ADVOCACY UPDATE
submitted by: Jenn Snyder, Advocacy Chair on February 10, 2021
Advocacy! Getting our voices heard in helping our children reach their fullest potential.
Two Opportunities to Help Shape the Northshore School District
Do you or someone you know want to help shape the ballot measure(s) for the Northshore School District’s next technology levy, or have an advisory role related to the District’s budget and finances? The Technology Advisory Committee and Financial Advisory Committee are now accepting applications. Both applications opened February 9 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 19.
Technology Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC is seeking parents, guardians, staff, community members and high school students who reside in the District. As a member of the committee, you will analyze and study a variety of data, information and research regarding the District’s technology needs and how technology, specifically within instructional areas, can further the District’s mission to provide a world-class education for all Northshore students. This work informs the measures that will be placed on the 2022 ballot, where Northshore will ask voters to affirm their commitment once again to education. Apply to the Technology Advisory Committee
Financial Advisory Committee (FAC)
The FAC is seeking parents, guardians, staff, association members, and community members who reside in the District. As a member of the committee, you will analyze and study a variety of data and available information to help understand the district’s budget, as well as state and federal budget parameters. Apply to the Financial Advisory Committee
Source: NSD email communication 2.09.21
School Board Meetings
All residents are welcome to attend regular board meetings. The board provides a public comment period at the beginning of each meeting. During public comments, individuals may address the school board. Those interested in speaking should sign up prior to the meeting on a sheet available at the back of the board room. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of the month at 4pm and the fourth Monday at 7pm.
COVID-19 Update: In accordance with social distancing guidelines, school board meetings and study sessions will be conducted online and viewable to the public through a live stream until further notice.
Several hundred stakeholders participated in the development of this community-wide strategic plan, including students, parents, and caregivers, educators, community members, members of the Board of Education, and leaders from local government, business, higher education and community-based organizations. Therefore, everyone has a stake in its promise and a role in its successful implementation. The plan consists of three key components: NSD’s Goals and Measures for learning, growth, and excellence for every student; The Four Building Blocks & Professional Practices that anchor effective instruction in every school and every classroom, every day; The Educational Strategies that will sustain an equitable, hightrust, responsive, and continuous learning culture, thereby ensuring that each student meets or exceeds high standards of academic and social-emotional success.
Review the Strategic Plan here.
Melissa Kline, Skyview PTSA’s Vice President Communications, provided testimony in favor of HB 1354. Thank you, Melissa! We appreciate your voice and advocacy for our student’s mental health.
Hear Melissa’s testimony and read more on WSPTA Blog:
WSPTA Supports Bill to Establish Youth Suicide Review TeamSharing her personal experience with youth suicide, WSPTA member Melissa Kline spoke in favor of HB 1354, a bill that would create a Washington Youth Suicide Review Team to review the circumstances related to suicides occurring among youth up to age 24. Kline asked the House Children, Youth & Families Committee to consider an amendment to include access to lethal means, such as firearms, as part of the in-depth study. Listen here. WSPTA will be following up with the amendment request.
https://www.wastatepta.org/wspta-supports-bill-to-establish-youth-suicide-review-team/
WSPTA Advocacy Updates
Visit WSPTA’s Blog which is updated frequently during the legislative session.
WSPTA Focus on Advocacy - 2021 Legislative Session Preview
Get the 2021 legislative session in focus with this recording of a webinar hosted by Washington State PTA’s legislative consultant Marie Sullivan. Access the slide deck.
This pre-session webinar takes a brief look back at successes in 2020 and then looks forward at WSPTA’s legislative priorities for 2021, opportunities for testifying, tips for meeting and talking with legislators remotely, and a special “focus” on preparing for Advocacy Week during a pandemic!
WSPTA Legislative Platform
Top Five Legislative Priorities
Also Supported (listed alphabetically)
(More details on each of the Top Five Legislative Priorities and Supported Issues above.)
Northshore School District COVID-19 Resources:
https://www.nsd.org/covid19
OSPI Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources for families:
https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/press-releases/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-resources
Skyview Middle School: Jennifer Snyder
Northshore Council: Diana Christiansen
Region 6: Heidi Bennett
Washington State PTA: Sherry Rudolph
Let your state legislators know how important funding our children’s education is to you via emails and/or phone calls! Click HERE to go to the Washington State Legislative page for contacts.
Please see the following helpful advocacy links to read legislative news and keep up on WSPTA’s advocacy through their Grassroots Connection blog.
Northshore School District: School Board Contacts
https://www.nsd.org/our-district/leadership/school-board
Washington State PTA Region 6
https://www.wastatepta.org/pta-leaders/pta-regions/region-6/
Northshore Council PTSA 6.10
http://www.northshorecouncilptsa.org/
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Chris Reykdal, Superintendent (elected position)
https://www.k12.wa.us/
Ask OSPI a question:
https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/contact-us/online-forms/ask-ospi
Washington State PTA Advocacy Site
http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy
National PTA Advocacy Site
https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy
National PTA Advocacy Toolkit
http://www.pta.org/advocacy/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1927&navItemNumber=558
Are you registered for the next election? Register to vote (or update your voter registration) with the Washington Secretary of State - https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx
