Stop Bullying!

 

Prevent, Address, or Stop Every Type of Bullying Every instance of bullying is different. Verbal, social, and physical bullying can occur anywhere and happen to anyone. Everyone who is involved in instances of verbal, social, or physical bullying will experience the situation differently. No matter the type of bullying, there are things you can do to prevent, address, and stop it. Stop Verbal Bullying (Saying or Writing Mean Things) Change the subject or question the behavior to shift the focus Use humor to say something funny and redirect the conversation Intervene as a group to show that several people do not agree with the bullying Walk with the person who is the target of bullying to help diffuse potential bullying interactions Reach out privately to check in with the person who was bullied to let them know you care Stop Social Bullying (Hurting Someone’s Reputation or Relationships) Parents, teachers, and mentors can address bullying through moral engagement Teach social problem-solving skills, empathy skills, and assertiveness skills to prevent bullying in young children Teachers, try using Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the classroom to help youth develop social skills and awareness of themselves and others Stop Physical Bullying (Hurting a Person’s Body or Possessions) Intervene immediately, if you can do so safely Try to find help if you need it Stay calm Reassure the kids involved, including bystanders If you feel safe doing so, try to separate the kids involved and protect the child who is being bullied When bullying takes place online and involves sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else, then it is considered cyberbullying. When cyberbullying happens, you should take steps immediately to stop it. Document harmful posts or content Report cyberbullying on apps or social media platforms If a child has received physical threats, or if a potential crime or illegal behavior is occurring, report it to the police Support the person being bullied by posting positive comments about them online, expressing your concern, and determining if professional support is needed Learn more on StopBullying.gov Resources to Help Stop Bullying  Learn how you can Be an Upstander to help stop bullying Understand Verbal, Social, and Physical Bullying Support Kids Involved in Bullying Learn how to use Social-Emotional Learning for Bullying Prevention in the classroom Parents, educators, and communities, learn What You Can Do to Prevent Bullying

What Ohio Needs and Deserves in a ​Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

What Ohio Needs and Deserves in a
​Superintendent of Public Instruction

​Ohio Needs and Deserves a Superintendent Who
Believes in Honest Education and the Wellness of Every Child

Every child deserves a high-quality education grounded in honesty and facts,
regardless of background, race, or zip code.

Dismissing racism and discrimination, or minimizing its trauma and impact,
harms individuals and communities, and prevents pathways to reconciliation and healing.

Education must reflect and celebrate diverse student identities, experiences, and cultures to
maximize student engagement and achievement.

Students and communities benefit most when caring families, skilled educators, and
dedicated school boards define what is appropriate within classrooms.

​Honesty in education is the freedom of critical thinking, reflection, and the diverse exchange of ideas that are
​essential to Ohio’s future, viability, and high-functioning democracy. 

•

​Ohio Needs and Deserves a Superintendent Who Exemplifies the ​Values of an Honest Education Leader:
Honesty, Dignity, Courage, Lifelong Learning, Commitment

Honesty ensures facts, hard truths, multiple perspectives, and diverse experiences are
infused into instruction, curriculum, and discussions.

Dignity and respect ensure that each student is loved and valued for their
unique identity, culture, and lived experiences.

Courage begets leaders that BOLDLY advocate for honest education, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles, multiculturalism, student agency, and community collaboration through an empathy lens. 

Lifelong Learning nurtures intellectual curiosity, a respect for research, and a
quest for truth within students, educators, and families.

Commitment safeguards the emotional wellness, safety, and academic success of every student and
​ensures that necessary resources will be deployed to guarantee the success of all students.

​•

​Ohio Needs and Deserves a Superintendent with
a Commitment to Family and Student-Centered Education

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we have learned internationally and domestically that our education practices and leaders of yesterday must fully shift to our family and student-centered approach to education and learning clearly define in the Each Child Our Future strategic plan and the Whole Child Framework.

