Legislative Committee Schedule: Week 2

January 16-20, 2017

  

Monday, January 16 – FOCUS DAY IN OLYMPIA!

1:30 p.m., House Education, HHR A

Work Session:

1.       An Overview of McCleary v. Washington.

2.       An Overview of K-12 Finance in Washington.

1:30 p.m., Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education, SHR 1

Work Session:

1.       Educational Opportunity Gaps in Washington's Public Education System.

2.       School District Successes and Challenges.

3:30 p.m., House Appropriations, HHR A

Work Session:

1.       Briefing on pensions.

2.       Briefing on the interplay between the operating and capital budgets.

Tuesday, January 17

8 a.m., House Early Learning & Human Services, HHR C

Work Session:

1.       Overview of the Economic Services Administration of the Department of Social and Health Services.

2.       Overview of the Office of Homeless Youth of the Department of Commerce.

8 a.m., House Higher Education, HHR D

Public Hearing:

1.       HB 1033 - Expanding access to the state need grant by modifying awards for students attending private four-year institutions of higher education.

2.       HB 1057 - Providing information to students about education loans.

1:30 p.m., House Education, HHR A

Work Session: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Washington's ESSA Consolidated Plan.

1:30 p.m., Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education, SHR 1

Work Session:

1.       State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal on his 2017 priorities.

2.       Department of Early Learning Director Ross Hunter on his 2017 priorities.

3.       Office of the Ombuds.

4.       Professional Educator Standards Board.

5.       Charter School Commission.

6.       State Board of Education.

Wednesday, January 18

1:30 p.m., House Early Learning & Human Services, HHR C

Work Session:

1.       Presentation on home visiting programs.

2.       Overview of the Department of Early Learning.

3.       Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Delivery of Services to Children and Families.

1:30 p.m., House Higher Education, HHR D

Work Session: Washington State Institute for Public Policy Reports on "Interventions to Promote Postsecondary Attainment: A Review of the Evidence and Benefit-Cost Analysis" and "Options for Higher Education Tuition Growth Factors."

3:30 p.m., House Appropriations, HHR A

Work Session:

1.       Briefing on higher education funding.

2.       Briefing on natural resources funding.

Thursday, January 19

8 a.m., House Education, HHR A

Work Session: Education Governance - Other Public Partners in the K-12 System.

Public Hearing:

1.       HB 1012 - Eliminating the use of the high school science assessment as a graduation prerequisite.

2.       HB 1023 - Concerning military student participation in varsity extracurricular activities.

3.       HB 1046 - Concerning certificates of academic and individual achievement.

8 a.m., House Labor & Workplace Standards, HHR E

Public Hearing: HB 1116 - Implementing family and medical leave insurance. – WSPTA sign in Support

1:30 p.m., Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education, SHR 1

Work Session: The State's plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Public Hearing:

1.       SB 5064 - Concerning freedom of expression rights of students at public schools and institutions of higher education.

2.       SB 5107 - Creating a local pathway for local governments, school districts, and nonprofit organizations to provide more high quality early learning opportunities by reducing barriers and increasing efficiency.

3.       SB 5115 - Concerning school directors' compensation.

4.       SB 5070 - Concerning para-educators. – WSPTA to testify – Top 5

3:30 p.m., House Appropriations, HHR A

Work Session: Briefing on K-12 public school funding.

3:30 p.m., Senate Ways & Means, SHR 4

Work Session: K-12 Capital Budget Issues.

Friday, January 20

10 a.m., House Higher Education, HHR D

Work Session: Emerging Trends in Higher Education.

Prepared by:
Marie Sullivan
WSPTA Legislative Consultant
Email Marie

ESSA Consolidated Plan to be Submitted September 2017

State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, announced on January 10 that Washington State's Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Plan will not be submitted to the Federal Department of Education until September 18, 2017.  Public comment on the plan can be submitted here; closes February 13.

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Source: Washington State Department of Health

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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.

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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

WSPTA Leadership Roundup: Week Ending 12/3

WSPTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATION RECOMMENDATIONS

December 2 - Deadline Extension

To nominate a qualified individual or to self-nominate, download the nomination form or to learn more about the positions, download the job description booklet.

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CALL FOR CONVENTION PRESENTERS

December 31

The WSPTA Leadership Committee is seeking presenters for the 104th WSPTA Annual Convention. If you are or know a great presenter with an applicable topic, complete the online form here.

