LW-PTSA Council wins "Outstanding Newsletter" award at State PTA Convention

LW-PTSA Council wins "Outstanding Newsletter" at
State PTA Convention in May, 2012.

"At least 56 PTA members from the Lake Washington PTSA Council area went to the 2012 Washington State PTA Convention in Sea-Tac in early May with their attendence well-rewared.  The works of  LW-PTSA council and  seven units were honored with nine awards.   read more >>
 – Sarah Smith & Shelley Florres, LWPTSA Council Co-Presidents
CURRENTS LW-PTSA Council Newsletter

Congratulations to the following Award Winning Lake Washington PTSA Council Team and Area Units for their notable participation in the 2012 Washington State PTA Convention

Lake Washignton Council PTSA Council 2.8 won two 2012 State PTA Convention awards:

Outstanding Newsletter - "Currents"

Lake Washington PTSA Council 2.8 (1st Place)

Outstanding Communication:

Lake Washington PTSA Council 2.8 – Website (3rd Place)

Standards of Excellence Awards:

•Juanita High PTSA 2.8.90 – Silver

•Lake Washington PTSA Council 2.8 – Gold

State PTA Unit 100% Membership Award:

•Christa McAuliffe PTSA 2.8.36

•Lousa May Alcott PTSA 2.8.3

•Peter Kirk PTSA 2.8.45

•Laura Ingalls Wilder PTSA 2.8.66

Applegate Grant Recipients:

•Redmond Elementary PTSA 2.8.46 “Math Enrichment”

LW-PTSA Council wants you to take a short eight-question survey on their award-winning CURRENTS Newsletter.  ATTENTION COMMUNITY MEMBERS:  Survey participation by tax-paying Community members with or without a student(s) are welcome!  Join the PTSA!  Be a Friend for Life!

CURRENTS SURVEY   http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e5wz4lslh22aoy13/a00uh3c354l6/questions

Co-President of LWSD-PTSA encourages being a member for life.

"CURRENTS," May 2012 Volume 32, Issue -  15,434 members strong!

Lake Washington PTSA Council Monthly Newsletter, Janitzia Pizarro, News Editor

from the desk of Shelley Flores, co-President, LWSD-PTSA Council 2.8...

What does it really mean to be a member of the PTSA for life? Why would anyone want to support the PTSA after their student has "left the building?"

Wendy DeLong explained her reasons for being in PTA.  (She has been a member of a PTA for 29  years.)  Wendy believes that, "the mission of PTA is universal." PTA is about "caring about children and ensuring their welfare" and this benefits everyone in the community. And it is an "obligation of all generations to be responsible for the education and welfare of children and does not end when one's youngest receives a high school diploma." Sandy Hargraves echoed this thought when he said, "It really does take a community to raise a child. PTSA is a great educational alliance."

After hearing what other long-time members have had to say about staying connected, I realized that this is what I want to do, too. Since most PTA's don't often actively pursue alumni members, it will most likely be up to me to make sure I become a member in the future. I can also become a "Friend of the PTA" through Washington State PTA by calling [425-736-1216], their main office. I like the idea of supporting my community by being a life-time member - even after my son has "left the building."

Regards,
Shelley Flores co-President
Lake Washington PTSA Council 2.8
Source:  "CURRENTS," May 2012 Volume 32, Issue 9

This piece has been edited for brevity.  Find Shelly's entire letter in the May Issue of CURRENTS
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LW-PTSA Special Needs Annual Meeting, Summer Fair and Resources

Hey All,

Below is a reminder about our March 27th meeting and other resources for you. Also, don’t forget about the Summer Options Fair this Friday (flyer attached). Lastly, check out Bob Yoder’s blog here www.facebook.com/redmondblogger  for news and happenings in our community.

Best, Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson
....................................................................................................................................

