The Voting Rights Acts

The Voting Rights Act was signed into law on August 6, 1965, and organizations across the country are marking the anniversary this Saturday, August 8, with a nationwide day of civic action. PTA has been an advocacy organization since its founding, and helping families understand and exercise their civic responsibilities is a large part of that tradition. If your PTA unit or council is looking for a way to open the school year fostering community engagement and civic participation, this is a great way to do that, especially as your back-to-school events are getting underway.

Your PTA's action doesn't need to be a big production. It can be as simple as:

A post. Share a post on social media reminding families that Ohio's registration deadline for the November 3 general election is Monday, October 5, and that anyone can register or check their status at olvr.ohiosos.gov. Add a line about the VRA anniversary and why it matters.

A table. Put voter registration forms and a "check your registration" QR code on a table at your open house, orientation, or first meeting. Your county board of elections will supply forms at no cost, or you can download and print them yourself. Make sure your building administration is aware that this will be part of your PTA advocacy at the event.

A conversation. Host a short program on the history of the Voting Rights Act and how elections work in Ohio: school board races, levies, and the national, state, and local offices on this year's ballot. Reach out to your county board of elections, a local library, or civic groups like the League of Women Voters to help you plan and publicize your event.

Whatever you choose, remember that our bylaws make us noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan, and our 501(c)(3) status requires it. Register and inform every voter who comes to you, on the same terms, without regard to how anyone might vote. PTA does not endorse or favor candidates or parties, and does not take a stance on ballot-issues. We advocate for policies that make every child's potential a reality. If you have questions about what's permissible, please reach out to us before your event, not after.

 

Join us on Tuesday, September 15th for a Virtual Ohio PTA Statewide Fall Conference hosted by Region 2!

Register to attend by clicking this link!

We can’t wait to connect with everyone in-person this year at National PTA’s Convention June 1 8-20 in Pittsburgh. We’re thrilled to hear from keynote speaker Al Roker. EARLY BIRD PRICING ENDS MARCH 31ST

As a TODAY show co-anchor, weatherman and devoted father, Al brings decades of storytelling and heart that we’re sure will inspire our PTA community.

Register today for an unforgettable experience filled with: ✨inspiring sessions, ✨hands-on workshops, ✨ participate in PTA’s business—vote for officers & resolutions ✨resources to strengthen your PTA and✨ networking opportunities with fellow PTA leaders from across the country. PTA.org/Convention #PTAConvention #PTAProud

 

Get Amped Up for All Kids in Lewis Center with Ohio PTA!

 Get AMPED UP FOR KIDS with us April 24 and 25

in Lewis Center Ohio!

Price increase on April 1st and the hotel block is set through March 24th so the time is now to get registered!

We are so excited to jam with all of you again this year at the Ohioan- the hotel formerly known at the Nationwide Conference Center.

Call to Convention Packet
https://www.ohiopta.org/events/convention

You can register by clicking the link below:
https://my.cheddarup.com/c/2026conventionampedupforallkids/items

Hotel Reservations
https://res.windsurfercrs.com/ibe/shop.aspx?propertyid=18356&nights=1&checkin=4/24/2026&group=2604PAREN&lang=en-us

 

As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to understand the connection between your teen’s mental health and potential for substance use. Staying connected can reduce their risk for drug use.
Ohio PTA is happy to share that the Free Mind website has resources and tools for parents and caregivers to get informed like youth drug use stats, facts about substances, and even a digital card game, Facts & Feels, to help start the conversation.
You can also hear from panelists at a recent Athletes for Hope event held at Dillard Drive Magnet Middle School in North Carolina. Professional athletes Chasity Melvin and Kamren (Kam) Larsen shared personal stories and relatable insights into mental health, coping strategies, and substance use to help foster early, judgment-free conversations and to equip parents and caregivers with tools and support. 

 

UPDATED SCHOLARSHIP DUE DATE 

Ohio PTA has extended the deadline for Scholarship applications to March 16th due to numerous weather related school closures.

Electronic applications must be submitted by March 16th, and paper applications must be postmarked by March 16th and addressed to the Ohio PTA office. Faxed applications will NOT be accepted. PLEASE, one application per student.

