Families and School Communities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

PTA Leaders,

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are facing an unprecedented crisis. The islands were heavily damaged by Hurricane Irma, and before they had a chance to recover, Hurricane Maria hit and devastated any remaining structures and supports. 

Families and school communities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands need our support now more than ever.

Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria were the strongest storms to hit the islands in decades—families remain without power and access to basic necessities and schools remain closed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families, educators, schools and communities affected, particularly all of our PTA families. We acknowledge the leadership of Puerto Rico PTA President Vivian Ruiz and Virgin Islands PTA President Richard Muhammad during this difficult time. We are deeply concerned for everyone impacted and encourage all of our members to rally together to assist families and help restore communities and learning environments as quickly as possible.

We urge everyone to donate to our association’s Disaster Relief Fund, which was established to respond to tragedies that grievously disrupt a school or education system. One hundred percent of donations to the fund will go directly to PTAs and schools in need and will help provide important supplies for students and teachers when schools reopen.

We also encourage our members to donate basic necessities and/or make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster or other similar organizations to help the children and families that need it most.

Please share this message with PTAs, members and families in your state to help spread the word about ways to support families and school communities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in their efforts to rebuild and recover. Please watch for more information on additional ways to support the recovery efforts.    

The need to give has never been greater and our mission at PTA has become that much more important.

Thank you for your support of those impacted by this unprecedented hurricane season and for everything you do to give our children and school communities what they need to thrive.

Jim Accomando

National PTA President

You belong in PTA! / September is PTA Membership Month

MEMBERSHIP MONDAY!

Join here and now---https://my.cheddarup.com/c/ohioptapartnership

"Cars 4 Classrooms" Program

CHRYSLER BRAND TEAMS UP WITH NATIONAL PTA TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY THROUGH 'CARS 4 CLASSROOMS’ PROGRAM

• The Chrysler brand is a new Proud National Sponsor of National PTA
• The brand’s ‘Cars 4 Classrooms’ fundraising program will feature test drives in the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, beginning this month

Sept. 19, 2017, Auburn Hills, Mich.—The Chrysler brand announced today that it has become a Proud NationalSponsor of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. As part of the collaboration, the Chrysler brand and National PTA will support local PTAs across the country in promoting family engagement in education and raising funds for their schools through the Chrysler “Cars 4 Classroom” fundraising program, featuring the all-new Chrysler Pacifica.

Through the Chrysler brand’s “Cars 4 Classrooms” initiative, PTAs and schools have the opportunity to set up test drive fundraising events featuring the Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan. The brand will donate $10 to the school for every participant who takes a brief test drive. PTAs can go to cars4classrooms.com, beginning today, to learn more about hosting an event. Participating Chrysler franchised dealerships will work with PTAs, providing the Chrysler Pacifica minivans for the events.

Additionally, as part of National PTA’s Take Your Family to School Week (Feb. 11-17, 2018), the Chrysler brand will support PTAs in encouraging families to visit their child’s school and get more involved in their education.

“The Chrysler brand and its dealer network have worked with families and educators on test drive fundraisers in communities across America for more than 25 years,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars - Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA - North America. “Through our partnership with National PTA, the goal is to give every school in every community the opportunity to thrive. Every test-drive in the all-new Chrysler Pacifica will help initiatives like after-school programs, new playground builds, and technology updates.”

“Across the country, PTAs work hard to support their school communities and increase family engagement in education, which has been proven to improve student and community outcomes,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA. “National PTA is pleased to team up with the Chrysler brand to help PTAs support their schools and get more families involved in their child’s education.”

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. For more information, visit PTA.org.

About the Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling. Re-engineered from the ground up on an all-new platform, the Pacifica delivers class-leading gasoline and hybrid powertrains to the minivan segment. With more than 100 available safety and security features, the all-new Uconnect Theater rear seat entertainment system, and a full array of comfort and convenience technologies, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-compromises minivan ideally suited for today's families and has earned its spot as the most awarded minivan of 2016 and 2017.

The Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its class-exclusive, innovative hybrid powertrain. It’s America’s first Hybrid Minivan and achieves 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode and 33 miles of all-electric range, with a total range of 566 miles. Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid the ultimate family vehicles.

About Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology all at an extraordinary value since the company was founded in 1925.
 
Whether it is the family-room-on-wheels functionality of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan or the groundbreaking, bold design of the Chrysler 300, Chrysler brand vehicles reward the passion, creativity and sense of accomplishment of its owners. Beyond just exceptionally designed vehicles, the Chrysler brand has incorporated thoughtful features into all of its products, such as the industry-exclusive Stow 'n Go seating and storage system on the Chrysler Pacifica and the fuel-saving Fuel Saver Technology in the Chrysler 300.
 
The Chrysler brand's succession of innovative product introductions continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in design, engineering and value. The premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.

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National PTA Resolutions

Call for Resolutions for 2018 PTA Convention   On behalf of National PTA, the resolutions committee is seeking resolutions for consideration during the 2018 National Convention in New Orleans, La. All resolutions packets must be RECEIVED electronically at Resolutions@PTA.org by 11:59 p.m. EST, Nov. 10. See our checklist for detailed submission guidelines. Resolutions received after the deadline will not be presented at the 2018 National Convention. Early submission is encouraged. If parts of the resolution or background information are missing, or if edits are necessary, the submitter will need to work with a committee member to ensure the final submission is completed by the deadline date. Fax and hard copy submissions will not be accepted. FAQs   Why submit a resolution? Resolutions call for action by National PTA or its constituent bodies (state, district, council or local units). National PTA resolutions seek to address problems, situations or concerns that affect children and youth nationwide and that require nationwide action for solution.   Who can submit a resolution? Local, council, district/region or state PTAs, National PTA Board of Directors or committees may submit resolutions. Criteria for resolutions to be considered at the convention are the same for all PTA bodies.   What criteria must each resolution meet? Each resolution submitted to National PTA is subject to consideration by the resolutions committee.

For more info, see our PTA Resolutions Toolkit. For questions, email Resolutions@PTA.org.   Please forward this information to your local units and PTA councils and share on social media.

Sample Social Media Messages Twitter Resolutions inform PTA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of kids & schools. Submit resolutions 2 @NationalPTA by Nov. 10. http://bit.ly/2wWVMl8 Resolutions are an important part of the advocacy work of PTA. Submit proposed resolutions 2 @NationalPTA by Nov. 10. http://bit.ly/2wWVMl8 Facebook Resolutions are an important part of the advocacy work of PTA. Submit proposed resolutions to National PTAby Nov. 10 for consideration during the 2018 National Convention in New Orleans, La. View the Resolutions Toolkit for submission details and guidelines: PTA.org/ResolutionsToolkit.

Voter Voice

STATE NEWS: Ohio Department of Education Announces Spanish Versions of Three High School Handouts (ODE 9-18-17) As PTA members, we know how important it is for schools and districts to communicate information to parents, including those whose primary language is not English.  To help with communication efforts to High School students and their families, the Department has translated three overview handouts into Spanish.  They are Graduation Requirements for the class of 2018 only, Graduation Requirements for the classes of 2019 and beyond and the Senior Only program.  Find all information about Ohio’s Graduation Requirements here. If the links above do not work, visit https://education.ohio.gov/ for more information about Graduation Requirements. NATIONAL PTA NEWS: Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA Launch Parents for Healthy Kids Initiative   (PTA 9-18-17) Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA have teamed up to support parents in creating healthier schools through a new initiative, Parents for Healthy Kids. Parents for Healthy Kids features a website, online community forum, trainings and grants to educate, engage and empower parents nationwide to improve school and student health. National PTA Applauds Family Engagement Investments in House FY2018 Appropriations Bill (PTA 9-18-17) The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a spending bill that would fund federal programs and services for fiscal year 2018. The bill includes $10 million in funding for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program. If the links to the PTA articles do not work, visit www.pta.org and look for News and Events near the bottom of the Home Page. PTA leaders and advocacy chairs, please share with your PTA members, families and community members … get the word out!

Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA Launch Parents for Healthy Kids Initiative

Initiative aims to empower parents to be change agents in school and student health

CHICAGO (Sept. 18, 2017)—Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) and National PTA have teamed up to support parents in creating healthier schools through a new initiative, Parents for Healthy Kids. Parents for Healthy Kids features a website, online community forum, trainings and grants to educate, engage and empower parents nationwide to improve school and student health.

Evidence shows children who attend schools that promote physical activity and healthy eating perform better academically. Healthy school environments also set the stage for children to adopt a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. However, studies and statistics show many schools face challenges when it comes to implementing policies and programs that help address childhood obesity and enhance learning. Additionally, according to a survey* conducted by AFHK and National PTA, nearly all parents said they are concerned about the future of school and student health in the U.S.

“Parents and parent groups are a powerful force for change in schools and can help bring together school staff, other parents and community partners to improve student health and learning. We are excited to be able to help mobilize parents around school health issues through Parents for Healthy Kids in collaboration with National PTA and our generous sponsor, ALDI,” said Rob Bisceglie, CEO, AFHK.

At ParentsforHealthyKids.org parents can:

• Learn how to engage with school leaders and decision makers on health issues
• Find ways to help bring more physical activity and healthy eating to the school day
• Share opinions, exchange ideas and connect with like-minded parents in a community forum
• Be inspired by stories from parents nationwide and share their own
• Find tips and ideas for reinforcing healthy habits at home

School grants, trainings and workshops for parents are also being provided as part of the initiative. For the 2017-2018 school year, 150 schools have been awarded grants, providing funds and technical support to the schools and parent groups to implement health and wellness programs that include a family engagement component.

“PTA leaders, members and families play an important role in helping schools create and maintain healthy practices that contribute to the well-being and long-term success of our nation’s children. We are pleased to team up with Action for Healthy Kids and ALDI to equip parents and schools with resources to engage families and provide a healthier environment for all students,” said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA.

Parents for Healthy Kids is sponsored by ALDI, one of America’s leading grocery stores. ALDI’s support of the initiative builds on the company’s commitment to helping children and families live healthy lives.

“Since we began working with Action for Healthy Kids in 2011, we have seen firsthand the great work schools and parents can do when supported with the right tools. We’re honored to help bring new resources to parents nationwide and continue to support schools and families in the communities where we operate,” said ALDI spokeswoman Liz Ruggles.

For more information, visit ParentsforHealthyKids.org. A complete list of schools awarded ALDI-funded grants can be found at ActionforHealthyKids.org/ALDI.

*A survey of 558 parents of kindergartners through sixth-graders was conducted among members of Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA in February 2017.

About Action for Healthy Kids®

Action for Healthy Kids® is a nationwide grassroots network mobilizing school professionals, families and communities to take actions that improve school foods, nutrition education, physical activity and physical education for all students. Through funding opportunities, expert technical assistance, and our flagship program, Game On, Action for Healthy Kids supports schools in developing healthy environments where children thrive. To learn more about the ways our 120,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn, visit us at ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (facebook.com/act4healthykids) and on Twitter (twitter.com/Act4HlthyKids).

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.

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates more than 1,600 U.S. stores in 35 states. More than 40 million customers each month save up to 50 percent* on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For the seventh year in a row, ALDI was recognized as a value leader among U.S. grocery stores by Market Force Information® survey of U.S. consumers. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.

*Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

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Say Something Week Coming Soon!

Welcome to the September Promise Leader Newsletter. This issue will provide you with information on the upcoming Say Something Week and ways to be successful in bringing this prevention program to your school or youth organization. This newsletter also includes information on our next Promise Leader conference call on Sunday, September 10, from 7-8 p.m. ET, 6-7 p.m. CT, 5-6 p.m. MT, 4-5 p.m. PT – and an extra bonus this month with a special all-levels advocacy webinar on Wednesday, September 20!

Programs: Say Something Week this October 16 – 20!

Did you know that when it comes to threats of violence or suicide, most are known by at least one other person before the incident takes place? Imagine how much tragedy could be averted if these individuals said something?

During the week of October 16 – 20, 2017, schools and youth organizations across the United States will participate in Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something Week. Say Something Week raises awareness and educates students and the community through training, media events, advertising, public proclamations, contests and school awards.

Click here to learn more about Say Something Week.

