Combating Internalized Ableism – Creating Cultures of Access and Belonging

Inspired by the work of Dr. Victoria Verlezza Internalized ableism is not a personal failing. It is the quiet echo of systems designed to exclude. When we question our worth because we move at a different pace, need support, or Continue reading Combating Internalized Ableism – Creating Cultures of Access and Belonging

Advocating for Equitable School Funding: Why the Big Three (and More) Matter

By Zahra Eslami, LWPTSA Council Co-VP of Advocacy Washington’s public schools are facing a funding crisis. Many districts, including Lake Washington School District (LWSD), are grappling with budget shortfalls that threaten essential programs. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal has described the Continue reading Advocating for Equitable School Funding: Why the Big Three (and More) Matter

State Superintendent Reykdal Responds to US Health & Human Services Secretary’s Comments About People With Autism

In a press conference yesterday, US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made several dehumanizing and inaccurate remarks about individuals with autism. Below is Superintendent Reykdal’s statement, as published on the OSPI website. OLYMPIA—April 17, 2025—Secretary Kennedy’s Continue reading State Superintendent Reykdal Responds to US Health & Human Services Secretary’s Comments About People With Autism

Budget Breakdown & Legislative Countdown — 11 Days Left in Session!

🏛️ How Washington State Proposes to Fund the Future—And How You Can Stay Involved As the 2025–27 budget takes shape, both the Washington State House and Senate have released their proposed operating budgets—and while they share some common ground, their Continue reading Budget Breakdown & Legislative Countdown — 11 Days Left in Session!

LWPTSA Council 2025 Staff Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to April 11

The Lake Washington PTSA Council has extended the application deadline for its 2025 Staff Scholarship Program for LWSD certificated staff members to 11:59 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025. The student scholarship application deadline has now passed and has not Continue reading LWPTSA Council 2025 Staff Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to April 11

LWPTSA Legislative Update: Advocating for Fully Funded Education

Why and How Do We Advocate?

Ongoing Town Halls With Senators and Representatives This past Saturday, March 15, 2025, LWPTSA advocates attended the 45th Legislative District town hall, where Senator Manka Dhingra, Representative Larry Springer and Representative Roger Goodman shared crucial updates on education funding. The Continue reading LWPTSA Legislative Update: Advocating for Fully Funded Education

LWPTSA Council DEI Update: Understanding the Latest Federal Guidance

Wondering what the recent federal directive on DEI means for our PTAs? We have FACTS to provide clarity for our community.

At LWPTSA Council, we remain committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and equitable education system for all students. Recent discussions have raised concerns about how recent federal guidance may impact diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts in public schools and in our PTAs. We want to ensure that our community has clarity on what this means for our PTAs, the Lake Washington School District and Washington state. Continue reading LWPTSA Council DEI Update: Understanding the Latest Federal Guidance