Shoreline PTA Council 6.12

04/09/2025

Supporting a child with mental health challenges? Not sure where to turn or how to start? You're not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, online program created for parents and caregivers of youth (22 and under). It gives you tools, guidance, and encouragement to help you navigate the ups and downs of your child’s mental health journey. 💙

🌐 Start today: nami.org/basicsondemand

04/09/2025

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights sent a letter requesting states to certify their compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as their interpretation of the decision reached in the Supreme Court case Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, or risk losing federal funding.

Although the SFFA v. Harvard case was specific to the use of race-conscious college admissions policies, the Department has stated that they intend to apply the ruling “more broadly,” including through their evaluation of what they determine are diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which they deem “insidious” and discriminatory.

Washington has already submitted the required assurances that our state will follow the legal mandates of Title VI, and the Department’s decision to introduce a re-certification process in the middle of the funding award period is unusual and should be approached with caution.

"We will not sign additional certifications that lack authority, lack clarity, or are an assault on the autonomy of states and local school districts by misapplying a higher education admissions case. It would be irresponsible to do so,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

Recognition of our diversity is a cornerstone of public education. It makes us stronger, more civil, and it empowers groups of students who have historically been marginalized or denied equal opportunities. Washington will not suppress its core values or cede our right to determine our own education system to the federal government.

Read Superintendent Reykdal's full statement: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/news-releases/state-superintendent-chris-reykdals-statement-us-department-educations-attempt-control-washington

04/08/2025

School Meals Funding Gap

“We know that students can’t learn when they’re hungry,” said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal.

A sustained effort by the Legislature and OSPI expanded the number of students eligible for no-cost meals to more than 775,000 of Washington state's 1.1 million students at the start of the 2024-25 school year!

This progress in ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals at school is partially due to the federal National School Lunch Program. The program covers the full or partial cost of school meals for students who meet certain financial eligibility criteria.

OSPI created an interactive map that shows the state/federal breakdown of meal funding by school district.

Click to explore: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/data-reporting/data-displays/school-meals-funding-map

04/07/2025

Free, webinar by LEV - https://bit.ly/2025_budget_priorities

The upcoming state budget decisions in Washington will have a far-reaching impact across every level of education, from early learning through higher education. The choices made in Olympia will affect children and families in different ways, with key investments shaping opportunities for equity, acc...

04/07/2025

🌍 World Health Day is a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year, let’s advocate for a world where everyone has access to the support they need. 💙

04/07/2025

Shoreline Schools staff…we appreciate you ❤️

Today we kick off All-Staff Appreciation Week, which is a special time for our school district to celebrate and recognize the dedication, hard work, and impact of every staff member.

From teachers and administrators to custodians, bus drivers, food service workers, and support staff, we want to show our gratitude for the countless ways they contribute to student success.

Follow along with us this week to meet just a few of the staff who give their all to create a thriving educational environment for every student.

Please consider honoring staff with gestures of appreciation, including handwritten notes, handmade cards, and other small tokens of gratitude. Whether it’s a kind message from a student, a classroom-created banner, or a simple treat, these acts of appreciation don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. The most important thing is showing our staff that they are valued and appreciated.

Let’s come together to make this a heartfelt celebration of the amazing individuals who make our schools a great place to learn and grow!

04/05/2025

Thank you to all of our incredible and powerful Shoreline and LFP students, families and staff who are coming together to create hope and work for positive and lasting change. We see you and we appreciate you ❤

04/05/2025

In advance of Staff Appreciation next week ❤

04/05/2025

From OSPI - ABC's of Public Education

All students in Washington state have access to a high-quality public education. Public schools help students build a solid foundation for success now and in the future.

04/05/2025

This Action Alert is more important than ever!!!!!! Please take the time to make phone calls and send emails.

Our state House and Senate operating budgets aren't providing state-mandated education funding. School districts are closing schools, cutting staff, and eliminating student programs. WSPTA asks every member to contact your legislators and ask them to fully fund education now!

On a phone or only have a minute? CALL your legislators and tell them to fully fund special education and materials/supplies/operating costs for the coming school year:

1. Find the phone numbers at https://leg.wa.gov/legislators/?activeView=MemberList
If you don’t know your legislative district, find it here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder

On a desktop with a little more time? Send an email with more information:

2. Find the funding gaps for your district. Go to https://bit.ly/3FVpMDn and click “District Summary”, then “District Selection” to find your information.

3. Include that information or any other impacts for your district in an email using our action alert: https://wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/action-alerts/

4. Follow up with phone calls as above.

04/04/2025

** PTA History **

Learn more about WSPTA's history and how you can contribute here: https://wastatepta.org/about/history

Washington State PTA was founded 120 years ago. Over the years we have accomplished much. Please celebrate our Founder's Day by making a donation to Washington State PTA. Your generosity will help provide resources to our volunteer leaders as they do the work of the organization for the future of our students across Washington state.

Learn more about WSPTA's history and how you can contribute here: https://wastatepta.org/about/history

04/03/2025

Thank you to our incredible Shoreline Public Schools Paraeducators!

Today is !

More than 27,000 paraeducators work in schools across Washington state! Paraeducators provide instructional support, prep educational materials for daily lessons, and connect families and students to resources, among other things.

Join OSPI in celebrating paraeducators and honoring their commitment to helping students succeed!

04/02/2025

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04/02/2025

WSPTA Legislative Update - Advocacy in Action

The operating budgets in both chambers of the Washington State Legislature fall short of the state constitution's mandate to "make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders."

Washington State PTA joined the statewide associations representing school board directors, teachers, superintendents, principals, school business officials, and education service districts to remind legislators that an increasing number of school districts are in financial crisis and they MUST take action this session to ensure their fiscal stability and to avoid budget cuts that negatively impact student outcomes.

Read the Education Advocates Letter to Legislators at
https://wastatepta.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Education-Advocates-Letter-to-Legislators.pdf

04/02/2025

April is Arab American Heritage Month!

April is Arab American Heritage Month!
This month, we honor the rich history, vibrant cultures, and powerful leadership of Arab Americans in our schools, communities, and across the nation. Arab American leaders—past and present—have shaped our society through contributions in education, public service, arts, science, and civic life.

At Washington Family Engagement, we proudly recognize the leadership of Arab American families who continue to inspire and lead change in their communities.

Join us in celebrating their legacy and leadership.

04/02/2025

"Democracy is an act." - Rep. John Lewis ❤

"Democracy is not a state. It is not some high plateau that we struggle to reach so we can finally settle down to rest. Democracy is an act. It is an act that requires participation, organization and dedication to the highest principles. It is an act, and a series of actions that require us to continuously verify our commitment to civil rights and social justice at every challenge."

In 2008, the late Rep. John Lewis wrote this powerful essay, and his words are essential reading today: lfj.pub/John-Lewis-2008

And read Rep. Lewis' final message to us all in "Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation" here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/30/opinion/john-lewis-civil-rights-america.html

03/31/2025

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