Our superintendent must be committed to this approach while also prioritizing the following:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and practices
Anti-racism, anti-discrimination, anti-bias teaching, training, and professional development 
Mental health
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Social-Emotional Learning
Restorative Practices
Conflict resolution and de-escalation practices
Trauma-Informed Care
Courageous Conversations around race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity

 •

Ohio Needs and Deserves a Superintendent with
Child-Focused Professional Experience or A Deep Commitment to Education

Professionally, our next education leader should have demonstrated success in a child-focused career such as education, pediatric healthcare, behavioral or mental health, or family services. Ideally, our leader would have school district experience in a classroom, as a building administrator, or as a school superintendent. Absent that, our superintendent would bring a vision to provide a high-quality education for every student and carry a deep commitment to learning about multiple facets of education that integrate student wellness, social-emotional learning, and academic achievement. 
 
•
​
Ohio Needs and Deserves a Superintendent with
Exceptional Operational Experience and Financial Acumen

Operationally, our superintendent should bring solid experience managing a large organization that carries more than 600 employees and wields a multimillion dollar budget. Further, the role should move away from strict accountability to more of a customer service oriented agency that offers direct support to school districts and students. As a liaison to the State Board, a quasi-cabinet member, and a policy advisor to the Ohio legislature, the state superintendent must be fiercely nonpartisan, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and deftly manage, often competing, priorities and agendas. These operational skills coupled with educational experience, a Whole Child mindset, and cultural proficiency would make a candidate ideally suited for the role. 

•

Ohio's 1.7 million students entrusted in the care of some 612 school districts across Ohio, need and deserve a superintendent of public instruction who can expertly prioritize and deploy resources to address the unique needs, wellness, safety, and academic success of each and every student across the state.

Student Public Forum April 24th

 

Middle School • High School • College • University   #WeWillNotBeSilenced Unite with students across Ohio to protect honesty in education and fight censorship! Divisive Concepts Bills Don't Say Gay Bills Classroom Censorship Book Bans ENOUGH!   STUDENT PUBLIC FORUM: Protect Honesty in Education Sunday, April 24, 1pm - 4pm Presentations: History of Student Activism Attacks on Honest Education in Ohio Student Workshops: Student Organizing Social Media Advocacy Letters to the Editor / Op-Eds Get Out the Vote!   REGISTER

We Can Keep COVID from Coming Between Kids and Their Education

 

We Can Keep COVID from Coming Between Kids and Their Education

Vaccination offers the best protection for keeping kids ages five and older safe from COVID in the classroom and in group activities.   COVID Can Be Dangerous for Kids Kids who get COVID can: Get very sick Need hospital care Die Even kids who don’t get very sick at first can have long-lasting health problems.   Safe, Effective COVID Vaccines Are Available to Protect Kids Vaccines offer the best protection available from the dangers of COVID for kids.   We know the COVID vaccines are safe because: Scientists tested them in thousands of kids before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would allow them to be used for all kids. Scientists and other medical experts haven’t seen any serious safety issues among the millions of kids who’ve been vaccinated. Vaccinating eligible kids can: Help keep them in class. Help them safely participate in sports, playdates and other group activities. Despite this, kids are the least likely of any eligible age group to be vaccinated against COVID.   How to Find Free COVID Vaccines Don’t let COVID come between kids and their education. Find free COVID vaccines for kids ages five and older at Vaccines.gov.

Find Vaccines

[Un]Fair Housing - The Legacy of REDLINING n Northeast Ohio

 

REAL TALK Presents [Un] Fair Housing:  ​The Legacy of REDLINING in Northeast Ohio ​2-Part Housing Series ​Wednesday, April 13 & 20, 2022 at 7pm ET Hosted By REAL TALK In Partnership With Ideastream Public Media, Akron Beacon Journal, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, The Freedom BLOC www.RealTalkLWV.org

REGISTER

Nationally, April is recognized as Fair Housing Month, yet Northeast Ohio remains one of the most racially segregated regions in the country. This is in large part the legacy of decades of policies including redlining and exclusionary zoning that limited people’s housing choices based on race and income. Yet, research tells us that where you live determines your access to high-quality public schools, affordable housing, employment, and fresh and affordable food and can affect physical and mental health and the ability to build and pass on wealth to future generations.  The most recent rounds of federal dollars for fiscal relief (ARPA) and infrastructure offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address these inequities and strategically invest in housing, transportation, and employment to strengthen our region.  Join us as we discuss how we got here and how we can make our communities more diverse and inclusive so that our region can thrive economically in the future.  

