Woah!  Is it just me, or did August fly by faster than a kindergarten teacher headed to recess?!  Some of you will understand that joke more than others. Yes, time is passing by swiftly and we're almost halfway through our biggest membership month. What creative things did your school do to invite parents to join our mission? Were you able to tell a newbie about the benefits and purpose of PTA? Did you feel confident in spreading the news about why you chose to be a part of this association? 

I ask those questions for a reason. I'm a firm believer that everyone is a public speaker. Everyone has the ability to talk about what is important to them. Just watch a proud father describe how his daughter is progressing in her reading, especially if it's "above grade level". Or listen to a grandmother talk about her grandson's winning touchdown against the "top ranked team". They may not even understand why those phrases are important, but they know the pride they feel. They recognize that feeling of untapped potential and future accomplishment. That is what I feel when I talk about you.

I want each of you to feel that pride in this association. To feel that potential you possess. To look back at your achievements and to yearn to do more. PTA is not just a hobby to some. It's a cause. It's an instrument of change...a means to make things better for children and families in our community.  I'm never at a lack of words when I talk about you.  I'm filled with pride when I see your postings about backpack drives, clothes closets, family reading nights and donuts with dads.  I know you're making a difference. The more we share our stories and ideas, the more people will hear about the value of PTA and want to belong. Someone shared their story with you.  Who will you share your story with today?

Membership is not just a one month campaign, or a slogan, or a contest for numbers. It represents the number of people who value what we value. The number of people we have shared our passion with.  If you've never shared your PTA story, start by sharing it with me. I'd love to know why you do what you do. If you can tell me, well, that's one down and who knows how many more to go!

Let's make history!

Did you know when you join the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), you are simply saying, "I support the mission"?   I support making every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.   I support working to improve the education and well-being of all children and youth at home, school, and community. I support one of the largest child advocacy associations in the world.  

There are many reasons to join the PTA: being a voice, getting connected, and staying informed are just a few benefits. The greatest benefit is to your child and your community; you are just one piece of the puzzle that is missing.  Help us complete our puzzle!   Together Everyone Achieves More, so join your local or state team today!

"Believe that what you do matters and will make a difference in peoples' lives. You don't have to save the world in one stroke but you can make a difference one person at a time" - Unknown

Let's make a difference together!

Charmain Postel

Membership Chair

National PTA is pleased to recognize 173 schools and PTAs from across the country as  2016-2018 National PTA Schools of Excellence for their leadership and accomplishments nationwide in building strong, effective family-school partnerships. The schools and PTAs represent 31 states and one Department of Defense school in Germany.

"Strong family-school partnerships are proven to advance children's learning and growth, increase student achievement and positively impact school improvement efforts," said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. "We are pleased to designate these schools and PTAs as 2016-2018 National PTA Schools of Excellence for their commitment to partnering to support student success and continuous school improvement."

Florida PTA is very proud of 24 Florida schools that were recognized!  Congratulations!

 

Eagles Landing PTSA Boca Raton	Sandpiper Shores PTA Boca Raton	Coral Gables Prep PTSA Coral Gables
Julia Landon College Prep PTSA Jacksonville	Stanton College Prep PTSA Jacksonville	San Pablo PTA Jacksonville Beach
West Riverside PTA Jacksonville	Hidden Oak PTA Lake Worth	George M. Steinbrenner PTA Lutz
Frank C. Martin K-8 PTSA Miami	Silver Lakes PTSA Miramar	Cypress Springs PTA Orlando
Hillcrest PTA Orlando	Curlew Creek PTA Palm Harbor	Pleasant Grove PTA Pensacola
Miami Palmetto PTSA Pinecrest	Grace Ippolito PTA Riverview	Explorer K-8 PTSA Spring Hill
Douglas Jamerson, Jr. PTA St. Petersburg	Gorrie PTA Tampa	H.B. Plant PTSA Tampa
MacFarlane Park PTA Tampa	Lewis PTA Temple Terrace	Lithia Springs PTA Valrico

For information on how to become a National PTA School of Excellence, click here.  The deadline to enroll is October 1st.