Thursday, December 22, 2016

Member Connection - Winter Edition

In observance of the holiday season, the WSPTA office will close at noon on Friday, December 23 and will re-open Tuesday, January 3rd.

Thank you to each member, volunteer, leader, and supporter for all of your hard work throughout the PTA year and have a happy holiday season.

GREAT WOLF LODGE MEMBER BENEFIT UPDATE!
As we approach the New Year, there is one big change taking place with the Great Wolf Lodge Discount Program. The change is, the discount code provided allows WSPTA members to book at any Great Wolf Lodge in the US and receive a discount!


FOCUS DAY 2017
January 16 | State Capitol | Registration
Have you registered for 2017 Focus Day? In order to receive your free Top Five Platform t-shirt, you will need to register! Learn more about Focus Day here.

Following the release of Governor Inslee's proposed budget, which includes $3.9B in education funding, WSPTA advocates will hear from the Governor himself.

Ready to Rally? WSPTA advocates will be rallying on the capitol steps to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by celebrating Education as a Civil Right, alongside many other Washington State advocacy groups.

Meet Your Legislators. The main reason for Focus Day is learning about Washington State PTA (WSPTA), our advocacy an legislative platform, and meeting with your legislators to talk about the importance of our Whole Child advocacy! Don't miss this opportunity for an exclusive audience with your elected officials.

In addition to the Governor, new Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) Chris Reykdal will also spend time with us in the rotunda. Chris will talk about his vision for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and his top priorities during the first 100 days of office

Kids are welcome! There will be kids’ activities available in the Columbia Room.


EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT (ESSA) & YOUR CHILD
Washington’s ESSA Consolidated Plan represents a serious turning point in our state’s educational system. It continues the path of innovation and excellence in education, and positions 1.1 million students for a more successful future. The Consolidated Plan is being created as part of the requirements of the 2015 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, entitled Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must submit the ESSA Consolidated Plan to the U.S. Department of Education for approval by the end of December 2016. If you have questions about ESSA, please contact Sherry Krainick, WSPTA Learning Assessment Coordinator.


WSPTA//GAME DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION
Submit to Intent Form Due January 9
The WSPTA//Game Development Competition is a new Washington State PTA STEM-based program that supports student success for students in grades 9-12. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves, either individually or in teams, by creating a computer game. 

Got Game? Learn more about the competition here.

Note: The General Rules for Participation have been updated to include information about usage of acceptable game engines. In general, participants may use any game engine that fits their needs or skills but they must read and understand the terms and conditions for use.


NEW PTA FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
Boosterthon
We understand that choosing the right fundraiser can feel overwhelming. Over the past 15 years, Boosterthon has developed a proven system that raises schools (on average) 70% more than their previous fundraiser. It's just one of the many reasons why 1,900 elementary schools across America choose Boosterthon's fitness and character-building experience year after year. Learn more.


STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LAUNCHES VIDEO CONTEST 
The slogan for the Listen2YourSelfie youth marijuana prevention campaign is “Remember what’s important. Forget marijuana.” This video contest gives teens 13-18 the chance to shape the campaign, win a GoPro and appear in future campaign ads. We want to make this campaign more youth-led by learning, “What’s important to you?”

For more information, visit www.Listen2YourSelfie.org/contest or follow #Listen2YourSelfie.



PTA MEN'S ESSAY CONTEST
March 1
This statewide essay contest explores the important contributions that men make in the lives and education of children - from our children's perspective. All men involved in a child's life - fathers, uncles, grandpas, brothers, step-fathers, mentors, neighbors, pastors, coaches, and friends - impact the children they care about. Learn more here.


WELCOME TO THE FOLLOWING NEW PTAS
The following is a list of PTAs/PTSAs that have chartered during the 2016-17 PTA year:
  • Risdon Middle PTA 9.11.92 
  • North Elementary PTA 12.2.10 
  • Carbonado Historical School PTA 5.9.22 
  • Gibson PTSA 2.6.60 
  • Blue Ridge PTA 12.6.7 
  • Marysville Middle School PTSA 7.4.45
  • Kalles Jr. High PTSA 5.7.95


No comments:

Post a Comment