NYS PTA Testifies in Support for English Language Learners

Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky testified to the NYS Assembly on behalf of New York's 2.6 million school children this week and discussed increased support for English Language Learners (ELL) and their families. See testimony here.

"New York State has long been the gateway for immigrant success; the door to the American Dream," said Mrs. Belokopitsky. "We need to continue to build the success of our diverse community through investments and support for our key resource; our children. Every parent has a dream for their child. It is our job to ensure their dreams come true. Together, we can make every child's potential a reality. There is no other work that is more important."

NYS PTA Featured on the Capitol Pressroom Radio Show

NYS PTA was also featured this week on the Capitol Pressroom, discussing school aid and support for ELL students. You can listen here; Kyle is the first guest.

The Educational Conference Board, which NYS PTA is a founding member, has asked Governor Cuomo and the NYS Legislature for a school aid increase of $2.0 billion to adequately support our students.

This ask would support a large foundation aid increase, along with support for receivership and community schools, teacher professional development, supports for English Language Learners and expansion of both career and technical education and prekindergarten.

Click here for the report and here for the press release.

Dear Parents,

There is nothing more important than the safety of our children. As adults, we are morally bound to ensure both their physical and emotional well-being.

Click here to read more from Commissioner Elia

SED Announces Public Comment Period On Proposed Amendments to School Counselor Regulations

SED is holding a second public comment period (ending December 30) on newly revised proposed amendments to school counselor regulations. SED's September 2015 proposal received approximately 1,000 public comments that reflected significant concerns about providing services and certification.

Click here to read more.

Celebrating Outstanding Membership Growth!

This is the time of year for making a list and checking it twice. Are you a part of your unit's growth?

Congratulations to all of our units who are celebrating membership growth already this year.

These units have more than doubled their membership from last year. Awesome job! Is your unit on the list?

Give the gift of membership to someone you love and help support your unit at the same time.

You too can become part of the celebration and at the same time help your unit earn more chances to win prizes. Check out the Membership Contest details here.

Member Benefit - Save with Platinum Royalties!
One of the NYS PTA Alliance partners is offering discount cards for restaurants and more at a reduced rate of $20 (normally $30) for PTA members! Go here and use Coupon Code NYSPTA20 and order your card(s) for the holidays today.

Member Benefit - Discounts with Ticket Monster
Sign up and access entertainment and other discounts exclusive to NYS PTA members! As a NYS PTA member you'll also receive $5 off your first discounted purchase with Ticket Monster. See here for more information.

Member Benefit - Grom Social
NYS PTA is excited to partner with Grom Social to provide safe social networking for kids. As a NYS PTA member, sign-up for Grom Social is FREE! Check out more information here and log in here to launch your child's imagination.

Check back often as we revise and update membership benefits here!

The Literacy Empowerment Foundation invites your school or literacy project to apply for FREE books for Read Across America Day.

During the past year, LEF has distributed over 3 million books to schools all across the country for Read Across America Day and other literacy projects.

These books are free. Educators only pay shipping and handling. Resources are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Orders must be received by February 12, 2017.

For more information, click here.

As the holidays in general are a time for family thanks, NYS PTA would like to heartily thank our family - YOU - for your generosity on #GivingTuesday.

An astounding $1,550 was donated to support the mission of making every child's potential a reality.

But we aren't done yet! The #GivingTuesday page is now an Annual Giving Page which can accept your tax deductible gift at any time of year.

Here is the link again as you keep NYS PTA in mind for your year-end tax deductible donations. And thank you for making a difference for our children.

Jenkins Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Education

Do you know an aspiring teacher? Encourage him/her to apply for the NYS PTA Jenkins Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Education.

But hurry! Applications need to be postmarked and sent to the state office (NYS PTA, One Wembley Court, Albany, NY 12205) no later than December 15, 2016.

Click here for the application and more info.

Youth Humanitarian Award in Memory of Stanley Marcus

Do you know a high school junior or senior who "demonstrates outstanding volunteer community service and displays humanitarian principles by word and deed?" Please encourage them to apply for the NYS PTA Youth Humanitarian Award in Memory of Stanley Marcus.

For more information and the award application, click here. The deadline is January 31, 2017.

Does your child want to make a difference? Check out these suggestions for service with a smile ☺️!

Whether your kid loves reading in the bedroom or in the kitchen, having book-friendly spaces makes all the difference in your child's literacy. Read more here.

Do you want to equip your teen with the ability to make an informed decision and then feel confident in it? Here are 5 Conversations to Increase Confidence in Teens.

Teach children the importance of washing their hands with this lesson plan.

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