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Happy December 🍁💙
Florida PTA Family, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend—wherever you were and whomever you shared it with. Florida PTA is truly grateful for each of you. Your dedication, passion, and the countless ways you show up for children and families across our state never go unnoticed.
Today is Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to generosity, community, and supporting the missions that make a difference. If Florida PTA has had an impact on you, your school, or your community, I invite you to consider making a Giving Tuesday donation today. Every contribution—big or small—helps us expand vital programs, strengthen our advocacy work, provide resources to local units, and uplift families from Pensacola to Key West. Thank you for standing with us and helping make every child’s potential a reality.
As we head into the final stretch of the year (it’s hard to believe how fast it’s flown by!) I’d also like to share a few important reminders:
Legislative Conference Registration is Now Open!
Join us in Tallahassee for one of our most meaningful advocacy events of the year. Your voice matters, and your presence directly impacts the future of Florida’s children. Please be sure to register and make plans to attend.
You’ll continue to receive updates this month on upcoming opportunities, resources, and events. There is much to look forward to as we close out the year together.
Until then, we wish you a cozy, peaceful December as we prepare to welcome a new year of strengthening families, supporting schools, and uplifting every child.
With deep appreciation,
Maxine Ann-Marie Lewers
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SUPPORT FLORIDA PTA'S MISSION THIS GIVING TUESDAY
YOUR DONATION HELPS FUNDS STATEWIDE PROGRAMS, STUDENT SUPPORT, ADVOCACY TRAINING, AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND PTAs ACROSS FLORIDA
Click Here to Donate Now!
| | | FLPTA Newsletter Highlights | |
Leadership Spotlight!
A lot happens behind the scenes to keep FLPTA moving forward, and Steven Young is one of a kind. Please get to know your FLPTA Seminole County Council President, Steven, in our new Leadership Spotlight!
What inspires you to be part of PTA?
Spending as much time as I can with my kids, while I'm still cool. And, the big picture is getting the opportunity to positively impact my community. Anyone can do this work and at any level it makes a difference.
How long have you been involved in PTA work?
4 years
What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
Playing basketball, walking the dog, and family time with my wife and kids.
What's your favorite TV show right now?
Stranger Things
Any advice you have for PTA leaders as we come to the end of the school year?
Always focus on the PTA mission (To make every child's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children) in any decision you make. If you don't know it, learn it, post it and share it with your team. It will keep you grounded and focused on why volunteering for this organization matters. Include others in your decision making and lastly "You don't have to be the best Do your Best!" This is advice I practice daily as I continue to serve, learn and grow within the PTA.
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Community, Connection & Hope
Last month, Seminole County Council PTA, alongside incredible local unit leaders from Hagerty, Winter Springs, and Lyman High Schools, came together to host a powerful evening centered on student mental health and well-being.
Parents, students, and community members heard from mental health professionals and local service providers who offered valuable insights, resources, and practical tools for navigating difficult conversations at home and in school. The discussion was heartfelt and eye-opening, and the presence of therapy dogs added a calming, comforting touch to the evening.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this meaningful event possible, and to all who showed up to listen, learn, and support one another. Together, we’re building stronger, more compassionate communities.
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Florida School Counselors Association
Florida PTA is proud to celebrate our partnership with the Florida School Counselors Association and all they do to support students across our state.
A special thank you to this year’s state winners! Your dedication, compassion, and leadership make a lasting impact on Florida’s children and families & To every school counselor: thank you for the countless ways you guide, support, and advocate for our students every single day. We appreciate you!
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2025-2026 Award Application Date Updates!
Early Bird Award:
This award will be given to each local PTA/PTSA submitting an application form and payment of state and national dues for 100% membership or any amount over last year’s membership (See the Celebrate Membership Award criteria for details on 100% membership. Note that if the total school population decreases, the total membership may be less than last year, but it can still achieve 100% membership as calculated.
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Golden Early Bird Award - Dues must be paid and received in the Florida PTA Office on or before October 1.
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Silver Early Bird Award - Dues must be paid and received in the Florida PTA Office on or before November 1.
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Bronze Early Bird Award - Dues must be paid and received in the Florida PTA Office on or before December 1.
Awards Workshop via Zoom: January 14, 2026
Awards deadline Submissions: May 1, 2026
Finalists notified: June 30, 2026
Awards Luncheon (at Convention): July 10, 2026
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2025-2026 Florida PTA Scholarship
As we approach the end of the academic year filled with promise and potential, the Florida PTA is excited to announce the launch of our annual scholarship program. This program recognizes and supports outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
The application window is now open and will remain so until March 2nd, 2026.
We encourage all 12th-grade students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their achievements and aspirations. Every application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Florida PTA Scholarship Committee, which comprises dedicated education professionals, parents, and community leaders.
Please ensure that you have completed all the required fields.
If you have any questions, please email Scholarship@floridapta.org.
Application Requirements:
- Must be a Florida PTA Member
- Submit a completed and signed application by March 2nd, 2026
- Must include a High school transcript showing a GPA of at least 2.5
- Submit a Letter of Recommendation
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION HERE
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2025-2026 December Membership Challenge is HERE!
This award is given to PTA units that have stepped up to the plate and grown their membership by at least 2% on or before the deadline using a winning strategy to increase participation. PTA units will receive a digital badge and be recognized on the Florida PTA website and social media platforms. Due Date: 12/10/25.
Application Here
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Membership Mania
Start Strong & Engage All Year
Membership Mania is a fun, year-long campaign designed to help local PTAs integrate membership growth into everything they do. It offers free resources, interactive challenges, and prize opportunities for PTAs that register and participate.
