Leadership News, March 28, 2024

Student Recognition Ceremony

Join us as we recognize and honor the Reflections and Essay Contest Winners. This in-person event will be an afternoon to remember filled with laughter, cheer, and applause. Let's celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students together. See you there!

Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024
Time: 3:00pm Doors open, 3:30pm Ceremony begins
Location: Juanita High School Performing Arts Center,  
10601 N.E. 132nd ST., Kirkland, WA 98034

Please RSVP here 

Convention Corner

Registration is Now Open

The 111th annual WSPTA Convention and Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 17-19, 2024. This is an in-person event over 3 days at the Lynnwood Event Center. Based on the feedback you shared with us last year, we’ve incorporated many of your Convention favorites as well as some new attractions.

We have opportunities for intentional networking sessions to come together in the community with your council and state PTA leaders. We also have new and improved classes, including topics focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The convention is a must-do for newly elected officers as well as returning board members. Classes are designed for those new to their positions and advanced classes are offered for those who have previously attended. Leadership development should be part of your approved budget.

The Whova app is our platform to make navigation of the event easier. In addition, the WSPTA Convention website is your go-to location for information about this year's Convention and Annual Meeting. Check back often as we continue adding information to help you plan for your annual event.  

The Registration link can be accessed here. 

Exciting highlights:

Convention T-Shirt – We are bringing back t-shirts this year! So, make sure to order your t-shirt early when you register. 

Scholarship Basket Raffle

Scholarship Basket Raffle - Each year the WSPTA hosts a basket raffle with all proceeds supporting scholarships for students graduating from public high school. 

Raffle baskets are generously donated by individuals, local PTAs, councils, regions, and businesses. Please contact the Scholarship Basket chairs with any questions.

Meet our Washington State Teacher of the Year

We are excited to continue our tradition of hearing from our Washington State Teacher of the Year at the Convention and Annual Meeting! Blaire Penry, Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Electives Teacher at Auburn Online School will be our Keynote speaker.  

To learn more about Blaire Penry, listen to this podcast. 

PTA and the Law

Many missed not having PTA and the Law at last year’s Spring Conference. We will be presenting it this year on the first day of the event, Friday, May 17th, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Stay after to kick off the weekend with the Welcome Reception! 

Convention Tip:

Start a list of items to bring with you to the convention, so you don't forget anything. We suggest you start your list with:

• Comfortable shoes
• Layered clothing
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Camera or phone
• Phone charger
• Your business card
• Your PTA's budget
• Your PTA's standing rules
• Your PTA's membership form (multiple copies) or QR code

Attending the Convention and Annual Meeting is your opportunity to vote on bylaws and have your opinion heard on issues that are important to WSPTA. Your voice and vote matter-join us! 

We Want to Hear from You

Give us your feedback on Washington State PTA's communication channels and messages. We want to ensure our communication reaches you where you're most engaged and strive to match the frequency of our messages with your expectations. Please take a moment to complete this survey and share your feedback by April 19.

Givebacks database survey

Last week, we announced that we will begin phasing out memberplanet and, beginning with the 2024-25 school year, switch to a new database system powered by Givebacks, formerly MemberHub. You will learn more about this exciting change here.

Please help us by completing this local leaders database survey, which will help Givebacks prepare for this transition. The survey should take between 5–10 minutes and focuses mostly on wants and expectations related to onboarding.

We have also scheduled two welcome webinars during which Givebacks staff will introduce their system and answer questions. You can register for these webinars below. We will record the webinars and make it available for those unable to attend.

Finally, just to chart out a brief timeline, we're looking at a late April/early May soft launch of the new system, which will give local and council leaders time to try it out before the new year. Givebacks staff will also dedicate the month of May to setting up onboarding/training meetings with each local PTA and council in a personalized format. We'll announce more on that front in future communications.

Learn more about our partnership with Givebacks here.
Register for the April 9, 12 pm webinar here.
Register for the April 18, 5 pm webinar here. 

Legislative Session Wrap-up Webinar Available to View

WSPTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan recaps the 2024 Session of the Washington State Legislature. You can watch a recording of this webinar here.

Tip of the Week
Review the Requirements for Your Nonprofit for the Department of Revenue

PTA’s 2023 Annual Tax Return for the Department of Revenue is due April 15, 2024. If your PTA is required to file, you must file and pay sales tax electronically.

If you have not already, you can sign up for My DOR and start e-filing your returns. To use My DOR, you must create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) User ID. You will need your Account ID (Tax Registration/UBI Number) and Letter ID. If there is no administrator linked to the account in My DOR, you can request that a Letter ID be mailed to the address on file. This Letter ID can be used to grant access to the tax account in My DOR. You can also call 360-705-6705 to request a Letter ID be mailed to the address on file. Letter IDs will not be provided via email.

If you need assistance with this process, see updated WSPTA instructions found on our website under Leader Resources.

No business activity to report? File an Express No Business Return. No login required https://secure.dor.wa.gov/gteunauth/_/.

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars
 

Links to Bookmark

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

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