Elizabeth Blackwell PTSA 2.8.54

Blackwell PTSA is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization and is part of the largest volunteer, child-advocacy group in the country. Advocacy is at the core of everything we do. On different platforms and forums, we engage with all relevant stakeholders to advocate for program, policy and legislative changes that positively impact our students.

How to get involved?

If you want to advocate for something at our school, please reach out to us at Mary Beth Hawk to see how we can work together.

What does PTSA Advocacy Do?

We work closely with the following to advocate for our students and our community:

Blackwell Elementary Administration & Staff:

Blackwell PTSA works in collaboration with the Blackwell administration and Staff. We have the opportunity to interface with our Principal on a regular basis and are able to bring attention to any concerns that our students or parents might be facing.

PTSA Board of Directors hold a monthly Board of Directors meeting attended by our Principal and Teacher Representative.

All PTSA Members are invited to our quarterly General Membership Meetings. Here the PTSA Board shares information regarding PTSA programming.

LEVIES: FEBRUARY 10, 2026

Two Levy Renewals to support excellence for every student. The February 10, 2026 measures continue funding that benefits every student in the district. The measures ensure access to the programs, technology and facilities that support safe schools, strong teaching and opportunities for all.

Proposition 1: Renewal of Educational Programs & Operations Levy
Proposition 2: Renewal of School Technology & Capital Projects Levy

Together, these levies renew funding to maintain staff, programs and services that ensure students have the skills they need for their next step, whether that’s a two- or four-year college, a technical certification, or joining the work force.

Watch this short video from Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen for additional details about the levies.

More information on the levies here

Lake Washington PTSA Council

Blackwell PTSA attends monthly meetings representing our local PTSA at the Lake Washington Council. This is our opportunity to add our voice to the district level advocacy efforts.

Lake Washington PTSA Council Membership has adopted the following resolutions and statements in support of national, state and local initiatives in 2023-2024:

Lake Washington PTSA Council’s Board of Directors has adopted the below statement(s):

Sustainability Statement 2023-03-16

Washington State Parent Teacher Association

Washington State's 2026 Legislative Session will start in January.

During the legislative session, WSPTA sends out action alerts. These action alerts are quick, easy ways to communicate with your legislators on topics we are actively working on (sign up here for action alerts).

Helpful Links:

The top five WSPTA legislative priorities for 2023-24 were:

Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities

Other supported issues included:

Creating a Diverse and Effective Educator Workforce
Expanding School Construction Funding Options
Harnessing the Benefits of Mastery-based Learning
Improving Equitable Identification and Access for Highly Capable Students
Increasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
Increasing Support for Equitable Family Engagement
Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
Multi and Heritage Language Education for All
Supporting a Meaningful High School Diploma

How can you make a difference?

3 easy ways:

Become a PTSA Member: By becoming a PTSA member, you add to the impact we can make! Our Washington State PTA team works to promote issues important to you in Olympia. Your membership increases our numbers, which adds more weight to our advocacy efforts in the eyes of our legislators.
Contact Your STATE Legislators as a PTSA Member and Share Our Washington State PTA Legislative Platform: By adding your voice to those PTA members already working on your behalf, you raise the volume of our requests and help make sure our legislators know these issues are truly a priority for ALL of us.
Contact Your STATE Legislators as a Parent and Community Member to Share Your Own, Personal Concerns, Stories, and Opinions: While as PTSA members we legally must share the official stances and platform, as individual constituents we always have the right to speak our own opinions and add weight to the grassroots interest in these important topics.