November is a time when PTAs traditionally partner with local pantries and other groups to host end of year food drives to help stock the shelves or host Family Feeding Family events.  We also take time to recognize and thank our military veterans for their service (PSA: Veterans Day is November 11th), file our units' taxes, and remind members to vote on Election Day. 

 

Our VIPs (aka: Very Important PTAs) go through a similar routine every month. Holidays and groups are recognized/celebrated, important educational programs, school functions, and events are hosted, and members are reminded of civic and community responsibilities. Reports and paperwork need to be completed and meetings are hosted or attended.  Oftentimes our hard working units and volunteers are wrapping up one month of activities, rolling out the current month events, and finalizing plans for the next month...all with a smile.

 

Parents of first, second, and third graders are under intense challenges with new assessments. Students with disabilities are under even more intense challenges with well over 50 percent of the students facing potential retention.  Third grade retention is required if students do not pass the test or have a good cause exemption.  Some schools hold back students in first and second grade.  This session will discuss the harsh realities your child faces and what you as an informed, empowered and proactive parent can do to make the difference for your child. It will provide background information, options you can pursue and some recommendations.  There will be plenty of time for questions.   Click here for information on a helpful conference call with the Florida PTA Exceptional Child Committee.

About the presenter: Mark Halpert is a PTA member and the Co-President of the Learning Disabilities Association of Florida. Mark has been a member of the State Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities, the Founder of the Florida Advocacy Coalition on Learning Differences, and a Parent Advocate for the National Center for Learning Disabilities.  Mark has spoken at national meetings on success by third grade.  

The conference call will take place on  Thursday, November 5th from 8-9 PM .  

Dial 641-715-3580 and enter code 934-567 to join the call.

To learn more about evaluating your programs visit our  web site!

The annual celebration of American Education Week spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education, as well as the need for everyone to do their part in making public schools great.  PTA can help by planning events to celebrate the importance of educating our children. This year's theme is "Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility," and will be reflected in special observances each day of the week long celebration:

Getting Involved in Your Child's Education

 

Parents are the biggest influence in their child's life and education, even more important than teachers and classmates/friends. The difference between a good school and an even better school is the involvement of the parents and school community.  Even if a parent doesn't have much time to become involved, 15 minutes of uninterrupted time spent with your child every day can improve study skills, build self-esteem, and go along way toward a successful school experience. 

 

Research has proven that when parents are involved in their children's education, kids do better in school. It's important for us to be involved in education.  Every parent can be involved, even if they can't make it to school during the day or to the PTA meeting.  How?

Some parents and families are able to be involved in their child's education in every event. Others may only have time for one or two activities. Whatever your level of involvement, do it consistently and stick with it because you will make an important difference in your child's life.