This is a busy time of year for PTA Leaders with so many things to get done in order to run your PTA, plan programming for students, and provide support to your school community. Here at Council, we want to make sure a few key "to-do" items don't get overlooked so we've created the checklist below. We've included links and resources for these items, but remember, Council is always here to help and support our local Northshore PTA Leaders! Visit our Contact Page to connect with a Council officer. Complete Council’s Contact Form
Update your PTA’s Website
Hold a General Membership Meeting
Attend Council’s September 19th General Membership Meeting
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Join us for one or both of these Reflections Roundtables!Join us for one or both of these roundtables which are designed to support our local PTA/PTSA leaders with any questions they may have about the 2022-2023 Reflections Program.
Can't make it to the roundtable but still have questions? Check out these additional resources for help!
Applications are now being accepted for Northshore Council PTSA's |
How to Enter: Complete Online Entry form Entries due: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Send questions to [email protected]. |
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
This could be one of the most important questions you ever ask.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/8/1/11811744/suicide-prevention-awareness-month-square-orig_orig.png)
Many of us are unaware that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34 and was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States in 2019. Among high school students, 1 in 5 has seriously thought about suicide, and nearly 9% have attempted. Four out of five teens who attempted suicide have given clear warning signs.
These statistics are scary, but there is hope! We can prevent this tragedy by identifying and supporting young people who are struggling with mental health symptoms, including thinking about suicide. Some individuals and communities are more at risk than others, including people of color, indigenous peoples, and the LGBTQ+ community.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/8/1/11811744/suicide-talk-bubble_orig.png)
If you suspect someone is struggling, ask them or tell someone who is in a position to help. Don't be afraid to reach out to the parents of your child's friends or the student’s school counselor about their struggles or warning signs you see. This could save a child’s life! Kids need to learn how to spot signs in their friends, too, and feel impowered to speak up when necessary. If your student needs advice or assistance, their school counselor is always a good place to start.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/8/1/11811744/editor/240523943-1960711550757195-6870896376515707629-n.png?1662423155)
There are quite a few things that have been associated with increased risk for suicide. It is important to be aware of these signs:
• Prior suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
• History of mental health conditions
• Substance misuse
• Impulsivity or aggressiveness
• Serious family problems
• Breakups or other major relationship losses
• Access to means for self-harm
• Social isolation
• History of traumatic experiences
• Talking, joking, or posting online about dying or life not being worth living
• Feelings of hopelessness, shame or of being a burden to others
• Extreme sadness, anger, or irritability
• Planning or researching ways to die
• Withdrawal from others, saying or posting “goodbye” messages, giving away possessions
• Erratic or disorganized behavior
• Seeking means to self-harm
If you have observed any of these signs or risk factors, and are concerned about someone, here's 5 steps you can take:
► Start by offering compassion (not advice), avoid judgment, acknowledge their suffering, and just listen.
► After that, ask them if they are thinking of suicide. Be calm and direct. Asking will NOT put the idea into their mind.
► If you are confident that they are not in immediate danger, and they have a mental health treatment provider, contact them for next steps. If they do not have a mental health provider, contact the person's primary doctor or pediatrician.
► If you feel their life, or someone else’s life is in danger, then take away all objects that could pose a danger (medications, firearms, knives, ropes, chemicals).
► Next, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or any other resource listed. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency or last resort. Let the operator know that this is a mental health crisis.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/8/1/11811744/editor/292801612-412037450965199-6314904881891275100-n.jpg?1662425194)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL): (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: text ‘HEAL’ to 741-741
Washington Listens: (833) 681-0211
Recovery Helpline: (866) 789-1511
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
Trevor Project - LGBTQ: (866) 488-7386
Trevor Text: text ‘START’ to 678-678
988 rolled out this summer- which connects you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is important. It does not replace any of the current crisis centers in Washington, it is in addition to them. The other hotline number is still in use: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 988 services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages.
