Thank You to the "T" in PTA

Gracemarie Rozea, President

Today marks the kickoff of National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children: the future leaders of our country. They are kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated and understanding professionals that mold our children's lives in a positive direction. We entrust our children with their teachers, and they affect their lives on a daily basis. We can all recall a teacher who really stands out in our memory as someone who made a difference. I know the difference they made in the lives of my children and I say, 'thank you'.

On behalf of New York State PTA, thank you to all the wonderful educators working each and every day with our children - your efforts are greatly appreciated!

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

Six New York State students earned National PTA's recognition for their Reflections artwork this year. We at NYS PTA are overjoyed by this magnificent achievement.

This year, Rachel Doyle's Photography submission (Syosset High School PTA in Nassau Region) was named an Outstanding Interpretation in Photography. This award is the highest honor that a student can receive at the National level.

We also had five Awards of Merit: one in Dance Choreography, one in Literature, two in Music Composition, and one in Visual Arts.

Congratulations to all the winners!

The State Education Department (SED) has just released the first draft of New York's state plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Your action items:

Participate in local public meetings in May and June on the draft ESSA plan. While NYS PTA has been attending numerous meetings on ESSA on behalf of parents and families, YOUR participation is MOST important. See HERE for dates and locations.

You can also read the draft plan HERE and see a summary of the plan HERE (start here with summary).

Comments are due June 16, we will share link when available.

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 SED needs to hear directly from you.

The New York State Education Department (SED) is reviewing two items of interest to parents, families and educators:

1. How principals in school buildings are trained; and
2. The English Language Arts and Math Standards.

YOU have the opportunity to comment on both these items affecting your children!

Complete THIS survey on how SED can enhance and support the preparation and development of principals.

See HERE for information on the revised draft English Language Arts and Math Standards.

You can read and submit comments on the revised standards HERE. NYS PTA released brief comments on the revised standards, which can be read HERE.

Join the conversation about the mental health issues impacting our students. Discuss what improvements can be made to identify and treat mental health issues and learn what you can do to create solutions 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.

The National PTA Bylaws and Policy Committee's Proposed Amendments and Rationale for the 2017 Annual National PTA Convention and Expo can be viewed at PTA.org/Bylaws.

If you have questions about the proposed amendments or rationale, please email National PTA Bylaws & Policy Committee at Bylaws@PTA.org.

National PTA Bylaws Webinar

For those wishing to learn more about the proposed amendments to the National PTA Bylaws, the National PTA Bylaws and Policy Committee hosted a webinar on Thursday, February 23 to review each amendment and rationale.

A recording of the webinar and PowerPoint slides can be found at PTA.org/Bylaws.

New Member Benefit: Yubbler School Supplies!

50% of Profits donated to your school with Yubbler!

Your PTA can offer this great service and simplify back-to-school supply shopping, while raising thousands of dollars.

Find out more at yubbler.com/fundraiser.

Featured Member Benefit: zSpace

zSpace features unique STEM related activities and technologies for use in classrooms of all ages! Check out zSpace Learning Labs and see HERE for a demonstration! Contact Lisa Grippo at lgrippo@zspace.com to bring this cutting edge virtual technology to your school!

Featured Member Benefit: Math and Movement

There is still time to bring Math and Movement to your school! Email Suzy at info@mathandmovement.com to host a FREE Math Fun Night at your school!

Is your babysitter a good fit? Interview questions for hiring a babysitter via iMOM

Investigate! Spark your child's interest in science with these 7 steps to successful studies from Scholastic

10 signs your child might be getting bullied: be aware on behalf of your kids via All Pro Dad

Dear Parents,

Earlier this week, the State Education Department released revised New York State P-12 English Language Arts and Mathematics Learning Standards that will be presented to the Board of Regents for discussion during their meeting next week. The new learning standards are the culmination of a nearly two-year process that resulted in substantive changes while maintaining rigor.

Click HERE to read more.

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