PART 1 Erasing the Red Line: Opening Opportunities  Wednesday, April 13, 7pm ET

Opening Speaker: ​Carrie Pleasants Executive Director Fair Housing Center for Rights and Research

Panelists Lenora Lockett, Director Office of Procurement & Diversity, Cuyahoga County Kevin Nowak, President CEO, CHN Housing Partners   Jason Segedy, Director Planning and Urban Development City of Akron  Moderated By Rick Jackson, Senior Producer, Host, Ideastream Public Media

PART 2 Housing Justice: Universal, Stable, Affordable Housing Wednesday, April 20, 7pm ET

Keynote Speaker: Demetria L. McCain Principal Deputy Asst. Secretary, Fair Housing and Equal Oppty. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Panelists Dee McCall, Housing Organizer The Freedom BLOC  Andrew Neuhauser, Managing Attorney Community Legal Aid Svcs, Inc.  Matthew Slater, Director of Veterans Services Family and Community Svcs Moderated By Seyma Bayram, Reporter, Akron Beacon Journal

REGISTER

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REAL TALK is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion program that examines the inequities and disparities within education, public health, criminal justice, employment, housing, and democracy. The program features experts, practitioners, and community leaders who drive meaningful change, and provides Ohioans with resources to TAKE ACTION. REAL TALK is a collaboration amongst four Leagues of Women Voters in Northeast Ohio (Akron Area, Greater Cleveland, Hudson, Kent), in strong partnership with the Akron NAACP, The Freedom BLOC, Ideastream Public Media, and WKSU.

Ohio Superintendent Interviews

 

IMPORTANT UPDATES

Ohio Superintendent Interviews The State Board of Education is scheduled to interview seven candidates for Ohio's next superintendent of public instruction during the April State Board meeting, on April 11 & 12. Interviews will be conducted in Executive Session. Board members narrowed the list to seven candidates from 27 that applied.   Seven Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction: Stephen Dackin, former State Board member Larry Hook Thomas Hosler Finn Laursen David Quattrochi Kimberly Richey Ronnie Tarchichi Read Candidate Submissions HERE Dr. Stephanie K. Siddens, who has been serving as interim superintendent of public instruction since September of 2021 following the departure of Paolo DeMaria, did not apply for the permanent role.   TAKE ACTION    Contact State Board Members Tell them what qualities and core competencies you want in Ohio's next state superintendent.  Learn more HERE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE  MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022 Monday is the last day to register to vote and update your voter registration for the May 3rd Primary Election. Register to vote HERE •••   IMPORTANT   CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS! Even if you're already registered to vote, it's important to ensure that your registration information is up-to-date and that you were not purged from the voter registration rolls.  Check your voter registration HERE ••• Ohio Primary Election May 3, 2022 REGISTER TO VOTE HERE CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION  HERE   Join Honesty Mailing List

Ohio PTA Convention Information

As we prepare to meet members at the end of April, here are eight Ohio PTA workshops virtually offered for our leaders.  Registration is required and can be accessed by clicking on the link under each workshop title listed below.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

For those coming to the convention and attending four of these eight virtual workshops, we will have a “thank you” gift waiting for you! 

Wednesday, April 6 6:45-7:45pm PTA Healthy Minds Program

8:00-9:00pm10 tips for PTA DNA (Dynamic, Nimble, Amazing) Leaders

Thursday, April 7 6:45-7:45pm Bylaws and Standing Rules: How Comfortable Are YOU? 

