June 2, 2017 
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  NYS PTA Proud Member of New Yorkers for Students' Educational Rights!  
 

As a proud member of New Yorkers for Students' Educational Rights, NYS PTA attended court proceedings on May 30 in support of students and parents statewide, in the pursuit of a sound basic education for all children.

"While the Campaign for Fiscal Equity decision promised equity and adequacy in education funding, this promise has not yet been realized in many of our schools and for many of our students," offered Gracemarie Rozea, NYS PTA President.

Click HERE to read more.

  
  DONT MISS OUT! Summer Leadership Conference Registration is Going Fast!  
 

Join us for a fun-filled, informative and energizing weekend at scenic Utica College!

Embrace our 1950's theme of the conference: PTA...It's the Time, It's the Place! Grab your Pink Ladies, T-Birds, poodle skirts and t-shirts and get ready to rock and roll PTA style!

Click HERE to register!

A quick overview of what you have to look forward to at SLC:

• PTA members from around the state have the opportunity to network with state PTA leaders and one another

• Participate in active workshops (some CTLE certified) on a variety of topics including Membership, Technology, Leadership, Advocacy, Diversity and Nuts & Bolts

• Visit with exciting new vendors in the Exhibit Hall

• A Donation Drive of shoes/sneakers initiated by our state Youth Member

• Meet the 'Cool Cats' ... your NYS PTA Board of Directors, in addition to our National PTA Service Manager

  
  Excelsior Scholarship Available to Students and Families - Application will be available June 7  
 

As a part of the enacted State Budget, the NYS Excelsior Scholarship will be available to college students attending the state's public colleges (SUNY and CUNY) for the Fall 2017 semester and beyond.

The Higher Education Service Corporation released frequently asked questions, which can be viewed HERE. SUNY has an information page HERE.

Generally, New York families making up to $100,000 annually in the fall of 2017 will be eligible for this scholarship for their children. The income limits increase to $110,000 in 2018, and reach $125,000 in 2019.

College affordability and accessibility continues to be a NYS PTA priority and we will keep you informed of new developments with this scholarship program.

IMPORTANT - As soon as the application is open, we will send a special email with details.

  
  Test questions released from grades 3-8 exams  
 

The NYS Education Department (SED) just released 75% of questions from the 2016 English Language Arts and Math grades 3 through 8 exams.

You can read SED's press release HERE.  You can also view the released test questions HERE.

We encourage you to read the questions related to your child's grade level.

NYS PTA continues to support a parent's right to make educational decisions for their children. You can view our most recent comments HERE.

  
  Be in the Know! Follow NYS PTA on Social Media  
 

Do you want to keep up-to-date with parent resources, how-tos, advocacy alerts, upcoming events and other tips?  Then follow NYS PTA on social media!

Here are some highlights from the past month:

Keep public funds in public schools! Follow #EdFunding + protect public schools against cuts! Take Action!

Astronaut Scott Kelly opens up about his attention issues via @UnderstoodOrg

#QOTD "My goal as a parent is to prepare you for the future, not to make you like me." ~Amy Chua

The complete list of free things and grants for kids with #specialneeds via @DontPayFull

Find us on:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube

  
  New Member Benefit!  
 

New Alliance Partner - Yubbler Backpack Program

Yubbler is a Back-to-School Supplies Program that donates 50% of the profits back to your PTA or to the teachers at the school!

  • Pre-loaded grade lists allow parents to buy with one click.
  • Free next day shipping to the parents' homes.
  • Parents can customize their lists - only buy what you need.
  • No deadlines for parents, they can buy throughout the summer and even after school starts.

To join the program go to www.Yubbler.com/fundraiser and register your school today!

  
  Parent Resources  
 

Are your students visiting colleges this summer? Here are some things to ask during campus tours via FAFSA

Not all summer programs for children qualify as children's camps. The NYS Department of Health can help you check.

HEALTH WARNING: Heroin disguised as SweetTarts found in Upstate NY; police issue warning.

  
  Letter from the NYS Education Commissioner Elia  
 

Dear Parents,

 
This week, we posted 75 percent of questions from the 2017 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests that count toward student scores on these tests online at EngageNY.org . This is the second year in a row that more questions have been released than in previous years. Each released multiple-choice question includes the question itself and an item map that provides the answer key and the standard(s) measured by the question.

Click HERE to read more.

  
  Social Media  
   
   
 

Email Josh at josh@platinumroyalties.com to discuss how your PTA can benefit from 50% of sales for this highly coveted deal card! See HERE for a special NYS PTA Fundraising Package!


Are you planning higher education for your child? Check out the College Plannning Center to help your efforts and your child.