Additional Resources & Helpful Websites
NSD website for Mental Health NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness Seattle Children Mental Health Resources 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Washington State Department of Health Forefront Suicide Prevention National Institute of Mental Health Mental Health America The Child Mind Institute Active Minds The Jason Foundation | Each Mind Matters: Covid-19 - Self Care Card in English | en español The Trevor Project: Printable flyer with how to connect to services NAMI: Printable flyer with how to connect to services NAMI: Supporting Back to School Wellness printable flyer Forefront: LEARN Saves Lives - Suicide Prevention Tips The Jason Foundation: "A Friend Asks" App |
Last week Melissa Kline, and high school students, Chase and Carter, traveled to all corners of our district placing "PTA for Your Child - Join PTA" yard signs. These signs were placed at all Northshore Schools. The QR code on these signs directs families to our website's list of Northshore PTAs/PTSAs*. This list includes links to your website, Facebook, and online join link so families can connect with your PTA and sign up for membership.
Check out the photo gallery below for pics of all the yard signs!
*Need to update or add a link for your PTA to our list? We can do that! Just send us an email.
Calling all artists! Students in pre-K through 12th grade are invited to "Show Your Voice" in the 2022-2023 Reflections art program.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/8/1/11811744/editor/reflections-2022-400x332.png?1661317059)
Students must create original works of art in response to a theme -- this year's theme is "Show Your Voice." Students will submit their completed works of art in one, or all, of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
(*deadline changed)
Save the Dates: Reflections Roundtables
Monday, September 26th at 7PM
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85473634452?
Meeting ID: 854 7363 4452
Password: *Available Upon Request*
Monday, October 10th at 1PM
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81445488641?
Meeting ID: 814 4548 8641
Password: *Available Upon Request*
Questions? Contact Council's Reflections Chair, Jasmine Lee Fry.
For more information about the Reflections program, please visit our Reflections Program page.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/8/1/11811744/eprepchairmtg-2022-400x332-5_orig.png)
You are invited to join Council's Emergency Preparedness (E-Prep) Chair meeting!
Anyone in PTA/PTSA is welcome to attend our meetings, and we encourage all local PTA/PTSA E-Prep chairs to attend as well as PTA/PTSA Presidents and/or Vice Presidents or delegates.
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Time: 11:00 AM to Noon, Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88284003745?
Meeting ID: 882 8400 3745
Passcode: Available upon request
If you would like the zoom link and passcode to attend this meeting, or have questions concerning Emergency Preparedness, please email Council's E-Prep Chair Robin McKenzie. We look forward to seeing you!
Northshore Council PTSA General Meeting
Time: Monday, Sept 19, 2022 6:30PM Meet & Greet 7PM Meeting Begins Join Zoom Meeting* https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84425995147? Meeting ID: 844 2599 5147 Passcode: *Available upon request. |
Please join us for our first general membership meeting of the year on
Monday, September 19, 2022 via Zoom! Update 9/6/22: Come meet our special guest, Interim Superintendent Michael Tolley. He will be doing a brief Q&A for those in attendance. In addition to our regular business items, we’ll also be holding elections for our Secretary and VP of Events roles. (See First Notice of Election post.) Join us before the meeting at 6:30PM to chat with Council and other local PTA Leaders! Come say hi, ask questions, or just hang out for social time before the meeting. *Update 9/1/22*: Due to a scheduling conflict, training will no longer be offered on this night. Check out our training calendar for other opportunities. Immediately following the meeting, Council will be offering two WSPTA trainings: New Leader Launch & Roles and Responsibilities of the Board. |
*Update 9/1/22*: Due to a scheduling conflict, training will no longer be offered on this night. Check out our training calendar for other opportunities.
Immediately following our General Meeting, we will be offering two Leadership trainings; New Leader Launch and Roles and Responsibilities of the Board. Training is free and will satisfy the WSPTA annual training requirement.
Training Descriptions:
New Leader Launch - This session is focused on supporting those leaders brand new to a Local PTA Board or Executive Committee. We will learn the "101" on PTA, including governance structures, where to get help and resources, the ins and outs of the Standards of Affiliation, and what goes on in a typical calendar year. This is a definite must-attend for anyone brand new to a Local PTA Board!
Roles and Responsibilities of the Board - This presentation will help all board members understand the basic responsibilities of their positions – and everyone else’s! It will also cover items such as advocacy, fiduciary responsibility, membership, and outreach.
*A meeting passcode is required to join. It will be sent to local leaders via email. You can also request the passcode by emailing Council PTSA Communications VP, Jenn Snyder.
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