8:00-9:00pm Cultural Fitness with JEDI Training

Monday, April 11 6:45-7:45pm Treasurer Topics

8:00-9:00pm Membership Driven Intentional Leadership

Tuesday, April 12 6:45-7:45pm Programs, Training, Advocacy to direct your PTA mission

8:00-9:00pm HWS Position Statement and Panel Discussion

PTA Healthy Minds Program 

Presenter: National PTA Healthy Minds Ambassador, Shaton Berry

Join Shaton for a robust discussion on the PTA Healthy Minds Program developed to empower families to make mental health an everyday priority. At the Ohio PTA in-person convention, Dr. Brett Zyromski from OSU will talk more about the power of families and schools to support the mental health of children!

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvf-2hpzwjE9X8gqyuc16mqgFl4ZqVjzGI

10 tips to help the PTA DNA (Dynamic, Nimble, Amazing) Leader

Presenter: Jackie Arendt, Ohio PTA President

Angela Revay, Ohio PTA President-elect

You were born to lead and help children succeed! The work is not always easy, but so worth it! Join us to learn the top ten tools to get your ready for your role as a PTA leader! From running a nonprofit to membership growth to managing the unexpected! And don’t forget to join us at convention to learn more in our roundtable discussions!

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtf-CqpzMvGtS-KQ8d3UKl3uqRFgxTQEb5

Bylaws and Standing Rules: How Comfortable Are YOU? 

Presenter: Janis Zart, Ohio PTA Board Member, Bylaws Chairperson

Learn the importance of Bylaws and Standing Rules and how they help us manage our PTAs. Discover how to use, review and update these important documents on a three year cycle.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uf-2uqz0sGNxbh9WqWTrMDuJtFIwDZ48w

 

Cultural Fitness with JEDI Training

Presenter: Jackie Arendt, Ohio PTA President

Whether your goal is building onto your diversity or knowing where to start, learn how the intentional changes in your leadership style can impact the messaging to members and cultivate a more diverse membership that focuses on equity, inclusion and justice in your unit, council and community activities and events. 

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsceytrzMqHde1nDb1FXYprG2r0Ijn1pJf

Treasurer Topics

Presenter: Dana Paul, Ohio PTA Secretary-Treasurer

Angela Revay, Ohio PTA President-elect

Being the financial leader is very important! Learn the various duties and responsibilities needed to get the job done step by step! This covers the basics and will prepare you for the convention workshop on financial reviews, 990s and insurance!

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscOuprzsvG9Hf02GF9DCdxEX2XjUIMDBt

Membership Driven Intentional Leadership

Presenters: Nicole Lesnick, Ohio PTA Board Member, Advocacy Chairperson

                    Janice Wanko, Ohio PTA Board Member, Membership Chairperson 

How do you weave the mission of PTA into your membership goals? Find out! Membership in our PTAs is for everyone and is also everyone’s responsibility. Join us and explore ways to engage current members and expand membership in new and diverse ways.

Nicole will continue her intentional leadership training at our in-person convention!

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvcOGpqT8jEtZg7Ru_9SCD9vgBTjgkwnA-

Programs, Training, Advocacy to Direct your PTA Mission 

Presenters: Jackie Arendt, Ohio PTA President

Angela Revay, Ohio PTA President-elect

What is the purpose of PTA? How do we value our members through training? What education issues should we know? Ohio PTA runs amazing programs, provides training and supports advocacy efforts that are essential to carrying out the mission of PTA. We will discuss the many ways to PTA and focus on what members want to know more about by offering roundtable forums at convention.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUldO-hrz0oGtagn9RXObtxkDxCCJhj-smP

 

HWS Position Statement and Panel Discussion

Presenter: Kyle Vath, Ohio PTA Board Member, Health Welfare & Safety Chair with panel member Dr. Rudy Breglia

To prepare for ratification of our pending position statement on the importance of vaccines, join Ohio PTA Board Member and HSW Chairperson, Kyle Vath, in an open discussion about this and other health, welfare and safety topics. Dr. Breglia will also be a keynote speaker at our convention!

