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Happy October! 🍂
Autumn is a season of change, reflection, and growth—and in PTA, it’s also a season of action. As the school year progresses, we are grateful for the continued dedication of our parents, educators, volunteers, and students, who work tirelessly to strengthen our schools and communities.
This month brings many opportunities to come together. From celebrating World Teachers’ Day to reflecting on the importance of access and inclusion during Banned Books Week, October reminds us of the vital role our advocacy plays. We are especially excited to continue our Advocacy Blueprint workshops and prepare for District PTA Advocacy Days, both of which provide meaningful ways to elevate our voices and build momentum for the year ahead.
Thank you for being part of this work and for sharing your time, energy, and heart with PTA. Together, we are making a difference—one child, one school, and one community at a time.
With appreciation,
Maxine Ann-Marie Lewers
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
(September 15 - October 15)
At Florida PTA, we believe every child’s culture and heritage should be celebrated and valued. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the rich traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino students, families, and educators across our state. We remain committed to fostering inclusive school communities where every child feels respected and empowered. Together, let’s celebrate the strength of diversity and the bright future it creates for all children. 💙✨
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Leadership Spotlight!
A lot happens behind the scenes to keep FLPTA moving forward, and Shelly Pedraza is one of a kind. Please get to know your FLPTA, your VP for Regions and Councils, Shelly Pedraza, in our new Leadership Spotlight!
What inspires you to be part of PTA?
I have 2 major reasons. The 1st as expected is our children. Being a part of an advocacy organization with a mission that is truly about the children brings me joy. Our babies deserve the world. The 2nd is actually our Local Units. Seeing guardians, staff, and community members give their time to make sure our students have educational programs, food pantries, family events, and more makes me want to do everything I can to help them not just succeed but thrive. As VP of Regions and Councils I interact daily with council and PTA leaders who are selfless and give so much of their time for our children in Florida. Their commitment inspires me. Their creativity inspires me. Their willingness to learn and grow inspires me.
How long have you been involved in PTA work?
Over 11 years 🥰
What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time?
Watching Anime with my son!
What's your favorite TV show right now?
House will forever be my favorite. I may have re-watched the whole series 3 times.
What advice would you share with PTA Hispanic Leaders?
Your voice carries the strength of your heritage and the power to inspire change. Don’t wait to be invited—step forward, speak up, and bring others with you. Representation isn’t just important—it’s absolutely essential. When our leadership includes voices from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, we create a more inclusive, equitable environment where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered. Diversity isn’t a checkbox—it’s a commitment to supporting ALL children, in every corner of our schools and communities. Keep going!
Tu voz lleva la fuerza de tu herencia y el poder de inspirar el cambio. No esperes a que te inviten—da el paso, alza la voz y lleva a otros contigo. La representación no solo es importante—es absolutamente esencial. Cuando nuestro liderazgo incluye voces de todos los orígenes, culturas y experiencias, creamos un entorno más inclusivo y equitativo donde cada niño se siente visto, apoyado y empoderado. La diversidad no es una casilla para marcar—es un compromiso con el bienestar de TODOS los niños, en cada rincón de nuestras escuelas y comunidades. ¡Sigue adelante!
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2024-2025 Membership Challenge Winners
Hamilton Elementary School, in Seminole County!
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We are pleased to announce that Hamilton Elementary School has been named the winner of the 2024–2025 Membership Challenge, having collected the highest number of badges this year. Their dedication and commitment to building strong membership engagement are truly commendable and serve as an excellent example of how local units can come together to strengthen the PTA mission.
As we celebrate Hamilton Elementary’s accomplishment, we also look ahead to the future. Plans are already underway for the 2025–2026 Membership Challenge, which will be launching soon. Details will be shared in this newsletter, on our social media platforms, and on our website, so be sure to stay connected for the latest updates.
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Florida PTA 2026 Legislative Conference
Dates: January 25 – January 27, 2026
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
We are excited to invite you to join us for the Florida PTA 2026 Legislative Conference! This annual event is an important opportunity for our members to come together, learn, and advocate for every child.
Registration
Lodging
Additional Information
A detailed agenda and more event details will be shared as we get closer to the conference. Stay tuned for updates in upcoming newsletters and on our website.
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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 Banquet (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 Membership Challenge is HERE!
