As we close out 2024 and look forward to 2025, I can't help but reflect on this incredible journey we are all on together. None of our journeys are the same; some leaders enjoy a smooth leadership road while others may find themselves faced with bumps, obstacles, and detours. But the end goal is always the same: to help every child reach their full potential. Let that mission statement serve as a billboard, big and bold, that reminds us to stay the course.
With that end goal in mind, please always use your resources! Your Board of Directors and your State Office is a combined treasure trove of knowledge and helpfulness that will make your journey enjoyable and rewarding. Our social media pages and website can also be used as quick references. We even have separate Facebook groups dedicated to Reflections, Membership & Engagement, and Advocacy. We have you covered and are here to make you and your local unit successful.
Thank you for all you do for children, families, and schools across our great state. On behalf of all of Florida PTA, I wish you a relaxing and joyful holiday season.
Maxine Ann-Marie Lewers
Florida PTA President
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National PTA has established a Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to local PTA units and other school communities that face significant natural or man-made crises that grievously disrupt school or the education system in a region or community. The purpose is to improve the welfare of children disrupted by the event and not supplant other relief support efforts. The Disaster Relief Fund is dependent on donations from individuals in the National PTA community of supporters. Funds will be awarded as available.
To request funds from the National PTA Disaster Relief Fund,
please click here.
To donate to the National PTA Disaster Relief Fund,
please click here.
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Funds Dispersed!
We are pleased to announce the following applicants were awarded funds through the Disaster Relief Funds Grant from National PTA. We look forward to seeing how these schools are able to use the money awarded to them and wish them continued success as they recover from the hurricane devastation.
The application is still open; please apply today if your PTA is in need.
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Giving Tuesday is an annual day of giving held on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year, Giving Tuesday will be held on December 3, 2024.
To give to Florida PTA, please use this link.
Thank you for your committment to children and families of Florida!
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National Handwashing Awareness Week (December 1-7). It's time to get hygienic, people! Making a habit of good hand hygiene is an easy, effective way to prevent infections and sicknesses. If you're someone that chooses to skip the hand washing once in a while, read these mind blowing statistics and you might think again next time!
Click here for more information.
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All Awards applications are now OPEN! It's your time to shine and show off all the great things your PTAs have been doing. Please visit this page on our website to see what Awards you are eligible for; the applications are linked from that page!
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As we approach the second part of the academic year filled with promise and potential, 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 open and will remain until February 28th, 2025. We encourage all 12th-grade students to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their achievements and aspirations.
Application Requirements
- Must be a Florida PTA Member
- Submit a completed and signed application at least by February 28th, 2025
- 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
FAQs
1. My school does not have a PTA/PTSA, can I still apply?
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The great thing about PTA is that you are not just limited to just your local area, there are plenty of PTAs that would love to have you. There are also three state-wide PTAs that are open to all and benefit students throughout the state: Sunshine State PTA, Kaleidoscope PTA and SEPTA. You can find more information on these and many more at our website: www.floridapta.org/join-connect.
2. When will I be notified if I am selected?
- The recipients of the Florida PTA scholarships will be notified no later than the first week of June 2025.
3. Do I have to attend a college/university?
- No, we actually have a minimum of four (4) scholarships, one each in the following categories: University, Fine Arts, Community College, and Vo-Tech.
To apply for a Florida PTA Scholarship, please visit our website: https://www.floridapta.org/graduating-hs-seniors/
If you have any other questions or concerns, please email Scholarship@floridapta.org.
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- Are you a high school student looking to make the world or your community a better place?
- Do you plan to attend an HBCU next year?
- Do you have an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math?
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The FLPTA Student Empowerment Committee hosted a webinar featuring the 2020 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Dre Graham, regarding the importance of mentorship. This webinar raised the idea of implementing a Hope Squad on school campuses.
Hope Squad harnesses the power of peer-to-peer connection to reduce the risk of suicide by partnering with local mental health agencies and training members to recognize warning signs and connecting those who are struggling with help. Hope Squad builds positive relationships and changes the culture surrounding mental health. The program is designed for use in elementary, middle, and high schools. The ready-to-use content for each audience is developmentally appropriate and vetted by mental health experts, creating a foundation for students to develop social awareness, relationship skills, self-management, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making.
Members are NOT asked to be counselors but rather are taught to recognize the signs that a peer is struggling and refer them to a trusted adult. Go to https://hopesquad.com/ for more information on implementing a Hope Squad at your school.
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What would happen if middle and high school students across Florida were devoted to spreading kindness and compassion? If students choose to accept this call to serve, not only would they be developing leadership skills for a lifetime of service and success, but they would also make an immediate difference in the lives of classmates and friends who need to be reminded that someone cares.
In 2019, Hope Ambassadors was launched by the Department of Education with the goal of schools creating clubs for student volunteers to mentor their peers and help create kind and compassionate school environments. Go to the website https://www.fldoe.org/hopeambassadors/ to learn more and see the current list of schools.Examples of the remarkable work Hope Ambassadors clubs are doing:
- Participating in service projects
- Volunteering in school and/or community organizations
- Leading school activities that promote resiliency
- Providing peer-to-peer mentor supports that help to build a positive school environment
- Facilitating activities that support productive conversations
Let’s continue to build the Hope Ambassadors program across Florida. What a great program for PTA units to start! Begin today by sharing the idea and establishing the school support needed to make it happen!
To receive more information or to start a Hope Ambassadors club, please contact CommunityRelations@fldoe.org.
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At the 2024 National PTA Convention, delegates voted to increase National PTA dues by $1.00 (to $3.25 per membership). This dues increase goes into effect on July 1, 2025. After July 1, 2025, all dues submitted to Florida PTA must include the $3.25 (National PTA) and $1.25 (Florida PTA) dues, for a total of $4.50 sent to Florida PTA for each member.
How does this affect your local unit? Please see this FAQ page for more details.
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Visit the ShopPTA Store for all of your logo'd and merchandise needs! From tablecloths to pins, banners to tote bags and so much more, the store has you covered.
Shop now!
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