Latest News November 16, 2016 
In This Issue
Why Do Bullied children Keep Quiet?
 
Bullying is a serious problem and many children do not report bullying to adults. Learn why they stay silent and how to stop bullies. Learn more with this infographic( PDF).
 

 How Parents and School Communities Can Help Prevent Bullying and Cyberbullying
 
When:  Thursday, Nov. 17
Time for webinar in Spanish:  1 p.m. EST- Register Now 
Time for webinar in English:  7 p.m. EST- Register Now 

Bullying and cyberbullying can negatively impact the learning environment of all students. Parents, school staff and other caring adults can have a vital role in preventing bullying and cyberbullying.
 
Join this virtual event to learn more about this important issue and how parents, students and school community can respond to bullying and cyberbullying situations and address them appropriately.
 
Webinar Host:
  • Armen Alvarez, multicultural membership development manager, National PTA
Featured Speakers: 
  • Enrique Escallon, board member, National PTA
  • Caroline Knorr, parenting editor, Common Sense Media (English webinar)
  • Maria O. Alvarez, director of Latino content and outreach, Common Sense Media (Spanish webinar)

Thank You LANL Foundation!


Thanks to a grant from the LANL Foundation, New Mexico PTA recently brought local PTA leaders from across the state together for a training about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  The PTA leaders will host forums in their communities and provide feedback to the New Mexico Learning Alliance.  Data from Learning Alliance forums will be sent to the NM Public Education Dept to help inform their process as they submit an updated state plan.
Interested in providing information via an on-line survey?  Visit the Learning Alliance website at www.learningalliancenm.org

For more information on ESSA, please visit the National PTA website at www.pta.org/essa


Arroyo Del Oso PTA in Albuquerque uses their bulletin board to encourage families to get involved

Great bulletin board Military Heights PTA Roswell!! They proudly show off all their hard work.


Talking to Children About the Election
By Windy Lopez-Aflitto, Director of Content and Partnerships, Learning Heroes
 
Our nation has experienced a historic election and throughout this complex process parents and teachers have played an important role in helping children understand what it means for our communities and country. In the days and weeks ahead, it will remain important to listen to our children, making sure they feel safe, optimistic and motivated to learn and grow as individuals and as part of the world around them.
 
For more than 15 years I've had the privilege of working with families and educators across the country and continue to be inspired by the commitment to raising healthy, happy and successful children. Here are some questions and ideas I've been thinking about as well as additional resources and tips from trusted partners such as Scholastic, GreatSchools, CommonSense Media, Univision and more.
 
Listen and Ask

How are your children feeling? What questions do your children have?

Stay connected to how your children are reacting to the election and listen closely to their questions and thoughts. Provide reassurance that you, your family, and your children's school are there for them, giving them a place to talk through their questions and work through their feelings.
 
Role-model positive choices

Given that many communities feel disconnected and divided right now, what can each of us do to be kind and understand others? How can we have a positive impact in our school and community?

Talk to your children about the small choices and actions we take every day that help make the world a better place. As you show the importance of understanding others' feelings and views as part of leading a positive and healthy life, your children will too.
 
Teach them how to overcome challenges

With all of the different feelings children might be experiencing, how can you help your children learn to manage their emotions? How can you teach them the skills they need to overcome difficult situations?

Continue to support their overall development by showing them important skills like how to practice self-control and how to approach life's challenges with perseverance and resilience.
 
Focus on the positive

What makes your children smile? What are they good at and what are they interested in?

Limit negative media exposure and focus on the positive things that make your children happy. Help encourage and strengthen your children's belief and confidence in their ability to realize their dreams and play a positive role in the world around them. 
 
For more information, resources and tips on related topics including bullying and supporting social and emotional development, click on these Learning Tools.

Additional articles and resources:

 
What should we tell our kids? Be tomorrow's leaders, today.

Common Sense Media

 
CNN

 
Univision

 
Huffington Post

 
NPR

 
Parents Together

 
PopSugar

 
Today

 
Scholastic

 
Scholastic

 
GreatSchools

CALLING ALL PTAs..........SHOW YOUR PTA PRIDE!!!


JOIN US, ONE AND ALL, IN THE ALBUQUERQUE TWINKLE LIGHT PARADE - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016
NMPTA will be entering a float in the Albuquerque Twinkle Light Parade.  We will have a truck and trailer, both of which will be decorated with blow-ups and twinkle lights.  We invite all of you to walk the ONE-MILE parade route with us.  You work hard for your kids and school, LET'S SHOW THE PEOPLE OF NEW MEXICO HOW PTA PROUD WE ARE!!!
All you need to do is tell us how many people will be walking behind the float AND wear twinkle lights.  Please read the rules and regulations below and ensure you are in compliance.
If you would like to participate, please email NMPTA by November 30th and let us know how many of you will be participating.  Feel free to make signs and posters (that you can carry) indicating your school name.
Twinkle Light Parade Rules and Regulations:
 
The parade is meant to be fun for the community; however, remember safety is the number one priority for both parade entrants and spectators.
 
 
LIGHTS:  All Entries, including tow-vehicles and walkers, must be decorated with holiday lighting. All entries are required to have as many lights as possible.
 
Insurance and liability are the sole responsibility of the entrant.
 
HANDOUTS:
Throwing of any items is strictly prohibited. PLEASE DO NOT THROW CANDY. Walking entrants may hand out appropriate holiday items.
 
 
PLEASE COME OUT AND HELP US SHOW OUR PTA PRIDE!!!


NMPTA | nmpta@newmexicopta.org | http://www.newmexicopta.org
1100 Cardenas Dr SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 14706
Albuquerque, NM 87191