National PTA Bylaws / Amendments

A Message from the National PTA Bylaws and Policy Committee

 
PTA delegates adopted revised bylaws for National PTA at the 2016 Convention & Expo. This revision updated National PTA's governing document to better serve the association.
 
This summer, the National PTA Bylaws and Policy Committee will propose several amendments to the bylaws at the 2017 National PTA Convention & Expo, which include:

• The addition of a new Article IX: Executive Committee;
• Provisions for a vacancy in one or more of the officer positions;
• Inclusion of the Elections Committee as a Standing Committee of the National PTA;
• Amendments to Article X: National Constituent Association Advisory Council (NCAAC)
  • Section 2. Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary with defined duties and
  • Section 4. Meetings with a process for scheduling regular and additional meetings;
• The addition of a new Article IV: Constituent Associations, Section 7. Dissolution
• Provisions for anyone wishing to support the National PTA mission, purposes and principals with a mechanism to do so as a supporting member

For those wishing to learn more about the proposed amendments to the National PTA Bylaws, the National PTA Bylaws and Policy Committee will host a webinar Thursday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. EST. The Committee will review each amendment and its rationale for those attending the webinar.

Suicide Prevention Foundation

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is excited to offer free, online, self-paced suicide prevention trainings for Elementary, Middle, & High School personnel. Watch our upcoming webinar to learn how you can champion the trainings in your schools!

 

OSPF is offering Kognito gatekeeper trainings for Ohio School teachers, staff, and administrators. These trainings educate school personnel on how to recognize and help students who are in distress through online simulations and conversations.

 

Kognito trainings offered:

-        At-Risk for High School

-        At Risk for Middle School

-        At-Risk for Elementary School

-        Step-In, Speak Up

 

All trainings use online avatars to equip school personnel with lessons on recognizing warning signs of distress in students, initiating and holding helpful conversations, identifying when further help for students is needed, and referring youth to appropriate services.

 

For more information on the trainings visit: ohio.kognito.com.

 

For those interested in promoting these trainings in their schools, a webinar will be hosted on February 9th at 12:00pm.

 

To register for the webinar follow this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2448521515800847361.

Ohio's DRAFT ESSA Plan

The Ohio Department of Education is proud to release the draft state plan and the technical submission of Ohio’s Every Student Succeeds Act state plan with appendices. There is still time for you to weigh in. You are invited to review and provide comment on the draft state plan and technical submission through March 6. The Department will continue to incorporate input throughout the development of the final Ohio plan.

Ohio’s plan takes a detailed look at the state’s education system and makes important improvements based on the feedback of our stakeholders and requirements in the law.

National PTA Statement on Betsy DeVos’ Confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Education

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 7, 2017)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Laura Bay:

“Today, Betsy DeVos was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Education. Throughout the confirmation process, National PTA joined other education, civil rights, disabilities and community organizations in expressing strong concerns for Secretary DeVos’ lack of experience with public education; unfamiliarity with the challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s public school students, families and educators; and support of programs that divert critical public school resources.

“National PTA looks forward to informing Secretary DeVos on all of our public policy priorities, including equitable public education for all, healthy and safe schools, protections for our nation’s most vulnerable youth and the importance of family engagement in education. Where we are in alignment, we stand ready to work together, however, policies of the administration that attempt to weaken public education will continue to meet National PTA’s opposition.

“National PTA has long stood and advocated for high-quality public education to ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our association remains steadfast in our belief that public education must be strengthened with the support of adequate funding and continue to be governed by public officials. We oppose any private school choice system—vouchers, tax credits or deductions—that would divert public school resources.

“In addition to investing in public education, National PTA urges Secretary DeVos to improve the Department of Education’s role in advancing family engagement as a tool to increase student achievement and transform schools and communities. We strongly encourage the administration to carefully consider how family engagement can be integrated into all appropriate policy initiatives that it advances or supports. In particular, we urge the administration to fund the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program and for the Department to utilize the appropriate resources to assist in the dissemination of research and best practices to support family engagement in local communities.

“Furthermore, National PTA hopes that Secretary DeVos will ensure continued implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). We also hope she will continue to prioritize stakeholder engagement in the implementation of the law. It is essential that parents and other stakeholders have a seat at the table as states and districts develop new education plans to provide valuable input and hold them accountable.

