark their efforts and become resources for other local PTAs and councils.

Application and submission information about Awards of Excellence can be found on the WSPTA website. 

Welcome New Members!

Let's give a warm welcome to the PTAs below.

Nisqually Totems PTSA 4.4.51, in North Thurston School District in Lacey, Washington.

Voyager Middle PTA 7.5.30, in the Mukilteo School District in Everett, Washington. 

Elmhurst PTA 5.5.25, in the Franklin Pierce School District in Tacoma, Washington. 

Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary PTA 3.7.65, in the Vancouver School District in Vancouver, Washington. 

Washington State PTA DEI Survey

The WSPTA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is seeking information from local PTAs and Councils to provide better service, training, and resources. 

Please take this short survey and share your PTA/Council information regarding DEI efforts so that we can learn more about your successes and needs! 

Call for Presenters!

Do you have a program or practice you want to share with others? Here's an opportunity to speak on topics showcasing your knowledge and experience with a wide audience of state leaders. WSPTA is now seeking session proposals for the 2024 Convention and Annual Meeting!

The event will be held May 17-19, 2024 at the Lynnwood Event Center. Any local, council, state, or outside organization presenter with a desire to present at the event may submit a proposal describing their session, no later than March 10th, through this link. The Planning and Leadership Committees will select the sessions that best complement our convention program. Start your submission today! 

Seeking Volunteers to Judge State Program Awards!

The WSPTA Programs Committee is looking for volunteers to be judges for the numerous Student and PTA programs. Being a state judge is a great way to get involved at the state level and your help will be greatly appreciated! All judging is done online, following a very simple process. Email ptaprogdir@wastatepta.org for more information. 

Summer EBT Food Program May Expand 

Due to the Public Health Emergency expiring, 2023 was the last year for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) food benefits. Now, thanks to new federal funding initiatives, benefits that aim to reduce child hunger when school is not in session will be available starting this summer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that Washington State has opted to participate. WSPTA encourages our members to contact their lawmakers in Olympia and ask them to approve matching state funding required to make this program available to Washington state children and youth.

Learn more here.  

Tip of the Week
Only 3 Chances Left to Take PTA and the Law! 

We are nearing the end of our 2023-24 webinar training schedule and are down to our last 3 chances to take PTA and the Law in a statewide webinar. 

As a reminder, it is required that at least one elected officer attends PTA and the Law, annually. The classes will be held on March 2nd, March 6th, and April 13th. Registration links are in the "Upcoming Dates" section of this newsletter and on the Events Calendar. 

Protect Your PTA’s Property

The Inland Marine (Business Personal Property) coverage protects your raffle merchandise, auction items, and fundraising supplies while these items are in your possession. You can cover your property from fire, theft, vandalism, and more.

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NATIONAL PTA NEWS

2024 National PTA Legislative Conference

Attend National PTA's Legislative Conference and Hill Day (LegCon Hill Day) March 5-7, 2024 in Alexandria, VA. Learn from advocates across the country. Share PTA priorities with your members of Congress!

Regular registration - $325.00 (Ends 11:59 PM Eastern Time, February 23, 2024)

Registration

Apply for National PTA’s 2024 Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award!

National PTA is now accepting applications for their 2024 Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Award. Focused on PTAs that demonstrate outstanding achievement in the areas of diversity and inclusion, as well as efforts to end discriminatory practices, the award is looking for nominations from state, district, council, regional, and local PTAs. The deadline to submit applications is March 10. 

We invite you to learn more and apply online today at PTA.org/DiversityAward.

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars

Links to Bookmark

• Membership Resources
• December Leader Checklist
• Leader Resources
• PTA Store
• Membership Database Support

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