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMlfu-vrTItGNLjSOGr_W8PmbG5oAIfbV1N

CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Friday, April 29

6:30 Ohio PTA Partnership Meeting

7:00 First-Timers Orientation

7:30-9:30 “Free Form” PTA: Join the Ohio PTA Board of Directors along with Dr. Brett Zyromski, OSU Assistant Professor in Educational Studies for two hours of collaborating and networking to understand where we are in PTA and how we can move forward to help children succeed. We want to hear and learn from you!

Saturday, April 30

7am – 8:00am Breakfast

8am – 8:20am Volunteer Orientation 8:30am – 10am GENERAL SESSION I

Welcome & Introductions Credentials Report

Keynote Speaker-Dr. Brett Zyromski, OSU Assistant Professor in

Educational Studies; “Power of Families and Schools to Build Protective Factors to Improve Student Mental Health”

Convention information and reminders 10:15am – 11:15am Workshop Session 1

11:30 to 12:45 Networking Luncheon

1:00pm – 2:00pm Workshop Session 2 2:15pm – 3:45pm GENERAL SESSION II

Ohio PTA Awards Announcements

Keynote Speaker- Dr. Rudy Breglia, School Bus Seat Belt Safety Alliance

4:00pm – 5:00pm Workshop Session 3

6pm – 8pm Members Awards & Reception

 

Workshop Sessions at Convention:

How the High School Math Pathways Support Student's College and Career Readiness- Brian Bickley, ODE: Ohio is launching a Strengthening Ohio High School Mathematics Pathways Initiative this fall to be implemented in the 2022-2023 school year. This session addresses how Pathways support college and career readiness for students.

Tax Compliance with File990.org (AIM Insurance will also be discussed) JB Goll: An overview of tax filing for PTAs, how to maintain compliance, and utilizing File990.org

The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center: A resource for Ohio PTAs-Dr. Barbara Boone: In this workshop participants will explore the resources of Ohio’s Statewide Family Engagement Center and discuss how PTAs can use these resources to strengthen home-school-community partnerships. The Center has tools, information, and training for families, administrators, teachers, and support staff at all grade levels.

Councils help us Focus-Angela Revay, Ohio PTA President-elect: A council is a group of PTA units organized under the authority of Ohio PTA for the purpose of collaboration, leadership training, and coordination of the efforts of the member units. It serves as a channel of communication between the state and district PTA and the units. Do you want to make a council?

Basic of PTA Communication-Ohio PTA Board Members: From your newsletter to your website to your social media – you have many ways to communicate with members and parents

– and many ways for new officers to feel overwhelmed. In this session, learn what you need to do to get it all done – on time and effectively – and how to make the most of the time and volunteers you do have. Ohio PTA board members will help you improve your communication strategy. We will give you the tools you need to succeed.

PTA DNA: Intentional Leadership-Nicole Lesnick: We have all been there. The nominating committee fills the positions with less than enthusiastic individuals and people with commitment issues. Then fall rolls around and we are stuck again looking for volunteers. This workshop will help you to create a mission-focused team that wants to lead. It will help you become a leader that is mission-focused and intentional with strategies and techniques to build yourself into the leader you want to become.

Café style for roundtable discussions designed to have open dialogue for our newest PTA leaders from the wise and perceptive past state leaders about some of the challenges and opportunities that transcend time.

Working topics:

- Past Presidents: Living Legacy of Knowledge

- How do we get there from here: Managing Logistics of PTA Business and Mission?

- I wish I knew then what I know now: Collaborative School Cultures

POSITION STATEMENT FOR OHIO PTA CONVENTION DELEGATES' CONSIDERATION https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xzm3QJk_HKRKXC3LLJnPm4HmOtEzGHsh/view?usp=sharing