Hear that? That's the sound of NYS PTA members enthusiastically getting ready to attend the 122nd NYS PTA Convention in Saratoga! They are busy in their units and councils reviewing proposed resolutions, and ready to advocate for our kids, schools and communities. You can register HERE!

If you listen closely you will hear the hustle and bustle of our governance team readying workshop presentations, bylaws amendments, manning the Convention floor, registration and 1st Timers table, the Reflections exhibit, arranging entertainment and keynote speakers! What you hear is a small army of very dedicated PTA members who are working very hard to bring you a meaningful, worthwhile and fun Convention.

You know that sound, you've planned your monthly meetings, PTA events, fundraisers, meetings with your school administrators, and advocacy campaigns. You've dedicated your very precious time to being there for your children, for all children. The sound of PTA at work.

We are so excited to have an extraordinary young man, Aidan Anderson,  bring us an inspirational message you will never forget! Aidan was a keynote speaker at the 2018 National PTA Convention and we had to have him at our Convention! To learn more about Aidan, click HERE.

We are also honored that National PTA President James L. Accomando will be joining us! Did you know Jim was the Connecticut State PTA president when the Sandy Hook elementary school tragedy took place? Jim will be a part of our fireside chat panel on school safety; his insight will add a personal dimension to the discussion on this timely topic.

Christopher Albrecht, the 2018 NYS Teacher of the Year, has been an educator for 24 years and dedicated his life to the ideals of service and charity, and as volunteers, we will all be able to relate to his story.

There is so much Convention has to offer you and your PTA. It will bring you greater insight into the mission of PTA, invigorate your passion for the purpose of PTA and ignite the PTA leader in you.

You can register HERE or on-site. Come, be a part of the sound of success for every child. We're looking forward to seeing you in Saratoga!

One of the highlights of Convention is reviewing and voting on changes to NYS PTA's bylaws. We invite you to review these changes before Convention, so you can vote to adopt and/or amend them at Convention.

Click HERE to review our proposed bylaws amendments.

NYS PTA Innovative Family Engagement Challenge - WIN A GRANT FOR FREE CONVENTION!

Calling all NYS PTA units, you could win a trip for FREE to NYS PTA Convention for two of your unit members!

All you need to do is FILL OUT THIS SURVEY and describe your unit's Innovative Family Engagement practices!

Each winning unit will be able to send two members for Saturday through Sunday to Convention, and receive free registration, meals for Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday night (shared) hotel room.

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS Sunday, September 30, 2018.

To win, you must be able to send two members to convention to present your Innovative Family Engagement practices!

President and Treasurers: our September numbers are looking fantastic, but the process is not complete unless all members are paid for.

So don't forget to submit your payments every month. With MemberHub, it's just one quick click away.

Before you know it, it will be time to head to Saratoga for the 122nd NYS PTA Convention on November 9-11.

If you've attended Convention before, you know that it's an incredible weekend not to be missed. If you're considering attending for the first time, take the plunge!

You will participate firsthand and be an integral part of our advocacy efforts as we consider proposed resolutions for 2018.

In June 2018, NYS PTA President Gracemarie Rozea proudly walked across the National PTA Convention stage to accept a National Membership Award on our behalf! This award could not have been achieved without the proud PTA tradition of supporting our students, educators, and schools through PTA membership.

With your continued support, we are confident that in June 2019 we can find the pathway to another membership success, and have our newly-elected  President walk across that stage again.

Can we do it?

Yes! This year is going to be even better!

Help Units in Your Region Earn New Membership Awards

They say the "Early Bird catches the worm," but our "Wise Owls" truly know what they have earned. The earlier we join our voices together, the more impact we will have for every child, with one voice. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and we need your help!

"Hoo's" ready to earn the first Membership Award Badge for the September/October Early Bird?

Wondering what the Early Bird badge will look like this year? Guess you'll have to win it to see it!

Units need to register and pay dues for members representing at least 60% of their Membership Goal (located on the units MemberHub homepage). State dues must be received, not postmarked, in the state office by October 31 via ACH check transfer through the new MemberHub WePay system. With the new MemberHub system, payment is just one click away!

All units who earn the Early Bird Award Badge will be entered into a drawing for one of three PTA swag giveaways! Remember to check nyspta.org and watch the video to see which units in your region earned their badge, and if they were lucky enough to win the PTA swag!

The Strategic Plan for NYS PTA is a living document designed to shape our association's decisions and actions in a meaningful way. We need your input to define our current vision and mission, and issues we must address in the coming years. 

To access the survey, please click HERE. We are collecting feedback until Friday, October 19.

Thank you for your input and dedication to PTA.

Throughout the year, National PTA offers grants to support PTAs as they: engage families, support students success, improve the health and safety of children, increase access to arts education, or celebrate advocacy and diversity.

Check out these currently active grants from National PTA:

1. Take Your Family to School Week Grant
2. STEM + Families Invention Nights Kits
3. STEM + Families Game Nights Giveaway
4. PTA Connected with Facebook Grant
5. PTA Connected with Lifelock Grant

NYS PTA is pleased to announce a second series of leadership training webinars for 2018-19.

Our next leadership webinar is Bylaws and Procedures: Navigating the Way through Your PTA, on October 9, 2018 at 7:30 PM.

Bylaws help your PTA function in an orderly manner. Each PTA also needs its own Procedures (Standing Rules), which serve both as a cumulative record of that PTA's experience and a set of guidelines for current and future chairs and officers. Join the trip as we navigate through these documents that are essential for your PTA to function successfully.

You can join from home via online GoToMeeting or conference call. All are welcome!

Are you interested in attending a webinar? Please email RSVP@nyspta.org your name, unit name and unit code to reserve your spot and get login info and the webinar presentation early.

Please join us on October 9!

Dear Parents,

Earlier this week, the State Education Department released the results of the 2018 Grades 3-8 English language arts (ELA) and mathematics tests.

Click HERE to read Commissioner Elia's letter to parents.

If you or someone you know is depressed or suicidal and needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or through chat available 24/7 suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ More info HERE.

Our culture is encouraging our children's sense of entitlement. If you want to break your kids out of a "me, me, me" mindset, here are 4 ways to do it from iMOM.

Sneak peek at iOS 12 parental controls: Apple's upcoming release gives you way more control over kids' devices. Get the scoop from Common Sense Media.

Math & Movement is a kinesthetic, multi-sensory approach to teaching math and literacy. Incorporating physical exercise, stretching, cross-body movements, yoga and visually pleasing floor mats designed to encourage students to practice concepts. Schedule your Family Fun Night!