1 11 WHY PTA? A voice for children

2 2 2 The Lorax says… “I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues…” ~Dr. Seuss Who speaks for our children? PTA began speaking out on behalf of children over 110 years ago..

3 3 Over A Century of Commitment “Our appeal is to all mankind and womankind, regardless of color, creed, or condition to recognize that in the child lies the hope of the race and that the republic’s greatest work is to save the children.” “Let mothers, fathers, nurses, teachers, ministers, legislators, and -- mightiest of all in its swift, far- reaching influence -- the press make the child the watchword and the ward of the day and hour and let all else be secondary and we will behold a new world and a new people.” Alice McLellan Birney 1897

Who Are We: National PTA  PTA Vision  Every child’s potential is a reality.  PTA Mission  To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. 4

5 5 5 Who We Are - PTA’s Mission To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental agencies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of the nation

6 6 6 PTA’s Purpose To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship. To raise the standards of home life. To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth. To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education

7 7 7 Our Children Are... Our Future

8 8 8 Advocacy Remember Your Child’s First Day of School..... Did they go to kindergarten? Did they ride the bus? Did they eat a school lunch? Did they play on the playground? Did they read a book from the library? Did they have their immunizations?

9 9 9 Working Together for Children Colorado Milestones  Amendment 23  School Trust Lands  School Crossing Guard Liability Immunity  Parent Involvement Legislation  National Milestones  Child Labor Laws  U. S. Public Health Service  Hot Lunch Programs  Juvenile Justice System  Mandatory Immunization  TV Content Ratings  Parent Involvement provisions in No Child Left Behind (NCLB) or Elementary Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

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11 Family-School Partnerships 1. Welcoming all Families into the School Community 2. Communicating Effectively 3. Supporting Student Success 4. Speaking up for Every Child 5. Sharing Power 6. Collaborating with Community

12 Family-School Partnerships  Welcoming all Families into the School Community  Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.  Communicating Effectively  Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication about student learning.  Supporting Student Success  Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

13 Family-School Partnerships  Speaking up for Every Child  Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.  Sharing Power  Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.  Collaborating with Community  Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and student learning.

14 PTA Gets Results Research shows kids do better when parents are involved. Grades are higher. Grades are higher. Test scores improve. Test scores improve. Attendance increases. Attendance increases.

15 Benefits of PTA Affiliation  Over 100 years of experience  Organized Approach  Ongoing Training  Leadership Development  Resources  Access to Experts, Support and Personal Contact  Nationwide Networks Established

16 And more…  Programs at the State and National Levels  Recognition at State and National Levels  Business Partnerships  Member and Unit Benefits and Discounts  Bylaws and Parliamentary Guidance  IRS and 501c3 Regulation Information  Low Cost Insurance

17 National PTA Programs  Reflections Cultural Arts  Family-School Partnerships  Media Awareness  “Three for Me”  “Healthy Lifestyles”  “PTA MORE” Urban Family Engagement Initiative EML – Emerging Minority Leaders

18 Colorado PTA Programs  Colorado Parent Involvement Resource Center (CPIRC) Making Homework Manageable Loving to Read, Loving to Learn Parent Teacher Meetings  CPTA :  Officer Training  Health and Safety  Parenting  Safeguarding Your Children  Male Involvement  Advocacy  …and many more

19 PTA’s Support Network

20 PTA Membership is for Everyone  Parents, Teachers, Students, Administrators, Volunteers  Grandparents, Guardians, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters  Community members and business owners  Anyone who cares about children and supports the Mission of PTA

21 PTA’s Basic Policies 501 (c) Not For Profit NoncommercialNonsectarianNonpartisan

22 Local Unit Membership Card Signature of Member  Bylaws  Officers and Membership Drive  Dues - Paid Annually, Tax Deductible  National $1.75  State $4.00 $5.75  Add Local Portion $  Total Dues $____ Basics of a PTA

23 Consider the Value..  Cost of a PTA Membership for a year is less than: Movies Magazine Sport Event Gym Membership Designer Coffee Fast Food Burger

24 Our Children Deserve  The best education  The best health  The best protection  The best environment The chance to dream, believe in themselves, and succeed…

25 Let’s make a difference… PTA “You must work, we must work to make the world worthy of its children.” Pablo Casals

26 Starting a PTA  Contact the State PTA Office at  Prospective New Unit Packet will be sent  Region Director/Council Leadership will contact you

27 Over A Century of Commitment Colorado PTA toll free fax

28 Colorado PTA Office: Toll Free: Thank you for attending this workshop!