Note: The primary audience for this presentation will be parents with children in Washington’s public education system. Presenters will not be compensated for classes or hotel parking. 

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WSPTA//GAME DEVELOPMENT COMPETITION

January 9 (Intent to Submit form due)

The WSPTA//Game Development Competition is a WSPTA 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. Learn more here.

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REFLECTIONS UPDATE

Thank you to everyone that sent in Reflections theme entries. There were so many creative theme this year, it was hard to pick just five to send to National PTA!

Reflections entry deadlines are right around the corner. Many PTA/PTSAs have already submitted entries to their council and councils are hard at work prepping the winners to send to state. All entries must be received to the state office by January 20. Check with your council for deadline to submit to council-level. For PTAs not in a council, contact your region director.

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FOCUS DAY 2017

January 16 | Capitol Building | Olympia | Registration 

"Advocacy is not a one day event," 

Duncan Taylor, WSPTA Legislative Director

Everyday Advocacy

1. Make an appointment with your legislators.

2. Know WSPTA's legislative priorities.

3. Connect with other parents, teachers, and education advocates.

4. Make sure to leave it in writing.

Learn more about Focus Day 2017 here.

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ESSA DRAFT PLAN OUTREACH

February 13 - Deadline Extended

Shape your public education system for years to come by providing feedback on Washington’s ESSA draft Consolidated Plan, through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). WSPTA was involved in the draft process, and OSPI was one of hundreds of groups to contribute to the ESSA draft Consolidated Plan, alongside districts, legislators, education organizations, tribal leaders, and higher education institutions. Provide feedback here.

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WSPTA AS YOUR PTA'S REGISTERED AGENT

All nonprofit corporations have to interact with government agencies, most commonly the Washington Secretary of State's office and the Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

By designating WSPTA as your agent, your PTA gives those agencies one single point of contact when they need to get information to or from your PTA. It is not a requirement that WSPTA be your registered agent, but it is recommended. You may choose to have an individual named as your registered agent; however, by choosing WSPTA as your PTA's agent, your PTA won't have to worry about that person moving, taking a long vacation, or otherwise being unavailable to respond to a notice from one of the agencies.

For additional questions or clarification, please contact Tatia, Local PTA Support, in the state office.

If your PTA prefers to be its own registered agent, please verify the WSPTA office address is correct on all submission forms:

Washington State PTA

1304 South Fawcett Avenue | Suite 300

Tacoma, WA 98402

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PTA STORE 2017 PRODUCT IDEAS

Late January is when ShopPTA.com usually adds new merchandise, as well as discontinue a few items. If you have suggestions for a new product or something you feel would be useful to local PTAs, please share! Many of the best-selling items came to the PTA store as a simple suggestion. Share your idea and ShopPTA.com will research the feasibility of adding to the store.

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Question

This is my first time as a treasurer and am curious if there is anything I need to be doing in the next two months – besides monthly maintenance – now that the 990 form has been submitted and the holidays are here?

Answer 

Thank you for your question and great job making sure your PTA’s 990 form was submitted by the 11/15 deadline. This is the time of year when it is strongly recommended to conduct a mid-year financial review (December-January). The review involves an examination of the financial transactions of the PTA, and the procedures used to conduct those transactions.

To conduct a seamless mid-year financial review, be sure to have the following materials available:

• Financial Review Checklist
• Financial Review Committee (the treasurer, although not a member of the review committee, is merely a resource for the review)
• All treasurer's reports for current fiscal year
• All bank statements for current fiscal year (should be signed monthly by non-signer on the account)
• All checks, deposit slips, receipts, invoices and all other record-keeping materials (checks may be accessed on bank website)
• Register listing all checks written and all deposits made
• Minutes of all board and membership meetings for current fiscal year
• Copies of all contracts and grants made or received

Source: Treasurer’s Handbook

ESSA Draft Consolidated Plan Outreach

Shape your public education system for years to come by providing feedback on Washington’s ESSA draft Consolidated Plan, through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Washington State PTA was involved in the draft process, and OSPI wants the viewpoints of their constituents well represented. OSPI was one of hundreds of groups to contribute to the ESSA draft Consolidated Plan, alongside districts, legislators, education organizations, tribal leaders, and higher education institutions.

The draft Consolidated Plan is complete and released for public comment until 11:59 p.m. on December 15th. Read about the plan and provide feedback here.