Welcome to Issaquah PTSA Council
March General Membership Meeting: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Hybrid
LINK: Issaquah PTSA Council Membership Meeting Documents.
Standards of Affiliation (SOA) Agreement checklist
2025-2026 Multicultural Calendar
Issaquah PTSA Council Official Statement

ParentWiser Event: Supporting Students with Hidden Struggles in our Classroom
The Issaquah PTSA Council ParentWiser Program invites ALL Issaquah School District families to join us for an essential evening dedicated to understanding the quiet challenges many of our students face every day.
Whether it is navigating social pressure, processing information differently, or managing internal hurdles, many students carry “hidden struggles” that aren’t always visible. This event is designed for every parent who wants to foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for all children, both at home and in the classroom.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/3hZkheanexfeZzfk7
Our Panel of Speakers:
- Student Perspectives: Annaka King, a student at Gibson Ek High School, will provide an essential overview of three distinct types of invisible disabilities.
- The Power of Storytelling: Students from the Lens of Youth: Misunderstood Moments program will share personal narratives, giving a voice to the lived experiences of students in the Issaquah School District.
- District Support & Resources: Jennifer Cassarino (ISD Director of Special Services) and Dr. Ashley Linn (ISD School Psychologist) will discuss how the district identifies and supports students with invisible disabilities to ensure every learner thrives.
The Goal: To move beyond labels and build a more informed parent community where every student—and every challenge—is understood and respected.

From Class to College: An Expert College Counselors Q&A Panel for Parents
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the changing college admissions landscape? Join us in person or online for an informative evening with four experienced local college counselors who will help demystify the journey from high school course selection to college acceptance.
Whether you have a freshman just starting high school or a junior beginning the college search, this panel will provide valuable insights to help families navigate the process with confidence.
Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
In Person: The Circle, 160 NW Gilman Blvd, Suite 326, Issaquah, WA 98027
Online: Zoom
Please register to reserve your seat and/or receive the Zoom link.
Meet the Panelists
Scott Dickens
An independent counselor (UC Berkeley certified) and tech founder with leadership experience at Google and Meta. He also brings the perspective of a local Skyline High School parent navigating the admissions process.
Michelle Silbernagel
A Sammamish-based consultant and sociological researcher, formerly a Director at Seattle Colleges District. She helps families understand evolving admissions trends, including the impact of AI and changing institutional expectations.
Edana Peacock
Founder of Peacock College Counseling and former Issaquah PTSA Co-President. With a UCLA certificate (with distinction) and experience guiding more than 125 students, she helps students discover their best-fit colleges through authentic storytelling.
Cynthia Seidel
A Sammamish-based college planning strategist who helps students identify career goals and find universities that best support their paths, including strong “hidden gem” options across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Europe.
Topics We’ll Cover
• Strategic high school course planning
• Changing admissions trends and testing policies
• Finding the “best-fit” college for your student
• Live Q&A with experienced college counselors

DEI Workshop: Acting on Teachable Moments: Talking with Children about Current Events
Issaquah PTSA Council Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team is partnering with Lake Washington PTSA Council to present this online workshop: Action on Teachable Moments: Talking with Children about Current Events. Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_u4hpCfFQMGwh1mK9LfCKQ#/registration

New Program – Bridges of Belonging:
A Student Empowerment & Challenge Program
Our Bridges of Belonging program got 62 project registrations across the district!
8 High School Projects
17 Middle School Projects
37 Elementary Projects
There are 16 Team projects out of 62.
Thank you for everyone who registered! Your intention means a lot to our community!👍
Key Dates:
- Register by: January 31, 2026 — https://bit.ly/481g5yx
- Project Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
- All participants will receive a certificate and prize
- Top 8 finalists will present during our Meet, Eat & Inspire Event on June 2, 2026 with school district leaders and community advocates.
Questions?
Email dei@issaquahptsa.org and/or face@issaquahptsa.org

🎨 Reflections 2025–2026 Theme: “I Belong!”
WSPTA Reflections Finalists to be announced March 1
& will be shared with all Reflections Program chairs and participants.
THANK YOU to all volunteers who made the program a success!
2026-2027 Theme: What My Culture Means to Me
📬 Need help or have questions?
Contact our Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Chair:
Angie Warren — reflections@issaquahptsa.org
🔗 Learn more at: PTA.org/Reflections
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About Us
The Issaquah PTSA Council serves 27 local PTAs and PTSAs within the Issaquah School District, in the cities of Issaquah, Renton, Bellevue, Preston, Newcastle and Sammamish. Issaquah PTSA Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to child advocacy in the state of Washington. Our mission is to advocate for children at the local and state levels; build strong PTAs/PTSAs through education and leadership support; and provide collaborative opportunities between PTAs/PTSAs, the school district, and other community organizations concerned with the health, welfare, and education of all children.
Issaquah PTSA Council is a member org of Washington State PTA and National PTA.