 🎯 Help Ohio Students Share Their Voice

Youth Gambling Survey Now Open

Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG), in partnership with the Ohio PTA, invites students across Ohio to participate in the 2026 Youth Gambling Survey — a short, anonymous statewide survey designed to better understand youth attitudes and experiences related to gaming and gambling.

We’re asking teachers, parents, and coaches, to help share this opportunity with students in grades 9–12. Participation takes less than 10 minutes, is completely anonymous, and will help shape future education and prevention programs that highlight the importance of youth gambling prevention.

🖥️ How to Participate
• Students can complete the survey online at Youth Gambling Survey 2026
• Open to all Ohio students in grades 9–12
• No personal information collected
• Survey open through March 16th 

💡 Why It Matters
As sports betting, online gaming, and other forms of gambling become more visible, it’s important to understand how these trends may impact young people. The insights gained from this survey will help inform statewide prevention efforts led by Ohio for Responsible Gambling’s Change the Game Ohio campaign — a program dedicated to raising awareness about youth gaming and gambling behaviors.

📢 Spread the Word
Help us reach more students by sharing this announcement in your school newsletters, team updates, or community networks. Together, we can build a safer, more informed future for Ohio’s youth.

For more information, visit ChangeTheGameOhio.org or contact:
Nicole Lesnick at president@ohiopta.org

Do you hear what I hear? It's your CALL TO CONVENTION! 119th Ohio PTA Annual Convention

 

Dear Ohio PTA Members,

  On behalf of the Governance Team of Ohio PTA, it gives us great Satisfaction to invite you to attend the 119th Annual Convention of Ohio PTA in Lewis Center, Ohio Friday, April 24 through Saturday, April 25, 2026.  Our convention hotel is the Ohioan Hotel and Event Center.  Past convention attendees may recognize the hotel as the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center and it’s So Good to be Back.  It has been rebranded to The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center. The new Ohioan name is reflective of the facility’s history and Glory Days dating back to the 1950s with rich character and stately Style. 

Convention is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year when we get to see our PTA friends from all over the state while also allowing for you to take part in the business of the association. We can’t wait to See You Again!

From first timers to seasoned delegates, Convention has something for Everybody. Yeah… Convention is the time and place to get energized and be inspired to help you grow as a leader. It feels like you are Walking on Sunshine.

Convention provides PTA members the opportunity to:

• Foster relationships with other volunteer-minded delegates because We are Family

• Be Rolling in the Deep with sharing experiences and best practices 

• Develop new connections with other delegates and organizations from around the state

• Vote on bylaws that govern our state association

• Hear from keynote speakers that will Light Your Fire for advocacy

• Participate in motivating and informative workshops to put you and your PTA skills On Top of the World

The 2026 Ohio PTA Convention theme Amped up for All Kids puts the spotlight on our mission “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.”  

Pack your bags, Hit the Road, Jack, and join us in Lewis Center April 24–25!

Music (and PTA) Sounds Better with You,

Nicole Lesnick

Ohio PTA President

Convention Schedule

Friday, April 24

5PM to 8PM 

Registration begins

John E. Fisher Lobby

First Timers Table

NorthPointe Prefunction

6 PM to 7PM 

Workshop Session 1

7PM to 8PM 

Opening Remarks and Guest Speaker

NorthPointe Ballroom

8PM to 8:15 PM

Ohio PTA Partnership Annual Meeting

NorthPointe Ballroom

8:30PM to 10 PM

VIP Meet and Greet Reception

NorthPointe Prefunction Area

Ticketed Event

Saturday, April 25 

7AM to 7:45AM

Breakfast 

Ohio Dining Room

8AM 

Report time for General Session 1

NorthPointe Ballroom

8:15AM to 10:15 AM

General Session 1

NorthPointe Ballroom

10:30AM to 11:30AM

Workshop Session 2

10AM to 3PM

Vendor Village

NorthPointe Prefunction and Study

12:30PM to 2:30 PM

Reflections Celebration and Luncheon

NorthPointe Ballroom

Ticketed Event

2:45PM to 3:45 PM

Workshop Session 3

4PM to 4:25 PM

Officer Meet and Greets

NorthPointe Ballroom

4:30PM to 5:30PM

General Session 2

NorthPointe Ballroom

7PM to 9PM

Awards Dinner and Celebration

NorthPointe Ballroom

Ticketed Event

9PM to 11PM

The Unplugged PTA Game Night: Just Fun, No Instruments!

