June 16, 2017 
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  Ready Set GO! Only 1 Week Left to Register for Summer Leadership Conference Registration!  
 

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!

Here is what you can look forward to at SLC:

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

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

• You can visit with exciting new vendors in the Exhibit Hall

• You can participate in a Donation Drive of shoes/sneakers initiated by our state Youth Member

• You will meet the 'Cool Cats' ... the NYS PTA Board of Directors plus our National PTA Service Manager

The most important reason to attend SLC? You can help make a difference for every child in New York!


 
  A Change in the 3-8 ELA/Math State Assessments Means Fewer Test Days  
 

This week, the NYS Board of Regents voted unanimously to reduce the testing days for the April/May Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Math State Assessments.

The 3-8 ELA Assessments will be reduced in length and be administered over two days, reduced from three days. The Math 3-8 assesments will be also reduced in length and administered over two days, reduced from three days.

While our work is not done, this is a positive step forward in reducing standardized testing for children.

You can read the NYS Educatation Department's press release on this issue HERE.

You can read the NYS PTA press release on this issue HERE.

You can watch NYS PTA Executive Director Kyle Belokopitsky on Capitol Tonight, talking about this testing change HERE.

Know that NYS PTA will continue its advocacy to ensure developmentally appropriate standards, continued shortening of assessments, and parental input into these critical issues.


 
  Excelsior Scholarship Available to Students and Families  
 

The Excelsior Scholarship application is now available on the Higher Education Services Corporation website. The application is open until July 21.

You can find more information, including FAQs and a sign-up form to receive email alerts about the scholarship, at the HESC Excelsior Scholarship FAQs page. 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.


 
  Advocacy Newsbriefs Now Available  
 

Find out more about e-cigarette legislation, education, wellness and more.

Click HERE for the June Advocacy Newsbriefs.


 
  Stay in the Loop This Summer! 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 this summer?

Then follow NYS PTA on social media!

Find us on:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube


 
  New - "PARP Task Force"  
 

NYS PTA is forming a PARP Task Force to review, revise and update the current PARP Toolkit. We are looking for any PARP Chair or unit/council person interested in working with us to complete this task.

It you have used the PARP Toolkit you know what a valuable tool the materials are to conducting a successful program. BUT, the materials need a fresh look and more current materials. We need your help. We will be working over the summer to have the toolkit ready to be used by units by the end of September.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Gracemarie Rozea at president@nyspta.org by June 23. Thank you!


 
  Parent Resources  
 

Check out this list of ways you can protect your child from skin cancer when playing outdoors

Motivate students to read all summer long with this Summer of Reading collection

Download: Cell Phone Contracts for Kids With ADHD


 
  Letter from the NYS Education Commissioner Elia  
 

Dear Parents,

This week, the Board of Regents voted to reduce the number of days of student testing on the annual grades 3-8 State assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics from three days each to two.

Click HERE to read more.


 
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