Saturday, July 27, 2019

Back2School Info


Catch Up with PTA!

 

  1. Apply Now! Google® and Symantec® PTA Connected Grants (and others) are now available! Learn more and apply today!
  2. Save the Date: Back to School PTA Live! Tune in to watch our Facebook #PTALive Wednesday, July 31 at 3 p.m. EDT for more info on #PTABackToSchool!
  3. Security vs. Privacy: What's the difference, and what does your PTA need to know to stay secure? Find out in this free TechSoup webinar with Symantec Aug. 6. Register today!
  4. Stock up and Save for Back to School! Save on filler paper and folder supplies at Office Depot⁠— up to 75% off retail price! Offer valid until Sept. 30, 2019, while supplies last. Place your order now!
  5. Join the PTA Boot Camp! Make this your best school year yet. Sign up for seven days of inspirational messages, practical how-to PTA tips for an AMAZING year and more! Learn more.





Friday, July 19, 2019

Teen Sex Trafficking: What Parents Need to KNOW!

Source: Ohio Department of Education

See Ohio PTA's resolution on human trafficking


Teen Sex Trafficking: What Parents Need to KNOW!

7/9/2019
The following Know! Tip discusses the sex trafficking of children. There is no graphic content or descriptions below, but it could still be difficult for some readers. If you suspect human trafficking might be occurring near you or need help, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, TTY 711, text 233-733, or chat with the hotline at humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
GettyImages-611781020.jpgIn a newly released report by the U.S. State Department, the United States (along with Mexico and the Philippines), ranks among the top three worst countries in the world for human trafficking—including the sex trafficking of minors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warns that more than 300,000 of our nation’s youth are considered at risk for sexual exploitation annually.
You may have already heard about teen sex trafficking becoming more common in our country but, chances are, it still feels far away from your life and the lives of those you love. In reality, it is happening all around us, in neighborhoods just like ours, to children just like ours.
What exactly is sex trafficking and is YOUR child really at risk?
Sex trafficking is defined as, “a commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.” This refers to everything from street prostitution, stripping, and pornography to exchanging sexual acts for survival (sex in exchange for food and shelter).
At this point many of us will take a deep breath and say to ourselves, “this is not my child, and this is definitely not something my child would get mixed up in or be lured into.”
Traffickers however are clever and highly manipulative. The trafficker doesn’t show their true self in the beginning. They typically befriend the victim and gain their trust; they may even pretend to be romantically interested in their target. When the trafficker is ready to strike, they are likely to extort the victim to prevent running away or seeking help by threatening the victim’s loved ones, for instance.
It is also important to note that girls are not the only victims of child sex trafficking. In certain areas, some studies have estimated as much as 40 to 45 percent of the victim population to be boys.
Traffickers do not discriminate based on a victim’s gender, age, race or socioeconomic status. Boys and girls from varying backgrounds are being “recruited” into sex trafficking. What traffickers do target however, is vulnerability. And what child doesn’t have vulnerabilities?
Every child and situation is unique. While there is no all-inclusive list to determine every child’s risk, researchers have identified a range of common factors among those involved in sexual exploitation and sex trafficking (according to a report by the Institute of Medicine (IOC) and National Research Council (NRC), Confronting Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Minors in the United States. Those factors are:
Individual:
  • History of child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment
  • Homeless, runaway, or “throwaway youth”
  • LGBTQ+ youth
  • History of systems involvement (for example: juvenile justice, child welfare)
  • Stigma and discrimination
Relationship:
  • Family conflict, disruption, dysfunction
Community:
  • Peer pressure
  • Social norms
  • Social isolation
  • Gang involvement
  • Under-resourced schools, neighborhoods, communities
Societal:
  • Lack of awareness of commercial exploitation and sex trafficking
  • Sexualization of children
  • Lack of resources
Involvement in the foster care system and childhood sexual abuse are said to be two of the highest risk factors that increase a child’s vulnerability.
However, low self-esteem, rebellion and the desire for love and attention are also powerful vulnerabilities that traffickers look to exploit, in addition to the risk factors listed above.
An estimated 150,000 children born in the U.S. are recruited into sex trafficking each year, and they’re recruited at a young age. Fourteen is the average age of a trafficked victim in the U.S. This is an important topic to not only be aware of, but a potentially life-saving conversation to have with our children.
A future Know! tip will share additional information on the topic, including getting this conversation started with your child, and what to do if you suspect someone you know or come across is in need of help.
In the meantime, reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline to report a tip or get help: 1-888-373-7888, TTY: 711, Text: 233-733, or chat with the hotline athumantraffickinghotline.org/chat. It’s confidential and available 24/7.
1StartTalking.jpgLearn how to get your drug abuse prevention conversation started at StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.



Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Job Posting / Executive Director







Job Description

Ohio PTA seeks a motivated, self-directed, articulate professional who believes in the mission of PTA. The Executive Director’s role is to manage member services and support the Board and constituent PTA units. This is a “hands on” position in the two person office of a small member based non-profit organization in Columbus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES and ACCOUNTABILITIES
ADMINISTRATIVE/MANAGEMENT
·         Represents Ohio PTA on state committees as requested by the President
·         Maintains and manages member database
·         Manages correspondence, phone calls and emails and responds appropriately
·         Staffs office
·         Contract negotiation for facility and equipment
·         Signs all checks prepared by the Financial Specialist
·         Reconciles the monthly bank statement

BOARD RELATIONS
·         Member of the Convention Planning Committee
·         Compiles reports for the Executive Committee as requested
·         Provides copies for Board and events as needed
·         Maintains Board of Directors biographical and statistical information and compiles resources for new board members
·         Supports Board of Director Committees as requested

MARKETING/PR
·         Maintains and updates website
·         Research, development and marketing for donors and sponsors

PTA UNIT SUPPORT
·         Responds to unit questions and refers to appropriate district advisor or director as necessary
·         Researches, coordinates and communicates with IRS, Ohio Attorney General and
Secretary of State to maintain Ohio PTA and constituent organizations’ legal status as 501c3 nonprofits

NATIONAL PTA
·         Submits reports and data required for Ohio PTA compliance with National PTA Standards of Affiliation
·         Maintains a good working relationship with National PTA officers and staff
·         Keeps current on National PTA initiatives through conference calls, emails and pta.org


ANNUAL PROJECTS/RESPONSIBILITIES
·         Coordinates Reflections Program judging and administration with Director of Family- School Partnerships
·         Ohio PTA Convention (exhibitors, hotel contract, convention program)

Structure and Salary

This is a part-time salaried position for 35 hours per week with weekend hours for designated events.

Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s Degree
·         Non-profit management is an asset
·         Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills
·         Ability to work independently, unsupervised and make decisions and solve problems effectively and creatively
·         Demonstrated success in working as a member of a team and developing effective
working relationships with staff, Board members and external partner organizations
·         Extensive computer skills including proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and ability to work with nonprofit databases, website content, social media, email, and internet
·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills
·         Excellent customer service mentality
·         Experience in grant writing and donor/sponsor development is a plus
·         Experience in marketing is preferred

Send resume to: Ohio PTA President





Tuesday, July 16, 2019

ESSA Parent Survey / Please Complete TODAY!


National PTA is encouraging all parents/guardians to learn more about state report cards and look beyond the letter grade given to districts. Please complete this baseline survey from National PTA: http://bit.ly/2IhRJUt

Is this survey on YOUR school district's website, FB Page, and Twitter Page? Please contact your superintendent and/or communications person for placement. We want Ohio to have the most parent/guardian responses to this survey.




Sunday, July 14, 2019

Teachers of the Year for State Board Districts


2020 Ohio Teacher of the Year Logo

Since its inception in 1964, the Ohio Teacher of the Year program annually identifies exceptional teachers statewide celebrating their effective work in and outside the classroom. Nominations come from public traditional and community school administrators, students, parents, peers and community members. Following an in-depth nomination process, 11 State Board of Education districts selected regional 2020 Teachers of the Year. A panel of education and community stakeholders will select state finalists to interview from the pool of State Board district honorees to finally select the 2020 Ohio Teacher of the Year.

Teachers of the Year for State Board Districts

Tonya Thorbahn
Bigelow Hill Intermediate
Findlay City Schools
State Board District 1
Tonya Thorbahn
Mary Darr
Perkins Briar Middle School
Perkins Local Schools
State Board District 2
Mary Darr
Matthew Szozda 
WO Cline Elementary 
Centerville City Schools
State Board District 3
Matthew Szozda
Leila Kubesch​
Norwood Middle School
Norwood City Schools
State Board District 4
Leila Kubesch
Sharyn Kish
Memorial Elementary
Brunswick City Schools
State Board District 5
Sharyn Kish
Cecelia Peirano 
Ohio State School
for the Blind
State Board District 6
Cecelia Peirano
David Murduck 
Champion Middle School 
Champion Local Schools
State Board District 7
David Murduck
Photo
Tiffany Lewis 
Volney Rogers Elementary 
Youngstown City Schools
State Board District 8
Tiffany Lewis
Robert Niedermeyer 
STEM Middle at Baldwin Road Junior High 
Reynoldsburg City Schools
State Board District 9
Robert Niedermeyer
Andrea Harpen 
Blanchester
High School
Blanchester Local Schools
State Board District 10
Andrea Harpen
Rick Wakefield
Maple Heights High School
Maple Heights City Schools
State Board District 11
Richard Wakefield
Photo




Saturday, July 13, 2019

SAVE THE DATES!


SAVE THE DATES! Email the Ohio PTA President anachapPTA@gmail.com with your training suggestions.

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Wednesday, July 10, 2019

National PTA’s Advocacy to Address Humanitarian Crisis at the Border

National PTA continues to be distressed by reports that children are being held in migrant detention centers under horrific conditions. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Inspector General indicated that conditions and treatment of undocumented youth and families at border control facilities in the Rio Grande Valley are in violation of the Flores Agreement and the National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention and Search (TEDS) that require immediate action to address.    