“National PTA is committed to working collaboratively with Secretary DeVos and the Department of Education to implement these recommendations and advance policies that ensure all children reach their highest potential. Critical progress has been made to improve education, provide educational equity for all children and make sure every child is prepared for long-term success. We cannot go backward.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

hmay@PTA.org, (703) 518-1242

Action for Healthy Kids Information

School Grants for Healthy Kids: 2016-2017 School Grants released Week of Feb. 6

Keep your eye on the national AFHK School Grants for Healthy Kids webpage for information coming soon on grants that will be released the week of Feb. 6. Grant applications will be due Friday April 7, 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year. School Breakfast and Game On (Physical Activity/Nutrition) grants will be available. Please register for the following webinars to learn more:

• AFHK School Grants: http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/tools-for-schools/apply-for-grants
• Game On Grant Application Webinar (Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 2-3PM CT): http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/events/webinars/event/510
• Breakfast Grant Application Webinar (Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 3-4PM CT): http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/events/webinars/event/511

Every Kid Healthy Week: April 24-28, 2017

Join us in celebrating Every Kid Healthy Week 2017 with schools in your state! Become an official state partner to help us promote the week, and check out the resources available to support schools’ EKH Week events and learn more about how schools can register their events through AFHK’s Volunteer and Events Management Tool. For questions on EKH Week, please email AFHK’s Manager of Volunteer Initiatives, Sean Wade, or join our upcoming webinar:

How to Plan the BEST Every Kid Healthy Week Event - Thursday, February 16, 2017 2:00-3:00 ET, 1:00-2:00 CT, 12:00-1:00 MT, 11:00-12:00 PT 
Action for Healthy Kids is proud to work with schools nationwide to promote Every Kid Healthy Week™ – an annual push to focus on making schools healthier places. Every Kid Healthy Week brings attention to the nation’s problem of childhood obesity but, more importantly, to its solutions: sound nutrition, regular physical activity and health-promoting school programs.

Webcast: Every Student Succeeds Act

Register for Every Student Succeeds Act webcast: Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to develop plans that address standards, assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools. After a year of hard work and outreach which engaged more than 15,000 Ohioans, the Ohio Department of Education has released the draft overview and complete technical draft submission of Ohio’s Every Student Succeeds Act state plan.

Department leadership will host a webcast on Friday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m. to discuss and share details about Ohio’s ESSA plan and discuss what it means for schools, students, educators and families. The webcast will also ask for additional feedback on the draft plan. The Department invites the public to review and comment on the overview during the comment period which is open through March 6. The Department will continue to incorporate input throughout the development of the final Ohio plan. The webcast will be recorded and available for playback.

Click here to register.

