NYS PTA LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT

February 10-11, 2019 at the Hilton Albany

You Can Be a Part of the Action!

• Hear from legislators and decision makers to learn how you can be effective and successful in your advocacy efforts.
• Get the latest information about the state budget and the legislative issues focusing on children and youth.
• Join us for our annual NYS PTA Lobby Day in the Capital.

Save the Date!

Amany Messieha Dgheim, MD, Wellness Coordinator

In a recently released study, researchers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health warn that the gateway to adolescent substance use is changing.

Marijuana is increasingly becoming the first substance in the sequence of adolescent drug use, as opposed to youths traditionally trying cigarettes and alcohol prior to cannabis. The trend has seen a change beginning in 2006.

Findings recently published in the January 2019 issue of the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence show that the landscape of adolescent substance use in the United States is changing in historically unprecedented ways.

Did you know that NYS PTA members were instrumental in banning e-cigarettes on school grounds? Did you know PTA advocates, parents and families from around the state, fought for meaningful diplomas for all children? Did you know that advocacy is at the heart of the PTA mission to make every child's potential a reality?

WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH TWO THINGS!

1. Beginning in January, we will be sending email Action Alerts on critical issues facing children and our schools. When you see that email, please take action and send a message to your state legislators!
2. On February 10-11, we will be holding our Legislative Summit and Lobby Day in Albany. Come for a day of learning on Sunday February 10, then meet with your legislators on Monday February 11 on PTA's priority issues.

We are 265,000 Advocates Strong. We need YOUR help to make a difference for EVERY child. Will you join us?

Advocating for our families and making every child's potential a reality takes the passion and dedication of many volunteers.

Leaders at the state level of PTA come from all corners of our state. The legacy of NYS PTA continues to thrive because of the leaders developed from local unit, council and region PTAs, as well as those who bring specific volunteer and/or professional expertise to our advocacy.

Please complete the Letter of Interest form if you might consider contributing your skills to the work of the NYS PTA. It's a short form that indicates your interests and possible areas of involvement on the NYS PTA Governance Team, or perhaps on a different level such as a PTA region board. Leaders at the PTA region and state level are appointed for one year.

We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you for your willingness to share your time and talents!

Do you know of a high school junior or senior who is an outstanding humanitarian? Nominate them for the Youth Humanitarian Award ~ In Memory of Stanley Marcus.

Send your nominees to your region director by January 31, 2019.

Click HERE for more information and the application.

Find your Region Director HERE.

Dear Parents,

In the spirit of the season, I'd like to express my appreciation for the work you do to support New York's schools and communities.

Click HERE to read NYS Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia's letter to parents.

Most kids with learning and attention issues sometimes feel anxious. But for kids with slow processing speed, anxious moments can pop up throughout the day. Learn how you can help your child from Understood.org.

If you have a runny nose, sore throat, and are tired, it's hard to tell if you have the flu or a cold. In general, the flu is more serious than a cold. Learn how to tell the difference, treat symptoms, and when to seek medical attention. From the CDC. 

High school students have the power to send a message about the dangers of opioid misuse by creating a 30-60 second original PSA. Submit your video for a chance to win $10,000 and other great prizes. Help lead the change in schools! From Operation Prevention.

Help Our School (HOS) is a portal that provides products for school(s), parents, students, local businesses and the community to purchase.

Click HERE to find out more about Mountain America's membership benefits!

Let's PARP with Read for My School! We're excited to announce our latest software update featuring new reading and fundraising features we know your NYS PTA members will love! Learn how, with one volunteer resource, you can get kids excited about reading while learning the importance of giving back!