ANNUAL MEETING AND RESOURCES

 *Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues March 27th·

 *Quest Therapeutic Camp in Bellevue*· *LWSD Dyslexia Group*·

 *UW CARE Clinic launches the Networking Project*·

*Seattle Children's Hospital Health Fair*  March 25

*Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues* March 27th

Read More About Each Event >>

LW-PTSA announce: ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital; school survey

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA, Chair, Special Needs...

Below is a link to the LWSD survey for parents and community members. This is a great opportunity to advocate for our children and let the district know we are here. :) The survey is available until March 30th. Also, check out Eastside CHADD's meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20.

http://research.zarca.com/survey.aspx?k=SsWYVTsQRYsPsPsP&lang=0&data

For upcoming ADHD and Dyslexia Forums at Evergreen Hospital,  Read More >>

PTSA Forum: Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW-PTSA Chair of Special Needs Group...

Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues

Lake Washington School District
PTSA Special Needs Group Meeting
Tuesday, March 27th 7 – 9 pm
You are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM to network

LWSD Resource Building
16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)
 
 Relationships, Social Concerns and Sexuality Issues
 
Going through puberty and adolescence can be a confusing time for kids and parents both. This will be an opportunity for you to talk about your concerns about the social/sexual development of your family member. Robbie Rigby will lead a discussion on social skills, relationship development, sexuality, and personal safety as it relates to teens and young adults with special needs. Join us to talk about these topics-it’s sure to be lively!  Read More >>

Social Skills and Anti-bullying Techniques

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, Chair LW-PTSA Special Needs Group...

"Social Skills and Anti-bullying Techniques"

Presented by Ben Wahl, MSW

LWSD Resource Building

Tuesday, February 28th, 7 - 9 p.m.

This Presentation will explore the ways in which social skills instruction can help special needs students from elementary school to young adult. Special consideration will be given to topics such as anti-bullying techniques,teaching flexibility and emotion regulation, building perspective-taking and preparing students for the young adult transition.

Ben Wahl has spent thousands of hours facilitating groups and working individually with students on these issues. The presentation will cover some of the unique lessons that Ben has learned from his group members. Students tell us what they need as they progress socially, they are just not always great at expressing it.  Read More >>

Redmond High News & Events - Town Meetings with Jane Todd rescheduled

Breaking News:  Due to the snow days, the end of semester for junior high and high schools has been delayed by one week from January 27 to February 3. An updated exam schedule will be posted soon at the daily schedule page on the RHS web site.

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR FAMILIES OF INCOMING STUDENTS. For families with an incoming RHS freshman or sophomore, the Town Meetings with Principal Jane Todd have been rescheduled to:  January 25 and February 1, as follows: 

· Freshmen. For the parents of incoming freshmen, there will be a Town Meeting in the PAC with Principal Jane Todd on January 25th.  A second freshmen parent meeting on February 1 will feature an evening orientation presented by RHS counseling staff.

· Sophomores. For the parents of incoming sophomores, there will be an evening orientation presented by the Redmond High School counseling staff on January 25th.  A second incoming sophomore parent meeting on February 1 will feature a Town Meeting in the PAC with Principal Jane Todd.

###

CHEER FOOD DRIVE. In Washington State, 1 in 4 children live in families that struggle to put food on the table on a regular basis. Cheer is running a food drive to help stamp out hunger in our area. Please support Hopelink by bringing a donation of food to ALL home basketball games! Hopelink needs our help! Questions? Please ask a cheerleader.Read More! >>

OPINION: Redmond High School Expansion costs $18,600,000 - Adds Only 14 Classrooms

RHS Expansion:  14 classrooms, 4 portables, small gym, staff parking

$18,600,000 REDMOND HIGH SCHOOL EXPANSION - Each Classroom costs one million dollars,  By Susan Wilkins

OPINION:  Everybody remember the dire warnings last January before the Lake Washington School District special election? If we didn’t approve the $65 million levy for additional classroom space then our schools will be so overcrowded that there would be double shifting at the high schools and portable classrooms!

