Your PTA has been working extra hard to support children and families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. School communities know they can count on PTA as a trusted source for timely and helpful information to keep our children healthy, safe and learning. Let’s work together to keep our kids safe by joining us for an important conversation about vaccines. Register for our webinar, “Take Action to Keep Kids Safely in School: What Your PTA Can Do to Address Vaccine Hesitancy,” where we will address concerns and questions about vaccines and share the benefits of getting your child vaccinated and boosted. You will also learn more about specific actions your PTA can take and hear examples of how you can partner with other community organizations in this effort. We will be joined by Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States, community organizations and fellow PTA leaders. The webinar will be Wednesday, Feb. 2 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST. Register now!
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At the beginning of the school year, due to the continuing pandemic, families focused on their children's safe return to class. However, this pandemic has exacerbated a crisis that existed prior. Across the country, local emergency departments are recording dramatic increases in all mental health emergencies, including suspected suicide attempts. Our country is currently witnessing soaring rates of mental health challenges among our children and it is inextricably tied to the stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Childhood mental health concerns and suicide rates have steadily risen in the last decade. By 2018, suicide became the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Children’s Hospital Association have officially declared a national emergency in children and adolescent mental health. Additionally, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory report to highlight the current youth mental health crisis in correlation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention Act (STANDUP Act) is the first federal legislation providing uniform research-based suicide prevention and awareness standards in schools to address the mental health needs of students. The bill currently has 46 bipartisan sponsors (38 Democrats and 8 Republicans). PTA calls on Congress and the Administration to immediately address the many factors that contribute to the mental health crisis in the United States. Our association strongly encourages efforts that establish comprehensive community mental health. In addition, our organization supports all programs and projects that educate and inform parents, students and the general public about youth suicide prevention and support services for survivors of a suicide attempt. The STANDUP Act has already passed in the Senate. Now it is the House of Representatives’ turn to cast the final vote! Take action today and urge your representative to vote to prioritize youth suicide prevention and vote “Yes” on the STANDUP Act! |
Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/2l2845rPOI_6CDhN-9c9aQ |
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The Department regularly posts rules for public comment. Recently, rules related to the Ohio School Report Cards opened for comment. You can find these rules and related public comment deadlines on the Department's website.
Ohio PTA Partnership with Honesty For Ohio Education Coalition (Updates)
February 3, 4-6 pm - Beloved Community Teach-In!
Honesty for Ohio Education invites you to our first Teach-In - an opportunity for Ohio educators & advocates to reflect, connect & learn as we deepen our commitment to honest and truthful teaching for all students. We're centering ourselves with Dr. King's concept of Beloved Community.
Quartez Harris is our inspiring keynoter, and the breakout sessions are amazing - affinity spaces, teaching ideas, Mikva Challenge & TeachPlus, and local educators & advocates with curriculum, self care spaces and learning. A shout-out to our sponsors, Ohio Education Association, Ohio Federation of Teachers and Positive Education Program.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Next Monthly SBOE Meeting: Feb 14-15
SCHOOL DISTRICTS / HIGHER ED
Ohio’s 2022 Teacher of the Year Kurt Russell is one of four finalists for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year!!!
Honesty shared a recent STAND Survey reporting that 3 in 10 teachers are considering leaving the teaching profession at the end of the school year. Teachers attribute their consideration to restrictions on teaching about honest history and current events.
Speak Out Forum
Contact: Piet van Lier, PMO, PvanLier@policymattersohio.org, Darold Johnson, OFT, djohnson@oft-aft.org, Cynthia Peeples, H4OE, cynthia.peeples17@gmail.com
In planning phase, the event will feature opening remarks, legislative briefing, and 10 orgs/people speaking out for 2 minutes each about honesty in education.
Speak Out Forum on Feb 17, 6pm - Save the Date