A Walk Through PTA History

Source: Recap from Arkansas PTA

https://www.arkansaspta.org/History_of_PTA.html

• The Early Years
  • PTA was founded in 1897.  The founders had a dream to change the minds of parents, the public, and the government in order to improve the lives of children.
  • National Congress of Mothers established in 1897 by our founders
  • The Founders of the PTA
    • Alice McLellan Birney - A teacher and widow with two children
    • Phoebe Apperson Hearst - Mother of publishing giant William Randolph Hearst
  • First Meeting Held in Washington, DC in 1897
    • The first meeting of the National Congress of Mothers was held in Washington, DC on February 17th, 1897.  News spread of this new congress and cause and their voices were heard all across the country.
  • First Annual Meeting the following year 
    • The following year, more than 2000 attended the first annual meeting in Washington, DC.
  • Publicly Against Discrimination in an Era that Condoned It
    • In an era where discrimination was tantamount, the PTA welcomed ALLmembers regardless of color, creed, or condition.
  • Concerned about Health and Sanitation Issues for Infants and Youth
    • At it's founding, gave lessons such as the "Cradle Lesson" amongst others to help teach others about health and sanitation.
  • Advocated for a Separate Juvenile Justice System
    • National PTA advocated for a separate Juvenile Justice System so that children wouldn't be tried and incarcerated as adults.
    • This is the basis for the juvenile justice system today
  • Advocated for Child Labor Laws
    • National PTA advocated for Child Labor Laws to protect children against unsafe work practices and conditions
• Early 1900's
  • President Theodore Roosevelt serves on PTA Advisory Council of Fathers
  • Chartered a Network of State Organizations and Built a Network of Mothers
    • Via an official Plea for the formation of Parent's Clubs in Connection with Schools
  • National PTA Supported Early Childhood Education (Kindergarten)
    • National PTA fought for the establishment of Kindergarten as part of the public school system.
  • Advocated for Sex Education to Pre-pubescent Youth
    • As early as 1916, PTA advocated that sex education be taught to children before reaching puberty.
• 1920's
  • Encouraged Greater Moral and Spiritual Education of Children
  • Provided Reviews of Moving Pictures
  • Began the First "Drive Safely" Campaign
  • Another Founder - Selena Sloan Butler
    • One woman who took up the parent-teacher cause was African-American teacher and child advocate, Selena Sloan Butler.
    • Attended PTA Conferences and in 1926 founded the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers (NCCPT) in states where segregation was legally sanctioned.
    • From the onset, the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers admitted into its ranks all who cared for the "betterment of child life".
  • Summer Round-Up
    • A Nationwide Children's Health Project created by PTA and the U.S Bureau of Education.
    • Helped educate parents and had every 1st grader registered and examined by a doctor and dentist before entering school.
    • It was the first means to gather a standardized assessment of school children's health.
  • 1929 - Stock Market Crashes
    • Millions lost their jobs, and many schools were closed
    • PTA Advocates for Federal Aid to Re-open Schools and provide Meals
      • National PTA advocated for federal aid to be used to reopen closed schools and to provide school lunch programs for needy children.
• 1930's 
  • NCCPT Calls for Leaders 
    • NCCPT called for African-Americans to assume leadership positions as superintendents and board members in segregated school districts.
  • Selena Sloan goes International 
    • Selena Sloan presented early childhood information at conferences of the Nursery School Association of Great Britain.
  • PTA Becomes an Official Co-Sponsor of American Education Week
• 1940's - World War II Era
  • PTA Establishes War Emergency Committees
    • During the war years, PTA established War Emergency Committees, organized paper and scrap drives, and created "safe houses" where children could find refuge in case of attack.
  • NCCPT Organizes First Aid Instruction, Salvage Drives, and War Bond Purchases
  • National PTA and the United Nations
    • National PTA was a consultant to the U.S. Delegates when the United Nations was founded in 1945.
  • Hot Lunch Program
    • PTA advocated for the establishment of a Federally Funded School Lunch Program.  Today this program feeds more than 26 million children a day.
• 1950's
  • Fighting Polio
    • One of PTA's greatest achievements was its work with the March of Dimes to implement a nationwide polio vaccination program.
    • Local members across the country volunteered to administer the vaccine to 1.8 children in 1954.
  • Desegratation - Brown vs Board of Education
    • The Brown vs Board of Education decision declared school segregation unconstitutional and changed the face of public education.
    • After the Brown vs Board of Education decision, the PTA and NCCPT held their conventions in conjunction with one another.
    • Separate local units began to desolve and unite as one entity to work for children.
  • Sputnik Launched in 1957
    • In response to this launch, the U.S. education focus changed to emphasize math and science in all grade levels.
    • PTA worked diligently to aid the U.S. Congress in passing the National Defense Education Act.  This legislation sought to close the science gap.
• 1960's
  • PTA Membership Soars to Over 12 Million Members
  • Formal Merge of PTA and NCCPT
    • In 1966, the two associations began formal talks about unification and formally merged in 1970.
    • Despite riots in some areas because of racial tensions, integration proceeded effectively enough to see many local units of the NCCPT merge with local PTA units.
  • Anti-Smoking Campaigns
    • All PTA Units encouraged to educate children on the health hazards of smoking cigarettes.