The levy was approved in the February 8, 2011 election and the school district started plans to build the new schools right away. The election mailings sent out by the district projected that enrollment would increase from 24,500 to 27,000 in just a few years.

After the predictions of exploding student population growth and overcrowding, the Redmond High School Expansion will add only a small gym and 14 classrooms to the school: 11 classrooms, 2 science labs and 1 art room. At maximum capacity, that’s enough additional space for 448 students.  READ MORE >>

Have you ever called your state Education Ombudsman for help?

In my three years of covering LWSD school board meetings I watched, with anguish,  five Hearings for parents with children, disciplined for alleged cheating.  The Washington State Education Ombudsman's resources might have made all the difference for some of these families.  [Print this page]  B.Y.

Washington State Office of the Education Ombudsman

OEO Website:  "The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) resolves complaints, disputes, and problems between families and elementary and secondary public schools in all areas that affect student learning.  Read More >>

LWSD - PTSA presents "Anxiety and ADHD," By Chris McCurry

Tuesday, November 22, 7 – 9 pm

LWSD Resource Building,16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)  

"Anxiety and ADHD:  Too Many Hands on the Wheel"

Presented by Dr Chris McCurry

About 1 in 4 children with an ADHD diagnosis will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder and 1 in 4 children with an anxiety disorder will meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This lecture will explore the role of attention in childhood anxiety disorders. We will look at the origins of attention and anxiety problems in a child’s biology (temperament), thinking and language development, and early social and academic experiences. We will discuss parent strategies for effectively managing stressful and anxious situations by managing attention in the moment.

Christopher McCurry, Ph.D., is a clinical child psychologist in private practice. He is a clinical assistant professor in the departments of psychology and at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of children who are experiencing behavioral and emotional problems including anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, organization difficulties and underachievement in school, social deficits and differences; and defiant & explosive behavior in children. He has recently completed his first book entitled, “Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance: a powerful new approach to overcoming fear, panic, and worry using acceptance and commitment therapy”. For more information about his work & book, please go to http://chrismccurry.com/my-book/

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LW PTSA - Special Needs

Introduction to LWSD Special Ed Department with Paul Vine, Director -- "Helping the Behaviorily Challenged Child"

Introduction to LWSD Special Ed Department

Meet the Lake Washington School District Special Education Director, Paul Vine.

Tuesday, September 27  7 – 9 pm

 LWSD Resource Building

16250 NE 74th St, Redmond

(Redmond Town Center)

He will have a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the department structure, the Ladder of Support, discuss new initiatives for the year and any other changes in the Special Education programs. He will also be introducing his team and have a brief Question and Answer time. After Paul's presentation we will share happenings within our group, share resources and network with other parents and teachers.

#####

NEW SERIES:  Helping the Behaviorally Challenging Child
 
6 Week Series of Classes starting Thursday, September 29th & ending November 3rd.  Register by Monday, September 26th, 2011
 
“This wonderful class has profoundly changed the relationship with me and my son – my husband, too. We talk more. He tantrums less. And he feels empowered – he owns the solutions and therefore works hard to carry it out. Thanks for teaching this class with such passion!” – Emily S
 
This 6 session program teaches parents & caregivers to understand and communicate with children in order to solve behavioral problems and build skills. This method works for children with many different disabilities, and also for children with no disability. It has been used successfully with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Oppositional Defiance and many more. Weekly email consultation is included to address individual concerns.   Read More >>

Redmond High PTSA Weekly features: Sports, Nature, and TEDx events

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM BENEFIT RACE. Come out and help our cross country team by joining a 5K race at Hartman Park on Saturday, August 27 at 10:00am. The race is open to all community members encourages runners of all ages and skill levels. A donation of $15 is appreciated with 100% of the proceeds going to the Redmond High School Cross Country Team. Register at the RHS Cross Country Boosters Club web site.

