About
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to build community within and between student groups, caregivers and staff, and to advocate for special education students and for equitable, inclusive education for all.
We envision a Shoreline School District community where every child is valued and authentically included, without segregated special education. We envision a process where caregivers feel empowered and prepared to support student-centered special education planning in partnership with educators.
What We Do
Transition information for kindergarten, middle school and high school
Book club
Caregiver education meetings with guest speakers
Annual Outstanding Educators Awards
Caregiver check-ins
Re-charge room info
2022-23 Leadership
Ananda Scott
President president@shorelinespecialneedspta.org
Jessica Mercer
Vice-President VicePres@Shorelinespecialneedspta.org
Kirsten Bannister
Treasurer treasurer@shorelinespecialneedspta.org
Erin Acheson
Secretary secretary@shorelinespecialneedspta.org
Committees
DEI/FACE (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Family and Community Engagement) – Brytt Gregory, Sara Lawton, Nicola Beck; face@shorelinespecialneedspta.org
Communications – Jen Small, Jessica Mercer; communication@shorelineseptsa.org
PTSA Partnerships – Jessica Mercer
Legislative Chair – open
Membership – Kirsten Bannister, Tess Scott
IEP Discussion Group – Ananda Scott, Jen Small
Book Club – Brytt Gregory
Event Planning – Kirsten Bannister
Recognition Committee – Ananda Scott, Nicola Beck
Financial Review – Erin Acheson, Nicola Beck
Nominating Committee – Jen Small
History
The planning for the Shoreline Special Needs PTSA began during the summer of 2013. A group of Shoreline, WA School District parents of children with disabilities felt a group to support other parents and collaborate with the teachers and administration was needed in our district. The process to formalize our group started in August, was chartered on September 8, and our application was officially approved by the State PTA on September 17, 2013! The name was changed from Shoreline Special Needs PTSA to Shoreline Special Education PTSA on July 6, 2022.
The chapter continues to grow and solidify its role in the district. Our impact includes:
Increasing awareness and interest among Shoreline schools about how to be more inclusive
District administration and teachers attending meetings and reaching out to collaborate on family/child needs related to special education issues
More families feeling an increased sense of community and connectedness via our Facebook page, meetings and social time
Members learning about important community supports available to them and their children