Four Phases to Success
- Start the School Year Strong
- Strengthen Your Membership Momentum
- Membership is Year-Round
- Set Your PTA Up for Success Next Year
Each phase encourages activities, collaboration, and making membership about connection—not just numbers.
Membership Is About Relationships. The campaign emphasizes that membership isn’t just a transaction. People join and stay when they feel seen, valued, and connected to the mission.
Join Today
Registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Sign up to take advantage of the resources and connect with other PTA leaders.
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Treasurer Q & A
Please join FLPTA Treasurer, Erica Hamblen, online with your questions and reach out to other local unit Treasurers and officers. These sessions are open to all our PTA officers, with a focus on PTA finances. They are very informal, with not a slide deck in sight!
Register by clicking this link!
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Charter Expansion: Co‑Location Mandate
by student member Nolan Johnson
In late September, the Florida Board of Education formally approved implementing rules that require school districts to make surplus or underutilized public school facilities available to charter operators — also known as “co-location.” Under the new rule, charters can request to occupy unused wings or entire buildings, with districts required to offer access to maintenance, safety, and transportation services. This rule enforces language from SB 1057 passed earlier in 2025. (AP News, Sept 24, 2025)
While supporters see this as a way to broaden school choice in communities with unused infrastructure, critics caution it may strain district operations, divert resources, or lead to competition for space within existing schools. For OCPS and other growing districts, balancing facility usage will be key.
Why this matters:
Co-location can change enrollment dynamics, shift resources between public and charter campuses, and cause friction over infrastructure and support services. The rule also makes what was once optional (charter use of empty space) into a legal requirement—changing how districts must plan building use.
What parents can do:
- Monitor your school board’s agenda to see if your child’s zone school or nearby facility is being offered for charter co-location.
- Attend public comment sessions on co-location proposals and ask how your school will remain prioritized.
- Ask district officials how they intend to balance public school needs and charter requests in your area.
- Share with neighbors and families so collective feedback can influence local decisions.
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New State Rule Tightens Oversight of School Discipline & Vaping
by student member Nolan Johnson
This fall, the Florida Department of Education adopted new administrative rules strengthening oversight of student discipline, including vaping infractions and expulsions. The rule requires districts to report vaping incidents to the state and standardizes progressive discipline steps (warnings, suspension, restorative practices). Schools must also provide data annually on expulsions and suspensions by subgroup (race, disability, socioeconomic status). Meanwhile, the state is offering grants to districts to support restorative justice training and “safe school” programs.
Why this matters:
Previous discipline policies varied widely among districts, creating inconsistencies and disproportionate impacts on underserved students. Standard reporting and training can reduce arbitrary punishments, prevent escalation, and ensure transparency—especially in schools where disciplinary practices sometimes remove students from class unnecessarily. Also, vaping in schools has grown, and schools need clearer guidelines to protect student health and learning environments.
What parents can do:
- Review your child’s school handbook and ask what steps are taken when a student is caught vaping or violating discipline codes.
- Ask whether your school is participating in restorative justice training or plans to use the new state grants.
- Monitor district disciplinary data when published, and ask your board to provide parent-friendly summaries.
- Advocate for input by parents and students in local discipline policy development (e.g. through SAC/PTA meetings or rule‑development workshops).
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General Registration: $150 - through June 1, 2026
$200 - June 2, through June 19, 2026
K-12 Students Registration: $25 Students K - 12 Grade (with delegate status)
Children under the age of 5 enter at no cost (without delegate status)
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5 Effective Strategies: For Family Engagement
Our PTAs know that when families and schools come together, amazing things happen for our children! Family engagement is all about building strong connections between parents, teachers, and our community to help every child succeed. Getting involved doesn’t have to mean attending every meeting or volunteering for every event. It’s about staying connected, showing support, and being part of your child’s learning journey in whatever way works best for you.
Here’s what family engagement means to us:
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Teamwork: Families and schools working side by side to help students grow.
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Inclusion: Every family has a voice and a place at the table.
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Empowerment: Giving parents and caregivers the tools they need to help their children shine.
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Community: Celebrating the unique strengths that every family brings to our school.
When families feel welcome and connected, students do better academically, socially, and
emotionally. That’s why PTA is dedicated to creating more ways for families to get involved, share ideas, and make lasting memories together.
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Standing Up and Speaking Up for all Children
PTA’s mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Become Advocates who will be aware of what is happening at all levels of government that impacts the education and well-being of all children. Designate a PTA/PTSA member to be your resource person regarding School Board, City and County Commission meetings. Your PTA/PTSA should know your elected officials' names, office locations and contact information.
Your resource person should obtain a schedule of upcoming meeting dates and verify if there may be an agenda item that applies to the quality of life of a school aged child.
Verify if FLPTA (flordiapta.org) or NPTA (pta.org) has position statements that will provide support for or against a particular agenda item. Decide if the President or designee will speak on behalf of PTA regarding the agenda item. Remember PTA is nonpartisan; we speak on issues not the individual who is handling the items.
FLORIDA PTA
Advocacy Committee
Questions or concerns - contact - advocacy@floridapta.org
| | | Our Teachers Matter! Keep the "T" in PTA! Here is how they play a role in PTA | | |
FLPTA Committee Member Openings!
If you want to be a part of the FLPTA leadership team, we have openings in the following FLPTA committees:
- Awards
- Coalition & Outreach
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
- Education Professionals
- Literacy
- Male Engagement
- Media & Marketing
- Programs
- Resolutions
Please submit an interest form here
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