April 7, 2017 
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  #ThankATeacher and WIN!  
 

Enter National PTA's #ThankATeacher Contest!

Teacher Appreciation week is just around the corner, and this year, we are thrilled to deliver our thanks and gratitude to teachers in a BIG way.

During April 3-17, enter the #ThankATeacher Contest and WIN up to $4,500 in products and other prizes. It's easy to do!

1. Post a photo or video on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram on how teachers deliver for the students in your school and use #ThankATeacher.

2. Fill out the entry form at PTA.org/ThankATeacher.

National PTA also created a Teacher Appreciation Week Toolkit for schools, PTAs and families. You can check it out here!


 
  Budget Update: It's on the way!  
 

While the State Budget is now a week late, NYS PTA hasn't stopped advocating for ALL children and schools. The Legislature is in the process of passing more budget bills today, and we DO expect information on school aid shortly.

Why does this matter to you? Because the money Albany allocates for school aid directly impacts your local school district. School districts make decisions for next year's budget, in part, based on how much the State Budget gives them in funding.

And YOUR ADVOCACY made a difference! NYS PTA members sent more than 8,000 emails and messages to Governor Cuomo and the Legislature on critical issues affecting our children and schools! You've also sent hundreds and hundreds of tweets and Facebook messages!

We will share details on school aid as soon as it is available. Please check both Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates.


 
  New Federal Law Update - Your Child and the Every Student Succeeds Act  
 

The new federal law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), is moving towards implementation. New York State expects to submit our state plan this fall.

Importantly, YOU can participate in local public meetings, to be held in May and June around the state, on the draft ESSA plan. NYS PTA has been attending numerous meetings on ESSA on behalf of parents and families, but YOUR participation is MOST important.

We will widely share dates and locations as soon as we know them, and encourage you to attend and share your voice.

National PTA has also created an ESSA Toolkit for parents and families, which you can check out here.

Why does this matter to you? Because the new federal law will directly impact your child in the classroom. Parent and family voices are critical to this process, and the NYS Education Department needs to hear directly from you.


 
  You Can Help Address the Growing Mental Health Crisis Among Students  
 

Join the conversation about the mental health issues impacting our students. Share everyday challenges with educators, parents, school staff and mental health professionals. Discuss what improvements can be made to identify and treat mental health issues. Learn what you can do to create solutions through training, partnerships and advocacy strategies that benefit schools, communities, students and families.

NYS PTA is a Cooperating Partner with the New York State School Boards Association for this critical summit. We hope that you will attend.

Saturday, May 20, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Express, Latham

Cost: $35
Pre-Registration Deadline is May 12, 2017

Click here for more info and to register.


 
  Parent Resources  
 

29 Ways to Ask Your Kids "How Was School Today? from latitudes.org

10 Tween Chores Your Middle Schooler Needs For Survival from Sunshine and Hurricanes

4 creative ways to help the kids to stop fighting from iMom

The NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuses Services, in collaboration with the NYS Education Department, created a toolkit to help identify early problem gambling habits in teens.


 
  Letter from the NYS Education Department  
 

Dear Parents,

I would like to take the opportunity to provide you with an update on translated guidance on the rights of immigrant students and some news about the State Library's Ready to Read Program.

Click HERE to read more.


 
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