Step Up to the Plate – Share Your Theme & Goal - 10/10/2025
It’s Game Time: Swing Into Action – Let’s Submit Our First 10! - 10/20/2025
Full Roster – 100% Teacher Membership - 10/31/2025
Knocking on 30 - Ready, Set, Remit! - 11/10/2025
Student All-Stars – 10% Student Membership - 11/25/2025
Mid-Season Power Play – Halfway There Award - 11/30/2025
Hit a Home Run– Grow Thankful for Membership - 12/10/2025
Century Club – 100 Days & 100 + Members Strong - 1/15/2026
Legacy Line-Up – Founders' Day Membership Challenge - 2/28/26
Home Run Derby – Membership March Challenge - 3/31/26
Grand Slam – 9 for the Win – Convention Prize - 4/15/26
Recruit Your All-Star Lineup – 25% Male Membership Challenge - 6/1/2026
Swing for the Fences – The Grand Prize! - 6/30/2026
Follow us on social media so you don't miss any announcements!
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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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Florida PTA’s Leadership Development presents - Advocacy Blueprint: Building a Movement that Matters.
This workshop is geared to empower parents, educators, and advocates with the tools, training, and mentorship to lead with purpose and drive lasting change.
Join us for Part Two on October 11th from 12:00 - 1:30 pm Register here
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Speaking Up: Why Advocacy Matters, Book & Library Censorship
by Faith DeVault, Leadership Development Committee
When we talk about advocacy, it doesn’t have to mean big speeches or standing in front of a crowd. At its heart, advocacy is simply speaking up for what we care about and supporting the people and ideas that matter most. Sometimes that looks like joining a march, sometimes it’s writing a letter, and sometimes it’s just having an honest conversation with a friend or neighbor.
For me, advocacy is important because our voices really do matter. When we use them, we can protect freedoms, support one another, and build the kind of community we want to see.
One issue that weighs heavily on me right now is the rise of book and library censorship in Florida. Books have always been a place of connection—where we see ourselves reflected, where we learn about others, and where we’re challenged to think in new ways. Taking books off the shelves doesn’t just limit reading options, it limits imagination and understanding.
As someone who hopes to one day become a published author, this is especially disheartening. Writers pour their hearts into creating stories that might inspire, comfort, or open new doors for readers. To think of those stories being removed before they even have a chance to reach someone—it’s discouraging.
That’s why advocacy around books and stories is so important. By speaking up, we remind each other that reading freely isn’t something to take for granted—it’s something to protect. And when we protect it, we make sure that every voice and every story has the chance to be heard
To ensure that these works are protected we have decided to create a Banned Books Library to keep at our Florida PTA State Office. We will be compiling our own master list of all of the proposed and banned books for our state and doing our best to bring these titles together. If you would like to donate to our Freedom Library we would love your donation! https://www.floridapta.org/donations/ Make sure you email the state office to tell them what your donation is for!
This is a collaborative effort of your FLPTA Leadership Development Committee leadership.development@floridapta.org and Literacy Committee literacy@floridapt.org
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DISTRICT PTA ADVOCACY DAYS
SAVE the DATE: OCTOBER 20 – 24, 2025
Join PTA/PTSA LEADERS
Connect with your elected leaders: Local, City, County, State, & National Levels
Get ready to advocate for Better Education Opportunities for All Children!
Stay tuned for more Empowering Details!
FLORIDA PTA
Advocacy Committee
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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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Call for Presenters: National PTA 2026 Legislative Conference!
Deadline: September 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Submit a Proposal here
March 2 - 4, 2026 — Alexandria, Va.
This is your chance to grow your advocacy skills and take action for public schools! This annual event brings together PTA leaders and passionate advocates from across the country for three powerful days of connection, learning and impact.
At LegCon 2026, you will:
- Network with fellow PTA advocates
- Stay informed on issues impacting children, families and public schools
- Hear from congressional champions and national policy leaders
- Gain tools to influence policy decisions
- Advocate directly with your members of Congress during Hill Day in Washington, D.C.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your advocacy skills and make your voice heard on behalf of all children, families and public schools.
For more information, click here
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Call for Workshops - Interest Form
Planning for the 2026 Leadership Convention is already in full swing, and we want your input! If you have an idea for a dynamic and engaging workshop that would be a valuable addition to the convention program, we invite you to share it with us by completing this form.
Due: November 30, 2025
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