National PTA is committed to promoting the safety and well-being of all children regardless of their immigration status and as well as protecting undocumented youth from harmful separation from their parents or family members.

National PTA urges you to contact your members of Congress immediately to ensure the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comply with federal law and standards and provide children and families access to hot meals, drinking water, access to basic hygiene and appropriate supervision. The action alert linked above will be sent out through National PTA’s Take Action network early this afternoon. We encourage you to share this action alert throughout your networks and post on social media.

Additionally, there are two congressional hearings this week in the U.S. House of Representatives that are relevant to this issue:

Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - 2:00pm ET

Note: As you know, National PTA has a position statement on the childhood trauma, Trauma Informed Care.

National PTA will be advocating through social media on our positions and about the hearings.  Following the border hearing on Wednesday, we will consider an appropriate response to the administrative agencies responsible to ensure the humane treatment of migrant youth and families.

The National PTA staff continues to monitor the situation and we will continue to advocate for family unity and to ensure that all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to access a quality public education, adequate food and shelter, and basic health care services.




Leadership Development Expert Takes Helm of Nation’s Preeminent Child Advocacy Association

Leslie Boggs



ALEXANDRIA, Va., (July 9, 2019)—Leslie Boggs, a leadership development expert from Odessa, Texas, has been installed as the 56th president of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association. Boggs’ installation took place during a ceremony held in conjunction with the 2019 National PTA Convention & Expo in Columbus, Ohio.

Boggs is a certified DISC trainer and a professional consultant. She also has a certification in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and is a member of the John Maxwell Team and Mentorship. Additionally, Boggs has over 20 years of leadership experience at all levels of PTA. For the past two years, she served as president-elect of National PTA. She has also served as chair of several National PTA committees. At the state level, she served as president of Texas PTA from 2014-2016 and was president of New Mexico PTA from 2003-2005.

As a mother of three and a grandmother of four, Boggs is a dedicated and passionate advocate for children and their right to receiving a quality public education no matter their demographics, ethnicity or household income.

“Leslie’s expertise and strong leadership skills will be tremendous assets to National PTA and in guiding our association’s work to make every child’s potential a reality,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “She is committed to making a difference for the education, health, safety and well-being of every child, and we are pleased to welcome her as president.”  

As president, Boggs will fight for more funding for mental health access for students as well as for legislation that ensures schools are safe from gun violence. She will also fight for more funding for public schools and to strengthen family engagement for all children. Under her leadership, National PTA will be starting an Engage Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative through its Center for Family Engagement.

“PTA is a community that accepts all and engages and empowers one another to lead, listen, be vulnerable and be courageous as we raise our voices for all children,” said Boggs. “I believe that servant leadership empowers others to reach their potential. I am honored and grateful to dedicate the next two years of my life to leading National PTA and working with the most passionate group of advocates and volunteers to make a difference for the lives and futures of every child.”

Boggs will serve as president of National PTA until June 2021.

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.




Tuesday, July 9, 2019

TAKE ACTION: humanitarian crisis at our nation’s border!

Dear Advocate,

Right now, there is a humanitarian crisis at our nation’s border affecting children detained in federal immigration facilities. Time is of the essence and we ask that you send a letter to your Members of Congress urging them to conduct appropriate and sustained oversight of these facilities and guarantee that detained children are afforded enhanced protections that meet their needs.

All you need to do is click on the “Take Action” button below to send a letter to your Member of Congress. Thank you for your continued support to protect all children regardless of their immigration status.

National PTA is committed to promoting the safety and well-being of all children regardless of their immigration status and as well as protecting undocumented youth from harmful separation from their parents or family members.

Thank you,
National PTA








Monday, July 1, 2019

The 2019-2021 Ohio PTA Board

Effective July 1, 2019…your Ohio PTA Board of Directors for the 2019-2021 term.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President                                                     Ana Chapman-D12
President-Elect                                           Jackie Arendt-D12
VP of Leadership                                       Angela Revay-D12
VP of Field Service                                     Rebecka Adams-D6
Secretary-Treasurer                                   Dana Paul-D12

DIRECTORS
Director of Advocacy                                 Venezuela Robinson-D11
Director of Bylaws/Standing Rules           Linda Read-D13
Director of Communications                     Camille Peterson-D10
Director of Diversity and Inclusion           Nicole Lesnick-D12
Director of Events                                       Jeanne Groetz-Shockling-D13
Director of Family-School Partnership     Gerri Beres-D12
Director of Membership                             Janice Wanko-D12

DISTRICT ADVISORS
District 7                                                     Janis Zart-D12
District 11                                                   Robin Thompson-D11
District 12                                                   Lisa Catalano-D12
District 13                                                   Barb Varley-D13
District 17                                                   Taryn Winney-D17

Vacant Positions: 
Director of Education
Director of Health, Welfare & Safety
District Advisor for Districts 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, 18, 19


If anyone is interested in serving on the 2019-2021 Ohio PTA Board of Directors, please email da12@ohiopta.org for more information.