MUSTANG OPEN TO BENEFIT RHS ATHLETICS. The fifth annual Mustang Open, which includes a golf tournament, dinner & auction to raise funds for RHS athletics, will be held at Bear Creek Country Club Monday, September 12 at noon. For more information or to register, contact Katy Bies.

BOYS' AND GIRLS' LACROSSE. Want to play lacrosse? Teams are forming now! Registration begins online in the fall. The season begins in March and continues through May. For more information visit Redmond Lacrosse.

HELP RESTORE FARREL-MCWHIRTER PARK. Join Green Redmond at Farrel-McWhirter Park on August 27 from 9:00-Noon for a work party to help remove invasive plants from the park. No experience is necessary, and Green Redmond will have all the gloves, tools, and other materials for you, as well as water and snacks. Please remember to bring your own water bottle to re-fill, and/or a mug for coffee. Wear sturdy shoes and consider long pants and long sleeves for working in the blackberry. All ages are welcome, although all volunteers under 18 must either be accompanied by an adult or bring a signed waiver. Please register if you wish to participate.

TEDx REDMOND 2011. Join Redmond teens at TEDx Redmond on September 10 at the Microsoft Conference Center at 16070 NE 36th Way. The conference will be open to those 18 years and younger, and has been organized by Redmond teens, including several RHS students!

Source:  Redmond Mustang Weekly

LWSD PTSA Special Needs announce summer events and camps

from the desk of Julie Shalaby, LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson

• EASTSIDE Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Presents, June 21      
• Summer day care camp for teenagers with disabilities·June 27    
• Blog Post: Dyslexic 6th grader asks LW School Board for help and understanding - new material

For details, READ MORE >>

Eighty-two Lake Washington District students receive "Reflection" awards from LW-PTSA

Eighty-two Lake Washington District students received awards through the Lake Washington PTSA Council’s Reflections program. This year’s theme for the Reflections art program was “Together We Can.” Students submitted entries in six different categories: dance/choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. These 82 students received the following types of awards: Outstanding Interpretation, Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit.

CATEGORIES:

Film Production·
Dance and Choreography
Musical Composition
Literature
Photography
Visual Arts

CLICK TO READ MORE:  complete list of student awardees

Visit the new LW-PTSA Council website and listing of new 2011-2012 officers

Source:  LWSD "School News"
LW-PTSA Council website
Drawing:  Internet

LW School District PTSA Special Needs Resources for the summer

from the desk of Julie Shalaby...
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson

"I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Holiday!  Below, are many resources for you"

•  FEAT of Washington: Experience Learning Project (ELP)
•  Volunteers Needed to Help Kids with Special Needs Be Safer
•  Future Planning from the Arc of King County - June 4
• Summer day care for teenagers with disabilities
• Advocating for Change Together (ACT) - A Local Leadership Development Program· UW Autism Center Summer Activities
• Drama Program for Children with Autism: Stone Soup Theatre 

READ DETAILS: READ MORE >>

LWPTSA Special Needs Program Updates

Here is some info for you!
Best,
Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson  

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP MEETING
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
7 – 9 pm

You are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM to network with other parents and/or to look at our Lending Library cart.   LWSD Resource Building  16250 NE 74th St, Redmond 98052 (Redmond Town Center)

COMMUNICATIVE INTENT: WHAT ARE WE REALLY SAYING?

We all have positive and negative means to regulate our behavior that can impact how others think about us. So often we hear about our children’s challenging and negative behaviors and how they are impacting others at school and in the community at large. This constant feedback about how their actions are interfering with his/her (or the classroom’s) learning lends itself to more anxiety as we try to find ways to extinguish these troubling issues. While there is truth in this scenario, it does not tell the whole story and the tone of the messages can be hurtful and keeps children, families and educators focused on consequences.

