Today, President Dana Platin and members of the NYS PTA Governance Team met with Governor Hochul on a host of COVID-19 related matters, including masks, quarantines, and support for students.
"We thank the Governor for today's critical meeting, and we join her in looking forward to a return to more normalcy in our school buildings," offered Dana Platin, NYS PTA President. "We have daily conversations with the Governor's staff on issues facing our schools, including frequent conversations on COVID-19 and the questions parents and families are looking for answers to - masking, distancing, quarantines, academic recovery, and academic and social emotional support for all students, and especially students with disabilities. While we may not always agree, after today's call, we are renewed in believing that the Governor understands the concerns of parents and families from across the state, and we are proud to represent the PTA position on these matters. We will continue to work with education stakeholders, the Governor, our State Education Department, and our legislature so we can all see our children's smiling faces once again, we hope in the near future. We see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is bright."
Also, NYS PTA maintains an updated COVID-19 webpage for members, families and educators, which can be viewed here: https://nyspta.org/home/covid-19/
We are thankful for the Executive Budget's commitment to full education funding for our schools! We also appreciate that the Executive Budget includes $952 million to support public prekindergarten programs.
However - we look to the legislature for an increase in funding for high-quality school-based pre-K.
All children should have complete and equal access to high‐quality school-based pre‐K. Studies have shown that universal pre-K leads to greater academic and social-emotional success, closing achievement gaps, and reductions in intervention and special education services.
NYS PTA also supports increases in child care subsidies and grants for families, and access to child care.
The pandemic has shown us that high-quality and affordable childcare is not a luxury, but a must for our workforce, and a must for our birth to 3 children.
By focusing on increased supports for our earliest learners, we support both their families, and our children's life-long learning journey.
It's time for a celebration! The countdown is on to the Membership Jubilee on February 17, 2022.
In recognition of Founders Day, our statewide goal for the day is to register 1250 new members.
With 4 weeks to go, we are asking all unit members to join us in this effort of inviting a +ONE to join your local unit! Click Here for more information.
February 17, 2022 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of PTA. It is a day for us to honor the courageous women who gave rise to our association that is now the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation.
Our members across the state are working every day to carry on the legacy of our founders by engaging families to make a difference in the lives of all children. Please consider a donation to NYS PTA to support these ongoing efforts.
As a thank you, you will receive our limited-edition gift commemorating 125 years of NYS PTA and our mission to advocate for all children.
Together we are shining a light on every child with one voice!
The event takes place every May and seeks nominations to honor individuals, communities, schools and organizations across New York State that are making a difference in the field of children and youth mental wellness.
The recognition focuses on the following six categories:
Youth/Young Adult
Family/Caregiver
Lifetime
Systems of Care Community
Organization or Community Group
School/School District
This initiative is looking to recognize individuals, programs, organizations, or schools whose work demonstrates the following:
Collaboration across sectors of the community
Innovation and utilization of new strategies to meet the challenges of the last two years
Positive impact on the community's sense of mental wellness and resilience
Participation of youth, parents and families
The deadline for nominations is February 18, 2022.
Joining PTA will give you the opportunity to advocate for resources and opportunities for your child to utilize. Scan the QR Code or Click Here to join!
NYS PTA's Innovative Teacher Grant gives PK-12 classroom teachers the opportunity to put their ideas into action. Don't delay! The deadline is fast approaching!
This grant is awarded to projects that significantly influence student learning.
For more information and application, scan the QR code or Click Here.
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