    • PTA sought to inspire young people to become the first smokeless generation.
  • Mary Lou Anderson creates Reflections
    • In 1969, Mary Lou Anderson, then Colorado PTA President, created the arts achievement program called Reflections.
    • Today, more than half a million students participate in Reflections each year.
• 1970's
  • NCCPT and PTA Formally Merge
    • The NCCPT and PTA formally merged on June 22, 1970 and so did their identical missions --- to improve the lives of all children.
  • Headline: National PTA Putting TV on Probation
    • PTA commission investigates issues of increasing TV violence, how women are depicted, and effects on the children.
    • Findings reveal need for parents to more carefully supervise what their children watch.
  • Urban Outreach
    • In 1977, PTA initiated the Urban Education Project to identify crucial problems confronting urban schools and develop new and dynamic strategies for solving urban problems.
  • Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
    • PTA counts as a victory the passage of this act.
    • The law gave parents the right to inspect their child's school records and correct and challenge them if necessary.
• 1980's - Education Reform
  • PTA Opposes Massive Cuts in Federal School Lunches and Nutrition Programs
    • When the Reagan administration sought massive cuts in federal school lunch and child nutrition programs, PTA made it's voide heard.
    • PTA went on record opposing all legislation that disproportionately affected children
  • "Looking In On Your School" Project
    • In response to public concern over the condition of schools, PTA initiates the "Looking In On Your School Project".
    • The project was designed to promote teamwork among parents, principals, teachers, and students to improve public schools.
  • HIV/AIDS Education
    • PTA undertakes massive public education campaign to explain the nature of HIV/AIDS to parents, children, and youth.
• 1990's
  • Child Safety
    • From seat belts to bike helmets, PTA has always called for the highest standards of safety for children.
    • With the help of corporate sponsors, PTA produces and distributes bike safety and bus safety information and Public Service Announcements.
  • Parent Involvement
    • Parent involvement becomes buzzword of the education community
    • PTA hosts Parent Involvement Summit where 28 education organizations meet to discuss what each can do to encourage greater parent involvement
  • Urban Outreach
    • Ebony co-develops a video with National PTA titled, Guide to Student Excellence featuring interviews with Dr. Maya Angelou and Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund.
  • PTA Joins the World Wide Web
    • In 1995, National PTA launches its first website at www.pta.org
    • Today, PTA's website attracts more than 3 million unique visitors a year
  • PTA and TV Ratings
    • PTA advocates for a television rating system that will help parents know thecontent of TV programming, not just age appropriateness
    • FCC adopts TV rating system with content codes in 1998
  • Parent Involvement Standards
    • PTA publishes the first National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs in 1998
    • These standards would later define "parent involvement" in the No Child Left Behind Act
• 2000-2008
  • Building Successful Partnerships
    • National PTA publishes "the" book on parent involvement -- Building Successful Partnerships
    • Based on the six national standards, the book provides a blueprint for developing successful parent involvement programs that work
  • Hispanic Initiative
    • PTA steps up translation efforts on more parenting resources than ever before, including national advertising and its website
    • PTA also launches Hispanic Initiative in three pilot states to identify and mentor Hispanic leaders within the organization.
  • Five Cents Makes Sense Campaign
    • Less than 3 cents of every federal dollar goes to education funding
    • PTA enacts Five Cents Makes Sense Campaign to lobby Congress for 5 cents of every dollar to fully fund all educational programs for our public schools
  • National PSAs
    • National PTA and The Ad Council launch national Public Service Announcements in English and Spanish to increase awareness of the need and benefits of parent involvement
    • The media has donated more than $600 million worth of advertising placements to carry our PSAs and help spread our message
  • Responding to Tragedy
    • During this decade, PTA also responded to national tragedy and disaster --- first to September 11 and then to Hurrican Katrina.
• As PTA Enters a New Century
  • Parent involvement will remain at the core of everything we do
  • Health and Safety issues will continue to be priorities
  • We'll hold steadfast on increasing funding for public schools

PTA Take Your Family To School Week!

Source: National PTA

How to Welcome Families During Take Your Family to School Week For over 120 years, National PTA has been encouraging families to get more involved in their child’s education. Help us celebrate during Take Your Family to School Week—Feb. 13-17. Not sure what event to host? We've created fun, pre-planned family education events for you: Family Reading Experience (Powered by Kindle): Engage the whole family in reading activities. (Grades K-5) The Smart Talk: Create a family agreement together outlining the ground rules for how children will use their smartphones and devices safely and responsibly. (Grades K-12) Host healthy events like a health fair, healthy cooking class or playground clean up. (Grades K-12) Don't forget to promote your event! Use our promotional fliers, posters, invitation letters and social media messages to generate excitement and awareness for your Take Your Family to School Week at PTA.org/TYFTSW. Make sure to tag your social media posts with the hashtag #PTAProud so other PTAs can see them! Want to brag about your event? We'd love to hear from you! Submit your story to PTA.org/PTAProud.