Learn to take the mystery out of why a child engages in a certain behavior by understanding the purpose of that behavior. Discover the role communication plays in understanding children’s behavior issues. Steps can then be taken to teach the child a new way to communicate his/her needs: for example, “Johnny you are spelling words incorrectly because you love to see Miss Lisa’s reaction to it. Let me show you how you can get her attention in a friendlier way.” By reinterpreting disruptive and challenging behaviors through the lens of communication (needs, wants, intentions) see how you can actually affect a change towards more positive and successful outcomes.

-- >> Presented by, Susan Stewart, MS, CCC-SLP. Susan has 21 years of experience working with children in psychiatric, school and clinical settings.

Click blue link to "Read More" events >>

Lake Washington PTSA announces Special Needs events

from the desk of Julie Shalaby
Chair, LWPTSA - Special Needs

1. FEAT of Washington's Experienced Learning Project
2. Eastside CHADD: Tuesday, April 19th: "Making the Educational System Work for Your Child"
3. Got Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?
4. DENTAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
5. FEAT Speaker Series: April 23rd, 2011, 9am-12:00pm
6. Free Behavior Workshop from the Arc of Snohomish County
7. Caring for Loved Ones Under Unique Circumstances
8. Music Therapy—Individual Sessions
9. A.P.P.L.E. Consulting Summer Programs 

Read Details of Each Program >>
READ MORE >>

PTSA News: Volunteer Awards, Foundation Funding, PTSA officer slate, parent workshop

Factors Influencing Teen Decision Making & Behaviors. On Wednesday, April 6th from 7-9 PM at the Juanita High School Theater (132nd St., Kirkland), presenters Bill Corson & Laura Doerflinger will help parents understand the complex mix of factors that can result in questionable decision making by our teens and give parents reasonable strategies for guiding & monitoring their student. Recommended for parents of Students 7th grade & up. This FREE program is sponsored by the Lake Washington PTSA Council. No registration required. Questions? Contact Joanne Hall, Chair, Parent Education.

PTSA OFFICER SLATE. The 2011-12 RHS PTSA slate of officers is below.

Co-President: Shelley Flores
1st VP of Programs: Peg Hunt
2nd VP of Services: Karen Figurelle
Treasurer: Susan Seabrooks
Secretary: Marie Kent

Repectfully submitted by the 2011 RHS PTSA Nominating Committee:
Jerry Smith, Brenda Hunt, Julie Firth, Kim Axelrod

RHS PTSA AWARDS. The RHS PTSA is seeking recommendations in identifying exceptional advocates and volunteers within our school community. Below you will find several award categories. Awards are presented to honorees at RHS. Recommendations can be sent to the RHS office addressed to "PTSA Awards" or you can email recommendations to Robin Adler. You may nominate more than one person for each award. Past award recipients are posted on the RHS PTSA website. Deadline for submissions is April 22.

Read More >>

LW-PTSA sponsors Dr. Chris McCurry's "Roadblocks to Achievement" and four other special needs classes

"Here is some info for you! Note that the Chris McCurry, PHD workshop needs an RSVP by February 22nd. Hope you all are enjoying your break!"

Julie Shalaby
LWSD PTSA Special Needs Chairperson

· *Chris McCurry, PHD Topic: Roadblocks to Achievement*
· *LWSD Parent Ed Classes
· *MOCHA - Seattle Mothers of Children with Autism Meeting·
  *Special Invitation for People with Disabilities: Free Ice Skating in Key Arena·
 *U.S. Department of Education presents:The 2011 Parent Forum*

READ MORE >>
for the times, program descriptions, and sign-up procedures >>

LW-PTSA announces Reflections winners; plus more news from schools

LWSD "News from Schools"

• Lake Washington PTSA announces Reflections winners
• LWHS senior named a 2010 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement winner
• Rose Hill Jr. Jazz Band performs at Science Fiction Festival
• Stella Schola spelling bee participant moves on to regional bee

For award list and more news "read more" >>
Read More>>