Help us bring Say Something Week to even more schools and youth organizations this year. With your help, we can prevent more tragedy and save more lives!

1. If you work in a school or youth organization: Talk to your colleagues and administrators about bringing Say Something Week to your community, or sign up to have your school or youth organization participate in Say Something Week. Click here to sign up today!
   
   
2. If you want a school or youth organization in your community to participate in Say Something Week: Reach out and ask them to sign up for Say Something Week. You can use this sample email or letter to get started today.

Advocacy: Join us for an all-levels advocacy webinar on September 20!

Do you want to help SHP pass lifesaving policies? Have questions about how to get started as an advocate in your community?

Join us on Wednesday, September 20, from 8-9 p.m. ET for an advocacy webinar with our Policy and Partnership Director, Lauren Alfred, to learn more about how you can make a difference through advocacy at the state and federal level.

Whether you regularly engage with your representatives or want to learn how to get started, we will share best practices, helpful tools and resources, and answer all your questions! For over four years, our Promise Leaders have played a key role in passing mental health and gun safety policy across the country. But we have a lot more work ahead, and we’d love your help and your voice. Please sign up here if you can join us on September 20!

Building Awareness: Write a letter to the editor to spread the word about Say Something!

A letter to the editor is a great way to reach a larger population within your community. This month, in preparation for our Say Something Week, we are asking our Promise Leaders to help spread the word about the Say Something violence prevention program. Say Something Week reinforces the power young people have to prevent tragedies and save lives when they Say Something to a trusted adult. By training our children to look out for their peers and speak up, we can help prevent violence before it happens. Click here to view a sample letter to the editor.

Save the Date:

• Promise Leader conference call: Sunday, September 10, from 7-8 p.m. ET, 6-7 p.m. CT, 5-6 p.m. MT, 4-5 p.m. PT to share more ideas and tools on how to recruit schools and youth organizations in your community to join Say Something Week.
• All-levels advocacy webinar: Wednesday, September 20, from 8-9 p.m. ET, 7-8 p.m. CT, 6-7 p.m. MT, 5-6 p.m. PT, where our Policy and Partnership Director, Lauren Alfred, will discuss how you can make a difference through advocacy on the state and federal level.
• Say Something Week: This October 16 – 20, join forces with schools and youth organizations across the country by participating in Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something Week.

Promise Leader Resources:

• Join our private Promise Leader Facebook page
• Please reach out with any questions to promiseleader@sandyhookpromise.org

Useful Links for Parents

Autism Resources for Families

Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents

Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping

Creating a Home Where Your Child Can Thrive with a Disability

CDC Autism Links and Resources

Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids

Operation Autism for Military Families

Moving with Special Needs Kids

Temple Grandin's Teaching Tips

Go Back-to-School with National PTA

Dear fellow PTA members,   As your 55th National PTA President, it is an honor to welcome you to another exciting school year. As we begin an energizing new school year, I ask that you stay laser-focused on our PTA mission. We must ensure that all children have equity and quality in learning, and that they have access to a first-class public school education. National PTA's resources, guides and tips can help you achieve our mission.  2017-2018 Back-to-School Kit (PTAKit.org) Use this thorough guide to walk through every step of being a PTA leader, from Finance to Advocacy. E-Learning (PTA.org/ELearning) New to being a PTA Leader or want to sharpen your skills? Watch one of our e-learning courses.  Parent Guides to Student Success (PTA.org/ParentGuides) These guides provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning in each grade. Family Guides (PTA.org/Family Guides) See how you can support your child's learning at any age.  State Assessment Guides (PTA.org/AssessmentGuides) Get a breakdown of when and how students are assessed in your state.  BeALearningHero.org Use these tips and tricks to help reinforce what your child is learning at school, at home.  Our Children Magazine (PTAOurChildren.org) Read articles on everything from How to Raise a Leader to Launching a Homemade Rocket. Every Student Succeeds Act (PTA.org/ESSA) If you haven't heard, there's a new law governing K-12 education this year. We break down what this means for you.  Help us celebrate the 2017 Back-to-School Season! Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram by using #PTAB2S or #PTAProud. Happy new school year! James L. Accomando National PTA President