Scholarship Fundraiser

NorthPointe Ballroom

Ticketed Event

Workshops Convention

 There are three workshop sessions scheduled. 

• Workshop Session 1: Friday,

 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

• Workshop Session 2: Saturday, 

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 

• Workshop Session 3: Saturday, 

2:45 a.m. - 3:45 a.m. 

Exhibitors and Sponsors 

Please take this opportunity to visit and thank our exhibitors and sponsors - their participation is vital to the success of our convention! In-person Exhibitor hours: Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

The Virtual Vendor Village will be housed on the Ohio PTA website following Convention 2026, and will remain open for one calendar year.

Information and First Timers

If this is your first state Convention, the Information and First Timers’ table is where you can visit to get your questions answered and grab your first timers’ bingo card!

 

Once checked in at registration, stop over at this table on Friday 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Plan to be in the group First Timers photograph following General Session II on Saturday.

Friday VIP Meet and Greet

A VIP Meet and Greet event will be held in the prefunction area of the NorthPointe Ballroom.  Join the Ohio PTA Board of Directors and other leaders from all over Ohio for a fun night of getting to know each other.

This is a ticketed event.  

Reflections Celebration and Luncheon

Our annual Reflections Celebration and Luncheon brings together our state level Reflections winners and their families to celebrate the arts.

This is a ticketed event.

Banquet and Awards Recognitions

Join us Saturday night for dinner and the Ohio PTA awards program to celebrate our leaders in their PTA efforts over the 2025-2026 school year. 

This is a ticketed event.

The Unplugged PTA Game Night: Just Fun, No Instruments!

End your convention experience with a game night to help raise funds for scholarships! 

This is a ticketed event.

Convention Registration

Register Online at https://my.cheddarup.com/c/2026conventionampedupforallkids/items

Friday/Saturday 

• $100 before March 1st

• $125 before April 1st

• $150 until April 15th

Saturday Only 

• $100 before April 15th

• $125 Onsite Registration

No advance registrations accepted after April 15,2026 . Registrations after that date will be processed on-site only at an additional $25 of listed registration fee.

Ticketed Events

• $15 VIP Meet and Greet (selection of small bites and 1 non alcoholic drink per ticket)

Cash Bar Available

• $30 Reflections Celebration and Awards (plated luncheon)

• $35 Awards Celebration Dinner (buffet dinner)

Cash Bar Available

Includes The Unplugged PTA Game Night: Just Fun, No Instruments! ticket

• $5 The Unplugged PTA Game Night: Just Fun, No Instruments! (Scholarship Fundraiser)

All meals will be ticketed, and every attendee must be individually registered and paid for. All meals must be purchased by the April 15th deadline and ticketed. There may be limited meal purchasing on site, if available.

Event Fee Cancellation / Refund Policy -  REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 15, 2026  Event registration and payment must be received prior to the registration deadline.  Registrants who have paid in full and cancel before the registration deadline will receive a full refund, less $25 processing fee. Upon receipt of event registration, the registrant is responsible for the full event fee whether they attend or not. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after the registration deadline or for no-shows. Registrants will be billed for any unpaid amounts due. Registrants may send a replacement at no additional charge.  Registrants or replacements who do not show up to the event will not receive a refund.  Registrations received after the registration deadline will only be handled as on-site registrations.  Hotel rooms and reduced room block rate are not guaranteed for on-site registrations.

100 Green Meadows Dr S 

Lewis Center, OH 43035 

614-880-4300

Hotel reservations are to be made on your own under the Ohio PTA block at the Ohioan Hotel and Event Center using this link  or by calling the hotel directly at  614-880-4300 and using the code 2604PAREN to receive the discounted rate for the 119th Ohio PTA Convention.  

Ohio PTA Rate is $169 plus tax per night.

Reserve before March 25,2026   Availability of rooms cannot be guaranteed after this date.

Hotel reservations and inquiries are to be directed at the hotel.

The hotel cannot guarantee overnight room availability for on-site registration; the room block rates will not be in effect after the deadline date.

Scan the QR code to make your hotel reservation today!